LVES Parent Newsletter
Building a Brighter Future, Edition 36- May 6, 2022
Voting Reminder
This is just a friendly reminder to let you know if you have not already voted, Election Day is Saturday, May 7 and the polls are open from 7am to 7pm. You can vote at the PAC at the high school or at the Chamber Building (20624 FM 1431).
On the ballot is the LVISD bond election and it’s presented as three separate propositions. The bond would address our growing student extracurricular programs that were not addressed in the previous bond.
Signed up for lunch?
Please remember our parking is limited due to construction. You may park in the extra parking lot downhill on Dawn drive.
Importance of School Attendance
Dear Parents & Families,
We know that this school year has presented many challenges to regular student attendance. Between required isolations, voluntary quarantines, and other concerns, we have understandably seen an increase in student absences this year. That said, as we work to return to more normal operations, getting students back into the habit of daily attendance matters now more than ever. We are asking for your help.
Student absences impact our school in a variety of ways:
- Student Learning: If a student is absent, they are missing out on valuable opportunities to learn, to socialize, to gain confidence, and to be inspired. As we work to recover from the pandemic, building routines, connecting with friends, and engaging in learning are even more important to student success.
- Teacher Time: At a time when so much education has been disrupted, it is vital that we make every school minute count. As teachers work to engage students, bridge learning gaps, and move students forward in their learning, it is much more difficult to ensure effective teaching occurs when teachers have the additional need to "catch up" students who have missed school.
- Lost Funding: The State of Texas funds schools based on daily attendance - so every day missed costs schools money. This year, the percentage of students attending each day has dropped several percentage points, which means significantly fewer funds are available to pay for things like additional teachers, student programs, and even teacher pay raises. On March 29th, TEA announced funding adjustments that would assist with low attendance rates through the fourth six-week attendance reporting period. However, there will be no adjustment made for the last 12 weeks of school. As it stands, for the rest of the school year and beyond, each day a student is absent costs the school about $38 in lost funding. At our current attendance rate, the funding loss for the District is about $6,150 per day...if that continues for the remainder of school, that will mean about $160,000 in lost funding.
After so much disruption to children’s education over the past two years, the most important thing that we can do is work together to get our children back into school. So, we are asking for your help. As long as your child is healthy, please ensure that he/she is at school, on time, and in attendance for the full day. Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to learn as well as connect to peers and their teachers. If there is something we can do to help improve your student's attendance so that we can keep them engaged and learning, please reach out to me so that we can talk about ways we can help.
We are extremely grateful for the commitment of our families and staff who have shown such amazing flexibility and resilience over the past two years. Despite the challenge, our teachers, families, and students have persisted to keep learning happening. Thank you!
Our Week In Pictures
Nacho Average Teacher!!
SO NICe and Thirsty!
Thank You, Kuske Farmers Insurance Agency!
Upcoming Event: Field Day
PK/Kinder- Friday, May 13, 8:30-11:30
1st Grade- Friday, May 13, 8:30-1:15
2nd/3rd Grade- Wednesday, May 18, 8:30-1:15
Volunteers Wanted!
Sign up for PK/K/1st Field Day Here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E054BAAAC2DA6FE3-2022
Sign up for 2nd/3rd Field Day Here:
For 3rd Grade Parents
Incoming 4th grade parents, please fill out the link below!
STAAR Information for 3rd Grade
If you have any questions, please contact Karla Stewart, karla_stewart@lagovista.txed.net.
Campus Cell Phone Policy
Friendly reminder that cell phones (or devices that function as cellphones, such as smart watches) are not allowed to be used during the school day. If a student has a device, it should be turned off and kept in their backpack during school hours.
School Supply Order for Next Year
The PTO is happy to offer the opportunity to purchase your school supplies for the 2022-2023 school year through 1st Day School Supplies.
With all the supply chain issues, this is a great way to order back-to-school supplies for next year.
In addition,1st Day has guaranteed to provide high quality brands like Ticonderoga, Crayola, Elmers, Fiskars, Purell and Clorox.
Order Now --> http://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/kits.php?sid=102578
Volunteer Opportunities!
