Ram Nation News – June 3, 2025

A Year of Ram Pride: 2024–2025 Waltrip PTO Wrap-Up

Hello Waltrip families,

Cheers to reaching the end of the 2024–25 school year!

Whether you’ve just wrapped up your first year as a Ram or are sending your Senior off to bigger and better things, we want to say: Congratulations!

Your Waltrip PTO has been hard at work all year—quietly making things happen behind the scenes to enhance education, support our staff, improve our campus, and strengthen the connection between Waltrip and our surrounding community. Our volunteers have logged countless hours in the school store, decorating for events, recruiting new families, feeding staff and visitors, cleaning, upgrading and repairing facilities, soliciting donations, and helping Waltrip shine!

Here’s a look at what we accomplished together this year:

Campus Improvements:

–Rehabilitated tennis courts in partnership with Spark Parks of Houston

–Purchased new soccer goals

–Purchased a new sound system available for all campus groups

–Purchased new wall clocks (installation coming this summer)

–Added new patio lunch tables

Coming soon:

–Upgrades to the Competition Gym bleachers (approved for funding up to $35,000)

–Installation of 3 new water bottle filling stations

—Wayfinding signs in English and Spanish

—Campus umbrellas for shaded lunch and gathering areas

—Murals in the library and band hall

—Landscaping improvements to beautify our campus

Educational Grants Across All Programs:

–Jacks and engine lifts for the Automotive program

–Arrows and archery targets for JROTC

–Programmable robots for Engineering classes

–Supplies for Art classes

–Educational materials for Spanish and French

–Manipulatives for Math classes

–Classroom novel sets for English classes

–Field trips for the Skills for Learning and Living program

–Sheet music for the Band

–Costumes for the Theater Department

–Badminton equipment for PE classes

Solicited Donations That Directly Benefit Students:

–New microwaves for the cafeteria

–New volleyball net and standards for the competition gym

—Softball equipment and uniforms

—Volleyballs and baseballs

Staff Support and Appreciation:

–Upgraded coffee and tea bar in the staff lounge

—Snack cart days delivering treats and appreciation

–Hosted holiday lunches and special events

–Coordinated a Staff Holiday Happy Hour

–Provided gifts and appreciation meals throughout the year

Student Events That Build Ram Spirit:

—Go Texan Day festivities

—Homecoming Dance

—Community Picnic

—Signing Day activities

—Senior Sunrise and Sunset events

School Store:

–Expanded to near-daily operations

–Offered snacks, treats, and a welcoming space for our busy scholars

Fundraising & Community Engagement:

–Hosted the 2nd Annual Jazz on 34th fundraiser—a night of live jazz, food trucks, and community fun, with proceeds benefiting Waltrip

–Hosted Waltrip’s annual DJ Bingo Night, bringing together families, staff, and neighbors for a night of music and support

–Strengthened ties with our surrounding community through open events, outreach, and campus partnerships

The work of the PTO is never done, but none of it would be possible without our most valuable resource—YOU. Thank you to every volunteer, donor, and supporter who helped make this year such a success. Your time, talents, and generosity have a real impact on our students, staff, and the Waltrip community.

I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together and honored to serve this incredible school. Let’s make 2025–26 even better!

Stay in touch with us over the summer through our website, newsletter, Facebook, and Instagram—and keep an eye out for summer camps, updates, and more ways to stay involved.

Have a great summer and as always—GO RAMS!

With Ram Pride,
Michelle Schoene
President, Waltrip High School PTO

Celebrating the Class of 2025: Proud of Our Seniors and Their Achievements

Ram Nation, we couldn’t be prouder of the Class of 2025 and all they’ve accomplished! Our seniors have earned acceptances to an impressive range of colleges, universities, and programs — a true testament to their hard work, determination, and the outstanding education they’ve received here at Waltrip.

Here’s a glimpse of the many opportunities our students have secured:

In addition to these acceptances, many of our seniors have been awarded significant scholarship money and full rides, highlighting the exceptional achievements of this class.

These acceptances and awards represent the incredible potential of our seniors and the bright futures ahead. We also want to recognize the dedication of our amazing staff and teachers, whose guidance and support help lead our students to greatness every day.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Your hard work inspires us all, and Ram Nation is cheering you on every step of the way.

Help Us Make Senior Sunset Unforgettable for Our Seniors!

Our seniors have finished the hard stuff—now it’s time to celebrate their last day with some serious fun!

Here’s the scoop:
📅 Wednesday, June 4th
🕠 5:30 PM
📍 Waltrip Cafeteria Patio

There’ll be a DJ, waterslide, photo booth, plus food, drinks, paletas, and cotton candy, and food trucks. Seniors, don’t forget your swimsuit and towel—this party’s going to be unforgettable.

