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Originally delivered on 1/24/2026 11:19 am

SUBJECT: Herod PTO Newsletter 1.24

No School Monday

REMINDER that there is no school on Monday, January 26th. 


I’ve taken over today’s newsletter to share why I love to go to the auction.

It’s not because I’m a big bidder (I’m really not), and it’s definitely not because I love spending money. I go because it’s one of the few nights where our school community gets to relax, laugh, and connect outside of pickup lines, backpacks, and busy schedules. It’s fun, it’s easy, and you always walk away with something — whether that’s a great item, a good story, or just a reminder of how special this school really is.


If you’ve never been to the auction before, this is your sign to come check it out. You don’t need a plan or a budget — just show up, enjoy the energy, and see what catches your eye. Some people bid, some people cheer, some people just soak it all in — and it all counts.


First time? Here’s what to expect:

  ☆ A relaxed, social night with other parents, teachers, and staff

  ☆ Fun items like theme baskets, student artwork, experiences, and a few surprises

  ☆ Easy bidding (from your phone or in the room — whatever feels comfortable)

  ☆ No pressure to bid — being there is part of the fun


I hope you’ll join us for the auction this year. Come for the fun, stay for the community, and leave knowing you were part of a really great night at our school.


Tickets are on sale now for the Herod Auction on February 20th at our favorite restaurant, Cafe Piquet. The newsletter below has ALL the information and links for tickets and access to the auction site. 


Communication about the grade-level/classroom baskets has gone out so please, please, please make sure you contribute to your grade-level basket! 


Cheers,

Amanda Shirley

Upcoming PTO Events
Valentine Grams On Sale This Week

Valentine Gram Sale started this last week! Be sure to place your order HERE before they are sold out! 


This is a great way to give your favorite students, teachers, and staff a sweet surprise on Valentine's Day!

Havana Nights: Passports to Cuba

February 20th | 7-11pm | Cafe Piquet | 5757 Bissonnet St, Bellaire, TX 77401 


Pack your bags for Havana Nights: Passport to Cuba - our annual adults-only event paired with an exciting online auction! From birthday parties and local gift cards to a school parking spot, Fire Marshall for a month, kids' toys, linch w8th your favorite teacher, and incredible family experiences, there's something for every traveler to win. 


Early Bird tickets available now through Tuesday, January 31—secure your passport before prices go up! 


Want 2 free tickets? Share this Facebook Post or repost this Instagram Post to enter the drawing... the winner will be announced on February 1st on both platforms!


Purchase Your Auction Tickets HERE! Must be logged into the MTK website to access.


Auction Website Link HERE 

Important Information
Yearbook Photo Submittal

Upload your Photos Today! All it takes is 4 easy steps.


  1. Scan the QR code or visit/click on the link https://plicbooks.com/go/W9VJVE
  2. Click the drop down to choose the correct album where you want to put your photo(s)
  3. Then click "Upload Photos." and choose your photos and upload.
  4. You're done! Upload more if you'd like or close out the tab. 


Simply Yearbook also has a short video that explains how to upload photos here: https://share.vidyard.com/watch/g4bZVP9Nti9gWe6nUT3iRR

🎉✨ Calling all 5th Grade Parents! ✨🎉

Our Jets are flying full throttle toward graduation, and we want to send them off with the most epic party ever! But we can’t do it without YOU.


Here’s how you can help:


Every dollar, every hour, every idea gets us closer to an unforgettable celebration for our 5th graders. Let’s make this milestone one they’ll never forget! 

Family Sponsorship

Support the PTO by becoming a Family Sponsor!  PTO helps fill academic and classroom gaps where HISD's budget falls short. The PTO also directs funds to teachers and staff appreciation, school maintenance, and enhancing the school experience for all of our Jets!


Family Sponsor Levels:

  • Herod Hero $200+ : Breakfast with Admin + Recognition on PTO website + items below
  • Jet Pack $150 : Herod Shirt + items below
  • Jet Fuel $100 : Birthday Marquee Listing (1) + items below
  • Blue Jet $50 : Herod Yard Sign + items below
  • Orange Jet $25 : Herod Car Magnet + items below
  • Free : Online store, PTO Annual Calendar, Member-Only School directory, and weekly newsletter


CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE PTO!

