School Matters
March 2024
LTISD to close for solar eclipse Monday, April 8
Due to a number of safety and operational concerns surrounding the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, Lake Travis ISD has made the decision to close schools for all students and staff. Because we have reserved a sufficient number of instructional minutes for the current school year, students will not be required to make up this day.
According to NASA, at approximately 1:36 p.m. on April 8, Central Texas will experience a total solar eclipse. As a result, local officials and first responders anticipate a significant influx of visitors for this extraordinary event, straining local infrastructure and resources and potentially impacting school operations. The decision to close our schools reflects a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff during this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We acknowledge that a solar eclipse of this magnitude is a unique educational opportunity which is creating much anticipation and excitement across our district. While our schools will be closed on April 8, rest assured our students will engage in classroom activities leading up to the event. It is our sincere hope that staff, students, and families across Lake Travis ISD will safely witness this celestial phenomenon and create lasting memories together.
Lake Travis High School student receives Texas Theatre Scholar Distinction
Jason Fingerman, a junior at Lake Travis High School, has received the Texas Theatre Scholar Award for the 2023-2024 school year. The award is sponsored by Texas Thespians, the largest chapter in the nation of the Educational Theatre Association. As an educational honor society, Texas Thespians recognizes theatre students who demonstrate high academic success in overall coursework through the Texas Theatre Scholar Distinction.
According to Texas Thespians, to be designated as a Texas Theatre Scholar, a student must:
- be currently enrolled in the school,
- is a member in good standing with the campus theatre department,
- has actively participated in theatrical programs during the school year,
- has earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its local equivalent for all academic coursework,
- has fulfilled any additional local criteria required by the theatre program or similar campus requirements, and
- exhibit behavior and good moral character, which brings honor to the campus theatre department, school, and the community.
DECA state qualifiers to compete internationally in April
LT Special Olympians compete at 2024 Texas Winter Games
Additionally, Mason had the opportunity to light the official Olympic Flame alongside Lakeway Chief of Police Glen Koen at the opening ceremonies to kick off the games. It was an incredible event that would not be possible without all the volunteers from our amazing community.
If you are interested in volunteering for Special Olympics, please email Heather Amitrani at amitranih@ltisdschools.org or Shilo Clements at clementss@ltisdschools.org.
Lighting the Olympic Flame: Lakeway Chief of Police Glen Koen with Mason Gutierrez
Mason, Fiona, and Kylie with Heather Amitrani and Superintentent Paul Norton
LT Special Olympians place in area basketball competition
In February, six LTISD Special Olympics athletes competed in the area basketball competition. They competed in individual skills, 3v3, and the 5v5 unified team along with three unified partners. Results are as follows:
Individual Athletes:
Gavin Ahiers - Gold medal
Mason Gutierrez - Silver medal
John Kirchenwitz - Silver medal
Kylie Kowalewski - Bronze medal
Charlie Nicholson - Silver medal
Fiona Schlegel - Bronze medal
3v3 Team:
Eden Ittner - Gold medal
Luke Randolph Mueller - Gold medal
Caden Plauche - Gold medal
5v5 Team (4th Place):
Sheridan Gordon
Jack Halford
Valentina Johnson
Reagan Lowman
Andrew Murphy
Mark Theodore
Unified Partners:
Skye Clements
Sambirwa (Sam) Leo Jones-Kokan
Owen Riener
Lake Travis High School team places 10th at state tournament, individuals medal
The Lake Travis High School Wrestling team earned 10th Place at the UIL 6A Wrestling State Tournament held February 16-17 at the Berry Center of Northwest Houston.
Sophomores Jonah Arellano (120) and Will Deutschlander (150) finished as state finalists and earned silver medals for their performances. In all, Lake Travis Wrestling sent a school-record eight athletes to compete at the state tournament:
- Kaiden Antonacci — Senior
- Jonah Arellano — Sophomore
- Braiden Bartlett — Freshman
- Brayden Bollman — Senior
- Laird Borbón — Senior
- Brett Burgess — Junior
- Will Deutschlander — Sophomore
- Colin Vasquez — Senior
Lake Travis Independent School District officials added wrestling as an official extracurricular program under University Interscholastic League rules in 2013. Adam Sandoval is head coach of the Lake Travis High School Wrestling program. He is assisted by Robert Rayos and Don Heald.
