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Clint Small Middle School
Weekly Newsletter
Week of: Winter Break
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A Letter from Principal Bedford |
Hello Smallville!
I can’t believe we have already arrived at the conclusion of the fall semester! It’s been a fun time and I can’t wait to jump into our spring activities. I want to extend a huge congratulations to our girls basketball and boys soccer teams on a successful season! We are especially proud to recognize our 7th grade A basketball team and our boys soccer team for placing in the Zone Playoffs which is an outstanding accomplishment that reflects their hard work and teamwork. Thank you to our coaches and families for your continued support throughout the season.
We also want to celebrate our students who earned the Seal of Biliteracy. This honor represents years of commitment, perseverance, and pride in becoming bilingual and biliterate. Their achievement highlights the strength of our Dual Language Program and the importance of honoring language, culture, and academic excellence here on campus.
Finally, I am so proud of our students who participated in Ms. Hall’s annual Mock Trial. It was inspiring to see their confidence, critical thinking, and enthusiasm on display.
As we wrap up the fall semester, I want to thank our students, staff, and families for a fantastic season of learning and growth. We look forward to an exciting new semester ahead!
Wishing everyone a restful and joyful winter break.
Stay Present,
Bedford
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WOW! Thank you so much to everyone who donated to our annual Custodian Bonus. Because of your generosity, we raised an incredible $2,815, allowing us to give each custodian a whopping $563! Your support truly means the world and helps show our custodians just how appreciated they are. |
Girl's soccer tryouts will take place every day from Tuesday, Jan 6th to Friday, Jan 9th. We will meet by the soccer fields behind the school at 4pm and end at 5:15pm. All players will need to have a physical and it should be uploaded to the Rankone portal: austinisd.rankone.com. |
Don’t Miss Out — Pre-Order Your Yearbook! |
If you’re new to Small this year, you may not know just how coveted our yearbooks are. This is something you must pre-purchase! We only print the number of books that are ordered in advance, and there is no option to print additional copies after delivery. Every year, students and parents wait until the last minute and are disappointed when they miss out — we don’t want that to be you!
Buy your yearbook before Winter Break to get the Early Bird price of $35.
After the break, the price increases to $40, and all purchases must be made by the end of February to guarantee your copy.
Order online at: 2026 Small Josten's LInk
Our yearbooks are created by our Yearbook classes, who spend the entire school year capturing the memories, moments, and magic of Small. Their work is truly something special!
Check out the artwork this year designed by one of our yearbook students because she said "Each student is a piece of a puzzle and at Small they can always find where they fit in"
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Attention 8th Grade Parents |
Calling all proud 8th grade parents
If you would like to purchase ad space in this years yearbook to congratulate your 8th graders middle school success, You can buy your add here: Josten Yearbook Ads
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Supporting Your Teen’s Mental and Physical Well‑Being During the Holidays |
As we enter the holiday season, I want to take a moment to acknowledge how meaningful—and sometimes overwhelming—this time of year can be for teens. While the holidays bring joy, connection, and celebration, they can also disrupt routines, increase social pressures, and heighten emotions. To help your teen stay grounded, healthy, and emotionally safe consider reinforcing the following:
Maintain a steady sleep rhythm: Teens need consistent rest to function well. Encourage a reasonable bedtime and morning routine, even on days off.
Balance activity with downtime: Holiday events are exciting, but too many commitments can drain energy. Build in quiet days for recovery.
Support healthy habits: Nutritious meals, hydration, and movement—whether it’s a walk, sports, or dancing in the living room—help stabilize mood and energy.
Limit late-night screen time: Devices can interfere with sleep and increase stress. A gentle wind‑down routine can make a big difference.
Create space for open conversation: Ask how they’re feeling about upcoming events, family gatherings, or social expectations. Listen with curiosity, not pressure.
Respect their need for independence: Teens often recharge through alone time. Allowing them space is not a sign of disconnection—it’s part of healthy development.
Watch for signs of stress: Irritability, withdrawal, or sudden changes in behavior can signal that they’re overwhelmed. A calm check‑in can help them feel seen.
Encourage healthy coping outlets: Creative activities, journaling, music, or physical movement can help them process emotions in a positive way.
Avoid overscheduling: It’s okay to decline events if your teen needs rest or space.
Include them in decisions: Let them help choose traditions or activities. Feeling heard strengthens their sense of belonging.
Model balance: When teens see adults managing stress, setting boundaries, and taking care of themselves, they learn to do the same.
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Cougar Cage 2026 Dates
January and February dates have been added to the Cougar Cage sign up. This is a fun volunteer opportunity if you love to observe middle school students in the wild!
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January Spirit Night @ P. Terry's
Mark you calendars for our first Spirit Night of the new year on Tuesday, January 20. P. Terry's is always a crowd pleaser so join us for a night of community and fundraising! 15% of sales will be donated to Small PTA!
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Save the Date- 9th Grade Next Steps Night - image attached
Join the discussion for academics, campus life, and insider tips for rising 9th graders and their families. Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 5:30 PM in the Clint Small Middle School Cafeteria for a special PTA meeting featuring representatives from Bowie High School and Crockett High School. We’re planning to provide refreshments and would really appreciate your RSVP so we can plan food and seating.
Panelists will answer questions about unique academic programs and electives, clubs and sports for freshmen, student support services, important deadlines and forms, and their best advice for incoming 9th graders and parents.
Austin High Families: If your student is headed to Austin High, this panel night will focus on Bowie and Crockett only. Austin High will host a separate event just for Small families. Small Course Selection Parent Night for Austin High will take place at 6:00 PM in the Austin High Library on Thursday, February 19. Please mark your calendar for that date as well.
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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
Trips in 2027
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Info from AISD High Schools |
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