Clint Small Middle School
Weekly Newsletter

Week of: April 13th 2026

Hello Smallville,

I hope you had a great week! This week, we’re celebrating Assistant Principal Week, and I want to give a big shoutout to our amazing leadership team, Mr. Hendricks, Mrs. Zamarripa, Mrs. Smootz, and Mr. Poehl! Their hard work, dedication, and support make a difference on our campus every single day. I’m so thankful for all they do for our Cougars, staff, and families!

I also want to share that AISD has begun conversations about next year’s budget deficit. While there may be changes ahead, our commitment to our Cougars remains the same. We will continue to be a place of support and care, and we are confident in our ability to move forward together while keeping our focus on what matters most which is our Cougars. I encourage you to participate in the community conversations planned by AISD and have your voice heard. 

This week, we began our official testing season, and as we move forward, I want to remind everyone that while assessments are an important part of measuring progress, they do not define our students. Our Cougars are thinkers, creators, leaders, and individuals with unique talents and strengths that go far beyond a single test. We are proud of their hard work, resilience, and growth throughout the year, and we remain committed to supporting the whole child every step of the way.

Have a relaxing weekend!

Stay Present,
Bedford

ATTENTION: Parents of students currently taking high school level classes,

Reminder, the attendance requirements for students enrolled in high school credit courses. In accordance with Texas Education Agency (TEA) and district policy, students must maintain a minimum attendance rate of 90% in each high school credit class in order to earn credit for the course.

Please note that students who fall below 90% attendance will not receive credit, regardless of their academic performance or grades. This requirement is mandated to ensure students receive the instructional time necessary for mastery of course content.

We encourage you to monitor your student’s attendance closely and reach out to us if you have questions or concerns. Our goal is to support every student in successfully earning their credits and progressing toward graduation.

Please contact your grade level counselor with any questions. 

6th Grade: zahra.asadi@austinisd.org

7th Grade: richard.gonzalez@austinisd.org

8th Grade: sierra.moran@austinisd.org

Please ensure a smooth start to the next school year by making sure your student has received their required immunizations!

All students entering 7th grade need records for the following vaccinations:

We currently have over 100 students whose records are not yet on file. To avoid delays with attendance when school starts, please submit a copy of these required immunization records to the school nurse as soon as possible.

Questions or Need Resources?

Our school nurse is here to help! Please reach out with any questions or if you need assistance finding resources for these immunizations.

Nurse: Erin Clifford, RN
Phone: 512-414-1543
Email: erin.clifford@austinisd.org

Aviso Importante sobre Vacunación para Estudiantes que Ingresarán a 7mo Grado

¡Asegure un comienzo sin problemas para el próximo año escolar asegurándose de que su estudiante haya recibido las vacunas requeridas!

Todos los estudiantes que ingresan a 7mo grado necesitan registros de las siguientes vacunas:

Actualmente, tenemos más de 100 estudiantes cuyos registros aún no están archivados. Para evitar retrasos en la asistencia cuando comience la escuela, envíe una copia de estos registros de vacunación requeridos a la enfermera de la escuela lo antes posible.

¿Preguntas o Necesita Recursos?

¡Nuestra enfermera escolar está aquí para ayudar! Comuníquese con nosotros si tiene alguna pregunta o si necesita ayuda para encontrar recursos para estas vacunas.

Enfermera: Erin Clifford, RN
Teléfono: 512-414-1543
Correo electrónico: erin.clifford@austinisd.org

We’re buzzing with excitement over here! 🎉 Our annual end-of-year FUNdraiser is shaping up to be better than ever, and we want YOU to be a part of it! Mark your calendars for May 8th, 2026, after school—this is the event of the year, and your students won’t want to miss it!

How can you get involved?

🎁 Donate a raffle item! 🎁

Just like last year, instead of giving out prizes at each booth, we’re going all in with a RAFFLE! The kids will have a chance to win some super cool prizes (no more junky toys that end up in the trash 😅). It’s simple—just donate something off our Amazon wishlist and have it shipped directly to Small. Easy, breezy, and your donation will make a huge impact on making this event unforgettable!

Stay tuned for more info on donations, sponsorships, volunteering, and ticket sales—coming your way soon!

If you have something else to donate—maybe gift cards, or something you know the kids will LOVE—or have a connection to someone who might be willing to set up an activity at Splashfest, please reach out to Jennifer.Rich@austinisd.org. Let’s make this the best Splashfest ever! 💦🎉

We are excited to announce that the “CSMS 8th Grade Career Expo” is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20th, from 2:00 to 3:50 PM. This event aims to inspire our students by showcasing a variety of careers and helping them see how they can apply their talents, passions, and interests to future professions.

