The 2006-2007 Walker Creek Elementary PTA Officers were elected on March 21, 2006.      We began May with the installation of our PTA officers and committee chairs.  The officers were:

President — Wendy Janvier

1st VP Aide/Program — Susan Young

2nd VP Fundraising — Bridgette Hudson

3rd VP Membership — Donnette Taylor

4th VP Volunteers — Kimberly Coatney

5th VP Room Representatives — Kristy Lohse

Secretary — Sharon Barnard

Treasurer — Kellie Kellner

Parliamentarian — Christie Buchanan

Historian — Jeannie Burleson

Janie Taylor, former PTA President and mother of Wendy Janvier, performed the installation.  She choose a rainbow of colors and umbrella theme for this event.

           In July, our PTA President Wendy Janvier, Membership Donnette Taylor, Secretary Sharon Barnard, Treasurer Kellie Kellner, Historian Jeannie Burleson, and Handbook Tina Edwards attended Summer Seminar in Austin.

           August saw the start of the school year with many PTA sponsored events.  Before the students even started school, the PTA had a Welcome Back luncheon for the teachers and supported Meet the Teacher night.  Many volunteers spent hours helping teachers decorate their rooms, inventory materials, and distribute books and supplies.  School started on August 15 with over 500 students.  The PTA helped with a Tears and Cheers breakfast for the parents.  The month drew to an end with our first PTA association meeting of the school year.  The program consisted of a Curriculum Night so that the parents could learn about the goals and expectations set for their grade level.

           In September, teachers were treated to a goodie box.  The PTA Brochure fundraiser got underway in September.  We made over $9,500 on this fundraiser.  We had a flashback to the 70’s for a “That 70’s Show” performance by the 4th grade at our September PTA Association meeting.  September 15 was the first of four Family Fun Nights sponsored by the PTA.  These events were provided free to the families of Walker Creek in order to promote community within our school.  Our Family Heritage Night corresponded with U.S. Constitution Day and the start of Hispanic Heritage Month.  The evening was filled with students reading poetry about the Constitution, performing traditional Hispanic dances, as well as ice breaker games, and snacks.  Mayor Oscar Trevino, mayor of North Richland Hills, attended this event and officiated the Mexican Bingo game.

           In October, we had our annual Coyote Moon Dance.  Students competed for the best glow-in-the-dark costume.  There was also a coyote howling contest, pumpkin decorating, and a DJ for dancing in the cafeteria.  A silent auction raised almost $4500 for our PTA.  Our Fall Membership Drive concluded on October 15.  We achieved our goal by having 514 members, 100% faculty participation, 17 classes with 100% participation, and 130 community members.  As a result, Ms. White spent a day performing her principal duties from the roof of Walker Creek.  Classes with 100% participation received an ice cream treat.  Our October Association Meeting performance was by the 3rd grade classes.  They sent us on a treasure hunt throughout the 3rd grade common area.  The month concluded with Red Ribbon Week from October 23-27.  This PTA sponsored program promoted awareness of the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco with special events throughout the entire week.

           The month of November got off to a great start by honoring Chance Clifton as Principal of the Day for recruiting the most PTA members.  Teachers were also honored with a Frito Pie luncheon.  Our PTA Handbook was submitted for judging.  For the second year in a row, it was the only handbook in Birdville to receive a 100% Superior Rating.  At the end of the month, we received 15 entries for the Reflections program.  The theme was “My Favorite Place…”  All received participation ribbons, and their artwork was displayed in the school hallway and PTA website.  We had one student advance to state.  Jewel Burleson’s photography entry received an Honorable Mention and was one of only 6 students from BISD to be selected for an Austin art exhibit. 

           December started with our second Family Fun Night, Family Reading Night.  There were four guest readers:  author Darla Batchler, Grapevine Police Department Officer Macchio & his K-9 Hero, Birdville High Homecoming Queen Taylor Hines, and Texas Rangers pitcher John Koronka.  In addition to the stories read, book related crafts, snacks, and decorations were provided.  On December 12, the 5th grade performed a Christmas program at our Association meeting.  The PTA showed their appreciation for our wonderful teachers by providing each with a $40 gift certificate to Teacher’s Tools. 

           January got off to a quick start with a Happy New Year breakfast for our teachers and staff.

           BISD Council of PTAs celebrated their 50th anniversary at the Founder’s Day Celebration on February 1st.  Several PTA board members attended and honored the Reflections winners.  Family Science Night held on February 2 was the third of our Family Fun Nights.  During this event, students and parents were able to go from station to station experimenting and learning about science.  The evening concluded with a recognition ceremony for all the students who participated in the first Walker Creek Elementary Science Fair.  Robert Stancil received the Grand Prize award for his outstanding entry on Inertia.  The PTA showed their appreciation for the Walker Creek staff by delivering a Valentine in a Box treat.  The February PTA Association meeting performance was put on by the 2nd grade classes.  The theme was a tribute to Disney movies and characters.

           In March, we held the election of our 2007-08 PTA officers at the association meeting.  This was followed by the WCE Video Talent Show.  The staff of Walker Creek worked hard in a “Biggest Loser” competition so to congratulate their hard work, the PTA provided a chocolate fountain with all the trimmings for their appreciation event.  March concluded with our Spring Carnival.  Even the rainy weather couldn’t damper the spirits.  The western round-up was simply moved indoors.  This amazing event included bounce houses, cattle roping, pie-throwing, Carnival games, cake walk, western jail, food stands, and so much more.  Students and their families had a great time.  At the end of the Carnival, a live auction raised over $4500.

           Future events to finish the school year will include Family Art Night (the last Family Fun Night event), TAKS support, Field Day support, and the end of the year Teacher Appreciation event.

           Every Friday throughout the school year, students showed their coyote pride by wearing spirit wear.  T-shirts were available in three different designs.  For the colder months, sweatshirts and hooded sweatshirts were available.  Our spirit wear sales raised over $2400.

           The  Walker Creek Elementary PTA has helped with many projects and activities during the year.  Our chapter totaled 10,041 volunteer hours, helped fund field trips, class parties, teacher grants, and student scholarships.  We continued to raise money for a school marquee.  In addition, we purchased books for the school Literacy Room, supplemental classroom supplies, digital camera, Speed Stacks for PE, and walkie talkies for each grade level.

           Our local unit has worked at the Clothes Connection distribution center sorting clothes, providing assistance, and aiding with the distribution of items.  PTA members also contributed to some on campus needs, including providing the nurse with clothes, socks, and underwear for students in need.  We provided school supplies to students who were in need.  We worked with a recycling program to help teach our children the importance of recycling and protecting our environment.  Students also participated in the EPA poster contest.  Information has been readily available to members through take home announcements, PTA Newsletter, and the PTA web site.

           Walker Creek Elementary PTA received the Golden Apple Award, Hand in Hand Community Achievement Award, Fall Membership Challenge Award, Five Hundred Club Achievement Award, Ten Percent Increase Award, and One Hundred Percent Enrollment Achievement Award from the Texas State PTA.  Thanks to those who volunteered to make this such an outstanding year!

           I move this record be the official History of the Association for the year 2006-2007.

 

Jeannie Burleson

Walker Creek Elementary Historian

Walker Creek Elementary PTA

 

Every Child.  One Voice.

 

History Report for 2006-2007