Travis TAG School Newsletter

Dear Travis TAG Families,

Welcome to a brand new school year at William B. Travis Vanguard and Academy for the Academically Talented and Gifted. We are just weeks away from the first day of school, and we can’t wait to see our Timberwolves back on campus, ready to learn, grow, and reach new heights.

This year, our campus theme is “Timberwolves on a Quest: Reaching New Heights.” More than a slogan, this theme reflects our shared journey in a commitment to curiosity, excellence, and continuous growth. At Travis TAG, we believe every student is on their own unique quest, and it is our job to support, challenge, and champion them every step of the way.

In this newsletter, you’ll find everything you need to prepare for a strong and confident start to the 2025–2026 school year, including:

• Details about Cub Camp and Meet the Teacher Night on August 7

• Updates on school supplies, dress code, and the new clear backpack requirement

• Our A/B day calendar for grades 6 through 8 and campus events calendar

• How to stay connected through Remind and support our PTA

• Key information about student enrollment, campus communication, and more

We are excited to welcome both returning and new families into our Travis TAG community. Your partnership makes all the difference, and together, we will climb higher than ever before.

Let’s make this an unforgettable year on our quest for excellence.

With excitement,
Principal Mercon
Travis TAG

Cub Camp – Student Orientation for All New Timberwolves
📅 Thursday, August 7
🕒 3:00–5:00 PM
📍 Travis TAG Campus

Cub Camp is our special orientation event for all students who are new to Travis TAG. Whether your child is entering 4th grade or joining us in a higher grade for the first time, this event is for them!

Students will:

• Tour the building and learn how to navigate the school

• Meet key staff and teachers

• Learn about schedules, school expectations, and student life

• Start building connections to feel confident on Day 1

📢 No RSVP is needed—just come ready to explore!

👉 If your student is participating or volunteering for Cub Camp, please remind them to bring:

• A water bottle labeled with their name (in case it gets lost)

• A jacket or sweater (some areas of the building are chilly!)

• A spirit of adventure and an eagerness to help and connect!

📅 Thursday, August 7
🕔 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Travis TAG Campus
🚪 Doors will open at 5:00 PM

We are excited to welcome all families—new and returning—to Meet the Teacher Night at Travis TAG! This event is designed to help you and your student feel confident and connected heading into the new school year.

During Meet the Teacher Night, you’ll be able to:

• Visit your student’s classrooms and meet their teachers

• Drop off school supplies

• Learn about classroom expectations and curriculum

• Pick up your student’s hard copy schedule for the 2025–2026 school year

🗣️ Principal Welcome Message in the Auditorium
Families are invited to attend a short welcome message from Principal Mercon in the auditorium. Two sessions will be offered—please choose the time that works best for your family:

• Session 1: 5:30 PM

• Session 2: 6:15 PM

⏳ The rest of the evening is unstructured so you can move through your student’s schedule and visit classrooms at your own pace.

🚗 Parking Information
Please note that parking on campus is very limited. Overflow parking will be available just down the street at 3131 McKinney Avenue. We encourage families to carpool when possible and plan ahead to allow time for walking to campus.

We can’t wait to see you on August 7 as we launch another amazing year at Travis TAG!

Student schedules for the new school year will be available soon in PowerSchool. We encourage families to log in and review your student’s schedule ahead of the first day.

📲 Accessing Schedules Online:
You can view your child’s schedule through the PowerSchool Parent Portal as soon as it is published. If you need help accessing PowerSchool, please contact the main office at 972-794-7500.

📝 Hard Copies Provided:
In addition to online access, we will provide students with a printed copy of their schedule at two key times:

📅 Thursday, August 7 – Meet the Teacher Night
Students will receive a hard copy of their 2025–2026 schedule when they arrive on campus.

📅 Tuesday, August 12 – First Day of School
If your student does not attend Meet the Teacher, we will provide another printed schedule during arrival on the first day of school. Students will pick up their schedules in the following locations:

• 4th Grade: Cafeteria

• 5th & 6th Grade: Gym

• 7th & 8th Grade: Auditorium

We’re committed to making sure all students are set up for a smooth and confident first day of school!

We want all Timberwolves to start the school year ready to learn! If you did not purchase a pre-packaged supply kit through PTA, school supply lists are available on our website and in the front office. Please note that the brand names listed are suggestions—not requirements. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the school at 972-794-7500.

