Redbud Elementary School gave families a welcome break from the holiday rush during its Parents Night Out event. The two-hour evening experience invited students in kindergarten through 5th-grade to enjoy seasonal activities on the campus while their parents used the time to tackle holiday errands, attend events, or simply reset.
Principal Kimberly Connelly said the evening was part of the school’s commitment to supporting families in meaningful, practical ways.
“Our Redbud community has supported us for four and a half years,” she said. “Any chance we get to provide opportunities to support the community, we are more than happy to do so.”
Connelly said the idea behind this event was to give families time to take care of holiday tasks while their children are cared for and having fun.
Redbud staff and volunteers helped create a welcoming atmosphere for students, who spent the evening making crafts, watching a holiday movie, and enjoying free popcorn and pizza.
First-grade teacher Tara Watkins, who helped coordinate the event, said the effort was as much about community connection as it was about giving parents a night off.
“We felt like this was a great way that we could give back to the community and put on this fun event,” said Watkins. “It lets parents relax or do whatever they need to do while their kids come together in a fun, safe environment.”
Parents said the event came at just the right time.
“I think this is super amazing,” said Diana Galindo, parent of a first-grader at Redbud. “I’m a single mom, and so something like this gives me time to wrap gifts, go see some friends, do shopping… having this time is super helpful!”
The evening served as a reminder of the strong partnership between Round Rock ISD schools and its community, one built on care, connection, and creating space for families to thrive even during the busiest seasons.