At the UT Elementary school Thanksgiving luncheon on Friday, November 21, our campus was filled with gratitude and community spirit as students, families, and supporters came together for a festive lunch. School Management Board members Bill Lasher and Kathy Armenta, along with Kathy’s husband Richard and PK-12 Schools Executive Director Melissa Chavez, graciously served a delicious Thanksgiving meal to all of our students.
Adding to the celebration, the Texas Cowboys were in full force, serving an additional 200 lunches to parents, grandparents, and families. Families shared tables, enjoying the meal together, while teachers and staff mingled with everyone.
After lunch, the Texas Cowboys ended this half-day on a high note by playing soccer with our Little Longhorns then rolled up their sleeves for clean-up duty. Watching college students and elementary school kids play side-by-side, laughing and giving high fives, is the kind of magic and community we strive for every day.
At UT Elementary, events like these are not just feel-good moments but the cornerstone of our whole child approach to education. Research confirms what we witness first hand: When students build strong relationships with teachers, families and community role models, we see remarkable outcomes such as: higher academic achievement levels, better behavior, and greater likelihood of success across early elementary years.
“At UT Elementary, the layering of community support is intentional and deeply rooted in our Whole Child Approach. Family and community engagement opportunities are designed to ensure that every child feels supported academically, socially, and emotionally—not just by teachers, but by families, university students, and the broader Austin community. When children see these positive interactions modeled, it reinforces a sense of belonging and creates the foundation for lifelong success.” — Principal Lara Wilder, Ed.D.
UT Elementary is a small, community school by design—built to foster close connections and meaningful engagement. Our mission extends beyond academics to support our students, their families, and even the students of Big UT who join us as mentors, role models and direct-service interns. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the Austin community and The University of Texas, which helps us create an environment where every child can thrive. Together, we are shaping a future rooted in collaboration, care, and excellence.