Jonah Arellano (2nd place)
Students place in regional science and engineering fair
Lake Travis ISD was well represented at the 2024 Greater Austin Regional Science and Engineering Fair (GARSEF) held February 21-24 at the Palmer Events Center. GARSEF is a STEM competition for 3rd-12th grade students from 14 Central Texas counties. The regional festival is one of the largest science fairs in Texas. Schools may participate in either the Elementary, Junior, or Senior divisions.
Lake Travis ISD congratulates the following students whose projects were recognized at GARSEF:
Lakeway Elementary School
- Liam Askwith – “Does the Temperature or Type of Water Affect the Ph Level of the Water?” (1st Place)
- Brooks Bloomquist – “Does Exercise Affect your Memory?” (1st Place)
- Bear Bromley – “How Does Light Affect the Growth of Basil Seeds?” (1st Place)
- Owen Dale – “Does Color Affect Memory?” (1st Place)
- Eleanora Goldapp – “The Greatest Conductor” (1st Place)
- Avni Goyal – “Which Ball Floats the Highest in an Air Stream? A Study of Drag Force vs. Gravitational Pull” (1st Place)
- Hannah Herries – “What are the Effects of Different Antacids on Stomach Acid?” (1st Place)
- Leighton Hill – “Testing the Waters” (1st Place)
- Jackson McCann – “Rock On: Growing Crystals” (1st Place)
- Kaitlyn McWhorter – “Can You Turn Milk into Plastic?” (1st Place)
- Andrew Mitchell – “What Substance Melts Ice the Fastest?” (1st Place)
- Nate Samson – “The Effects of Drinks on our Teeth” (1st Place)
- Max Schweiger – “What Substance Melts Ice the Fastest?” (1st Place)
- Zachary St. Pierre – “Do Golf Balls That Bounce Higher Hit Farther?” (1st Place)
Serene Hills Elementary School
- Jackson Abrams – “Measuring Water Quality Using a TDS Meter” (1st Place)
- Nyla Ansari – “Pricey Polish” (1st Place)
- Carter Brough – “Star Light Star Bright” (1st Place)
- Logan Derby – “Bottle Battle” (1st Place)
- Charles Endendyk – “Ice Ice Baby” (2nd Place)
- Riley Hahn – “Hair Tie Showdown” (2nd Place)
- Isabella Hession – “Temperature Toss” (1st Place)
- Reagan King – “Which Bat Bunts Best?” (1st Place)
- Minna Lampinen – “Rolling Down” (2nd Place)
- Kieran MacDougall – “Balls Away” (1st Place)
- Aughtry Shelton – “Let’s Kick It!” (1st Place)
- Leila Tabarrok – “Cake Bake” (1st Place)
- Hera Tilium – “Rolling Away” (1st Place)
- Jackson Welch – “Gentleman, Start Your Engines!” (1st Place)
- Carleigh Williams – “Tumble, Jump, Flip Science” (1st Place)
- Mackenzie Wood – “High Rising Cakes” (2nd Place)
Lake Travis High School
- Oliver Morabbi – Chemistry, “Shocking Chemistry” (1st Place), also received Innovation WorkSpace Rising Innovator Scholarship, NASA Earth System Science Award, Smith and Dawson Science Award, and Superintendent Award
- Shriya Suryakumar – Translational Medical Sciences, “Machine Learning Model-Based Application Prototype for Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca Diagnosis” (4th Place)
- Ella Thessen – Animal Sciences, “Is it Really Dark or Can we Just Not See It?” (4th Place)
Serene Hills Elementary
Lake Travis High School
Oliver Morabbi accepts the Superintendent Award from Paul Norton
Lakeway Elementary
Lake Travis High School brothers, student-athletes sign letters of intent
Congratulations to the Medrano brothers who signed their collegiate letters of intent March 20. Maddox will continue his baseball career at Galveston College and Chase will further his football journey at the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor.
