School Matters
October 2023
District provides update on special session of the 88th Texas Legislature
On October 5, Governor Abbott announced the third special session of the 88th Texas Legislature. The session began Monday, October 9. One item on the agenda for this special session pertains directly to public schools. That item states: Legislation providing education savings accounts for all Texas schoolchildren. Here is a link to the proclamation calling this special session.
Education savings accounts are commonly referred to as vouchers. These accounts would take money dedicated to public schools and apply them to children who attend public schools, charter schools, and private schools per his previous direction. Public schools have not received an increase in funding since 2019 despite inflation of more than 14% during that same time frame.
"The biggest concern I have with the voucher program is the lack of accountability that comes with it," said Lake Travis ISD Superintendent of Schools Paul Norton. "If these entities receive public funds then they should be required to follow the same financial and accountability requirements as public schools. These simple requirements should follow all public money."
Wednesday, October 18 is "Unity Day"
"Bullying - Stop the Cycle" webinar now available on demand
Fentanyl awareness presentations held at LTHS
On September 18-19, students at Lake Travis High School participated in a fentanyl awareness presentation led by Stefanie Turner with Texas Against Fentanyl. Ms. Turner shared her personal story and resources to help educate our students about the horrific dangers of this drug.
Passed by the 88th Texas Legislature, HB 3908—also known as Tucker's Law—requires annual research-based instruction related to fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness to be provided in public schools in grades 6 through 12.
Similar opportunities and presentations will be scheduled at each Lake Travis middle school in the spring.
October is National Principals Month
Now more than ever, so much is expected of our school principals. They are instructional leaders, assessment experts, disciplinarians, campus safety coordinators, community builders, budget analysts, and guardians of policy mandates and initiatives. And they do this while navigating a constantly-changing landscape.
For these and many other reasons, we join the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the National Association of Secondary School Principals in recognizing October as National Principals Month across Lake Travis ISD:
- Kim Kellner, Bee Cave Elementary School
- Karen Reich, Lake Pointe Elementary School
- Lizeth Thompson, Lake Travis Elementary School
- Sam Hicks, Lakeway Elementary School
- Vanessa Randels, Rough Hollow Elementary School
- Keegan Luedecke, Serene Hills Elementary School
- Amy Russ, West Cypress Hills Elementary School
- Melanie Beninga, Bee Cave Middle School
- Laura Keogh, Hudson Bend Middle School
- Rebecca Hudson, Lake Travis Middle School
- Debbie Garinger, Lake Travis High School
LTHS recognizes 69 students under 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program
According to the National Merit Scholarship and College Board Recognition programs, these students are the top scorers from each state and show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Lake Travis High School proudly recognizes eight National Merit Semifinalists, 27 Commended Scholars, and 34 National Recognized Scholars.
LTHS named to Advanced Placement School Honor Roll
The College Board has announced that Lake Travis High School has been named to the Advanced Placement® Program (AP) School Honor Roll, earning Gold distinction.
The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.
At Lake Travis, 65% of seniors took at least one AP exam during high school, 52% of seniors scored a three or higher on at least one AP exam, and 21% of seniors took five or more AP exams:
- Number of AP Courses Offered - 32 in 2022-2023; 34 in 2023-2024
- Sections Taught - 99 in 2022-2023; 126 in 2023-2024
- Number of AP Teachers - 34 in 2022-2023; 38 in 2023-2024
LTHS also earned the AP Access Award, which honors schools that demonstrate a clear and effective commitment to equitable access to advanced coursework. Jen McNeil, Campus Testing Coordinator at LTHS, said, "Allowing greater access to our low-income students is a big part of why we were honored with the AP Access Award, along with the increased enrollment from underrepresented minority students."
“AP represents an opportunity for students to stand out to colleges, earn college credit and placement, and potentially boost their grade point averages,” says Trevor Packer, head of the AP program. “The schools have shown they can expand access to these college-level courses and still drive high performance–they represent the best of our AP program.”
Early voting in District bond election begins Monday, Oct. 23
Early voting in the district's 2023 bond election begins Monday, October 23 and ends Friday, November 3. Registered voters who reside within Lake Travis ISD will have an opportunity to decide the outcome of a proposition affecting our District. If you have not done so already, please take a moment to review the materials posted on the LTISD 2023 Bond website.
During early voting, you can choose to vote at any polling location in Travis County. The Travis County Clerk's Office has provided a list and map of early voting locations on its website. However, polling locations within LTISD boundaries include:
- Bee Cave City Hall, 4000 Galleria Parkway, Bee Cave, 78738
- Lake Travis ISD Educational Development Center, 607 Ranch Road 620 North, Austin, 78734
- Lakeway Activity Center, 105 Cross Creek, Lakeway, 78734
Election Day is Tuesday, November 7.
About the 2023 Bond
The 2023 bond package proposes new construction for equitable facilities serving students at the voter-approved High School #2, as well as renovations and upgrades at Lake Travis High School and LTISD's three middle schools.
