Letter From Principal Bedford

Hello Smallville, welcome to the 25-26 school year!

I want to send out a huge Cougar welcome to our incoming families and a big hello to our returning Cougar families! I’m excited to greet everyone and get the year started. I hope you enjoyed your summer and were able to spend quality time with your family. I was able to sneak in a quick trip to Germany to visit family, and the rest of the summer I spent being an Uber driver for my kids and preparing for the upcoming school year.

Our staff is ready to go, and the positive energy is radiating throughout the campus. We are ready for Tuesday and look forward to a rewarding year!

This year, our campus theme is “Every Student, Every Day, All In”. The theme was selected because here at Small, we ensure that all classroom, enrichment ideas, programs, or initiatives result in a positive outcome for our Cougars. We are committed to what Small represents and are “All In” to uphold our high expectations.

We are going to have a blast this year and I’m glad to have the opportunity again to lead such an amazing campus.

Have a great weekend! We will see you on Tuesday bright and early for the first day of the new school year!

Stay present,
Bedford

📌 Important Notice Regarding Schedule Changes

Counselors will be working diligently on schedule change requests on the first day of school. Please be patient with us. We do our best to accommodate your request.

The schedule change request link will be sent out on August 19th, the first day of school to all parents/guardians. Please DO NOT email your counselor regarding schedule changes.

Schedule changes will be made in cases of scheduling errors. Due to high enrollment and limited availability in electives, we may not be able to accommodate requests to change classes based on personal preference or dissatisfaction with current placement, even if the class was not among the student’s top choices.

🗓️ Deadline: The schedule change request link will open on August 19th. All schedule change requests must be submitted by August 26, 2025. They will not be accepted after the deadline.

👨‍👩‍👧 Submission Guidelines: All requests must be submitted by a parent or guardian. Forms or emails sent directly by students will not be accepted.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Our CSMS Counseling Team

Introducing the Parent Info Center

🎉 Have You Spotted the Shiny New Button? 🎉

Look up at the top of this newsletter—see that Parent Info Center button? That’s your brand-new all-in-one hub for just about everything a Small Middle School parent could possibly need.

Think of it as your parent superpower 💪—click it, and you’ll find:
✅ Submit an attendance note in seconds
✅ Request an early pick-up without phone tag
✅ Peek at the lunch menu 🍕🥗
✅ Check the full event calendar 🗓
✅ Get transportation info 🚍
✅ View bell schedules ⏰
✅ …and so much more!

The rule of thumb? If your question starts with “I wonder if Small Middle School has…” — click the Parent Info button first. Nine times out of ten, the answer is right there waiting for you.

Check it out!

First Day of School Info

Where to Go:

Find Your Spot: When you arrive, check out the name lists posted on the Cafeteria windows as well as all around campus. They’ll show you who your Pride teacher is, then head to...
- Before 8:10 AM: 8th graders, head to the Cafeteria for some chill time. 6th and 7th graders, hang out in the Gym (unless you need breakfast, then go to Cafeteria first)
- After 8:10 AM: It’s time to meet your Pride class! On the first day, get your final schedule here. For the rest of the year, go straight to your 1st period (A Days) or 2nd period (B Days).
- Day 1 is an A Day: Start with Pride class to grab your schedule, then rock the A day lineup (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th). On Wednesday, 8/20, jump straight to 2nd period for a B day. Pride class is just on Day 1. Check out the A/B calendar for the rest of the year.
What to Bring:
- Backpack: Pack a spiral notebook and pen/pencil if you like jotting down cool stuff.
- Lunch: Bring it if you can! The lunch lines are a bit crazy at first.
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated with your refillable bottle.
- Good Vibes: Don’t forget your best attitude!
- Instruments/PE Clothes: Leave them at home unless your band or PE teacher says otherwise. Your teachers will fill you in on what you need during the first class.
What to Expect:
- Friendly Faces: There’ll be plenty of folks around to help you find your way.
- School Supply Lists: Teachers will give these out per class so you know what to bring to your next class.
- Fun Times Ahead: It’s going to be an awesome start with lots of fun and a smooth transition!

Bell and A/B Schedules for this year

Drop-off & Pick-up Reminders

Please follow all posted signs and directions from staff during drop-off and pick-up.

Plan for extra time – During the first week, allow an extra 10–15 minutes in the morning as everyone learns our routines.

Crosswalk safety – We have a crossing guard at Staggerbrush. Follow all of his instructions so our Cougars can cross safely.

Quick drop-offs – Have your student ready with all belongings before you reach the unloading area. This keeps traffic moving smoothly.

Keep it calm – We want every Cougar to start the day peacefully. Please:

Drive the speed limit in school zones.
Follow the crossing guard’s directions.
Avoid honking—this can startle students and cause anxiety.

Failure to follow staff instructions or posted signs may result in our School Resource Officer or Austin PD contacting you or issuing citations.

Please review the photos below for specific drop-off and pick-up expectations.
Thank you for helping us keep our school safe and calm!

