News

ROES Scholastic Book Fair: A Celebration of Reading and Community

Twice a year, the ROES library transforms into a vibrant hub of excitement, imagination, and learning—thanks to the Scholastic Book Fair, hosted by our dedicated librarian, Ms. Arbesu. This cherished event not only brings books into the hands of eager young readers but also fosters a love of literature that lasts a lifetime.

A Huge Thank You for a Beary Cute Spring Book Fair!

Our 2025 Spring Book Fair was a roaring success! With an impressive $8,587.19 in total sales, we continue to see incredible support from our students, parents, and staff. Comparing this with past sales—$6,430.25 in Spring 2024 and $8,583.78 in Fall 2024—it’s clear that our school community values the importance of books and literacy.

Even more exciting, 22% of these sales come back to our school as a cash profit, directly benefiting our students and library. These funds allow us to purchase new books, resources, and materials that enhance the learning experience for everyone at ROES.

Why Is the Book Fair So Important?

The Scholastic Book Fair is more than just a chance to buy books—it’s an opportunity to ignite a passion for reading. It brings families together, encourages student independence, and adds a nostalgic touch for parents and grandparents who fondly remember their own childhood book fair experiences.

Exciting Reads for Every Student

One of the highlights of the book fair is discovering what books our students are most excited about. Graphic novels continue to be a huge hit, with Dog Man leading the pack as the most popular series. In addition to books, the fair also features journals, diaries, and fun stationery items—perfect for inspiring young writers!

Supporting Our Library and Literacy Programs

Thanks to the success of our book fairs, we’ve been able to fund a variety of special events and improvements. Profits from past fairs helped us create a cozy reading nook filled with comfy bean bags, host an unforgettable visit from Mother Goose for our PK-2 students, and bring in local author Anne Wynter to inspire our 2nd-5th graders. These moments create lasting memories and deepen students’ connection to the joy of reading.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the book fair is watching students shop for books—many for the very first time on their own. It’s always touching to see them pick out gifts for their siblings or parents, reinforcing the joy of sharing stories. This year, we were especially excited to bring to life our first-ever student-suggested theme—Bears! Beary Cute! Beary Cool! The enthusiasm from our students made this fair extra special.

As we look forward to future book fairs, we remain grateful for the unwavering support of our ROES community. Thank you for helping us foster a love of reading—one book at a time!

ROES Celebrates the Dedication of Our PTO

At River Oaks Elementary, we are incredibly grateful for our hardworking and dedicated Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). Their commitment to our students and staff has helped create meaningful experiences that enrich our school community.

Lana Davis, our PTO President, has been instrumental in revitalizing the organization over the past three years. After the challenges of COVID-19, she took the lead in rebuilding the PTO, fostering greater parent involvement, and increasing opportunities for student engagement. Thanks to these efforts, the PTO has been able to fund enriching educational experiences, including bringing in environmental science organizations and hosting events during ROES book fairs that support our library’s ability to invite guest authors.

The impact of the PTO extends beyond financial contributions—it creates a strong sense of community. As Lana Davis shared, being part of the PTO has allowed her to see firsthand the dedication of our teachers, staff, and administrators, reinforcing just how much every role contributes to making River Oaks a wonderful place for students to learn and grow.

We encourage more parents and community members to get involved. Monthly PTO meetings and email updates provide opportunities to stay connected and make a difference. Whether through volunteering, sharing ideas, or supporting events, every contribution helps create engaging learning experiences for our students.

ROES is proud to partner with such a passionate and committed PTO. We look forward to continuing this wonderful collaboration to support our students and staff in every way possible!

Ms. Burleigh’s Class Celebrates 10 Years of Snack Cart Fun!

For the past ten years, Ms. Burleigh’s class has been spreading joy throughout ROES with their monthly Snack Cart—a special tradition that has become a favorite among students and staff alike!

Inspired by other special needs programs that used coffee carts to teach life skills, Ms. Burleigh and her dedicated educational assistants decided to create a snack cart instead, making it a safer and more elementary-friendly option. Since then, the Snack Cart has become a highly anticipated event every month.

Students eagerly take on various roles, from stacking the cart to delivering snacks and even sharing much-loved memes with teachers. Through this experience, they practice patience, turn-taking, greetings, and social skills, all while having a great time. The excitement is contagious—some students light up the moment they see the carts rolling down the hall!

Teachers across all grade levels are incredibly receptive, often telling the students that Snack Cart Day is their favorite day of the month! The interactions between staff and students have fostered a sense of community, making this tradition a meaningful part of the school culture. After all, who doesn’t love a surprise snack?

The biggest challenge? Making sure every student gets a turn at different jobs! While some students may want to do the same task each time, the goal is to provide everyone with the opportunity to learn and grow.

Congratulations to Ms. Burleigh’s class on 10 years of the Snack Cart—here’s to many more years of learning, laughter, and snacks!

ROES Celebrates Science Fair Success!

 

We are thrilled to recognize the outstanding achievements of our young scientists who have demonstrated creativity, critical thinking, and a passion for discovery! This year, all 3rd-5th grade students participated in the science fair, showcasing their dedication to scientific exploration and inquiry.

