MISSION / VALUES / BYLAWS

Mission

The O. Henry Parent Teacher Association’s mission is to:

Provide a powerful voice for our children
Act as a relevant resource for our families and our community
Serve as a strong advocate for the education and well-being of our children
Assist our school’s administrators and teachers in their efforts to educate O. Henry’s students
Foster financial and volunteer support for our school’s activities and educational needs

Please join our mission by becoming a member of the O. Henry PTA today!

Values

Commitment
We are dedicated to assisting our children develop socially, emotionally, physically and academically.
Collaboration
We work in partnership with a wide range of individuals and organizations to accomplish our goals.
Inclusivity
We will actively solicit input from all individuals who have a vested interest in O. Henry Middle School.
Respect
We value all individuals. Our efforts reflect what we believe is in the best interest of our entire school.
Accountability
We acknowledge our obligations. We deliver on the promises and commitments we make.

Bylaws

TESTIMONIALS

“Sometimes middle school parents feel like their kids don’t want them up at school or there are not many opportunities to get involved like in elementary school. The O. Henry PTA provides a variety of ways to support our school and stay involved in your child’s education. Stay involved even if your child rolls their eyes at you for being there … you are sending a powerful message that their school is important!”

7th Grade Parent

“I love having PTA parent volunteers in our front office, screening visitors, fielding phone calls and being a part of our office family.”

Tim TierneyOHMS Attendance Specialist

“I love the OHMS PTA because they are friendly, welcoming and supportive of our kids in all ways.”

6th Grade Parent

“Due to the amazing support of our PTA, we are able to serve our students in so many ways. They support us in our Annual College and Career Fair, our counseling initiatives to help motivate our students to do their best in class, and help us support the Whole Child.”

Amy TurnerOHMS Counselor

“My kids love getting to see performances at school by amazing artists such as Blue Lapis Light aerial dancers and Outspoken Bean, an award-winning slam poet. It means a lot to me that the OHMS PTA supports the arts in our students’ educational experience.”

8th Grade Parent

“Because so many parents donate via the PTA to the library, we are able to buy more copies of the books your students want to read! We need to capture the reading excitement when it happens … when parents, teachers, and students buy books at our author visits, we are able to keep bringing the rock star writers to O. Henry via BookPeople. THANK YOU!”

Sara StevensonOHMS Librarian

“The PTA gave us money for new classroom computers in our history classrooms. These new laptops were the breath of fresh air that we needed to fully invest in technological innovation in our classrooms. As the district pushes new uses for technology, these new laptops helped our students take the needed steps in that direction!”

Michael Shackelford8th Grade U.S. History

“We are SO grateful for the PTA. In photojournalism and yearbook, we strive for a 1:1 student to technology ratio and the PTA has helped us get closer to that. With the help of the PTA, we now have four Mac laptops, which give students experience using technology that photographers use in the real world. We now also have enough cameras in the classroom for every student to get hands on experience.”

Francesca SimoniteYearbook and Photojournalism Teacher

“When my older daughter started sixth grade at O. Henry, I couldn’t believe how active the PTA was! There are so many opportunities to get involved in this special community. I have volunteered during lunch at the Mustang Mall, been involved in the Coffee Angels program, helped teachers with afternoon tutorials, served on the Round Up Committee, and helped support the many sports teams on which my daughter played.

I encourage all families to get involved! You’ll not only make lasting friends, but also you’ll help fulfill the teachers’ wish lists and amazing field trip opportunities that enrich every student’s three years at O. Henry.”

8th Grade Parent

“The You Are Loved mural would not be possible without the support of the PTA. Everyone is welcome at O. Henry no matter where you come from, your skin color, who you love, your gender, your religion, or your resident status. Students, faculty and community members helped design, create tiles, mosaic and grout this mural that was dedicated to Karen Aidman for her service to the O.Henry community.”

Wanda MontemayorOHMS Counselor

“As the O.Henry Cheerleading program has grown to be a nationally competitive squad, the PTA has been instrumental in that growth! Last year, they bought us a complete floor of tumbling mats to help our cheerleaders stay safe while learning new and more difficult stunts and skills. This year, they bought us new pom poms to help us look sharp and professional at our national-level competitions!”

Michael ShackelfordCheerleading Coach

O. Henry Middle School PTA
2610 West 10th Street
Austin, TX 78703 USA
512-414-3229
ohenrypta@ohenrypta.org