* We had our Spring - "Walk & Bike to school day" on Thursday. Thank you to our Healthy Lifestyles chair Lori Reed and her early -risers volunteers, for organizing and always providing our kids and parents with chances and knowledge to lead a healthy lifestyle.

* At 1 pm, on the same day, we hosted our "Incoming 6th Grade Parents" coffee chat. We had a fantastic turn out, and 5th grade parents were able to hear from a panel of current JH parents about their experiences and advice for their future 6th graders.

We want to express our gratitude to: Allison Lindberg, (VP of Programs and organizer), Maite McCollam, Andrea Goodrich, Kate Clark, Michelle Keyes & Allison Brownlee. Additional thanks to Sharon Kelly & Vicky Tillerson for their support on that day.

*Last, but no least, our Volunteer Luncheon on Friday!

Many thanks to Mr. Daniels, 6th Grade AP, Mr. Moussavi, our principal, and to all the staff and faculty at BDJH for organizing such an amazing celebration for their volunteers.

What a treat! Along with the wonderful decorations, delicious food, beautiful music performed by students from Orchestra, "cheering" from our cheerleaders, and many other gifts, we got to honor the genuine stars of the day, our volunteers, who have committed their time and talents to the school,

Our Volunteer of Year Nominees:

- Kathleen Brennen

- Kate Clark

- Michelle Hodges

- Michelle Keyes

- Margarita Paolinetti

- Gretchen Smith

Volunteer of the Year: Margarita Paolinetti

Lifetime Membership Award Nominees:

Gretchen Smith, BDJH PTA Treasurer & Staff member, Ms Angella Harrington.

Extended Lifetime Membership Award: Allison Lindberg, VP of Programs.

Thank you to everyone who came out and to all of our volunteers. Working with such a wonderful group of parents who are committed to improving our students' educational experience and school is a pleasure.

Deadline is this Friday, April 21!

Would you like to say a few kind words to that favorite teacher or staff member this upcoming "Teacher Appreciation Week"?

Click the link below and fill out the Google form. The PTA will add your message to a cute Super Star Staff Note, print it out and deliver it to the teacher/staff member.

Fill out a new Google form for each note you wish to send. (students may use this link or the QR codes posted at school). Both parents and students can submit notes.

Here are some great articles by teens for teens (and pre-teens!) to help them understand how they can be supportive to their peers with autism.

Take a moment to read them together and talk about ways your child can incorporate this awareness into their day.

As a parent, it can be overwhelming to know how and when we should begin talking with our kids about drugs and alcohol.

This article provides research and recommendations that will help:

Underage drinking - How many times should we discuss it? - NaturalHigh.org

Parents,

School Supplies sales for 2023/24 are now OPEN until July 1st!

Order before school is out to avoid a last-minute rush in August.

All supplies will be shipped & delivered FREE directly to your home. Includes the items requested by teachers and one BDJH PTA Membership per pack.

Remember to order for the grade your student will be entering in August 2023.

Click on the link below. (NO extra kits will be sold at Bear Blast this year)

Contact Sharon Kelly at bdjhptamembership@gmail.com with any questions.

Early voting for the three open Katy ISD School Board positions starts on April 24th.

This year Trustee Positions 3, 4 and 5 will be on the ballot to serve three-year terms.

School board elections often have low turnout, leaving the decision to a handful of citizens.

This is unfortunate because school boards influence the stability and future of the community. Whether it’s a homeowner who doesn’t want the value of their investment decrease, a parent who wants their child to be competitive for top universities, or a student who wants to be prepared to enter the workforce after graduating from high school, all of these are impacted by school board decisions. It matters who we choose to sit on the school board.

Familiarize yourself with the candidates and choose those you think would best manage all the school board responsibilities. You can print a sample ballot or write your choice for each trustee position on a piece of paper and bring it with you to vote (electronic devices aren’t allowed).

Then, make the time to vote (polls are open at Seven Lakes High School from 7am-7pm April 24 through May 2).

Additional resources:

2023 Katy ISD Board Election Voters Guide: https://www.katyisd.org/cms/lib/TX50010808/Centricity/domain/4308/documents/election_23/Katy%20ISD_Board_Election_Voters_Guide.pdf

Polling locations:

Katy_ISD_Polling_Locations_2023.pdf (katyisd.org)

Sample ballot:

Sample_Ballot-2023.pdf (katyisd.org)

School board responsibilities:

Texas School Board’s Roles and Responsibilities (tasb.org)

Every year, Katy ISD hosts a fantastic event to honor ALL volunteers around the district. They are showing their appreciation to us, throughout this amazing morning.

This year’s VIPS Celebration is going to be amazing.

Drumlines, baseball, choirs, jazz bands and an incredible keynote speaker.

So, help us spread the word – and we’ll see you there!

JOIN US!

Katy ISD Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) Celebration

Featuring Keynote Speaker: Geoff Blum

Friday, April 28

8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Merrell Center

RSVP Link

www.tinyurl.com/VIPSCelebration23

You don't want to miss it! This is a free event, meant for every volunteer in every Campus in the District... our "Champions"!

Don't forget to RSVP!