Back To School Parent Newsletter

We are excited to welcome back our Birdwell students to another amazing year. Thank you for entrusting us with your very best and for choosing Birdwell Dual Language Immersion School. As we prepare to kick off the new year, we want to share the latest information with our families.

• This year, our campus is experiencing growth in student enrollment, and we’ve added classrooms to our 3rd and 5th grade classrooms.

• As part of our Dual Language immersion experience we encourage you to show off your Spanish as you greet students in the hallways, library, and cafeteria. All proficiency levels are welcome. We have blue and red labels posted throughout the building to support all.
• Special Shout out to the PTA for purchasing a new addition to our playground -- the Gagaball. We are currently working with the vendor for its installation.

August 10, 2026

Elementary Parents: You will receive communication from your student's homeroom teacher and a list of homerooms will be posted on campus. If you do not receive an email, please double check you typed in the correct address.

Secondary Parents: Students will receive their class schedules during Meet the Teacher. Please report to the library at 5:00 with your student.

Parents may escort their child to class on the first day of school. The doors to the campus will open at 7:35. When parking your car, please keep all driveways clear. On the second day of school, students must enter the building by themselves.

The beginning of school is a crucial period for our teachers to set up classroom routines and for our students to learn our campus expectations. During this time, parents will not be able to have lunch on campus with their child. Parents can start having lunch with their child starting Monday, August 24th. Please keep in mind that we have limited seating for parents so be sure to arrive early to have lunch indoors. Extra seating will be in our courtyard so please be mindful of the weather.

Please join us after you drop your child off to his or her classroom.

Our PTA volunteers will be ready in the library at 8:00 am.

School starts at 8:00a.m. and ends at 3:45 p.m. (3:30p.m. for PK only).

Students can be dropped off as early as 7:20 a.m.

Breakfast is served from 7:20a.m.-7:50 a.m.

Any students arriving at 8:00 or later must enter through the front office. Please do not leave your child outside the building without adult supervision. For the safety of all students, a parent or guardian must accompany their child into the building and sign them in.

• Breakfast is served from 7:20-7:50. Students eating breakfast will enter on 7th street through the cafeteria loading dock.
• Students not eating breakfast can enter on Kennedy Street from 7:30-7:50.
• The drop off area on Kennedy Street is only a "drop-off zone". If you need to get out of your car, you may park across the street. Staff will redirect cars who are attempting to park on Kennedy Street.
• Pre-K students will enter on 7th Street past the loading dock/playground and go directly to their classroom. Only Pre-K students are allowed to enter through the Pre-K entrance.
• Cafeteria loading dock door will close at 7:50 am. The doors on Kennedy Street will close at 8:00 am. Any students arriving at 8:00 or later must enter through the front office.
• Instruction begins promptly at 8:00 am. Let's put learning first by arriving on time!
  
  RAINY DAY ARRIVAL: click link see map https://rb.gy/nixn4b
• K-3 will enter at MS doors (best coverage for younger students to stay dry)
• 4-8 will enter at Kennedy entrance
• PK will enter at loading dock to PK exit door (avoids flooding at PK entrance)
• Breakfast 7:20-7:50 enter at loading dock
• Thrillshare would be announced by 7:10am if RAINY DAY ARRIVAL is needed

• Parents are welcome to have lunch with only their child in the cafeteria during their regularly scheduled lunch time.
• Lunch guidelines and expectations Click this link: http://bit.ly/3HnZoDi
• When it is time to transition back to class, the student must join his/her class promptly.
• Seating for parents to have lunch with students will be limited inside the cafeteria. We are opening up our small courtyard for parents to eat with their students in the event our cafeteria parent tables become full, weather permitting. Classes will always be seated as a priority over lunch guests so please be aware of any potential impact from weather conditions that arises throughout the year.
• Don't forget to complete your registration forms! At this time, we are still missing registration forms from 18% of our elementary students and 22% of our middle school students. Completing your registration helps us prepare for a successful school year. If you have not yet submitted your forms, please do so as soon as possible.

