Originally delivered on 8/31/2026 8:10 am

SUBJECT: PTSA News | August 31, 2026

August 31, 2026
MESSAGE FROM THE PTSA PRESIDENT
September Spirit is Upon Us!

Fall air feels so close you can almost smell it. Just kidding, this is Texas, and we’ll be sweating it out until November. Still, Starbucks has rolled out the Pumpkin Spice lineup, so that must mean cooler weather is on the way, right? One day soon I’ll be writing when it’s so cold we’ll somehow wish for this heat again. For now, let’s soak up the season Texas‑style and dive into what’s ahead...

Shrek the Musical is almost here, with performances running September 16-20, and this heartfelt, hilarious all‑school production is one you will not want to miss. Tickets went on sale last week, so if you have not purchased yours yet, now is the perfect time. We also still need volunteers for set construction this week in the evenings. See our Shrek the Musical volunteer form for more information and to sign up. The clock is ticking and we need all hands on deck!

The first of our Arts Magnet 50th Anniversary Signature Series events, the Visual Arts Alumni Show is this Thursday, September 3 from 7-9 PM in the M R and Evelyn Hudson Gallery, and is free to attend. Join us to celebrate the Visual Arts Conservatory's Legacy in Motion!

At the end of the week on Friday, September 4, the Club Fair will take place in the Green Room during Flex/Lunch, giving students the chance to explore all the clubs and organizations offered this year and even propose a new one. More information is provided below.

September is full of exciting events and opportunities, and we are thrilled to be part of BTWHSPVA's Legacy in Motion!

With shared purpose and gratitude,

Jennifer

Newsletter Archive | Visit the PTSA Membership Toolkit to access last week's newsletter and archive.

View Entire Newsletter | Click on 'View Entire Message' at the bottom of your email to access all of the articles.

Tips | Click on newsletter section titles, graphics, and words in blue font for more helpful information.

Contact | We welcome your feedback and want to ensure every concern is addressed. The PTSA is made up of dedicated volunteers who balance full‑time careers while giving their time out of commitment to our students. To share your thoughts or raise a concern, please complete the PTSA Inquiry Form so we can respond with care.

ALERTS | TIME-SENSITIVE REMINDERS
2026 SUMMER SCHOLARSHIP TESTIMONIALS | DEADLINE EXTENDED THROUGH TOMORROW, SEP 1

Students who received a PTSA Summer Scholarship this year are required to submit a testimonial reflecting on their experience. This testimonial is an important part of our scholarship process and is required as a prerequisite to apply for a 2027 PTSA Summer Scholarship.

Current Senior Recipients of a 2026 Summer Scholarship | This is also required, even though you cannot apply for a 2027 Summer Scholarship.

Please ensure your student completes the PTSA Summer Scholarship Testimonial Form by 11:59 PM on September 1.

As of Sunday. Aug 30, we have only received 8 testimonials out of 26 scholarship recipients.

FIRST PTSA MEETING OF THE YEAR | TOMORROW!

Join us on Tuesday, September 1 for our first PTSA Meeting of the year with special guest, School Psychologist Ms. Jennifer Toombs, SSP, LSSP

NEW for 2026-27 | Virtual attendance to PTSA meetings will now be available via Microsoft Teams.

BTWHSPVA PTSA September Membership Meeting

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CST)

SEPTEMBER 1 | JOIN

Join instructions & tips can be found on the PTSA Meetings page on our website.

COUNSELING DEPARTMENT VIRTUAL PARENT MEETING | WEDNESDAY, SEP 2

This Wednesday, September 2, from 6:00 to 6:30 PM, the Counseling Department will host a virtual parent meeting designed to connect families with our counseling team and provide important academic information.

Parents will have the opportunity to meet the counselors, learn about graduation requirements, review credit details, and gain a clearer understanding of how class rank is determined.

This session is open to parents of all grade levels and offers a valuable chance to ask questions, gather resources, and better understand the support available to students throughout their high school journey.

BTW Advisory Board Student Enrichment Grants

Advisory Board student enrichment grants are now open for applications through September 15. Representatives from the Advisory Board will be available in the Library every Thursday during lunch to answer questions from students and parents and to provide guidance with applications. 

MORE INFORMATION

MEMBERSHIP TOOLKIT APP UPDATE

A new version of the Membership Toolkit app is now available for download.

Please visit the Apple Store or Google Play Store to download!

NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY
DOWNTOWN DALLAS DAY OF GIVING | SEP. 14
WAIT & DONATE ON MONDAY SEP. 14!

Get ready for a power hour like no other. On Monday, September 14, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, every contribution you make will be matched, turning your gift into DOUBLE THE SUPPORT for our students. This is your moment to boost our beloved programs. Jump in during the match window and make your impact TWICE as strong!

