RRISD Council of PTAs · Every Kid Healthy 13. Time to Brag– a Stony Point HS and Round ... Texas PTA will be hosting the National PTA conference on June 20-22 in Austin, they

From Our Council President

RRISD Council of PTAs http://rrisd.council.txpta.org/

Welcome to our last Council meeting of the year! I am looking forward to

seeing all the Brag Boards today and having the opportunity to recognize

some of the great work you all have done this year!

As you move toward the end of the year, be sure to check your bylaws and

make sure you are aware of everything that needs to be done to close out

the year.

After your election, you’ll need to have your newly elected officers meet

to approve appointments of committee chairs. Check your bylaws

for the time frame.

Complete your Local Officer Information form by May 1, send it to Texas

PTA and send a copy to me. If your board is not completely filled, go

ahead and send in the offices you have as soon as you can, and

then you can update your form later. If your membership chair is an

officer position, be sure to list them twice on the form, first in their

officer position and then later in the membership chair position. It’s

important that the membership chair information is on file at TX PTA

so that your chair will receive communications about membership

campaigns, dates and deadlines.

Be sure you have approved a budget for next year so that you can con-

duct business necessary before your first association meeting next

year.

Be sure you’ve appointed a Financial Reconciliation Committee to con-

duct the review once your fiscal year has ended.

Make arrangements to change signers at the bank once the FRR is com-

pleted.

Watch for information about upcoming training opportunities.

I have enjoyed serving as your Council president for

the past two years. Thanks to everyone who has been

so supportive and helpful to me, especially the awe-

some Council Executive Board.

Lisa Cauble

April 2014

Volume 1, Issue 5

Inside this issue:

Council President 1

Information for Secretaries 2

Training News 3

Membership Updates 4

Money Matters 7

Bond Package 11

Every Kid Healthy 13

Time to Brag– a

Stony Point HS and Round Rock HS to share their experi-ences and assist our parents with high school planning and transitions. Good Luck to all of our 8th Grade students moving on to RRHS & SPHS!! We are so proud of all of our Wildcats!

Walsh PTA has had a won-derful year and qualified for many PTA Membership Awards. We are excited to celebrate those accomplish-ments and wind down the school year on a high note! Walsh PTA has had several active committees in the last month with Teacher Mini-Grants, Student Scholar-ships, and our budget com-mittee. Committee work is vital to our PTA and we ap-preciate all of our many vol-unteers who give up extra time to serve. PTA hosted the concessions at a recent Track meet, hosted several spirit night events as well as currently planning for our 8th Grade Celebration. Our stu-

dents with All A’s have re-ceived small awards each grading period including a re-cent Chick-fil-A coupon. Walsh PTA also donated STARR snacks and water bot-tles for our students. We are so proud of them, their hard work and effort this year! Last week we hosted a Salad & Sandwich lunch for the fac-ulty and staff as well as host-ing snacks on each early re-lease with the next being dur-ing Teacher Appreciation week. We will have our last membership meeting next week where we will be elect-ing officers and host a parent roundtable called, High School 101 where we have invited PTSA board members from

Page 2 RRISD Council of PTAs http://rrisd.council.txpta.org/

Important Information for Secretaries

Hello Secretaries! Here are a few reminders as we are rapidly approaching the end of the year.

1. Remember to have all of your minutes in a bound book and in sequential order.

2. Remember to include financial reports in your minutes.

3. Remember to have all members of your Minutes Approval Committee sign the minutes after they have approved them.

Please email with any secretary questions [email protected].

Thank you for all that you do to keep accurate records for your PTA!

Time to Brag– Walsh Middle School

Time to Brag– Chandler Oaks Elementary

Page 3 Volume 1, Issue 5

Training News–Mark Your Calendars!