Corporate Sponsorship

Help support out students, teachers, and staff by becoming a Corporate Partner with a tax-deductible donation. More details can be found in the link below.

 

Corporate Sponsor Levels:

  • Sky's The Limit $2,750+ : 2 banners + items below
  • First Class $2,250 : Table at Fall Festival + items below
  • Soaring $1,000 : Full page flyers in take home folders + items below
  • Jet Fuel $500 : Company banner + marquee mention + items below
  • Boarding $250 : Recognition on Herod's website + social media recognition + logo in newsletter and on website


CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE PTO!

Get VIPS Approved

In order to volunteer on campus or during field trips, you will need to register with HISD’s VIPS (Volunteers in Public Schools). You need to sign up each academic year that you want to volunteer.  


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

School Store

Purchase your spirit wear HERE! You'll need to sign into your PTO account to place an order.

Purchase Here
Volunteer Opportunites
Library Helpers Needed!

Parents, we heard you! We’ve added both morning and afternoon volunteer spots so more of you can jump in. If we can get just 2–3 people each week, it will make a huge difference for our library!


What you’ll do: help scan and organize books (super simple—and no full shift commitment required).


How to sign up: Pick a day and time that works for you.   Just note in the comments when you’ll be there so Ms. Sims knows when to expect you!


Available Times:

  • Mon: 9–12
  • Tues: 9–12
  • Wed: 12:45–2:45 *Did someone say “Help in the library while I wait for dismissal?”
  • Thurs: 9–12
  • Fri: 9–12


Sign up here:  https://www.signupgenius.com/.../10C0A4FADA92BA6FBC43...


Let’s keep our library running smoothly for all our Jets! 

Join the PTO - It's FREE

Stay connected and in the know! As a PTO member, you'll get

  • Updates on events and activities
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Access to the PTO store
  • And so much more! 


Come join the Jet family and be a part of something amazing. 


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Jetway

The Jetway is OPEN for Take Off.  Come work at our on-site school store, The Jetway, and help kids shop safely and learn valuable life skills. The kids can buy pencils, erasers, fidget items, pens, stickers, and more within the budget you set for them!


SIGN UP HERE!!!


This is a great way to spend 30 minutes with your kid and get involved in the wonderful JET family. PTO will ensure someone will help guide you during your first shift and show you the ropes. 



Community & PTO $$ at Work
GARDEN TILES & GARDEN WORK

Some of y’all have been patiently waiting since 2019 for the garden tiles to be installed… well, the wait is OVER! The beautiful hand-painted tiles are officially up in Herod’s Garden!


These unique works of art bring color, creativity, and a sense of community spirit to our outdoor space. Please stop by, take a stroll, and admire the beauty of our garden and the legacy of our Jets!  

Beginning of Year Funds and Lunch

We were able to provide lunch for the teachers and staff during their pre-service days before the students returned to school. During this luncheon, we informed each teacher that they will receive money from the PTO to help prepare their classrooms for the school year! 

PTO & School Calendar
Thursday, January 29
9:00a School Tour
Friday, January 30
MOY Dibels/Lectura Closes: K-1
Monday, February 2
Valentine Grams Sales Start
Tuesday, February 3
9:00a School Tour
Thursday, February 5
9:00a School Tour
Friday, February 6
MOY Circle Window Closes - PK
Monday, February 9
CBE Testing Window Opens
Crossing Guard Appreciation Day
Corporate Partners

Thank you to our 2025-2026 Corporate Partners, we appreciate your support of Herod Elementary! Interested in advertising your business to Herod families and supporting the PTO? Click HERE to learn more about Corporate Partnership opportunities.

SKY'S THE LIMIT

Your logo could show up here!!!

FIRST CLASS

Your logo could show up here!!!

SOARING

 

JET FUEL

 

BOARDING

 

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