Viking Nation News
News & Information for the Lago Vista ISD Community
Welcome to 2017-2018...It's a Great Year to be a Viking!
2017-2018 is off to a great start and we warmly welcome our new families and students to the Viking Nation. In Lago Vista ISD, our mantra is “Excellence in ALL We Do” and we are ready to continue proving it in the 2017-2018 school year!
This newsletter will provide the Lago Vista ISD community with important resources and exciting information about our programs and upcoming events, such as:
- Lago Vista ISD 2017 School Bond
- November 8th Parent Workshop on Bullying: Hey Dude, Nice Shoes
- Project Vinátta Update
- College Planning & PSAT Score Distribution Night
- Viking Tough Shed Orders and Ag Days
- Parent & Community Involvement Opportunities
- And much more!
Without a doubt, we believe that our schools are the heart and soul of the our community and we are confident that the Viking Nation is doing great things to keep our community strong. Sit back and be proud of what your schools and community will accomplish together…it's a great year to be a Viking!
Lago Vista ISD School Bond 2017
On August 14, 2017, the Lago Vista ISD Board of Trustees called for the issuance of $2,900,000 of bonds for HVAC replacements, transportation, technology, and driveway repairs. THE BOND PROPOSITION WILL NOT INCREASE THE CURRENT TAX RATE OF $1.32.
Why Do We Need a Bond?
Lago Vista ISD has lost funding from the State (ASATR) and must pay $4.5 million dollars in recapture back to the State each year. We must use the I&S side to help fund capital projects, which will free up more money on the Maintenance & Operations side of the budget to be used for our students. We can purchase $2.9 million dollars in bonds that will be paid off in 6 years with NO TAX RATE INCREASE. If passed, the tax rate will remain at $1.32.
Where Do I Get More Information?
Please visit the Lago Vista ISD website at www.lagovistaisd.net to view dates for informational meetings, as well as other information related to this 2017 bond proposal.
When Is Early Voting?
Early voting begins on October 23, 2017 and runs through November 3, 2017. Mobile locations will be posted closer to Election Day. For mobile and permanent early voting locations, see www.ivoteearly.com.
When is Election Day?
Election Day is November 7, 2017 from 7:00am-7:00pm at Lago Vista Middle School (Precinct 371) and at Lago Vista City Hall (Precinct 373).
A Grateful Community Thanks Retiring Board Member, Tom Rugel
Elected in May 2008, Mr. Rugel is retiring from his trustee position after nine and a half years of tireless service to the District. During Mr. Rugel’s years on the Board, Lago Vista ISD has grown nearly 20% in student enrollment, built the new Lago Vista High School facility and stadium, opened Lago Visa Intermediate School, renovated or improved every school and support facility in the District, and increased its reputation for excellence in academics, athletics, activities and the arts. The District has prospered as a result of his leadership and clear vision for the future, which will be his lasting legacy for generations of Lago Vista ISD students to come.
The Lago Vista ISD Board of Trustees consists of seven members elected to serve, without compensation, for overlapping terms of three years each. Mr. Rugel’s current term on the Board of Trustees will end in November. His seat will be filled by Mr. Michael Bridges, whom we warmly welcome into service.
Thank you, Mr. Rugel, for your commitment and dedication to Lago Vista ISD!
'Hey Dude, Nice Shoes' Will Be in Lago Vista ISD on November 8th!
BULLYING. Its seems like this is the new buzz word of a generation. Why is this word creeping into our daily lives and weekly headlines? How can we stop it? How can we teach our children about it? Who is at risk and how we can help them? Learn how to define bullying and gather tools to help protect your child from its effects.
‘Hey Dude, Nice Shoes’ is a specifically tailored two part presentation for students and their
parents. Presenter Carolyn Brown helps us decode and navigate through this incredibly complex and prevalent social topic.
'HEY DUDE, NICE SHOES' IS COMING TO LAGO VISTA ISD ON NOVEMBER 8, 2017.
On Wednesday, December 8th, speaker Carolyn Brown will present to students during the day and host a parent workshop in the evening. Parents, join us for the 'Hey Dude, Nice Shoes' Parent Workshop on November 8th from 6:30-7:30pm in Lago Vista High School Performing Arts Center. Mark your calendars!
'Hey Dude, Nice Shoes' Presenter: Carolyn Brown
Congratulations to Ben Hammar, Class of 2018 National Merit® Commended Scholar
We are thrilled to recognize Lago Vista High School senior, Ben Hammar, for being named a Class of 2018 National Merit® Commended Scholar. This prestigious designation is awarded by the National Merit Scholarship Program in recognition of Ben’s tremendous academic promise, based upon his success on the PSAT/NMSQT®.
