LVMS Newsletter
Edition VIII, October 6
Inequalities
New Scoreboards!
Density Review
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!
Great dance!
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
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.
Wednesday, October 11 - 7:00pm (Candidates Night)
Tuesday, October 17 - 6:30pm
Thursday, October 19 - 6:30pm
Monday, October 23 - 6:30pm
Wednesday, November 1 - 6:30pm
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 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
Attendance Questions
Please give the Parent Portal system about 24 hours to change codes for any excused absences, medical excuses or sports related absences. If you still see a problem with the absences listed after 48 hours, please contact our attendance clerk.
Important - UIL Eligibility
Question about UIL eligibilty? You can always email me or Coach Janson(eholt@lagovistaisd.net or wjanson@lagovistaisd.net)
Every Wednesday is College Shirt Day!
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.
Cross Country Warms Up For District
Our boys and girls cross country teams competed at the Marble Falls Invitational on Saturday, September 30th. Below are the results of the race.
Our 7th-grade girls competed against 15 teams and earned 2nd place overall. Placing in the top 20 were Lauren Carpenter and Lucy Smith. In addition, our scoring runners were Addison Brown, Emerie Magana, and Yoselin Zelaya. Also competing for our 7th grade team were Aaliyah Arthur, Astrid Hernandez, Hailey Kipskind, Zoe Krautter, Anberlin McClellen, Sienna MCGuire, Aislin Munoz, Jolynn Salinas, Kia Sonnier, Taytum Stojanik, and Hadley Tullis.
Our 8th graders competed against 16 other teams and earned 6th place overall. Kyrksen Cook placed in the top 20. Maia Joshua, Peyton Byrd, Helen Munoz, and Hannah Benitez completed the top 5 scoring LV runners. Also competing for our 8th grade team were Haleigh Carson, Mellany Cardenas, Camilla Cruz, Leah Escalona, Valerie Marin, Adriana Owen, Andrea Saavedra, Aleeza Sahibzada, and Taylor Wood.
The top 5 scoring runners for the 7th-grade boys were Bennett Walker, Joseph Spence, Ryker Pennington, Cole Makowichuk, and Sam Salama. Also competing for the 7th-grade boys were Garan Childs, August Kieke, Trevor Lane, Brock McKinney, and Diego Rodriguez.
Competing for our 8th grade team were Dylan Humke, Jonas Larkin, Elliot Orr, Isaiah Orr, and Jack Wright.
Our next race our district race on Monday, October 9th in Marble Falls.
Volleyball Curbs The Bulldogs
7th B Lady Vikings vs. Burnet
The Lady Vikings continue their winning streak this week with a big win against Burnet Bulldogs. Winning the first set 25-10 and the second 25-5! Kinsley Boyd had 15 serves in a row in the second set! Morgan Greenlee and Brookelyn Cushman had some great passes to help their team to victory. Lila Culbreth also had a good streak of serves. These ladies get better every week. They work together as a team and continue to compete every week in practice to get better. Every girl helped contribute to this win. We will keep working hard and growing each and every week. Congratulations Ladies!
8th B Lady Vikings vs. Burnet
Tough game and first loss of the season against Burnet. The first set was 19-25 and second 21-25. The Lady Vikings struggled with serves and making routine passes. I don’t think we were ready for the competition. We’ve glided through the season pretty effortlessly up until this point. Even though we lost I do think the girls never gave up their fight. They came very close to taking the game to three sets. The games were very back and forth, point to point. The Lady Vikings worked as a team to pull each other together to keep contending against the Bulldogs. They kept their heads up and pushed through until the last point. These girls continue to make me proud with their growth and maturity. We will come back next game stronger than ever. Keep your heads up and let’s get it back!
7A vs. Burnet
Well we had our first defeat this week against the Burnet Bulldogs. I know the nerves were in full swing Monday leading up to this game. It was the last team we hadn’t yet competed against this season and they knew it could be a pretty even match. We were fully capable of beating Burnet, but failed to initially show up and compete, losing the first set considering. They did get into a groove in the second set and won with then having to go into a 3rd. It was neck and neck, the girls did turn it up, but it ended up not being enough in the end with a 13-15 loss. I am really proud of them! It is humbling. They ended up playing really well the second and third set and had a lot of great plays! BUT we will focus on going full effort in the beginning of a match so we don't have to play catch up! Thank you to all who came out to support our girls … we will be ready for them next time!
8A vs Burnet
LADY VIKINGS MAKE A STATEMENT WITH BIG WIN ON MONDAY NIGHT
The 8A Lady Viking Volleyball Team took on a good Burnet squad this past Monday evening in a matchup of two of the top teams in the Hill Country District. The winner of the match would have the upperhand in getting the coveted top seed in the season ending district tournament in a few weeks. The Lady Vikings opened up playing some of their best volleyball of the season. The girls were solid in all facets of the game early on jumping out to a 10 point lead in the first set. However, in what would prove to be a theme for the night, the Lady Bulldogs of Burnet showed that they would not be easily brushed aside as they fought and clawed their way back into the set only trailing by 4 points late 21 - 17. The Vikings responded with a point surge of their own behind the clutch serving from Elah Francisco as they would go on to close out the first set 25 -18. The second set started out similar to the first seeing the Vikings take control till late in the set as they had the lead 18-13. Burnet responded with another massive surge of points that would take them all the way to a set point. It didn’t end there as both teams would trade and squander set points, Burnet first with a 24-23 lead, and then the Vikings their own up 26-25 with an opportunity to win the set and finish the match. The Lady Bulldogs finally strung together 3 straight points winning the highly contested second set 28-26. With the momentum on their side Burnet jumped out to a big 6-1 lead in the 3rd and final set. This time it was the Lady Vikings' turn for a comeback. The girls fought their way back into the set taking the lead 14-13 and they never looked back from there. The Vikings capitalized on their own momentum and would go on to win the 3rd set running away from the Bulldogs 25 - 15. The win all but cements the Lady Vikings as being the overall #1 seed in the season ending District tournament. These girls have one more home game after a much needed week off on Monday the 16th vs Marble Falls. Come on out and watch the girls play their last home volleyball match in middle school!
