Unlocking UT’s Expanded Resume

Unlocking UT’s Expanded Resume
Thursday, October 8th
7pm

If you know anything about the UT Austin admissions process, you’ve probably heard of the “expanded resume.” Come learn how to successfully show fit-to-major in this very important and often misunderstood component of the UT application.

Tickets available at https://pflasa.org/product-category/masterclasses/

Gift Card Gala

You are cordially invited to join us for the 4th Annual Gift Card Gala, benefiting the Class of 2027 Project Graduation fundraising efforts. This event is open to parents and caregivers  of ALL Classes!

When: September 26th 6pm to 9pm
Where: 3900 Margarita St, Austin, TX 78723
What: Beverages and food will be provided

Entrance donation amount: $25 gift card (minimum/person), suggested: $50 or more. The gift cards collected during the event will be auctioned to fundraise for 2027 Project Graduation.

RSVP and get more info at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D49AFAF2BA2F8C61-65640209-class#/.

College Admissions Blueprint

Tuesday, September 29th
7-8pm

What does it really take to stand out in today’s college admissions landscape? In this interactive webinar, Marcus DeWitt will walk students and parents through how colleges evaluate applicants and the key pieces of a successful admissions strategy.

Families will learn how academics, extracurricular activities, intellectual interests, testing, essays, and overall positioning come together in an application. The session will also provide a practical roadmap for making intentional decisions throughout high school while staying authentic to each student’s individual interests and goals.

Tickets available at https://pflasa.org/product-category/masterclasses/

UT Austin and Texas A&M Admissions Blueprint

UT and TAMU Admissions Playbook
September 23, 2026
7pm

The University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University remain two of the most popular, and competitive, college destinations for Texas students. But applying successfully requires much more than strong grades and test scores.

In this one-hour webinar we’ll explore automatic admission versus holistic review, the importance of class rank and academic rigor, how intended major can impact an admissions strategy, and what students should consider when selecting competitive programs such as engineering, business, computer science, and pre-health pathways. We’ll also discuss application strategy, essays and short answers, extracurricular activities, and common mistakes families should avoid.

Tickets available at https://pflasa.org/product-category/masterclasses/

4th Annual Gift Card Gala

Join fellow LASA parents and caregivers from ALL classes at the 4th Annual Gift Card Gala!

When: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Where: Mueller (exact address shared before the event)

Your ticket to the party is a gift card valued at $25 or more per person (we suggest $50+ if you’re feeling generous!). Every gift card will be added to the 2027 Project Graduation Silent Auction.

Not sure what kind of gift card to bring? Think about restaurants, stores, entertainment, or other popular spots that people will be excited to bid on. And if you have an unused gift card tucked away in a drawer, we’d love to have those, too!

Can’t make the party but still want to help? You can drop your gift card at LASA’s front office (Attn: Project Graduation) or email us at auction@pflasa.org for other ways to contribute.

RSVP and let us know what kind of gift card you will bring at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D49AFAF2BA2F8C61-65640209-class#/

Behind every great LASA tradition…

…there’s a parent making it happen.

From teacher and staff meals to Giving Thanks Pie Day, AP snacks, Coffeehouse, application mentoring, and so much more—PFLASA is a 100% volunteer-driven organization powered by: 8 Board Members, 30+ Committees Chairs, and Hundreds of Volunteers.

And we’re looking for a few more people to join us!

CURRENTLY SEEKING PARENTS TO SHADOW:

  • Bring Your Parents to School Days — Sept. 14 & 15
  • LASA Directory Administration — Sept./Oct.
  • Hospitality — Teacher & staff meals throughout the year
  • Giving Thanks Pie Day — Nov. 20
  • LASA Application Mentoring — LASA application cycle
  • AP Breakfast & Snacks — May
  • Coffeehouse Ticket Sales — May
  • Raising Healthy Raptors — ongoing

Not ready to chair something? Perfect. That’s why we’re looking for people to shadow! Learn the ropes, meet great people, and help keep LASA’s favorite traditions going!

Email president@pflasa.org for more information.

Reflections 2026-2027 “What My Culture Means to Me” Art Contest (due 10/31)

National PTA’s Reflections program provides opportunities for students to explore their own thoughts, feelings, and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence, and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life by creating original works of art. This year’s theme for the 2026-2027 program year is “What My Culture Means to Me.”

Submit completed work in one or more arts categories:

  • Dance Choreography
  • Film Production
  • Literature
  • Music Composition
  • Photography
  • Visual Arts

Multiple submissions are welcome! Deadline is October 31, 2026.

LASA entries will be judged, and selected entries will move on to ACPTA level. From there, entries may move on to the TXPTA level and even nationals, where they may be chosen for state-wide and national honors.

Get all the details here: https://www.lasaptsa.org/reflections

LASA Student Entry Form: Online | Printable

Booster Club fundraisers and Spirit Night ads – A gentle reminder

If you like to advertise an event (and we’d love to know about it!), here are guidelines to optimize your advertising and minimize spam:

  • All posts must be LASA related.
  • Post in the RR first, by Sunday midnight to post in the following Wednesday’s RR.
  • Post to Stacia’s PM by emailing her your content by Friday for that following Sunday’s PM, with the subject “PM”. This will get the MOST eyes as it goes out to all families. (Please only use this for official requests, i.e. don’t abuse it!)
  • On FB, only ONCE PER EVENT, as per our FB group rule #4. Posts that contain links to fundraisers in the body of the text are automatically flagged as ‘spam’ by FB. Please post links in comments. If you would like to repost, please boost by commenting on your original post. We will remove any extra posts.
  • Spirit Nights can only be advertised once on FB, on the day before or day of the event (FB group rule #5).

Thank you kindly!

Class of 2029 Wins PTSA Membership Contest!

Congrats to the Class of 2029! They won the PTSA Membership Contest with the most student members!

After a recount, they came in from behind and won by 3 members!

Come grab your winnings!!

A light grab and go Continental Breakfast will be served from the sidewalk by the Bus Loop on May 22nd from 7:30am until either the bell rings or we run out, whichever comes first.

Thank you to everyone who joined our PTSA this year. It’s not too late! You are welcome to join us. Every membership counts (just ask the class of 2029)!

Join here: https://www.lasaptsa.org/

Texas PTA Recognition Celebration Saturday the 16th of May

This past Saturday, May 16, the 2025–2026 Reflections Program recognized outstanding LASA students for their achievements!

Texas PTA proudly celebrated the incredible creativity of students across the state! This year, more than 870 student entries advanced for state-level judging, showcasing remarkable talent, imagination, and artistic expression inspired by this year’s theme. Three amazing LASA Students were recognized by the Texas PTA this Saturday with one LASA student making it to the National PTA Competition.

These incredible student artists are:
Ananth Pakanati for Literature
Sadie Sarrat for Dance Choreography
Zixuan (Camille) Mei for Visual Arts

Camille achieved the “Overall Award of Excellence,” on to the National PTA Reflections level.
Next year’s Reflections theme

Congratulations, LASA artists!

Next year’s Reflections Theme

Note to all students who aren’t graduating 2026, next year’s Reflections theme is “What My Culture Means to Me.” You have all summer to work on artwork due next fall!