Luling ENews - September 2020
Go Eagles!
The first day of school has come and gone, and I could not be more proud of our staff, students, and parents. I love the way we have all rallied together to continue to provide instruction to our students given this current situation.
A lot of work has gone in to preparing for this school year. As educators, we are not taught how to instruct in a virtual environment. All of our teacher preparation classes focus on how to teach students in a face to face, traditional classroom. Our teachers and administrators had to become experts in remote instruction in a very limited amount of time. And boy did they knock it out of the park! While technological difficulties are outside of our control, providing engaging and rigorous instruction is not.
One of the most important parts of my job is to be in the schools on a regular basis connecting with teachers and students. This has looked different this year, as I have walked around the buildings watching teachers teach but not being able to see our students. We are slated to return to Face to Face learning on September 14th. I look forward to interacting with students again!
Please remember that the ability to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 is a joint effort. We have put many safeguards in place, but need the support of our families to both communicate possible exposures and follow recommended health guidelines. Do not send your child to school, or any related event, if they have symptoms or have been in close contact with anyone that has tested positive for COVID-19.
We have an amazing school year ahead of us! Make sure you have downloaded our new website app to get all of the latest information about our district and campuses!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Warren
Superintendent
Ascender Parent Portal
You can login to Ascender here: https://ascportal.esc13.net/ParentPortal/login?distid=028903
The district will no longer print out and mail report cards home. Parents will have access to report cards through Ascender.
Construction Update
Eagle Stadium
Gerdes JH Interactive Displays
Shanklin Foundation
The renovations at Eagle Memorial Stadium are complete! The stadium underwent major changes from the top of the press box to the bathrooms. Our first home game is September 4th! Come out and see the new lights, turf field, new home side bleachers, new press box, new PA system and speakers, new track, and newly renovated bathrooms (they have A/C!).
Gerdes JH Renovation (Bond Funded)
Gerdes Junior High has also been renovated. There is new plumbing, HVAC, tile, paint, a secure vestibule, new windows, new doors, new whiteboards in all classrooms, interactive displays for instruction, and a card entry system. This campus looks amazing and is ready for students!
New Shanklin Elementary (Bond Funded)
As you know, we are constructing a brand new PreK-5th grade elementary building directly behind the current Shanklin Elementary. Now that the foundation supports are complete, the foundation will be poured next week! We are excited to see all of our design work come to fruition. The new elementary will open next August for the 2021-22 school year.
New Website and New App
We Have a New Website and a New App!
Luling ISD has launched a new website with a real-time mobile app that helps students, parents, and community members keep current with what is happening in the district and on campuses. Our website is continuing to evolve to meet the needs of our community. The website translates all content to Spanish, includes all the very latest on district and campus events, contains all of our district documents, and highlights campus accomplishments in the district.
Additionally, we know that many families are using smartphones as a primary means to communicate, and that’s why we’ve created an app that is custom-built for mobile. On the app, you can find current district events, cafeteria menus, athletic calendars, teacher contact information with google site links, and up-to-the minute news and social media posts. You can also set the app to push out notifications and get real-time updates!!
Download the app on Android: https://bit.ly/2Wy4EJP or iPhone: https://apple.co/2WsSoKy.
If you have any questions about our website or app, please contact Glenda Thacker at 830-875-3191 ext. 1002 or glenda.thacker@luling.txed.net.
Reopening Plan and COVID Communication
Primary News
Ms. Smith doing morning calendar.
Ms. Rodgers teaching sight words.
Ms. Domke modeling think-aloud strategies.
During remote learning, teachers at Luling Primary are engaging students in reading, writing, spelling, math, and using digital literacy tools for learning. Students and teachers are connecting with each other during the Student Classroom Connection time. Students are practicing counting forward and backward in addition to learning foundational numeracy skills. Students are focusing on pre-literacy through phonics and phonemic awareness activities, learning to identify and write their names, identifying and practicing letter names and sounds, and reading together. During remote learning, teachers continue to use best instructional strategies to maximize student learning. Ms. Domke models a think-aloud strategy to demonstrate how students are expected to think through their work.
-Mr. Weikert, Principal
Shanklin News
We are off to a great start here at Shanklin Elementary! Our teachers are working hard to provide online learning lessons that are rigorous and relevant to what our students need! We appreciate all parents and community members being patient with the process and all of us as we all learn to navigate these new ways of teaching and learning with our students. We encourage everyone to keep up the great work and can't wait to see our students face to face when that time comes!
We want to thank our community members for the generous donations that we have been given thus far! Your kindness to Shanklin and LISD is greatly appreciated and gives our students a chance to start off the year with supplies needed to begin school with confidence that they have what they need to be successful!
