Embedded Files
🚀 The new membership year is officially here! Find your perfect fit & join today.
September 2026 Newsletter
September 2026 Newsletter
I can’t believe September is already here! It’s inspiring to see our local PTA leaders bringing so much energy to their campuses as they welcome back our students and staff.
Our Council team has been hard at work supporting PTAs across our VLCs as the new membership year kicks off. Highlights from a busy August include:
Round Rock ISD Back to School Celebration: We connected with families to share details on Reflections, the Clothes Closet, and Council partnerships. Congratulations to the Westwood High School teacher who won our $50 Darden gift card drawing!
August Membership Milestones & Wins
"50 Student" Challenge: Thank you for helping me celebrate my 50th by encouraging student membership! Kudos to Brushy Creek ES, Laurel Mountain ES, Spicewood ES, Fern Bluff ES, Cedar Ridge HS, ECHS, and Round Rock HS for reaching 50 student members. It’s not too late for other campuses to earn the Student Involvement Award—keep reaching out to students!
Growing Membership: Shoutout to Brushy Creek, CD Fulkes, Caldwell Heights, Chisholm Trail, Fern Bluff, Caraway, Pond Springs, and Hernandez for already increasing their membership over last year.
Record Start: We ended August at 9,162 members—65% of last year’s total in just ONE month! WOW!
Thank you for your incredible dedication to ensuring we have one voice for every child in our district. I look forward to seeing you at our first Delegate Meeting on September 23rd at the McNeil PAC!
Membership
Membership
This month's Membership Challenge from Texas PTA:
The Community Ambassador Award recognizes Local and Council PTAs that build connections beyond traditional membership recruitment by reaching out to their school and community.
To earn the 2026-2027 Community Ambassador Award, complete all the following by Wednesday, November 18:
📍Host a membership table on campus or in your community.
🍎Recruit teachers and faculty to join PTA.
📱Partner with your school, district, or council to share PTA through social media.
🎒Recruit student members.
💛Have one leader submit their #MyPTAWhy story.
💡Submit one resource to the Texas PTA Resource Exchange to inspire other PTAs.
Completed the challenge? Submit the Community Ambassador Award Form
Treasurers
Treasurers
Now that the school year is underway, all of the PTA events at your campus will begin.
Has everyone turned in a Plan of Work? Does that match up to your current budget? You may need to make an amendment, be sure to monitor those changes and make updates as needed.
With each event comes spending… Be sure that you’re receiving Funds Request Forms with a receipt for every Reimbursement that is created, and don’t forget to check the math!
Have questions or need assistance? Reach out anytime. The Council Treasurer email is monitored during normal business hours Monday through Friday.
Local PTA Action Items
Local PTA Action Items
Promote membership.
Remember to take your assigned position training.
Submit membership dues and roster to Texas PTA at least monthly.
Present the Financial Reconciliation Report and Annual Financial Report at the first membership meeting of the year.
Present all proposed budget amendments at the membership meeting for approval. Refer to the Build-A-Script to see how to present amendments to membership for approval.
Promote participation in the Reflections Program.
Our First Delegate Meeting for 2026-2027
Our First Delegate Meeting for 2026-2027
🗓️⏰🗺️
Things to know:
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 23
Attendee Check-in & Vendor Fair: 10:30am
Luncheon Begins: 11:00am
Meeting Begins: 11:30am
Meeting Adjournment: 1:00pm
Location:Raymond E Hartfield PAC (near McNeil HS) 5800 McNeil Dr, Austin, TX 78729
Due to ongoing construction, parking near the Performing Arts Center & in front of McNeil High School will be extremely limited. Please carpool if possible.
🦆🦆🦆
Getting your ducks in a row
before the meeting:
**Please RSVP by Friday, September 18th so we can finalize catering orders.**
Meal catered by Pita Fusion to include:
Choice of Pitas: Turkey, Italian, Veggie, or Chicken
Choice of Salad: Chicken, Ham/Turkey, or Veggie.
Choice of Miss Vickies Chips
Bottled water
Hold your VATRE vote! Information below.
VATRE Vote Information
VATRE Vote Information
Communications
Communications
We are grateful to RRISD's webmaster, Mark Kania, for presenting about the ADA Compliance updates for digital content at our Council Training Day! Keeping our PTA flyers and websites in compliance is important for accessibility and vital to the the sharing of our information through campus newsletters & other district communications.
Missed it or need a refresher? Access the ADA Compliance Presentation Slides
✨ADA Tip 1: Meaningful Links for Websites and Newsletters
Text-to-speech extensions and software have scanning options, such as "read all links." Full URLs, for example: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1oeesYLEgz-1N7EneRL9WR3RhblS5ZiV0UzSP0r2Ux8c/edit?usp=sharing, and "click here" links are not accessible options for someone utilizing text-to-speech tools. A meaningful link tells you about the content you are linking to, for example: Access the ADA Compliance Presentation Slides.