Additional information and resources about the district’s 2023 bond program are available on the LTISD website. Questions can be sent to info@ltisdschools.org.
District partners with Lake Hills Pharmacy to offer optional flu vaccines to students in grades PK-8
Lake Travis ISD has partnered with Lake Hills Pharmacy to provide flu vaccines to students in grades PK-8 on October 24-26 as follows:
- October 24:
Lake Travis Middle School, Serene Hills Elementary School, West Cypress Hills Elementary School
- October 25:
Bee Cave Elementary School, Hudson Bend Middle School, Lake Travis Elementary School, Lakeway Elementary School
- October 26:
Bee Cave Middle School, Rough Hollow Elementary School, Lake Pointe Elementary School
Please note, the flu shots are optional and will only be administered with written parental consent. Consent forms must be filled out completely, signed, and returned to your child’s school before Friday, October 20.
To learn more, visit the LTISD Student Health Services page on our website.
A+FCU presents check to LTISD for cash-back program
The A+ Federal Credit Union recently presented Lake Travis ISD with more than $22,000 as part of the 2023 School Spirit Card Cash-Back program. Pictured below with Superintendent Paul Norton and district staff are A+FCU representatives Eric Kase and Dave Delaria.
Offered exclusively by A+FCU, the official Lake Travis ISD Visa debit card allows cardholders to enjoy the benefits of cash-back checking. Best of all, A+FCU also makes matching donations to the District to support our schools.
Don't have the LTISD A+FCU Spirit Card? Visit the Bee Cave Branch and get your card today!
October 16-20 is National School Bus Safety Week
District to present "ABCs of Substance Use & Vaping" via Zoom on November 1
Lake Travis ISD is partnering with parentguidance.org to bring parents a series of live virtual presentations on mental health topics. The second presentation, "ABCs of Substance Use & Vaping," will take place at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 1 via Zoom.
This presentation will be offered in English and Spanish.
Register at http://cookcenter.info/Nov1LT to attend the virtual presentation in English. To attend the Spanish virtual presentation, please register at http://cookcenter.info/Nov1LTsp.
October is National Physical Therapy Month
To celebrate the impact of physical therapists, the American Physical Therapy Association has designated October as National Physical Therapy Month.
At Lake Travis ISD, school-based physical therapists (PTs) are part of a team of service providers who support a student’s ability to access his or her educational environment. As specialists in movement, PTs assist a student’s physical participation in a variety of settings throughout the school day. Using their unique expertise in movement and function, our school-based PTs ensure a free and appropriate education for students with disabilities to prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.
The following physical therapists (pictured below) serve students across LTISD:
- Christine Urban (left)
- Heather Amitrani (right)
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month
In recognition and support of October as Dyslexia Awareness Month, Lake Travis ISD and the International Dyslexia Association share a vision of a world where students with dyslexia are understood and have the tools to succeed.
According to the website Reading Rockets, dyslexia occurs in people of all backgrounds and intellectual levels. People who are very bright can be dyslexic. They are often capable or even gifted in areas that do not require strong language skills. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities.
At LTISD, our campus dyslexia specialists work directly with identified students. Additionally, these professionals support their campuses to increase understanding and care for struggling readers:
- J.D. Aguirre - Lake Travis High School
- LuAnne Ainsworth - Itinerant Teacher
- Michaella Buddle - Serene Hills Elementary
- Claudia Carpenter - Rough Hollow Elementary
- Missy Giambruno - Bee Cave Middle School
- Sally Hernandez - Lake Travis Elementary
- Alice Johnson - Lakeway Elementary
- Amy Ledbetter - Bee Cave Elementary
- Sharon McMichael - Hudson Bend Middle School
- Erin Modde - Lake Pointe Elementary
- Colea Podoloff - West Cypress Hills Elementary
- Diane Tilley - Lead Dyslexia Teacher
- Monica Wommack - Lake Travis Middle School
LTHS PTO to host 2023 Homecoming Parade and Extravaganza October 25
The Lake Travis High School PTO will host the annual Homecoming Parade and Extravaganza from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Wednesday, October 25 at Lake Travis High School. This family-friendly event celebrates the Lake Travis community and features a variety of activities including a parade, pep rally, and local vendors. Event parking will be available throughout the campus and via shuttle (beginning at 5:15 pm) at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Lakeway.
Scenes from last year's Homecoming Parade & Extravaganza
Lakeway Elementary School principal announces retirement
Last month, Lakeway Elementary School principal Sam Hicks announced his intention to retire, effective December 20, 2023.
Mr. Hicks—who has served as LWE principal for the past 23 years—plans to pursue his Masters of Divinity degree, complete seminary school, and serve the community in a new capacity.
"We wish Mr. Hicks all the best in his new endeavors and thank him for his many years of care, service, and contributions to our Mustang staff and families," LTISD Superintendent of Schools Paul Norton expressed in a letter to families.
City of Lakeway to host community "Witches Ride, Roll, & Stroll" October 21
The City of Lakeway will present the annual Witches Ride, Roll, & Stroll from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., Saturday, October 21.
