Originally delivered on 3/31/2025 7:02 am

SUBJECT: PTSA News | March 31, 2025

BTWHSPVA PTSA
March 31, 2025

Google Translation | Para traducir en español, utilice el menú desplegable en la parte superior derecha del boletín.

MESSAGE FROM 2024-25 PTSA PRESIDENT PATRICIA MOJICA

Greetings, Booker T Families,

In case you missed it, the second annual "Pie a Teacher" event took place on campus during lunch last Friday. We are incredibly thankful for our brave and fun teachers who volunteered to participate in support of our Class of 2025 committee online auction. The winning bidders are pictured pieing the teacher of their choice.

This year's match ups:

Mr. Davison by Jeanne Matthews

Mr. Miller by Maddie Sandock

Ms. Peterson by Zoe McDonald

Ms. Walker (dance) by Hanna Lowrey

Ms. Walker (math) by Hunter Huckin

Thank you to the faculty, students, and parents for helping us raise funds for our seniors!

Please join us next week for the PTSA meeting on Tuesday, April 8 at 6 pm in The Commons. This is your opportunity to shape the future by voting in the PTSA elections for the 2025-26 PTSA Executive Board! Your voice matters! Plus, we’re excited to welcome special guest speakers from Downtown Dallas Inc., the dedicated advocates and champions of our vibrant downtown for over 60 years. Don’t miss this chance to learn about their impactful work and discover how you can contribute to making Dallas an even better place for our school community. We hope to see you there!

In the meantime, please consider the following ways to get involved and show your support this week:

Newsletter Archive | Visit the PTSA Membership Toolkit to access the latest newsletter and archive.

View Entire Newsletter | Click on 'View Entire Message' at the bottom of your email to access all the articles.

Resources | Click on the newsletter images, graphics, and words in blue font for more helpful information.
SUMMER SCHOLARSHIPS

The PTSA Summer Scholarship Program is now accepting applications! Students can apply to receive up to $500 to help cover tuition fees to attend an academic, performing, or visual arts summer enrichment program. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis from March 1 - April 30 until funds last.

Helpful Guidelines for Selecting a Summer Enrichment Program

The summer is the perfect time for students to focus on their academic and artistic goals. When selecting an enrichment program, consider the following guidelines to help you ask questions to narrow down your choices.

  • Personal Growth - Does the program foster a strong work ethic and support your overall personal development? 
  • Focused Training - Does the program offer a dedicated training period specifically designed to enhance your skills and techniques? 
  • Career Preparation - Does the program prepare you for a potential professional career by providing a challenging schedule and opportunities to work with renowned instructors of varied teaching styles?
  • Community - Does the program promote collaboration with a diverse group of peers and provide access to a broader community?

Apply today! Click here: Summer Scholarship Application 

  • FAQs - read frequently asked questions and answers 
  • Testimonials - read student experiences about the programs they've attended

Questions? Contact Clara Mendez, PTSA Summer Scholarship Chair

AWARDS

Do you know someone whose dedication and advocacy truly make a difference at BTWHSPVA? This is your opportunity to celebrate their efforts! Nominate that extraordinary individual for one of our esteemed awards and help us shine a spotlight on their remarkable contributions.

  • BTWHSPVA PTSA Award - The Texas PTA Honorary Life Membership Award is a highly esteemed honor that recognizes the invaluable contributions of volunteers who wholeheartedly support children’s education, health, and well-being. By awarding this prestigious recognition, you are expressing profound gratitude for their steadfast dedication to our students and the community. Nominations are open until April 12. Multiple nominations are welcome! Please complete a separate form per volunteer. The PTSA's Membership Committee will review all submissions for the Texas PTA Honorary Life Membership Award and will contact those selected to attend the award ceremony during the final PTSA meeting of the 2024-25 school year on May 6. | Nomination Form: Texas PTA Honorary Membership
  • Texas PTA State Award - The Lead Like Marni Award will recognize volunteers across the state of Texas who lead like Marni did. These are leaders who are passionate about the PTA mission, welcoming and encouraging to all, and always ready to face a challenge head on with grit, resilience, and humor. They are leaders who are lifelong learners who don’t hesitate to share that knowledge with others. They are innovative, creative, and their positivity makes them a joy to be around. Their compassion and humility make them someone others trust and rely upon. These leaders are well-rounded and love to see others succeed. Nominations are open until April 1. The Texas PTA will review all submissions received throughout the state for the "Lead Like a Marni" award and will contact those selected to attend the award ceremony at the Texas PTA LAUNCH convention in July. | Nomination Form:  Lead Like a Marni Award
RISING PEGASI

