Originally delivered on 8/4/2025 8:02 am

SUBJECT: PTSA News |August 4, 2025

BTWHSPVA PTSA
August 4, 2025

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

MESSAGE FROM 2025-26 PTSA PRESIDENT LEAH MORA
Hello Booker T. Community!

Pegasi are getting ready to fly!

We had a great turn out for Pegasus Pick Up where we welcomed the return of so many students and met our new class at Flight School. We had great volunteer support and introduced our new PTSA merchandise.  This final week before the start of classes will be busy with the second week of the All-School Musical Intensive.  Additionally, the Senior Class Committee will be gearing up for what is sure to be an exciting Senior Welcome Week.  

On a celebratory note, we have seen a very enthusiastic response to the announcement of next year's 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Arts Magnet.  In the weeks and months to come we will have a special section in the newsletter to share the plans as they become available. Please be sure to spread the word.   

I am also excited to announce that this month we will have a new feature to our newsletter: Volunteer of the Month! 

Days until:

  • Sustaining Sponsorship Deadline: 6
  • First Day of School: 8
  • 1st PTSA Meeting: 29
  • Purchase of Guys and Dolls Playbill Ads: 30
  • ASM Opening Night: 37

With gratitude, 

Leah 

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 newsletter section titles, graphics, and words in blue font for more helpful information.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Various opportunities are coming up soon to support BTW by volunteering your time and/or talents - starting with the Faculty Back to School Lunch on Tuesday, August 5th!

  • Faculty Back to School Lunch | Aug. 5 | TOMORROW!! (Click link to volunteer!)
  • Senior Welcome Week | Aug. 12-15 (Click link to Volunteer!)
  • Hispanic Heritage Festival
  • All School Musical | Guys and Dolls
  • *Feed the Kids
  • *Concessions
  • *Cast Party
  • *Front of House
  • *VIP Party
  • Many committees....

Become a volunteer today!

If you have not done so, please be sure to complete your yearly required VOLY form to be an authorized DISD volunteer.  

A SMALL APPLIANCE, A BIG DIFFERENCE

The PTSA supplies the microwaves in the Commons that students access at all times to heat their meals. The current FIVE microwaves are broken and need to be replaced. We are seeking community contacts or businesses that could provide a discount or a donation in kind.  

Please reach out to BTWHSPVA PTSA 1st VP, Beverly Cox for more information or to donate.

THANK YOU!

BACK-TO-SCHOOL CHECKLIST

Have you completed all necessary steps to ensure you're up-to-date and connected for the year? Start with the 2025-26 Back-to-School Checklist!

PTSA SUMMER SCHOLARSHIPS
ATTENTION 2025 SUMMER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS:

It's time for testimonials! We want to hear all about your experience this past summer!

As part of the requirements of a PTSA Summer Scholarship Award, each 2025 recipient needs to provide a testimonial of their experience from this past summer.

  • Recipients should write a short essay or submit a short video, and are encouraged to provide photos of their work, if applicable. 
  • Click here to provide your testimonial of your program experience. 

See these previous testimonials for inspiration!

All recipients must submit an exit survey & testimonial by August 31, 2025. This will affect eligibility for future scholarships.

PLEASE NOTE: A new eligibility requirement for 2025 - 2026 is a minimum of 20 PTSA Volunteer hours.  

MEMBERSHIP + CLASS DUES

RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP | BECOME A MEMBER TODAY! The new PTSA membership year began July 1st! Join or renew your membership today. Together, we can make every child’s potential a reality—but we need more believers like YOU. Click here to see the benefits of becoming a member.


Adult Membership $15

Faculty Membership $10

Student Membership + Class Dues

*Alumni Membership $5

*Community Membership $5

*As we prepare for the monumental 50th year anniversary of the ARTS MAGNET celebration next year, we are seeking to grow our Alumni & Community Membership!  Spread the word and show your class spirit!


CLASS DUES - Every year, the PTSA collaborates with the student class councils to create memorable experiences. Class dues are collected each year: $35 for 9th to 11th grades and $90 for 12th grade. These funds are vital to support the senior year traditions, including a class t-shirt, daily activities for welcome week, prom, a senior party, a senior-faculty volleyball game, national signing day, a special senior breakfast, Baccalaureate ceremony, and many delightful surprises. Your contributions directly support these cherished events, ensuring your student has the chance to enjoy the senior traditions. Click on your grade below to pay your class dues. Remember, when you pay class dues, the $5 PTSA membership for students is included, so please do not pay for a PTSA membership for your student in addition to paying class dues!


Seniors - Class of 2026 - $90

Juniors - Class of 2027 - $35

Sophomores - Class of 2028 - $35

Freshmen - Class of 2029 - $35


For questions regarding membership or class dues, email BTWHSPVA PTSA Membership VP, Chevondolyn Williams: btwhspvaptsa.membership@gmail.com 

 

GUILDS & CONSERVATORIES
Join your Guild TODAY!

