LASA PTSA Loves our Student Members!

That’s right, we love our student members! Every year, LASA PTSA runs a contest to see which class will have the highest student membership. The race is on! Here’s the student membership count as of January 31st:

  • Class of 2028 – 59 members
  • Class of 2029 – 56 members
  • Class of 2027 – 47 members
  • Class of 2026 – 41 members

It’s a close race! Spread the word and have your classmates join PTSA. Every membership counts. While you’re at it, have your parents join too!

https://www.lasaptsa.org

College Application: How to Level Up Every Piece of the Puzzle

Wednesday, February 25, 2026
7-8pm

In her 15 years as a college counselor at LASA, Jamie Kocian learned almost everything there is to know about the college admissions process for high-achieving students. In her 24+ years in the college admissions/college counseling field, she now has decided opinions on leveling up (in a genuine way) nearly every piece of the application puzzle and helping students discover more about themselves in the process.

Jamie will touch on all manner of topics, including the college list, standardized testing, essays, recommendation letters, interviews, and scholarships. Join us for some stories (some interesting, some just stories), a little chat on “Where did all the hobbies go?”, and reflections on lessons learned, feeling confident, and cutting through all the noise.

Get your tickets at the PFLASA Store: https://pflasa.org/store/how-to-level-up-every-piece-of-the-college-application-puzzle-2-25-26/

The Admissions X-Factor: Unlocking the Power of Passion Projects

Thursday, February 12, 2026
6-7pm

Attendees will gain a clear understanding of strategic ways to turn interests into impact for top-tier colleges.
Also they will learn how admissions offices review applications, what activities and profiles stand out, how to approach SAT/ACT planning, and how to optimize opportunities for scholarships and financial aid.

Tickets available at PFLASA Store: https://pflasa.org/store/the-admissions-x-factor-unlocking-the-power-of-passion-projects-2-12-26/

LASA Students’ Blanket Drive A Smashing Success

On January 23, 2026, Augustus McCormack and Ibrahim Abdulazeez successfully organized a blanket and emergency supply drive as part of their FBLA Community Service Project. The drive was aimed at supporting individuals experiencing homelessness in our local community, especially during colder weather. Through donations and community support, they raised $300, which was used to purchase blankets and essential emergency supplies that were distributed directly to those in need. This project shows the impact of student-led service initiatives and reflects LASA’s mission of leadership, service, and community involvement.

2026 Project Graduation Call for Volunteers

We hope you will consider volunteering at the 2026 Project Graduation all night lock-in at the East YMCA on June 1-2. We are asking for adult volunteers across all grade levels to help by volunteering for a shift (or all night) during the event. It is a fun event and the volunteers have a great time!

Location: East Communities YMCA
Starts: Monday, June 1, 2025 at 10pm
Ends: Tuesday, June 2, 2025 at 5:30am
Sign up now!

Feel free to reach out with any questions/comments at projectgraduation@pflasa.org.
We will set up a couple of Zoom calls closer to, to explain the flow of the night and our needs.

Thank you for your kind consideration!
Manue Reynolds and Maya Gamble
2026 Project Graduation Co-Chairs

How to Make the Most of Your Summer Planning

Wednesday, February 4th
7-8pm

Colleges are very interested in what students are choosing to do outside of the classroom, and for LASA students, summer is the ideal time to dig into your serious activities. They are looking for meaningful work, which can show up in different ways (i.e. internships, pre-college academic programs, shadowing, etc.) Colleges are looking at community impact, intellectual curiosity, and what matters to a student (and how they are choosing to address that). We’ll talk about how to think creatively about where to look for opportunities, the timeline, potential application process, and how students can set themselves apart with their activities.

Purchase your ticket to join us!

Finding Your Personal College Fit Options

Wednesday, January 28th
7:00-8:00pm

Join this webinar to learn a practical approach to discovering college options that fit your student’s academic, social, and financial needs. Go beyond the academic rankings and football results so that you can research colleges that align with your student’s values and goals.

About Karen: As an Independent Educational Consultant and a parent of two LASA alumni, Karen wants to simplify an otherwise overwhelming process by teaching families how to approach the college search strategically. Her experience as a former college professor and longtime coach forged a skill set perfect for mentoring and motivating students.

Reflections Austin Council PTA (ACPTA) Reflections Competition Winners

Congratulations to these LASA Students who have now advanced to the Texas State PTA level of the National PTA Reflections Competition.

After participating in the LASA round (LASA PTSA), then advancing to and competing in the Austin Council PTA (ACPTA) Reflections Competition using the theme “I Belong”, several LASA Students have now been advanced to the state-level competition for the entire state of Texas.

Here are the amazing artists who have been advanced to TXPTA Reflections 25-26:

(Camille) Mei Zixuan – Visual Arts
Piper Meley – Photography
Ananth Pakanati – Literature
Grant Ratcliffgardy – Music Composition
Sadie Sarrat – Dance Choreography

We wish these talented individuals the best of luck in this next round of the National PTA Reflections Competition! Results will be posted March 15th.

Add Dance to Your Choice Sheet to Gain PE &/or Fine Arts Credit!

Dance Class: All levels welcome & no auditions! No homework or time commitments with performance opportunities each semester. Experience many genres of dance, history, & wellness. Benefits: flexibility, strength, rhythm, confidence, community, & dance knowledge! Select either Lifetime Fitness & Dance: PE /Athletics or Dance I-IV: Fine Arts (weighted year 3 & 4) on your course sheet.

Dance/Drill Team: All levels welcome! Mandatory audition meeting March 9 at 6:30P. Audition March 30 – April 2. Year round commitment with focus on various genres of dance. Benefits: artistry, athleticism, team work, monthly performances, leadership, & community! Side effects may include endorphins & school spirit. Must consult your doctor to participate. Select Velocity & Dynasty JV Dance Team Fine Arts & PE/Athletics (weighted year 3 & 4) on your course sheet.

Email: Paige.Gomez@austinisd.org