Lunch Schedule

PreK - 11:15-11:45

Kinder - 10:10-10:40

1st grade - 10:50-11:20

2nd grade - 10:15-10:45

3rd grade - 11:45-12:15

4th grade - 11:30-12:00

5th grade - 11:05-11:35

All Middle School - 12:40-1:10

• Student safety is our top priority at all times, especially during dismissal. We will be strictly enforcing "Road Safety" guidelines. Kennedy Ave., Talley Ave., 7th St., and 9th St. are cell phone free zones. Cell phones are distracting to the driver and slows traffic down as staff try to load up cars while actively monitoring students.
• Parents must remain inside their cars and have a car tag filled out to pick students up from the car line.
• If the adult does not have a car tag, he/she will be sent to the front office to show their I.D./Driver's License which must match the names listed on school records for individuals authorized by the parent to pick up the student.

Extreme Weather Protocol

As you are all aware, we are experiencing exceptionally hot weather. As a precaution, depending on the temperature, there will be days when students will wait inside the building during dismissal to reduce their exposure to the heat and ensure their well-being on those Extreme Weather Days. We kindly ask for your understanding, patience and cooperation as there will be delays due to the longer distance your child will need to walk to reach your vehicle. To view map click link: https://bit.ly/4mia4SW

• Pre-K (NEW): Come up 9h street and go around the cars with flashers turned ON.
• Kinder: Kinder students will be dismissed from the school's front entrance. Come down Talley St, turn left on 9th St and turn left into the Birdwell parking lot. Do not block the traffic on 9th St.
• 1st grade: The 1st grade line begins at the intersection of Talley and 7th Street.
• 2nd & 5th grade: (without younger siblings) Enter via Kennedy Avenue and stay along the curb.
• 3rd & 4th grade: (without younger siblings) Enter via 8th street and turn left on Kennedy Avenue
• 6th, 7th, & 8th grade: Students will not dismiss with younger siblings. Students will be picked up on 9th street. Please start the line on 9th street on the block prior to Birdwell. Turn on your hazard signal to flash the lights. PreK parents will drive past you to pick up their child since dismissal will begin at 3:30 p.m. for PreK. They have the priority on the block of the school campus to pick up their child. The line will clear for on time for middle school students to dismiss after the first few days of school.

• Help us keep our drop off and pick up zones clear from parking and extended stops when dropping off students and picking up students. The traffic lines must keep moving on all sides of our block.
• We are a cell-phone school zone during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal.
• Please keep our neighbor's driveways clear as you wait in line. This allows them to enter/exit their home property.
• Please ensure the family/friends who may pick up your student always have the car tags for the school year to avoid delays and inconveniences.
• Please ensure driveways are not blocked during dismissal

The school dress code can be found here: https://tylerisdtx.sites.thrillshare.com/o/birdwelles/documents

Dress code is strictly enforced. Please be sure to verify your student is in dress code before leaving home to avoid any inconveniences for family members.

Birdwell PTA t-shirts can be worn only on Fridays with jeans.

Mentoring Alliance is offering their after-school program at Birdwell again this year. The program runs from 3:45-6:00 p.m. and registration is available either in person at their office or online at thementoringalliance.com. If you're concerned about the cost, there is financial assistance available for those who qualify. If you have any questions, feel free to call 903-593-9211

School supply lists can be found on our Birdwell website: https://www.tylerisd.org/o/birdwelles/documents/school--supply-lists-2023-2024/216919

School supplies can be brought on Back to School Bash (Aug. 10th) or on the first day of school (Aug. 12th).

Our office hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 - 4:00 with the exception of school holidays.

Teacher work hours are 7:30-4:00 on school and staff development days. Please allow them 24 school day hours to respond to any emails or messages throughout the school year.

Welcome to another exciting school year at Birdwell Dual Language Immersion School! We are thrilled to welcome back our returning families and extend a warm welcome to those joining our Birdwell family for the first time.

Our teachers and staff are ready to provide a year filled with learning, growth, leadership, and fun. We look forward to partnering with you to help every student succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

🎉 Exciting News for Our Middle School Families!

This year, we are expanding our elective offerings with exciting new opportunities for students!