The guilds support the conservatories of BTWHSPVA. All parents are encouraged to join their student's conservatory guild to receive the latest news and information from the conservatory. Select your guild below for more information: 



It's important to note that guild membership and PTSA membership are separate entities. The PTSA is a school-wide organization consisting of parents, students, faculty, and community members. The PTSA supports the school in keeping the school community informed and works towards the Texas PTA's mission to enable every child's potential by involving and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.

CLASS OF 2026
SENIOR WELCOME WEEK!

Seniors! Booker T. Senior traditions begin on the first day back to school! The Class of 2025 Committee has tons of fun activities in store to welcome our seniors back to school! Check the Senior Calendar on the Class of 2026 page for details!

Parents!Sign up to volunteer for Senior Welcome Week!

Class of 2026 T-Shirts! All senior students will receive a free Class of 2026 t-shirt this week at school. (If you completed your form by the deadline of June 16th, then you should be receiving the selected size. Students who did not submit a t-shirt size will not be guaranteed a t-shirt that fits them.)

Missed scheduling a senior portrait session? There will be a make up session scheduled at a later date for seniors who were unable to schedule a session this week. Information coming soon!

Stay Connected! Make sure you're on top of things by staying connected with the PTSA Class of 2026 committee! Review the checklist below:

Senior Class Chair: Kathy Ruff | Dance | btwhspva2026@gmail.com 

Want to join the Class of 2026 Committee? Click here to fill out an interest form.

CLASSES: 2027 | 2028 | 2029

Stay Connected! 

Make sure you're on top of things by staying connected with your PTSA Class Committee!


2027 Class Chair: Adam Mora | Theater | btwhspva2027@gmail.com 

2028 Class Chair: Gogo Lubaiya | Dance | btwhspva2028@gmail.com 

2029 Class Chair: Andrew Snow | Visual Arts | btwhspva2029@gmail.com 


Bookmark your PTSA Class Page to stay updated through the membership toolkit:


Want to join a Class Committee? This is the perfect place to start making a difference!

Click here to fill out an interest form.

50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARTS MAGNET
SPREAD THE WORD!

The 2026-2027 school year will mark the 50th Anniversary of the ARTS MAGNET. We are already preparing for a fantastic celebration of the school's history, the contributions of our scholar artists and the significance of our place in the Dallas Arts District.  

Part of the preparation is developing a robust Alumni Directory and Repository to highlight the rich tapestry of talent and engender a spirit of collaboration and networking for everyone.  

Please share this announcement on your socials and help us to call every Pegasus home for the celebration!

Please join the PTSA TODAY for only $5 to have access to information as it becomes available! 

BTW FAMILY & FRIENDS

We have always been grateful for the unwavering support the community has given Booker T. Washington HSPVA.  We want to extend an invitation to participate in the major milestone celebration next year.  

Please join the PTSA TODAY for only $5 to have access to information as it becomes available!

ALL SCHOOL MUSICAL

SUMMER INTENSIVE: We are happy to announce a successful first week of intensive that focused on MUSIC and DANCE under the direction of Geno Young and Hanna Arguelles.  This week, Director Cara Serber will lead the production towards its ultimate vision.  The intensive will run August 4-8 from 10 am - 3 pm. Students are reminded to bring their lunch and beverages each day.


THANK YOU!

Big shout out to Andrea Diggs for donating snacks to the hardworking cast of Guys and Dolls!


PLEASE NOTE: 

  • All-School Musical parent & student agreements have been distributed to students. This agreement must be signed and returned by August 8, 2025. There are still 55 agreements needing to be submitted.
  • PTSA related communication for the All-School Musical via email: btwhspvaasm@gmail.com  *Add it to your contacts so you won't miss a thing!

ASM BAND MEMBER INTEREST FORM: If your student is interested in being a band member for the All School Musical, please have them complete an interest form TODAY(Current 10th - 12th grade students only.)

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES - The generous contributions from our Booker T. families, alums, community leaders, and business owners support unique school wide opportunities such as the All-School Musical and student-led productions. Please support our scholar artists by becoming a sponsor today. Check out the new sponsorship level starting at $500! Thank you in advance for your support!

Please note:

  • The sponsorship levels coincide with the membership year (July 1- June 30). 
  • The deadline to secure a sponsorship as a Headliner, Director, Producer, or Manager is August 10
  • Logos/names must be submitted by August 11 to be featured on the production t-shirt worn by the cast, band, and crew.

PLAYBILL ADS - Celebrate your artist (cast, musician, or crew member). Playbill ads are a recognition your scholar artist's talent and will memorialize their achievements during the All-School Musical.

Placing an ad: Complete the Playbill Ad purchase form. All instructions are listed on the form.

Once you've purchased your ad, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to upload a completed ad or the assets for us to create one for you. You will then receive a proof for approval before final submission to the Playbill. 

DEADLINE: Wednesday | September 3 | Your completed image or assets must be received by the deadline to be included in the printed Playbill. 

Ad size and Prices:

Type
Size
Price
Shout Out4 lines of text$5
Quarter Page
2.5" x 4"
$25
Half Page
5" x 4"
$75
Full Page
5" x 8"
$150
SUSTAINING 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 2025-26 sponsors.


Additional Benefits to becoming a sustaining sponsor:

Sponsorships are TAX DEDUCTIBLE!

Get points on your credit card!

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A SUSTAINING SPONSOR TODAY!
PTSA SUPPORT

A special thank you is extended for all of the Parent Advocates, Student Advocates, and additional donations made to the PTSA to support our mission and student scholars! 

REFLECTIONS

Students are invited to unleash their creativity and share their perspectives by submitting an original work of art inspired by the 2025-26 Reflections theme "I Belong." You can express yourself in various categories, including Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts. Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your talent; submissions will be accepted in the fall. Start preparing your masterpiece this summer by reading the FAQs and guidelines to ensure your artistic vision shines!

CAMPUS NEWS + RESOURCES

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

Need help? Visit the PTSA BTW Resources page on our website!

UP NEXT

2025-2026 Approved D.I.S.D. Calendar

  • August 4-8 (AS) All School Musical Guys and Dolls Summer Intensive, 10 am - 3 pm
  • August 10 (AS) Deadline to sponsor the All-School Productions
  • August 12 (AS) First day of school
  • September 1 (AS) Labor Day, No School 
  • September 3 (AS) Final Deadline for Guys and Dolls Playbill Ad Purchase
  • September 10-14 (AS) All School Musical Guys and Dolls Show
  • October: Hispanic Heritage Festival
  • February: African American Festival 

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

Codes: (AS) All School, (A) Academic Conservatory, (D) Dance Conservatory, (J) Juniors, (M) Music Conservatory, (PS) Prospective Students, (RS) Rising Students, (T) Theatre Conservatory, (UPUpperclassman, (UN) Underclassman, (VA) Visual Arts Conservatory, (S) Seniors, (SO) Sophomores, (F) Faculty, (FR) Freshmen

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Please support the future of our student artists by: 

  • Volunteering four hours of service per family each school year. Make your Pegasus Promise today!
  • Sponsoring school-wide productions to nurture the future of performing and visual arts students. Check out our new sustaining sponsorship levels and benefits to make your contribution today!
  • Donating to student enrichment programs that align with campus goals and support the PTSA's mission to advocate for all students, faculty and parents. Check out the program donation levels to become a PTSA Advocate today!
  • Joining a committee! Fill out a Committee Interest Form.
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
BTWHSPVA CAMPUS NEWS


Pegasus Central

  • PEGASUS CENTRAL - This is BTWHSPVA's new website-based newsletter that is intended to be a one-stop-shop for all the links that parents need every day. Check it out and bookmark it! 
  • BOOKER BULLETINThis is a one page synopsis with details and links to what is happening "This Week" (each week) on campus.
2025-26 BTWHSPVA PTSA EXECUTIVE BOARD CONTACTS

President

Leah Mora* | Class of 2027 | Theatrebtwhspvaptsa.president@gmail.com 

1st VP

Beverly Cox | Class of 2027 | Music | btwhspvaptsa.firstvp@gmail.com 

2nd VP/Fundraising

Maggie Lopez* | Class of 2027 | Dance | btwhspva.fundraising@gmail.com 

3rd VP/Communications

Jennifer Wheeler Hall | Class of 2027 | Music | btwhspvaptsa@gmail.com 

4th VP/Membership

Chevondolyn Williams | Class of 2027 | Music | btwhspvaptsa.membership@gmail.com 

5th VP/Community & Programs

Andrea Diggs | Class of 2027 | Theatre | btwhspvaptsa.community@gmail.com 

Secretary

Kelly Slaven | Class of 2027 | Visual Arts | btwhspvaptsa.secretary@gmail.com 

Treasurer

Clara Mendez* | Class of 2028 | Dance | btwhspvaptsa.treasurer@gmail.com 

Parliamentarian

Christina Hurd | Class of 2027 | Dance | btwhspva.parliamentarian@gmail.com  

*Bilingual (Spanish)

NEW TO BTWHSPVA?

Are you a new parent to BTW...feeling overwhelmed? The PTSA Guide to everything Booker T will help! Still have questions? Feel free to reach out to any one of the PTSA executive board members listed above anytime!

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

Click: PTSA | DANCEMUSIC | THEATREVISUAL ARTS

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