Letter from the President        

Math has never been my strong suit, but there’s one equation I hope to spread throughout our community this year:

PTA + RPE = SAME TEAM

Our Parent Teacher Association and River Place Elementary are on the same team. Parents, teachers, staff and students are all invested in the same goal: We grow minds, inspire hearts and prepare leaders to make a difference in the world. Your PTA membership will strengthen education and community success – all while inspiring joy. 

Each of us contributes in different ways. For some, that looks like volunteering time. For others, it’s sharing resources or cheering from the sidelines. Some are balancing the endless responsibilities of home, while others are juggling careers outside the home. Some families have been part of RPE for years, while others are just beginning their journey here. No matter your story, we’re all Titans.

The beautiful thing about this equation is that there’s no room for judgment—only empathy, encouragement and support.

This reminds me of one of my favorite memories. Two moms stood on the sidelines as their sons battled each other for the soccer ball. Without missing a beat, the moms both shouted, “Same team!”

It’s a simple phrase, but a powerful reminder.

This year, if you’re ever tempted to criticize how a teacher, staff member, volunteer or fellow parent is carrying out a responsibility, I hope you’ll pause and remember: same team. As a PTA Member, if you continue to have a complaint about volunteer efforts after remembering we are on the same team, please email Board Member Rana Ramsey at rana.noueilaty@gmail.com. She will bring your unresolved issue to the board to seek a solution.

When we lead with the same team mindset, we stop working against one another and refocus on what matters most – to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to a PTA Executive Board Member or Chair if you need help navigating the time, talent and resources you would like to invest. I’m honored to serve as your PTA President. Thank you for trusting me to lead and thank you for being a vital part of the team.

Kami Cooper and her husband Kelly are parents of 4th grader Liam and 3rd grader Ella. Kami is a former educator and administrator. Before serving as an advocate, lyricist and pursuing various philanthropic endeavors she traveled statewide to various Texas public and charter schools in her role at the Texas Education Agency in the division formerly known as Program Monitoring & Intervention. She has vast experience leading schools, districts and boards with integrity and her unwavering style of servant leadership. Kami has been described as an “Optimist for Life” and joyfully lives by her personal motto “With hope, optimism will come true.”