| Harvest of Highlights Thank you to everyone who supported the Halloween Faculty Appreciation Breakfast and Costume Contest. It was a fun and festive way to celebrate our incredible faculty and staff. The costumes this year were spectacular and demonstrated the incredible creativity, humor and spirit of the BTW faculty and staff. Everyone enjoyed a delicious grab-and-go breakfast, created individual candy bags, received several gift card door prizes and prize baskets were given for the best costumes. Reflections submissions are open through November 6, 2025. Encourage your student to participate in this year’s theme, “I Belong,” by expressing their creativity through visual art, writing, music, dance, and more. Looking ahead, mark your calendars for November 11—our next Lunch Talk! with the Principal and PTSA General Membership Meeting. Join us for important updates and insights. We’re especially excited to welcome Nurse Wiley as our featured speaker, sharing valuable information on student health and available school resources. We will also be collecting items for the Pegasus Pantry. Donation boxes will be placed inside The Commons during the meeting. You can also donate by visiting the Pegasus Pantry Amazon Wishlist. This month is a special time to focus on giving thanks. I am thankful for you all and for your steadfast engagement with the BTW community. 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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| PEGASUS PANTRY URGENT DONATION REQUEST Due to the ongoing government shutdown, many families in our school community are facing unexpected financial strain and food insecurity. Programs that typically provide vital support are paused, and the need for immediate assistance has grown significantly. This effort is a collaboration between Pegasus Pantry, Class Council 2027, and the PTSA, with students helping to monitor donations and spread the word throughout the Booker T. community, but we can’t do it without you. We’re urgently seeking donations of: FOOD - Hamburger/Tuna Helper
- Chef Boyardee Products
- Hormel Compleats Microwave Meals
- Instant Potatoes
- Rice
- Beans
- Dry Cereal/Oatmeal
- Mac and Cheese
- Canned Soup and Vegetables (other than green beans)
- Granola/Fruit Bars
- Fruit
CLOTHING | TOILETRIES - Underwear
- Sweatpants
- Leggings
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Body Wash
- Soap
- Laundry Detergent
- Can Opener
Every donation helps ensure that no student or family goes without basic necessities during this difficult time. Drop-off Hours | Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM Location |Drop boxes will be located near the front desk at the main entrance, as well as with Nurse Wiley outside of the Clinic for students to bring and drop-off. ***SPECIAL DROP-OFF*** Bring any of the above listed items to the PTSA meeting on November 11th at 6 PM. Donation boxes will be inside The Commons. Thank you for showing up with compassion and generosity. Together, we can keep our community nourished and supported—especially when it matters most. Donations can also be made through the Pegasus Pantry Amazon Wishlist! |
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| Christina Hurd brings a wealth of experience, heart, and dedication to her role as PTSA Parliamentarian at Booker T. Washington HSPVA. Now in her second year on the board, Christina plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity and structure of PTSA operations—ensuring meetings run smoothly, bylaws are upheld, and the organization remains focused, inclusive, and effective. Born and raised in Dallas and currently residing in DeSoto, Christina is a proud Duncanville High School alum (Class of 1999) and a lifelong advocate for youth and education. |
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Her commitment to service is deeply rooted in her belief that showing up matters—especially when it comes to her children. With three kids in three different schools across three districts, she still finds time to be present, engaged, and impactful. Christina’s leadership spans local and international communities. She has served on PTSA and PTF boards at multiple schools, including during her family’s 3.5-year residence in France. Her past roles include Vice President and Secretary at Kingdom Collegiate Academy (affiliated with Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship), founding VP of the PTSA board at Rayburn STEAM Academy, and founder of a mentoring nonprofit for girls that ran from 2000 to 2007. She continues to serve in youth ministries at her church and as a Community Ambassador for Cigna’s RISE Employee Resource Group in Dallas. Professionally, Christina is a Health and Wellness Consultant for Cigna Healthcare, advising companies nationwide on strategies to support employee well-being and engagement. Her work reflects the same values she brings to PTSA—thoughtful leadership, community care, and a commitment to helping others thrive. At BTWHSPVA, Christina is known for her warmth, reliability, and tireless support of students and families. She’s a steady presence at events, a thoughtful voice in meetings, and a passionate advocate for the school’s mission. Her favorite tradition is College Showcase Week, where she sees firsthand the dedication and talent of Booker T. students as they perform for college representatives. She describes it as “stressful, yet magical”—a week that captures the heart of the school’s artistic excellence. Christina’s daughter, Scottlyn—affectionately known as Scottie—is a junior in the Dance Conservatory. Watching Scottie grow as a dancer has been one of Christina’s greatest joys, and she’s already feeling the emotions of senior year approaching. Outside of her many roles, Christina enjoys reading, exploring new restaurants, traveling with her husband, and indulging in her favorite pastime—Tuesday shopping. Though many don’t know it, she’s also a talented singer, following in the footsteps of her father, who recorded several albums. While she’s shy about sharing her own musical gifts, she finds deep fulfillment in witnessing the artistic expression of students at Booker T., whose courage and creativity continue to inspire her. As Parliamentarian, Christina ensures that the PTSA remains grounded, organized, and forward-moving—making her an essential part of the leadership team and a true champion of the Booker T. community. |
