Booker T. Washington talent was displayed in stellar fashion last week during the FLYINGHORSE show - a big congratulations to all participants and the Advisory Board! Be sure to check out photos from some of the amazing performances below.

We have several upcoming volunteer and donation opportunities, including AP Testing support. Volunteers are needed May 4–15 for proctoring assistance and hallway monitoring. All sign‑up links are included below.

Planning is also wrapping up for the cross‑conservatory production, Creations on May 1, that will close out an extraordinary season. We’re excited to showcase a display of past production posters and playbills in the MAT lobby, dating back to the show’s debut in 1977. Our scholar‑artists have been working hard, and we hope you’ll join us for this special performance. Volunteers are needed, and a concessions wishlist is available to help stock the stand, with proceeds benefiting the Class of 2029.

I invite you to join us for the last PTSA general membership meeting this school year on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in the commons when we will feature presentations from students who have benefitted from our student activity grants. 

Lastly, we hope that all students attending Prom this weekend have a safe, fun, and memorable time! Please be sure to capture fun pictures and send them our way to share in next week's newsletter. 

Get ready as we head toward the home stretch!

With gratitude,

Leah

Welcome, Rising Pegasi! New and returning families of students attending BTWHSPVA for the 2026–27 school year can now purchase PTSA memberships and pay class dues for the upcoming year.

Class dues* are collected annually and contribute to each grade’s Senior Fund, which supports senior‑year activities, celebrations, and traditions once students reach 12th grade. Paying dues each year helps build a strong foundation for an unforgettable senior experience.

Early PTSA membership and class‑dues payment ensure a smooth start to the school year and allow our PTSA to begin planning with the resources needed to support our newest Pegasus families.

We’re excited to welcome all Rising Pegasi into the BTWHSPVA community and look forward to an amazing year ahead.

Click the graphics below to purchase!

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! Each class still needs donations toward their senior fund, including our current seniors. Click on your class year below to make a contribution in any amount and help fund the senior year activities and celebrations that make this milestone unforgettable.

The PTSA Summer Scholarship Program opened for applications on March 15th, offering students the chance to receive up to $500 toward tuition for an academic, performing, or visual arts summer enrichment program. This is a meaningful opportunity for students to grow their skills, explore new interests, and deepen their artistic or academic experience.

To be eligible, students and at least one parent must be a current PTSA member and must have a total of at least 20 PTSA-sponsored volunteer hours* logged for the current school year prior to applying. (Parent and Student PTSA volunteer hours both count toward this requirement total.)

*Only PTSA-sponsored volunteer opportunities count toward this requirement; Conservatory/Crew or Guild opportunities do not apply toward eligibility. 

Scholarships are awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis from March 15th through April 30th, or until funds are depleted, so early applications are highly encouraged!

APPLY

NOTE | If you paid into your class dues for this school year, it includes a student membership.

Creations, our student‑led production featuring performers and creators from every conservatory, is right around the corner, and we need your help to make it a success.

We’re looking for volunteers to support our cast and crew and help keep the show running smoothly:

• Feed the Kids | help facilitate meals for cast and crew before rehearsal and performances on Thursday, April 30 and Friday, May 1
• Merch & Concessions | sell merchandise and concessions on Friday, May 1

This is a fantastic opportunity to support our students as they bring this collaborative production to life. If you’re available, we’d love to have you on the team. Thank you for helping make Creations shine!

VOLUNTEER

Creations Concessions Wishlist | Please consider donating an item from our Amazon Concessions Wishlist. Every contribution helps make the event a success. Thank you for supporting our amazing students!

BTWHSPVA would love volunteers who can stay for the full shift on May 13 from 9:30am–12:30pm. Cap and gown distribution gets busy quickly, and having consistent help the whole time makes everything run smoothly for our seniors.

There are two volunteer slots available — one for the dresser and one for the check‑in table.

Thank you so much for considering it. Your support truly makes a difference for our seniors!