Congratulations to the rising Pegasi! All new students in grades 9-12 who have been accepted for the 2025-2026 school year are invited to the annual family orientation event, "I Am Booker T Day," which will be held on campus on Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 9 am - 1 pm.  Please RSVP to confirm your attendance and receive a free event shirt*, courtesy of your PTSA. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them on the form, and we will address them during the orientation.


To make things easier for you, we've included an option on the RSVP form to join the PTSA, pay class dues, and order spirit wear. This way, you can save time by completing everything in one place instead of filling out multiple forms and waiting in line at the family orientation event. Additionally, families who purchase a membership with the PTSA will receive a complimentary tote bag at the event. (one tote bag per family) Click here to RSVP.


VOLUNTEER

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Parents and students are invited to sign up to volunteer for I Am Booker T Day, which will be held on campus Saturday, April 12. Volunteers will assist with setting up, greeting guests, providing directions, selling memberships and merchandise, serving refreshments, restocking supplies, and cleaning up after the event. Students are valuable resources for welcoming families, answering questions, and guiding attendees. There are two 2 hour shifts. Please click here to lend a helping hand.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Attention all students! The Student Council invites you to an important informational meeting on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, during Upperclassmen Flex in Room 146. If you’re a freshman, sophomore, or junior eager to make a difference by running for a Student Council or Class Council position, your presence at this meeting is required. Seize this chance to discover the election process and learn how you can take an active role in shaping our school community! Don’t miss out!

SENIORS - CLASS OF 2025

So many senior activities happen in the month of May! Stay prepared and save the dates! More details to come!

**NEW** May 1: National Signing Day (NSD) is coming to BTWHSPVA on May 1st! Senior students will have special activities on campus during flex time to announce their commitment. More details will be provided soon! 

The NSD initiative is part of the Reach Higher campaign created by former First Lady Michelle Obama in 2014 to encourage first-generation and low-income students to view college as a viable option, whether at a four-year university, a two-year community college, through an industry-recognized training program, or via military service. 

May 9: Last Full Day of Classes

May 10: Prom

May 12 - 15: Senior Check-In Days (students only)

May 15: Senior Awards Ceremony (senior families), MAT, 6-8 pm

May 16: Senior Breakfast (students only), Sammy's BBQ, 8:30 am-10:30 am

May 16: Senior Check-Out Day (students only), 10:30 am -12 pm

May 19 - 21: Senior Conservatory Dinners:

  • May 19 Visual Arts Conservatory (senior families)
  • May 20 Music Conservatory (senior families)
  • May 21 Dance Conservatory (senior families)
  • May 22 Theatre Conservatory (senior families)

May 24:  Baccalaureate (senior families), First United Methodist Church of Dallas, 11 am - 12 pm

May 25: Graduation (senior families),The Meyerson Symphony Center, 5 pm

Bookmark the BTW Seniors 2025 website for more details and updates.

CAMPUS NEWS + RESOURCES

Congratulations to the following film class students selected to screen at the 2025 OK2BX Film Festival for High School Film Makers on April 12 at 6 pm in the Angelika Theatre.

  • Pirouline - BIANCA BARRERA (12th)
  • Alan! - DYLAN WEISS (12th)
  • Heirloom - JOCELYN HERRERA (11th)
  • Lucid - JACKSON KING (12th)

We're so happy for you and all your success. Keep up the amazing work!

