Hello, Smallville!

We had another amazing week here on campus! I hope everyone took a moment to pause, breathe, and enjoy some well-deserved rest during Spring Break. We are gearing up for the last nine weeks of the school year and are actively planning for all of the fun events that come during this time of the year. 

I also want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to the incredible parents and community members who dedicated their time and energy to beautifying our courtyard. Your hard work has created a space that our Cougars can enjoy daily. We love this space on campus because our Cougars enjoy using it to read, gather with friends during lunch, or take time to soak in some sunshine. Your efforts have truly made a lasting impact, and we are so grateful.

Don’t forget Monday, March 31st, is a staff and student holiday. We will see everyone on Tuesday. Have an amazing weekend! 

Stay Present Cougars,

Bedford

Congratulations to the Symphonic Band, Symphonic Winds, and the Wind Ensemble for receiving all Superior Ratings at UIL Band Contest!  This is an amazing achievement and we are so proud of our students.

Then Instrument selection stuff:

Clint Small Middle School Band & Orchestra

Instrument Discovery Day 2025

March 31 and April 17 at Small MS

April 3 at Oak Hill Elementary. 

 Contact

Sign up times are for students who selected band or orchestra on their choice sheet.  If you are awaiting on a transfer, please wait until the transfer has been approved to sign up.  Don't worry they'll  be plenty of spots available.

Please review the available slots below by day and time and click on the button to sign up. Please only sign up for one day/time. Thank you!

Sign up link:   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090544AAAE2CA6FA7-52324178-small#/

Dear Small MS Community, 

I want to ensure that our entire community is aware of the potential risks associated with the recent uptick in reported measles cases in the U.S and globally. 

What you need to know

While at this time we have no reported cases in Austin ISD, measles is an airborne, extremely infectious, and potentially severe or deadly illness that presents the greatest risk to young children, particularly those who are unvaccinated. 

It is uncommon for someone who is fully vaccinated to develop measles. Two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles, and one dose is 93% effective. However, breakthrough infections (when someone becomes infected after they have been vaccinated) can occur, especially in communities experiencing an outbreak where high levels of the measles virus are circulating.

Measles elimination hinges on vaccination coverage above 95% to retain sufficient community protection. The CDC recommends that children get two doses of the MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Teens and adults should also be up to date on their MMR vaccinations. 

Campus Vaccination Rates

Currently, our school has a MMR vaccination rate of 96.80%. Below you can see the rate broken down by grade level. Please note that PreK students are not included in these rates as they follow the Childcare Vaccination Schedule and are not tracked by the state until Kindergarten. 

• 6th grade – 96.50%

• 7th grade – 96.20%

• 8th grade – 97.80%

If your child is not up to date on vaccinations or if you are unsure, please contact a health care provider. If you have questions about our records, contact our health room staff, Erin Clifford, BSN, RN (512) 414-1543 erin.clifford@austinisd.org

Infections and Close Contacts

If your child develops measles symptoms, including a rash, fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, please keep your child at home and consult your medical provider for further guidance.

If your child is not vaccinated, they may have to quarantine for 21 days if exposed to measles. After exposure, students can return to school if they receive a measles vaccine within 72 hours of the exposure. 

For more information about measles, visit our Health Services and Nursing website where we will provide updates. You can also find the latest information on measles in Austin-Travis County at austintexas.gov/measles.

Thank you for your attention to this matter so that we can keep our community safe. 

Sincerely,
Natasha Bedford
Principal 
Small Middle School

Asunto: Actualización sobre la preparación para el sarampión

Estimada comunidad de la Small Middle School:

Quiero asegurarme de que toda nuestra comunidad esté consciente de los posibles riesgos asociados con el reciente repunte en los casos de sarampión reportados en los EE. UU. y a nivel global.

Lo que deben saber

Aunque en este momento no tenemos casos reportados en el Austin ISD, el sarampión es una enfermedad transmitida por el aire, extremadamente contagiosa y potencialmente grave o fatal, que presenta el mayor riesgo en niños pequeños, especialmente aquellos que no están vacunados.

