| The Home Stretch: Winter Break Awaits Winter break is almost here! Testing will be keeping students and faculty busy this week and the school will be in early release schedule starting Wednesday. The cherished Booker T. Angels Program is kicking off today. All of the items on the wishlist were secured and wrapped beautifully by parent volunteers and STUCO students. Hot cocoa kits, stuffed animals, holiday decor and more are gathered and ready for delivery. Thank you to everyone who made donations, wrapped gifts, will help with load in/setup/teardown at this special event. The Holiday Teacher Appreciation Luncheon was a hit. This luncheon was extra festive because of your donations of gift baskets and gift cards for the faculty as a token of appreciation for all that they do to support BTW scholar artists. Thank you for your generosity. Congratulations to all of the winners and students recognized in this year's Reflections cycle with the theme of "I Belong". Kudos to the students who submitted their unique and creative pieces now advancing to Regionals. Happy Holidays to everyone and I hope that you enjoy a festive and restorative break! 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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| BOOKER T. ANGELS PROGRAM | HOLIDAY PARTY TONIGHT! The season of giving is in full swing and Booker T. Washington HSPVA is proud to continue one of our most cherished traditions, the Booker T. Angels Program. Led by our Student Council and supported by the PTSA and Conservatory Guilds, this initiative brings joy and connection to five families from H.I. Holland Elementary. With personalized wish lists that often include essentials like uniforms, toys, and holiday decorations, our school community comes together to provide gifts filled with care and generosity. The program concludes with a festive celebration at H.I. Holland, where families receive their gifts in a joyful, heartwarming setting that reflects the true spirit of the season. How You Can Help For questions or to get involved, please reach out to Aaron Moore, BTW Angels Chair, or Andrea Diggs, VP of Community + Programs. Let’s share the spirit of the season by bringing joy to families in need. Every gift of time, kindness, or support makes a difference and shows the power of community. Thank you for helping keep this tradition alive. Together, we’re lighting the season with compassion and connection. |
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Thank You for Wrapping Up the Season with Us! The BTWHSPVA PTSA extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us in wrapping gifts for the Booker T. Angels Program. Because of your time, energy, and holiday spirit, we were able to prepare beautiful presents that will bring joy to families at H.I. Holland Elementary this season. From ribbons and bows to laughter and teamwork, the wrapping party was more than just preparing gifts — it was a celebration of community, compassion, and the magic of giving. Your support helps keep this cherished tradition alive and ensures that every package carries not only a gift, but also love and care from our school family. Together, we’ve made the holidays brighter. Thank you for being part of the Angels Program and for showing what it means to wrap the season in kindness! |
The YoungArts National Competition is a highly prestigious arts competition for high school artists across the United States. Each year, thousands of students apply in disciplines such as music, theater, writing, dance, visual arts, and film. Within the competition, YoungArts names two main levels of awardees:
Winners with Distinction: These are the top-scoring applicants in the entire nation. They represent the highest level of achievement in their category and are invited to National YoungArts Week, where they receive intensive training, perform or present their work, and are considered for U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts nominations.
Winners: These students are recognized at a national level for their exceptional artistic skill and potential, and receive lifelong benefits such as master classes, mentorship, and opportunities to participate in regional programs.
Both distinctions are significant honors, but Winners with Distinction represent the most elite tier within the already selective group of YoungArts awardees. |
| Congratulations to the five winners of the 2026 National YoungArts Competition, representing Booker T.! From the Visual Arts Conservatory, Edie Murawski (Class of 2026) was awarded Winner with Distinction in the Visual Arts discipline. From the Music Conservatory, Sydney Thomas (Class of 2025) also earned Winner with Distinction in the Voice/Jazz discipline. They are joined by the following Music Conservatory Winners: Kenneth James (Class of 2026, Voice/Classical), Mason Merritt (Class of 2026, Voice/Music Creation), and Sabrina Daly (Class of 2027, Voice/Music Creation). |
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| Lifechanger of the Year Congratulations, Phil Vilar, for this nomination and recognition for your commitment to our students. Please read below Phil's words about the program and how you can help him and our campus win the competition by sharing the link for parents and students to give encouraging words below about him with the hashtag #LCOY.