Email completed applications to Holly_Jackson@lagovista.txed.net
Once you have been approved to volunteer, the following are the volunteer opportunities we have available at this time.
Library Volunteers- Help shelve and repair books, assist students in locating books, contact Heather Womack at heather_womack@lagovista.txed.net
PTO Volunteers- room parents to assist with parties, Friday folder parents to help stuff folders, assisting with setting up hospitality, etc., contact April McAlister at president@lvespto.org
Education Connection- reading with students, complete the Google Form below https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Tb8pA6YjuBmrQPc-HTEHysMMwmei4qGbWmJwh_fz78U/viewform?edit_requested=true
The Future for LVES
Early Pick-Up Procedures
1. Arrive before 1:45
2. Bring your ID with you.
3. Follow the instructions on the desktop located in the foyer.
4. We will call your student out of class.
5. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate call-ahead services, but will get your child as quickly as possible once you arrive.
We ask that you arrive no later than 1:45 to pick your student up. If you arrive after this time, you will not be able to pick your student up until regular dismissal time. This is to preserve our dismissal processes which ensure the safety of all of our students and that everyone gets home the way their parents intended. Please help us help you!
Tardies
Our raptor system is up and running. Type your student's last name, click search and select your student's name.
Transportation Changes? Email Marcella_Kuske@lagovista.txed.net by 12:00 each day!
Is Your Child Going to be Absent?
PTO News
The LVES Parent Teacher Organization creates opportunities for parents, teachers, and students to learn, socialize, communicate, and grow!
Our non-profit organization is dependent on monetary donations to supply our school with everything the children need to have an amazing and above average elementary school experience. Funds raised go directly to the requests of our teachers and staff to enhance classroom materials and our student’s learning environment. We also host some exciting extracurricular events to bring students and their families together outside of school hours! By becoming a member of the PTO you are showing your support and school spirit for Lago Vista Elementary.
Thank you again to all of our wonderful PTO Members and Sponsors! Our 2021-2022 Vinyl Banners are hung on the fence along Dawn Drive!
ATTENTION AMAZON SHOPPERS: SMILE!
When you shop on Amazon, log-in through https://smile.amazon.com
on your web browser and sign in with your Amazon.com credentials. Choose Lago Vista Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization as your charitable organization to help raise money for our school just by making your normal everyday purchases! To join AmazonSmile from the mobile app, open the app and find "Settings" in the main menu. Tap on "AmazonSmile" and follow the on-screen instructions to turn on AmazonSmile on your phone. Every purchase you make will contribute a donation! TIA!
Love, The LVES PTO
WANT TO CONTRIBUTE?
Each month our PTO Provides a Teacher Hospitality Event to thank them for caring for our children and for all of their hard work, this includes their favorite Sonic Drinks, snacks or a small meal, goody bags or trinkets, gift cards and more. Our PTO Volunteers have been amazing at providing these donations. But we would like to ask our parents, where you can, to help contribute to the funds we need to supply them with these treats! Click here to pitch in!:
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=CZ4MZ7WFRRVRG
WANT TO VOLUNTEER?
If you are looking to join a fun, organized group and get involved in the PTO, we'd love to hear from you. Request to join our Google Group live virtual meetings. Stay up to date with new events, contribute ideas to our team, and join us for PTO in-person socials.
Community Opportunities
2022 LVHS Boys Basketball Camp
Still Have Questions?
General Questions: Marcy Kuske @ marcella_kuske@lagovista.txed.net
Registration: Christine Harris @ christine_harris@lagovista.txed.net
Bus Questions: Lisa Gordon @ lisa_gordon@lagovista.txed.net
Nurse: Tara Roberts @ tara_roberts@lagovista.txed.net
You can contact myself (kerri_walker@lagovista.txed.net) or our Assistant Principal Karla Stewart (karla_stewart@lagovista.txed.net) with any questions you need help with as well.
Lago Vista Elementary School
Email: kerri_walker@lagovista.txed.net
Website: lagovistaisd.net
Location: 20311 Dawn Drive, Lago Vista, TX, USA
Phone: 512-267-8300