Voigt, Great Oaks establish ‘sister school’ PTA partnership

The PTA organizations at Great Oaks and Voigt elementary schools have established a new “sister school” partnership in an effort to create equal opportunities and collaboration across Round Rock ISD.

The partnership kicked off after Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steve Flores spoke at a Round Rock ISD Council of PTAs luncheon and stressed the importance of providing outstanding educational opportunities for all students. Great Oaks PTA President Jenn Griffith spoke with Round Rock ISD Board of Trustees member and Great Oaks parent Paul J. Tisch who suggested Voigt as a “sister school” option.

“As a parent of a Great Oaks child, I know that Great Oaks is a community that cares and has an eagerness to volunteer and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of the partnership with Voigt,” Tisch said. “We are a community of one in Round Rock ISD. We want to make sure we’re there for all students and offer anything we can to ensure they succeed.”

Griffith has since worked closely with Voigt Principal Cheryl Hester to identify needs that can be addressed with the partnership. Most recently, Great Oaks donated hundreds of books for the Voigt literacy night, which allowed students to take books home and grow in-class libraries.

“We want all students to have the same opportunities for learning, regardless of socioeconomic status or location in the District,” Griffith said. “Kids are kids and it’s a great opportunity for Voigt and Great Oaks to help each other with extra resources, programs and ideas.”

Griffith currently visits Voigt each week to help teachers complete teaching materials in the staff workroom. Hester and Griffith are also working to develop fundraising activities to further support Voigt in the future.

“We are excited to partner with Great Oaks and share the great things that are happening at Voigt,” Voigt Principal Cheryl Hester said. “Jenn and the Great Oaks PTA have already shown such dedication and support to our campus and I look forward to collaborating as we move forward with our partnership to serve all students.”