Support Armstrong
For 112 years, John S. Armstrong Elementary School has been proud to serve students in Highland Park, Texas providing a strong public education that fosters a lifelong love of learning and a nurturing environment where children can thrive.
The continued excellence of our school is made possible through the extraordinary generosity of families and community partners like you. Despite our district’s higher than average income levels, the state of Texas employs a public-school funding formula that recaptures property tax revenue from more affluent districts to those with fewer financial resources and redistributes it across the state.
Every dollar raised by the Armstrong PTA goes directly back to our campus, helping support critical needs, including: teacher salary support, instructional assistant salaries, substitute teacher pay, classroom and workroom supplies, staff professional development and graduate degrees, enrichment programs (STEM, Economics Fair, Science Fair, Invention Convention, Garden Program), technology upgrades and software licenses, operating expenses (printer/copier leases, toner, and supplies), campus improvements, daily lunches for all Armstrong staff, teacher appreciation initiatives and any additional funds are used to help support emerging needs, capital improvements, and classroom or curriculum enhancements requested by teachers and the district.
Why We Fundraise?
Every year, the state of Texas recaptures close to 70% of HPISD tax dollars and redistributes that money to lower income districts. As a result, HPISD is left with a $7-8 million gap in funding each year. Specifically, Armstrong faces an estimated $1,000,000+ shortfall this year. PTA fundraising through our community and corporate partners bridges this gap, helping us ensure excellence in education for our children and attract and retain talented teachers and staff! Every dollar donated directly to Armstrong stays at Armstrong and cannot be recaptured by the state.
How are the donations used?
Last year, the PTA gifted over $900,000+ to Armstrong for essential programs and operating expenses. During the 2025-2026 school year, the funds were used in the following ways:
What are the specific needs?
Teacher Support
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Teacher salaries
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Professional development
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Graduate course reimbursement
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Substitute teacher pay
Instructional Assistant Salaries
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100% of salaries and benefits for four instructional aides
Classroom Needs
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Classroom supplies, books, and furniture
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Curriculum materials
Technology
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Scheduled equipment upgrades and software licenses
General Operations
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Printer and copier leases and supplies
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Gardeners and garden maintenance
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Improvements to buildings and grounds
How do I donate?
Your donations can be made several ways:
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During Back to School Sign Up (BSSU) July 24th - August 1st
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Click below to donate online
Corporate Matching
Please check with your employer to see if they participate in corporate matching. Your company match will be added to your personal gift to calculate your total Family Giving level and benefits. Please reach out to Armstrong's treasurer with questions: treasurer@armstrongpta.org.
The Armstrong PTA is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and all Family Giving donations are tax deductible to the extent the law allows. Tax ID 75-0886455.