Christina Hurd brings clarity, grace, and a steady hand to her role as PTSA Parliamentarian—ensuring that our processes run smoothly while our community stays united and heard. Her thoughtful approach goes far beyond bylaws and procedures; it’s about cultivating respect, encouraging collaboration, and reinforcing the values that make Booker T. so special. Whether she’s guiding a meeting with calm precision, offering support behind the scenes, or simply showing up with kindness and insight, Christina leads with quiet strength and unwavering dedication. Her deep appreciation for the arts and commitment to service shine through in everything she does—reminding us that structure and creativity can beautifully coexist. Christina’s contributions are the kind that often go unseen but never go unfelt. Her integrity keeps us grounded, her presence keeps us focused, and her heart keeps us connected. We’re incredibly fortunate to have her in our corner—and even more fortunate to call her a friend. |
To become a donor or for general questions, donate by clicking the link below or contact us at btwhspvaptsa@gmail.com. |
| November Lunch Talk! Join us for a special lunchtime gathering with Principal Williams on Tuesday, November 11, as he shares important updates, thoughtful insights, and his vision for the future of Booker T. Washington HSPVA. This is a unique opportunity to connect in person, ask questions, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the school’s direction, student success, and the thriving arts community that makes Booker T. so exceptional. Event Details - Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
- Time: 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
- Location: BTW Library
All parents, guardians, faculty, and community members are warmly invited. Whether you're new to the Booker T. family or a longtime supporter, we welcome your voice in this open and inspiring conversation. Light bites and refreshments will be served. Kindly RSVP by Wednesday, November 5 to help us prepare. |
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Big News from Visual Arts! |
We’re thrilled to announce the winners in the 3D Art category at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo—and what a showing it was! 1st Place |Lucas Sanchez — Winner of $5,000, plus 100% of the proceeds from his artwork at auction! 7th Place |Soleil Lucianna — Winner of $500 and well-deserved recognition for her incredible talent! Come see their award-winning pieces and more at the Fort Worth Stock Show Art Exhibition, running January 16 – February 7 at the Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall Concourse. Let’s celebrate these rising stars and the power of creativity in full 3D! |
Music Fall Piano Recital | This Week! |
Join us for an unforgettable evening of music at the Fall Piano Recital, happening November 5th & 6th at 6:30 PM in the Black Box Theater. Tickets are still available—but they’re going fast! Skip the wait and reserve your seats today to experience the incredible talent of our performers up close. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this special showcase! |
Students are encouraged to explore their creativity and share their unique voices by submitting original works inspired by the 2025–2026 Reflections theme, "I Belong." This is a powerful opportunity to express yourself through one of several artistic categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, or Visual Arts. Whether you're telling a story, composing a melody, or capturing a moment, now is the time to begin crafting your submission. Be sure to review the Eligibility Rules, Guidelines, and FAQs to help your work shine and meet all requirements. All entries are due THIS THURSDAY, November 6, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this inspiring showcase of student creativity: Entry Submission Form |
| 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 THIS WEDNESDAY, November 5, 2025 |
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| PTSA General Meeting | November 11 November is National PTA Healthy Lifestyles Month, and we’re thrilled to welcome Nurse Wiley as our guest speaker at the upcoming PTSA General Membership Meeting: November 11, 2025 | 6 PM in The Commons Nurse Wiley will share valuable insights into the wellness resources available at our school, including the Pegasus Pantry, and highlight other important initiatives that support the health and well-being of our students and families. Join us for an evening of connection, information, and inspiration as we celebrate the importance of healthy lifestyles in our school community! Don't forget to bring items for the Pegasus Pantry! |
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| OCTOBER PTSA VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH We’re proud to recognize Maggie Lopez as our October Volunteer of the Month! As BTWHSPVA’s 2nd VP of Fundraising, Maggie consistently brings dedication, creativity, and heart to everything she does—but this past month, she went above and beyond. In addition to leading her fundraising efforts with excellence, Maggie enlisted the generous support of her family to contribute to the Class of 2027 Sounds & Voices event, helping make it a truly memorable celebration. She played a key role in securing food trucks and vendors, cultivating valuable partnerships, and coordinating hospitality needs across multiple events. Whether behind the scenes or front and center, Maggie showed up with enthusiasm and a can-do spirit at every turn. Her tireless commitment and collaborative energy are a gift to our community. Thank you, Maggie, for your leadership, generosity, and unwavering support of BTWHSPVA! |
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FALCUTY & STAFF PTSA HALLOWEEN BREAKFAST AND COSTUME CONTEST |
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s Halloween Faculty Appreciation Breakfast and Costume Contest—it was a frightfully fun morning filled with festive spirit, delicious treats, and plenty of creativity! We’re thrilled to announce our Costume Contest Winners: - Best Costume: Mr. McGhee