Parents, we need you!
Help us set up, chaperone, and clean up so the seniors can enjoy the night stress-free. Ready to help? Sign up here: Volunteer Sign-Up

Because the seniors bring the energy, but parents make it all happen. Thanks for stepping up!

Walking Back to Where It All Began: Senior Clap Out Recap

Over the past few weeks, members of the Class of 2025 have been visiting their former elementary and middle schools for the annual Senior Clap Out.

Dressed in caps and gowns, our seniors were greeted with cheers, high fives, and big smiles from younger students and teachers—a meaningful way to celebrate how far they’ve come.

📸 Want to see more? Check out the full photo gallery here. Huge thanks to the parents who shared their photos and helped capture these special moments!

To the Class of 2025—thanks for inspiring future Rams every step of the way.

Class of 2025 Graduation Details

The big day is almost here! Waltrip High School’s Class of 2025 graduation ceremony is happening on:

Date: Friday, June 6
Time: 3:00 PM
Location:
Delmar Fieldhouse
2020 Mangum Rd
Houston, TX 77092

Time to celebrate our seniors in style!

Support the Class of 2026 Senior Year Fundraisers!

The Class of 2026 is getting ready for their senior year! Support their efforts by stopping by tomorrow, Wednesday, June 4 — the last day of school — for:

Tom’s Coffee on the front patio from 7:30 to 8:30 AM

Ice cream sales after school

Coco’s Donuts & Coffee Bar at 2026 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018, open from 7 AM to 7 PM. Drive through or drop in and enjoy donuts, coffee, and more — and 20% of your purchase will benefit Waltrip Class of 2026 when you mention Waltrip.

Let’s help our rising seniors make their final year amazing!

Waltrip Summer Sports Camps – Sign Up Now!

Waltrip Summer Camps for K–12

Waltrip is offering free and low-cost summer sports camps for students in grades K–12! From softball to soccer, volleyball to wrestling—and our popular S.A.C. Strength & Conditioning Camp—there’s something for every Ram.

Sign up for SAC Camp

Sign up for sport-specific camps

Attention all incoming freshmen and new band members!

Get ready for games, music, and fun as you officially become part of Ram Nation!
Join us June 9–13 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for a special summer session designed to help you kick off your high school band journey. Don’t miss this chance to make new friends, learn the ropes, and start the season strong!

Register today

Exciting news for young innovators! Waltrip STEM Camp is happening June 9–12, from 8 AM to 1 PM each day. Open to 4th through 12th graders, campers will dive into coding, 3D printing, robotics, drones, and much more. The cost is $100 per camper, with a discounted rate of $75 for additional siblings and $50 for HISD employees. This camp is proudly sponsored by the Waltrip Engineering and Fabrication Program of Study.

Ready to spark your child’s curiosity? Register now at waltripsummerbridge.weebly.com!

Register today

Roarin’ in the Summer is Back—Now with Jazz!

The 3rd Annual Roarin’ in the Summer Band Camp returns this June—and new this year is Jazzin’ in the Summer, Waltrip’s first jazz-intensive camp!

Who: 4th–12th grade band students with at least one year of experience
What: Fun, skill-building activities, daily private lessons, and a focus on musicianship, teamwork, and leadership
When:

Roarin’ in the Summer: 8:30 AM–12:30 PM, June 16–20 & June 23–27 (no camp June 19)

Jazzin’ in the Summer: 1:30 PM–3:30 PM, same dates
Cost: $100 per camp – Free for current and incoming 9th grade Waltrip band students

Register today

Upcoming Events

• 6/3 Senior Clap Out
• 6/4 Senior Clap Out
• 6/4 Last Day of School
• 6/4 Senior Sunset | 5:30pm – 7:30pm | Waltrip Cafeteria Patio
• 6/6 Senior Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony @ Delmar Fieldhouse 3pm
• 6/7 Ram Softball Camp | Grades 5 – 9 | 9 – 11:30am
• 6/9 – 6/12 Waltrip STEM Summer Camp | Grades 4 – 12 | 9am – 1pm
• 6/9 – 6/13 Freshman Band Camp | 8:30am – 12:30pm
• 6/9 – 7/25 Ram SAC Camp | Grades 6 – 12 | 9 – 11am
• 6/11 Ram Basketball Camp | Grades 6 – 9 | 12 – 2pm
• 6/14 Ram Volleyball Camp | Grades K – 9 | 9 – 11am
• 6/16 – 6/27 Ram Band Summer Camp | Grades 4 – 12 | 8:30am – 12:30pm
• 6/16 – 6/27 Ram Band Summer Jazz Camp | Grades 4 – 12 | 1:30 – 3:30pm
• 6/28 Ram Soccer Camp | Grades K – 9 | 9 – 11am
• 7/26 Ram Wrestling Camp | Grades 6 – 9 | 9 – 11am