PTSA Programs include:

  • Reflections
  • All-School Dance
  • Booker T Angels
  • Student Clubs & Organization Grants
  • Grade-level initiatives, programs, and social activities
  • Pegasus Pantry
  • College Showcase Rep Luncheon
  • Summer Scholarships
  • Parent University
  • Lunch Talk!
  • Flight School Hospitality
  • I Am Booker T Day Incoming Student T-shirts & Hospitality
  • Faculty Appreciation Events
  • Education Enrichment (Turn It In & Remind platforms)
  • Library Salon Series

& MORE!

Set a reminder for Monday, Sep. 14 and visit the

Booker T Washington HSPVA PTSA Giving site

between 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM to capitalize on your contribution!

ALL-SCHOOL MUSICAL
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Set construction volunteers needed THIS WEEK, Sep 1-4, and we have added volunteer opportunities to Feed the Kids during Tech Week, Sep 8-11.

We still need LOTS of incredible volunteers to help bring the BTWHSPVA All-School Musical, Shrek the Musical, to life during tech & show weeks, running September 8-20. This is when the magic truly happens, and our scholar artists rely on the energy and support of our community more than ever. 

Whether you can help with set construction, donate concessions, help with Feeding the Kids, Front of House, support Concessions, or pitch in with Merchandise, and/or help with the Cast/Crew Party we would love to have you join the team. Your involvement helps create an unforgettable experience for our students and our audience.

VOLUNTEER FOR SET CONSTRUCTION, TECH & SHOW WEEKS

NEW!CLICK TO SEE OUR AMAZON WISHLIST FOR CONCESSIONS!

RATHER DONATE DIRECTLY?

Click the graphic below to give any amount in support of the All-School Musical.

DONATE TO THE ASM

Giving by check? No problem! Please complete this form and mail it with a check to:

Booker T Washington HSPVA PTSA

P.O. Box 140461

Dallas, TX 75214

BTW SPIRIT
BTW CLUB FAIR | FRIDAY, SEP 4

The Club Fair is happening this Friday, September 4, and it’s the perfect chance for students to discover all the exciting clubs and organizations available this year. From arts and academics to service and special interests, there’s something for everyone to explore.

Students who would like to propose a new club are encouraged to use the sign‑up link below to reserve a booth and share their ideas with the community. Once registered, participants will receive detailed instructions on table setup, including arrival times and layout guidance, to ensure every booth is prepared and ready to shine.

This event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with peers, showcase passions, and help shape the vibrant student life at Booker T.

CLUB INFO | RESERVE A BOOTH

NOTE | Participating in the club fair does not mean your club is approved. This is an opportunity to gather members and interest for your proposed club.

STUDENT PROGRAM ACTIVITY GRANTS

The PTSA is proud to support the students and official student organizations of BTWHSPVA with Student Program Activity Grants. Faculty and student leaders are encouraged to apply for funding of up to $500 to help meet specific needs that enhance the student experience and support their creative endeavors.

Applications are now open. Submissions received by the 30th of each month will be considered for the following month’s award cycle.

APPLICATION LINK

SENIORS | CLASS OF 2027
POPCORN FUNDRAISER | SEP 24 - OCT 1

The Senior Class Popcorn Fundraiser is back and better than ever! Seniors, this is your chance to make a big impact while enjoying a fun and easy way to raise money for all the special activities that make senior year unforgettable. 

Create your online pop‑up storebefore September 24 to join in and help fuel events, celebrations, and traditions for the Class of 2027. Every store adds to the momentum, and together we can make senior year shine. 

Don’t miss out — set up your shop, spread the word, and let’s make this fundraiser a huge success!

SUSTAINING SPONSORS
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR 2026-27 SUSTAINING SPONSORS
BECOME A SUSTAINING SPONSOR
GUILD NEWS
MUSIC GUILD

No meeting after the PTSA Meeting tomorrow, instead, save the date:

UP NEXT
  • Sep 1 (AS) First PTSA Meeting of the Year
  • Sep 3 (AS) 50th Anniversary Alumni Show Reception
  • Sep 4 (AS) BTW Club Fair
  • Sep 7 (AS) Labor Day-No School
  • September 16-20 (AS) ASM | Shrek the Musical
  • October 8-12 (AS) Fall Break
  • October 14 (AS) Sol a Sol Hispanic Heritage Festival
  • November 4 (AS) How to Pay for College Workshop
  • November 16-20 (AS) Custodial & Cafeteria Appreciation Pie Drive
  • November 21-29 (AS) Thanksgiving Break

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

2026-27 Approved D.I.S.D. Calendar

REPRISE

Information in this section has been shared before, but we are keeping it here so you have easy access to important details and helpful links.

