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PTA Spotlight: Tuloso-Midway Primary and Intermediate

🎉 PTA SPOTLIGHT: Meet Michelle Holliday, Tuloso-Midway Primary and Intermediate President!

From teacher to powerhouse PTA President, Michelle Holliday shares what drives her passion, how she builds community, and the secret to keeping her energy high (spoiler: it’s not just coffee ☕️).

Q: How did you first get involved with PTA?
💬 “I taught for three years and always knew I wanted to volunteer when I had kids of my own. My youngest started school in 2020—right when volunteering wasn’t an option due to the pandemic. The next school year, a friend asked me to be Treasurer, and I was hooked from day one. Since then, I’ve recruited several other moms to join the journey.”

Q: Favorite PTA program or event?
💬 “Definitely the Warrior Dash! We wanted something outside the box, so we launched a 5K fundraiser (and later added a 1K). We partner with local sponsors and vendors for shirts, medals, and snacks. It’s more than a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of our school and community. People still tell us how fun it was!”

Q: What’s been your secret to building a strong relationship with school leadership?
💬 “I’m a people person, so I made a point to introduce myself to administration early on. I showed up consistently—volunteering, attending events, getting to know staff personally. I even joined the Education Foundation, which helped me build relationships at the district level. A smile and a genuine hello go a long way!”

Q: Most rewarding part of PTA involvement?
💬 “The kids’ faces! Whether it’s delivering hot chocolate at Christmas or reading to Pre-K during Read Across America Week, those moments are unforgettable. It means so much when students recognize me in the hall and light up.”

Q: How do you stay energized and motivated?
💬 “People ask me that all the time. I’m a wife, mom, business owner, and full-time employee—you just get things done! Coffee helps, but really, it’s the people I serve with. The moms and dads on our board are incredible, and many have become lifelong friends. That support system keeps me going.”

Q: Any tech tools that help?
💬 “Technology is my kryptonite! If it’s not Word or Excel, I’m lost. Thankfully, my VP and Communications Chair are Canva wizards and make us all look good. I do use MyPTEZ for membership and might explore the paid version soon.”

Q: Sonic or Starbucks?
💬 “Oh… toughest question yet! Sonic.”

Q: What phrase is keeping you going through the end-of-year chaos?
💬 “Just keep showing up. It doesn’t have to be perfect—I may not stay for every event—but I give my best effort where I can. I remind my board: you don’t have to do everything. We’re a team, and together, we make it happen.”

Michelle’s dedication is making a difference every day with Texas PTA!

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💫 SPOTLIGHT: Meet Julie Barschow, PTA President at Carpenter Hill Elementary, Hays CISD! 💫

Julie’s journey with PTA began when her son started kindergarten, and she noticed parent involvement challenges at his school. “I offered to jump in and learn how to help, then the rest is history!” she shares.

How did you initially get involved with PTA?

When my son started kindergarten at Joslin Elementary in AISD, I learned quickly that parent involvement was a challenge and that the PTA was made up mostly of teachers who were also parents. I offered to jump in and learn how to help, then the rest is history! 

What is your favorite program, activity, or event that your PTA organizes?

Tough question! PTA does so much, it’s hard to choose. One of my favorites for my current PTA (Carpenter Hill Elementary in Buda) is Grants & Scholarships. We raise and distribute funds for continuing education/professional development for teachers and for equipment, supplies, or other items needed for classrooms. 

How did you initially build and then maintain a long-term relationship with the school administration?

I attend events that the Principal/administration hosts, and make a point to connect with the Principal, school leadership, etc. I communicate regularly, while being mindful of their workload and be sure to follow through with all promises. Once the faculty and staff understand the PTA is there to support them (and hopefully spoil them sometimes!), and help students thrive, they will be willing partners and participants in your work. 

What is the most rewarding part about being involved with your PTA?

The most rewarding part about being involved in PTA is the tight community it creates between parents, kids, and teachers/staff. Enriching students’ educational experiences, facilitating acts of love and appreciation for teachers and staff, and building friendships are all very rewarding. 

How do you maintain your energy and motivation?

I maintain my energy and motivation by remembering to pause, breathe, pray, meditate, and get outside as much as possible. We cannot pour from an empty cup, so I am intentional about keeping in good physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health with consistent daily practices. 

Are there any technology tools that you have found particularly helpful? (Mailchimp, Konstella, Social, etc.) How do you leverage them with your audience in mind?