******** Register here to be a presenter *********

To make this event a success, we need your help! We are looking for speakers to present their careers to small groups of students. If you're interested in participating as a speaker, please fill out the google form. 
We are interested in speakers in fields such as but not limited to:

How to Prepare for the Event:

Tips for Engaging with Students:

Encourage Participation: Invite students to share their thoughts or ask questions throughout your presentation.

Your participation can truly make a difference in shaping the future of our students. Together, we can ignite a spark of curiosity and ambition in our students, guiding them towards a bright and successful future. Your story could be the inspiration they need to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination. Join us in making a lasting impact!

******** Register here to be a presenter *********

If you have any questions please email Mr. Gonzalez at Richard.gonzalez@austinisd.org

Do you own a business? Know someone who does? Dive in and help us make a splash! 💦

We’re looking for Splashfest sponsors to help fund inflatables, activities, and other event costs for our end-of-year carnival.

When you sponsor Splashfest, you won’t just be helping us keep the fun afloat—you’ll also get your business promoted to our entire school community. It’s a win-win… or should we say a splash-splash!

The more successful Splashfest is, the more funding we can pour directly back into classrooms next year.

⏰ The sooner you jump in, the longer we can wave your business name around our community!

Click here sign up to Sponsor

So don’t stay on the sidelines—dip your toes in and sign up to sponsor today!

Let’s work together to make this year’s Splashfest the biggest splash yet!

If you have questions or connections, please reach out to Jennifer Rich at jennifer.rich@austinisd.org

Believe it or not, we are already planning for next year! Teachers, schedules, and class sizes all depend on one very important thing…

YOU registering your student in the Parent Portal.

Right now we are on a mission to reach 100% registration by May 31.

Why register now?

✔ Helps us plan classes and teachers

✔ Prevents last-minute summer stress

✔ Makes you our favorite kind of parent (the prepared kind)

💻 Log into the Parent Portal and register today.
It only takes a few minutes and helps us tremendously!

BONUS: We’ll be tracking which grade level gets to 100% first… bragging rights included.

If you have questions, please read the Registration FAQ's in the email sent by the distict on 2/13/26 or reach out to our registrair Erica.ruiz@austinisd.org or check out the Districts Family Manual:

Enrollment Family Support Manual

Manual de apoyo a las familias para la matriculación

🚨 This is not a drill, people… we WILL sell out! 🚨

Don’t miss your chance to grab a 2025–2026 yearbook!
Pre-order now for $40—after April, there are no guarantees.

Secure yours today:

2026 Small Josten's LInk

Tom’s for Teachers is coming to Small MS for Teacher Appreciation! 

Clint Small Middle School PTA is treating our amazing teachers to custom drinks from Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck on Friday, May 1st – and we need a few helping hands!

We’re looking for runner volunteers to:

*Pick up teachers’ custom drink orders from the truck parked at Small

*Deliver them to classrooms and offices

Date: Friday, May 1st

Time: 8:45 AM – 10:45 AM

Where: Clint Small Middle School

If you can help make our teachers’ day a little brighter, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044DA5A92CA0F5C34-62492593-teacher

Thank you for supporting our teachers and PTA!

Blazer Tag Spirit Night!!!!

Get ready to light up the leaderboard— Smallville is heading to Blazer Tag!  Join us for an action-packed afternoon of friendly competition, glowing lights, and nonstop fun, all while supporting our school. Grab your friends, suit up, and get ready to dodge, duck, and dominate—every game played helps make a difference. Let’s turn up the energy and make this our brightest Spirit Night yet! 

Don't forget to mention you are part of Small Middle School! 

PTA Nominating & Election Timeline

3/25 – Publish notice of a General Membership Meeting to elect the PTA Nominating Committee

Week of 3/30 – General Membership Meeting: members vote to elect the Nominating Committee

3/30–4/14 – Nominating Committee meets to recruit and recommend a slate of officer candidates

4/15 – Nominating Committee’s recommended slate of officers is published to PTA members

4/22 – PTA General Membership Meeting: officer elections for 2026–2027 following Be Internet Awesome Event.

The Cougar Cage Needs You!

Volunteer shifts in the Cougar Cage are open through the end of the school year!  Check out the SIGN UP to see when you can help out.  Working in the Cougar Cage is a fun volunteer opportunity that brings in funds for our PTA and gives you a chance to interact with students during the school day.  We love our Cougar Cage volunteers!

LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS – We Still Need a Few Key Roles!

Clint Small MS PTA is almost done filling next year’s leadership team — but we’re still looking for a few amazing volunteers!

We Need a Nominating Committee:
The PTA is forming this year’s Nominating Committee and we’re seeking three members and one alternate to help identify candidates for the 2026–2027 PTA leadership. This is a short‑term role that reviews nominations, may seek additional candidates, and recommends a slate of officers. PTA membership is required, but no experience necessary—training and support are provided.