Es inusual que el sarampión se incube en una persona con un cuadro completo de vacunación. Dos dosis de la vacuna contra el sarampión, las paperas y la rubeola (MMR, por sus siglas en inglés) tienen un 97% de eficacia para prevenir el sarampión, y una dosis tiene un 93% de eficacia. Sin embargo, las infecciones postvacunación (cuando alguien se contagia después de haberse vacunado) pueden ocurrir, especialmente en comunidades con un brote en el que altos niveles del virus del sarampión estén circulando.

La eliminación del sarampión depende de una cobertura de la vacunación del 95% para retener suficiente protección comunitaria. Los CDC recomiendan que los niños se pongan dos dosis de la vacuna contra el MMR, comenzando con la primera dosis a los 12 a 15 meses de edad y la segunda dosis a los 4 a 6 años. Los adolescentes y adultos también deben estar al día con sus vacunas contra el MMR.

Tasas de vacunación escolar

Actualmente, nuestra escuela tiene una tasa de vacunación contra el MMR de 96.80%. Abajo pueden ver la tasa separada por grado. Tenga en cuenta que los estudiantes de PreK no están incluidos en estas tarifas, ya que siguen el Calendario de Vacunación Infantil y no son rastreados por el estado hasta el Kindergarten.

• 6th grade – 96.50%

• 7th grade – 96.20%

• 8th grade – 97.80%

Si sus niños no están al día con sus vacunas o si ustedes no están seguros si lo están, por favor, comuníquense con un proveedor de atención médica para ponerse al día. Si tienen preguntas sobre nuestros expedientes, comuníquense con nuestro personal de enfermería,Erin Clifford, BSN, RN (512) 414-1543 erin.clifford@austinisd.org

Contagios y contacto cercano

Si sus niños tienen síntomas de sarampión, incluyendo un sarpullido, fiebre, tos, secreción nasal y ojos rojos, por favor, déjenlos en casa y consulten con su proveedor médico para que les dé más instrucciones.

Si sus niños no están vacunados, es posible que tengan que hacer una cuarentena de 21 días si se exponen al sarampión. Después de la exposición, los estudiantes pueden regresar a clases si se ponen la vacuna contra el sarampión antes de que pasen 72 horas de la exposición.

Para más información sobre el sarampión, visiten nuestro sitio web de Servicios de Salud y Enfermería, donde proveeremos actualizaciones. También pueden encontrar la información más reciente sobre el sarampión en Austin-condado de Travis en austintexas.gov/measles.

Gracias por su atención a este asunto para que podamos mantener segura a nuestra comunidad.

Atentamente,
Natasha Bedford
Director(a)
Small Middle School 

 https://communitycaretx.org/communitycare-health-centers-hosting-measles-vaccine-clinic/

CommUnityCare Health Centers Hosting Measles Vaccine Clinic 

Measles is currently circulating at unprecedented levels in Texas, putting unvaccinated and under-vaccinated individuals at serious risk. To help protect our community against measles, CommUnityCare Health Centers is hosting measles vaccine clinic. 

Location: Southeast Health and Wellness Center | 2901 Montopolis Dr, Austin, TX 78741
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025

To schedule an appointment at the measles vaccine clinic, CLICK HERE.

Please review the measles vaccine guidance prior to scheduling an appointment. Patients with insurance coverage will be asked to present proof of insurance at the time of the vaccination appointment. For uninsured patients, cost information will be provided on-site. 

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that is preventable in most people who are fully vaccinated. Generally, most people should receive two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in their lifetime. This vaccine clinic is open to both adults and children who meet the current criteria for immunization. If you are unvaccinated or have only received one dose, you should get vaccinated to ensure full protection. Please note that if you do not meet the criteria for vaccination, you will not be eligible to receive a vaccine at this clinic. 

If you are unsure whether you need an MMR vaccine, please CLICK HERE to review the latest vaccination guidance for adults and children or connect with a health care provider to discuss your options in more detail. 

Why Is Vaccination So Important? 

Measles is a highly contagious viruses, spreading rapidly through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after exposure including fever, cough, red/watery eyes, runny nose, and a rash. Measles can cause serious complications that could lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death—especially in young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. If you believe you may have been exposed to measles, contact your healthcare provider and remain isolated at home otherwise. 