The Council will be hosting “Getting to Know your PTA Office” on Saturday, May 17th from 9:30 – 11:30 at Old Hopewell. President, Treasurer, Membership and Sec-

retary training will be offered. There are a couple of training opportunities coming up this summer. Texas PTA will be hosting the National PTA conference on June 20-

22 in Austin, they will have Secretary training available. Texas PTA Summer Leader-

ship Training will be in Houston this year on the weekend of July 18-20th. Please don’t forget all new Executive Board members must complete Foundations Leadership

Orientation (FLO) by October 15th. The Council will conduct a training in the Fall, FLO should be available on-line at TXPTA.org in the near future.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Kelly Moreno 2nd VP Training

I’m going to take the time to “brag” on our wonderful 2013-2014 Executive Board. Through-

out the school year we have held many successful events such as the Fall Family Night, Chee-

tah Walk, C3 club, Cheetah Chasers, and also had a record number of students attend the

Math Pentathlon Tournaments. We’ve been able to show our staff how much we appreciate

them through many staff events as well. We plan on ending our school year with a bang! We

will host our “Big” carnival on April 25th with a spin on old school games blended with a silent

auction for the kids. In closing I’d like to thank each and every member of the board for their

hard work and dedication to our school and the children of COE!

Congratulations to our PTAs and their Membership Teams for a truly outstanding year! Our Council finished the year with an overall total

of 20,340 members. That is an increase of 2,459 over last year. Thank you to our administrators and faculty members for helping to promote PTA membership on your

campuses! The 2014-2015 membership contest year began on April 1. The new membership

theme will be unveiled this summer. The first contest is the Lucky PTA Promotion. For this challenge you only need to add 10 members by April 30. Renewals count!

Get the entry form here: http://www.txpta.org/recognition/membership-awards.

Submit the dues report, payment, and entry form to Texas PTA by April 30. As we wrap up this school year, please take the time to offer your members the

chance to renew their memberships now. Invite your current and incoming board members to renew. Offer your faculty members the opportunity to renew. You know

how busy the start of school is, right? Take one thing off their list for Fall. Members who renew now will be considered active through July 31, 2015.

You don’t have to schedule a special membership renewal luncheon or event, alt-hough it would be fun if you did! Just send an email, or add a post to your website

offering your members the chance to Renew Now! If your campus hosts end of the year awards or assemblies, set up a table and offer both renewals and new member-

ships. They all go on the same form and get submitted to Texas PTA in the same way. What a great way to maintain your momentum and get a jump on your 2014-

2015 membership goals!! Membership will be one of the roundtable trainings offered on May 17 at Old

Hopewell. Both current and incoming Membership Chairs are welcome to attend. As

always, if you have any concerns or need help, I am just a call or email away. I’ll be happy to help in any way I can!

It has been a privilege to serve as your Council Membership VP. I have enjoyed get-ting to know each of you and witnessing your commitment to your own PTAs. I’ll be

cheering you on as you achieve your new goals in the coming year!

Julie Lewin 4th VP – Membership

Round Rock Council of PTAs http://rrisd.council.my-pta.org/

(512) 671-6650 [email protected]

Page 4

Membership News


Time to Brag– Gattis Elementary Getting Out in the Community-Gattis PTA

I love to see our students getting together outside of the school for community events. This was a first year to have a PTA square at the Round Rock Chalk Walk. We choose a game board and each student and their families came by and created a piece of the game. We even had former and future Gators stop by and add their own art. I can't wait to see what we come up with for next year. The Gift of Giving-Gattis PTA

Every year the Gattis PTA hosts an event called Breakfast With Santa. Families from our school gather together to play games, do crafts, eat breakfast and see Santa. Traditionally we charge for Santa photos to help cover event cost and photographer costs. This year we were lucky enough to get several donations, a sponsor for the event, and find a photographer to take photos for free. This allowed us to do a toy drive instead of charging for photos. We were able to collect over 125 toys for Blue Santa and the Children's Heart Foundation. It was wonder-

ful to see how excited the kids were to donate the toys to families in need. I hope we can continue this tradition for years to come

The Chisholm Trail MS PTA has spent this year supporting, informing and rewarding our school's stu-

dents, teachers and parents.

Our PTA is 454 members strong. Chisholm Trail Middle School is excited to have earned the follow-

ing membership awards during this school year:

Head Start Award, Golden Apple, Early Bird Achievement Award, Texas Star award, MARS award,

Winter Increase award

According to our Membership VP, Laurie McDonnell, “CTMS PTA had an increase in overall member-

ship this year. We are also very proud of receiving the Golden Apple award five months before the

deadline! Our staff is very supportive of our PTA and it shows with this award.”

