TeSA Weekly Newsletter

10-18-2024

Front Parking Lot

TeSA Families,

Unfortunately, Officer Silas has reported an increase in unsafe driving, as well as yelling and cursing, in the front parking lot. TeSA offers the walk-up option at both arrival and dismissal as an additional service to our families. This has only been allowed in the last few years, and in order to continue this privilege, we need all drivers to follow our TeSA procedures. Please share these reminders with anyone who may drop off or pick up your child:

The front parking lot is one way only. Drivers must enter the south entrance and exit at the north end.
Drivers must utilize a parking space when picking up or dropping off. Students may not enter or exit the vehicle unless the car is fully parked between designated parking lines.
Drivers must be patient! The parking lot can sometimes take longer than the driveline due to the need for cars to safely back out and clear the way for the next vehicle.
We expect our TeSA adults to follow the same expectations as our students. There should be no yelling, cussing, or threatening hand gestures at our officer or other drivers.

Thank you to everyone following these procedures and setting a good example for our students!

Artistically & Academically Yours,

Betsy Compton, M.A., M.A.T., M.Ed.

Principal

Texas School of the Arts

Dance-A-Thon

It’s time to get the disco ball rolling… Dance-A-Thon starts next Friday, October 25th. Dance-A-Thon is the biggest PTO fundraiser of the year. Watch for more information in next week's newsletter.

Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week is the nation's largest and longest running drug-use prevention campaign. Schools across the country will be participating in dress-up days and activities to bring awareness to students. At TeSA, our focus for the week is on making healthy choices.

As an elementary school, we will not be providing any specific information to students about drug-use. If you are looking for resources to have these conversations at home, please visit the Red Ribbon Week website at https://www.redribbon.org/.

Dress-Up Days

Thursday starts six days in a row of dress-up days for TeSA students! On Thursday, October 24th, students may bring one bag of individually wrapped candy to participate in our PTO Free Dress Day. Then, Friday, October 25th - Friday, November 1st, students may participate in our Red Ribbon Week dress-up days for free! See the graphic in the Upcoming Events section below to plan each day based on the theme.

All free dress and dress-up clothing should cover what the regular uniform covers. Students will still need their PE/Dance clothes and tennis shoes. Sometimes our students struggle with itchy, uncomfortable outfits, so a back-up uniform in the backpack is always a great option!

REPEATED INFORMATION

Dismissal Time

As a reminder, our school day ends at 3:15 for K-1st grade and at 3:30 for 2nd-5th. If you need to check out your child early, our cut-off time is 3:00. Our teachers and staff are officially dismissed at 3:45, so thank you for picking up your child prior to 3:45 through the driveline or walk-up area. If you are struggling to pick up your child on time, please make arrangements for your student to stay after school through our TCA+A Conservatory classes or Clayton Youth program. You can learn more about both options through our TeSA Resources tab of the website.

We understand unexpected delays will occasionally occur. If you're late to pick up your child, please come to the front office. Parents who are late more than three times may be charged a late pick-up fee. Thank you for your help getting our students home safely and on time!

Trunk or Treat

The weather is cooling off and the smell of pumpkin spice is in the air, which means Halloween is almost here! Trunk or Treat is a fun TeSA Family tradition you don't want to miss on Saturday, October 26, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at TeSA!

PTO needs YOU to make this year spook-tacular!

Sign up to decorate a trunk:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4EA9AB28A3F4C70-51070778-trunk

We provide the candy. You provide the creativity and decorations. Did we mention there are prizes for the best decorated trunks?

Sign up to volunteer the day of the event:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4EA9AB28A3F4C70-51066749-trunk

We have short volunteer time slots to ensure you can enjoy the event with your family, too! Also, we need volunteers to help set up and clean up.

Dress Code

Our TeSA uniform is mix and match, giving families a lot of daily options. As you plan your child's outfits, please note the following:

Polos should ONLY be red and blue. (NO white)
Polos must have the TeSA logo.
The light blue button-up shirt can be purchased from any location, but must match the Flynn O'Hara color.
Jumpers must be plaid #36. (NO khaki)
ONLY TeSA jackets and sweaters are allowed in the building. When the weather turns cold, students may bring thicker jackets to wear during recess. For now, leave other hoodies and jackets at home.
No hats are allowed unless it is a dress up day.