We want to extend our gratitude to speakers participated in 8th grade CSMS Career Expo: 

 Mr. Johnson, Mr. Tidwell, Ms. McKinely, Ms. Mitchell, Dr. Tranchina, Ms. Arce, Dr. Menzer, Mr. Behm, Mrs. & Mr. Padillia, Mr. Bandak, Mr. Tidwell, Ms. Trimboli, Mr. Coleman, Ms. Wiggins, Ms. Schuster, Mr. Jakob,   Ms. Maher,  Ms. Plachta, Ms. Anderson,  Mr. Marks,  Mr. Iyer, Mr. Park, Ms. Bobek, Mr. Anderson,  Ms. Utter. 

Your presence and contributions made the event an enriching experience for our students. It is through partnerships with dedicated parents like you that we can create meaningful opportunities for our students to explore their interests and envision their potential paths. Thank you for your enthusiasm and support in helping us nurture and guide the next generation.

We look forward to working with you again in the future to continue empowering our students.

Lost or damaged charger? Here are three links where you can get a new charger for your Chromebook:

WALMART - https://bit.ly/walmartcharger ($12.99)

AMAZON - https://amzn.to/3XvCcYn ($8.99)

OFFICE DEPOT - https://bit.ly/officedepotcharger ($34.49)

ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE A CHARGER FOR STAAR TESTING IN APRIL!

Clint Small Middle School Band & Orchestra

Instrument Discovery Day 2025
March 31 and April 17 at Small MS
April 3 at Oak Hill Elementary. 

 Contact

Sign up times are for students who selected band or orchestra on their choice sheet.  If you are awaiting on a transfer, please wait until the transfer has been approved to sign up.  Don't worry they'll  be plenty of spots available.

Please review the available slots below by day and time and click on the button to sign up. Please only sign up for one day/time. Thank you!

Sign up link:   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090544AAAE2CA6FA7-52324178-small#/

Parents of 6th graders,

This is a reminder to make sure you start early to get an appointment at your doctor’s office for immunizations for the 7th grade school year (SY ’25-’26). The vaccines you will need are T-dap and meningococcal. These are required by Texas State law for students to be up to date with their immunizations coming into 7th grade. Once your student has received these vaccines, please submit the immunization record either via email or paper copy to the school nurse at Small Middle school. Thank you!

Immunization Requirements Quick Reference: 2025-2026 School Year Seventh Grade

• 3 doses of DPT, DTaP, DT, Td, Tdap with one dose given on/after the 4th birthday.

• 1 dose of Tdap is required within the last 5 years. (Td acceptable if pertussis is contraindicated)

• 3 doses of Polio with one on/after 4th birthday

• 2 doses of MMR with first dose on/after the 1st birthday

• 2 doses of Hepatitis A

• 3 doses of Hepatitis B*

• 2 doses of Varicella on/after 1st birthday (if the child has NOT had chickenpox)

• 1 dose of Meningococcal (MCV4 or MenACWY) on / after the 11th birthday**

You also have the right to be exempt from vaccines with the proof of an affidavit to be turned in every 2 years to the school nurse.  

Vaccination records can be turned in at the front office or emailed or faxed to the school nurse.     

Erin Clifford, BSN, RN (she/her)
School Nurse
Small Middle School 
phone: (512) 414-1543
Fax: (512) 841-6745
erin.clifford@austinisd.org

PTA Meeting & Bingo/Loteria Night 4/16

On April 16 we'll hold our next PTA meeting which will include 25-26 officer elections.  Once we've adjourned the meeting we'll move on to the fun part- Loteria!  A pizza dinner will be provided for all in attendance so PLEASE rsvp here so we can get a headcount!

Meeting 5:30pm

Loteria 6:00pm

25-26 Officer Nominations Deadline April 4

The last day to submit PTA officer nominations for next school year is April 4. We are seeking nominations for the following positions: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. If you would like to nominate someone or want more info, please email our Nomination Committee Chair Rebecca Forchione at secretary@clintsmallmspta.org.

