LVMS Newsletter
Edition X, October 20
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Information About VATRE
The Lago Vista ISD Board of Trustees approved a resolution calling for a November Voter Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) to generate additional revenue for salary increases and safety and security measures. This resolution follows months of deliberation by the Board of Trustees and the approval of the 2023-2024 budget. The VATRE will take place on November 7, 2023.
A Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) is an election that is required by state law when a school board adopts an M&O tax rate that is greater than the rate set by the State. The Lago Vista ISD Board of Trustees adopted an M&O tax rate of .6992 cents, which is two cents higher than the rate set by the State of Texas. With an I&S tax rate of .32 cents, the total adopted tax rate for 2023-2024 is $1.0192. Voters must approve the two cents on the M&O rate.
Due to the M&O tax rate compression by the State, Lago Vista ISD's total tax rate will still decrease from last year with the passage of the VATRE. Lago Vista ISD’s total adopted tax rate for 2023-2024 is $1.0192 (with the VATRE), which is a decrease from the prior year’s tax rate of $1.184. The District’s Chief Financial Officer, Jason Stoner, explains, “If the VATRE is approved by voters, tax rates will go down 16.5 cents per $100 of valuation instead of 18.5 cents. Tax rates will still go down from last year."
In addition to compressed tax rates, Texas will vote to decide if taxpayers will see the homestead exemption increase from $40,000 to $100,000 as a result of the passage of SB 2. Lago Vista ISD taxpayers will also continue to benefit from the additional Board-approved Local Optional Homestead Exemption (LOHE), which provides a 20% exemption off the net appraised value of homesteads.
If approved by voters, the VATRE will inject approximately $800,000 into the District's operating budget. These funds will be used to provide additional salary increases for staff members and increased safety and security measures across the District.
"The language on the ballot is required to specify the amount of the increase in local revenue, so the ballot will say that it's a 0 percent increase in revenue," said Stoner. "In actuality," he explains, "there is a $0 increase in local tax revenue, but our overall revenue will increase approximately $800,000 from State funding generated by the VATRE.”
If the additional revenue is not approved, the District will face a projected $800,000 budget shortfall. This shortfall is the result of multiple variables, including the estimated $10.5 million recapture payment the District has to send to the State of Texas this school year, the discontinuation of federal funding programs, the Texas legislature's decision not to increase the basic allotment amount per student, unfunded state mandates the District will have to allocate funds to meet, and rising operating costs due to inflation. If the VATRE does not pass, the District’s budget shortfall would largely result from planned raises for staff. “If the VATRE does not pass, we will not have the revenue needed to move forward with additional salary increases planned for this year,” said Stoner.
To date, voters in nine other ISDs in central Texas have approved VATRE elections, including Leander ISD, Georgetown ISD, Dripping Springs ISD, Lake Travis ISD, and Eanes ISD.
The Lago Vista ISD VATRE and an election for Place 4 on the Lago Vista ISD Board of Trustees will be on the ballot of a General Election held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Polling times and locations will soon be available on the District website and/or Travis County elections website.
Join us at one of the following public meetings in the PAC at LV High School to learn more about the VATRE.
Monday, October 23 - 6:30pm
Wednesday, November 1 - 6:30pm
Attention LVHS & LVMS Parents! Did you sign up for the LVISD Optional Accidental Damage & Theft Coverage for your student's device?
The cost is $50 for an individual student, or $75 for households with multiple students. Please visit www.myschoolbucks.com to pay for your student's coverage prior to November 1st.
Note: Students in grades PK-5 will not have self-managed devices this year, so coverage is only needed for students in grades 6-12.
If you have any questions, please contact our Technology Department at techhelp@lagovistaisd.net.
As a parent AND as the Middle School Principal...I HIGHLY suggest getting this coverage!
After School Events
We've had several students decide to run across 1431 to go to Brookshire Brothers for food and then come back. Technically, they are not breaking any school rules, but it is extremely unsafe.
So if you're students stay after school, please have that discussion with them...thank you!
