OCTOBER 21, 2025 | ISSUE 11 | PTO | CONTACT

Another year, another amazing International Festival! Celebrating all of the rich diversity and cultures that make Roberts the special place that it is. Photo courtesy of DP Photography.

• A message from Principal Epps
• A note from PTO President
• Thank you from International Festival chairs
• Roberts at Rice Football this Saturday Oct. 25
• Book Fair is next week! Set up your student's EWallet, complete purchase permissions, and volunteer
• BOOktacular Day Friday Oct. 31
• Community Health Services at HISD Brock Sunrise Center
• Get your wristbands for PJ day this Friday Oct. 24
• Roberts Spirit Night at Hopdoddy Burger Bar Oct. 28
• RE Camp Out registration open
• 2026 Auction Soirée tickets now on sale
• Fall Picture Day is Tuesday Oct. 28
• Lanier Junior Dance Clinic Nov. 15th
• Get involved in the PTO and meet the committee chairs
• Support Roberts by shopping at Kroger

Dear Roberts Families,

It is with a full heart, a mix of excitement and deep emotion that I share some personal news with you. After nearly a decade at Roberts Elementary, I will be transitioning into a new role as the principal of Poe Elementary School. My official last day at Roberts will be today, though I will remain connected during the upcoming weeks to help ensure a smooth transition.

August marked the beginning of my 10th year at Roberts, and as I reflect on my time here, two words rise to the surface: love and gratitude. Leading this truly REmarkable school has been the greatest joy of my career. Every day, I have been inspired by the curiosity and kindness of our students, the dedication and brilliance of our teachers, the unwavering support of our staff, and the deep partnership we have shared with our incredible PTO and parent community.

Together, we have cultivated a school culture rooted in respect, excellence, and compassion. Roberts is more than a school; it is a community where every child is seen, supported, and celebrated. I am so proud of what we have built together, and I leave knowing that the legacy of this special place will continue to flourish.

I’m also filled with confidence and peace knowing that Mrs. Erica Zatzkin will be stepping into the role of principal. Mrs. Zatzkin has been a vital part of the Roberts community for the past seven years, and her commitment to our students, families, and staff is unwavering. I know she will lead with the same heart, integrity, and vision that make Roberts such an extraordinary place.

Thank you for entrusting me with the honor of serving as your principal. I will forever carry the love, lessons, and memories from Roberts with me as I begin this next chapter.

With heartfelt gratitude and love,

The only thing permanent in life is change. Despite our best attempts to stop it, we have no choice but to flow with it. As I’m sure you already know, Principal Epps is leaving Roberts to bring her amazing talents to Poe Elementary. My heart is sad. I know how much she loves Roberts. She has fearlessly led this school through many challenges and triumphs over the past 10 years.

While this is abrupt, please know that Roberts is fine. The kids are fine. The school is fine. Roberts is the envy of many, the exemplary star. Roberts is also bigger than any one of us. We are all on the same team, each of us doing our part to keep the Roberts community thriving for our kids and our teachers. The foundation is strong thanks to years of steady leadership. This is why we are so, so fortunate to have Mrs. Zatzkin move up and lead the way from here on out! Seriously. Really. Thankful.

The hugely successful International Fest reminds me that it is a small world after all, and Principal Epps won’t be far from us. Poe Elementary is 1.12 miles away, as the raven flies. If you have friends or family at Poe, tell them they are very lucky to have Principal Epps step in and lead the way.

Change is never easy, but it is how a new chapter starts. We celebrate Principal Epps- her warmth, her vision, and the way she always puts our kids first and stands up for our teachers. We will continue to cheer her on and support her dedication to Houston public schools. We take comfort in knowing that what she’s built here will continue to grow. Roberts is, and always will be, a place full of heart and community. Mrs. Zatzkin, Ms. Tran, the teachers, the kids, and all of us will keep carrying our Roberts spirit forward!

WE ARE ROBERTS!

This year’s International Festival had our highest turnout ever and our highest volunteer participation! Thirty-one countries hosted booths this year! Thanks to all of our country booth leaders, amazing school administration and staff, and our teacher, parent, and student volunteers. See you next year!

Additional thanks to these International Festival booth sponsors: El Meson Restaurant in Rice Village, Keemat Grocers, Kenny and Ziggy’s , and Sonia’s Kreyol Kitchen Caribbean Cuisine.

The Roberts at Rice football game will be at 2:00PM this Saturday, October 25th! Game day fun includes:

• Owl Walk with players at 11:45AM!
• PTO sponsored tailgate with hotdogs, snacks, and drinks starting at 12:30PM!
• Roberts students will be invited to go onto the field before the game to high-five the players!
  
