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Originally delivered on 2/11/2025 2:01 pm

SUBJECT: The Front Page - February 11, 2025

https://robertspto.membershiptoolkit.com/frontpage

FEBRUARY 11, 2025 | ISSUE 24 | PTO | CONTACT

IN THIS ISSUE
  • From the PTO president: What Fun Run funds
  • Staff member of the week: Joan Cerasuolo, crossing guard
  • No school Friday, Feb. 14, or Monday, Feb. 17
  • Fun Run this Thursday, Feb. 13
  • Roberts Staff Appreciation—thank you!
  • Spirit Night TONIGHT at Shake Shack
  • Science fair now March 20, sign up with Mr. Coronado
  • Register for the Run of Pi Feb. 15
  • RE Auction and Gala March 1—see some of the parties and prizes offered below, and get your tickets if you haven't yet!
  • Kindergarten Round-Up Friday, Feb. 21
  • Roberts Night at Rice Baseball, Friday, Feb. 21
  • HISD partnership offers telehealthcare appointments for students
  • Roberts Elementary tours for families of prospective K–5th students
  • School choice Phase 1 application due TOMORROW Feb. 12
FROM THE PTO PRESIDENT: WHAT FUN RUN FUNDS

Our school, our community—Fun Run Finale! 

On a rare snowy morning in January, our family bundled up in heavy snow boots and ski clothes pulled from the attic and made our way to the turfed Roberts Hill. What a sight it was! Countless children and their parents “sledding” down the hill, launching snowball fights in the field, and soaking in the joy of an unexpected snow day with friends and neighbors.

Roberts isn’t just a top-performing school in HISD and Texas—it’s a place where joy, creativity, and community thrive. Walk the halls, and you’ll see students’ artwork proudly displayed, hear laughter in the classrooms, and feel the energy of a school that truly inspires. At home, my daughters talk about wanting to be teachers when they grow up, a testament to the incredible environment our school fosters.

Yet, despite our school’s excellence, Roberts remains one of the most underfunded schools in HISD. Thankfully, the Roberts community, our parents, teachers, and neighbors continually step up. Thanks to generous support, the PTO has ensured that our students and staff don’t feel the full weight of district budget cuts. This year alone, we’ve completed construction on the 5th grade deck, installed much-needed shade structures in our Spark Park, addressed major AC repairs, and unveiled a brand new functional library space for our students. Parent volunteers in the Padres and Grounds Committee have also given their time and resources, tackling everything from routine maintenance to hurricane and freeze cleanups. Our Staff Appreciation Committee continually goes above and beyond to celebrate our incredible teachers and staff, treating them to delicious lunches, thoughtful snacks, and festive holiday treats that make them feel truly valued.

The impact of your support is everywhere. Now, as we approach the final stretch of our Fun Run fundraiser, we need one last push to reach our goal. A strong, well-funded school benefits everyone, from students and teachers to the greater community that enjoys our Spark Park and all that Roberts has to offer.

A simple text, email, or social media post asking for a pledge—big or small—can make all the difference from a friend, neighbor, or extended family. Every contribution helps ensure a strong start for the next school year. Let’s come together once more to support our school and keep our community thriving!

Together for Roberts, 

Wafa Taiym 

STAFF MEMBER OF THE WEEK: JOAN CERASUOLO, CROSSING GUARD

Hi! I love kids, and have been with them most of my life. I have worked in the school system for 24 years, and with Roberts for 5 of those years. I also love animals, and you’ll see me giving treats to neighborhood dogs regularly. I have a dog, a cat, a bird, and I’ll take Rocky (the school’s bearded dragon) on holidays. I also pet sit on a regular basis. In my free time, I do a lot of volunteering, and I’m watching a lady that has Alzheimers. 

I’m originally from the Bronx, and moved to Florida after I got married. I lived in Florida for 45 years, and moved to Houston after my husband passed away 7 years ago. I have 3 sons: one lives in DC, one in Georgia, and my baby and his wife are in Houston (and they have given me two wonderful grandsons, ages 19 and 24).  My daughter-in-law is my heart—she is amazing. 

I love playing mahjong and rummikub, and I also enjoy going to a pub occasionally with my friends. Life is beautiful in your seasoned years, so enjoy it! 

NO SCHOOL FEB. 14, FEB. 17

Friday, Feb. 14: Staff Development Day

 Monday, Feb. 17: Presidents' Day

FUN RUN THURSDAY!

Our students and teachers are so excited for the big run on Thursday! Please send your child to school in comfortable shoes with a labeled water bottle and any other items or accessories that your teacher or room parent has requested.

All spectators for the Fun Run must check in with a valid ID by the 1st grade red doors on School Street. Please do NOT enter through the small parking lot gate or at the circle drive. Check-in and check-out will be on School Street only.

Once on campus, guests will walk alongside the tracks. We will be managing a large number of attendees and students, so please do your best to find a place alongside your assigned track and keep pathways clear to prevent congestion.

We have pom-poms for guests to borrow and encourage you to also bring signs to cheer on your child!