Lost & Found
2023-2024 Lago Vista Middle School Yearbooks on sale NOW!
Order yours today for only $30.00, $35.00 with name. Price will increase on 11/30/23! Buy now for the best rate. Ads are also available at this time. This is a wonderful opportunity for family and friends to show their support for your child. Space is limited, package descriptions available online. Thank you for your support to the yearbook program.
https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/?event=general.displayLanding&jobnumber=18995
Subs Needed!
We get asked the question a lot - how can we help? Being a substitute is one of the best ways! Apply online - https://www.lagovistaisd.net/page/hr.substitutes
Please email me if you have any questions! eholt@lagovistaisd.net
Thank you for lunch!
Thank you to our Parent Volunteers!
Hello Parents and Guardians:
We are actively forming a parent volunteer group to help support the teachers, staff, and
students at Lago Vista Middle School. As a parent, there are a number of ways you can help out
and be involved at middle school:
● Teacher Supply Drive
● Monthly Staff Appreciation Luncheons
● Stock the Teachers Lounge
● Pies for Thanksgiving
● Holiday Goodies
● And More
If you are interested in joining a group of parents to volunteer at the middle school, please
complete the form Here.
We will send you an email to coordinate the many different opportunities you have to make a
difference at the middle school. Whether you have a few hours a week, an hour a year, or
awesome culinary skills, we’d love to hear from you! If you’d like to help out but aren’t quite sure
how, just let us know and we’ll figure something out!
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Courtney Stockard at
cstockard@duck.com or Lindsey Phillips at lindsey.phillips@modmed.com
Sincerely,
Courtney Stockard and Lindsey Phillips
Every Wednesday is College Shirt Day!
Book Fair is next week!
Spectator Guidelines for Athletic Events
We have our first Varsity football game this weekend, and in a continuing effort to assure the safety and enjoyment of all athletes and spectators, the following procedures will be enforced during home athletic events:
Outside food and drink are prohibited.
There is no re-entry after exiting the event.
All students 5th grade and younger must be accompanied by an adult guardian in order to attend home games. The students must remain under the supervision of that guardian while at the event.
Standing, loitering or horseplay under and around the stands, concession stands, or any other area is prohibited. There is absolutely no standing allowed by the rails and walkways in the stands. Repeat offenders will be required to leave the event and campus.
Revealing, provocative and/or inappropriate dress will not be allowed, nor will inappropriate behaviors or foul language. Repeat offenders will be required to leave the event and campus.
Once inside the event, middle school and high school students with a student ticket will be allowed to sit in the designated student area on the home side. Students are allowed to sit in the reserved or general admission sections only if they are under the supervision of an adult guardian.
The use of alcohol, controlled substances, tobacco, and electronic cigarettes are prohibited on school premises.
Only pre-approved individuals will be allowed access to the sidelines and track before and during football games.
Spectators may not enter the field area or cross to the visiting team side.
Everyone is expected to abide by the UIL’s expectations of proper sportsmanship. Failure to do so may result in being removed from the event and campus.
Lago Vista ISD appreciates everyone’s cooperation and support as we work to keep a safe and enjoyable environment at Viking athletic events.
Volleyball Lassos The Mustangs
7th B Lady Vikings vs. Marble Falls
The 7th grade Lady Vikings continue their winning streak! This was our last home game for the season and these girls showed up! I’m so proud of all their hard work and dedication it takes to be committed to a sport like this. Our last game of the season is Monday in Taylor, come out and support them!
8th B Lady Vikings vs. Marble Falls
These girls put on a show tonight. Marble Falls came ready for redemption and played very hard. Our Lady Vikings battled and pushed every point to come up with their biggest win of the season. They are working together as a team and putting it all together on the court. As always, I am so very proud of them and how they continue to progress forward. Come watch these ladies last game of the season in Taylor on Monday.