Chase Medrano
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Maddox Medrano
Galveston College
Summer camp registration is open
Get ready for an exciting summer ahead! We are thrilled to announce that registration for our 2024 Summer Camp Program is officially open.
Explore a wide array of camp offerings designed to cater to various interests, spanning from pre-kindergarten through high school. Our summer camps feature dedicated instruction from LTISD staff members and meticulously selected contractors to ensure a rewarding and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Regular registration is open through Sunday, May 5. Late registration runs from Monday, May 6 to Friday, May 17 and incurs a $35 fee. There are no registrations after Friday, May 17. To prioritize the safety of our campers, all rosters must be finalized in advance, enabling Community Programs to plan staffing, allocate space, and procure supplies accordingly. To discover more about the diverse range of camps available and to register your child, click here.
We are eagerly anticipating another fantastic summer season filled with fun, learning, and memorable moments. Don't miss the chance to secure your child's spot!
Lake Travis Cadet Winterguard completes successful year, varsity advances to state
The Lake Travis Cadet Winterguard is headed to state competition. Comprised of 6th-8th grade students from Bee Cave, Hudson Bend, and Lake Travis middle schools, the group was split and competed in two separate classes this year. Junior Varsity finished in 6th Place and Varsity was named the Texas Color Guard Circuit West Cadet Regional A Silver Medalist, earning a trip to state competition. This is the second year the team has medaled under the direction of Michael Fairbrother and Chris Maldonado, and the seventh time the program has medaled in TCGC.
A state send-off performance will be held at 8:00 pm, Friday, April 5 at the Lake Travis High School round gym. We invite our community to join us for this event.
Students selected for 2024 All-State Band and Orchestra
Four Lake Travis High School band and orchestra students each earned a place on the 2024 All-State Band and Orchestra as determined by the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA). According to TMEA, All-State is the highest honor a Texas music student can receive. Approximately 1,875 students were selected through a process that began in the Fall of 2023 with more than 70,000 students from around the state vying for honors to perform in one of 18 ensembles. Only 2.6% of students who initially auditioned became All-State musicians.
Pictured left to right: Band Director Richard Hicks, Luc Birla (Symphony Orchestra - Bb clarinet), Audrey Huang (Philharmonic Orchestra - violin), Ciara Burns (Concert Band - french horn), and Jake Fagan (Philharmonic Orchestra - tuba). Alana Tempest (Symphonic Band - Eb clarinet) is not pictured.
Lake Travis High School announces Class of 2024 Top Ten Academic Scholars
Lake Travis High School is pleased to recognize the following seniors as Top Ten Academic Scholars for the 2023-2024 school year:
- Ravi Tej Guntuku (Valedictorian)
- Karen Bui (Salutatorian)
- Samuel Seder
- Catherine Haley
- Evan Olson
- Rachel Yang
- Joey Zhang
- Daniel Magana Camargo
- Dhilan Shah
- Shannon Lin
Required notice about safe gun storage
Texas Education Code Chapter 37.222 requires the Texas School Safety Center, in collaboration with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), to provide to each school district and open-enrollment charter school information and other resources regarding the safe storage of firearms.
Lake Travis High School students recognized as 2024 National Merit Scholarship Finalists
Lake Travis High School is pleased to announce that the following seniors have been recognized as Finalists by the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program:
- Karen Bui
- Daniel Magana Carmargo
- Crichton McEwen
- Evan Olson
- Rishika Sikka
- Lance Thompson
- Brandon Wooledge
These students entered the program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) as high school juniors in 2022. They were chosen from more than 1.6 million program entrants and represent less than one percent of each state’s high school seniors. According to the National Merit Scholarship Program, these students are the top scorers from each state and show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.
In all, 69 seniors from the Lake Travis High School Class of 2024 are National Merit Scholarship Program Qualifying Students. National Merit Scholarship Program Finalist is the highest distinction a student can earn. Beginning in March and continuing through mid-June, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation will notify approximately 7,500 Finalists that they have been selected to receive one of three Merit Scholarship® awards: a National Merit® Scholarship, a Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship, or a College-sponsored Merit Scholarship.