- Most Creative: Ms. Cagle
- Scariest Costume: Mr. Juarez
And congratulations to our Raffle Winners, each receiving a gift card: - Ms. Vonda K
- Ms. Ivenskaya
- Ms. April (Cafeteria)
- Mr. Gavitt
- Ms. Barnett
- Ms. Wu
- Mr. Ruangtip
- Ms. Benedetto
Thank you for making this event such a success. Your energy and enthusiasm made it a celebration to remember! |
PTSA THANKSGIVING PIE DRIVE |
| Help Us Thank Our Custodial & Cafeteria Staff with Thanksgiving Pies! The PTSA was recently approached by two very thoughtful Booker T. students, Sophomores Ella Phillips and Kody Voinea Griffin, who saw a meaningful opportunity to give back—and we couldn’t agree more. As we head into the season of gratitude, we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible custodial and cafeteria staff at Booker T. Washington HSPVA—the behind-the-scenes heroes who keep our school running smoothly every single day. This Thanksgiving, we’re organizing a Pie Drive to show our appreciation by gifting each member of these hardworking teams a delicious baked pie to take home and enjoy with their families. We’re asking parents and families to sign up to bring pies—homemade or store-bought, all are welcome! Our goal is to collect enough to ensure every staff member receives a sweet token of our thanks. Pie Distribution Day | Thursday, November 21st (Please drop off pies in individual boxes the week before Thanksgiving, no later than 9 AM on Thursday, November 21st.) Sign up to donate a pie! Let’s come together to celebrate the people who care for our students and our school with such dedication. Thank you for helping us make this gesture of gratitude truly special! |
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BTW FASHION CLUB KRISPY KREME FUNDRAISER |
BOOKER T. FASHION CLUB FUNDRAISER | ENDS ON FRIDAY! The BTW Fashion Club is a vibrant community of aspiring designers, sewers, photographers, and models, all united by a passion for creativity and self-expression. We're raising funds to fuel our upcoming adventures—including a field trip to the University of North Texas to explore their fashion program, plus our signature events: Culture Week and the Runway 817 Fashion Show. Here’s how you can help (and treat yourself in the process!): Order | Place your order online now through this Friday, Nov. 7th. Support | For every Original Glazed Dozen you purchase, 50% goes directly back to our club. Enjoy | Pick up your dozens at your local Krispy Kreme and savor the sweetness of supporting young creatives! $15 per dozen — every bite helps us stitch together something extraordinary. Opportunity ends Nov. 7th, so get those orders in ASAP! Thank you for backing the future of fashion at Booker T! |
| Spread Holiday Joy with the Booker T. Angels Program Each December, the Booker T. Washington High School community comes together to lift up others through the Booker T. Angels Program—a cherished tradition led by our Student Council, PTSA, and Conservatory Guilds. This special initiative supports five local families in need, inviting them to share in the joy, warmth, and celebration of the holiday season through a festive gathering filled with love and community spirit. Here’s how you can help make a difference: Donate Gifts | Our Amazon Wishlist (coming soon!) will include clothing, toys, and household essentials. Give Gift Cards| Help provide flexibility for families to purchase what they need most. (Physical gift cards only and please make sure there are no fees attached. Gift cards can be dropped off at the school in an envelope, attention Angel Program, or coordinated through the PTSA. Thank you!) Volunteer| Join us to host the Booker T. Angels Family Holiday Party, a heartwarming event that brings our community together in celebration. (Date & Volunteer Signup coming soon!)
If you’d like to get involved or have questions, please reach out to Aaron Moore, Angel Tree Chair or Andrea Diggs, VP of Community + Programs. Let’s make this season shine a little brighter for families who could use a helping hand. Thank you for continuing the Booker T. tradition of generosity, compassion, and care. |
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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 | Each year, PTSA partners with student class councils to bring unforgettable senior experiences to life. Your support helps fund these meaningful traditions, giving every student the opportunity to celebrate their final year in style. Select your grade below to pay class dues—there’s still time to be part of it all! |
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*Includes student membership! Do NOT purchase a student membership in addition to class dues. |
SPREAD THE WORD! The 2026–27 school year marks a truly historic moment: the 50th Anniversary of the Arts Magnet at Booker T. Plans are underway for a milestone celebration that will honor our rich legacy, the extraordinary achievements of our scholar-artists, and our beloved home in the heart of the Dallas Arts District. As part of this tribute, we’re building a dynamic Alumni Directory and Talent Repository to highlight the incredible artistry that has flourished within our walls and to reconnect generations of Pegasi. Let’s make this celebration unforgettable. 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. Spread the word, share the excitement, and help us bring every Pegasus home. |
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The unwavering generosity of our PTSA Sustaining Sponsors is instrumental in advancing the performing and visual arts at BTWHSPVA. Their support empowers the PTSA to bring school-wide productions to life, enhance student experiences, supply critical resources, and ensure impactful events throughout the year. We are deeply grateful to our 2025–2026 sponsors for believing in our scholar artists and fueling the growth of our vibrant creative community. Your investment helps dreams take shape and artistry flourish. |
2025-2026 Approved D.I.S.D. Calendar - November 4 (AS) Professional Development | No School
- November 6 (AS) Reflections Entries Due
- November 11 (AS) Lunch Talk! with the Principal
- November 11 (AS) PTSA Meeting
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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