7A vs. Marble Falls
Another victory for the Lady Vikings 7th grade A team Monday vs. Marble Falls in two sets! This now has our girls overall at 6-1 for the season. They have had to overcome some lineup changes each week for about three weeks with different absences on the team each time. With that being said, on top of the recent addition of learning to switch positions on the net and remember their spots, they have really done a fantastic job improving each week! My goal is to overcome some confusion as they process these changes and play with more confidence because I think it has affected that a little bit. Brinkley Gold was on FIRE and our serving leader, Lila Rodriguez led with assists, and Amelia Ferguson and Sloane Wolfe led with attacks! This group continues to impress me with how they work hard in and out of the classroom and support each other. Next week is our last week of volleyball with Taylor on Monday, then our District Tournament in Marble Falls on Saturday! Also contributing to the team win were: Leya Sund, Elena Prescott, Lauren Carpenter, Molly Cortez and Rain Nelson. Great job ladies!
8A vs Marble Falls
LADY VIKINGS LOOK TO REMAIN UNDEFEATED AT HOME OVER LAST TWO SEASONS!
This past Monday evening saw the 8th A Lady Viking Volleyball team play their final home volleyball game of their middle school careers. The girls took on the Mustangs of Marble Falls hoping to remain unbeaten at home over the past two seasons. The girls would play some of their best volleyball of the season as they took on a very game Mustang squad that was hoping to spoil the Vikings evening. The first set of the match was tightly contested as both teams struggled to create any distance from one another. Both teams displayed outstanding defensive effort throughout the first set. Scoring points required executing offense at a high level as anything hit softly was being dug by both sides. The Mustangs managed to take the lead late in the first set as they had the Vikings down to set point at 23-24. The Vikings were in need of a big swing to turn the momentum and stay in the first set. Ada Weyant would provide that big swing off a wonderful set from Kyrksen Cook smashing a cross court kill that landed right on the sideline earning the Vikings a side out and tying the set. The Vikings would capitalize on the momentum won on that point by winning the next two points and taking the first set 26-24. The second set was also tightly contested once again as both teams continued to play very good volleyball. The Lady Vikings played outstanding defense once again with all players moving as one, making great reads, demonstrating outstanding control of the ball throughout the set. The Vikings ball control allowed them to keep pressure on the Mustangs by consistently keeping them under attack. The Vikings would eventually wear down the Mustangs with more clutch serves and swings winning the second set 25-19, and the match 2-0. The win cements an undefeated home record over both of their 7th and 8th grade volleyball careers at LVMS. A very big accomplishment! The girls remain undefeated throughout district play with a record of 6-0. With one match left to play these Lady Vikings have already earned the overall #1 seed in the upcoming district season ending tournament next weekend in Burnet. The girls will play their final regular season match of the season next Monday evening at Taylor Middle School. Thanks for supporting these young ladies at LVMS this season.
8A Volleyball Roster: #1 Jolie Mosser, #2 Ada Weyant, #3 Kyrksen Cook, #5 Harper Phillips, #6 Elahsohndra Francisco, #10 Emerson Burke, #11 Selah Moore, #18 Aberash Burke, #20 Mitzi Wright, #25 Savannah Johnston
LVMS Cheerleaders went to the high school pep rally and did AMAZING!
8th Grade Football Remains Undefeated
On Thursday the 8th grade Vikings Football Team battled the Titans of Manor New Tech MS. The Vikings, coming off of two consecutive district wins, were looking to remain undefeated in district play. The game started off with an exciting kickoff return by Macer Ballard who took it all the way to the endzone for the game's first score. Steven Schwerdt added the rushing 2-pt conversion out of the Viking's ODIN formation. The Titans' first offensive possession was extended by a muffed punt return by the Vikings. This allowed the Titan offense to stay on a very short field, which led to their only score of the day. The Vikings' defense stood strong against the Titans' 2-point play. After the first quarter, the score was 8-6 in favor of the Vikings. The Vikings scored again on a rushing touchdown by Steven Schwerdt and a 2-point play by Reed Herring. After the Titans' first score, the Viking Defense held Manor in check for the remainder of the game. The Vikings learned valuable lessons in this contest and became a better team for the experience.