VOLUNTEER

NOTE | All SignUpGenius volunteer time will be credited to your PTSA volunteer account once the SUG closes.

BTWHSPVA is seeking parent volunteers to support AP Testing from May 4 through May 15. Your help is essential to creating a smooth, quiet, and well‑supervised testing environment for our students.

We need volunteers to serve as hall monitors and proctors. Most days include two volunteer shifts, and we need 3–4 volunteers per shift.

Volunteering during AP Testing is a great way to support our students during an important academic milestone. No prior experience is required, and all instructions will be provided on site.

If you’re available, please consider signing up for one or more shifts. Your time truly makes a difference for our students’ success.

Thank you for supporting our AP scholars and the entire BTW community.

BTWHSPVA is looking for STUDENT VOLUNTEERS to help with yearbook distribution May 12–20. Tasks include handing out books, managing lines, and keeping everything organized during this busy time. It’s a fun way to get involved and earn service hours while supporting your school community. If you’re available, we’d love to have your help.

VOLUNTEER

NOTE | All SignUpGenius volunteer time will be credited to your PTSA volunteer account once the SUG closes.

SENIOR FAMILIES | We are still in need of contributions for our amazing raffle prizes* that we have planned to give away at the party.  Please take a look at our Sign Up Genius and sign up for an item or donation to make Senior Party spectacular!

Parents who would like to volunteer at the party, please sign up here.

*Students must be present to win.

NOTE | All SignUpGenius volunteer time will be credited to your PTSA volunteer account once the SUG closes.

We are seeking parent and student volunteers from the Class of 2027 to support the Class of 2026 Baccalaureate by assisting with reception set‑up, guiding students, and ushering families throughout the event. It is both the honor and tradition of junior class parents to volunteer for this important milestone, allowing senior families to fully enjoy the ceremony and celebration. Current junior students are also encouraged to serve as ushers. All volunteer shifts are three hours.

Michael Garcia was born in McAllen, Texas, his early passion and ambition for dance led him to Dallas,Texas where he trained at Dance Industry Performing Arts Center and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts where he received a very versatile dance education. During this time he was recognized as a National YoungArts Finalist in Modern Dance. After his high school training, Michael was extremely fortunate to have received his BFA from The Juilliard School, under the direction of Alicia Graf Mack. Since graduating in 2021 and beginning his professional career, he was a company member with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago for their 44th season, performed at Jacob’s Pillow with Loni Landon Dance Projects, and is currently residing in Vancouver, BC as a full-time artist with Ballet BC. He has performed repertoire and creations by artists such as Bryan Arias, Aszure Barton, Sharon Eyal, Johan Inger, Andrea Miller, Ohad Naharin, Crystal Pite, Jermaine Spivey, and Imre & Marne Van Opstal. Beyond performing, Michael has many pursuits in teaching, choreography and modeling. He has received an Outstanding Choreography award from YAGP, travelled across the United States teaching, assisted for New York City Dance Alliance, and looks forward to further cultivating his career beyond company life.

Tippy Balady is a three minute storyteller. Whether it be a song about pirates, fairies, scuba diving, etc.,: no subject is off limits for this songwriter and no adventure is too outlandish. Tippy hails from Dallas, Texas, where she attended high school at Booker T. Washington School for the Performing Arts (Norah Jones, Erykah Badu and Edie Brickell), attributing her time spent with fellow incredibly individualistic and artistic classmates as well as professors like Nathan Myers to being key players in her becoming the artist she is today. Tippy is motivated by music’s innate ability to connect people both physically and emotionally together. She strives to create songs that function as a diary for the public eye, building worlds through instruments and capturing snapshots of her own life through verse and chorus. By incorporating bits of fantastical whimsy in her writing, intertwined with a deep earnestness throughout her songs, she provides an escapist yet grounding presence that can be listened to time and time again. Coming off from her first tour this past March, Tippy Balady will be graduating from University of Southern California this Spring with a BA in popular music and already has plans to drop her debut EP, “Taming of a Wendy Bird” in fall of 2024.

