Welcome to VOE! New Family & Back-to-School Guide

The VOE New Family Committee is here to help make your transition to Valley Oaks Elementary as smooth and enjoyable as possible. We hope this guide answers many of your questions as you prepare for the school year. If you need additional assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out—we're happy to help!

BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS

1. Register Your Student

Register your child for the upcoming school year. Teacher assignments will be released in August. Typically a few days prior to Meet the Teacher, you will receive an email from your child’s teacher welcoming your child to their classroom. Any questions? Please call Jasmine Norton at 713-251-7500. Enroll early to help us prepare for next school year!

2. Join the New Family Email List (New Families Only)

3. Order School Supplies

Download the current school supply list or purchase a pre-packaged supply kit through Sprout School Supplies.

Purchasing through Sprout is optional but offers a convenient, cost-effective option.
Supply kits are delivered directly to your child's classroom before school begins.
Ordering typically opens in late May and closes in mid-July.

4. Complete the PTA "Big Form" (Available early August ) and Join the PTA

Big Form is an online form used at the beginning of the school year that allows you to:

Join the PTA (you must join every year…membership does NOT carry over)
Donate to the PTA via Family Underwriting Campaign, Corporate Sponsorships, or specific PTA committees
- Donations go towards Hands on Science, Field Trips, Hospitality Committee, Reading and Math Interventionists, School Counselor, STEM/PGP teacher, and so much more!
Complete the online family directory information
Opt in to receive the digital school directory (available to PTA members only)

Joining the PTA is one of the best ways to support VOE and stay informed.

5. Join your Grade Level GroupMe

Join your grade level and home room teacher’s GroupMe chat. These group chats are used to pass along important communications about PTA & school events, advocacy for public education, and grade level specific needs. Once teacher assignments have been communicated, individual home room teacher GroupMes will be created.

6. Complete the SBISD Volunteer Registration

Anyone wishing to volunteer at school—including classroom volunteers, field trip chaperones, library helpers, or PTA committee members—must complete the SBISD Volunteer Registration each school year.

We recommend completing this before the first day of school.

STAY CONNECTED

1. Follow VOE PTA on Social Media

Stay up to date on school news, events, and reminders by following us on:

2. Download the Membership Toolkit App

Once school begins and your family information has been entered, download the Membership Toolkit app. This app allows PTA members to:

Access the school directory (PTA members only)
Find parent contact information
View the school calendar
Stay connected with the VOE community

DISTRICT AND SCHOOL ACCOUNTS

1. Set Up Skyward

Skyward provides parents and students with access to:

Grades
Attendance
Student information

The school office will provide your login information after school begins.

2. Create Your Cafeteria Account

If your child may purchase snacks, breakfast or lunch at school, set up a School Cafe account. You'll need your student's ID number (the same number used for Skyward). We use School Cafe to:

View the weekly meal plan
Make payments (including set up Auto Pay)
Apply for free or reduced breakfast/lunch
View purchases
Set Purchase Restrictions

Parents are welcome to join their child for lunch throughout the school year. Please remember to bring a valid photo ID to check in at the front office.

PREPARE FOR THE FIRST DAY

1. Choose Your Child's Dismissal Method

Teachers will collect dismissal information during Meet the Teacher.

Dismissal options include:

Car Rider
Bus Rider
Walker

Additional information:

Bus riders can obtain route information through the school or enter your home address here.
Kindergarten bus riders MUST have a blue pickup sign to retrieve their child after school (no exceptions).
Car riders will receive a car line pickup sign at Meet the Teacher that must be displayed on your dash.
You can change your child’s dismissal option using the Change of Transportation Form. The form is used for a one-time change. If you wish to permanently change it , please contact your teacher.

2. Purchase VOE Spirit Wear

Show your Eagle pride by wearing VOE Spirit Wear on Fridays!

Spirit Wear is typically offered twice each year:

Early May: This is the official order for the following school year. Orders placed during the Spring will be available for pickup at Meet the Teacher.
Fall: Due to order minimums, the Spirit Wear Committee will occasionally offer a second round with limited items, quantities, and sizes. This second round is not guaranteed.

IMPORTANT DATES

Be sure to add these events to your calendar:

New Parent Orientation (Parents Only Encouraged)
August 11 • 9:30 AM
Meet the Teacher (Students Welcome)
August 11 • 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
Open House (Students Welcome)
September 8 • 5:30–6:30 PM
PTA Meetings
Parents and teachers are encouraged to attend throughout the year. Meeting dates are available on the PTA calendar.

Dates and times are subject to change so subscribe to the PTA calendar for the latest information.

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Several after-school care and enrichment programs are available, including:

iKids (on-campus after-school care)
Big Little School
Spring Branch Presbyterian
Memorial Summer Camps & After School
Phone: 713-467-4200
Text: 713-855-3050
Idea Lab
Phone: 713-463-5062
The Loop Institute (ages 7 and up)

Contact each provider directly for program details, registration, and availability.

COMMUNITY SPORTS

There are several great youth sports organizations in our area, including:

Spring Branch Memorial Sports Association (SBMSA) – Offers a variety of sports for boys and girls throughout the year.
Local Church Leagues – A wonderful introduction to recreational sports for young athletes.