Dear Parker Community,

Happy 2026! We hope your families enjoyed a restful and joyful winter break. As we head into the spring semester, we are so excited for all that lies ahead at Parker.

We closed out December with a wonderful week of teacher appreciation, and we could not have done it without your generosity and support. Your donations truly make these moments possible, and they mean so much to our staff. Thank you for showing our teachers how appreciated they are.

Looking ahead, spring is full of opportunities to come together as a community. From the Auction Gala to Family Night at the Book Fair and so much more, there are many fun events on the horizon. We cannot wait to see you there and continue building connections that support our students and school.

This is a longer update, so grab a warm drink, sit back, and read on to learn all about the Auction and more.

Thank you for your continued support, patience, and encouragement as our board and volunteers work behind the scenes to make these programs and events happen. We are grateful to be part of such a supportive and engaged school community and look forward to an exciting spring together.

Stay Warm,
Jeanette Mueller
PTO President

President@ParkerPTO.org

Need this information in another language? Click the Translate button in the top right corner of this newsletter to select your preferred language. This feature lets you read our updates in over 100 languages, ensuring every family can stay informed about our school news!

¿Necesita esta información en otro idioma? Haga clic en el botón Traducir en la esquina superior derecha de este boletín para seleccionar su idioma preferido. Esta función le permite leer nuestras actualizaciones en más de 100 idiomas, ¡asegurando que todas las familias puedan mantenerse informadas sobre las noticias de nuestra escuela!

Please make note of the date change for clubs registration.  

Whether this is your first Parker auction or you are a returning guest, here is what to know about this year’s big night.

The Parker Auction Gala is a fun, adults-only fundraiser that supports Parker PTO and helps fund resources for our school, staff, and students. Guests enjoy a lively night out while supporting a great cause.

📅 When: Friday, February 27, at 6:30 PM 

📍 Where: Cohen House at Rice University 

🎶 Theme: Disco Rodeo

👗 Attire:
Anything 1970s disco, western rodeo, or a mix of both. Have fun with it.
✨ Need inspiration? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for outfit ideas.

🎟️ Tickets:
Early bird tickets are $99 per person.
You may also donate toward a teacher ticket. New this year, you can choose which teacher you would like to sponsor. Even if you cannot attend, your support helps include our staff and cover event costs. Tickets and donations are available on the PTO website. The last day to purchase tickets is Friday, February 13. 

🍽️ What’s Included:
Dinner, two drink tickets, childcare, and access to exclusive live and silent auction items.

🪩 Tables and Seating:
This is not a traditional seated dinner. We want guests mingling, dancing, and enjoying the evening. Plenty of open tables will be available for casual seating.
🏷️ Reserved tables are available for $500 and include a table sign with your company name and a dedicated spot to gather and recharge throughout the night.

*only 3 tables are available, tables DO NOT include tickets

Fun things to do:

🪙Heads/ Tail Raffle- we flip a coin, and participants choose heads or tails. We keep going until there is one winner. 

🎲Table Games- your ticket will include chips to play table games. We will have craps, blackjack, and roulette. Additional chips can be purchased during the event.Table games are for entertainment purposes only. Chips carry no monetary value, nor will there be cash winnings. Raffle prizes will be awarded.

Bidding-There are lots of fun ways to jump in and bid, whether you are joining us in person or from home.

💻 Online Auction
The online auction opens a few days before the big night and is open to everyone. Perfect for early birds and those who cannot attend in person.

🧺 Silent Auction
Browse and bid on grade-level baskets and Spring Socials throughout the event. Missed the party? A limited number of items will reopen for bidding on Monday after the auction.

🎤 Live Auction
This is where the energy really kicks up. Join the fast-paced bidding, and crowd favorites go to the highest bidder. One example item is the chance to display your college flag at Spark Park. It is exciting, fun to watch, and even more fun to win.

• 🍷Wine Pull Donations- Have an extra bottle of wine that is not your favorite, or have some extras? We would love to include it in our Wine Pull. Bottles should retail for $20 or more. Drop off at 5615 Portal Drive, just a few blocks from campus, by February 23. Volunteer- We will need your help to make this event great! Use the link below to find out how you can help. As a special thank-you for your contribution, you’ll receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win exciting prizes in our gala raffle!

• Host a Spring PTO Social

  Love to host, share a hobby, or meet new families? Spring PTO Socials are a fun way to bring our community together while supporting Parker. Socials may be for adults, kids, or families, and hosts choose the date, price, and guest list.

  Spring socials run from March through June and will be offered first to auction attendees. Proposed socials must be registered on the PTO website by February 23 or emailed to Kelly Ray-Landschoot at fundraisingvp@parkerpto.org.

🧺 What Are Class Baskets?

Each grade level is creating a themed basket that will be displayed and available for bidding at the auction. Families should have received details from room parents, with additional information listed below. Contributions can be made by purchasing an item from a wish list or by donating funds.

🏆 The grade that raises the most at the auction will earn a FREE DRESS DAY.

Pre K
🎬 Family Night In
Contact: Krysten Cox
Amazon Wishlist Link

Kinder
🧃 Parents’ Survival Kit
Contact: Natalie Adelman
Amazon Wishlist Link
Venmo @Natalie-Adelman
Zelle available through room parent

First Grade
🏕️ Happy Camper
Contact: Sam Ray
Amazon Wishlist Link
Venmo @Samuel-Ray
Zelle available through room parent

Second Grade
🀄 Mahjong Chic
Contact: Paige Ingram
Venmo @Paige_ingram
Zelle available through room parent

Third Grade
🍷 Pour Decisions
Contact: Lisa Krishman
Amazon Wishlist Link
Zelle available through room parent

Fourth Grade
💅 Polished and Pampered
Contact: Ashton Underbrink
Amazon Wishlist Link

Venmo @Ashton-Underbrink

Fifth Grade
🥃 Whiskey Collection
Contact: Jeanette Mueller and Alex Medina
Amazon Wishlist Link
Donate a whiskey bottle valued at $40 or more
Drop off at 5615 Portal Drive
Venmo @Jeanette-Mueller
Zelle available

🎨 Enrichment Clubs

To help families plan ahead in case of power outages, enrichment club registration will open on Tuesday, January 27th, at 8 pm. Visit the PTO website to view all available clubs for this semester.

⚠️ Please note: Before care will not be offered to kindergarten students this session due to limited space and staffing. We appreciate your understanding.

PTO is excited to bring back Candy Grams this year. Look for a Candy Gram form in the Tuesday folder to fill out.

🎁 Candy Grams can be sent to:

• Friends in any grade

• Administrators and staff

• From grown-ups to students

Cost: 50 cents each, cash only

Last day to purchase: February 11
No late purchases will be accepted.

🙋 Want to help? We are looking for volunteers to assist with coordination and assembly.
📧 Email president@parkerpto.org if you can help between February 9 and 11.

Interested in advertising your business to Parker families and supporting the PTO? Learn more about Business Sponsorship opportunities using the link below or email Business Development VP Annabel LaRocca at businessdevelopment@parkerpto.org!