-Ms. Schwarzlose, Principal
Gerdes News
Virtual Learning in Action
Students and teachers have been adapting to a new learning environment as students begin school in a virtual learning structure. Students have been utilizing Google Classroom to meet with teachers and complete activities and assignments. Students are engaging with live learning sessions in a whole class setting as well as utilizing opportunities to work with teachers in small group settings. Teachers are able to see all of their students on the screen as well as project what students would normally see in the classroom onto the computer screens for students to follow along and take notes. Students also are able to work in virtual breakout rooms that replicate working in small groups during face-to-face instruction. We are so proud of our students as they have readily adapted and are engaged in learning. Keep up the great work!
Gerdes Earns their No Place for Hate Designation
Gerdes Junior High has earned our No Place for Hate designation for the 2019 - 2020 school year. This will be our school’s third consecutive year to earn our No Place for Hate designation. Engaging in the No Place for Hate program helps our entire school to focus on how to combat bias and bullying as a means to stop the escalation of hate. In order to earn our designation our school must have a student leadership coalition that develops and leads multiple activities throughout the school year. These activities include conducting a needs assessment in regards to bullying, signing of our school’s Resolution of Respect, and designing a minimum of three school-wide anti-bias or bullying prevention activities. Last year our students facilitated a unity day activity in October, helped with our Dia de Los Muertes event in November, toy drive in December, and Random Acts of Kindness week and our Black History Month program in February. We are continuing to engage in the No Place for Hate coalition and expect to earn our designation for the 2020 - 2021 school year at the end of this school year.
Meet the Teacher
On Thursday, August 13th, parents, students, and teachers joined together in our first ever “Virtual Meet the Teacher” event. Parents and students were introduced to their teachers through a virtual meet platform using Google Meet. Although it was a completely different structure, we saw many of you engaged with your student meeting their teachers and asking questions. We want to thank you for supporting your students and engaging with us as we embark on our new learning journey this year.
-Mrs. Meshell, Principal
High School News
AVID
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) has been expanded to Luling High School this school year. AVID is an essential component in moving students toward college readiness. This school year, AVID will focus on 9th grade students, however, the program will eventually be campus-wide.
AVID provides support structures for students’ success in all classes. As an elective class, AVID targets students in the “academic middle” - who have the desire to attend college and are capable of completing rigorous courses by working hard. In addition, students are taught study skills, note-taking, time management, and writing skills while being immersed in a college-going culture.
Ms. Pust will be the AVID elective facilitator this school year.
National Honor Society
Several Luling High School students who are part of the National Honor Society (NHS) organized a food drive for two weeks in early-August. The organization was able to supply twenty-one bags of food for families in the community.
In accordance with the mission of the National Honor Society, members are expected to participate in a variety of community service projects on campus and around the community. This is one of the many community service events members will be part of this school year.
UT OnRamps
This school year, Luling High School has begun its second year partnership with The University of Texas at Austin, through their OnRamps program. UT OnRamps dual enrollment is a way students can earn college credit while in high school. OnRamps’ innovative dual enrollment programs provide rigorous courses aligned with the standards and expectations of UT-Austin.
This past year, LHS offered College Algebra 1301 and Physics 1301 through OnRamps. In addition to those courses being offered this school year, LHS added United States History 1301 and 1302. Students will have the opportunity to earn 6-hours in that newly added US History course.
LHS is currently working on a college pathway for students while in high school, in which students would be able to complete up 42-college credits of the core curriculum requirements before a student graduates from high school.
-Mr. Alvarez, Principal
Athletic News
Another year of Eagle Athletics is upon us. We have students competing in volleyball, football, and cross country. As we wrapped up the summer, we closed out a great summer of strength and conditioning. Although this year will look different, we are truly blessed to have an opportunity to play each and every day.
Volleyball has started their season and is quickly approaching district play. As with all our districts, we will see new opponents this year with some old rivals. Football has their first games this week vs. 4A Hondo. We have had several schedule changes and were lucky that we could fill all games this year with the madness that went on in August. Cross Country had a great showing at the Yoakum Invitational. Great things are ahead for our fall sports.
Some reminders for games this year. UIL has established a 50% capacity for gyms and stadiums. This limits our seating and everyone must purchase a ticket. Volleyball and basketball will be sold at the door, as well as sub-varsity football. Varsity football will be pre-sold at the High School Office each week. Ticketing information for out of town games will be announced each week on the district website, and Facebook pages, so please keep an eye out for that information.
Social distancing and masks are required on all LISD grounds and facilities. Please everyone, do your part so that these athletes have the opportunity to play.