Following each run, we ask guests to swiftly depart on School Street, as the next set of parents will be filtering into campus. If you have students in back-to-back runs, you may stay at the track during the transition time.

ECSE/PALS: 8:15–8:30 a.m.

Kindergarten and 1st: 8:30–9:30 a.m.

2nd and 3rd: 9:45–10:45 a.m.

4th and 5th: 11:00–12:00 noon

ROBERTS STAFF APPRECIATION

The Staff Appreciation Committee is grateful for the generous support of Roberts parents, which has allowed us to host a variety of events to celebrate our incredible staff. So far, we’ve stocked the lounge, brought in a smoothie truck, provided homemade treats, and delivered Election Day sweets and flowers. We also hosted a holiday party, a hot chocolate bar, and a post-Thanksgiving breakfast. Special lunches and treats have supported teachers throughout the year. Thank you for helping us appreciate our educators!

SPIRIT NIGHT AT SHAKE SHACK

All day today and tonight, Shake Shack in Rice Village will donate 25 percent of proceeds to Roberts for anyone who presents this flyer when ordering! 

SCIENCE FAIR SIGN-UPS OPEN

Would your 3rd–5th grader like to participate in Roberts's second annual Science Fair? Please have them see Mr. Coronado to sign up! The fair date has moved to March 20. Questions? Contact Mr. Coronado at jason.coronado@houstonisd.org.

JOIN THE ROBERTS RUNNING CLUB AT RUN OF PI

Run of Pi is a few days away, but registration is still open! Houston Engineers Week hosts this annual 1K/5K/10K fun run, and we encourage students to run every year. Last year, Roberts received a $4000 grant for our STEM education. Use the promo code RUNROBERTS for a $5 discount off the registration fee! Register and see more race details at the event site. Please note that this is not a drop-off event, as a parent must be present on the racecourse. We hope to see you on February 15, 2025!

NOT TOO LATE—PURCHASE YOUR RE AUCTION TICKETS!

🚀✨ Blast off into fun at Roberts Elementary's Save the GALAxy Auction and Gala on March 1 at the Rice University Cohen House. The event will be out of this world! 🌌

Below are some of the wonderful items you can purchase and parties you can attend. This is just a snapshot; our full catalog will be out soon!

Auction Items

  • Disney World Family Adventure with 4 nights at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando Florida and a $1,000 Disney Gift Card redeemable for admission, food, souvenirs, and more
  • Children’s Fairytale Portrait session
  • $200 Alto Gift Card
  • Kennedy Space Center Astronaut Adventure with a tour for four, the opportunity to MEET an ASTRONAUT, admission to the visitor complex, and a 3-night stay at Hyatt Place Orlando

Parties

  • Father–Daughter Dance
  • Queen Bee Tea: a proper afternoon tea party for moms and daughters
  • Mahjong night for moms
  • 2nd-grade pool party
  • Pottery painting with a 2nd-grade teacher
  • 4th-grade pool party with snow cones
  • Pizza and popsicles with your kindergarten teacher

Purchase your tickets at https://roberts.muradbid.com/  

KINGERGARTEN ROUND-UP

Spread the word: If you know any children who live in the Roberts zone who will enter kindergarten next fall, please make sure they are aware and encourage their attendance at our Kindergarten Round-Up, Feb. 21 at 8:15 a.m. Let your neighbors know Roberts is the best elementary school option for their child!
 
RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/e9HLPN5Z3f

ROBERTS NIGHT AT RICE BASEBALL FRIDAY, FEB 21

Roberts night at Rice baseball is back! Come join the Roberts community on Friday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. We will enjoy hot dogs, snacks, and drinks on the hill. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on the PTO website (https://robertspto.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/9182) or directly from Rice using this link: https://riceowls.com/Roberts. Roberts students who attend the game are invited to join the players on the field for the national anthem and can run the bases after the game. 

HISD PARTNERSHIP FOR STUDENT TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENTS

HISD has partnered with Hazel Health to offer telehealth appointments for students at no out-of-pocket cost to families (insurance will be billed where available). Contact Ms. Lee for any questions.

HISD has partnered with a third party to provide telehealthcare to students.
ROBERTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TOURS FOR K–5TH GRADE STUDENTS

Roberts Elementary is hosting school tours for prospective K–5 students. Tours run from 9–10 a.m.; all participants must check in with valid ID by 8:55 a.m.

Tour Dates: 

  • Friday, Feb. 21
  • Friday, Mar. 21
  • Friday, Apr. 11
  • Friday, May. 16
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LOOKING AHEAD
Tuesday, February 11
Spirit Night - Shake Shack
Wednesday, February 12
HISD School Choice Phase 1 Application Due
Thursday, February 13
Fun Run!
Friday, February 14
NO SCHOOL
Sunday, February 16
Birthday - Latasha Owens (4th grade)
Monday, February 17
NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, February 19
Birthday - Trealla Epps (Principal)
Thursday, February 20
Birthday - James Blair (Crossing Guard)
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES
PLATINUM SPONSORS
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