Roadrunner Rundown | 11/6
Table of Contents
Welcome
Tonight's the night - grab your lawn chairs and blankets and join us at Lee for Movie Night!
Gates open at 5:30 PM, and the movie starts at 6:00 PM. Come early to grab a good spot!
We'll be playing Minions & Monsters on a giant 25-foot outdoor screen, with popcorn and glow sticks for the kids.
A big thank-you to our Presenting Sponsor, Red River Restorations, and to our neighbors at Cornucopia for the popcorn. This night is free for every Lee family because of local businesses like these.
Thanksgiving Lunch RSVP - RSVP today!
If you plan to attend the Thanksgiving luncheon, please note you must register by Friday, Nov. 13. You only need to fill out one form per household.
RSVP to grab your spot (and lunch) here: https://forms.gle/cdMQQQG54rwkiy9R7
Thanks to our Fall Carnival Crew!
A special shout out to our Fall Carnival team for pulling off an amazing pivot and bringing all of the fun indoors! Huge thanks to Jess Bacak for chairing the Carnival, and to Jay Ewing, Alyssa Reinhart, Stephanie Lermer, Sykes Marino, Beth Stone, and Kristy Orr for their planning support. It wouldn’t have happened without this amazing team!
Mendocino Farm Receipt Share
Join us next Wed., Nov. 11
Our next receipt share is Wednesday, Nov. 11 at Mendocino Farms! Place your order from 2 pm until close and 20% of the proceeds go back to Lee PTA.
If you order online, use code GIVEBACK or mention LEE at the register. We hope to see everyone there!
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Drop off donations today!
Lee is partnering with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity to collect food for Feed the Family Thanksgiving dinners.
Drop off the following items in the collection box inside the school, next to the round table:
Cranberry sauce
canned corn
canned green beans
stuffing mix
Jiffy corn muffin mix
You can also donate online here or give with CashApp here. A donation of $25 provides holiday sides and $35 provides a turkey.
If your family would like to register to receive a dinner, head here and fill out the form.
Roadie Workday Save the Date
Sunday, Nov. 15
Mark your calendars for our final Roadie Workday of the year - Sunday, Nov. 15. Come any time 8-11 am and bring those kids!
Spend some time outdoors together and help us with a big project to be announced in the next Roadrunner Rundown!
Library Lines
by our amazing Librarian, Ms. Jenny Day
Thank you so much for your support during our Book Fair last week.
We had a very successful Book Fair - with about $3,000 going to Lee Library to supplement the district book and supply budget for the year. I truly appreciate your continued support.
Some upcoming events in the library this month:
Kindergarten will start taking their library book home next week (Nov. 9-13) Please talk with your child about a safe place to keep their library books and help them to return their books each week.
2nd grade will be participating in our 3rd Annual Book Float Parade - on Thursday, November 19th. Look for information coming home this week.
5th grade will be making our Turkey Character Surprise to help decorate the cafeteria for our Thanksgiving luncheon.
I will start talking about Science Fair - to build interest and excitement for it.
Science Fair is not until January, but if your child want to experiment on growing anything you'll want to start on it sooner rather than later.
Lastly, we will have our Fall Break Reading Challenge to read at least 20 minutes a day during the Fall Break - from November 21-29.
Advocacy Update
by our PTA Advocacy Chair, Amanda Rohlich
🌊 MID TERM RESULTS
Democrats took sweeping wins on election night, shifting the political landscape of Texas significantly. There are a few developments that may be relevant for families following public education policy in Texas.
Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa campaigned on strengthening public education through increased school funding, higher teacher pay, local control of school districts, and reducing reliance on high-stakes testing. She has also been a vocal opponent of school vouchers and state takeovers of local districts, advocating instead for investing directly in neighborhood public schools. While campaign priorities do not automatically become policy, these positions may shape upcoming discussions about education in Texas.
At the state level, Democrats have gained control of the Texas House, while Republicans have retained control of the Texas Senate, creating a divided government.
