Originally delivered on 8/7/2026 4:34 pm

SUBJECT: UPDATED August 2026 Hexter Hawks Newsletter

Hexter Hawks August 2026 Newsletter
Message from the President

                                          Welcome to Our Hawk Family!


A Note from Your PTA President


Hello, Hawk families! My name is Susie Hughes, and I have the privilege of serving as your Hexter PTA President this year. I am also the proud mom of one wonderful son, Tyler, who is entering third grade at Hexter. Like many of you, I first walked through these doors simply as a parent searching for the right school for my child.


People often ask why I chose Hexter for Tyler. Before he ever stepped foot in the building, I had heard wonderful things about the school through friends and members of our East Dallas community. But it wasn’t until I scheduled a tour that I truly understood what made Hexter so special.


From the moment I walked through the doors, I was struck by the warm, welcoming, home-like atmosphere. As I passed each classroom, I saw students working together, teachers encouraging and inspiring their classes, and an environment filled with kindness, positivity, and a true sense of community. Then I paused outside a kindergarten classroom where a teacher was sweetly reading a story to her students. Watching the smiles, the engagement, and the genuine care she showed each child, I remember thinking to myself, “This is it. I’ve found the place where my son will learn, grow, and be loved.”


That feeling has never left me. Every year since, Hexter has continued to prove that it is so much more than a school—it’s a family. It is a place where children are encouraged to learn, teachers pour their hearts into their classrooms, and parents, staff, and volunteers come together to support one another. It is an honor to now serve the very community that welcomed my family with open arms.


As I begin my term as President of the Hexter PTA, I want to share how truly honored and grateful I am for the opportunity to serve this incredible school community. Over the past several years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in a variety of PTA roles, including Room Representative Coordinator and Silent Auction Chair. Those experiences have allowed me to see firsthand the dedication, compassion, and generosity that make Hexter such an extraordinary place. I am excited for the year ahead and look forward to supporting our students, championing our teachers and staff, and strengthening the relationships that make our school thrive.


I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributes to our PTA, whether through volunteering, making a donation, attending an event, or simply encouraging our efforts. Every act of generosity, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference. It truly takes a village, and I firmly believe we are One Hawk Family, united by one purpose: helping every child succeed.


Thanks to the incredible support of our Hawk family, the PTA is already off to a wonderful start this year. We have budgeted to fund an additional Teacher Assistant to provide even more small-group tutoring and individualized academic support alongside the full-time Teacher Assistant the PTA has proudly funded for the past two years. We have also budgeted to purchase many of the everyday classroom essentials that teachers and families often provide themselves, including paper towels, disinfecting wipes, cleaning supplies, and other bulk school necessities to help lighten the load on both our classrooms and our families.


One of the exciting additions this year is our newly redesigned Hexter PTA website. Our goal was to create one central place where our PTA, school, families, and community can stay connected. Whether you’re looking for upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, PTA news, school resources, spirit wear, or ways to support our students, we hope the website becomes your go-to hub for everything Hexter. Building a strong school community starts with staying connected, and we hope this new resource makes that easier than ever.


If you’ve ever considered getting involved with the PTA, I warmly invite you to join us. Becoming a PTA member is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to support our school, and attending a meeting is a wonderful way to meet other families, learn what’s happening at Hexter, and discover how you can make a difference. We would love to see you at one of our PTA meetings, held every third Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Cafetorium. There is a place for everyone, whether you have an hour to spare, a special talent to share, or simply a heart for serving our school.


I truly believe that time is our most precious gift, and I never take for granted the volunteers who choose to invest theirs in our Hawk family. Your time, your talents, and your support make all the difference. Together, let’s continue building a school where every student, every teacher, and every family feels supported, valued, and proud to call Hexter home.


Thank you for trusting me with the opportunity to serve as your PTA President. I look forward to meeting many of you throughout the year and working side by side as One Hawk Family, united by one purpose: helping every child succeed. Here’s to a wonderful school year!