ALUMNI NEWS! Delight in an unforgettable afternoon at "The Jazz Goes Classical Experience" in Hamon Hall at the Winspear Opera House on Sunday, April 13 at 3 pm. This event features the extraordinary talents of BTWHSPVA alumna Erika Nicole Johnson, accompanied by the brilliant pianist Tyler Bullock. Fresh off their fifth stunning appearance at Carnegie Hall, these two are a dynamo of sound and creativity! Erika began her operatic journey at BTWHSPVA and has since performed internationally. Click here to purchase tickets and use the promo code ERIKA20 to receive a 20% discount.

Dallas ISD Mental Health Services provides mental and physical health services for students through counseling and psychotherapy, behavior interventions, mental health consultation, crisis intervention, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and wraparound services. Visit the district website for assistance and view the services on this flyer. For support on campus contact Jennifer Toombs, Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and Mental Health Services School-Based Clinician. Click here to review Mrs. Toombs presentation from the March PTSA meeting.

CONSERVATORY NEWS

Join the dance conservatory for an artistic display of movement as they proudly present their spring semester dance production ON STAGE at the MAT from April 2-4, 2025. Experience a captivating evening filled with stunning choreography and inspiring performances by our talented dancers. Don't miss out on this artistic celebration—click here to purchase your tickets today!

The music conservatory invites you to the Piano and Chamber Music Recitalon April 9th, 10th, and 11th from 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm in the Black Box Theater.

Tickets are $10 each and can be used for entry on all three nights of the recital. Click here to purchase tickets today!

The musical theatre class invites you to their spring production of "9 to 5: The Musical," featuring music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, book written by Patricia Resnick. This musical is based on the iconic 1980 film. Set in the late 1970s, it tells a hilarious story of friendship and revenge during the Rolodex era, and it is both outrageous and thought-provoking, with a touch of romance. Experience the thrill of live performance in The MAT April 9-12 at 7 pmClick here to purchase tickets today!

ADVISORY BOARD

The BTW Advisory Board's annual Spring fundraiser, FLYINGHORSE, will take place in the MAT on Friday, April 25! This professionally produced show will showcase the talent and skills of our Pegasi and celebrate the uniqueness of the Arts Magnet. The school community is invited to attend the 6 p.m. performance. Click here to purchase tickets priced at $10.

ATTENTION SENIORS - Don't miss the opportunity to apply for senior scholarships through the Advisory Board! Applications are open until April 15, and scholarships are awarded directly to your school, helping to offset tuition costs. Recipients will be celebrated during the school's senior awards ceremony in May. Click here to complete your application today.

Questions? Email Tonya Perkins at tperkins@artsmagnet.org or visit the library on Thursdays during lunch for assistance.

DALLAS ISD NEWS

Parents are encouranged to provide feedback on the 2024-25 Dallas ISD Parent Climate Survey. The purpose of this survey is to gather your feedback about your experience with your child(ren)’s school and your preferences regarding family engagement opportunities. Your input is valuable and will help improve your school. Please take a few moments to complete the survey by Friday, April 4, 2025. The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete, and all responses will remain confidential. 

UP NEXT

The calendar is subject to change. Please check the school website to confirm.

Codes: (AS) All School, (A) Academic Conservatory, (D) Dance Conservatory, (M) Music Conservatory, (PS) Prospective Students, (RS) Rising Students, (T) Theatre Conservatory, (UP) Upperclassman, (UN) Underclassman, (VA) Visual Arts Conservatory, (S) Seniors, (F) Faculty

Got news? If you would like to request a school wide announcement to share on the PTSA newsletter fill out this form.

Download the membership toolkit app for easy access to the PTSA and Guilds.

Click: PTSA | DANCEMUSIC | THEATREVISUAL ARTS

SPONSORS

The contribution of the PTSA's Sustaining Sponsors help cultivate the future of the performing and visual arts and enables the PTSA to provide school-wide productions, programs, resources and event support. Thank you to our 2024-25 sponsors.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -