September 22, 2025 | Edited |
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We apologize for the oversight in our original PTSA Newsletter, which unfortunately omitted key portions of the President’s message containing important updates. To ensure everyone receives the full information, we’re resending this week’s PTSA eNews. Thank you for your understanding—and for staying engaged with our community! |
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| Your Generosity Strengthens Our Mission North Texas Giving Day was a tremendous success—we exceeded our fundraising goal thanks to the incredible support of our BTW community! Every dollar raised will go directly toward summer scholarships for our talented scholar-artists, helping them pursue enriching academic, performing, and visual arts opportunities. We’re proud to champion students who dedicate themselves to cultivating their craft year-round. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated, shared, and helped amplify this meaningful initiative. Your generosity is shaping futures and fueling creativity! Coming October 17th is an evening full of creativity, culture, and community! Formerly known as the Hispanic Heritage Festival, this beloved event has been transformed into a vibrant, one-night experience: Sounds and Voices—The Celebration of a People Festival. Featuring original works from every conservatory, the evening will honor the diverse voices and artistic excellence that define our BTW family. In The Commons, the Class of 2027 will be hosting a silent auction and pumpkin decorating contest, with sweet treats, an elote stand, refreshing aguas frescas, and more festive fun! All proceeds go toward supporting the Class of 2027—so come celebrate, indulge, and make a difference! Save the date and be part of this exciting new tradition. From the sounds to the flavors, it’s a celebration you won’t want to miss! Days until: - Chicken Guy Spirit Night: 8
- PTSA Meeting: 15
- Sounds and Voices Celebration: 25
With gratitude, Leah |
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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 of the articles. Resources | Click on newsletter section titles, graphics, and words in blue font for more helpful information. |
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Andrea’s roots may be in Kentucky, but her heart beats in McKinney—and even more so at Booker T. Washington HSPVA. Now in her third year of volunteering and first year serving on the PTSA board, Andrea brings a deep passion for education, the arts, and community to everything she does. Her decision to join the board was driven by a desire to uplift the extraordinary programs that make Booker T. such a special place. Her commitment to young people is woven into every part of her life. By day, Andrea wears many hats: Dean at Uplift Education, Director of Music at two churches, and Executive Director of Kidsview Inc., a nonprofit devoted to youth empowerment. And when the day winds down, she becomes the ever-reliable chauffeur for the Diggs children—gratefully accepting hugs as her fare. |
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Andrea’s love for the arts runs deep. As a classical pianist and vocalist, she treasures the school’s dedication to artistic excellence. Her favorite Booker T. events—the flash mob dances and Gospel Ensemble Concert—are a reflection of the vibrant energy and talent she sees in the students. Her daughter, Cadence Diggs, is a proud member of the Theatre Conservatory, Class of 2027, and Andrea couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of a community that nurtures her daughter’s creativity and growth. |
Andrea’s commitment to the PTSA reflects her deep belief in the power of local education and its role in shaping the future of BTWHSPVA. Through her involvement, she supports the PTSA’s mission to unlock every child’s potential by enriching learning and fostering a thriving school community. We’re incredibly fortunate to have Andrea serving on our PTSA Board this year. Her leadership has played a key role in growing our programs and opening doors for the next generation of Booker T. artists and scholars. Thank you, Andrea, for your passion, vision, and dedication! Feel free to reach out to Andrea for any Community & Programs information or to get involved! |
To become a donor or for general questions, donate by clicking the link below or contact us at btwhspvaptsa@gmail.com. |
| The PTSA extends its deepest gratitude to Olga Muras and Rolando & Angela Medrano for their generous contributions directly supporting the Class of 2027. We also thank Sheilah Walker for her thoughtful undesignated donation, which helps us meet a wide range of student needs. Special appreciation goes to Jamie Cole, Sarah Lowry, and Julia Wang for their support of our programs; to Jennifer Cross for her dedication as Parent Advocate; and to Karen Jones for her invaluable role as Parent and Family Advocate. Their generosity and commitment help us fulfill our mission: to empower every child to reach their full potential by enriching education and building a strong, inclusive community. We are truly grateful for their support of our scholar artists and the bright future of Booker T. Washington HSPVA. |
