Originally delivered on 9/1/2025 9:18 am

SUBJECT: September 2025 PTA Newsletter

Hexter Hawks September 2025 Newsletter
Message from the President

Welcome back again, Hawks! With the first few weeks of school behind us, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible start we’ve had and thank the amazing Hexter community that made it possible.

From our early morning greeters to our late-night planners, your volunteer support has already made a huge impact this school year. A special shoutout to our Hexter Hawk mascot, who brought smiles and high-fives as students arrived on the first day—it was the perfect kickoff to the year!

We also want to thank everyone who attended our “Boohoo Breakfast” for Kinder and new families. Whether you were wiping away tears or snapping photos, your presence helped create a warm, supportive environment for our youngest Hawks as they began their journey.

“Meet the Teacher” Night was another great success and a wonderful way to connect with our amazing staff and see just how ready our students and educators are for the year ahead.

And thank you to all who joined us at Hexter Spirit Night on August 27th at Vector Brewing! It was a fantastic evening of community, conversation, and pizza! We were especially excited to introduce our new Assistant Principal, Ms. Madeline Nayfa, and are thrilled to have her on board for what promises to be an outstanding year.

Thank you again for your energy, your time, and your continued support. We’re off to a HEXELLENT start, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together this year.

With gratitude,
Sean Granfield
hexterhawkpta@gmail.com
President, Hexter Elementary PTA 2025–2026

Become a Member of Hexter PTA Today!
Updates from Principal Smith


HEXTER ELEMENTARY BOND UPDATES

We are right on track to move into our beautiful new building thisJanuary! Construction is scheduled to be move-in ready by the end of October. This timeline gives us plenty of time to install cafeteria equipment, technology, and furniture so that everything is fully prepared for our students and staff.

In January, as we prepare for the demolition of the current campus (including staff parking areas), new parking and a temporary car arrival/dismissal lane will be installed. Because of this, our arrival and dismissal procedures will need to be adjusted.  If you are interested in providing input regarding our new arrival and dismissal procedures, please reach out to Amanda Rodriguez at amarodriguez@dallasisd.org.

We will share the updated systems well in advance so that everyone is fully informed before students return from winter break on January 6, 2026.


GROWING PAINS (THE GOOD KIND!)


With the addition of Pre-K3 and sixth grade, Hexter is growing! We are excited to share that we now have 540 students enrolled this year. More students means more families, energy, and opportunities for our community.

To help support this growth, we’ve made a few adjustments on campus. One important change is the designation of separate K–3 and 4–6 girls’ and boys’ bathrooms. This ensures that our youngest students feel comfortable and confident. The K–3 bathrooms are conveniently located closest to the cafeteria and playground for easy access.

The increase in enrollment has also impacted our clubs. Typically, our matriculating fifth graders open up opportunities for younger students to participate. However, since most of last year’s fifth graders returned, the number of available spots is limited. To ensure fairness, all open spots will continue to be filled through a lottery system. Be on the lookout for a flyer with details about all club offerings coming home soon.

Finally, with more families on campus, arrival and dismissal are more congested than ever. We pride ourselves on being good neighbors, so please be mindful of posted signs and traffic regulations. Several residents have shared concerns, and we’ve been informed of the possibility of a heightened police presence to assist with the additional traffic.

We have a “Hug and Go” zone at the base of the stairs to reduce crowding at our doors. Please ensure that kiddos have their backpacks as they leave this zone. 

Additionally, for our youngest students and those new to our campus who arrive after 7:50 a.m., we have a “Walking School Bus.” The “Walking School Bus” will escort students to their classroom door as many days as needed until they are comfortable walking themselves to class. 

Thank you for your patience and partnership as we continue to grow together—these “good growing pains” are a sign of a strong and thriving Hexter community!

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

A huge Hexter THANK YOU to our incredible 2024–2025 volunteers!   We’re so grateful to everyone who stepped up to make last year’s Hexter events run smoothly. Your dedication and energy made a real difference throughout the year. And special shoutouts go to each of our Volunteers of the Month from last year: Karen Salerno, Kirk Grahm, Susie Burkybile, Jessica Abbondanzio, Kathleen Forrester, Adrianne Graham, Tanya Valenciana, and Shawn Whitehorse!   During the year if you see someone going above and beyond, please nominate them for our 2025–2026 Hexter Volunteer of the Month.  Email their name and a brief description of why they deserve extra recognition to: volunteerhexter@gmail.com

 

Our next event is the Hexter Back-to-School Pool Party oon September the 7th from 1-4 p.m. at the KayCee pool. We need a few volunteers to help check in attendees at the main entrance. Click here to sign up to volunteer!