Recognizing Our Science Stars

In 3rd grade, congratulations to Jack Clegg for his impressive scientific investigation! His hard work and ingenuity set a high bar for young learners.

Our 4th-grade scientists tackled fascinating questions and applied the scientific method with skill. A huge shoutout to Olivia Gonzalez, Andit Shabani, Greyson Branam, AnnElise Malbrough, and Joyse Yonza for their outstanding projects!

In 5th grade, an extraordinary group of students went above and beyond in their scientific pursuits. Khloe Reed, Sharom Granados, Mohammad Amiri, Harmony Calderon, Suerte Franklin, Kaleb Sierra Vasquez, Mia Gutierrez Huerta, and Mia Ramirez all displayed remarkable dedication to solving real-world problems through science.

Each of these students chose a scientific question, conducted thorough research, designed experiments, analyzed data, and presented their findings with confidence and clarity. Their ability to explain their processes and results highlights their hard work and deep understanding of the scientific method.

Advancing to the Regional Science Fair

We are proud to announce that these students will represent ROES at the upcoming Austin Energy Regional Science Festival! This exciting opportunity allows them to showcase their talents and compete with other young scientists from across the region.

Let’s cheer on these bright minds as they continue to explore, experiment, and inspire! Their achievements remind us of the power of curiosity and perseverance.

Congratulations to all our young scientists, and best of luck at the regional science fair! 

ROES Community Lights Up the Night with Annual Luminary Event

The spirit of the season shone brightly on Friday, December 13th, as the ROES community gathered for the Annual Luminary Event. Families, friends, and staff came together for an evening filled with music, creativity, and holiday cheer.

The night began with a delightful musical performance by the talented 4th and 5th-grade students, whose songs captured the magic of the holidays. Santa Claus made a special appearance, greeting children and posing for festive photos. In the library, students and parents channeled their creativity into crafting beautiful holiday ornaments, adding a personal touch to the season’s celebrations.

Attendees also had the chance to shop for concessions and ROES merchandise, with proceeds supporting school programs. The highlight of the evening was the enchanting luminary walk to the garden, where twinkling lights and live music created a magical winter wonderland.

The Annual Luminary Event once again brought the ROES community together in celebration, creating lasting memories for all who attended. The joy and connection shared during this special night truly embody the spirit of the season.

 

River Oaks 3rd Grade Economics Market: A Decade of Giving Back

At River Oaks Elementary, learning comes alive in the 3rd grade Economics Unit! Every year, our young entrepreneurs dive into the world of business, discovering what it takes to run a successful venture while making their community better. This hands-on experience culminates in the 3rd Grade Economics Market, where students put their knowledge to the test by creating and selling products for a cause close to their hearts.

A Tradition of Generosity
This year marks a decade of impact for the Entrepreneur Market, a project that has raised thousands of dollars for meaningful causes. Since 2013, the market has been more than a learning opportunity—it's been a way for students to give back. Each year, students select a cause, design products, and invite the entire school to shop, with all profits donated to their chosen organization.

Highlights from 10 Years of Giving:

• 2013-2014 … Funds for a beloved ROES student battling cancer
• 2014-2015 … Hygiene/food kits for the homeless
• 2015-2016 … Installed Buddy Benches to promote kindness and inclusion on ROES playgrounds and at a local children’s home
• 2016-2017 … Pflugerville Animal Shelter
• 2017-2018 … The Texas Homeless Network to meet the needs of the many homeless people around us (due to fires, floods, economic hardship, etc.)
• 2018-2019 … The Rio Valley Relief Project helping children in families seeking asylum from Central America
• 2019-2020 …  Provided relief for our custodian during a challenging time
• 2022-2023 …  Helping Hands Children's Home
• 2023-2024 …  Austin Pets Alive
• 2024-2025 …  Austin Pets Alive - giving to animals spoke to the students the most again this year 

From helping local shelters to supporting children and families in need, our students have made a lasting impact.

A Lesson in Leadership
This project teaches more than economics—it instills values of empathy, teamwork, and community service. By the time Market Day rolls around, students aren't just learning about supply and demand; they’re learning what it means to make a difference.

Here’s to celebrating 10 years of entrepreneurial spirit and generosity at River Oaks Elementary. We’re excited to see how our students continue to shape the future, one great idea—and one meaningful cause—at a time!

ROES Students Explore Interests in Friday Morning Enrichment Clubs!

Each Friday morning, ROES comes alive with excitement as students gather for enrichment clubs tailored to their unique interests. This year’s lineup of clubs offers something for everyone, allowing students to explore new skills, hobbies, and passions in a fun, supportive environment.

From the calming practice of yoga and mindful movement to the strategic challenges of chess, students can dive into activities that stimulate both the mind and body. Language enthusiasts can immerse themselves in Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL) clubs, while budding artists express their creativity through drawing, suncatcher crafting, knitting, and embroidery. Our tech-savvy students are designing with Canva and developing their typing accuracy and speed. For those who love to read and discuss books, the book club provides an ideal space.  Problem solving and perseverance are challenged in board games, puzzles and cursive handwriting clubs as well.

Each club is guided by dedicated staff and volunteers who are committed to nurturing students’ interests. These Friday morning enrichment clubs are designed not only to expand students' horizons but also to foster a sense of community and curiosity that enriches their school experience.