In order to qualify as a National Merit® Scholarship Commended Scholar or Semifinalist, students must take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) as a high school junior and indicate their qualification for the contest on their answer sheet. In order to enter the competition, a student must:
- Take the PSAT/NMSQT® no later than the third year of high school;
- Be enrolled as a high school student and planning to accept admission to college no later than the fall following completion of high school; and
- Be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. lawful permanent resident (or have applied for permanent residence, the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law.
Of the 1.6 million entrants taking the PSAT/NMSQT®, students scoring in the top 3% in the nation on the PSAT/NMSQT® Selection Index scores (calculated by doubling the sum of the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math Test scores) qualify for recognition in the National Merit® Scholarship Program. Semifinalists are designated on a state-representational basis, while Commended Scholars are named on the basis of a nationally applied Selection Index score (which varies from year to year). National Merit® Semifinalists may continue in the competition to become a Finalist to receive a National Merit® Scholarships. Commended Scholars may become candidates for Special Scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses.
Every year some 1,200 of the top performing National Merit® Program participants apply for and are awarded Special Scholarships provided by corporations and business organizations. Special Scholarships may either be renewable for four years of undergraduate study or one-time awards.
We are exceptionally proud of Ben for this amazing accomplishment and know we will see great things from him in the future!
Check Out Highlights from 2016-2017...Our Students & Teachers are AMAZING!
Project Vinátta Has Begun!
Lago Vista ISD’s goal is to become a No Place for Hate® district by creating Project Vinátta student coalitions on all four campuses in 2017-2018. Our amazing campus sponsors have begun spearheading their student coalitions and recently completed their school-wide activity submissions with the Austin Anti-Defamation League®. We will begin implementing our campus in the coming days and weeks and are excited to see the impact this will have for our students and community. Click here for more information on Project Vinátta!
Don’t Miss College Planning & PSAT® Score Distribution Night on December 6th in the LVMS Cafeteria!
Fingers are crossed that we will also be able to distribute our PSAT8/9® and PSAT/NMSQT® scores that night. You don’t want to miss it!
Character Education in Lago Vista ISD
Lago Vista ISD recognizes the importance of its role in helping learners develop and demonstrate good character qualities every day in order to become successful contributors in the 21st century. We do this through District-wide integration of activities and instruction related to our Monthly Viking Character Traits.
Parents and families are encouraged to support the District's efforts to teach good values and character by continuing these lessons and conversations at home. Please click here for information on our Monthly Viking Character Traits and for additional family resources to help support character education at home.
Lago Vista Elementary School Fall Family Festival
Mark your calendars for the Lago Vista Elementary School Fall Family Festival on Friday, November 3rd from 5:00-8:00pm. There will be food trucks, games, prizes, face painting, jumpy houses, and much, much more so you don't want to miss out!
If you are interested in helping with this event, please email Becky Richardson at brichardson002@att.net.
Join Us to Honor Those Who Served at Our Veterans Day Program
As in years past, we will be recognizing our local veterans during this very special ceremony. For more information or to ensure that your name is on the recognition list, please contact Mr. Steve Garcia at steve_garcia@lagovista.txed.net or (512) 267-8315.
LVHS Welding & Construction Students Support Our Community
Our high school Career & Technical Education students are doing great things and we appreciate your support in providing them with meaningful learning opportunities and a chance to give back by completing meaningful projects for our local community!
Made to Order "Viking Tough" Sheds
Don't pay a high dollar price for a storage shed! Support our Lago Vista High School Welding and Construction Programs AND save money without sacrificing quality. Help our students learn the "ins and outs" of advanced building techniques by having them build your custom shed. If you are interested in making your dream shed a reality and providing our students with this excellent learning experience, please email Mr. Michael Panter at michael_panter@lagovista.txed.net with your requests to see how our Lago Vista High School students can build what you need.
Also, Ag Days are Coming Soon!
Our LVHS Welding Program students will begin holding regularly scheduled ”Ag Days" at the Lago Vista High School Welding Shop. One Saturday per month from 8am to 12pm, you can bring in your trailer or project in and have our Advanced Welding Students fix your broken trailer, tool, or weld-up your unfinished project. Stay tuned for more details!
Leave a Lasting Impression at Lago Vista ISD!
Lago Vista ISD has kicked off another annual fundraiser offering engraved bricks for yourself or a loved one to leave an impression on our beautiful Lago Vista High School campus. Brick sales are currently underway and will continue until February 28, 2018.
You can choose to have a personalized brick at the entry to the Performing Arts Center, the student entrance at Lago Vista High School, or at Victory Plaza. Brick order forms are available from many student groups or click here to download and complete your order.
The cost of each personalized brick is $50.00 for a 4”x 8”.
If you have any questions, please contact Holly Jackson at holly_jackson@lagovista.txed.net or call 512-267-8300 x1500.
