Hexter Reflections Program

Each year, the Hexter Reflections Program encourages students to explore their creativity and express their voices through the arts. Guided by this year’s theme, “I Belong!”, students created projects in dance, photography, literature, film, and visual arts. Over the past five weeks, participants met after school in a collaborative environment supported by volunteers Juliana Shoumbert and Rebecca Pearce, who shared some reflections of their own below. 

“Volunteering with the Hexter Reflections Club this year was such a rewarding experience! I loved watching students from different grades come together to collaborate and express themselves creatively. It was inspiring to see them encourage one another and build community.”
— Juliana Shoumbert, Reflections Volunteer 

“It was wonderful to offer a club option for students who didn’t make it into the other lottery clubs. Students from all grades mixed, helped each other, and let their creativity run wild! Hosting the club in the garden made it even more special—students could wander to quiet spots to focus on their art.”
— Rebecca Pearce, Reflections Volunteer 

Hexter Reads Program – coming soon

As the Reflections Program wraps up, we’re excited to launch the upcoming Hexter Reads Program! This initiative will pair volunteers with students for reading support and tutoring. Details are coming soon—if you’re interested, please email volunteerhexter@gmail.com with “Hexter Reads Program” in the subject line. 

Have you completed your 25/26 Voly Check?

Planning to volunteer on campus or chaperone a field trip this year? Don’t forget to complete your 2025–2026 VOLY Check! It’s a quick, free background check required by DISD each school year. You can access the system and step-by-step guide at https://dallasisd.voly.org. 

Keith Dodson

VP Volunteers Hexter Elementary 

💙 Volunteer of the Month: Cathleen Forrester

We’re celebrating Cathleen, our Volunteer of the Month, for her countless contributions to Hexter—including the many hours she spends helping in the library. Her dedication, positivity, and support make a lasting impact on our students and staff every day. Here are some words on what volunteering means to her.

“Volunteering at Hexter has made me realize just how much work our teachers, staff, and administrators put in to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. Their dedication goes well beyond the dismissal bell—teaching truly is a calling.

To me, volunteering means doing whatever I can to help make their jobs a little easier.

There are so many moments that make me smile during my days at Hexter! Most recently, I saw a student’s face light up when he found a newly released book he’d been waiting for. And there’s nothing better than the high fives and hugs from students I’ve gotten to know in the library.”

✍️ Introducing the Write On! Club

Calling all 3rd and 4th graders with ideas bursting in your brains! The Write On! Club is a new PTA offering starting this November. Turn your thoughts into stories, songs, comics, or poems—and have fun with words in a supportive, creative space.

Applications due November 7.
Only 8 spots available (members chosen by lottery).

Apply here → Write On! Club Application

Veterans Day Program – November 8th

We’re honoring our veterans and need your help! Know a family member, friend, or neighbor who would like to be part of our school assembly? Please sign up here.  If you have a veteran who’s special to you but can’t attend our program, we’d still love to honor them! Please email a photo to ProgramsAtHexter@gmail.com with “Veteran” in the subject line. 

Reflections Deadline: November 14

Submissions are due soon! Find entry forms and rules here: Reflections Folder

Turn in entries to the front office or email them to ProgramsAtHexter@gmail.com. Students did not have to be in the Reflections Club to participate.

🎄 December Holiday Extravaganza – December 12 

Mark your calendars for Hexter’s Holiday Extravaganza on Thursday, December 12!
Join us for a fun-filled evening featuring:
🎬 an outdoor movie
🎅 pictures with Santa
🛍 a holiday market
…and so much more!

Bring a chair or blanket to sit on—the movie will be shown outside in the teacher parking lot. This event is free for everyone, though some items will be available for purchase to support our school clubs.

✨ Share Your Traditions!
Do you have a special winter holiday tradition you’d like to share? Email us at ProgramsAtHexter@gmail.com—we’d love to feature as many family traditions as possible!

💡 Get Involved!
Have ideas for future programs or clubs—or want to help bring them to life at Hexter? Join our Programs Committee here → Programs Committee Interest Form

Resources for Families:

Five Ways to Boost Your Child's Confidence at School

Fun Crafts for Thanksgiving Days Off

Kid Friendly Thanksgiving Cooking

Notes From the Backpack: National PTA Podcast

☕ Coffee with the Principal – November 7

Join us for our next Coffee with the Principal on November 7! We’ll review Quarter 1 Standards Mastery Checkpoint data and talk through arrival and dismissal plans for our new building. 

🍂 Hexter’s Annual Thanksgiving Potluck is almost here!
Dust off those favorite family recipes—this beloved event is a fan favorite among our amazing Hexter staff. Keep an eye out for the signup link coming in the next week or two!