Our Reading Incentives Program is a fun reward system for students who are working to improve

their reading skills. Francine Harris shared, “I teach 6th, 7th, and 8th grade READ180 students. My

students absolutely LOVE the store. They earn points to spend at the store by reading books in class

and passing quizzes. The longer the book, the more points they earn. I want you to know that hav-

ing the incentive store makes a HUGE difference!! I really feel like without the store, my students

would read less.”

The Hospitality Committee has hosted several brunches/luncheons for the teachers, one of which

was a very popular Baked Potato Bar. Additionally, each month, the committee has provided other

fun treats, such as cupcakes and candy.

We worked alongside the PE department for CATCH Family Fun Night and hosted a wonderful tasting

booth spotlighting and offering over 20 different kinds of fruits and veggies donated by HEB and

Sprouts. It was a HUGE hit with the kids!

We have offered several informative programs that addressed issues that parents care about. “Aim

for Success” is an anti-bullying program for both the students and parents. Also, the CTMS school

counselors presented “Techniques for Engaging Teenagers”. We worked with Principal Robert Sor-

mani to bring RRHS Principal Natalie Nichols to speak to 8th grade parents about Round Rock High

School. In April, Kelly Moreno will present "HS 101" for those families moving on to the next level.


Time to Brag– Chisholm Trail

Money Matters

Thank You- Mighty Bird

Welcome Spring!! For lunch today, we thank the Mighty Bird,

for providing our Chicken Taco Bar. New to Austin, Mighty

Bird is known for its rotisserie chicken, unique sauces, and

fresh ingredients. They also serve breakfast tacos. Next

time you are on the go or are looking for something different,

check out Mighty Bird. Crave the Bird!

http://www.mightybird.com

Thank you for serving your PTA this year! As the end of the year

draws closer, here are a few reminders:

When preparing your budgets and making your plans for next

year, keep in mind the 3-1 rule for fundraisers. For every

fundraising activity, there should be at least three non-

fundraising programs aimed at helping parents and children.

Programs can be advocating for children’s and families

rights as well as school improvements.

Make sure you have met with your budget committee and have

your 2014/2015 budget adopted by your membership at

your last membership meeting of the school year.

Present your preliminary annual report at the last membership

meeting of the school year. Your preliminary annual report

should show your total income and expense compared to

your budgeted income and expense for the school year. An

example can be found in the Treasurer's Resource Guide.

Make sure your Financial Reconciliation Review (FRR) Commit-

tee has been appointed. See your by-laws for more infor-

mation on this committee. The FRR guidelines and check-

lists are found in your Treasurer’s Resource Guide.

Finally, please prepare all your books for an easy transition.

Please let me know if you have any questions on closing out your

year. You have taken on one of the hardest jobs in PTA, be proud

of your accomplishments! Have a wonderful summer!

Kim Odell

[email protected]

RRISD Council of PTAs 2013-2014 Board Members Officers

Lisa Cauble– President Jen Clitheroe-1st VP Roundtables Kelly Moreno– 2nd VP Training Karen Elliott-3rd VP Hospitality Julie Lewin– 4th VP Membership Kim Odell-Treasurer Stephanie Deller-Secretary Melanie Pav-Historian Lori Hutson-Parliamentarian Hospitality Mary Flores- Decorations Chair Pam McFall- Decorations Michelle Carson- Decorations Kirsty DelaHunt- Decorations Lilly Fowler–Decorations Misty May– Decorations Becky Carrigan–Reservations Cheryl Springer- RROC, Success & Goals Council Programs Monica Von Waaden- Clothes Closet Paige Balius- Healthy Lifestyles Amy Hinds- President/Principal Rep Lilly Cardenas-SEPAC Rep Janine Pearce- Parent Programs Liz McDonald- Reflections Karen Gault- Scholarships Communications Jill Strode- Directory Julie Olesen- Newsletter Michelle Willette- Website Administrator RRISD/Partnership Dr. Steve Flores- Superintendent Michelle Jackson- Community Partnership Supervisor Council Officers- Foundation/PIE Rep Kellyn Bradford- Legislative Rep/School Board Franchelle Lindley- DLC Rep Amy Weir- DLC Rep


Under the Dome– New High School Graduation

Program Requirements

The State Board of Education gave final approval Jan. 31 to the state’s new high school graduation pro-

gram, which gives students added flexibility to follow their academic interests.