Stat leaders on the night:
Aces: 7 Harper Phillips; 6 Kyrksen Cook; 5 Ada Weyant
Kills: 14 Kyrksen Cook; 5 Ada Weyant; 3 Savannah Johnston; 2 Harper Phillips
Assists: 8 Ada Weyant; 4 Kyrksen Cook; 3 Jolie Mosser
Digs: 6 Kyrksen Cook; 4 Elah Francisco, Emerson Burke, Mitzi Wright; 3 Ada Weyant; 2 Jolie Mosser
Vikings Stand Tall Against Tough Navarro Teams
On Thursday, the LVMS Viking Football Teams traveled to Geronimo to take on the Panthers of Navarro MS. Navarro is known for their physical style of football and their ability to chew up the clock with their slot-t offense. After a 3-game sweep of Marble Falls last week, the Vikings were coming into the game with some confidence and swagger...and they did not disappoint. The evening started with the 'Super-Team' taking down Navarro 22-6. The Viking offense, led by Quarterback- Tyler Evans, put up 3 scores (2 on the ground by Rhys Koncak) and one in the air (Evans to Evan O'Brian). The defense was stout, led by middle linebacker, Tyler Tristan, limiting the tough slot-t offense to only one score. This is the Super Team's 2nd game and 2nd win in 2 weeks of Super Team matchups.
The 7th-grade team had an intense matchup with Navarro in the night's second game. This particular game was back and forth, and it seemed whoever had the ball last would win. The Viking offense started the scoring off with a pass from Levi Castro to Ayden Chaffin. The Panthers would tie the game up with a long pass in the second quarter. The momentum seemed to shift going into half until Ayden Chaffin returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown to reclaim the lead. In the second half the Viking Defense (led by Castro, Vargas, Norris, Paz-Trout, Schroeder, and really all of the defense). The offense tacked on one more score with a touchdown by Levi Castro. Travis Long had a couple of 'Long' runs as well. The 7th-grade team has claimed their second win in a row and are 2-0 in the district.
The 8th-grade team, coming off a win vs Marble Falls, was also looking to go 2-0 in the district. In order for that to happen, they had to defeat a very tough and physical Navarro team. The Vikings did not disappoint. In fact, they dominated the line of scrimmage and, in the end, defeated Navarro 28-0! This is the 8th-graders' 2nd shutout in a row, and they are really starting to click on both sides of the ball. The offensive and defensive lines were outstanding in the victory. The linemen are beginning to understand that their position is the most important on the field. This is where the game is won and THEY contributed big-time to the win. The offense produced scores by Devin Parsons (2), Max Gamez, and Steven Schwerdt. Koncak, Harris, and Tristan all had key receptions from QB Karter Kudrna. The ENTIRE DEFENSE is noteworthy in this victory. Being able to shut out this style of offense is not easy to do, and they have achieved this feat in back-to-back weeks. The head-hunters of this game were Schwerdt, Herring, Parsons, Rawlings, Gamez, Ballard, Alvarado, and Kinslow. The entire defense did their job and did it well. The 8th-grade Vikings are now 3-1 on the season and 2-0 in the district.
The LVMS Vikings look to improve upon their season as they take on Manor New Tech MS over the next two weeks. 7th grade will play on October 12 at 5:00 at LVHS. 8th grade will play Oct 19 (5:00) at LVHS.
GO VIKINGS!
EF Tours - Portugal
Hello Everyone! I am April Woodburn, the counselor here at the middle school and I would like to invite you to travel with me! I believe there is incredible growth that comes with seeing the world and exploring someplace new, which is why I can’t wait to tell you more about the amazing educational tour that I have planned to Portugal during spring break of 2025.
I am partnering with EF Tours (not affiliated with LVISD) for this exciting journey, and I'd love to provide you with more details during an upcoming information session. These trips have limited spots available which will fill up fast, so please join me for the informational meeting where I will discuss:
● Where and when we’re going
● What we’ll see and do
● Travel logistics
● Flexible payment options that keep the tour affordable
After the meeting I will be available to answer any questions you might have. Please use the link below to indicate you are interested in hearing more about this opportunity. And YES, parents and siblings can travel with us too!
Please RSVP here:
Meeting Information and Registration:https://bit.ly/3LS33s3
Last spring break a group of students, parents and teachers traveled to Japan. We had a wonderful time exploring temples, visiting a bamboo forest, sampling tasty treats and experiencing Tokyo's many offerings! This spring break (2024) we will be visiting Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands! So if you are interested in learning more about travel, please join our meeting, Tuesday, October 10th @ 6:30 here at the Middle School to see if Portugal is in your future!
Thank you,
Mrs. Woodburn
LVMS Counselor
* Plan to stay after the meeting if you would like information on already planned trips to the Galapagos and the Dominican Republic.
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!
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
Important Dates Coming Up
Monday, October 9 - Staff Development(Student Holiday)
Friday, October 13 - End of Nine Weeks
Wednesday, October 25 - PSAT(8th Grade Only)
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