📢 IMPORTANT UPDATE: 🎒 Clear Backpacks Required for 2025–2026

As part of Dallas ISD’s ongoing efforts to ensure safer schools, all students in grades K–12 are required to use clear backpacks during the 2025–2026 school year. This districtwide policy helps create a secure and supportive learning environment for all.

While Dallas ISD allows mesh backpacks as an alternative, at Travis TAG we will require clear backpacks only for the upcoming school year.

Why clear only?
Clear backpacks allow us to conduct safer, quicker, and more consistent secure entry checks each morning. Because they are easier to visually scan, clear backpacks help us streamline the entry process, reduce wait times, and ensure that students can get inside, connect with friends, and start their day feeling calm and ready to learn.

💡 Students may carry one small non-clear pouch (no larger than 5.5" x 8.5") in their clear backpack for personal items such as hygiene products or money.

🎒 All students will receive one durable clear backpack at no cost.
Backpacks will be distributed during Meet the Teacher Night on Thursday, August 7.

Thank you for your support in implementing this safety measure and ensuring all Timberwolves start each day ready to grow, learn, and thrive.

At Travis TAG, we believe that when students look their best, they feel their best—and they’re ready to learn, lead, and grow. Our dress code is designed to support a culture of focus, comfort, and professionalism while allowing students to show their school pride.

We’ve updated our 2025–2026 Dress Code Guidelines, and we ask all families to review them before the start of the school year. These guidelines reflect district expectations and help ensure consistency and clarity for all students.

💼 Weekly Uniform Overview:

• Monday: College or Dallas ISD high school shirt with jeans or uniform bottoms

• Tuesday–Thursday: Solid black, white, or navy collared shirt + uniform pants, shorts, or skirt

• Friday (Spirit Day): Travis TAG spirit shirt with jeans or uniform bottoms

👕 Approved Clothing Includes:

• Collared shirts (black, white, or navy)

• Uniform bottoms in solid black, khaki, or navy (no joggers or athletic wear)

• Closed-toe shoes including sneakers, dress shoes, and Crocs (in sports mode)

• Outerwear of any color is allowed but must be worn over a uniform-approved shirt (no inappropriate graphics)

👉 Please see the full Travis TAG 2025–2026 Dress Code on our school website for complete guidelines, including skirt length and specific clothing types.

Need support getting uniform items?

We’re here to support! Families who need assistance obtaining uniform items can contact our front office at 972-794-7500.

We appreciate your partnership in setting students up for success every day by making sure they arrive in dress code. Let’s keep Travis TAG looking sharp and focused all year long!

Starting this school year, a new state law (House Bill 1481) requires Texas public schools to limit student access to personal cell phones and wireless communication devices — including smartwatches and wireless earbuds — during the instructional day.

This change supports a calmer, more focused learning environment and aligns with our mission at Travis TAG to help students develop healthy academic habits, interpersonal skills, and digital wellness. Removing a major source of distraction helps students fully engage in their learning, relationships, and school community.

💡 While districtwide implementation guidance is still being finalized, we want families to have time to plan ahead. Here are a few steps you can take now:

What You Can Do Now

• ✅ Decide if your student truly needs to bring a device. Many families are now choosing to skip giving middle schoolers a cell phone altogether during the day.

• 🎧 Ensure your student has a pair of wired headphones for classroom use. Wireless earbuds (like AirPods) will not be allowed.

• 📱 If your student does bring a phone, please know the district plans to roll out secure phone pouches later this fall. These will not be distributed by the first day of school.

Staying Connected Without Cell Phones
We understand families rely on phones to stay in touch before and after school. These alternatives work just as well without disrupting the school day:

• 📞 Call the school office at 972-794-7500 to get a message to your student.

• 📣 Follow our school’s Remind channels for real-time updates.

• 📍 Use a tracker like an Apple AirTag or Tile in your student’s backpack if you want location updates.

Our Campus Approach
We want to reassure you that Travis TAG does not have a major phone problem. Our students and families are incredibly respectful of the learning environment, and we are grateful for your partnership.

In line with House Bill 1481 and district expectations, we will consistently implement this new law so that all students across Dallas ISD experience the same clear standards during the school day.

Just as we did with our secure entry rollout last year, we will make sure expectations are communicated clearly with students and families prior to implementation. We will share slide decks ahead of time so families can review the information before we hold student assemblies by grade level. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment and helping our Timberwolves adapt successfully to this change.