Join us for an evening of outstanding music at the BTWHSPVA Band Chamber Concert on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 PM in the Band Room.

This special performance will feature our talented woodwinds, brass, and percussion techniques classes, showcasing the skill, dedication, and artistry our students have developed throughout the year.

Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend.

Come support our musicians and enjoy a night of beautiful chamber music.

The Spring Piano Recital will take place in the Black Box Theater on the BTWHSPVA campus on Tuesday, April 28, and Wednesday, April 29. Each evening will feature a unique program of student performances, so families are encouraged to attend both nights to experience the full showcase of talent.

Programs will be available on site each evening.

Directed by Dr. Leonardo Zuno Fernández

TICKETS

Questions? | Email the BTWHSPVA Music Guild

Join us for a virtual Senior "Tea" call on Sunday, May 3rd at 7pm.

This is your chance to hear directly from current senior parents and students about what to expect during senior year—and trust us, there’s a lot. They’ll walk through the key milestones and timelines, including headshots, yearbook photos, Jostens orders, showcase events, college applications and visits, senior dinner, and more.

The Zoom link and details are below—be sure to save it to your calendar now so you don’t miss it!

Topic | BTWHSPVA Senior "Tea"

Time | May 3, 2026 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 864 8013 9079

Passcode: 310081

Join us for the New Works Reception, a special exhibition showcasing the creativity and emerging voices of our 9th- and 10th‑grade visual art students. This collection highlights fresh ideas, developing techniques, and the unique perspectives of our youngest artists as they explore new mediums and concepts.

The opening reception will be held on Thursday, May 7, from 6–8 p.m. in the Hudson Gallery. Guests will have the opportunity to view the artwork, meet the student artists, and celebrate their accomplishments in a warm, supportive setting.

We invite families, friends, and the entire BTWHSPVA community to attend and encourage these talented young creators.

Support the Visual Arts faculty and students by contributing an item from the Faculty Wish List. Your donation helps provide the tools, materials, and resources that allow students to experiment, create, and grow as artists. 

Every contribution directly enhances their studio experience and supports the incredible work happening in our Visual Arts classrooms.

The BTWHSPVA Visual Arts Department is still seeking donations of scrap metal of all kinds. Car brake drums, hammers, shovels, tools, sheet metal, and similar metal items are all welcome. If it’s metal, the department can put it to good use in student projects.

Donations may be dropped off in Mr. Gillespie’s room (Room 74). For larger items, please contact Mr. Gillespie to arrange a drop‑off time.

Thank you for supporting our young artists and their creative work.

Mark your calendars for May 1 as BTWHSPVA PTSA Class of 2029 presents CREATIONS, our final all‑school, student‑led production of the year. This signature event brings together original works crafted through collaboration across every conservatory — Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts.

Creations is an evening dedicated to fresh ideas, bold experimentation, and the unique artistic voices of our students. Every piece is conceived, developed, and brought to life by students working together across disciplines, making this one of the most innovative and inspiring events of the year.

Join us on campus for a night that celebrates imagination, collaboration, and the creative spirit that defines Booker T.

The BTWHSPVA community is invited to celebrate our young filmmakers at the 2026 Flight Film Fest, taking place May 5, 2026, in the MAT. This annual showcase highlights original student films across genres, featuring narrative shorts, documentaries, animation, experimental work, and collaborative projects created throughout the year. 

Flight Film Fest is a signature event that honors the creativity, technical skill, and artistic voice of our students. Families, friends, and supporters are encouraged to attend and cheer on these talented filmmakers. 

Tickets sold at the door | $5 for Students, $10 for General Admission.

The Class of 2027 is officially stepping into senior year! All rising seniors and their families are invited to the Rising Seniors Meeting on Monday, May 11 at 6:30 PM in the Commons.

We’ll cover everything you need to know as you head into this exciting final year—important dates, senior events, fundraising, expectations, and how to stay connected throughout the year.