The Texas Legislature last year created the new 22-credit Foundation High School Program, which allows

students to earn performance acknowledgments and four-credit endorsements in specific subjects but left

decisions about many details of the plan to the State Board.

Over the course of a four-day board meeting, the board considered 34 amendments to the graduation plan

and approved most. Math debates captured much of the attention. Under the state law, students following

the Foundation High School Program must earn three credits of math that include Algebra I and Geometry

as well as a third course. Students may select the third course from a long list of mathematics courses. The

board expanded the options further by directing the development of two new courses called Algebraic Rea-

soning and Statistics. The two new courses are expected to be available for districts to offer beginning in

the 2015-2016 school year.

Students who want to earn the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) endorsement

must take Algebra II, chemistry and physics as well as four additional courses in the STEM area.

Students who hope to gain automatic admission to the state’s public universities under the top 10 percent

rule also must meet requirements that include earning credit for Algebra II or meeting performance re-

quirements on a college readiness assessment.

Under the new graduation plan, a speech credit satisfied by a Communications Applications class will no

longer be a required credit for all students. However, districts will be required to ensure that students learn

key communications skills such as delivering clear verbal messages and choosing effective nonverbal be-

haviors. Districts may incorporate these skills into an existing class, such as English, or continue to require

a separate communications class.

Under the new graduation program, students may earn performance acknowledgments by demonstrating

outstanding performance. One way to earn an acknowledgment is by earning a score of 3 or higher on an

Advanced Placement test or a score of 4 or higher on an International Baccalaureate examination. Original-

ly, the board set the higher score requirements but adjusted those standards after listening to public com-

ments.

Students currently in the 8th grade – the class of 2018- will be the first group required to graduate under

the Foundation High School Program. Current high school students remain under the previous three gradu-

ation plans – the Minimum High School Program, the Recommended High School Program and the Distin-

guished Achievement Program. However, these students may opt to move to the Foundation Program.

The rule detailing the new graduation plan is found on the TEA HB 5 webpage, as are other resources such

as PowerPoint presentations. www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=25769806149

-Texas Education Agency Newsletter February 2014. Volume XXVIII. No 3


As I reflect over our last four years, the first thing that strikes me, is that we are about to enjoy our first gradu-ating class, that began as Freshman. That is unique, among other established RRISD high school programs. CRHS PTSA is very proud of what we have accomplished in our initial four years.

When we began, we literally had a clean slate. There was no history, there were no traditions and there were no supportive programs for students and faculty. Over the course of four years, we developed a landscape that is rich in traditions and blessed with productive programs that benefit all of our students and faculty. Programs such as: Closet Raiders, Cultural Awareness, Faculty Appreciation, Raiders In Action, Reflections, Cedar Green, SNACK, Raider Grant Program, Grateful Dads and Senior Scholarships. Those were significant accomplishments and, we established CRHS traditions.

These events would not have occurred without the dedicated efforts of our volunteers and the dynamic leader-ship of the Executive Officers. I want to honor our current Executive Officers: Dawn Watson (1st VP Programs), Karen Buffum (2nd VP Finance), Mary Flores (3rd VP Communications), Becky Carrigan (Treasurer) and Carleen Sawires (Secretary). Their leadership, combined with our Executive Board, propelled our PTSA to even greater levels of accomplishment.

To single out one of our leaders, would be to leave someone behind. Instead, I want to praise everyone, who had a part over that last four years, in propelling CRHS to the position it now enjoys.

Today, Cedar Ridge has traditions and it has programs, that benefit students and faculty alike. More importantly, it has a “history”. Cedar Ridge PTSA, because of its’ Executive Committee, and the support of Dr. Presley and his staff, have evolved into a major dynamic force within the Round Rock ISD.

That is a legacy, our Executive Board, is extremely proud of.


