I hope you have had the opportunity to enjoy this extended holiday weekend with family and friends in honor of the American labor movement and the contributions of workers.

All‑School Musical Tech Week is officially here, and our cast, band, and crew will be working harder than ever. Each evening before rehearsal, the PTSA will be serving dinner to support and fuel these students through their longest days. If you are able, please consider donating to help Feed the Kids. Additionally, the ticket site for Shrek the Musical is live and tickets are going fast. Secure your tickets today! Please keep in mind that there will be no refunds or exchanges. Wednesday’s performance is reserved exclusively for faculty and students at a $10 ticket price, and badges will be required at the door. We have extended a special invitation for alumni to join us on Friday night and show their class spirit during our opening shout‑out. 

Our first PTSA meeting of the year was wonderfully attended and full of important updates. So full, that we ran out of time and did not get to hear from our special guest, School Psychologist, Ms. Jennifer Toombs, SSP, LSSP. We appreciate her flexibility and look forward to her presenting an overview of the mental health resources available at BTWHSPVA at our next meeting on October 6. 

Mark your calendar for the first Spirit Night of the year on Tuesday, September 29 at Raising Cane's on Ross Ave. Make sure to stop by for dinner and that amazing Cane's sauce for a chance to give back!  

Finally, I would like to extend a special thanks to all of our Sustaining Sponsors, Donors, Members, and Volunteers. We could not do any of this without you!

With shared purpose and gratitude,

Jennifer

100% of the funds raised through North Texas Giving Day is ear-marked to support Booker T. PTSA Programming, including the Summer Scholarship program. Previously, the PTSA was able to support 63 scholar-artists in attending summer artistic and academic enrichment programs. We want to double that impact! 

In addition to summer scholarships, the Booker T. Washington HSPVA PTSA provides a wide variety of support and programs to students, faculty, families and the Booker T. community. We host programs for parents, provide support to faculty, and fund platforms like Remind and Turn It In. 

The Booker T. Washington HSPVA PTSA also produces a series of four All-School Productions, deliberately connecting our scholar artists with professional mentors and allowing students to move one step closer to fully realizing their creative visions. We are also proud to support the Pegasus Pantry and Booker T Angels programs, which have a significant impact on our Booker T and surrounding community. 

Donate between 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM on Monday, September 14 to double the impact of your contribution!

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!

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!

The PTSA will be providing ten full meals for all 125 cast, crew, production and band members throughout Tech Week and Show Week, and we need the community’s help to make it happen. Feeding this many students for multiple days is a major expense, and financial contributions are the most effective way to ensure we can cover every meal without interruption.

If you are able to donate, your support will go directly toward feeding our hardworking performers and technicians during the most demanding weeks of the production. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference and helps us take care of the students who bring the All School Musical to life. 

DONATE TO FEED THE KIDS

We need a fantastic crew of volunteers to help transform the MAT lobby into Shrek’s Swamp and Duloc Castle, September 14-16. This is your chance to jump in and get creative. We are looking for people who can paint, glue, hang, cut, build, and bring big imagination to life. No special skills required, just enthusiasm and a willingness to have a good time while making magic for our all‑school musical. If you are able to help, please sign up and join the fun. Our PTSA will provide yummy snacks!

VOLUNTEER

If you missed yearbook photos during Pegasus Pick Up, you have the opportunity for retakes on September 23 and 24. All students must sign up in advance in order to participate, so please be sure to reserve your time slot as soon as possible. 

The Class of 2027 is invited to attend the ASP College Kick‑Off, a full day of workshops, networking, and opportunities to meet admissions representatives from 100% Need‑Met Colleges.

The BTWHSPVA college advising team will be on site throughout the event, which will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at W. H. Adamson High School, 309 E 9th St, Dallas, TX 75203.

Representatives from a wide range of institutions, including Rice University, Brown University, Pomona College, Washington University in St. Louis, Dartmouth College, The University of Texas at Austin, and many others, will be available to answer questions and share insights about their schools and the admissions process.

This is an excellent opportunity to explore colleges that meet full financial need and connect directly with admissions professionals. For more information, students may stop by Room 212. We hope to see you there! 

REGISTER TODAY!

The Arts Magnet 50th Anniversary Event Site is officially live, and we invite our entire community to join us throughout the year as we celebrate five decades of creativity, excellence, and innovation.

The site will highlight special events, showcase milestone moments, and introduce you to stories spanning all 50 years of the school’s history. It is the central hub for staying connected, discovering upcoming celebrations, and engaging with the remarkable legacy that continues to shape Arts Magnet today. We hope you will visit often and be part of this historic year. 

Jennifer Wheeler Hall is a proud East Dallas native whose lifelong connection to the community has shaped her dedication to service, leadership, and the arts. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1993, and was highly involved in various activities, including show choir, musicals, and serving as Captain of the Sweethearts drill team.

Growing up in a Radio/TV/Film family, Jennifer had the opportunity to appear in numerous radio and television commercials and promotional spots through her parents’ encouragement and witnessed broadcast magic through their jingle company, Thompson Creative, which led her to study Broadcast Communications and English/Linguistics at Abilene Christian University. Once back in Dallas, Jennifer embarked on a significant 15-year career in advertising and media as a Media Buyer/Copywriter for The Northway Group/Core Group Advertising agencies (now Core Publishing, LLC). During this time, she also served on the Board of American Women in Radio and Television (now The Alliance for Women in Media) and was a member of SAG/AFTRA.

The 2026 Dallas ISD College Fair will take place on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Ellis Davis Fieldhouse, located at 9191 S. Polk St., Dallas 75232.

Students are encouraged to take the next step toward their future by attending, connecting with colleges, and speaking with their school counselor for additional details.

Registration is available at StriveFair.com, and families may contact Dallas ISD Counseling Services at (972) 925‑8989 for more information. 

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

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

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 | Faculty/Student Preview 7 PM (faculty and students only)
• Thursday, Sep 17 | Opening Night 7 PM
• Friday, Sep 18 | Alumni Night 7 PM
• Saturday, Sep 19 | Evening 7 PM
• Sunday, Sep 20 | Matinee 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

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!

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!

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!

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

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.  

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!

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.

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!