Red Ribbon Week®
Monday, Oct 23, 2017, 12:00 AM
All Campuses in Lago Vista ISD
Annual Fall G/T Parent Meeting
Mandi Meléndez, LMFT, LPC, RPT, NCC
President-Elect, Texas Association for Play Therapy
Past President, Texas Association for Play Therapy, Hill Country Chapter
Nurture Family Counseling, PLLC
Wednesday, Oct 25, 2017, 06:30 PM
Lago Vista Middle School, Bar K Ranch Road, Lago Vista, TX, United States
Lago Vista Elementary School Fall Family Festival
Friday, Nov 3, 2017, 05:00 PM
Lago Vista Elementary School, Dawn Drive, Lago Vista, TX, United States
Annul Fall Title I Parent Meeting
Wednesday, Nov 8, 2017, 05:30 PM
Lago Vista High School, Lohman Ford Road, Lago Vista, TX, United States
'Hey Dude, Nice Shoes' Parent Workshop
Wednesday, Nov 8, 2017, 06:30 PM
Lago Vista High School, Lohman Ford Road, Lago Vista, TX, United States
Lago Vista ISD Veteran's Day Program
Friday, Nov 10, 2017, 02:00 PM
5815 Lohman Ford Road, Lago Vista, TX, United States
College Planning & PSAT® Score Distribution Night
Wednesday, Dec 6, 2017, 06:30 PM
8039 Bar K Ranch Road, Lago Vista, TX, United States
Stay Connected With These Parent Resources
Parents are valued partners in Lago Vista ISD, where we believe that successful learning is best achieved through collaborative partnerships with parents and families. Our Parent Connection page is a one stop shop of resources for parents in Lago Vista ISD. Click here to check it out!
Stay Connected with ParentLink by Blackboard
Lago Vista ISD uses the ParentLink communication system from Blackboard to assist in alerting parents, families, and employees of important information, such as school closures. ParentLink communicates via telephone, SMS text message, email and push notifications from the ParentLink app. Be sure to add a filter to your inbox so that emails containing the word “Blackboard” are not delivered to Spam. Download the FREE ParentLink app from the iTunes app store or on Google Play.
Lago Vista ISD Publications and Forms
The District has a one-stop shop for all District publications and forms, including course catalogs, student handbooks, grading guidelines, and special programs information...and we are continuing to build this resource as documents and handbooks become available. Our "Publications and Forms" page is located under the "Parents and Students" tab, as well as on the "Quicklinks" menu on the right side of our homepage. Here is a link to the Publications and Forms page, as well as a few other key resources:
2017-2018 LVISD Student Handbook (Each campus has a supplement at the end!)
Come early, stay late, and wear your BLUE AND GOLD!
One Club, All Sports
You can also follow the Viking Booster Club Facebook page.
Follow LVISD on Facebook®
Report Potential Bullying or Other Safety Concerns Using StayALERT
Lago Vista ISD uses StayALERT to help keep our schools safe. StayALERT is a bilingual, confidential website, e-mail, phone and texting avenue for students, teachers, staff, parents and community members to be able to confidentially report unsafe behaviors, suspicious activities, bullying, acts of violence, harassment, and a host of other potential disruptors to school safety.
Users may anonymously report concerns 24-7-365 via the StayALERT website, an e-mail, a phone call to a recorded and monitored line, or via a text message from a cell phone. Photos and video clips pertaining to the StayALERT report may be included. No special app required! Reportable information will be forwarded in a timely manner to a pre-designated school official for review.
To make a report, use one of the methods below:
Website: stayalert.info
Call or Text: (206) 406-6485
Email: report@stayalert.info
October 23-27 is Red Ribbon Week®!
Student absences are costly in a variety of ways:
- Students can’t learn: If a student is not present at school, they are missing opportunities to learn, to socialize, to gain confidence, and to be inspired.
- Teachers can’t teach: It is much more difficult for teachers to teach effectively when they are “catching up” students who have missed.
- Lost funding for instruction: Many parents are unaware that the state funds schools based on daily attendance - so every day missed costs schools money. This means missing out on teachers, sports programs, and electives due to lack of funding. Each day your student misses costs the District about $38.
In 2016-2017, our overall attendance rate in Lago Vista ISD was 95.8%, which is below the state average, but is a slight improvement over the 2015-2016 rate of 95.7%.
Our goal is to increase our attendance District-wide to 97% at each campus, or an average of two school days per student. An increase in student attendance will ensure that more students will be in their classrooms, learning and preparing for their futures - and that’s the most important thing!
How Can Parents Help?
We understand that there are times when an absence in unavoidable, however, we encourage students and parents to make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences.
- Help your child get into the habit and learn the value of regular routines.