ALL-SCHOOL MUSICAL TICKETS ON SALE NOW

The trumpets of Duloc are sounding! Tickets for the All School Musical, Shrek the Musical, are live, and you will not want to miss this show. Our scholar artists have created a hilarious, heart bursting, joy filled production that will light up the MAT and bring the magic of Shrek to life in the most unforgettable way.

  • Wednesday, Sep 16 | 7 PM (Faculty/Student Preview - faculty and students only)
  • Thursday, Sep 17 | 7 PM
  • Friday, Sep 18 | 7 PM
  • Saturday, Sep 19 | 7 PM
  • Sunday, Sep 20 | 2 PM

These performances will sell out quickly, so grab your seats the moment tickets open. Invite your friends and family, spread the word, and get ready for a night full of laughter, music, and Booker T spirit. This is the kind of show people talk about all year.

PURCHASE TICKETS

NEW ONLINE PTSA SPIRIT STORE

Shrek the Musical merch is now available online!

The BTWHSPVA PTSA Spirit Store is now online with an exciting lineup of all new merch for the 2026–27 school year, including the new Legacy line and a special alumni design released just in time for the 50th Anniversary Celebration

From fresh styles to classic favorites, every item is available through our vendor’s storefront and ships straight to your door, making it easier than ever to show your pride. Explore the new collection, grab the alumni gear, and keep your Legacy in Motion alive all year long.

SHOP NOW!

PTSA GOOGLE DRIVE PHOTO FOLDER

Parents, upload your photos to the new PTSA Google Drive Photo Folder and help us capture the magic happening all year at Booker T. Parents always take the best pictures, and we would love to showcase moments from every event. Bookmark the Photo folder and start sharing your favorite snapshots!

Instructions to upload photos | Once in the folder, click the "+ New" tab on the left, then click "File upload". Or hold down the Alt and c keys, then click U.

NOTE | Please name each photo before uploading noting what/who is depicted in the photo. Ex: "Senior WW David Hall". Thank you!

PTSA CREATIVE COLLECTIVE

Students are invited to submit any creative pieces they have made, written, produced, or performed. Whether it is artwork, choreography, music, film, photography, or creative writing, we would love to highlight the incredible talent of our scholar artists within the weekly PTSA Newsletter, the PTSA website, and on social media. 

Parents & Faculty, please encourage students to share their work and help us celebrate the creativity that makes Booker T so special!

CREATIVE COLLECTIVE SUBMISSION FORM

ASM CHARACTER SPONSORSHIPS

We encourage the families of the cast, band and crew to support our All School Musical Characters by bringing them to life! 

We deeply appreciate the support and involvement of the families of our cast, band, and crew students in our All-School Productions. This year’s all‑school musical, Shrek the Musical, features larger‑than‑life characters, and your generosity helps bring them to the stage. Please consider making a custom donation to help cover production costs.

SPONSOR A CHARACTER TODAY!

2026-27 REFLECTIONS | WHAT MY CULTURE MEANS TO ME

Students are invited to explore their identity and share their unique perspectives by creating an original work inspired by the 2026–27 Reflections theme “What My Culture Means to Me.” Entries may be submitted in Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, or Visual Arts. This program is a meaningful opportunity for students to express their stories and celebrate the richness of their cultural experiences. Entries will be accepted in the fall, making summer the perfect time to begin brainstorming and creating.

Be sure to review the FAQs and guidelines to help your creative vision shine. 

Questions? | Email Kira McCoy, the PTSA Reflections Program Chair.

REFLECTIONS ENTRY FORM

Reflections is a National PTA program that enables students to find a creative outlet in dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts. The program began in 1969 and now more than 200,000 students participate annually.  

PTSA MEMBERSHIPS & CLASS DUES

We encourage all new and returning BTW families to purchase PTSA memberships and pay class dues for the 2026–27 school year.

Class dues support each grade’s Senior Fund, helping create the celebrations and traditions students enjoy when they reach 12th grade. Contributing now sets the foundation for a strong senior year later.

Starting the year with your PTSA membership and class dues ensures smooth planning and gives our PTSA the resources to support all Rising Pegasi from day one.

Click the graphics below to purchase!

CLASS DONATIONS

Missed contributing to class dues in previous years, or have family members who want to join in? It’s never too late to support your class! Every contribution helps fund the senior year activities and celebrations that make this milestone unforgettable. 

Click your class year below to give in any amount and help keep the tradition strong.

QUICK CLICKS

The PTSA Weekly Newsletter is produced and published by 2026-27 BTWHSPVA PTSA 3rd VP of Communications, David Hall. For questions or issues, please complete the PTSA Inquiry Form.

Thank you for your engagement & support!

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

Click: PTSA | DANCEMUSIC | THEATREVISUAL ARTS

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