5:30 pm: Prepare to Ride
Join the event with your bicycles, tricycles, unicycles, skates, scooters, wheelchairs, golf carts, wagons, and plain ol' walking feet on the Live Oak Golf Course's parking lot to add any of your last minute decorations. Bring your own decorations and candy.
6:00 pm: Ride, Roll, & Stroll
From Lakeway Drive to the Lakeway Activity Center (approx. one mile)
For those not riding in the flight, join the fun on Lakeway Drive to cheer on the parade and catch some candy!
6:30-9:00 pm: Carnival
All activities are free and open to the public.
Lake Travis Public Safety Day set for October 28
The 12th Annual Lake Travis Public Safety Day will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, October 28 at Lake Travis Elementary School (15303 Kollmeyer Drive).
Public Safety Day, presented by the Bee Cave Police Department, Lake Travis Fire Rescue, Lakeway Police Department, and Lake Travis ISD Police Department, is fun for the whole family:
- 20+ first responder agencies on site
- Bounce house
- Helicopter
- Home Depot Kids' Workshop
- Facepainting
- Music by Spicewood Live
- K-9s
- Live fire demos
- Food and drinks
- CPR classes
- Horses
- Animal balloons
- Wear your Halloween costume
For more details, visit Lake Travis Fire Rescue's website.
LTISD Food & Nutrition Services featured in Edible Austin magazine
A Look Back: Texas Education HR Day (October 11)
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 was designated as “Texas Education Human Resources Day” in recognition of our human resource professionals across the state. From recruiting, selecting, resourcing, and retaining highly-qualified staff, no one does it better than our very own HR department.
Now more than ever in times of change and challenge—as they continue to provide critical resources and support for more than 1,400 employees across our District—it is important to recognize our amazing team and the critical roles each of them fill:
- Shena Crawley - HR Specialist
- Dolma Diaz - HR Specialist
- Kim Heinen - HR Manager
- Valerie Lemak - Administrative Assistant for Employee & Community Relations
- Evalene Murphy - Assistant Superintendent of Employee & Community Relations
- Adrienne Murray - Certification Specialist
- Tiffany Toomey - HR Specialist II
- Myra Wright - HR Specialist II
A Look Back: National School Lunch Week (October 9-13)
Our elementary and middle schools celebrated "National School Lunch Week," October 9-13.
The Texas Department of Agriculture's theme for the 2023 campaign was "Level Up with School Lunch," intended to engage students and encourage them to eat healthy school meals by linking nutritious foods to video games that resonate with them. Students gained health points with fruits and vegetables and “Powered Up” with protein in their school café!
Interested in a corporate partnership with LTISD?
A Look Back: Instructional Coach Appreciation Day (October 6)
Friday, October 6 is designated as “National Instructional Coaches Day.” At Lake Travis ISD, we employ a total of 16 instructional coaches districtwide (7 elementary, 4 secondary, 3 Special Education, and 2 Instructional Technology). These hard-working individuals perform a number of critical functions to support teaching and learning. They not only coach teachers and provide professional development, they also write curriculum, analyze data, model lessons, review and provide instructional resources, and assist with team planning at multiple levels.
These coaches are also responsible for the planning and execution of multiple districtwide conferences. They supported us through virtual learning, and they helped our teachers design and deliver our second Summer Learning Academy for grades K-8.
The following LT instructional coaches deserve a big shoutout:
Elementary:
- Tasha Briseño
- Wendy Gorfain
- Meagan McGarrity
- Jaime Nair
- Amy Puga
- Karen Purdy
- Diana Williams
Secondary:
- Tara Banton-Foxhoven
- Jessica Barr
- William Davis
- Dana Schrader
Special Education:
- Lyndsey Ackerman
- Clare Birdsall
- Megan Butler
Technology:
- Anna Catherine Alvis
- Haley Rivera
A Look Back: National School Custodial Workers' Recognition Day (October 2)
Monday, October 2 was celebrated as "National School Custodial Workers' Recognition Day." This day is set aside to show appreciation for the men and women who keep our classrooms and workplaces clean and running smoothly. Considering the challenges and demands of recent years, these members of the LTISD family are true superheroes who personify "One Community. One Purpose. All Heart."
Our custodial workers operate behind the scenes, many of whom work evenings, weekends, and highly demanding schedules. They deliver outstanding services, and they contribute to important first impressions while continuing to meet the high expectations of our staff, students, and parents.
Keeping Connected
Download the LTISD Keeping Connected PDF to learn about the various ways to receive District and campus-level news, emergency notification, and other information.
Stay in the know on the go with our District mobile app for iOS and Android. Follow LTISD on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn about Peachjar, the innovative flyer management system that sends District- and school-approved digital flyers directly to parents via email.
Lake Travis Independent School District
Email: info@ltisdschools.org
Website: www.ltisdschools.org
Location: 3322 Ranch Road 620 South, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-533-6000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ltisdschools/
Twitter: @ltisdschools