A lot of great things going on in Luling Athletics and we would encourage everyone to come out and support these young men and women competing for Luling.
Luling ISD Athletic Core Values
Toughness-Commitment-Discipline-Energy-Pride
Go Eagles and #TalonsUp
-Coach Martin, Athletic Director
Online Instructional Resources
Luling ISD has spent time this summer reviewing our current instructional materials and identifying areas where we can support our students through digital resources. The use of digital resources provide students an opportunity for personalized instruction and expanded learning opportunities. Here are some of our resources students can access online:
HMH Into Reading (grades 1-5) and Into Literature (grades 6-12)
HMH’s Into Reading and Into Literature are comprehensive literacy programs available in print and digital formats. ELAR/English teachers are providing students with their online login information. HMH’s digital resources can be accessed by students on the Ed, Your Friend in Learning platform or integrated in their ELAR/English Google Classroom.
STEMscopes (grades K-8)
Luling ISD uses STEMscopes in grades K-8. Content is organized by topic and standard (TEKS) using the 5E instructional model. The materials are digital, with the option of printing PDF documents for most program components. Science teachers are providing students their login information.
Discovery Education (grades K-12)
“Discovery Education offers a breadth and depth of digital media content that is immersive, engaging and brings the world into the classroom to give every student a chance to experience fascinating people, places, and events. All content is aligned to state standards, can be aligned to custom curriculum, and supports classroom instruction regardless of the technology platform.” [Source: Discovery Education] Discovery Education provides resources to teachers and students that can enrich and extend learning.
BrainPop (grades PreK-12)
“BrainPOP is a supplemental program that supports instruction in the core content areas as well as technology, fine arts, and health for grades 3-8+. Resources are available online and include some printable materials. The material is intended for students’ independent use” [Source: LearningList.com] Teachers will provide students with access to engaging resources, including videos, to supplement and extend content being taught in the classroom.
Handwriting Without Tears (grades PreK-3)
Handwriting Without Tears has provided districts with an interactive tool for teachers to provide a comprehensive digital approach to teaching handwriting. In September, a digital student app will be released so that students can practice handwriting traditionally and digitally.
Education Galaxy (grades K-5)
“Education Galaxy is a supplemental, online test preparation program for students in grades K-5. The program supports practice and review for STAAR math, science, reading, and writing tests [Source: LearningList.com] We have already received feedback that our students are enjoying Education Galaxy and are having fun learning!
Finally, as TEA releases information on TexasHomeLearning 3.0, additional online resources may become available to our students.
-Mrs. Jennings, Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Suicide Awareness is especially important at this time, as stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic continue to have a significant impact within our community. Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone and although common, they should not be considered normal. Every year thousands die by suicide, each person leaving friends and families behind to navigate the tragedy of loss.
September’s awareness month is a time to share resources and stories, and to bring this topic, which is often avoided, out into the open. This month is for reaching out to those affected by suicide, to raise awareness, and to help people make connections to treatment and services. Each Luling school campus will be incorporating suicide awareness activities with students that are appropriate for their grade level. Secondary campuses will also be training teachers to identify and respond to student mental health concerns. Elementary and Primary campuses will be focused on building connections by participating in “Start With Hello” week from September 21-25. This will include practicing saying hello, doing random acts of kindness, and learning social distance greetings. Additional information on this can be found at: https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/our-programs/start-with-hello/
Warning signs of suicide include: increased alcohol or drug use; aggressive behavior; withdrawal from friends, family, and community; dramatic mood swings; impulsive or reckless behavior. In addition, suicidal behaviors are a psychiatric emergency. If you or a loved one begin to take any of the following steps, seek help immediately or call 911: collecting and saving pills or buying a weapon; giving away possessions; tying up loose ends, like organizing personal papers or paying off debts; saying goodbye to friends and family.
Information for this article was taken from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website.
-Ms. Webb, Director of Special Programs
Census 2020
The 2020 Census is happening now. You can respond online, by phone, or by mail.
https://2020census.gov/en.html
It's Quick and Easy
The 2020 Census takes just a few moments to complete.
It's Not Too Late
You can still complete the census today.
It's Safe and Secure
The U.S. Census Bureau keeps your answers safe and confidential.
Your response matters.
Health clinics. Fire departments. Schools. Even roads and highways. The census can shape many different aspects of your community. Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year.
Erin Warren, Superintendent
Email: Erin.Warren@luling.txed.net
Website: luling.txed.net
Location: 212 East Bowie Street, Luling, TX, USA
Phone: 830-875-3191
Facebook: facebook.com/LulingISD
Twitter: @LulingISD