PTSA Programs
The PTSA at ARS offers a wide range of programs and initiatives designed to support students, families, and staff. From community-building events to teacher appreciation programs, there are countless ways to get involved. Let’s explore the impactful programs and opportunities the PTSA provides!
Teacher & Staff Appreciation
The PTSA at Ann Richards takes pride in showing our appreciation for the entire staff and everything they do. We host monthly events to honor them, including three luncheons! Parents assist by donating food and other items for these events. The PTSA also recognizes staff members with a small gift during their AISD Recognition Weeks. In December, we organize a gift card drive which ensures that every staff member receives a generous holiday gift. For more information: appreciations@arsptsa.org
Advocacy Team
Since its early days, advocacy has been at the heart of PTA. PTAs across the country advocate for policies that strengthen support for children, families and schools. The ARS PTSA advocacy efforts raise awareness on issues critical for our students and provide training to empower members. This amplifies the community's voice to drive positive change, especially during legislative years. For more information: advocacy@arsptsa.org
PopStars
The PopStars organize service events for the ARS community. This group runs the Saturday Campus workdays, grills over 1,000 Hotdogs at the Homecoming tailgate, sets up the college fair and are always ready to help with other needs that pop up throughout the year. Though the PopStars began as a Dad club, it has now evolved into a group where all family members are welcome. For more information: popstars@arsptsa.org
HispAnnos
HispAnnos was created to promote cultural and language diversity here at ARS. Our mission is to connect, support, and engage with parents, students, faculty and staff for anything multicultural and language related. Throughout the academic year, we plan family gatherings at the school, and in key areas of the city, so be on the lookout for more information. You do not have to be Hispanic to join - all who want to celebrate our multicultural community are welcome! For more information: hispannos@arsptsa.org
Welcome Team
The PTSA Welcome Team works to introduce new Star families to the Ann Richards community. They host our Welcome Coffees, and organize the PTSA presence at Showcase, Orientation and Parent Camp. For more information: welcome@arsptsa.org
Connections
The PTSA developed the Connections program to assist ARS families in connecting with each other. Zip Code groups allow families to connect with others who live in their geographic area. This is helpful for organizing carpools for school and extracurricular activities. Grade Level Parent Directories allow parents to voluntarily share their contact information with other parents in their Star’s grade. Connections Program For more information: connections@arsptsa.org
Used Uniforms
The PTSA Used Uniform Program collects, organizes, and mends donated uniforms and gets them back to the community through annual used uniform events. While the program does ask for small monetary donations for the items, its primary goal is to serve the community. If the cost is a concern, please don’t hesitate to ask—our focus is on building community, not profit. As the program relies on donations for inventory, sizing may be limited. For more information: useduniforms@arsptsa.org
Spirit Sales
The PTSA Spirit Sales Team encourages Star families and supporters to show their pride with a wide variety of ARS themed clothing and merchandise. Items can be purchased from the online Spirit Store and at events throughout the year. For more information: spiritsales@arsptsa.org
Clear the List
#Clear the List program allows parents and community members to support our teachers by purchasing items from their classroom wish lists. For more information: clearthelist@arsptsa.org
Mini-Grants
The PTSA Mini-Grants program supports small projects at ARS. Teachers and students can apply for mini-grants to pay for projects or activities throughout the year. For more information: minigrants@arsptsa.org
Senior Scholarships
PTSA is proud to offer $1,000 scholarships to several ARS Seniors each year. These scholarships are awarded to outstanding Stars who exemplify the qualities of an ARS student and demonstrate commitment to the mission statement. To support Ann Richards student-led focus, the PTSA asks the senior class to nominate their peers for these awards. For more information: scholarship@arsptsa.org
Business Sponsorship Banners
The Business Sponsorship Program provides tremendous financial support to our PTSA. Businesses who support our program are acknowledged with a Banner on the school fence and on the PTSA website. For more information (or to make a sponsorship): banners@arsptsa.org
I LOVE Stars No-Hassle Fundraiser
The I LOVE Stars No-Hassle Fundraiser is the primary source of funding for our PTSA programs. Each Spring, we ask for donations to support all our awesome PTSA programs. For more information: fundraising@arsptsa.org