And yes… rising seniors will receive their very first Senior Surprise at this meeting. You won’t want to miss it!

Let’s kick off senior year together and make it unforgettable.

This year, as part of our effort to encourage students to complete DISD college‑readiness milestones and graduation requirements, our senior ASP leaders have proposed a Senior Incentive Raffle. Students who complete the required tasks will be entered for a chance to win a selection of college‑themed prizes.

We are hoping to offer three big‑ticket items (such as scooters or a mini‑fridge, typically priced around $70–$80) and three smaller college‑essentials (like shower caddies, extension cords, first‑aid kits, and a custom college T‑shirt donated by a family‑owned business).

We would love to collaborate with our community to help fund or donate these raffle prizes, and we welcome any additional ideas you may have. Our goal is to announce the winners on May 8, so this is a quick turnaround — but we believe it will make a meaningful impact for our seniors.

If you’re interested in contributing or partnering with us on this effort, please reach out to BTW ASP Advisors, Ms. Butler or Ms. Belmonte.

We want as many seniors as possible to join the fun at the Senior Party, so the event has been rescheduled to take place during Senior Week, immediately following Game Day in the Green Room. Grab your friends, hop in a car, and head from BTW to The Sandy Pickle for an afternoon of celebration!

We’re excited to honor our seniors, and we know this new timing will make the event even more special for everyone.

Please have your Senior RSVP for the Senior Party ASAP!!!

Get ready, Seniors — your moment is just around the corner! We’re kicking off a full slate of events designed to honor your hard work, your artistry, and everything you’ve accomplished. Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable finish to your senior year.

• Senior Scream | May 12 | 4:30 PM (Last Day of Classes)
• Senior Week | May 13 – 19 | 10 AM–12 PM (Wed–Tues)
• Senior vs. Faculty Volleyball Game | May 14 | 5 PM (Downtown YMCA)
• Game Day | May 18 | 10 AM–12 PM (Green Room)
• Rescheduled! Senior Party | May 18 | 1–3 PM (The Sandy Pickle)
• Senior Breakfast | May 19 | 8:30 AM (Sammy's BBQ)
• Cap & Gown Check Out | May 19 | 10 AM–12 PM (The Commons)
• Conservatory Dinners:

      Music | May 18 | 6:30 PM

      Dance | May 19 | 6:30 PM

      Visual Arts | May 20 | 6:30 PM

      Theater | May 21 | 6:30 PM

• Senior Awards | May 26 | 6–7:30 PM
• Baccalaureate | May 30 | 11 AM–1 PM (First United Methodist Church, Dallas)
• Graduation | May 31 | 8 PM (The Meyerson Symphony Center)

Look for specific details for each event from Senior Class Chair, Kathy Ruff coming soon!

The Vertee Kyle Memorial Success Scholarship celebrates the extraordinary life and legacy of Mrs. Vertee Kyle, who dedicated more than 40 years to Dallas ISD. For 33 years, she inspired young learners as an elementary teacher, followed by seven years mentoring new educators. She believed deeply in the power of education and in the arts as a transformative force for students.

This scholarship will be awarded to Booker T. Washington HSPVA seniors who embody Mrs. Kyle’s commitment to learning, leadership, and future success. It continues her enduring mission to uplift students and support their paths beyond graduation.

We are seeking students who demonstrate:

• Strong academic achievement
• Meaningful volunteer service in the community
• A thoughtful 10‑year success plan

Application Deadline | April 30, 2026

Questions? | Students can visit the BTWHSPVA ASP office (Room #212) or email a BTWHSPVA College Advisor: Ms. Butler or Ms. Belmonte.

VERTEE KYLE MEMORIAL SUCCESS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

The PTSA Weekly Newsletter is produced and published by 2025-26 BTWHSPVA PTSA 3rd VP of Communications, Jennifer Wheeler Hall. For questions or issues, please complete the PTSA Inquiry Form.

Thank you for your engagement & support!