FAQs for 2026–27

We know you have questions. We have the answers!

Part 1: The First Week

We have put together a check list of items to make sure you are ready for the first day of school. Keep this timeline handy to track what needs to happen before and during the first week of school.

Register Your Student Online

Right Now - (if you haven’t already done so)

Every student must register annually via the AISD Parent Portal (portal.austinisd.org) for funding and staffing. Use the portal's Registration Status Self Check if you can't remember if you finished it.

First Day of School!

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Morning Arrival: 6th graders arriving before 8:10 a.m. wait in the gym. The hallway bell rings at 8:10 a.m., and 1st period starts at 8:20 a.m.

Finding Class: Student names and assigned PRIDE (homeroom) rooms will be posted throughout the school… on the cafeteria windows, bus ramp and academic hallways. Go straight to one of those places, find your name to see where your pride class is, then report to PRIDE to get your paper schedule.

Part 2: Daily School Life FAQ

Schedules & Academics

• How does the schedule work? CSMS uses an alternating A/B block schedule. Mondays through Thursdays have four 90-minute classes plus a 30-minute PRIDE class. Fridays are "C Days," where students see all their classes for 45 minutes each. See the Daily Schedule here
• What is PRIDE class? Think of it as a daily homeroom advisory period used for grade checks, social-emotional learning, study time, and weekly outdoor breaks.
• Can we request schedule changes? Online requests open during the first week of school for errors only (e.g., missing a core class or having two sciences). Changes are not made for a change of mind.
• Is there a lot of homework? Expect around 30–45 minutes total per night, if any. Teachers try to give enough time to finish projects and assignments during class.

Clothes, Gear, & Supplies

• What should my student bring on Day 1? Just a backpack, a lunch, a water bottle, a notebook, and a pencil. Do not bring PE clothes, heavy supplies, or band instruments on the first day.
• When do we get a school supply list? Teachers will hand out specific lists after school starts, as needs vary by class. If you want to buy some basics over the summer here is a recommended list
• Are there lockers? No lockers are issued. Students carry their backpacks to class. Tip: Clean it out weekly so it doesn't get too heavy!
• What is the PE uniform? Regular PE requires black athletic shorts, any CSMS t-shirt, and a combination lock for a gym locker. Shirts can be bought for $10 in PE class or at the "Cougar Cage" school store during lunches.
• Can 6th graders play sports? UIL competitive sports teams are for 7th and 8th graders only. However, 6th graders take a full year of PE and are highly encouraged to attend games as spectators to see what they might want to try out for next year.

Cafeteria & Money

• How do we pay for meals and fees?
  • School Cafeteria: Set up an account at schoolcafe.com to preload money. Students type in their Student ID at the register. Cash is also accepted.
  • Class Fees & Field Trips: Paid online via myschoolcentral.com.
• Which lunch period will my 6th grader have? 6th graders almost always eat during A Lunch (the earliest slot). Lunch is 30 minutes long.
• First Week Tip: We strongly recommend packed lunches for the first week. The lines are long while everyone memorizes their student IDs, but it gets much faster by week two!

Logistics & Policy

• Where is Drop-Off and Pick-Up?
  • Cars: Front of the school by the cafeteria. Pull all the way forward and keep traffic moving. Parents may not walk students into the building.
  • Buses: South side of the school by the gym. Do not enter this area in a car during drop-off/pick-up times.
• How do buses work? Eligible riders receive an email from AISD Transportation with route details. You can also check the AISD Bus Stop Utility Finder. Note: Students may only ride their assigned bus—they cannot ride home with friends on a different bus. There is no longer a late bus.
• What is the cell phone policy? Phones must be turned off and put away in backpacks during the entire school day (including passing periods).

Part 3: Anti-Bullying Support & Core Contacts

Small uses a proactive, layered framework to handle student conflict and bullying. This includes Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons in PRIDE, conflict mediation through a Restorative Justice Coordinator, counselor check-ins, and a dedicated curriculum in Lifelab classes.

If your student is struggling academically, socially, or emotionally, use this guide to find the right person to help:

Stay Connected:Read the weekly newsletter (if you don’t receive it in your email, you can find it on the left side of the main page of our website. Join our Parents facebook group and keep up-to-date on your students grades and attendance in the parent portal.