Lake Travis High School swimmers qualify for state
Three members of the Lake Travis High School Swimming and Diving team represented Lake Travis ISD at the 2024 UIL state meet held February 23 at the University of Texas Swim Center. State qualifiers included:
- Ruby Teeters – 100 Back
- Victor Teeters – 500 Free
- Ben Liang – 100 Back, 100 Fly
Holly Bowman is head coach of the Lake Travis High School Swimming and Diving team; she is assisted by Amelia Irsik.
LTISD joins the National Council for General Music Education in recognizing the vital role music plays in K-12 education. For nearly 40 years, March has been designated as "Music In Our Schools Month." The positive impact of music in the lives of students lasts a lifetime. Therefore, the education and cultivation of music in our youngest members of society—our students—is paramount.
Every day, in classrooms and rehearsal rooms across our school district, music educators dedicate themselves to providing students with life-changing musical experiences. Parents, administrators, and the wider community often only see the wonderful results at musical performances; however, we don't get to see the learning process and the months of practice and rehearsals that goes into the performance.
We encourage community members to acknowledge and celebrate music education as an essential part of every student’s educational journey.
Cavalette represents Lake Travis High School on 2024 TDEA All-State Dance Team
Over the past 40 years, dance team directors have met annually at the Texas Dance Educators Association (TDEA) Convention to share, learn, and grow school dance programs across the state. This year, there were more than 1,000 directors and dance educators in attendance at the convention held January 10-13 in Houston. Each participating school had the opportunity to select one student to the 2024 TDEA All-State Dance Team. Emery Domecq, a senior and Captain of the Lake Travis Cavalettes, represented Lake Travis High School among a group of 280 dancers.
During the convention, members participate in master classes, discover different dance opportunities offered in college, and learn performance combinations from prestigious choreographers. Emery performed her routine during the TDEA banquet. She will attend Clemson University this fall and will be a member of the Rally Cats dance team.
"How to Motivate Your Child" webinar now available on demand
Our latest Parenting Video Series, “How to Motivate Your Child,” is now available on demand. In this webinar, parents can learn ways to motivate their children, differentiate between negative vs. positive reinforcements, and discover the value of rewards. This can help children be self-motivated and become empowered to be their own bridge between intention and action.
You can access the recording here: https://cookcenter.info/March6LakeTravisReplay
Lake Travis High School Astraea Quartet to perform at 2024 UIL State Instrumental Chamber Music Competition
The Lake Travis High School Astraea Quartet has been selected to perform at the 2024 UIL State Instrumental Chamber Music Competition to be held Saturday, March 23 at the Jerry Fay Wilhelm Center for the Performing Arts in Bastrop. The Astraea Quartet is comprised of the following students from the Lake Travis High School Band:
- Paige Chirempes – baritone saxophone
- Quinlan Collins — soprano saxophone
- Jacob Ittycheria — alto saxophone
- Eli Ward — tenor saxophone
These students were selected to perform through recorded auditions. The competition will feature the top 16 ensembles in the state.
Additionally, the quartet performed at the 11th Annual Coltman Competition held March 2 at the University of Texas Butler School of Music. The ensemble placed second in the Junior Division Mixed Instrumental Category earning a cash prize of $1,000. Richard Hicks is the Band Director at Lake Travis High School.
Lake Travis High School Cavalettes earn National Championship
The Lake Travis High School Cavalettes earned a national championship at the 2024 Crowd Pleasers Dance Nationals in Orlando, Florida. The Cavalettes also earned Overall National Champion Officer Line, First Runner Up Social Officers, National Champion 11th-12th Grade Soloists, and Highest Scoring Dance of the Day Officer and Team.
Congratulations to these young ladies, their faculty sponsors, and parents for their success as well as for representing Lake Travis High School at the national level.
Join the Engage and Heal Foundation Symposium
Are you passionate about mental health education, advocacy, and building a more supportive community? Then join us for the Engage and Heal Foundation Symposium, happening April 25-26 at La Quinta Inn & Suites in Lakeway.