Texas Bill Regarding Cell Phones

Luckily for Small, we’ve already been a no-cell-phone campus for quite some time, so our policy won’t be changing much. However, to make sure we meet the new Texas state law, we’ve updated it slightly. Note: If you need to contact your student during the school day, Call the Main office we can get a message to your student.

C.E.L.L PHONE POLICY
COUGARS ENGAGING IN LIFE AND LESSONS

To ensure students are less districted, engaged with others, developing communication skills, and present.

We aspire to provide a safe haven from social media during school hours.

Clint Small, Jr. Middle School is a cellphone and smartwatch free zone. We all cellphones are required to be in student backpacks and not visible. Smartwatches may be worn, but may not be used for texting, web browsing, or phone calling on campus.

Procedures for Misuse of Cellphones & Personal Electronic Devices

FIRST OFFENSE - Teacher/Staff takes earbuds/phone/smart watch/personal electronic device TURNS IT INTO THE OFFICE, DOCUMENTING INCIDENT with parent contact.
SECOND OFFENSE - Teacher/Staff takes earbuds/phone/smart watch/personal electronic device and TURNS IT INTO THE OFFICE and ADMIN will talk with student and document/return device.
THIRD OFFENSE - Teacher/Staff takes earbuds/phone/smart watch/personal electronic device and TURNS IT INTO THE OFFICE and ADMIN will talk with student and document/return device. Phone/smart watch is checked in at the start of school and picked up at the end of school for (3 consecutive days)
FOURTH OFFENSE - Teacher/Staff takes earbuds/phone/smart watch/personal electronic device and TURNS IT INTO THE OFFICE and ADMIN will talk with PARENT to schedule PICKUP (Fees for cellphone violations will be decided by the board at a later date. PHONE IS NOW BANNED FROM CAMPUS.
Students are not allowed to have personal electronics out of their bag during the day. The expectation is that they remain in their backpack. We ask that the phone is ALWAYS on SILENT or OFF when in the building. Violation of this rule can result in consequences listed above. Student’s refusal to give the teacher or staff the phone when asked will result in disciplinary action.

Back to School Night

Calling all CSMS Volunteers

AISD is asking all volunteers to get a background check and have hours logged for reporting purposes. Luckily, they have provided a new software program called "VOLY" that is easy and simple to use.

If you plan on volunteering at Small in any aspect this year (workroom, cage, chaperone dances, splashfest, field trips, etc. ), please register to volunteer with Voly at https://austinisd.voly.org. Volunteer opportunities will be posted in our newsletters soon.

Cougar Athlete Information - Updated

Excitement is in the air because football and volleyball season is almost here! Here’s everything you need to know to get your kids ready for the action-packed season ahead. Let’s dive in!

Football Fun Facts:

Equipment Distribution: Pick up football gear in the Small Gym using the back stairs by the Dance Portable/Tennis Courts on these dates:
- Monday, 8/19: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Tryouts: The big day is the first day of school! Meet in the locker room right after school.
Stay in the Loop: Download the Sports You App to get all the latest football updates and schedules. Note that the schedule might change, so keep an eye on the newsletter!
Important: Please bring your child’s physical and Rank One forms to the coach on the first day of tryouts. Avoid dropping them off at the main office.
Football Game Schedule
Sports You App Information

Volleyball Vibes:

8th Grade Tryouts: After school on August 19th and August 20th until 5:30 PM. First practice kicks off on 8/23/24 after school.
7th Grade Tryouts: Bright and early at 6:45 AM on August 20th and 21st. Drop off in the staff parking lot by the track and athletes will meet coaches up the stairs at the Gym Doors
Practice starts on Friday, 8/23/24.
Important: Please bring your child’s physical and Rank One forms to the coach on the first day of tryouts. Avoid dropping them off at the main office.

We can’t wait to see your kids out there giving it their all! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

Here’s to an incredible season of sports and fun!

Best,

Small Athletic Team

25/26 SMALL MS CROSS COUNTRY

Small Cross Country Team

Open to 7th & 8th graders

First Practice is Wednesday, August 20th

Practices will be M/W/F from 6:30-7:30AM
Where: Small MS (at the Bus Ramp - Gate will be open at 6:20AM)

PRACTICE STARTS AT 6:30AM!!!
Wear workout clothes, bring a water bottle & towel.

Athletes must have the following:
Must be in good academic standing
Must participate authentically/competitively
Must be a role model to others - we are representing Small MS
Must have all paperwork in (medical forms/UIL forms) by first practice

Parents can access all forms at

Communication is through SportsYou App: 25/26 Small MS XC

Access Code: U79X-7MY5

Contact: Coach Zuniga at danielle.zuniga@austinisd.org

Or Coach Moore at joe.l.moore@austinisd.org

Connect with the PTA

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Join the PTA!

Become a member of our amazing CSMS PTA today!

Online Spiritwear Store

Our back-to-school sale is live- tees, long sleeves, hoodies, hats, joggers and more! Grab your CSMS Cougar gear now and enjoy 25% off your order through 9/9. Free shipping on orders over $75. https://1stplace.sale/92689

Cougar News

A message from the Counseling Department

Morning Drop off and Afternoon Pick up Procedures

Award Winning PTA News