JUNE 5, 2024 | ISSUE 36 | PTO | CONTACT

• From the principal: Summer's here!
• From the PTO president: 2023–2024 in review
• Last day of school: NO after-school care at Roberts
• School starts again on Monday, Aug. 12. See the HISD 2024–2025 Calendar.
• 2024–2025 student enrollment is open. Currently enrolled Roberts students need not apply; enrollment will automatically roll over.
• Order your school supply kit to be delivered next fall
• Seeking 2024–25 committee chair volunteers!
• You can still order the 2023–2024 Roberts Yearbook by choosing direct shipping to your home
• 5th graders enter Juice Box Challenge to help address summer hunger
• iKids 2024–25 onsite after-school care registration
• HISD Wraparound Services can provide food, clothing, and school supplies
• Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program: get free books by reading books!

And just like that, it’s the last day of school!

It is hard to believe that this year has come to an end. Yesterday and today have been filled with laughter, tears of joy (and sadness) and excitement about summer vacation. One of the most wonderful things about Roberts is the strong parent community! At some schools having a strong parent community is a curse, but at Roberts it is nothing less than a blessing. Having parents who come in to truly partner with the school is every principal’s dream, and I get to wake up every day in fairy tale land at Roberts. We really could not be the school that we are without your unwavering support.

Thank you so much for supporting our teachers and staff and trusting us with your children. We don’t take the responsibility lightly and are committed to doing our very best both individually and collectively as a school.

A couple of reminders before you officially disconnect for the summer:

• Summer School: Inquiries about summer school should be directed to Assistant Principal Erica Zatzkin ezatzkin@houstonisd.org.
• Lunch and Library Notices: If your child has an outstanding balance in the café or for a lost library book, please contact the main office.
• Medications: If your child is administered medication at school, make sure you pick it up no later than Thursday, June 6 at 3:00 p.m.
• Lost and Found: we have a few items in the lost and found. If your child is missing items, please stop by and check the racks. We will donate any unclaimed items on Thursday, June 13.

I wish everyone the most fabulous, carefree, fun, and unforgettable summer ever! Fifth graders, enjoy your summer and show those middle schoolers how we do it at Roberts!

Happy summer, everyone!!

PTO volunteers met to celebrate a year of community work at the 2023–2024 volunteer appreciation breakfast. 

As we wrap up the 2023–2024 school year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has made this year a success. First and foremost, thank you to Ms. Epps and the administration team for their unwavering support and leadership. It was a challenging school year in many ways, but they have shepherded our students and staff through with as little disruption as possible. 

To our dedicated teachers: your hard work and commitment to our students is noticed and appreciated. We know it is not an easy job, but you continue to give your best to our students every day and you all make Roberts a special place for our children to learn. 

Thank you to our PTO board members who contributed an untold number of volunteer hours this year. You all have hosted amazing events, managed the school store, prepared classroom materials in the workroom, volunteered in classrooms, welcomed new families to our community, and so much more. I would like to add a personal thanks to the executive committee: Wafa, Sue, Anh, Rachel, Ryan, Maria – y’all have been the best team I could have ever hoped for. So many of our accomplishments this year were made possible with your leadership and many hours of hard work. Thank you for being my brain trust and, more importantly, for your friendship. 

Lastly, I want to thank my family. I was stretched too thin at times and I know they felt the effects, but they continue to be my biggest cheerleaders and I could not have done it without their love and support.

This year we have accomplished so much together. All of the aforementioned volunteer hours and your generous financial contributions have made exciting projects possible. Outside we resodded the field, installed turf on the mound and around the gaga ball pit, installed barriers around the playground to keep the mulch in, and received several top offs of new mulch. We installed a new marquee, re-poured the basketball court, and sandblasted and repainted all the picnic tables. The damaged old 5th grade deck was removed and half of the construction has already been completed on its replacement—stay tuned for updates on phase two coming this summer. Also coming this summer are playground shade sails made possible by Fun Run. And while not as exciting as some of the other projects, the PTO addressed maintenance issues large and small both inside and outside the building (thank you in large part to the PADRES). Your financial support also allowed us to host multiple staff appreciation events and provided essential supplies to our teachers and their classrooms. Finally, coming this fall we are looking forward to unveiling our newly renovated library. Stay tuned to our Facebook group for progress updates.

One more thank you to you all for allowing me the opportunity to serve as PTO president this year. I am honored to have worked alongside so many of you and to contribute to our beloved Roberts community. Have a fabulous summer … see you in the fall!

Warm regards,

Erica Hittner

Our team of 5th grade students from Roberts Elementary School is competing to win the coveted Juice Box Challenge Champion trophy! To donate visit our online portal.

Introducing iKids U at Roberts Elementary School for the 2024–25 school year! iKids U is an on-site, all-inclusive, and customizable after-school program. Students will have the opportunity to select an optional “enrichment” activity, one-on-one instruction, or just “stay and play” with friends. iKids U offers a variety of after-school selections from 1 to 5 days per week with part-time and full-time options. There is something for every child, including Art, Robotics, Science, Sports and more! Registration is now open.

For more information, please visit www.ikidsinc.com, call 713-665-5200 or email support@ikidsinc.com. We look forward to seeing you after school in iKids U! 

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