PT Board has been a great communication tool for our PTA. Canva is also a lifesaver for graphic design! Canva is excellent for users of any level to produce graphics for things like flyers and social media. Our Principal is also amazing and will send what we call One Message Emails, which get the best view and response rates. To break through the business and noise, Say One Thing and give one Call To Action. 

Sonic or Starbucks?

Starbucks 100%. 

Do you have a resolution or word for the new year?

I don’t have a resolution or words for this new year, however, these are the phrases that guide my days: “In Harmony with God” and “Love is an Action.” 

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Texas PTA Gears Up for Rally Day 2025: Advocating for Texas Students

On February 24, 2025, parents, educators, and advocates from across Texas will unite at the State Capitol in Austin for Texas PTA’s biennial Rally Day. This powerful event provides a platform for PTA members to meet directly with legislators and champion public education.

A Day of Advocacy and Action

Rally Day 2025 is more than just an event—it’s a movement. With major decisions being made on school funding, teacher retention, and student safety, the voices of PTA members are more crucial than ever.

“Rally Day represents the heart of PTA advocacy – parents and educators coming together to make real change for Texas children,” said Jennifer Easley, Texas PTA President. “With crucial decisions being made about school funding, safety, and teacher retention, our members’ voices are more important than ever.”

The event will include face-to-face meetings with state lawmakers, advocacy training sessions, student performances, and a rally on the Capitol steps. Attendees will also witness the recognition of outstanding PTAs making a difference in their communities.

Bipartisan Support for Education

This year’s Rally Day will feature a diverse panel of bipartisan leaders who share a commitment to Texas schools, including:

  • State Representative Alma Allen (D)
  • State Representative Brad Buckley (R)
  • State Representative Drew Darby (R)
  • State Representative Gina Hinojosa (D)
  • State Representative James Talarico (D)
  • State Representative Jay Dean (R)
  • Senator Nathan Johnson (D)
  • Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath

Their participation underscores the shared responsibility of ensuring a bright future for Texas students.

Key Legislative Priorities for 2025

Texas PTA is committed to advocating for legislative changes that directly impact students, teachers, and families. This year’s priorities include:

  • Improving public school funding by shifting to an enrollment-based model
  • Addressing teacher and staff shortages to maintain quality education
  • Enhancing school safety measures to ensure student well-being
  • Transforming school accountability systems for fair and effective evaluation
  • Protecting public education funding from being diverted to other initiatives

With more than five million students in Texas public schools, these issues are at the forefront of Texas PTA’s advocacy efforts.

Be Part of the Change

Rally Day is an opportunity for every PTA member, parent, and educator to make a difference.

“Every parent and community member who joins us at Rally Day strengthens our collective voice for Texas children,” said Rachel Abell, Texas PTA Vice President of Advocacy. “Together, we can ensure our legislators understand the real impact of their decisions on our classrooms and communities.”

Event Details

  • Date: February 24, 2025
  • Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Location: Texas State Capitol, Austin, Texas

Join Texas PTA in making a lasting impact on public education. To register and learn more, visit Texas PTA’s website. Let’s raise our voices together and advocate for a brighter future for all Texas students!

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PTA Spotlight Series: Meet Sarah Collins from Midland ISD

📢 PTA Spotlight Series: Meet Sarah Collins!

We’re excited to feature Sarah Collins, PTA President at General Tommy Franks Elementary PTA. From childhood memories to becoming a dedicated “PTA Mom”, our featured member shares her incredible journey of transforming school involvement.

1. How did you initially get involved with PTA?
When I was in elementary school, I always loved when the PTA organized events. From Accelerated Reader rewards to distributing gift wrap orders and hosting the Fall Festivals, those moments stuck with me. I knew that one day, when I had kids of my own, I wanted to be a “PTA Mom” (shoutout to Fannin Elementary PTA in Midland!).
Fast forward to 2020, when my oldest started kindergarten at GFE during a unique school year. COVID precautions kept us off campus for the first four six weeks of school, but the GFE PTA made it their mission to keep families engaged and support students and teachers. I instantly knew these were my people! I joined, started attending virtual meetings, and just wanted to help in any way I could. My first big involvement was with the Spring Book Fair, and I’ve never looked back.

2. What is your favorite program, activity, or event that your PTA organizes?
My favorite event is our December tradition, Camo Christmas. It kicks off the 12 Days of Franksmas, a fun-filled time at our school. This evening event brings families together for games, arts and crafts, and holiday treats, creating meaningful holiday memories. It’s incredible to see families connecting with each other and with our school. Each year, the event grows and evolves, and seeing families come together in this way fills my heart with joy.

