News

May 2025 Newsletter

Message from Executive Director, Marianne Reap

We’re proud to celebrate over 40 years of supporting the teachers, staff, and students of Round Rock ISD. Thanks to our dedicated board, staff, partners, and donors, the Foundation funds vital programs such as school supplies, scholarships, Teacher of the Year awards, classroom grants, and more.

Serving over 47,000 students and 6,340 employees across 110 square miles in Williamson and Travis counties, Round Rock ISD is truly unique. With your support, we continue to enrich and expand educational opportunities districtwide.

As we gear up for a new school year—with supplies for 5,000+ students, the Connect5 Conference for 3,700 teachers, and exciting fundraising events—we invite you to become an Education Hero by joining our monthly giving program.

Sincerely, Marianne Reap

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Thank you to our Partner!

We would like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to Board member, Ryan Breaux, and Texas Children’s Hospital for their generous Presenting Sponsorship of the 2025 Shining Stars Gala, held in March. Their continued partnership plays a vital role in the success of our largest and most important fundraiser of the year!

Hundreds of community and corporate leaders from around the Round Rock & Austin area joined to support Excellence in Education for Round Rock ISD students, teachers, and staff. All funds raised will directly support Round Rock ISD Partners in Education Foundation’s mission. We are deeply grateful for their support and commitment to advancing educational excellence in our district.

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2025 Scholarship Reception

On Tuesday, April 8th, the Partners in Education Foundation held its annual Scholarship Reception, awarding 48 scholarships totaling $137,000 to outstanding high school seniors. The event celebrated the hard work and achievements of these students, who were selected for their academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. Generous support from community partners made these scholarships possible, with contributors including the Nolan Ryan Foundation, Kanga Roof, and Whataburger, among others. Family members, district staff, and Foundation board members attended the reception to honor the recipients and celebrate their success.

EVENT PICTURES

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KEEP MOVING to Honor Marla Valk Scholarship

Marla Valk dedicated her career to empowering students, supporting educators, and advancing the arts throughout Round Rock ISD. From 2019 to 2024, she served as the District’s Dance and Fine Arts Coordinator, following a remarkable 25-year tenure as a dance educator at Westwood High School. To celebrate her legacy, the Round Rock ISD Partners in Education Foundation is proud to announce the creation of the KEEP MOVING to Honor Marla Valk Scholarship, which will launch in the 2025–2026 school year. This scholarship will support students pursuing their passion for the arts, continuing Valk’s mission of inspiring future generations. READ FULL ARTICLE HERE.

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Volunteers Making an Impact

In April, several incredible volunteer groups came together to support students in Round Rock ISD’s Families in Transition (FiT) Program by assembling birthday bags at our Resource Boutique. These special bags help ensure that every child in the program feels celebrated on their special day. A heartfelt thank you goes to St. David’s Hospital, Macy’s, Leadership Round Rock and the Round Rock Women’s Club for their dedication and teamwork in putting together 180 birthday bags. Your support brings joy to students and reminds them they are seen, valued, and supported by their community.

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Grants in Action

Anderson Mill Elementary School brought creativity to life through the “Story Wranglers” program — funded by a $5,000 Excellence in Education Grant.

After applying and being selected by the Paramount Theater, Anderson Mill was one of just a few campuses chosen for this amazing opportunity. For 7 weeks, 3rd grade students worked in small groups to write original short stories. Today, those stories came alive on stage through 12 lively performances — complete with skits, songs, and bilingual storytelling in English and Spanish!

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School Supplies Project

Beginning in late May, the Foundation will begin their Annual School Supplies Project, which is an opportunity for local businesses, organizations, and community members to help provide basic school supplies to Round Rock ISD students in need and Early Career teachers to ensure they have the proper tools at the beginning of and throughout the entire school year.

We need the community’s help gathering both MONETARY and IN-KIND donations to fund:

BRAND NEW, District-approved, school supply kits for students in need. School supplies in 350 “Welcome Boxes” for Early Career Teachers. School supplies for our Resource Boutique, which will be give to students throughout the school year. Take-home folders for elementary campuses

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Upcoming Events

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Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

School Supply Box Assembly
July 16, 2025 from 9am-3pm PENDING)
Volunteers will help pack ~350 supply boxes for new teachers to RRISD.

School Supply Kit Distribution
August 7, 2025 from 8:30am-12pm
Volunteers will help at our District warehouse to distribute EPI school supply kits into delivery bays for each campus. Please note, the warehouse is not air conditioned and this opportunity requires ability to lift 20+ lbs.

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Round Rock ISD Alumni Network

Stay connected to your classmates. Get updates on your class and Round Rock ISD. Connect with former classmates for reunions. Any Round Rock ISD Alumni welcome!