Spirit Night at The Hive

Get ready for dinner and a movie at The Hive!  We are buzzing about our next Spirit Night on Thursday, April 17 (no school the next day!) that will include a costume contest and showing of Wicked.  Don't miss this fun night defying gravity while supporting CSMS PTA!

Online Spring Sale

Our Spirit Store Spring Sale is underway and runs through April 1!  Save 20% sitewide when you use code SPRING.  Stock up for warm weather now with new tees, hats and more!  Shop HERE.

Courtyard Beautification & Thanks!

Our courtyard looks beautiful thanks to our PTA volunteers and our sponsor Longhorn Lawns who provided their professional services to finish the job!  We are so excited to have this outdoor space for students and staff to enjoy in the nice weather!  Thank you Small community for coming together on this effort!

Family Sponsors

🐾Hello, Small families!

✈️Here is your invite to TRAVEL TO I T A L Y  and G R E E C E (With the Island of Crete!) or to 🇯🇵🏯J A P A N with our Small MS International "Global Cougars Fly" program in Summer 2026! 

 🖥️🌸ONLINE SPRING INFO MEETING April 9th @ 6:30 pm.

 ✍️SIGN UP FOR  M E E T I N G  O N L I N E  LINK: https://shorturl.at/Mfcwk

🐾 CURRENT, FUTURE, or FORMER Cougars and their families are ALL invited. 

***CLICK for FLYER--> https://tinyurl.com/273cwaal

🎥🍿Curious about our tours? Watch the linked videos below and see how much our students, parents, and siblings enjoy our amazing tours -all with first-rate curated itineraries and one all-inclusive cost!

* JAPAN 2023 https://tinyurl.com/2yftmwuu

* GALAPAGOS 2024 https://tinyurl.com/23f3qm4m

*THAILAND 2024 https://tinyurl.com/2a63odv8

*ITALY & FRANCE Spring Break 2025 https://tinyurl.com/29dsrj8n

* AUSTRALIA - Coming Up! June 2025

* GREECE & ITALY - June 2026 - YOUR CHANCE to join us!

* JAPAN - July 2026 - YOUR CHANCE to join us!

QUESTIONS? Email mariel.early@austinisd.org or chat with me @ 512-841-6700 Ext. 70774 after 2:30 pm.

🐾Go Global Cougars!

Mrs. Early is Small's longtime ESL Teacher, a language teaching specialist, a multiculturalism advocate, a world traveler herself, and a firm believer that travel opens our eyes to the world like few things in life and makes our children mindful of other people's cultures, values, and differences.

ENROLLMENT is NOW OPEN! Enroll with $95 to reserve your spot!

**Enroll by Sept. 22nd for $200 off.

*Repeat travelers, as usual, add an extra $100 off.

🇬🇷🇮🇹 GREECE & ITALY WEBSITE & ENROLLMENT: https://www.eftours.com/tour-website/2817051TA

🇯🇵 JAPAN WEBSITE & ENROLLMENT: https://www.eftours.com/tour-website/2805919DV

• Affordable bi-weekly or monthly plans. 

• Want to save up and pay in lump sums as you go? You can choose to do that too. 

• Free personal fundraising page for your student!

• Earn $1,000 EF scholarship!

These two itineraries were picked with a lot of thought put into them. Students (and adults!) will get to see so many iconic places on tour, including a great number of World Heritage Sites. The hands-on experiences chosen are great as well, the landmarks we'll visit, and the sights you'll see are all world-class: From the Island of Capri "faraglione" to the Acropolis, to swimming on Heraklion beaches in Crete, to stepping on Kyoto's most amazing temple - a national treasure itself, to visiting technology museums in Tokyo and Japanese gardens in Osaka, walking in the steps of Gladiators in the Colosseum and Roman Forum, or learning about how Pompeii got buried in ashes with Mount Vesuvius in the background, or stepping into Delphi and learning about oracles in Greece, it's going to be amazing!

Reach out any time with any and all questions, or to schedule a chat!

Mariel Early 

mariel.early@austinisd.org 

512-841-6700 Ext. 70774 / Conference: 2:30-4:00 pm

This section is for anything outside of Small that you might be interested in.