3. How did you initially build and maintain a long-term relationship with the school administration?
Flexibility and communication are key. At the end of the day, both PTA and administration share the same goal: supporting students, teachers, and families. We celebrate each other’s accomplishments and collaborate to achieve our shared objectives. I’ve truly appreciated our administration’s willingness to embrace our PTA’s ideas – even the craziest ones! It’s been a partnership built on mutual respect and teamwork.

4. What is the most rewarding part about being involved with your PTA?
The most rewarding part is seeing parents get involved at the school, especially when they didn’t realize they could. So many people want to help and be part of something but aren’t sure how to take that first step. Being part of the PTA allows me to help build those connections and create opportunities for parents to engage. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see those relationships grow and to know that we’re making a positive impact together.

5. How do you maintain your energy and motivation?
I stay motivated by knowing that, at the end of the day, I’ve done something to help my kids and their school. Whether it’s adding a little fun to their day, showing appreciation to their teachers, or advocating for them at the state level, every effort counts. Even when it’s not a win, I know I tried – for my kids, my school, and my district. That’s what keeps me going.

6. Are there any technology tools that you have found particularly helpful? How do you leverage them with your audience in mind?
The more communication, the better! We use a variety of tools to connect with our families:
-MyPTEZ bulk mailer for updates
-MailChimp for monthly newsletters with links, graphics, and QR codes
-Facebook Groups to engage with parents with a weekly “Links and Reminders” post
-ClassDojo posts on the School Story
-Paper flyers for those who prefer tangible reminders
Our newest addition is a thermal sticker maker. We print QR codes and stick them on students as they leave at dismissal. The kids love the stickers, and it’s an effective way to share important information with parents. You can never communicate too much!

7. Sonic or Starbucks? Sonic, all the way!

8. Do you have a resolution or word for the new year?
It’s actually a phrase: Cut the Junk. Whether it’s clutter, bad vibes, or even the occasional junk food, I’m focused on cutting out anything that doesn’t bring me joy or help me feel my best.

 

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PTA Spotlight Series: Meet Michelle Maloney

Continuing our PTA Spotlight Series, we are excited to share our interview with Michelle Maloney from Harrison Intermediate in Wylie ISD  ! Michelle is the PTA President at Harrison Intermediate and serves on the WISD Council of PTAs as the Health Ed/SHAC Chair.

How did you initially get involved with PTA?
When my twins started Kindergarten in 2019, I didn’t know much about our PTA and was never recruited for membership. But, that Spring, our executive board held a Board Open House to recruit leadership for the following year and I have been a PTA board member ever since.

What is your favorite program, activity, or event that your PTA organizes?
We are an intermediate school (grades 5-6). Each Fall the PTA sponsors the Welcome Back dances for our students. For 5th graders, this is their first social opportunity at school, and it is so much fun to watch them experience it for the first time.

How did you initially build and then maintain a long-term relationship with the school administration?
Coming in blind, it was important to get started right away and build relationships as soon as possible. I didn’t wait for the new year. As soon as election results were posted, I introduced myself to admin, started attending events and volunteering where needed and scheduled a planning meeting with the Principal to map out the upcoming year. By the time school started that Fall, we had already been working together for months so it felt like a seamless transition. I also make sure that during meetings we treat our admin as a full executive board member, one of us, not just a guest.

What is the most rewarding part about being involved with your PTA?
I have the unique opportunity to get to know so many of our students and their families. I can’t walk through campus without being stopped for hugs and “Hellos!” from all the students I get to support.

How do you maintain your energy and motivation?
I don’t – not always. There will always be seasons where we give a lot and seasons where we are barely getting by. The key is to build an amazing leadership team so you can all be there for each other. If my board cannot keep everything moving forward without me, then I have not done a very good job as President.

Are there any technology tools that you have found particularly helpful?
We are still largely a Facebook community. Our PTA Facebook page is still the best, first place to get up to date information. But we also leverage our amazing relationship with our Principal who provides us a PTA corner in her weekly parent newsletter.

Sonic or Starbucks?
Starbucks! I am aware that there are people who do not drink coffee, but I don’t fully understand how that works. : )

Do you have a resolution or word for the new year?
When I started my first term as President, my motto was “transparency and collaboration.” I approach every PTA task and everything I do as President with this in mind.