Tiger Talk Back 2 School Finale
08/15/22
Today's Edition: Preparing Students for the First Day
Meet our School Counselor, Mr. Dustin Boren
The 2021-2022 school year was my 1st year as a Lake Travis High School counselor and my 19th year as an educator. The last 7 years have been spent at LTHS, where, in addition to serving as a counselor, I taught AP Psychology, various Social Studies classes, and coached football and track.
Before coming to Lake Travis, my family and I lived in San Antonio, Texas, where I was most recently employed at John Marshall High School, in the Northside ISD, for 2 years, teaching World History, as well as Government and Economics, and coaching football. My first 5 years in San Antonio were spent at Louis D. Brandeis High School (also in Northside ISD.) There, I taught English I and II for 1 year, followed by 4 years of World Geography. I also coached football and basketball there. My career in education began at Spring Branch Middle School and Smithson Valley High School, in the Comal ISD, where I taught Reading, English, Physical Education, Leadership classes, and coached football, basketball, and track. I was with the Comal ISD for 5 years.
I am a native of Bulverde, Texas, and a graduate of Smithson Valley High School. Upon graduating from Smithson Valley, I attended Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas, where I majored in Kinesiology and minored in English Studies. I was also a member of the football team for 4 years. Along with my undergraduate degree, I hold a M.Ed. from the University of Texas San Antonio with a concentration in Health Promotion. My studies then continued with Lamar University, where I completed my internship in Educational Administration in 2014, before ultimately deciding to pursue my certification in School Counseling through Region 4 in 2020.
My wife Brandace is the Head Volleyball Coach at LTHS, where she also teaches Physical Education. Together we have two children, Brody and Blakely, who are WCHE Tigers, too. Brody is a 3rd grade Tiger, and Blakely is 2nd grade Tiger.
I am extremely excited about the opportunity to be a part of the WCHE family, and look forward to an outstanding school year.
Recommendations from our Counselor
We are so thrilled to welcome our Tigers back to campus for the 2022-23 school year! The start of the school year can bring much excitement - from fresh school supplies to discovering what class your child will be in for this school year. However, it can also bring some anxiety, particularly if your child is new to our school. While we as a staff are prepared and excited to welcome every Tiger and help ease any first-day worries, there are several things families can do to prepare their children for the return to school.
- Have informal conversations with your child as the first day draws near. Ask them questions about school using positive verbiage, being careful not to steer them toward an anxious response. Ask your child, "what are you the most excited about?", "what are you hoping to learn this year", and "what do you think will be your favorite part of your day?"
- Allow your child to help you set up back-to-school routines. Routines reduce anxiety and build structure, and they allow your child to take ownership of their school day. Consider making a check sheet or visual chart of tasks to be completed before and after school. Encourage your child to assist in age-appropriate tasks like packing their lunch or snack, and celebrate the completion of those tasks!
- Rehearse skills that your child will be asked to complete independently at school - such as using the restroom, washing hands, and zipping up sweatshirts. This independence certainly comes with a sense of pride for our students!
- Mornings can easily become a stressful time of day, but with some preparation, they can be smooth and positive. Setting out clothes and packing lunches/snacks the night before can reduce morning stress. Prioritize good quality sleep with early bedtimes. Unexpected stressors will certainly pop up from time to time, but a smooth morning is a win for the entire family.
- Read a good book about starting school with your child. Time to connect over a book, particularly one that addresses an exciting change, is time well-spent.
- At the end of the first day, take time as a family to celebrate! Make a special dinner, have a celebratory dessert, or take time to talk and process the day. Even the most experienced of students will need some extra attention during those first few days back at school. We value your support as a critical member of your child's educational team, so take some time to celebrate you as well!
Unescorted Walker Dismissal Procedure Each Day
Last year there were several incidents where students walking on their own failed to take the crosswalk and then would dash across the street, in danger of being hit by passing cars. An unescorted walker is any student who does not have a parent/guardian on school grounds to walk his/her own child home. Again, this procedure is only for UNESCORTED students walking off school property.
Lastly, our morning walkers will be welcomed into the school at both car rider loops.
Upcoming Events
Beginning 07/01/22.LTISD Extended Care Registration is Open
07/18/22.................Registration for LTISD Bus Service Opens for Eligible Families
08/15/22.................Meet the Teacher Day
08/16/22.................First Day of School - Welcome Tigers!
08/16/22.................Principal's Coffee in the Library 7:50 - 8:30 am
08/16/22.................5th Grade Accelerated Math Test Sign Up Here
08/25/22.................LTCL Bookmobile at West Cypress Pool 3 pm to 4 pm
More Information about WCH
West Cypress Hills Elementary
Email: wchprincipal@ltisdschools.org
Website: https://www.ltisdschools.org/WCHE
Location: 6112 Cypress Ranch Boulevard, Travis County, TX, United States
Phone: 512-533-7500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ltisdschools
Twitter: @principalwch