• Ballet Folklórico – Students will learn traditional Mexican dances while building confidence, teamwork, and performance skills.
• Mariachi – Students will explore the rich tradition of mariachi music through instrumental and vocal performance while developing musical skills and cultural appreciation.
• Principles of Education and Training (1 High School Credit) – Eligible students can earn one high school credit through this Career & Technology Education (CTE) course offered at Birdwell. Students will explore careers as future educators.

Interested in Ballet Folklórico or Mariachi?

Parents of students interested in Ballet Folklórico or Mariachi are encouraged to complete the interest survey using the links provided below. Your responses will help us plan for these exciting new programs.

• Folkloric Ballet
• Mariachi

Thank you for being part of the Birdwell family. We look forward to an incredible 2026–2027 school year!

Hello, Birdwell families!

I am thrilled to join the Birdwell community as your new Assistant Principal and to become part of such a wonderful school family. Originally from Mexico, I have proudly called Tyler home for nearly 11 years, and this marks my 13th year in education.

I am looking forward to getting to know our students, families, and staff as we work together to create a positive, supportive, and successful learning environment for every child. I am excited for all that this school year has in store and can't wait to meet each of you.

Thank you for the warm welcome. Here's to a fantastic school year!

Mrs. de la Cruz

• The bell rings at 8:00 A.M. Learning begins at 8:00 A.M. Students are LATE if they arrive at that time and must be dropped off at the front of the school. If you are dropping your child off at the front office after the bell rings, you must escort your child to the office, sign them in, and provide our attendance clerk with the reason for your child's tardiness.
• Dismissal: Rain Day dismissal will be announced no later than 30 minutes prior.
• Label everything for your student. At the end of each 9-week period, all unclaimed items (jackets, clothing, shoes, etc.) will be donated. Please write your child's name on their clothing and items so that it can be identified and returned to your student.
• Ensure you and authorized individuals have car tags for your child during pick-up. Replacements can be picked up at the office ahead of time throughout the school year. Cars with missing tags will be directed to the office for new tags and to pick up the student at the office.
• Elementary: Stay connected with your child's teacher by checking his/her folder, joining class Remind/Dojo (varies by class), etc.
• You may contact the teacher to schedule a parent conference electronically or by calling our school office.

We can't wait to celebrate our 3rd through 8th grade students on their outstanding STAAR test results. On August 14th, we will be hosting an ice cream party as a reward and are looking for some generous families to help us provide this special treat. If you can help, please fill out the form below with what you are able to donate and drop off at the school by August 12th.

Hello, Birdwell families!

My name is Samantha Bustillos, and I'm honored to serve as your PTA President this year. On behalf of our PTA Board, welcome back and a special welcome to our new families!

As a fellow Birdwell parent, I know how special our school community is. Our goal this year is to create opportunities for families, teachers, and staff to connect, support one another, and make lasting memories for our kids.

We have so many exciting things planned this year, from family events and student activities to celebrating our incredible teachers. I truly hope you'll join us along the way! Whether you are part of a committee, volunteer at an event, share an idea, or simply come out to have fun, there's a place for everyone in our PTA community.

I'm also excited to introduce our Dude Club - a fun opportunity for dads and father figures to get involved, build friendships, and make a positive impact at our school.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you don't miss event announcements, volunteer opportunities, and all the exciting things happening throughout the year.

We can't wait to make this an amazing year together!

Sincerely,
Samantha Bustillos
Birdwell PTA President

Today is the day to join Birdwell PTA for the 2026-2027 school year, so we are going out with a bang (a fun giveaway) !!!

Join Birdwell PTA for a chance to win:

Large Bogg bag

30oz Stanley Cup

H-E-B butter tortilla candle

Custom Keychain with“Bilingüe”

2027 embroidered cover planner

Vintage wooden frame & bras candle sticks

$15 Crema gift card

$20 Sprouts gift card

$20 McAllisters gift card

To enter:

1.) Become a Birdwell PTA member by August 30th.

The deadline applies only for this giveaway!

ex: 1 membership = 1 giveaway entry

The more memberships you purchase; the higher the chance you have for this bundle to land home or in a classroom!

https://my.cheddarup.com/.../birdwell-pta.../items

The winner will be announced August 31st! Happy pta membership opening day!!!