Time to Brag– Cedar Ridge High School

Time to Brag– England Elementary

Spring is in the air at England Elementary. PTA sponsored Bring Your Dad to School Day and was

amazed by the participation! We are lucky to have so many involved, caring fathers. Kinder Round Up

was another success and we look forward to welcoming our new students next Fall. Our kindergarten

and 1st graders enjoyed a Dr. Seuss themed library literacy night. Several of our students are visiting

local points of interest in the area for field trips including Crowe's Nest farm for kinder and San Anto-

nio for our 4th graders. Third time proved to be the charm, as our rescheduled (due to that crazy icy

weather this year) Movie Night finally occurred on March 28th. We showed the recently released award

winning film Frozen and it was a huge hit with our children! We look forward to rounding out the year

with Teacher Appreciation the first week of May, Spotlight Night / Silent Auction the second week,

Filed Day the third week and then End of Year parties the last week of May. Go Leopards

Summer Leadership Seminar– See you in Houston!!

Time to Brag– Hopewell Middle School


Like all good things do, our school year is coming to an end. With that we often find ourselves re-

flecting on what we did, what we could have done differently or what we should have done. Why is

that? The answer is simple. By nature we all have the instinct to protect our young. We have the in-

stinct do what we feel is best for them and to teach them to do their best. As a PTA we have the op-

portunity to make a difference each and every day in our students and our school. As a PTA it is our

duty to push ourselves to do our best and to set a good example for our students and families; to as-

sist the staff that made a choice to care for and teach our children. So you see, it’s only natural for

us to strive to do our best. As Parents and Teachers we Are the foundation in which our children

grow.

Mark your calendars:

July 18-20, 2014

Hilton Americas, Houston / George R. Brown Convention Center

More information coming in Spring 2014!

See more at: http://www.txpta.org/events/sls/#sthash.koTpYsUj.dpuf

Wow! It is hard to believe the year is almost over. RRHS

PTSA has had a great year and is looking forward to a few

more hospitality events for our tremendous staff to help through the testing season. We awarded

over $1600 in Spring Mini-Grants. Our Alg.2, Health Sciences and Library each received a Spring

grant. We will be hosting our final meeting on April 24th at 7:00 pm in the 1100 Lecture Hall. This

is a joint presentation with Project Grad. Texas PTA’s “Party 101 – Consequences will be our

presentation. Everyone is invited to attend. The RRHS PTSA would like to thank our Principal, Na-

talie Nichols, and her team for all the support they have given to the PTSA this year. We are look-

ing forward to an exciting 2014-15 school year. Go Dragons!!!!!

Time to Brag– Round Rock High School


2014 Bond Program

On Tuesday, February 25, the Round Rock ISD Board of Trustees unanimously called for a bond

election to be held May 10, 2014. Voters will be asked to consider a bond package totaling $299

million that address growth, health/safety, technology and capital renewal and replacement pro-

jects.

The bond package will include the building of an elementary and middle school, the continuation

of Phase 3B at Round Rock High School and Phase 3 at Westwood High School, development of

master plans for McNeil High and C.D. Fulkes Middle schools, expansion and refresh of technolo-

gy, as well as a series of renovation projects.

Three propositions will appear on the ballot:

Proposition 1 - $234.2 million to address growth, health/safety, capital renewal and replace-

ment, and technology refresh

Proposition 2 - $25.9 million to expand technology access and additional capital renewal and

replacement

Proposition 3 - $38.9 million to build two fine arts venues

After a comprehensive study of district facilities and third party growth projections, the Round

Rock ISD Citizens Bond Committee (CBC) recommended on February 12, that the Board ask vot-

ers to consider a bond package that addresses overcrowding and facility needs.

The average value home in Round Rock ISD is valued at approximately $200,264 after homestead

exemption. The three propositions will cost the average homeowner an additional $3.55 per

month. The district’s debt tax rate has fluctuated between $0.296 and $0.3722 over the past 10

years, with the current tax rate of $0.3275 per $100 in assessed value home. The projected tax

rate for the 2014-2015 tax year is approximately $0.3487.

The most recent bond election voters approved for the district was held November of 2008. Voters

approved two propositions totaling $293.9 million. Projects included an opening of three new

schools and various renovation and technology needs.

Texas PTA is excited to be hosting the 2014 National PTA Convention this sum-mer! This year’s convention will include a Youth Summit and Emerging Minority Leaders Conference along with the traditional Reflections and PTA Endow-ment lunches. Visit the Texas PTA website for more information.

ROUND 'EM UP & HEAD

FOR AUSTIN!