This two-day event will bring together experts, therapists, and community leaders to discuss a wide range of mental health topics. You'll gain valuable insights, resources, and tools to help you improve your own well-being and advocate for others.
Here's what you can expect:
- Engaging presentations from mental health professionals
- Interactive workshops on topics like stress management, self-care, and communication
- Opportunities to connect with others who are passionate about mental health
- A free film screening on Sunday, April 28 (details to come)
Whether you're a mental health professional, a caregiver, or someone who simply wants to learn more about mental wellness, this symposium is for you. Register today and be a catalyst for change in your community.
A Look Back: Maintenance Workers Appreciation Day (March 1)
Friday, March 1, 2024 was recognized as “Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day.” This was a perfect opportunity to recognize and thank the men and women of the Lake Travis ISD Maintenance Department for keeping our school buildings and administrative offices running smoothly.
From maintaining our water flowing, heating and air conditioning blowing, landscaping, performing building repairs, and fulfilling countless other work orders, the following staff proudly serve more than 11,200 students and 1,400 staff districtwide:
- Noureddine Boutella
- Mike Davidson
- Darrell Davis
- Joel Elston
- Jose Espinoza
- Jesus Garcia
- Tim Garnett
- Alfredo Godinez
- Fidel Hererra
- Anthony Lafontaine
- Doug Lietzau
- Evan Longacre
- Barth Melhorn
- Matthew Mercier
- Dale Metcalf
- Cesar Muniga
- Jason Munoz
- Nohemi Pavon
- Gary Puryear
- Karl Ripolone
- Hortencia Salazar
- John Voos
- Roy Hudson - Senior Director of Maintenance & Safety
A Look Back: National School Social Work Week (March 3-9)
With the theme “Pearls of Wisdom,” Lake Travis ISD proudly joined the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) to recognize March 3-9, 2024 as “National School Social Work Week.”
Together with SSWAA, we are highlighting the pearls of wisdom that each school social worker brings to their campus and community. During the school year, school social workers are confronted with challenges, heightened anxieties, and anticipated difficulties. However, school social workers face these challenges with strength and resilience.
Furthermore, school social workers are critical members of the education team, playing a central role in creating a positive environment in our schools. These professionals are especially skilled in identifying and providing services to students who face serious challenges to school success including disability, poverty, discrimination, abuse, neglect, mental illness, homelessness, bullying, familial stressors, and other barriers to learning.
The following school social workers serve students across LTISD:
- Tracy Barney: Bee Cave Elementary School, Lake Pointe Elementary School, Bee Cave Middle School
- Tracy Cooper: Lakeway Elementary School, Rough Hollow Elementary School, Serene Hills Elementary School
- Ana Maria Cubilla: Lake Travis Elementary School, Hudson Bend Middle School
- Brandon Green: Lake Travis High School
- Amanda Roberts: Lake Travis High School
- Colette Schwene: West Cypress Hills Elementary School, Lake Travis Middle School
A Look Back: National School Breakfast Week (March 4-8)
A Look Back: Educational Diagnosticians' Week (March 3-9)
Educational diagnosticians are certified professionals who help identify many types of learning disorders. In recognition of the critical role these individuals play in providing students with a high-quality education, Lake Travis ISD proudly joined the Texas Educational Diagnosticians Association to celebrate March 3-9, 2024 as “Educational Diagnosticians’ Week.” It is a time set aside to honor diagnosticians who consistently demonstrate professionalism, competence, and excellence in order to provide individuals with disabilities quality educational services.
The following educational diagnosticians serve students across LTISD:
- Casey Brown, Lake Travis High School
- Gaylynn Clevenger, Serene Hills Elementary School
- Lisa Ducote, Rough Hollow Elementary School
- Stacey Hall, Bee Cave Elementary School
- Thelene Scarborough, Lakeway Elementary School
- Jennifer Scoggins, Hudson Bend Middle School
- Randi Sherrer, Lake Travis Elementary School
- Robin Yeamans, Lake Pointe Elementary School
- Clover Yordanova, Lake Travis High School
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, X (formerly known as 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