Dear Lake Travis ISD Parents and Guardians,

I am Paul Norton, and I have the honor and privilege to serve as your Superintendent of Schools. On behalf of our school board, our administration, teachers and support staff, I want to be among the first to welcome you and your family to the 2020-2021 school year.

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to visit our newest campus, Rough Hollow Elementary School. This beautiful facility was made possible by our most recent voter-approved bond, and we cannot wait to open our doors. However, we know these are unique times. As a parent of two students enrolled in our Lake Travis schools, I too share the frustration, stress and uncertainty created by the pandemic. It has taught us to expect change, to be flexible, and to adapt. But it has also challenged us to think out of the box, to be innovative, and to do things differently. Whether our students are learning remotely at home or in-person at school, things will be different.

Yet, I believe the challenges facing our District create an opportunity for us to do things better and shape the future of our community. But we can only do this together. As we prepare to embark on the new year ahead, I will be with you every step of the way. Together, we will build new relationships and strengthen existing ones. We will do what is best for students and do everything possible to meet their individual needs. We will continue to prioritize student health and safety, now more than ever. And above all else, we will do these things with a kind heart.

I love our LTISD theme for the new year, “Learning. Transformed,” because that is exactly what is happening, and it is what we must support, starting with me. I know it will be frustrating at times, and we will make mistakes. But we will ultimately succeed by focusing on what is truly important—our students.

In closing, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as your superintendent. I share with you my hope, optimism, and excitement for the new year ahead. I look forward to meeting you soon.

Sincerely,

Paul Norton

Superintendent of Schools

I am so excited to begin the 2020-21 school year. While not how we thought this year would begin, I can assure you that our teachers and staff are eager to reconnect with our students and families.

It is true that this year will hold some challenges: however, I know our community is one that is built on perseverance, understanding, and the ability to adapt to situations that are rapidly changing. In the history of this school, we have been fortunate to be a part of a collaborative and supportive community. I anticipate that as we move forward with this school year we will continue to experience that same mutual support and understanding.

It is inevitable that school will look quite different this year. Some of our families will choose remote learning while others will be at West Cypress Hills in person. Regardless of your family’s choice, each and every child will continue to be a part of our Tiger Family. Our common goal is to provide a safe learning and working environment for our staff and students.

Each school year, we establish a campus-wide theme that sets the tone and focus for the upcoming school year. Our theme this year, "One Team. One Family," focuses on unity and partnership among all of our stakeholders, which include every staff member, student, family and community member.

Together we can continue to foster the core values that make West Cypress Hills a safe and successful learning environment. We are in this together and will continue to be #WCHEStrong.

With warmest regards,

Melanie Beninga

Your Principal at West Cypress Hills Elementary

Dear Lake Travis ISD Parents and Guardians,

As you may recall, we shared with you our Student Commitment Form for selecting the return to school option—remote learning at home or in-person learning on campus—that will best serve your child this fall. The Student Commitment Form is available in Skyward Family Access and was due by Thursday, August 6. However, you may revise your commitment form up to two weeks prior to the first day the district is able to offer in-person learning on campus. Out of an abundance of caution, we will begin the 2020-2021 school year on Wednesday, August 19 with remote learning at home for all students through at least September 7.

To assist you with planning for the in-person learning on campus option in the fall, we are sharing with you our Return to School Protocols for COVID-19 outlining our health and safety guidelines. We fully recognize that you have many questions. Earlier this month, we posted information on our website that detailed our two learning options for the 2020-2021 school year. This information also included a number of Frequently Asked Questions. If you have not yet reviewed the details of these options, please visit the section School Year 2020-2021: Learning. Transformed on the LTISD website.

The conditions surrounding the pandemic are continually evolving. Our plans will be evaluated and updated as needed to comply and adapt to any new orders, guidelines or mandates issued by governmental and/or health authorities. It will be our priority to keep you informed of those changes and updates throughout the coming school year. Thank you for your continued patience, understanding and flexibility.

Sincerely,

Marco Alvarado

• Remote learners can pick up their Schoolkidz supply kits
• Families can learn more about the PTO
• Families can join the fun by becoming PTO members, too
• Families can purchase exciting Tiger Spirit Wear
  
• Families of 3rd, 4th, or 5th graders can purchase student planners

I am available to support our Tiger families. Should your family need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me by email or by phone at (512) 533-7589.

Please explore the following counseling resources for students and parents.

Resources For Students:

• First Aid for Feelings: A Workbook to Help Kids Cope During the Coronavirus Pandemic