Travis TAG School Newsletter

Dear Travis TAG Families,

What an incredible first week we have had together! My heart is full of gratitude for the energy, kindness, and dedication that our students, staff, and families have brought to launch the year. We have officially begun our quest, and I know we will reach new heights together. From the very first morning, our Timberwolves have shown curiosity, respect, and a genuine eagerness to learn. This is the foundation for a remarkable year ahead, and I am honored to walk this path with each of you.

This newsletter is a little shorter than usual as we move ahead into the school year, but it still contains two important updates that I encourage you to review.

With gratitude and excitement,
Alessandra Mercon
Principal, Travis TAG

I want to begin by apologizing, I had shared that I would provide the grade level assemblies slide deck ahead of time, but was unable to send it out before the assemblies. The good news is that our assemblies went very well. Students engaged thoughtfully, asked excellent follow-up questions, and left with a clear understanding of expectations for the year.

To keep you informed, I am sharing the full slide deck with you now. I encourage all families to review it together so that you can have meaningful conversations at home.

Click the button below to view the slide deck.

Earlier, we shared that a form would be sent home for parents to complete if their student will be device free this year. To make the process simpler, we will now use a Google Form instead.

Here’s how it will work:

1. Parents complete the online Google Form, which will notify the campus.

2. Next week, we will print the Device-Free form for each student whose parent submitted online and send it home.

3. Parents sign the printed form and return it to school or scan and email it to travisattendance@dallasisd.org.

A signed form must be in our records by Friday, August 22nd for a student to be designated as device free.

Thank you for your partnership in supporting a focused and connected learning environment for all of our Timberwolves!

Complete the Device-Free Student Google Form by clicking the button below.

Monday 8/18 (A Day)

• Spirit Day: College or Dallas ISD High School
• Middle School Advisory: Knowledge - Study Hall (no movement)

Tuesday 8/19 (B Day)

• Testing: iReady Assessment Reading 4th-8th
• No Advisory

Wednesday 8/20 (A Day)

• Testing: iReady Assessment Math 4th-8th
• No Advisory

Thursday 8/21 (B Day)

• Middle School Advisory: Kindness/Integrity - SEL/Organization lesson

Friday 8/22 (A Day)

• Spirit Day: Travis TAG
• Middle School Advisory: Knowledge - Study Hall (no movement)

For the Tuesday and Wednesday testing days, students will still attend all their classes for that day. Class periods will be shortened.

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 18 - iReady BOY Reading (Grades 4-8)

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

September 1 - Labor Day (No School)

September 4 - Mini School 5:30-7:45 PM

September 5 - First Friday Coffee

September 11 - SBDM 5:30 PM (in person - Rm 113)

September 11 - PTA 6:30 PM (in person - Auditorium)

September 24 - 8th grade school pictures

🔗 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 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!

🧩 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: open now! Find the online spirit store on the PTA website.

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