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The All-School Musical Guys and Dolls was a phenomenal success, and the BTWHSPVA PTSA extends a heartfelt thank-you to all the incredible volunteers who showed up, showed out, and helped make the production truly shine. Your dedication and energy were felt in every performance! We’re thrilled to share that over 285 volunteer hours were logged during the run of the show—an outstanding achievement that speaks volumes about the strength of our community. We couldn’t be more proud or more grateful. And guess what? Another opportunity to get involved is just around the corner! Our next All-School event, the Sounds and Voices Festival, is happening next month. Stay tuned for details and get ready to rack up those volunteer hours once again! As a reminder, a new eligibility requirement for 2025-26 is a minimum of 20 PTSA Volunteer hours to qualify for a the PTSA Summer Scholarship Program. |
| SUCCESS! A HUGE thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s North Texas Giving Day benefit! Because of your incredible generosity and unwavering support, BTWHSPVA PTSA raised over $11,000—a phenomenal achievement that speaks volumes about the strength and spirit of our BTW community. Every donation, share, and shout-out helped us reach this milestone, and the impact will be felt across our campus in meaningful ways—from enriching student programs to supporting the creative and academic excellence that defines Booker T. Your contributions help us continue to nurture the next generation of artists, scholars, and changemakers. We are beyond grateful for your belief in our mission and your commitment to making a difference. THANK YOU for showing up, lifting us up, and helping us soar! Pictured, L - R: Maggie Lopez, BTW PTSA 2nd VP of Fundraising, Leah Mora, BTW PTSA President, and Beverly Cox, BTW PTSA First VP. |
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SUMMER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Thanks to your incredible generosity during the North Texas Giving Day benefit year after year, our Summer Scholarship Program continues to thrive—opening doors for our scholar-artists to grow, learn, and create beyond the classroom. This past summer, because of the support we received through this benefit, 63 students were able to attend academic, performing, and visual arts enrichment programs across the country. Your contributions make these transformative experiences possible, and we’re deeply grateful for the impact you’ve made in shaping their artistic journeys. |
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Thank you for believing in our students and investing in their future! Read some of the testimonials from our most recent recipients! |
CONTINUE THE SUPPORT Although this year’s North Texas Giving Day benefit has come to a close, our work is far from over—and we still need your support! The PTSA plays a vital role in uplifting students, teachers, parents, and the entire school community through a wide range of initiatives. Your contribution helps shape the future of the performing and visual arts by funding school-wide productions, enriching programs, essential resources, and unforgettable events that define the Booker T. experience. Every donation—no matter the size—makes a meaningful impact and is deeply appreciated year-round. Together, we can continue to inspire creativity, nurture talent, and build a thriving artistic legacy. Thank you for being part of this journey! |
RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP | BECOME A MEMBER 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. |
*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 senior year experiences. 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. |
*Includes student membership! Do NOT purchase a student membership in addition to class dues. |
| SENIORS 2026 ANNUAL DUES 30/30/30 CAMPAIGN NEW! | We are excited to announce a new Annual Dues Campaign for those who have not yet paid class dues for the Class of 2026! This campaign allows parents to split the cost of senior year annual class dues into 3 automatic monthly payments: $30 each month, October - December 2025. SAVE THE DATE! | The link to participate will be active beginning Monday, September 29th. Be sure to check next week's PTSA newsletter for the link and more info! QUESTIONS? | Contact Senior Class Chair, Kathy Ruff: btwhspva2026@gmail.com |
