Welcome to Pickle Elementary
A close-knit, bilingual and multicultural school community where students are seen, supported, challenged, and prepared for the future.
A Message from the Principal
I am truly excited and grateful to join the incredible Pickle Elementary community as your new principal. From the moment I began learning about this school, it was clear that Pickle is a place where people care deeply about one another and about the success of every child.
Located in the historic St. John’s area of Austin, Pickle Elementary reflects the rich culture, resilience, and strong community connections of the families we serve. We are more than a school — we are a close-knit community grounded in relationships, high expectations, and a deep commitment to every child’s success.
What makes Pickle special is our focus on the whole child. We believe academic growth, social-emotional development, and a strong sense of belonging go hand in hand. Through partnerships with city and community services, we help connect families with essential resources, including health and wellness support, after-school programming, and enrichment opportunities.
My vision is simple and unwavering: we will win for kids. That means ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and challenged every single day. It means creating an environment where high expectations are matched with strong relationships and meaningful opportunities for every learner.
Together, we will build on the strengths that already make Pickle so special while embracing new ideas, innovation, and growth. Our dedicated staff will continue to provide rigorous, engaging instruction while honoring the strengths of our bilingual and multicultural community.
We are proud of our roots, our community, and all that makes Pickle Elementary such a special place to learn and grow. The future is bright, and I am confident that, united in purpose, we will accomplish great things for our students.
Go Penguins!
Principal Kara Schultz
2026–27
Upcoming Event
- May 14 at 4:30 p.m.
Art Show in the School Cafeteria
PTA & Family Involvement
Pickle PTA typically shares membership and involvement opportunities at the beginning of the school year during Meet the Teacher Night and Back to School Night.
- PTA President: Maira Beltran
beltranmaira94@gmail.com - PTA Vice President: Diana Vidal
aldairvidal2018@gmail.com
Volunteer Information
Families interested in volunteering may contact the campus volunteer coordinator.
- 2025–26 Volunteer Coordinator: Brenda Hernandez, Counselor
brenda.hernandez4@austinisd.org - 2026–27 Volunteer Coordinator: Jennifer Gonzalez Maldonado
jennifer.gonzalezmaldonado@austinisd.org
School Supplies
School supply lists are not yet finalized. The links below are a helpful starting point, and updated lists will be shared as soon as possible.
After-School & Community Programs
YMCA Extend-A-Care
The Greater Austin YMCA has provided after-school care, day camps, and seasonal programming for children for more than 50 years. Programs are designed to keep students safe, engaged, and supported during the school year and breaks.
YMCA Extend-A-Care Information
Contact: 512-322-9622
Creative Action
Creative Action offers after-school programming that supports creativity, confidence, and student engagement.
Creative Action After-School Program
Contact: Noel Gaulin, 512-442-8773
info@creativeaction.org
Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center
Families may also explore programs and summer camp opportunities through the Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center.
Contact: Denise Cavanaugh
denise.cavanaugh@austintexas.gov
School Leadership & Support Staff
- Principal: Kara Schultz — kara.schultz@austinisd.org
- Assistant Principal: Clelia Parlange Valdes — clelia.parlangevaldes@austinisd.org
- Assistant Principal: Julia Gomez Montalvo — julia.gomezmontalvo@austinisd.org
- Counselor: Christina Lopez — christina.lopez@austinisd.org
- Parent Support Specialist: Jennifer Gonzalez Maldonado — jennifer.gonzalezmaldonado@austinisd.org
- Attendance Specialist: Alma DeLaCruz — alma.delacruz@austinisd.org
- Bookkeeper / Administrative Assistant: Leslie Ponce — leslie.ponce@austinisd.org
Stay Connected
- Pickle Elementary Website
- X/Twitter: @JJPickleECP