Learn more about Travis Heights ELementary

This website is maintained by the Travis Heights Elementary PTA to inform families about school events and support the school with its communication needs.  We do our best to ensure timely communication of information in partnership with the school administration. For official school information you should refer to the AISD website https://travisheights.austinschools.org/

Travis Heights Elementary School was established in 1939, opening its doors on the banks of Blunn Creek with six classrooms and a modern restroom facility at a time when many still used outhouses. The school began with just two teachers, Bernice Kiker and Margaret Burleson, serving 60 students. Kiker, who later became the principal and held the position for 31 years, contributed significantly to the school's early growth. By 1945, the student population had increased to over 200, leading to the establishment of traditions like the Halloween Carnival, which became a major fundraiser for the school.

To accommodate its growing student body, Travis Heights underwent several expansions, beginning in 1950 with the addition of a new wing that included classrooms, a cafeteria/auditorium, and a modern kitchen, allowing for full-day schedules instead of shifts. The PTA played a vital role in organizing events and fundraising efforts, while also working on community projects such as paving local roads. Over the years, the school evolved to include grades 1-6, changing its colors to red and white and gaining recognition for having the district's first female head custodian.

In the following decades, Travis Heights continued to adapt and innovate, transitioning back to an elementary school in 1980 and incorporating technology into the curriculum by the mid-1980s. The school celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1989 with various commemorative events, including a mural created by students. By the early 1990s, the school faced challenges with portable classrooms due to safety concerns, prompting the construction of a new wing in 1994. The school gained recognition for its innovative teaching methods and was designated as a mentor school by the Texas Education Agency in the 1990s. In 2012, Travis Heights Elementary became AISD’s first in-district charter school, allowing for greater flexibility in curriculum and programs.

Travis Heights Elementary hosts special annual events that have evolved into cherished traditions over the decades.

Ice Cream Social is a beloved Travis Heights back-to-school tradition.  Typically held the Friday afternoon before school starts, the social allows students to meet their new teacher, drop off school supplies and enjoy a frozen treat!  Parents can browse information about the PTA, volunteering and other ways to support the school.  It is also an excellent opportunity to see old friends and make new ones.

Welcome Coffee for PreK and Kinder families takes place the first day of school right after morning drop off.  This PTA sponsored event allows parents and caretakers of our youngest thunderbirds to build community and support each other through the varied emotions that can come with dropping off the little ones on the first day of school.

Back to School Night is an opportunity for parents to learn about their child’s classroom and expectations for the year.  Typically held in September, this evening event includes sessions where teachers meet with parents in groups and share information about curriculum, field trips, homework, behavior expectations and more.

Beautification Days happen twice a year in the Fall and Spring.  These PTA sponsored events bring parents, students and staff together to help improve the school’s outdoor environments. From cleaning up trash to building gardens, there are projects for every skill level and ability. Children are welcome, and families are encouraged to volunteer together to help our school shine.

Fall Carnival­­ is a THES tradition dating as far back as the 1940s!  Fall Carnival takes place on a Friday afternoon near the end of October and includes fun for all ages: game booths, prizes, tasty treats and more!   Costumes are encouraged and neighbors are invited to come and join the festivities.  Though the primary goal of this PTA sponsored event is to have fun and build community, all proceeds raised go to support the school.

Tamalada is a holiday tradition that has been at Travis Heights for many years.  Parents and teachers gather one evening in December to share the art of tamale making. Novice tamale makers are welcome to come and learn from experts who enjoy sharing this tradition from their cultural heritage.  The tamales are then sold at the Cultural Festival with proceeds going to support the school.

Cultural Fest­­ival is a celebration of our school’s wonderful diversity.  This Saturday morning event features performances, cultural tables, and a Mercado with handmade items for sale. Families and teachers host cultural tables from around the world, sharing books, games, photos, clothing, food, and other items.  Students visit the tables and learn about the varied cultures that make up our THES community before enjoying performances from fellow students and community groups.  This event is beloved by many and definitely not to be missed.

Family Fun & Fitness is the Thunderbird take on Track and Field Day.  This event is typically split into two days, one for upper grades (3-5th) and one for lower grades (PK-2nd).  Classes rotate through a variety of activity stations around the school and in the park and families are invited to join their students for this morning of fitness fun.

Güeros End of Year Party is an opportunity for the Thunderbird community to come together to celebrate the end of another successful school year while raising money to send our 5th grade students to The Outdoor School at Camp Champions.  Held in May at the Güeros Restaurant Oak Garden on South Congress, families enjoy live music, presentations by THES students, and tasty food and drinks all while enjoying time with their fellow Thunderbirds.

PBL Showcase is an opportunity for parents to see projects completed by students in all grade levels. PBL, project-based learning, is a teaching method in which students learn by working for an extended period of time to research and respond to a real-world, engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge.

PBL Fundraising Dinner is the PTA’s biggest fundraising event. The event is typically a ticketed dinner to help raise funds for PBL.