| Clint Small Middle School
Weekly Newsletter Mid Summer Edition |
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Hello Smallville,
We hope this letter finds you deep in summer mode—whether that means sleeping in, enjoying backyard barbecues, or simply doing absolutely nothing at all. You’ve earned this time to unwind, and we hope you are soaking up every single drop of sunshine. Speaking of soaking up the sun... 🏖️Johnny Vacation Update
If you’ve been wondering what our beloved Highland cow has been up to, we have a quick update. Rumor has it he traded the school pasture for the sandy shores and are currently living his best lives at the beach... ...Just kidding!
In reality, Johnny, Howdy, and the gang are doing just fine right here. They are thoroughly enjoying the peace and quiet of a summer break (though they definitely miss the kids!). They’ve been spending their days relaxing in the shade and enjoying the occasional extra treats we bring them. Note: If Johnny and Howdy can find time to kick back and relax, we expect nothing less from all of you!
Looking Ahead: Change, Positivity, and Promise As we look toward the upcoming school year, we know there may be a few changes on the horizon. Change can sometimes bring questions, but we want to reassure you of one absolute certainty: our team of educators is ready.
We are a passionate, positive, and incredibly resilient group of professionals. No matter what shifts or new adventures next year brings, we are fully committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure your children have an amazing, safe, and joyful year of learning. We don't just adapt—we thrive, and we can't wait to bring that positive energy into the classrooms. For Now? Just Relax!
August will be here before we know it, and when it arrives, we will be standing at the doors, absolutely thrilled and ready to welcome your wonderful kids back. But until then, please put the school calendar away, keep enjoying those long summer nights, and make some beautiful memories. Warmly, Your Favorite Team at Small MS! |
What's new for the 2026-2027 School Year? |
Exciting Updates to Our Daily Schedule! Dear Small Middle School Community,
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to share an important update regarding our daily schedule. Alongside other middle schools in AISD, starting this year, Small Middle School will transition from our 8-period A/B block schedule to a straight 8-period schedule every day. Here is a quick look at why this change is being made and how it benefits our community: |
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District-Wide Alignment: This shift is part of the district initiative to align middle school schedules. While campuses with 10-period schedules will remain on a block format, our move to a straight 8-period schedule aligns Small Middle School with our peer 8-period campuses across the district.
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Supporting Our Staff (7 of 8 Teaching Load): New to Small Middle School this year, our non-foundational core teachers will be transitioning to teaching 7 out of 8 periods (compared to 6 out of 8 last year). Because of this increased teaching load, moving to a straight 8-period schedule is absolutely essential. It ensures that all teachers receive a dedicated conference and planning period every single day, something that is simply not possible under a block schedule.
- Consistent Student Routines: Instead of alternating A/B days, students will now see all of their teachers and classes daily. This structure provides consistent, everyday touchpoints in every subject, helping students build strong daily routines.
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We are excited about how this change will streamline our school days and provide our hardworking teachers with the daily support they need. Stay tuned for more details, including a full breakdown of the new daily bell schedule, in our upcoming communications! If you have any questions please email Principal Bedford at natasha.bedford@austinisd.org |
Did you finish registering for the upcoming school year? Here is how to check: Log into the Parent Portal (Portal.austinISD.org) and click on Annual Forms. ✅ Green Checkmarks = You're good to go! ❌ Red X's = Action required! Please complete these ASAP. If you still need to register, visit austinisd.org/enroll for step-by-step videos and guides. Note: Your registration directly impacts Small MS staffing and teacher allocation for next year, so your student will not be able to receive their class schedule until registration is complete! |
Back to School Check List |
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An Update on Austin ISD Bus Transportation & Alternatives |
You may have seen recent news regarding Austin ISD transitioning to a "bus hub" model for the upcoming school year. Like you, we are still waiting on the exact details of what these routes will look like and how they will impact our families. As soon as the district releases the finalized hub locations and logistics, we will share that information with you immediately.
In the meantime, if you are a transfer family or are concerned that the new bus hub model won't align with your schedule, we highly encourage you to explore these alternative options: |
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Small MS Carpool Program: If you are interested in connecting with other neighborhood families to split driving duties, please fill out our Carpool Interest Form .
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After-School Care: We still have spots available in our campus after-school program, Cougar Club, which provides a safe space for students until you are able to pick them up.