We’re still looking for volunteers for these roles:

If you are interested in serving on the Nominating Committee, serving in a role next year, or nominating someone, please email president@clintsmallmspta.org.

Be Internet Awesome Family Night- April 22

Be Internet Awesome, sponsored by Google and YouTube, helps parents and caregivers support their middle schoolers in being smart, kind, and safe online. Families will “Meet LEO” (Learn and Explore Online) and discover helpful tools like SafeSearch and Family Link.

Plus: Enjoy giveaways and refreshments as part of this interactive session!

We hope you’ll join us for this valuable and enjoyable family event. And right after the program, our general meeting will take place — we’d love for anyone who can to stick around and join us.

Please RSVP here so we can plan materials and refreshments. Thank you again for your patience and enthusiasm—we can’t wait to see you on April 22!

Educational Travel Programs at Small

At Clint Small Middle School, we are proud to have multiple teachers who sponsor Educational Travel Programs each year. These programs are structured group trips for students, organized in partnership with professional travel providers. The providers take care of the big details—like flights, hotels, meals, guides, and safety—while our teachers lead the learning side of the experience.

What is an Educational Travel Program?
An Educational Travel Program is more than just a trip. It’s an opportunity for students to step outside the classroom and experience history, culture, and language firsthand. Whether exploring another U.S. city or traveling abroad, students gain independence, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the world.

Why might families be interested?

• Students experience hands-on learning tied to classroom topics.

• Travel builds maturity, problem-solving, and independence.

• Professional travel companies provide safety, structure, and support 24/7.

• Payment plans and group arrangements make these experiences more accessible than traveling on your own.

👉 With multiple teachers sponsoring programs, families can choose from a variety of destinations and opportunities that best fit their student’s interests.

Here is a list of upcoming opportunities

Trips in 2026

• Costa Rica - Spring Break 2026

• Spain - Summer 2026

• Japan - Summer 2026

• Italy & Greece - Summer 2026

 Global Cougars Fly – Enrollment Now Open for 2027!

Enrollment is now open for three incredible Global Cougars Fly travel experiences in 2027! As the founder of Global Cougars Fly and a long-time student travel sponsor, I’ve had the privilege of safely taking students and families to destinations all over the world . These journeys are thoughtfully designed to be educational, exciting, and truly unforgettable.

 Spring Break 2027 – Egypt & the Nile
Stand before the Pyramids of Giza, see King Tut’s treasures at the Grand Egyptian Museum, and sail the Nile River on a cruise to Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, Aswan, and more.

 Summer 2027 – Innovation in Japan
Experience the incredible blend of cutting-edge technology and ancient culture -from robotics and Tokyo city life to bullet trains and views of Mount Fuji.

 Summer 2027 – The Alps & the Mediterranean
Travel through Switzerland, Italy, France, and Spain, with highlights including the Swiss Alps, Lake Como, colorful coastal villages, and vibrant Barcelona.

 Explore the flyers and visit the Global Cougars Fly website for full details and enrollment information.

 Questions?
Mariel Early
marel.early@austinisd.org

 Conference time: Monday–Friday, 2:30 PM
Feel free to reach out if you’d like to chat or learn more!

 The World Is Waiting. 

Junior AUSMUN Summer Camp is an annual event put on by the Austin High School Model UN program. It is a four day immersive experience and preview of high school Model United Nations, designed for rising 7th through rising 9th grade students. Campers will gain critical research, writing, and public speaking skills, as well as global awareness and long-lasting friendships through participation in Junior AUSMUN Camp!

MiddleMUN Conference at Austin High School

Austin High School’s Model United Nations team is excited to host our annual MiddleMUN Conference for middle school students across the Austin area.

Date: April 25, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Check-in begins at 8:30 AM)
Location: Austin High School
Cost: $25 per student (lunch included)

MiddleMUN is a beginner-friendly conference designed to introduce students to Model UN in a supportive environment. Students will build skills in public speaking, leadership, and problem-solving while debating real-world global issues.

No prior Model UN experience is required, and all interested students are encouraged to participate.

Registration Deadline: April 13, 2026
Schools should submit delegate names by April 13 to receive topic assignments by April 15.

Students will be placed in one committee and will not rotate. Topics may include:

* Reproductive Rights
* Space Travel
* Monarchies (advanced, depending on registration numbers)

More information and registration details:
https://sites.google.com/view/middlemun-2025/registration?authuser=0 

XC Pup Camp @ Bowie HS track

This cross country camp is for 7th - 12 graders. 

Runs June 1st - July 30th.

7am - 8:45am each day

$150.00

Clint Small Middle School

Home of the Cougars and the Green Tech Academy!

Email: jennifer.newell@austinisd.org
Website: https://small.austinschools.org/
Location: 4801 Monterey Oaks Boulevard, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-841-6700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057069836221