Reed Elementary · Leander ISD
K–5 Performing Arts Teacher
8th year Celebrating my eighth year with the Reed Roadrunners!
Welcome, performing arts families! I cannot wait to sing, act, create, and perform with your students this year.
Hello! My name is Ronda Shickles, and I am thrilled to be entering my 8th year at Reed Elementary!
Before taking center stage as your Performing Arts teacher, I taught 3rd and 4th grade right here at Reed. I cannot wait to sing, act, create, and perform with your students this year!
I am originally from Alabama, where I earned degrees in Early Childhood Development & Education and Elementary Education from Athens State University. I taught elementary and gifted education in Alabama for 6 years before taking time off to stay home with my daughters.
My journey brought our family to Texas in 2019. Driven by my lifelong passion for the stage, I earned my Theatre Certification in 2022 and stepped into my dream role as Reed’s Performing Arts teacher!
At home, I am surrounded by my wonderful family: my husband Steve, our two daughters Scout and Penelope, and our dog Leia. Both of my daughters are named after famous literary figures — Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird and Penelope from The Odyssey!
When I’m not at school, you can find me:
— Mrs. Shickles
Everything we do is built on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills — the state standards for Music and Theatre. Each grade builds directly on the one before it, so by fifth grade students are reading real notation and singing in parts. Below is the short version; the full standards are published by the Texas Education Agency.
Finding our voices, finding the beat
First notes on the page
Onto the staff
Making up our own music
Texas music and folk dance
Singing in two parts
Our performances are the highlight of the year and families are always invited. Dates below are tentative — watch the school newsletter for confirmed times and details.
[Grade levels, date and time — replace with the real event.]
[Grade levels, date and time — replace with the real event.]
[Grade levels, date and time — replace with the real event.]
[Grade levels, date and time — replace with the real event.]
The school sends nearly everything — performance reminders, permission forms, flyers and news — through a few district tools. Make sure you’re signed up so those big show dates never sneak up on you.
How Reed reaches families day to day — announcements, reminders and messages from teachers. Turn on notifications so you never miss one.
Sign in to ParentSquareDigital flyers for school and community events land here — no more crumpled papers at the bottom of a backpack.
Browse eFlyersQuestions about a performance, costume or how to help? Email is the best way to reach me, and I answer within a school day.
Email Mrs. Shickles
A performing arts room runs on consumables — ukulele strings, recorder cleaners, drumhead tape, prop supplies, costume pieces and a truly heroic amount of sticker rewards. If you’ve ever wondered what would actually help, this list is it.
Anything from the list is appreciated, and nothing is expected. Sharing the link with grandparents works wonders.
View the Amazon Wish ListBig shows take a village. If any of these sound like your thing, send me an email — even one afternoon makes a real difference.
Hemming, quick repairs, or turning a bin of fabric into forty matching capes.
Painting backdrops, building simple set pieces, and hauling things to the stage.
Printing and folding programs for performance nights, or donating paper and ink.
Gently used hats, scarves, sunglasses, jackets and instruments always find a use.
Wrangling excited performers backstage, running the door, or helping with risers.
Honestly, the biggest help of all. A full house makes these kids stand taller.
You do not need to read music or play anything to make a real difference at home. These four cost nothing.
The single best thing you can do. Kids who hear adults sing without embarrassment sing without embarrassment.
Tap the beat of a song on the steering wheel or the table and have them echo it back. Two minutes, real skill.
Country, classical, mariachi, musicals, jazz. Variety builds ears faster than any worksheet.
A high school musical, a church choir, a band in the park — live music lands differently than a screen.
The best way to reach me. I answer during my conference period and after school.
Email Mrs. Shickles
ronda.shickles@leanderisd.org
Please allow one school day for a reply.