- Teach your child that attending school is nonnegotiable unless they are truly sick.
- Schedule appointments outside of school hours as much as reasonably possible.
- Avoid picking up your student early on a regular basis, which results in missed opportunities for learning.
- Remember, even though absences may be excused, ALL absences count for the 90% state requirement for earning credit or a final grade. This rule applies in grades K-12.
- Punctuality is a vital life skill; it is very important that your student be on time every day.
Regular school attendance is essential for students to make the most of their education—to benefit from teacher-led and school activities, to build each day’s learning on the previous day’s, and to grow as individuals.
Need More Information?
Please visit www.missingschoolmatters.org to learn more about the Central Texas Attendance Campaign. For information on policies and procedures related to absences, please refer to the Lago Vista ISD Student Handbook.
Want to Get Involved? Check Out the Awesome Opportunities Below!
Whether your kids are just starting kindergarten, are entering the final year of high school, or graduated years ago, there are many good reasons for parents and community members to volunteer at school. It's a great way to show our kids and community children that you take an interest in their education, and it sends a positive message that you consider school a worthwhile cause.
- Be a mentor in the Partners in Education Mentoring Program;
- Join the Lago Vista ISD Education Foundation;
- Support your Campus Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs);
- Help the NEW LVHS Parent Teacher Association (PTA); or
- Join the Lago Vista ISD District Educational Improvement Committee (DEIC).
Mentors Needed!
The Lago Vista ISD Education Foundation Needs YOU!
Are you looking for a fun way to contribute your talent to help the students in Lago Vista ISD? The LVISD Education Foundation Needs YOU! We are looking for enthusiastic parents and community members to help us plan our annual fundraiser that is being planned right now!
Remember: All funds raised by the LVISD Education Foundation go DIRECTLY back into our schools through our innovative teaching grants...but we can't do it without your help! If you are interested in joining, please email LVISDEF President Bill Phipps at bphipps1406@gmail.com. If you would like to find out ways to donate, click here.
P.S. Don't forget to like the LVISD Education Foundation Facebook page!
Support Our Campus PTOs
Lago Vista ISD Parent Teacher Organizations support the educational and social community of our campuses, volunteerism of parents, encouragement of teachers and students, community involvement, and welfare of students and families. All PTO organizations are 100% fundraising and donation driven and all of the money raised goes back to the schools and students. To learn more, please visit the links below:
Lago Visa Elementary School PTO
https://www.facebook.com/lvespto/
Lago Vista Intermediate School PTO
This group is in the process of organizing, so if you would like to assist, please contact Mrs. Stacie Davis at stacie_davis@lagovista.txed.net.
Lago Vista Middle School PTO
https://www.facebook.com/LVMSPTO/
You can also sign up online at https://mkt.com/lvms-pto/pto-membership-dues
Lago Vista High School is Starting a PTA
Looking for a meaningful option to stay involved as a high school parent? We have good news! Lago Vista High School is in the process of starting a Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Intended to be a less intense time commitment, the purpose of the LVHS PTA is simple - to provide support for the teachers, students, and staff of Lago Vista High School by increasing parent volunteers, providing additional student educational opportunities, and supplementing teacher and school resources.
There will be very little fundraising, but a lot of opportunities to get involved in your student's education during the last four years before graduation!
If you are a Lago Vista High School parent and are interested in serving on the newly formed PTA board, please contact the LVHS school counselor, Mrs. Meghin Huerta, at meghin_huerta@lagovista.txed.net.
In the meantime, here is a sign-up for volunteer opportunities at Lago Vista High School. Thank you, Jennifer Levy, for your help setting this up! We appreciate all of the help and support of our awesome parents:
Join the 2017-2018 District Educational Improvement Committee (DEIC)!
The purpose of the District Educational Improvement Committee (DEIC) is to advise the District in establishing and reviewing the District’s educational goals, objectives, and major District-wide classroom instructional programs. The committee serves exclusively in an advisory role. Parent, community, and business representatives are volunteer appointments. All representatives serve staggered two-year terms. Members are not limited as to the number of consecutive terms they may serve on DEIC. The DEIC holds 4-6 meetings each spring, typically on Wednesday or Thursday evenings.
This year, we are looking for two parent representatives, at least one community representative and at least one business representative to serve on DEIC.
Please click here to access the DEIC application. Applications are due December 15th!
Stay in the Know...Like Us on Facebook!
You can keep up to date with Lago Vista ISD District and campus news by liking our Facebook pages. Look to these page for news and all of the exciting things going on in the Viking Nation!
About Lago Vista ISD
Website: http://www.lagovistaisd.net/
Location: 8039 Bar K Ranch Road, Lago Vista, TX, United States
Phone: (512) 267-8300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LagoVistaISD