"I wanted to share some exciting news. The National Life Group's "Lifechanger of the Year" visited our campus to present my nomination for National Life Group’s 2025–2026 LifeChanger of the Year Program. I’m truly honored to be part of this incredible group of educators and school employees. National Life Group's LifeChanger of the Year is an annual program that recognizes and rewards K-12 teachers and school employees from around the country.
Here are a few important things I’ve learned as a LifeChanger nominee from the committee member who presented me with my nomination:
My LifeChanger of the Year profile is now live on the website.
We are asked to encourage parents, students, and colleagues to leave supportive comments and to share the link on social media using #LCOY, since the selection committee reads every comment when determining the winners.
Winners will be selected by a national committee made up of past LifeChangers and higher education professionals. Award recipients will be surprised in spring 2026 and will receive cash prizes along with donations for their schools.
The deadline for submissions and comments is December 31st, 2025.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for sharing this exciting moment for myself and our school. I cannot express enough how much this place and this team are what made it all possible. Thank you for your continued support. Regardless of the outcome, the recognition alone is enough for me." |
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| 4 Dallas teens are pushing to protect DART funding — and they’re getting attention! Four Dallas high school students are taking their transit advocacy far beyond the classroom, showing up at Dallas Area Rapid Transit board meetings and pushing leaders not to cut funding for the region’s largest public transportation system. They call themselves the Dallas Public Transit Society — a big name for a group where the oldest member is 17. Everett Johnson, Mason Merritt, Grimsley Hunter and August Kennedy are all students at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. The idea for the group started backstage, as they worked on their school musical and began talking about Dallas’ transit challenges. READ THE WHOLE STORY! |
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Thank You for Supporting Our Teacher Appreciation Holiday Luncheon! The BTWHSPVA PTSA extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making our Teacher Appreciation Holiday Luncheon such a joyful success. Your generosity helped us celebrate our incredible teachers with delicious food, festive cheer, and a well-deserved afternoon of appreciation. And what a highlight — the holiday raffle! From beautifully curated baskets to gift cards galore, the excitement and smiles reminded us just how special this community is when we come together. Because of your support, our teachers felt the warmth of the season and the deep gratitude we all share for their dedication. Thank you for helping us honor them in such a memorable way! |
A Special Thank You to our Amazing Donors! Gift Cards | Thank you to Marisa Huckin, Rebecca Haynes, Kate Meier, and our Anonymous donor for your generous contributions that brought smiles and holiday cheer to our teachers. Gift Baskets | A big thank you to Jennifer Duffy, Rene Noris, Jessica McGuiness, the Bennett Family, and Rhasheda Boyd for creating beautiful baskets filled with joy and surprises that made the celebration sparkle. Thanks to your generosity, our teachers were celebrated in true holiday style, filled with joy, gratitude, and cheer! |
Congratulations to Our BTWHSPVA PTSA Reflections Winners! The BTWHSPVA PTSA is thrilled to celebrate the incredible creativity and talent of our students who participated in this year’s Reflections Program. From powerful visual art and inspiring writing to captivating performances, our winners truly embodied this year’s theme with imagination, passion, and heart. |
A huge round of applause to each student recognized — you’ve shown us the power of artistic expression and the spirit of Booker T. Washington HSPVA! Thank you to all who participated, supported, and encouraged these young artists. Together, we continue to nurture creativity, celebrate individuality, and shine a spotlight on the amazing talent in our community. |
Congratulations, Reflections Winners — you inspire us all! |
| ATTENTION BTWHSPVA FACULTY! Booker T. Washington HSPVA PTSA is working to earn the Texas PTA Golden Apple Award, and we can’t do it without you. To qualify, our PTSA must recruit 100% of school faculty* as members and submit rosters and dues by December 19, 2025. If you haven’t joined yet, please do so today! Your membership is essential to reaching this goal! (*Faculty includes principals, assistant principals, teachers, counselors, and instructional assistants employed full-time at the campus.) |
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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! |
| IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO PAY INTO YOUR CLASS DUES! | Every year, the PTSA teams up with student class councils to create memorable senior experiences, from prom and parties to special surprises and traditions that last a lifetime. Your support through class dues helps ensure every student can take part in the celebration. It’s not too late to join in! Select your grade below to contribute and be part of the magic that makes senior year truly special. |