Hexter Mom's Club will kick of the year with a Happy Hour on Wednesday, September 3rd.  If you can't make it, we plan to have many more opportunities throughout the year to give everyone a chance to come meet fellow Hexter moms.  Check out the FB Event for more details and don’t forget to join our new GroupMe

Hexter Dad's Club is looking for a more modern way to communicate in real time vs Facebook, so we now have a GroupMe.  (in addition to the Facebook group).  Hope to see you at the first happy hour on September 4th at District 9.

Join us for our annual Back to School Pool Party at the KayCee Club on September 7 from 1-4pm. This event is FREE for all Hexter families. However, we check names at the door, so please make sure that your information is up to date in Membership Toolkit

Calling all 6th graders interested in Hexter's first ever Student Council! Please attend the Interest Meeting on September 10 after school! Parents can attend with their student but are not required. We will go over all the details including how to apply and the lottery process. There are 10 spots available and these will be selected through a lottery. An application is required, due Friday, Sep 12. Our first meeting with our new council members will be held on Wed, September 24 after school. Thank you to Ms. Youngblood and Ms. DeVoe for volunteering their time as our staff sponsors. 

North Texas Giving Day is September 18!

Our Hexter PTA budget supports the needs of more than 500 students, teachers and staff. As a Title 1 school, with a large portion of our community being underserved, we rely on funds raised this year to support necessary programs at our school, to include tutoring needs for students, literacy, our Hexter Mindfulness Program, Hexter Garden Program, new STEM Nights, special outside guest speaker programs, teacher classroom supplies and specials supplies, and general campus maintenance related items to include water filters, janitorial supplies, and playground improvements. At Hexter Elementary, we plant the seed in the minds of all students to begin visualizing sailing into success...for college and beyond. Your funds donated help support this unified effort. 


The grade level (K-6th) that raises the most funds will win a pizza party and a free dress pass! When navigating the Hexter home page linked in the QR Code, scroll down to your class's campaign to ensure your donation gets logged under the desired grade level.  

Reflections 2025

Reflections 2025 is here! The 2025 theme is "I Belong". We will kick-off the program with detailed information and entry forms available as well as a sign up for Reflections Club on September 18 during our General PTA Meeting at 6:30pm. If your child is interested in Reflections club, please fill out our interest form. Reflections Club will be held after school on Wednesdays from 3-4pm as a way to provide supplies and inspiration to any students for FREE. Dates and details to follow! 

Our first August spirit night was a major success!  We can't wait for the next one on September 24th at Maya's Mediterranean- 4 PM to close.  10% back to Hexter from ALL sales- pickup, dine-in, delivery, and catering.  No need to mention Hexter!

Interested in the programs committee?

We have so many fun things planned for our students this year! If you'd be interested in sitting on the Programs Committee, we need you! There are a variety of opportunities, both short or long term, small and large. Check out what's planned and how you can help, CLICK HERE

Save the Date for the Hexter Howl:

Come BOOgie with us and save the date for this year's Hexter Howl Halloween carnival - Saturday, October 25th, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. You don't want to miss out on this long standing Hexter tradition! This year will be filled with spooky beats and ghostly treats including games, contests, costumes, inflatables, and more! More details to come. If you're interested in participating in any of the planning or volunteering day of, or if your company/business would be interested in sponsoring the event, please reach out to Chandler Pryor at hexterhowl@gmail.com for more information.  

Now that we have a few weeks under our belt, we could use your help stocking the Hexter lounge!  Here is the the wishlist which is a great way to send a little love to the teachers and staff. Have something else in mind? Feel free to pick up whatever you think the staff would enjoy. Just make sure to label it "Hospitality" and drop it off in the front office. If you'd like to assist with hospitality effort, reach out to hexterhawkptahospitality@gmail.com.

Important Links
Upcoming Events
Monday, September 1
Labor Day- No School
Wednesday, September 3
Attendance Awareness Dress Up Days
8:15a Annual Title I Meeting
Thursday, September 4
Wear green to honor the Camp Mystic Hill Country flood victims
6:00p Annual Title I Meeting Virtual TEAMS
Sunday, September 7
1:00p Kaycee Back to School Pool Party
1:00p Kaycee Pool Party
Wednesday, September 10
Attendance Awareness Dress Up Days
Monday, September 15
College Week
Tuesday, September 16
College Week
Wednesday, September 17
College Week
Attendance Awareness Dress Up Days
Thursday, September 18
College Week
6:30p PTA General Membership Meeting
Friday, September 19
College Week
Fashion Friday
Monday, September 22
Day of the Racoon Dress Up Day
Wednesday, September 24
September Spirit Night at Maya's Mediterranean
Attendance Awareness Dress Up Days
Friday, September 26
TA Appreciation Day
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