EXCEPTION: Social media posts do not permit renaming clickable links, so in those cases, it is permissible to post the full URL.
Advocacy
Advocacy
September 15th is National Voter Registration Day!
September 15th is National Voter Registration Day!
National Voter Registration Day is a crucial civic observance dedicated to ensuring every eligible American can exercise their right to vote. Take action by checking your registration status below, encouraging friends and family to register, and volunteering with local voter outreach efforts.
Find information such as Voter Registration, Voting In Person, Voting By Mail, Voters With Disabilities: Voter Registration FAQ
Texas PTA Legislative Priorities Survey
Texas PTA Legislative Priorities Survey
The Texas PTA Legislative Priority Survey is live now through September 9, 2026. If you are a member, you have the opportunity to influence our advocacy work in Austin, without leaving the comfort of your home. Please take 15 minutes to complete the Texas PTA Legislative Priority Survey. If you are not a member, join the PTA, then come back and complete the survey!
2026 Training Day
2026 Training Day
What an incredible turnout for our local PTA Training Day! We were thrilled to welcome over 100 dedicated leaders who showed up ready to learn, connect, and grow. From mastering essential roles to exploring vital community topics like anti-bullying and learning about the upcoming VATRE, our leaders are fully equipped and inspired for the school year ahead. Thank you to everyone who made the day a huge success!
Thank you to our presenters for sharing their slides and resources with our local leaders! These materials serve as a great jumping-off point for your work. As questions arise, we encourage you to dive deeper into your bylaws and standing rules, consult the Texas PTA training guides or Texas PTA All-in-One Resource Guide, and connect directly with your Council Support Officer.
Clothes Closet
Clothes Closet
Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers Needed!
Purchase from our Amazon Wishlist Here
*Hours open apply during the school year, excluding school holidays
10610 Salt Mill Hollow
Austin
Hours*:
Tuesday 10AM to noon
Special Evening Hours:
1st Wednesday of each month,5-7pm
Want to volunteer?
Sign-up to volunteer at Anderson Mill Clothes Closet
1201 Cushing Drive
Round Rock
Hours*:
Wednesday and Thursday 9:30a-11:30a
Special Saturday Hours:
1st Saturday of each month, 10am-noon
Want to volunteer?
Sign-up to volunteer at Voigt Clothes Closet
Sponsor Article: What's In Your Control? A Refrigerator List for Overwhelmed Advocates
Sponsor Article: What's In Your Control? A Refrigerator List for Overwhelmed Advocates
This list is posted on our family refrigerator for our four kids…and for me.
When you look at the state of education funding in Texas, does it make you feel out of control? When you look at what you, your children, and their educators are facing today - does it make you feel hopeless sometimes?
I know every generation has its obstacles, but the ones facing our kids today feel particularly heavy to me. This list (pictured) is a daily reminder to my family of what we can do that is NOT giving up or checking out when we feel overwhelmed, upset, or hopeless. We have plenty we CAN control.
This list also happens to apply to sibling rivalry refereeing as well!
As I consider who is reading this article, I am inspired by your choice to get involved in the messy space of advocacy, teaming up with all kinds of people, working in a system you don’t control, and often in the position of learning something new. That is such a beautiful example to the students of your families and of your district.
Bravo! You’re totally living out #2, 4, 6, 9,10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22, and probably 25! 👏👏👏
Your children see you doing that, and even though they likely won’t tell you outright that they’re inspired by you, you do know that advocacy and engagement is now a part of their idea of “normal” for when they are setting up their lives as an adult. You’ve lived it in front of them andthat implicitly gives them permission to go out there, get involved, and advocate for others! Wow! I totally just got goosebumps! (I’m literally not joking…as my teen daughters would say).
I would now like to transition to a shameless plug to raise money for your campus in a way that is both effective AND meaningful. These types of life lessons are so important for our children to see, hear, and observe in others thousands of times over their childhood. As they do this, from different sources of inspiration from all around them over the years, they start choosing what they will incorporate into their own identity…what is important to THEM to embody and to practice. I don’t know about you, but I am always seeking out opportunities for my kids to be around people that are living lives and making choices I want my kids to see and learn from.
The Apex Team is an energetic bundle of fun, AND they are the type of people I’m talking about. They inspire youth. They honestly can’t help it. They are cool, funny, know all the right lingo, and most importantly, have a servant’s heart. They see people and care about them. They work really hard and also play really hard. They value more than getting ahead - they care about doing what makes them come alive and what makes others come alive…often at real personal sacrifice.
Oh, and they run a really strong fundraising program that brings in a ton of resources!
Check out our social media linked below or reach out to learn more about our fundraising programs that have been raising millions of dollars for local schools and PTAs for 10 years.
