Cavalier Caller (Parent Edition)
Vol. 15 LTHS Week of 11/13 to 11/19
A Huge Thank You!
Thank you, Cav Parent Nation for voting in support of the Bond and TRE. Our school district is fortunate to enjoy a tremendous amount of parental support on many levels. Your "yes" vote enables our district to continue to provide quality educational experiences for your student. Let me be the first to tell you that we don't always get it right (okay, I don't always get it right), but your support in word and deed makes this the Destination District.
Speaking of thank you, I know many of you are participating in our annual "Pie Day" this week. Our staff members want to make sure that they acknowledge our parents who participate by writing a thank you note. If you choose, please label your pie with your name.
The homestretch for the first semester will be approaching after we come back from the Thanksgiving Break. Please don't hesitate to remind your students about major grades and to start thinking about semester exams. Remember, there are no exemptions for the first semester on semester exams.
I have a feeling this is going to be a good week for everyone at LTHS. Those of you that will be traveling, have a safe and restful time away from school.
Go Cavs!
Gordon Butler, Principal
Challenge #11
Keeping with the theme of being thankful...I challenge you to utilize your social media platform of choice to say why you are thankful. If you are using Twitter, tweet your message to #ThankfulCavs.
LTHS Great Kids, (and staff) Doing Great Things...
September Cavaliers of the Month
12th Grade:
Brendan Mackie
Kennedy Domecq
11th Grade:
Luis Jaramillo
Audrey Harrisberger
10th Grade:
Cade Bortle
Chloe Brownlow
9th Grade:
Nate Yarnel
Sophia Desantis
Staff Member:
Shannon Aguirre
October Cavaliers of the Month
12th Grade:
Kohly Wheeler
Lydia Thomas
11th Grade:
Tyler Steed
Rosa Castillo
10th Grade:
Samuel Byers
Chloe Brownlow
9th Grade:
Stefan Schultz
Tavia Brooke
Staff Member:
Megan Holden
Christy Caudle - 1st in POI, 1st in Poetry, 2nd in DI, 5th in HI
Hayes Johnston - Semifinals in NPF (with C. Wynne)
Matt Kenny - 6th in FX
Kalea Levy - 2nd in Info, 6th in Poetry
Evan Margiotta - Semifinals in LD
Mackenzie Matheson - Semifinals in LD, 1st in FX
Jack Silbert - 3rd in Congress
Connor Wynne - Semifinals in NPF (with H. Johnston)
Lake Travis Fiddlers
Congratulations to violinist, Jamey Strauss. Jamey wil be performing with the All-State Philharmonic Orchestra in February at the Texas Music Educators Convention in San Antonio. All-State is the highest honor a Texas music student can receive. Jamey is a member of the Lake Travis Orchestra, Lake Travis Orchestra Champs program and a fiddler/saxophone player with the Lake Travis Fiddlers.
FFA News
FFA News!Our Agricultural Advocacy and Agricultural Issues teams placed first and second respectively at the District Leadership Contest both teams will advance to Area Competition on Wednesday.
Other placings at District; Senior Mechanical skills 4th, Public Relations 5th, Creed Speaking 5th, Job Interview 8th
College Athletic Signings
Luke Hamilton (Basketball) Mercer University
Harrison Babbitt (Baseball) University of Central Missouri
Chase Ratliff (Baseball) University of Colorado at Pueblo
Hunter Salinas (Baseball) University of Colorado at Pueblo
Dylan Weiss (Baseball) Pepperdine University
Bryce Weisinger (Baseball)Texas A&M Corpus Christi
Skylar Besch (Volleyball) Northwestern State University
Heaven Dandridge (Basketball) University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Brady Grant (Cross Country/Track) Texas A&M
A Better Life, formerly known as Leader for Life
Attention Junior Parents
All Junior students are invited to sign up for a 30-minute conference with their
alpha counselor during the month of November.
Parents are invited to join Students and Counselors as we review transcripts
and discuss senior year course selection. We will also discuss the College Application process and how to get started in selecting that perfect University for you!
Use the APPOINTY link here to pick a time that works for both Students and Parents.
Please print the confirmation email for your student to use as a pass from class.
Remember: Mrs. Edmondson and Mrs. Portillo are located in the Annex Front Office.
We look forward to meeting with you!
Project Graduation
I am glad to live in a community that believes in providing a substance-free environment for our students to celebrate graduation.
LTHS SPIRIT NIGHT
DATE: November 15th, 2017
Time: 4-8 PM
Location Torchy's Taco in Lakeway
DON'T WORRY WE HAVE PAPER COPIES OF THE FLYER BELOW IN BOTH OFFICES! OR YOU CAN EMAIL CHRIS PROTASS AT cpnyc3@gmail.com FOR A COPY!
Jen Gidley, Science Teacher
What do you do at LTHS?
This year I am teaching AP Environmental Science and Physics. I have also taught biology, chemistry, Environmental Studies, and Cavs Academy Science.
How long have you been at Lake Travis?
This is my 14th year as a teacher, and I also attended Lake Travis as a student.
The best thing about working in education is….
Helping students find their passions and strengths. My goal is to facilitate a learning environment where everyone feels supported and encouraged to make discoveries not just about science and the planet, but about themselves as learners.
If I were not in education….
I actually went through college completing all the prereqs and other requirements for admission to dental school at the same time I was going through my teacher certification program. I wanted both options, but teaching felt like the best fit for me. I did work as a dental assistant through college to get experience in the field.
One unique fact about you...
In high school, I qualified for state competitions for UIL academics and band (both individual and small ensemble) multiple times. I was also a Travis County Youth Fair Grand Champion - I was the kid who liked to be involved in lots of different campus activities! (I don’t think that has changed much as I’ve grown up )
Debbie Black, Administrative Assistant
What do you do at LTHS?