We’ll provide more detailed instructions later this fall — including how phone pouches will be assigned and how to request exceptions for medical or specific needs. Thank you for supporting a focused and enriching learning experience for all students at Travis TAG.

Our PTA and SBDM have worked extensively to create a safe, efficient, and respectful traffic flow around Travis TAG during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. Please read carefully and help us ensure a smooth experience for all students and families.

🛑 Morning & Afternoon Carpool Line – Allen Street

• The carpool line forms on the left side of Allen Street, beginning just past the Laclede intersection and extending down the curve toward the triangle gates (gates will not open).

• Enter the carpool line from Carlisle Street only. This ensures smoother traffic flow and avoids trolley interference.

• Do not enter the line from Cole Street — it’s too narrow and includes active trolley tracks.

• Sneed Street is for buses only. No carpool pick-up or drop-off should occur on that side of the school.

🚶‍♀️ Student Safety Reminders

• Students should exit and enter vehicles from the left side closest to the curb. If exiting on the street side, students should walk in front of your vehicle to reach the sidewalk.

• All walkers must use the crosswalk at Allen Street, monitored by a crossing guard.

• Students going to Starbucks or meeting parents on foot must cross at the designated crosswalk only.

🎻 Need Extra Time or Space?

• If you’re loading/unloading large items (musical instruments, projects, etc.), or need to park briefly, you may use the circle drive visitor spots.

• Please do not stop in the middle of the carpool lane or block parking lot entrances. Keep the line moving.

📍 4th & 5th Grade Carpool Pickup Zone

• These students will gather at the stairwell exit patio/grass area near the head of the line for dismissal.

☔ Rainy Day Plan

• Rainy-day dismissal details will be shared separately. With the covered areas along Allen Street.

🚫 Please NEVER:

• Block teacher parking lot entrances/exits

• Enter carpool line from Cole Street

• Double park or leave your vehicle unattended

• Block intersections, trolley tracks, or crosswalks

• Join or stop mid-line with flashers on

🅿️ Prefer to Park & Walk?
You’re welcome to park on side streets like Laclede and meet your student at the Allen Street crosswalk.

📷 See It in Action:
For maps, photos, and carpool videos, visit the PTA website here:
🔗 Travis TAG PTA Carpool Information Page

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our arrival and dismissal safe and respectful for all. Please be patient, courteous, and model kindness for our Timberwolves!

In order to best plan for next school year, we encourage you to complete your Enrollment/Registration online forms today! Just click the Enroll Here button below.

PLEASE COMPLETE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

The video below will walk you through the steps if you need assistance.

Travis TAG uses the Remind app to send out important school updates, reminders, and announcements.

If you're not already receiving our messages, please sign up by joining the appropriate class code(s) below based on your student’s 2025–2026 grade level:

🏫 Schoolwide Announcements

• Class code: @travis-tag

📚 Grade-Level Codes:

• Grade 4 – @wbt2030
• Grade 5 – @wbt2029
• Grade 6 – @wbt2028
• Grade 7 – @wbt2027
• Grade 8 – @wbt2026

How to Join:
✅ Download the Remind app
OR
✅ Text the class code (e.g., @wbt2028) to 81010
OR
✅ Sign up at remind.com/join

Already joined last year?
No need to sign up again! We move students up automatically with their grade level, so your messages will continue without interruption.

Thank you for staying connected—we look forward to an amazing year ahead!

📣 Staying in the Loop

In addition to Remind, you’ll receive regular newsletters and email updates. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in PowerSchool, and follow our website and PTA Facebook group for the latest!

We are excited to welcome back Mad Science as our official afterschool care provider at Travis TAG for the 2025–2026 school year!

This engaging, STEM-focused program provides students with a safe, fun, and enriching environment every afternoon.

🕒 Program Hours:
Monday through Friday | 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Note: The program follows the school calendar and will not operate on early dismissal days, holidays, or inclement weather days.

📋 Registration is Now Open:
Register online by visiting:
🔗 https://dfw.madscience.org/parents-register-a.aspx

💬 Questions?
The Mad Science team will be available to speak with families during Meet the Teacher Night on August 7. Feel free to stop by their booth for more information.
You can also email them at: info.request@msgdallas.com

We’re grateful to partner with Mad Science to offer a hands-on, curiosity-driven afterschool experience for our Timberwolves!