(We have fundraising program levels to fit all budgets now, but I’m always going to try to convince you to choose the options that bring the team to your campus, so you should probably reach out to Anthony “Ant-Man” instead. 😁AnthonyP@apexleadershipco.com or 512-589-5026.)
Contributed by:
Christin Braeuer, Executive Director - Central Texas
Apex Leadership Co | Facebook | Instagram
Access & Opportunity
Access & Opportunity
As we plan PTA events, family nights, programs, and communications for September, taking a few moments to review the cultural and awareness calendar can help us create activities that are thoughtful, welcoming, and reflective of the diverse families in our school communities.
September recognizes Deaf Awareness Month and Suicide Prevention Month, while also highlighting important cultural, civic, educational, and community observances throughout the month. These dates can provide opportunities to educate, celebrate, build connections, and ensure our PTA programming is inclusive of different experiences, traditions, and perspectives.
September Dates to Keep in Mind:
September Dates to Keep in Mind:
September 7: Labor Day
September 8: International Literacy Day
September 10: World Suicide Prevention Day
September 15–October 15: Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15: National Voter Registration Day
September 16: Diez y Seis de Septiembre / Mexican Independence Day
September 17: Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
September 21: International Day of Peace
September 30: National Love People Day
Not every observance needs to become a PTA event. Instead, consider this calendar a planning tool—a reminder to be aware of dates that may be meaningful to the families we serve and an opportunity to intentionally create spaces where every family feels seen, welcomed, and included.
Voices of Our Community Video Campaign
Round Rock ISD Council of PTAs believes that every family, voice, and language belongs in our PTA community. We invite students, parents, staff, and community members across the district to share what PTA means to them in their native or preferred languages.
Videos will be featured on the Round Rock ISD Council of PTAs website (long-form stories) and official social media channels (short reels/shorts) to ensure every family in our district feels welcomed, connected, and empowered to participate.
To participate, please use this Google Form to sign-up.
PIE Foundation
PIE Foundation
PTA Baskets Are Back!
We appreciate your support every year in donating silent auction items and baskets for our biggest fundraising event of the year- the 2027 Gala on February 27, 2027!
This year’s Gala date is earlier, so don’t miss your chance to enter a basket! The more creative and unique your basket, the more excitement it generates- and the more funds we can give back to our schools, students, and teachers.
🏆 Want your campus PTA to be eligible for cash prizes?
Be sure to enter your basket by January 29, 2027.
📦 You can also bring your completed basket to the Delegate Meeting on Wednesday, January 20, 2027.
Start brainstorming, get creative, and don’t miss out! We can’t wait to see the amazing baskets our PTAs create this year!
Annual Golf Classic - October 5, 2026
Annual Golf Classic - October 5, 2026
Mark your calendar! Our Annual Golf Classic is coming up on October 5, 2026, and we’re excited to make this year’s event our biggest yet.
🎟️ Raffle ticket sales open Friday, September 25, 2026 at noon!
Raffle Ticket Sales Link
We have incredible prizes up for grabs, and every ticket purchased helps support our students and teachers. Please buy your raffle tickets and share the link with family, friends, and colleagues to help us raise even more!
This year, we are proud to award a record-breaking 84 Excellence in Education grants, totaling nearly $200,000. Your support makes this possible!
Thank you for helping us invest in the educators and students who make our community so special. Together, we can make a difference!
Join the Council Team
Join the Council Team
Leadership Roles Available:
Leadership Roles Available:
VP Programs
Parliamentarian
Advocacy Chair
Healthy Lifestyles Chair
Communications Committee Members
Email our president or fill out our interest form for more information.
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
2026-2027 Council Delegate Meetings
2026-2027 Council Delegate Meetings
Wednesday, September 23
Wednesday, October 28
(6pm-7:30pm), VIRTUAL
Wednesday, January 20
Wednesday, March 31
Monday, May 3
Meeting Details:
Meeting Details:
Attendee Check-in: 10:30am
Luncheon Begins: 11:00am
Meeting Begins: 11:30am
Meeting Adjournment: 1:00pm
With the exception of the October Virtual Meeting, all Council Delegate Meetings for 2026-2027 will be held at
Raymond E Hartfield PAC (near McNeil HS)
Round Rock ISD Board of Trustees Candidate Forum
Round Rock ISD Board of Trustees Candidate Forum
Tuesday, October 13th, evening
*This event is a non-partisan forum held in partnership with the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce. All candidates invited to participate.
Thank you to our 2026-2027 CommYOUnity Business Partners!
Thank you to our 2026-2027 CommYOUnity Business Partners!
Diamond Delegate Partners:
Diamond Delegate Partners:
Platinum Engagement Partners:
Platinum Engagement Partners:
Gold Hospitality Partners:
Gold Hospitality Partners:
Silver Program Partners:
Silver Program Partners:
Page updated
Report abuse