Admin Asst to the Principal (I tell Mr. Butler what to do, sometimes he actually listens.)
How long have you been at Lake Travis?
This is my 20th year!
The best thing about working in education is….every day could almost be called an adventure! I never know what my day holds and after 20 years I continue to learn every day. I also work with some pretty awesome people!
If I were not in education….
I would probably be working in HR again. I loved meeting, interviewing and getting people in work that they enjoyed.
One unique fact about you...
My senior class at Katy High School had 88 seniors! I knew all of my classmates!
Tanner Jacobs, PE Teacher & Football Coach
What do you do at LTHS?
Teach PE Weightlifting / Coach Football (Safeties) and Strength and Conditioning
How long have you been at Lake Travis?
This is my first year!
The best thing about working in education is….
Building Relationships with kids and learning from Coach Carter!
If I were not in education….
I would be a personal trainer or plastic surgeon specializing in rhinoplasty since I took a fastball to the nose in high school.
One unique fact about you...
In the 2010-2011 season, I worked for the Cleveland Browns as a Strength and Conditioning Coach and met my wife in Ohio.
Special Event Please Mark your Calendars Now!
We know it's a busy time of year, so we wanted to let you know about this sooner rather than later, so you can plan to join us if you'd like.
If you are new to LTHS, a bit of an introduction to Ginger - Ginger Johnson taught preAP and AP Chemistry at LTHS for 25 years while also serving as science department chair. She passed away after a car accident on her way to work on the morning of December 3rd, 2015. She was a wonderful teacher and friend to LTHS.
We want to celebrate your good news and encourage others!
What's Good at LTHS This Week!
Monday, November 13th - A Day
Girls Golf @ Harker Heights Invite, Stonetre3e GC (Killeen)
PTO Meeting w/Guest Speaker, BBT, 9:15 am
Department Chair Meeting, 10:30 am
Cross Country Banquet, Cafeteria, 6:30 pm
FFA Semi-Annual Pet Shot Clinic, Ag Facilities, 5pm-8pm
Basketball Men's JV Redd @ Marble Falls, 515pm
Speech & Debate Booster Meeting, E-203, 6pm
Tuesday, November 14th - B Day
Winter Guard Auditions, Gym 3, 5pm-8pm
Cavalette/Red Ruby Optional Free Clinic, Gym 4, 5pm-6pm
Freshman Parent Meeting, Recital Hall, 6:30pm
Cavalette Booster Meeting, E-203, 5:30pm
Basketball Men's @ Cedar Ridge, 9th & JV Black @ 5:30pm/9th Red & Varsity @ 7pm
TAP Membership/Board Meeting, M-221.4, 6:30pm
Wednesday, November 15th - A Day w/CAV Time
Debate Tournament @ Liberty Hill HS
Girls Golf @ Cedar Creek Invitational, Wolfdancer GC (Bastrop)
FFA Area VII Leadership Contest, Blanco High School
Speech & Debate Showcase, BBT, 4pm
Thespian Students @ Thespian Convention, 4:30 pm
Winter Guard Auditions, Gym 3, 5pm-8pm
Thursday, November 16th - B Day
Thespian Students @ Convention
TMEA Region Orchestra Clinic & Concert Here
Lady's BB, 9th Black & JV @ Georgetown Eastview Sub Varsity Tourney
Men's BB, 9th & JV Black @ Georgetown Tourney
Men's BB, 9th Red & JV Red @ Cedar Park Tourney
Swim/Dive Team @ TISCA Lone Star Classic, Mansfield ISD Natatorium
Team Tennis JV @ Westwood JV Tourney
Med-Micro Students @ Wastewater Treatment Plant/Lakeway Hospital Tour, 9 am
Friday, November 17th - A Day -
Thespian Students @ Convention
TMEA Region Orchestra Clinic & Concert Here
Debate Tournament @ Glenbrook North HS (IL)
Boys Golf @ Mustang Invitational, Apple Rock/Hidden Falls GC (Marble Falls)
Girls Golf @ Sun City, Legacy Hills GC (Georgetown)
Lady's BB, 9th B @ Georgetown Eastview Tournament
First home basketball game for the boys' program is this Friday, Nov 17th @ 7:30 versus McNeil.
Saturday, November 18th
Thespian Students @ Convention
TMEA Region Orchestra Clinic & Concert Here
Debate Tournament @ Glenbrook North HS (IL)
Boys Golf @ Mustang Invitational
Girls Golf @ Sun City
Lady's BB, 9th Black/JV @ Georgetown Eastview Tourney
Men's BB, 9th/JV Black @ Georgetown Tourney
Men's BB 9th/JV Red @ Cedar Park Tourney
PTO
PTO Events:
11/13 PTO Meeting with guest speaker, Brad Kennington, BBT, 9:15 am.
Guest Speaker- Brad Kennington
Last year's Freshman class was given a Health and Wellness survey and the results showed that higher than the national average percentage, Freshman at Lake Travis High School reported feeling stressed, anxious and unconnected. With this information in mind, the LTHS PTO will be presenting Brad Kennington, a specialist in the field of teen stress and anxiety who will discuss the effects of stress and the importance of preventing stress from leading to an unhealthy body image at the PTO General Membership Meeting November 13th.
Coming Attractions
- End of Course Testing December 4th through December 7th.
- Fall Semester Final Exams December 18th through December 21st ( NO early exams are allowed).
Football Playoffs begin this Friday.
Article of Note
Who says test scores are everything? Check out these schools with flexible test score policies and look at the whole student!