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Thank you for your patience as we navigate these district changes together! |
Dear Parents,
With so much up in the air this year, we know you want to be as prepared as possible. Usually, middle school students don't shop for supplies until the first week of school because each teacher requests specific items for their classroom. We completely understand how tough that makes it to score the best summer deals!
To help you shop the sales without the stress, we’ve compiled a list of standard essentials that are guaranteed to get heavy use in every class. Feel free to pick these up whenever you see a good deal: |
- Lots of pens and pencils - mechanical or wood
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6 composition books (no spirals)
- 1 or 2 combination locks for gym locker/band locker
- Wired headphones that plug into Chromebooks
- Backpack
- Water bottle (non-squeeze, please)
- 1 Folder
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Backup Chromebook Charger - All Students need a backup charger for their chromebooks. The school will provide the first one, but if that gets lost, we don’t have extra’s to borrow. You can purchase the correct Chromebook Charger on Amazon.
- Gardening Gloves and a outdoor pair of shoes for kids in Green Classes
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Your teachers will provide any additional, specific requests during the first week of school. Happy shopping! |
The 2026-27 volunteer application opens: July 20 It’s time to submit your annual background check!
All volunteers—new and current—are required to complete an annual, no-cost background check.
How to Get Started:
-Sign Up through VOLY
-Complete Your Application
-Start Volunteering!
Join the Austin ISD Volunteer Program! http://austinisd.voly.org
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Reminding you to use Parent Info Center |
🎉 Have You Spotted the Shiny Button? 🎉
Look up at the top of this newsletter—see that Parent Info Center button? That’s your 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! |
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Partnering Together for a Great Year! |
Dear Smallville Families, As we gear up for another exciting school year, we want to take a moment to connect with you about our school community and our vision for our students. Like many schools across the region, we are feeling the pinch of major funding cuts this year. Making every dollar stretch while maintaining the vibrant, supportive environment our students deserve is a challenge—but it's one we are ready to tackle together. We know how deeply our parents care, and many of you have already asked how you can help.
Preparing our middle schoolers to succeed takes far more than just arithmetic and discipline; it takes a full community putting our kids first and building a foundation that gives them everything they need to thrive. If you are looking for ways to make a tangible difference this year, here is how you can help: How You Can Support Our Students & School | -
Encourage Event Participation: Events like our School Dances, Fall Fest, and Splashfest in May aren't just fun—they are crucial school-wide fundraisers. More importantly, attending these events helps students build school pride and a genuine sense of belonging.
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Support Elective & Team Fundraisers: Depending on what your child is involved in, individual programs will host their own targeted fundraisers throughout the year. For example, Orchestra might run a popcorn fundraiser, while Athletics sells discount cards. Supporting these specific drives directly impacts the activities your child loves most!
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Volunteer & Donate: Keep an eye out for sign-ups to donate items or lend a hand at our events. Your time and contributions directly power these experiences.
- Save the Dates: Check our School Calendar regularly so you can mark down upcoming events early and plan to join in on the fun.
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Pay Enrichment Fees Promptly: Some classes require small enrichment fees to cover special hands-on materials and activities. Paying these in a timely manner ensures our teachers can deliver rich, engaging lessons without delay.
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We know that life is busy and requests for support can sometimes feel overwhelming. Please know how deeply we appreciate your understanding, generosity, and partnership. We ask because we know just how important these kids are, and we are fully committed to setting them up with the skills, tools, and memories they need to succeed. It truly takes a village, and we are so grateful to have you in ours.
With sincere gratitude, Your Smallville Family |
Who do I contact for what? |
If you have questions about a class, please be sure to contact the teacher of the course FIRST. However, if you have a question about any of the following areas listed under “Other Job Duties,” feel free to contact the administrator in charge of that area below.
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Other key people you may want to contact |
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Morning Drop off and Afternoon Pick up Procedures |
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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! |
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Texas Bill Regarding Cell Phones |
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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.
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Cougar Athlete Information |
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: Volleyball Vibes:
8th Grade Tryouts: After school on Wed. August 19th until 5:30 PM. 7th Grade Tryouts: Bright and early at 6:45 AM on August 19th and 20th. Drop off in the staff parking lot by the track and athletes will meet coaches up the stairs at the Gym Doors
Important: All Physicals must be submitted online to Rank One and all paperwork on rank one must be done before anyone can try out. There are no exceptions. Physicals are due August 18th.
Important Note: Students that do not have a completed Rank One & Physical will not be able to participate in the Athletic class. If physicals are NOT uploaded to rank one by the first day of school the students will be placed in general PE. 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 |
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