June 19-22, 2014 Austin Convention Center

It was a great year for both our Anderson Mill and Voigt Clothes Closet locations. We served a

total of 963 student. This year’s number is lower than our two previous school years but still a great

many RRISD students were assisted with clean, RRISD dress code approved clothing which assists

them in feeling confident and school ready.

Highlights of our year;

*87% of our PTAs had Clothes Closet Representatives with active support of the Closets

*Virtually every school had a sock and underwear drive or a denim drive.

*The RRISD Nurses assisted at both Closet locations and helped us transition winter to summer

wear.

*The RRISD Socks and Boxer Drive packed our bins full of much needed items.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in the above mentioned care of the Closets and of course to

all our district representatives, school representatives and volunteers who make our Closets so suc-

cessful.

With much gratitude.

Monica von Waaden

RRISD Clothes Closet Chair

Clothes Closet Thank You!

Next week is “Every Kid Healthy” week (4/21-4/25). Last week was Healthy Texas

Week. Our own Superintendent Flores made a Call to Action video, encouraging all of Round Rock ISD to practice healthy habits! Callison Elementary hosted their Family

Fun Run & Wellness Fair. Great Oaks Elementary had all 750 students sign a pledge to be healthy. Jollyville hosted their annual Jog-a-thon. In fact, many of our schools

participated!

Rather than just celebrate health for one week at a time, shouldn’t we strive to prac-tice it all year long? We all know that healthy students make better learners. The re-

search is clear.

What can we do to keep our kids healthy all the time?

For more great ideas on keeping our kids healthy, visit txpta.org/programs/

healthylifestyles or contact Healthy Lifestyles Chair, Paige Balius, at 512-947-1470 or [email protected].

• Encourage healthy fundraisers. Sure, candy bars might sell, but is it worth it at the expense of the children’s health?

• Establish a Healthy Lifestyles Chair position on your PTA board. Find those parents who have a special interest in health and wellness and encourage them to support your efforts in making every child’s potential a reality.

• Support Brain Breaks in the classroom. Practiced by many teachers in our district, Brain Breaks involve short bouts of physical activity that increase oxygen to the brain and lead to improved concentration.

• Adopt Texas PTA’s Recess Resolution. Recess is a vital part of the day for elementary school students. It allows them to “get the wiggles out,” encourages creative play, gives them a chance to practice social skills, and results in a more focused student upon return to the classroom.

• Find non-food alternatives to use as rewards. Not only do food rewards commonly have little, if any, nutritional value, they also teach kids to eat when they’re not hungry and can lead to disordered eating later in life.


Time to Brag– Herrington Elementary

President: Kelly Moreno

1st VP of Roundtables: Jen Clitheroe

2nd VP of Training: Stephanie Deller

3rd VP of Hospitality: Karen Elliott

4th VP of Membership: Jill Strode

Treasurer: Kim Odell

Secretary: Julie Olesen

Congratulations to RRISD Council of PTA’s 2014-2015 Newly Elected Officers

The Families & Local Businesses that have partnered with our PTA and School this year have

been PHENOMINAL! We could not have accomplished what we did this year without their unwavering

support. For this, on behalf of the LHE PTA, THANK YOU!

The Board members of the LHE PTA are Fabulous VOLUNTEER WARRIORS! They have organized Staff

Appreciation events & goodies provided throughout the year to our Wonderful Staff & Teachers who

really put their heart and soul into this school and our children. We've started having a HAWKSpitality

Day, where peeps can gather together, network and meet our newest family members. We dig being a

part of school events like Kinder Round Up, where we can promote the PTA organization and meet our

brand new members and show them around our school and community. Our Holiday store this year

was a GREAT success, with an added parent night and visit from Dear St. Nick himself! The Annual

Trunk or Treat was a BLAST with loads of candy to spare, and games galore! The Nominating Commit-

tee that was formed was FANTASTIC, interviewing nominees for our next years board, and going

above and beyond and getting names and volunteers for the standing committees as well! Reflections

this year was AMAZING, with so many of our kids talent reaching farther this year than ever before!

So many programs and events this year, that just couldn't have been achieved without our sponsors

and volunteers. This team of VOLUNTEER WARRIORS I like to call LHE PTA outdid themselves this

year! As daunting as some of our tasks may be, and flying by the seat of our pants at times, praying

for the best and for at least ONE person to show up, I think we can all agree this year has

been EXCITING, EXHILERATING & EXHASPERATING and we ALL feel a great sense of ACCOMPLISH-

MENT!