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*Includes student membership! Do NOT purchase a student membership in addition to class dues. |
| Want to Catch Up on Class Dues or Make a Donation? Missed contributing to class dues in the past, or have family members who’d like to help? No worries — it’s never too late to support your class! Click on your class year below to make a contribution and help fund the senior year activities and celebrations that make this milestone unforgettable. |
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College Planning Workshop The PTSA is excited to host this college planning class that reveals all the newest ways to beat the high cost of college. Not only will you find this to be the most productive 80 minutes you’ve spent planning for college thus far, but you’ll be entertained as well! Parents of freshman, sophomores, and juniors will likely benefit! CLICK FOR MORE INFO AND TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT SEE YOU THERE! |
| WISE (Wholly Informed Sex Ed) | A Community Education Series We’re excited to offer the WISE Community Education Spring Series to our Booker T. community, created to equip students with accurate, age-appropriate, and inclusive knowledge about sexual health and wellness. Program Overview | Honest Sex Ed for Grades 9–12 (Priority enrollment for grades 11–12) This five-week course offers a safe, respectful, and engaging environment where students can learn, ask questions, and build confidence around topics that are often overlooked or misunderstood. Class Details - Dates: January 11 – February 8
- Schedule: Sundays, 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
- Cost: $250 per student for the full series
- Scholarships: Available upon request
Parent Orientation | A mandatory in-person orientation for parents will be held on Sunday, January 11, from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the class location. This session will provide an overview of the curriculum, introduce facilitators, and allow time for questions and discussion. Topics Covered - Anatomy & Physiology
- Puberty and Development
- Identity and Self-Awareness
- Media and Technology Use & Safety
- Healthy Relationships & Communication Skills
- Consent and Boundaries
- STI Prevention & Safer Sex Practices
- Pregnancy and Contraception
Enrollment Information | To register or request location details, please scan the QR code above or email info@whollyinformedsex-ed.org with the grade and age of each student you wish to enroll. Be sure to include “Spring Classes” in the subject line. We believe that informed students make empowered choices. Be sure to register early! The course requires a minimum number of participants, so if you’re undecided, go ahead and sign up! If cost is a concern, please connect with us. Our goal is for everyone who wishes to attend to feel welcome and included. You won’t want to miss it! Thank you for supporting this vital initiative in our community! |
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SPREAD THE WORD! The 2026–27 school year marks a truly historic moment: the 50th Anniversary of the Arts Magnet at Booker T. Exciting plans are in motion for a milestone celebration that will pay tribute to our rich legacy, the remarkable accomplishments of our scholar-artists, and the cherished home we’ve built in the heart of the Dallas Arts District. As part of this historic moment, we’re creating a dynamic Alumni Directory and Talent Repository. A living archive that showcases the extraordinary artistry born within our walls and reconnects generations of Pegasi across the decades. This is more than a celebration — it’s a reflection of who we are, where we’ve been, and the creative future we’re shaping together. Let’s make it unforgettable! WE NEED YOU! 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. Become a member of the Arts Magnet Alumni Facebook page! 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 continued generosity of our PTSA Sustaining Sponsors plays a vital role in elevating the performing and visual arts at Booker T. Washington HSPVA. Thanks to their support, the PTSA is able to produce dynamic school-wide events, enrich student experiences, provide essential resources, and create unforgettable moments throughout the year. We are profoundly grateful to our 2025–2026 sponsors for championing our scholar artists and investing in the creative spirit that defines our campus. Your commitment helps turn passion into performance and imagination into impact. Thank you for helping our students dream boldly, create fearlessly, and shine brightly. |
Even though the year is already half over, it’s never too late to make a difference. Become a Sustaining Sponsor today and help shape the future of our scholar artists! Your support fuels creativity, opportunity, and growth, giving students the tools to thrive and shine. Don’t wait — click the link below and join us now to be part of the transformation. Every contribution matters. Together, let’s build something extraordinary! |
2025-2026 Approved D.I.S.D. Calendar - December 15 (AS) Booker T. Angels Family Holiday Party
- December 17-19 (AS) Early Release
- December 22-January 5 (AS) Winter Break
- January 6 (AS) Back to School
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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