LVMS Newsletter
Edition IX, October 13
Inktober Fest
Mystery Numbers
Board Games!
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!
Thank you for the birthday wishes!
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.
Tuesday, October 17 - 6:30pm
Thursday, October 19 - 6:30pm
Monday, October 23 - 6:30pm
Wednesday, November 1 - 6:30pm
NJHS Officers 23-24
This week NJHS elected their 23-24 officers -
President: Sam Kinslow
Vice President: Rileigh Ramirez
Treasurer: Dylan Humke
Co Historian: Eloise Rowland & Harper Phillips
Parliamentarian: Devan Crowther
Secretary: Elijah Olson
Congratulations!
World Events
Dear Viking Nation, Our hearts ache as we learn more about the news and images emerging from Israel and the Gaza Strip. We are aware that as information about these tragic events begins to spread over social and traditional media, these distressing visuals can be especially hard for young minds to comprehend. Emotional, social, and economic impacts may be felt by our students, especially those with connections to these regions of the world. Please know our dedicated counselors are always here for students who might require extra assistance in coping with these challenging events. If you suspect your child is finding it difficult to navigate these emotions, please urge them to reach out to a counselor at any time. Their door is always open, providing a safe space for students to express their thoughts and concerns. We have curated the following resources for families who would like help in talking to their child(ren): How to Talk to Your Children about War Talking to Children about War Explaining the News to our Kids The emotional and physical safety of our students is a top priority and we will continue to remain diligent to protect both. We hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the very near future. As always, thank you for helping us support our students, not just in times like this, but every single day.
UNICEF
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Common Sense Media
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
UIL Academics is BACK!
If your student is interested in UIL, or you would like any additional information about the Academic teams, email Mrs. Larkin at tlarkin@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.
LVMS Cheerleaders went to the high school pep rally and did AMAZING!
Cross Country Finishes Season With A District Championship!
Our boys and girls cross country teams competed at their district meet on Monday, October 9th. We are so proud of their hard work and dedication throughout the season! Below are the results of the race.
Our 7th-grade girls are DISTRICT CHAMPIONS!
Our top 5 scoring runners were Lucy Smith - 5th place, Lauren Carpenter - 6th place, Emerie Magana - 10th place, Addison Brown - 12th place, and Yoselin Zelaya - 15th place. Also competing for our 7th grade team were Astrid Hernandez, Hailey Kipskind, Zoe Krautter, Anberlin McClellen, Sienna McGuire, Aislin Munoz, Jolynn Salinas, Kia Sonnier, Taytum Stojanik, Gemma Tuttle, and Madilyn Weldon.
Our 8th-grade girls got 4th place overall. Our top 5 scoring runners were Maia Joshua - 2nd place, Kyrksen Cook - 4th place, Helen Munoz - 19th place, Hannah Benitez - 23rd place, and Valerie Marin - 26th place. Also competing for our 8th grade team were Haleigh Carson, Mellany Cardenas, Camilla Cruz, Adriana Owen, Dafne Perez, Andrea Saavedra, Aleeza Sahibzada, Taylor Wood, and Mitzi Wright.
Our 7th-grade boys got 3rd place overall. The top 5 scoring runners for the 7th-grade boys were Axton Sharrock - 6th place, Bennett Walker - 9th place, Ryker Pennington - 15th place, Joseph Spence - 23rd place, and Cole Makowichuk - 26th place. Also competing for the 7th-grade boys were Garan Childs, August Kieke, Trevor Lane, Brock McKinney, Diego Rodriguez, and Sam Salama.
Our 8th-grade boys got 5th overall. Our top 5 scoring runners were Dylan Humke - 14th place, Jack Wright - 17th place, Macer Ballard - 20th place, Elliot Orr - 21st place, and Hugh Tuttle - 30th place. Completing our 8th boys' team are Jonas Larkin and Michael Shelley
7th Grade Football Cruises Past Manor New Tech
On Thursday the LVMS 7th grade football team hosted Manor New Tech MS at LVHS. The Vikings are coming off 2 consecutive district wins and were looking to stay undefeated in district play. The game started with the Vikings driving the field, but coming up short on 4th down. The defense responded by forcing a punt after 3 New Tech offensive plays. Then, the Viking Offense took charge. Brody Norris led the rushing attack and was the game's leading rusher. Quarterback Levi Castro also ran the ball well with one TD in the option scheme. Leading the offensive attack was Aiden Chaffin with 2 TD's. The Defense was solid vs New Tech, keeping the Titan offense out of the endzone for the entire ball game. While tackling was an issue, at times, the defense made the plays they needed to in order to shut out the Titans.
The player of the game was Lila Rose Rodriguez! Lila contributed to the game with a critical onside kick that was recovered by the Vikings, and kicked her first extra point for the Vikings.
The 7th Vikings will have next week off, while the 8th grade team faces the Manor New Tech Titans at LVHS 5:00. Both Vikings teams are looking to stay undefeated in district and win District Championships for the 2023 season.
Please come out and support our LVMS Vikings before the season ends, at home, on Thursday Nov 2.
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
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