With gratitude,


Susie Hughes

President, Hexter PTA

Become a Member of Hexter PTA Today!

The PTA will be around at meet the teacher to answer questions about all things PTA! We will be selling spirit shirts that students can wear every Friday and also have a uniform table (first come first serve).  We will be there to talk with you and help introduce you to our wonderful community of Hexter families!  


A QR code will be displayed in all classrooms and around the school for room reps to sign up and help throughout the year. 

Hexter Link Tree

Below please find our one link to all places in the Hexter Hawk PTA Link Tree! 

Hexter Link Tree

To give you an overview of the links on the link tree see this video below . If you are new to DISD this is a great video to watch to familiarize yourself with the school and PTA resources before school starts.  

Watch This.

Q&A for New Hexter Families

1.)  How does the school communicate and how do I find out about upcoming events?  Ms. Smith will send a weekly s'more email with pertinent information.  Your teacher will inform you at Meet the Teacher how they plan to communicate throughout the school year.  In addition, you will get a monthly newsletter sent by the PTA as long as you are registered in membership toolkit.  Attending PTA general meetings are also a great way to find out what is going on at the school.  A paper calendar will get sent home monthly.  


2.)  Do I need to send money for lunch?  No! DISD provides free breakfast and lunch for students.  Access the school menu here.


3.)  Are there any non-uniform days?  Yes!  Thursday is college shirt day and Friday is Hexter spirit shirt day (with uniform bottoms).  There will also be theme days throughout the year that will be communicated in advance.  


4.) Can I walk my kid into school?  Only on the first day of school.  Rest assured there will be staff available to help your kid get acclimated.  


5.)  Where can I buy spirit wear?  You can buy spirit wear here.  The link will become active shortly after school begins.


6.) Where do I see the school calendar?   The school calendar is linked here.  


7.)  Where do I find school supply lists?  School supplies linked here


8.)  Do I really need to sign up for membership toolkit?  Yes!  This website is to help parents, teachers and families stay connected with our PTA and school community. Most of this website may be viewed without registering. **However, you must register in order to access the full functionality of the website.   Register here


9.)  What is Hexter's after school program?  Studio Bella is offered at Hexter for a fee.  Spots are limited.  Find out more here

Boo-Hoo or Ya-Hoo Breakfast 8/11

Event: Boohoo Yahoo Breakfast

Date: Tuesday 8/11 (first day of school)

Where: Hexter Elementary Cafetorium

When: (after drop off) 8am - 9:30am

Who: families of Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th grade students

What: gather with other parents after drop-off to meet each other, learn more about Hexter, and get some emotional support after first day drop off; coffee, juice, pastries provided by Hexter PTA

RSVP: https://evite.me/EprefXVzdg

Pool Party!

Event: SAVE THE DATE! Back to School Pool Party

Date: Sunday 9/13

Where: Kaycee Pool

When: noon - 4pm

Who: all Hexter students and their immediate family

What: Mark your calendars now for one of Hexter’s favorite traditions! More details soon to follow

RSVP: [coming soon]


New to Hexter? WELCOME!

Become familiar with the Hexter terms. Access the Hexter Hawk-isms HERE.

Important Links
Upcoming Events
Monday, August 10
5:30p Meet the Teacher
Tuesday, August 11
First Day of School 2026-2027
Sunday, September 13
12:00p Kaycee Back to School Pool Party
Thursday, September 17
North Texas Giving Day
6:30p General PTA Meeting
Thursday, October 22
6:30p General PTA Meeting
Thursday, November 19
6:30p General PTA Meeting
Thursday, December 17
6:30p General PTA Meeting
Thursday, January 14
6:30p General PTA Meeting
Thursday, February 18
6:30p General PTA Meeting
Thursday, April 15
6:30p General PTA Meeting
Thursday, May 20
6:30p General PTA Meeting
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