In addition, Democrats gained a majority on the State Board of Education, the body that helps shape curriculum standards and other statewide education policies.
As a result, major education initiatives, including school funding, accountability systems, and other reforms, will require negotiation across multiple elected bodies.
Public school advocates should expect progress to be incremental and continue making their voices heard throughout the legislative session - which kicks off Jan 12. We hope you'll mark your calendars to join us on Feb. 22 for PTA Rally Day!
State law still requires some form of TEA intervention in Austin ISD. However, under the incoming administration, many expect any required oversight to be more targeted and collaborative in approach, rather than a broader, system-wide intervention model.
🏛️ TEXAS LEGISLATION TIMELINE (90th Legislative Session)
November 9, 2026: Lawmakers began filing bills for consideration.
January 12, 2027: The Texas Legislature convenes for its 140-day regular session. This is when education, school funding, and other policy proposals officially begin moving through committees and floor debates.
February,22, 2027: Texas PTA Rally Day 2027 at the Texas State Capitol. Mark your calendar now!
February-March 2027: Committee hearings ramp up. This is often when advocacy from parents, educators, and community members has the greatest impact.
March 12, 2027: Deadline for legislators to file most bills. After this date, the focus shifts from introducing ideas to advancing or stopping legislation.
April-May 2027: Budget negotiations and key votes on school funding, accountability, testing, and education policy are expected to intensify. The Legislature must also pass a state budget for the next two years.
May 31, 2027: Sine Die! Any bills not passed by this date generally do not move forward.
June 20, 2027: Deadline for the governor to sign or veto bills passed during the regular session.
💬AISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Want to know what your trustees are up to? You can view Board recaps here.
Yearbook Orders
Head over to https://account.treering.com/validate and type in code 1015066231443557 to order today.
Lost and Found
Lost and Found is located inside the school so students can access it easily; parents must check in at the front office. Items may be donated within 2 weeks if Lost and Found is full.
Email lostandfound@russellleepta.org if you have any questions.
Shop + Support Lee All Year Round
*New* Recess - All Year
Recess helps you find camps and classes for your family needs, all in one place.
Head over to https://hello-recess.com/ and use code LEEFAM and a portion of Recess profits goes back to Lee PTA.
Shop with Pride Socks - All Year
Shop this Lee family-owned lifestyle brand that empowers individuals to take pride in who they. Use promo code lee20 for 20% off and Pride Socks will donate 20% of sales back to Lee PTA! Visit https://pridesocks.com/ to shop.
Name Bubbles - All Year
Use this link to order personalized name labels—they're a simple way to keep track of your child's supplies all year long and avoid a trip to lost and found. When you use our purchase link, a portion of every order goes back to support our school!
Minted - All Year
Visit Minted.com and receive 20% off your purchase and Minted will donate 10% of your purchase to the school! Use code: FUNDRAISERUSSELLLEE
This is a great opportunity to get holiday cards and gifts for the upcoming holiday season.
Questions about Shop with Lee events and or interested in partnering with us on Shop with Lee initiatives at your business? Email fundraising@russellleepta.org.
Join the PTA Today!
It's never too late to join the PTA - parents, students, grandparents - anyone can join. Head here and sign up - it only takes a minute and makes a huge impact!
Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors!
Interested in becoming a corporate sponsor? You can get your logo on this weekly rundown, on our printed calendar, and more! Check out our Sponsorship packages and reach out here!
Lee Calendar
11/6 School Tour, 9 am
11/6 Lee PTA Movie Night, 5:30 pm
11/11 Mendocino Farms Receipt Share, 2 pm - 9 pm
11/12 3rd Grade Program, 6 pm
11/17 CAC Meeting, 3:30 pm
11/19 Thanksgiving Lunch
11/20 Turkey Trot
Download a PDF of this month's Calendar below.
Thanks for reading this week's Roadrunner Rundown! Have something to add?
Share your comments or feature suggestions at communications@russellleepta.org or online here.
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