2011-2012 Highlights


Events

  • Organized the Back to School Howdy
  • Hosted Welcome Back Coffee and donuts for parents

  • Hosted 2 Parent Educational Programs:
    • Spotlight Kids Anti Bullying Workshop
    • Netsmartz – Internet safety

  • Hosted the Watch D.O.G.S. pizza night for dads and kids
  • Continued our support of the Watch D.O.G.S. program
  • Hosted PTA Reflections Contest

  • Sponsored Spirit Nights at various local restaurants raising:
    • October – Firehouse Subs $100
    • November – Pei Wei $188.09
    • December – Texas Stars $176
    • January - Chick Fil A $158.75
    • February - Double Dave’s $200
    • March – Kona Ice $502

  • Hosted three Family Nights:
    • CRE’s Got Talent
    • Disco Night Family Dance
    • Staff and Parent performance of Charlotte’s Web for families and students

  • Hosted Take Your Family to School Week:
    • Classroom Valentine’s Day Parties
    • Family Magic Show
    • Principal’s Brown Bag Lunch regarding STAAR Testing
    • Pastries with Parents
    • Birthday Basket Bash Carnival

  • Sponsored and hosted Cultural Arts programs for all grade levels including:
    • Lisa Wheeler author visit
    • Phil Bildner author visit and writing camp
    • Jacqueiline West author visit and writing camp
    • Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker for 3rd grade field trip
    • Opera on a Stick show for grades K-2
    • Austin Symphony performance for 4th and 5th grade field trip
    • If you Give a Mouse a Cookie for Kindergarten
    • Professor Smart Science Show for grades K-5
    • James Wand Secret Agent Magic Show regarding reading

  • Managed and updated CRE Webpage with PTA information as well as Twitter and Facebook pages to help keep families better informed
  • Published a school directory available to families at Cactus Ranch
  • Published monthly electronic Newsletter to help keep families informed
  • Hosted Buddy Day for incoming Kindergarteners
  • Hosted Staff Appreciation Week
  • Hosted a staff appreciation Luncheon at CRE catered by Chuy’s
  • Coordinated a Math Superstars program with over 200 students participating
  • Executive Board members participated in Council PTA and Texas State PTA leadership and training opportunities
  • Sorted and counted Educational Box Tops for school rebate programs raising approximately $3500.
  • Sponsored and Organized the Spelling Bee in January
  • Sponsored 5th Grade Graduation and End of Year event at Reunion Ranch
  • Coordinated School Supplies, Spirit Wear and Yearbook sales
  • Organized the Math Pentathlon program, providing coaches and volunteer time as well as sending 102 students to the spring tournaments
  • Organized annual Reflections contest and entries for our campus
  • Won the following Membership Awards from TX PTA: Early Bird, 500 Club, 10% Increase, Membership Chair Challenge Participant for Most Teachers, MARS (Men Are Really Super) and the Golden Apple award for 100% Staff Participation

Donations of Time and Funds

  • Will pay out two $1000 Cactus Ranch Scholarships in the spring of 2012
  • Will pay out a third scholarship in the amount of $500 in memory and honor of Lindsay Jones
  • Purchased spirit wear and donated a shirt to all staff at CRE
  • Provided three lunches at the beginning of the year for the teachers
  • Provided volunteers and financial support for CRE student’s participation in Science Fair and the Austin Energy Regional Science Festival
  • Provided monthly volunteers for RRISD’s Clothes Closet
  • Participated in RRISD’s PIE GALA by donating a basket which was provided by the CRE PTA Executive Board
  • Donated $100 to RRHS Project Graduation
  • Donated $200 to RRISD Council of PTA’s Noel Grisham Scholarship fund
  • Donated $200 to CRE music teachers for purchase of “Music K-8” magazine subscription
  • Donated $1000 for the purchase of a new floor mat at the main entrance of CRE as a legacy gift from the 5th grade class of 2011-2012
  • Donated agendas to each student 1st – 5th grade totaling $2,390
  • On track to log over 10,000 volunteer hours this school year

  • Donated these funds to Cactus Ranch Elementary:
    • $2500 for purchase of recess balls, jump ropes and hula hoops
    • $150 for purchase of a rug for our counselor’s guidance time for grades K-5
    • $500 for purchase of shade umbrellas and stands
    • $800 for purchase of 2 iPod touches and docking stations for music classrooms
    • $5,000 toward admission fees for all grade level field trips
    • $900 for CRE Field Day
    • $1100 donated toward the purchase of multicultural books for the library
    • $200 for purchase of music magazine for music teachers
    • $6000 for cultural arts programs$3500 for online AR testing capabilities
    • $1200 for purchase of a 5 year movie license
    • $2000 for purchase of library books on play away cassettes
    • $1000 for purchase of a new rug in the entrance hall of CRE
    • $1000 for purchase of three floor microphones for the stage

 

Total funds donated to school this year for programs, services, field trips and equipment: Approx $40,000!!!