We know that planning ahead is important for families, and we want to make it easier to stay informed and prepared for the year ahead. We are excited to share two key calendar resources with you:

📘 Middle School A/B Day Calendar (Grades 6–8 Only)

Our 6th–8th grade students follow an A/B day rotation to support our block schedule. This calendar outlines which days are designated as "A Days" and "B Days" throughout the school year.

📎 Click here to view the A/B Day Calendar

📙 Comprehensive School Events Calendar

This calendar includes major events, testing windows, holidays, family nights, PTA events, and more.

📎 Click here to view the Full 2025–2026 Travis TAG Events Calendar

🔄 Please note: These are working documents and subject to change throughout the year. We’re sharing them now so you can plan ahead with your family. Any updates will be communicated in our newsletters and through Remind.

Thank you for staying connected—we’re looking forward to an amazing year together!

August 7 – a very busy day!

• 🐾 Cub Camp (New Student Orientation) – 3:00–5:00 PM
• 👋 Meet the Teacher Night – 5:00–7:00 PM
• 🎒 Clear Backpack Distribution during Meet the Teacher

August 12 - First day of school!

August 14 - School Picture Day

August 18 - iReady BOY Reading (Grades 4-8)

August 19 - iReady BOY Math (Grades 4-7)

🔗 Click the button below to view our full calendar of events. Please note this is a working calendar and is subject to change as the year progresses.

Travis TAG is proud to offer bus transportation for all of our students. Transportation routes are determined by Dallas ISD Transportation Services, based on student applications submitted during the spring semester.

🗺️ You can view the current 2025–2026 bus routes and bus stop locations by clicking the button below:
📎 Dallas ISD 2025-2026 Bus Route and Bus Stop Information Page

Please Note:

• We do not provide transportation for afterschool programs.

• If you notice a discrepancy in your student's assigned route or home school location is missing, please contact our front office at 972-794-7500. We will follow up directly with Dallas ISD Transportation on your behalf.

Thank you for your patience and partnership as we support a smooth and safe start to the school year.

Below you can see our current bus routes for the 2025-2026 school year in a PDF.

Coming the Third Week of September

We’re excited to launch a brand-new event this fall — Inside the Quest: A Night of TAG Discovery! This evening offers families a meaningful way to step into their Timberwolf’s academic world by following their daily class schedule and visiting each of their classrooms.

Unlike Meet the Teacher Night, which is an informal, open-house style event where families move at their own pace and briefly greet teachers, Inside the Quest is a structured, immersive experience. You’ll rotate through all eight periods just like your student does each day, and in each classroom, teachers will give a brief presentation outlining their course content, expectations, grading practices, and how families can support learning from home.

This is a unique opportunity to see your student’s schedule in action, meet the educators who guide their journey, and better understand what academic life looks like at Travis TAG.

🗓️ Full event details will be shared after the first week of school. At that time, we’ll also send a short survey for parents to reflect on their student’s first week and share input to help us shape this event in the most meaningful way possible. We want to ensure Inside the Quest helps you become an active partner in your Timberwolf’s success.

We can’t wait to walk alongside you on this journey of discovery!

🧩 Join the PTA

Support our school community by becoming a member of the Travis TAG PTA!

🌐 Join online: www.joinpta.org
➡️ Select: Dallas ISD – William B. Travis Vanguard and Academy

⚠️ Please Note: PTA membership renews annually. If you joined prior to August 1, 2025, your membership has now expired. To stay active for the 2025–2026 school year, you’ll need to re-enroll beginning today, August 1.

📘 PTA Facebook Group
Stay in the loop with updates, events, and community conversations.
🔍 Click and join: Travis TAG PTA

👕 School Spirit Stores
Show your Timberwolf pride all year long!

• PTA Spirit Wear Store: Closed for the summer – Reopens on Friday, August 8 just in time for Tax-Free Weekend!

Your partnership with PTA helps bring enrichment events, student celebrations, and more to our campus. Thank you for your continued support!

As of September 1, 2023, State law requires School Districts to distribute safe firearm storage information to parents and guardians. We have updated the information on the District's comprehensive safety webpage and will share this information via the District's social media channels.

Need to revisit something quickly? Here are some of the most helpful links from this newsletter:

• 📅 Travis TAG Events Calendar

• 🚌 Bus Routes and Transportation Info

• 📝 Enrollment and Registration Help

• 🎒 School Supply Lists and Dress Code

• 🧩 Join the PTA

• 👕 Spirit Store – Opens August 8