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| CLASS DONATIONS 🎓 Senior year is packed with unforgettable moments—Prom, the senior picnic, the senior-faculty volleyball game, Welcome Week, surprise events, and so much more! These exciting experiences are made possible through annual senior fees, which are collected as part of each class’s dues. 💙 Sometimes, family members, friends, or community supporters want to pitch in—and we welcome it! The PTSA gratefully accepts donations of any amount toward senior fees from anyone who wants to help make senior year extra special. |
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Get ready for an unforgettable evening! What was once the Hispanic Heritage Festival has been reimagined into a vibrant, one-night celebration: Sounds and Voices—The Celebration of a People. This dynamic event will showcase creative works from every conservatory, highlighting the rich cultural tapestry and artistic brilliance of our BTW community. The Class of 2027 will bring the energy to The Commons with a festive lineup including a silent auction, pumpkin decorating contest, delicious desserts, an elote stand, aguas frescas, and plenty more surprises! Mark your calendar and join us for this exciting new tradition. You won’t want to miss the music, the flavors, and the spirit of celebration that make Booker T. shine! |
We’re currently looking to partner with food trucks that do not require a deposit or minimum purchase commitment. If you know a vendor who fits the bill—or if you have a connection in the food truck community—we’d love to hear from you! Help us bring great flavors and fun to our upcoming event while supporting local businesses. |
| 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; submission will be in November. (Exact date TBA.) Start preparing your masterpiece by reading the Eligibility Rules, Guidelines, & FAQs to ensure your artistic vision shines! All entries are due November 6, 2025. |
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2027-28 REFLECTIONS THEME CONTEST Each year, National PTA hosts an annual Reflections Theme Search Contest to select one student theme to inspire student artists in Reflections. A team of National PTA volunteers selects one winning student's theme based on originality and creativity. The winning student is awarded $100 and national recognition! Reflections Theme Search Entry Form | Deadline to submit themes is November 5, 2025 |
The 2026–27 school year marks a monumental milestone: The 50th Anniversary of the Arts Magnet at Booker T. Washington HSPVA! We’re already laying the groundwork for an unforgettable celebration that honors our school’s legacy, the extraordinary contributions of our scholar-artists, and our cherished place in the heart of the Dallas Arts District. As part of this exciting journey, we’re building a comprehensive Alumni Directory and Repository to showcase the incredible talent that has emerged from our halls and to foster meaningful connections across generations of Pegasi. Help us spread the word—share this announcement on your socials and join the movement to bring every Pegasus home for this historic celebration! Alumni & Community Members |Join the PTSA for just $10 to stay in the loop and gain access to exclusive updates as plans unfold. Let’s make this golden anniversary one to remember! Send Photos! | Email any fun alumni photos over the past 50 years to our Alumni Chair, Michelle Carter. Questions or Interest | Contact our Alumni Chair, Michelle Carter or PTSA VP of Community & Programs, Andrea Diggs. |
The generous support of our PTSA Sustaining Sponsors plays a vital role in shaping the future of the performing and visual arts at BTWHSPVA. Their contributions make it possible for us to fund school-wide productions, enrich student programs, provide essential resources, and bring unforgettable events to life. We’re incredibly grateful to our 2025–26 sponsors—and we’re still looking to fill many more sponsorships. If you believe in empowering young artists and supporting a thriving creative community, we invite you to become a Sustaining Sponsor today. Your impact will be felt in every corner of our campus! |
2025-2026 Approved D.I.S.D. Calendar - September 30 (AS) Chicken Guy! Spirit Night
- October 7 (AS) PTSA Meeting
- October 9-13 (AS) Fall Break | No School
- October 17 (AS) Sounds and Voices Festival
- November 4 (AS) Professional Development | No School
- November 11 (AS) Lunch with the Principal
The calendar is subject to change. Please check the school calendar 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, (UP) Upperclassman, (UN) Underclassman, (VA) Visual Arts Conservatory, (S) Seniors, (SO) Sophomores, (F) Faculty, (FR) Freshmen |
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 BULLETIN | This is a one-page synopsis with details and links to what is happening "This Week" (each week) on campus. |
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