Cougar

Cougar News

Clint Small Middle School
Weekly Newsletter

Week of: May 11th 2026

 

A Letter from Principal Bedford

Hello Smallville,

I can hardly believe it is already May! These last few weeks of the school year will be packed with projects, celebrations, and field trips.  Summer is definitely in sight, but we still have some time to continue making memories together.

I want to give a big shoutout to our Cougar tennis team for an amazing showing at the District Zone Tournament! We’re so proud of our Cougar athletes’s hard work and dedication, and especially excited to celebrate two 2nd and 4th place wins. Way to go, Cougars!

In other news, Splashfest has been rescheduled and will now take place next Wednesday. Hopefully the weather cooperates this time around! The kids are counting down the days and already planning what prizes they will select for their raffle tickets. Make sure to join us next week for all of the fun! 

Thank you all for your continued support, wishing everyone a relaxing weekend!

Stay Present,
Bedford

 
 
 

🌊 Splashfest is Coming:

 Our Biggest (and Funnest!) Event of the Year!

📣 Update: Big Event Moved to Wednesday, May 13th!

Change of plans, but for a great reason! To ensure our biggest event of the year isn't washed out, we have officially moved everything to this Wednesday, May 13th, immediately after school.

While the clouds might be clearing sooner than expected, the silver lining is clear: It’s going to be warmer, and our students get a much-needed breather after a long week of MAP testing!

🆘 We Need Your Help to Cross the Finish Line

We are still pushing toward our $30,000 goal, and we can’t get there without a final surge in support.

Tickets: Please encourage your students to grab their tickets! Buy Tickets/Wristbands Here

Volunteers: We are currently short on adult supervision. More "eyes on the ground" means a safer, smoother, and more fun experience for the kids. Splashfest Sign Up - we also need help selling and picking up wristbands and tickets during lunch time next week. If you can volunteer Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday 11:15 - 1:40 pm please email Jennifer.rich@austinisd.org, or just show up we will need all hands on deck!

Donations: If you haven't had a chance to contribute to the "Sponsors" fund, every bit helps us hit our target.

🕒 Event Details at a Glance

Detail Info

New Date: Wednesday, May 13th

Time: Immediately following dismissal

Focus: Celebration, community, and post-testing fun!

Thank you to everyone who has already stepped up. Let’s make this end-of-year celebration one the students will never forget!

Check out our video below: 

Play  

Raffle Items

At every game, the kids can win raffle tickets. Those tickets will be entered to win big prizes. Our parents are amazing for donating all these items. 

Thank you Sponsors!

Speaking of all the amazing support we have received for Splashfest... I want to give a huge shout out to our amazing Splashfest Sponsors. Help us say thanks by supporting these businesses!

 

Volunteer Appreciation

Calling all our amazing Small Middle School Volunteers! Whether you spent hours in the workroom, helped at a dance, cheered at a game, or supported our staff from home—we want to celebrate YOU!

Our school runs on your heart and hustle, and it’s time to trade the "work" for some "party." Please join us for a morning dedicated to our favorite people (that's you!).

The Details:

  • When: Wednesday, May 13th
  • Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  • Where: Small Middle School [Insert Room/Location, e.g., Library]
  • What: Delicious food, great company, and a whole lot of gratitude!

We can’t wait to see you there and say thank you in person. Please let us know you're coming so we can have plenty of treats ready!

👉 RSVP HERE to Join the Party!

Thank you for making this year at Small Middle School extra special!

 

Small Middle School Band Boosters – Upcoming Events

The Clint Small Middle School Band has officially launched its first-ever Band Booster Club, and we couldn’t be more excited. The boosters will play a key role in supporting our band program by raising funds, recruiting volunteers, and helping coordinate special events throughout the year. We’d love for you to join us. Annual membership dues are just $20, and every dollar goes directly toward enriching our students’ band experience.