It has been an amazing experience for me personally to be a part of this organization as President for

the past 2 years. PTA is a WONDERFUL organization, tho it's our volunteers that make

it INCREDIBLE and our experiences and relationships UNFORGETABLE.

LHE PTA ROCKS!

ation Week. We will also have

Field Day, the Volunteer Appre-

ciation Breakfast, and the 5th

grade Promotion Ceremony.

What a wonderful way to end

the year! Go Jaguars!

It's April and Jollyville is looking

forward to two more months of

exciting events at our school.

Last month, we held our Execu-

tive Board elections and we have

some wonderful parents ready to

lead PTA in 2014-2015. In

March we had an entertaining

Talent Show featuring dancing,

singing, magic and comedy. So

much fun!

The next two months are filled

with wonderful events for our

families.

We will celebrate Healthy Texas

Week (April 7-13) with our Jol-

lyville Run Club, Texas PTA's My

Lunch Rocks Program, and cap it

off with our 5th Annual Jollyville

Jog-a-thon! Formerly a fundrais-

er, this year it will serve as a

great, big, fun, healthy party

with Spirit Sticks for everyone,

free food samples, and spectacu-

lar prizes for our lucky winners!

We love celebrating health at Jol-

lyville!

May will be a fun yet busy month

which includes spoiling our

teachers during Teacher Appreci-

Time to Brag– Jol lyvi l le Elementary


Time to Brag– Cactus Ranch Elementary

Cactus Ranch Elementary PTA is proud to sponsor two $1,000 scholarships for outstanding CRE gradu-

ates. Graduating RRISD high school seniors are eligible if they attended CRE for a minimum of three

years and graduated 5th grade from CRE. The Scholarship Committee will be reviewing the applica-

tions the last week of March and the scholarships will be awarded in April.

At the shared Parent Program on March 20th with Chandler Oaks Elementary we hosted Dennis Mitch-

ell and he spoke on the topic of Parent Sanity. The biggest take away from his presentation was: Mr.

Mitchell explains that too many words weaken a parent’s position when responding to our

child. Parents are over concerned about being polite and respectful. For example, if your child asks if

they can have candy 30 minutes before dinner, we usually list several reasons why the child should

not have a candy bar right before dinner….but our child sees these several reasons as debatable is-

sues and will respond with “I can eat the candy bar and still eat my dinner!” It’s best to just say

no. It is a bottom-line answer and if your child believes your word is final, that is it. End of discus-

sion.

Thank you to Lisa Calderone, for putting together 2 Silent Auction baskets for the Round Rock ISD

Partners in Education Foundation, 13th Annual Shining Stars Gala. Each basket that CRE donated was

valued at $150.

Thank you to the very generous CRE family who anonymously donated $6100 to CRE toward the pur-

chase of a shade structure for the Kindergarten playground. Also, thank you to all the CRE parents

and the Cactus Ranch Elementary PTA Membership for approving a $7000 PTA donation toward the

canopy. The construction on this canopy should start in early June.

Fifty-five kindergarten and first grade students from Cactus Ranch attended the Division I Math Pen-

tathlon Tournament in March. We had a total of 4 silver medals, 6 bronze medals and 11 honorable

mentions.

Follow TX PTA on Twitter and Facebook

On behalf of the Round Rock ISD Council of PTAs, please join us in

thanking McCoy Jewelcraft

for their continued support.

Each year, they donate the handcrafted jewelry

that the recipients of the

Pebble in the Pond Award receive.

We truly appreciate the support of all of the local businesses that are

generous enough to work with us.

Thank you, Kathy and the staff at McCoy Jewelcraft!

Thank you for an awesome

year! I appreciate all the

wonderful Time to Brag,

articles and submissions for

the newsletter you sent this

past year. Have a great

summer!

Julie Olesen

Newsletter

Round Rock Council of PTAs

Texas PTA @txstatepta

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TEXAS PTA 4401

Documents

RRISD Council of PTAs · Every Kid Healthy 13. Time to Brag– a Stony Point HS and Round ... Texas PTA will be hosting the National PTA conference on June 20-22 in Austin, they