Hello Smallville, 

I hope that you enjoyed your Labor Day weekend! This week we really got into the groove of things and kicked off some fun classroom activities and our athletic season. As we all know, middle school is one of those time periods where it often feels like a whirlwind of physical, emotional, and social changes happening all at once for our children. It is also a time where they begin to feel invincible, independent, and ready to take on the world. It’s what I love about middle schoolers! They are spontaneous, fun, and thrill seekers, but as a parent of my own seventh grader, I know that it can cause havoc for me emotionally trying to keep up with all of the changes happening at once. 

Having worked in the middle school setting now for 18 years, I can tell you that the following tips will definitely help you navigate these three fun years of change. 

Foster Open Communication: Encourage them to share their experiences and concerns without fear of judgment or reprimand by being an active listener. Simple questions like "What was the best thing that happened today?" or "What’s something new you learned today?" can open the door to more meaningful conversations. 

Encourage Exploration: Middle school is a time when students explore their interests and discover new passions. Support their involvement in extracurricular activities and hobbies, even if they seem fleeting. This exploration helps them build confidence and a sense of identity.

Encourage Self-Reliance and Independent Thinking: Promote problem solving, allow room for mistakes because they will make them, and encourage them to create goals. Offer support and guidance, but allow them to experience the natural consequences of their decisions within a safe and supportive framework.

I hope this helps as we all help our Cougars be successful in everything they want to do! Have a great weekend! 

Stay Present Cougars,

Bedford

We are looking for new CAC member for this year. If you are interested in joining the Small MS CAC Please fill out this application asap. Our CAC chair will be in touch.

If you missed the meeting last week regarding how to use the parent portal for Grades/Attendance and blend, check out the Video and/or presentation below.

• Presentation

As the students and teachers agree to club terms and conditions they are filling out this google form. To find out what clubs are being offered on what dates check out our Clubs page on our website, or in the app! If you student would like to join any of these clubs, tell them to just show up!

Your donations will ensure our young adventurers are equipped and ready for whatever comes their way—be it a surprise milk tsunami or an unexpected mud encounter. Thanks for stepping up and making a difference! If you have something to donate, please bring it to the front office and we will get it to the nurse.

Coming soon...a book vending machine!

Click the Small Library Newsletter to learn more about what is happening for the month of Sept. in our Small Library.

Let’s run/ walk together in the Austin Cap10k. We have a Cap10K Small team for students, teachers and staff called Small MS Cougars. We also have one team for their parents, family and friends called Small MS Family and Friends. Join the Cap10k team. It is cheaper for the students, teachers and admin if you join under a team. 

https://www.cap10k.com/

Upcoming Dual Language Events

It is the 3rd week of school and you may feel like you are being hit up for money already.

In middle school, each department\club is on its own fundraising adventure! For example, if your student isn't in the band, you don’t need to jump into their fundraising unless you're a big band fan and want to cheer them on. With so many groups raising funds, you might see quite a few requests for support.

Check in each week to see which of your student’s activities might need a helping hand.

And here’s a peek at the big events supporting the whole school and not individual sections:

• The Fall Pumpkin Patch & Fun Event (brand new this year—get ready for some autumn fun!)

• Splashfest (mark your calendar for May 9th—tentatively)

• PTA Fundraisers and Events (watch for exciting opportunities to support)

Here are the current fundraising efforts for this month...

Visual Arts Fundraiser

Fall Fun for the whole family

BAND MATTRESS SALE FUNDRAISER!

If you or someone you know is looking to replace a bed in your home, now is the time! Clint Small MS Band is excited to announce they will be hosting a one-day Mattress Fundraiser on

When:  Sunday, September 29th

Time:  10am - 5pm

Where:  Palmer Events. There will be 25+ different styles of beds on display for customers to try.  The brand name mattresses are made to order, have full factory warranties, are available in all sizes, and are priced below retail.  In addition to beds, there will also be premium pillows, luxury sheets and even adjustable power bases!! Delivery & financing are available. Visit the Facebook event and click “GOING”, INVITE YOUR FRIENDS! SHARE OUR POSTS: FACEBOOK EVENT LINK

PTA Spirit Night

Have your join the PTA yet? Do it today!

TIME TO GET ABOARD OUR 2026 INTERNATIONAL TOURS, Small Families!

We will have our online "SMALL's 2026 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL NIGHT" on Tuesday, September 17th at 6:30 p.m.

HERE is the link to REGISTER: https://rsvp.eftours.com/2g5tcfj

RSVP is required to attend this online informational session where I will share everything about our T W O AMAZING Summer 2026 travel choices! We are proud to say our "Global Cougars Fly" international program will have shown the world to about 150 Cougars by then!

• TRIP #1: Italy and Greece (Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, Delphi, Athens, the Island of Crete, and more!)

• TRIP #2: Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Kanazawa, and more!)

OPEN to current and incoming 6th graders, 7th, 8th, Small alumni, and their family members!

I CANNOT wait to share these BUCKET LIST destinations and unbelievable travel plans with you all!

~Mrs. Early

mariel.early@austinisd.org

Have you ever wanted to walk the halls of Harvard and MIT?

How about whale watching?

Learning about the Salem Witch Trials?

Visit the JFK Library and learn about the Race to Space?

See the famous Blue Man Group in person?

Do we have a tour for you!

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Join SMALL STEM TOURS in Boston June (2025) for the science field trip of a lifetime!

Sign up now to reserve your spot.

Open to current and former Small students (and parents).

VIDEO MEETING for those interested in attending will be September 3rd at 6:30pm. Fill out the interest form below and the zoom link will be sent directly to you.
https://forms.gle/qtJ9ccimMFVwDHJv6

Deadline to reserve your spot is Sept 20.

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