Our next booster meeting will be Tuesday, May 12 at 5:30 PM in the cafeteria. We’re looking for enthusiastic parents and community members who can help us develop band swag, assist with fundraising, and brainstorm new ways to support our growing program.

We’re also thrilled to announce Small Band Family Night at Vista Brewing. This community event will feature performances by both of our jazz bands beginning at 6 PM. The evening is open to the entire Small community—current band students, incoming students, families, and friends. There is no admission fee, but Vista Brewing has asked for RSVPs so they can plan for the crowd. A portion of beverage sales will be donated directly to the Small MS Band Boosters, so your participation helps the band in more ways than one. We hope to see you there.

 

Athletic Info for next school year

If you missed the Athletics meeting, you can learn all the information here: https://drive.google.com/drive/home

 
 
 

Attention 8th Grade Family

Please see the slide who about 8th grade trip requirements Click here

 
 
 

Attention Rising 7th Grade Families!

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:

  • Meningococcal (MCV4)
  • Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)

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:

  • Meningocócica (MCV4)
  • Tdap (Tétanos, Difteria y Tos Ferina)

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

 

 
 
 
 
 

Don’t Miss Out — Pre-Order Your Yearbook!

🚨 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

 

News from our Fabulous PTA

Pinthouse Pizza Spirit Night 

Let’s all come together for Pinthouse Pizza School Night! 

Monday, May 18th, 4-8pm 

4236 S Lamar Blvd. 

Pinthouse will donate 15% of sales to CSMS PTA

Don’t forget to tell them you’re (4ever!) with Small!

Your 2026-2027 PTA Board Member Nominees

 

8th Grade Promotion Volunteers Needed

Let’s send our 8th graders off in style! 

We need parent volunteers to help with the 8th Grade celebration—set‑up, clean‑up, donations, and more. 

If you can give a little time, please sign up here: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044DA5A92CA0F5C34-63561706-8thgrade#/

 Thank you for helping make their last middle school memories special!

 
 

Cougars Traveling the World

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. 

Japan

Info from AISD High Schools

Austin High Info

Austin High School Transfer Night

What: Austin High School Transfer Night Event, for choice sheets and general information

For: Parents and students

When: Monday, May 11, 2026 at 6 pm

Where: Austin High School library

Dear Austin High Football Families,

We are excited to host the Future Maroons Youth Football Camp, a two-day camp for elementary and middle school students who want to learn the game and have fun working with Austin High coaches and players.

We would greatly appreciate your help spreading the word. If you have friends, neighbors, or younger siblings who might be interested, please forward this email or share the registration link below. 

Future Maroons Youth Football Camp
 Fun, non-contact instruction led by Austin High coaches and players
 June 18–19
 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
 Austin High Turf Field
 $150

Players of all experience levels are welcome — whether they are brand new to football or already love the game. The camp is designed to build skills, confidence, and enthusiasm in a positive, supportive environment.

What to bring:
• Cleats or tennis shoes
• Water bottle
• Great attitude

All participants will also receive a free camp t-shirt.

 

Register here:
https://ahsfootballboosterclub.org/youthcamp

 

Thank you for supporting Austin High Football and helping us build the next generation of Maroons!

Click here to sign up for the Austin High summer Basketball camp

 

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!

Bowie Info

This athletic camp for girls is a great way for beginners to get introduced to the fast-paced game of lacrosse and for experienced players to improve their skills and be introduced to the Bowie High School Lacrosse program. The game of lacrosse continues to be the fastest growing sport in the United States.  Daily snacks and Gatorade will be provided to each camper as well as a camp shirt. 

Link to register: CLICK HERE

Cost: $150 Early Bird Discount for online registrations through May 22nd. After that, the fee increases to $175.  

Ages: Rising 3rd Grade through 12th Grade girls

Camp Location: Bailey Middle School, 4020 Lost Oasis Hollow,78739

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

 
 

Akins Info

Crockett Info

Lasa Info

 
Family

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