• Roberts choir will perform the national anthem before kickoff (arrival time for the choir is 1:00PM at Gate 1)!
• Reserved seating area for our group and discounted tickets!
  
  

Buy your tickets today at riceowls.com/roberts25. Go team!

Scholastic Book Fair is coming to the RE Library next week, October 27th through 31st and we need volunteers! Come set up, work a register, assist students with shopping, read to the littles, or help pack up at the end of the week.

An important reminder that the Book Fair is a CASHLESS event, so your student must have an EWallet set up to shop during the school day! Family shopping night will be Tuesday October 28th from 4:30 - 6:30PM where credit cards and EWallet will be accepted.

Do you have concerns about your child coming home from the Book Fair with say, $35 in erasers and $0 in books? Our librarian Ms. Nelson has asked for parents who wish to restrict their children's purchases to please complete this permissions form. Don't forget that you will be able to shop with your children in person during the Family Shopping Night next Tuesday!

The district is offering free adult vision screenings tomorrow on Wednesday October 22nd, as well as free vaccinations monthly on specific dates at the HISD Sunrise Center Brock location. Please see attached flyers for more information.

Calling all sleepyheads! Purchase a wristband for $1 and wear your PJs to school this Friday October 24th! Wristbands will be available to purchase at morning drop off gates on Thursday October 23rd and Friday October 24th. Proceeds go towards 5th Grade Fundraiser.

Skip cooking next Tuesday and join us for Spirit Night at Hopdoddy! Dine in or pick up dinner to support our 5th grade class - every meal helps make a difference!

REGISTRATION IS HERE! Join the PADRES and Roberts PTO Friday November 14th to camp out under the stars on the lawn and field at Roberts Elementary! Camp Out will include activities, Friday dinner and snacks, Saturday breakfast, and a Camp Out t-shirt for kids. Adult volunteers will also receive a Camp Out shirt. Spaces are limited so register your campers today!

Join your Roberts community for dinner, drinks, dancing, and casino games at our Global Glam Auction Soirée February 28, 2026. We’re kicking off Roberts’ 90th birthday celebrations with globetrotting fashion and world-class prizes up for bid!

Never been to a Roberts auction? Find out more!

Get the best price on auction tickets with discount code earlybird2026, good through December 31st!

Say cheese! Fall Picture Day is Tuesday October 28th. Pre-order your school pictures with Lifetouch using the school code EVT34R9HZ.

We are also looking for a few Picture Day heroes to assist our classes and photographers. If you are interested, please reach out to Ms. Tran at Kristina.Tran@houstonisd.org and make sure you are VIPS cleared!

Dancers, here's a great opportunity to check out the award winning Lanier Dance Program at their Junior Dance Clinic. Come participate in a morning dance workshop November 15th! Please mention Ellen Hilliard and Chloe Borda-Nassif (two former Roberts Elementary students) when you register to help them fundraise for Lanier Dance! Click here or on flier for online registration.

Hello! My name is Jessica Garcia. This is my third year at Robert’s Elementary and I’ve volunteered at the book fair every year.

The book fair is an event I remember fondly from my own elementary school days. Both the fair and the library made a huge impact on me as a kid. As an adult, a bookstore is one of my favorite travel destinations. Wherever I go, I have to check out and support small, locally owned bookstores.

I come from a background of service and retail, having grown up in a small family business right here in Rice Village (El Meson Restaurant). I love engaging with families and asking what the kids are reading, especially, when I see them reading at the dinner table.

Reading and inspiring young readers has always been a passion of mine. I believe it is one of the most important things you can do for your child is to encourage and cultivate the love of reading. That being said, I look forward to seeing everyone at Community night for the BookFair! Please don’t be shy, come say hi!

I wanted to be on the Book Fair committee because, as the daughter of a children's librarian, I have always LOVED reading. I was that kid who maxed out the number of books you could check out from the library, and who (at the book fairs we had growing up) would choose my books based on 'cents per page' (e.g. the longest book would always be my choice). I have shared my love of reading with my kids and think that all kids should have the opportunity to lose themselves in a story.

Give a little time, make a big impact - join a PTO Committee!

Check out the PTO committee descriptions! For all volunteers, 2025-2026 VIPS clearance is required.

Shop at Kroger? Link your Kroger shopper card with Roberts Elementary! Kroger gives the Roberts PTO $100s every year just for doing your grocery shopping through its Community Rewards program. What an easy way to help!