The Vikings will take on the Texans of Wimberley MS on Thursday, October 26.
The games will be at 7:00 and 8:15. The 7th and 8th grade Vikings will be looking to remain undefeated in the district and possibly become the District Champions on Thursday
Student Registration
This message is to inform you that annual student registration is open in Ascender ParentPortal.
As a reminder, annual registration must be completed EACH YEAR because these forms provide us with important permissions and information that must be provided annually. It is also very important to note that the information provided in Ascender ParentPortal is what the school uses to contact parents in the event of an emergency, so it is very important that all information is correct and up-to-date.
HOW DO I ACCESS ASCENDER PARENT PORTAL?
https://portals13.ascendertx.com/ParentPortal/login?distid=227912
¿NECESITA ESPAÑOL?
Todos los formularios de registro también están en español. Para continuar en español, hay un menú desplegable en la esquina superior derecha de la página de inicio de sesión para cambiar al español.
WHAT IF I HAVE A NEWLY ENROLLED STUDENT? WHAT IF DON'T SEE MY ENROLLED STUDENT IN ASCENDER PARENTPORTAL?
If you enrolled your student during summer enrollment, you must still complete annual registration forms. If you don't see your enrolled student when you log in, an Ascender ParentPortal ID is needed in order to link to your student and complete the annual registration forms.
Please email registration@lagovistaisd.net and your campus registrar to receive your student's Ascender ParentPortal ID. Please note that there may be slight delays in answering requests during peak times, such as this, but we will get it to you as quickly as possible!
Once you receive your student's Ascender ParentPortal ID from the campus registrar, please log into Ascender ParentPortal, select "Link to Enrolled Student", and enter the ParentPortal ID and the student's date of birth.
WHAT IF I SEE MY STUDENT, BUT DON'T HAVE A "REGISTRATION" OPTION?
In order to complete forms or update data for a student, the email address you have listed in Ascender ParentPortal must match what we have in our system. If you can see your student, but can't update any information, those email addresses do not match. We recommend updating and verifying your email address in Ascender ParentPortal. If you need us to change your email address in our system, please email registration@lagovistaisd.net and your campus registrar. You will be asked to provide your student's full name, date of birth, and grade level for verification purposes.
WHO IS MY CAMPUS REGISTRAR?
Lago Vista Elementary School (PK-3)
Christine Harris at charris@lagovistaisd.net
Lago Vista Intermediate School (4-5)
Gabby Mercado (Habla española) at gmercado@lagovistaisd.net
Lago Vista Middle School (6-8)
Monica Kaiser at mkaiser@lagovistaisd.net
Lago Vista High School (9-12)
Lisa Dohm at ldohm@lagovistaisd.net
NEED OTHER HELP?
Please email registration@lagovistaisd.net and your campus registrar.
Bell Schedule
Doors open at 8:10 - there will not be supervision before then...
1st Period - 8:40 - 9:32
2nd Period - 9:36 - 10:28
Advisory - 10:32 - 11:02
3rd Period - 11:06 - 11:58
A Lunch - 12:00 - 12:30
A 4th Period - 12:34 - 1:26
B 4th Period - 12:02 - 12:54
B Lunch - 12:56 - 1:26
5th Period - 1:30 - 2:22
6th Period - 2:26 - 3:18
7th Period - 3:22 - 4:15
Vaping = DAEP
HB 114 makes offenses involving the possession and/or or use of vapes a mandatory DAEP offense. School districts will now be required to place all students who are caught in possession and/or or using vapes (of any kind – not just those with drugs) into their DAEP.
Please share this with your children - it's just not worth it!
Important Dates Coming Up
Wednesday, October 25 - PSAT(8th Grade Only)
Monday and Tuesday, November 6 and 7 - Student Holiday
Lago Vista Middle School
Email: eholt@lagovistaisd.net
Website: www.lagovistaisd.net
Location: 8039 Bar K Ranch Road, Lago Vista, TX, USA
Phone: 512-267-8300