School Matters
January 2024
January is School Board Recognition Month
With the theme "Locally Elected, Community Connected," the Lake Travis Independent School District proudly joins the Texas Association of School Boards and other districts across the state to recognize and thank school trustees for their service throughout January 2024 as part of School Board Recognition Month.
“Our community benefits every day from the tireless work and countless hours contributed by the seven men and women who represent more than 11,200 students and their families,” said Paul Norton, LTISD Superintendent of Schools. “These local volunteers are elected by their constituents and receive no compensation for their work as public servants. They develop policies and make tough decisions on complex educational and social issues that affect our community.”
Serving on the LTISD school board are John Aoueille, President; Kim Flasch, Vice President; Erin Archer, Secretary; and trustees Robert Aird, Keely Cano, Phillip Davis, Ph.D., and Lauren White.
School administrators and students are celebrating trustees at campus activities throughout the month. Learn more about our school board and read the trustee biographies posted on our website.
Lake Travis ISD receives 2023-2024 Demographic Study
Population and Survey Analysts (PASA) recently completed a Demographic Study for Lake Travis ISD, and an overview was presented to the school board during its regular meeting on January 17.
According to PASA, the Demographic Study includes an analysis of current student locations, potential growth based on new housing, trends in student relocation patterns throughout Lake Travis ISD, and economic factors relevant to the greater district area.
District officials may use the findings to plan for and address continued growth in student enrollment. The complete update can be accessed on the LTISD website.
LTISD highlights peace officers during "National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day"
"National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day" was celebrated across the United States on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. This designation was created in 2015 by multiple organizations to express their gratitude for peace officers throughout the country.
"Locally, "National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day" provides us with an opportunity to extend our acknowledgement and thanks to the men and women of the Lake Travis ISD Police Department," said Paul Norton, LTISD Superintendent of Schools.
In December 2020, the Lake Travis school board unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing the establishment of its own police department. Since then, in addition to day-to-day operations and matters of emergency response, LTISD officers work each day to provide support for student services, traffic safety, and staffing of special events across all schools.
The following law enforcement officers proudly serve students, staff and community:
- Andy Michael - Chief of Police
- Todd Sumrall - Lieutenant, Lake Travis High School (Annex)
- Steve Adams - Serene Hills Elementary School
- Paula Aguilar - Lake Pointe Elementary School
- Lou Candoli - West Cypress Hills Elementary School
- Ken Casaday - Lake Travis High School (Main)
- Jeffrey Corff - Rough Hollow Elementary School
- Stephen Dean - Lake Travis Middle School
- Leif Dove - Bee Cave Middle School
- Slade Fisher - Lake Travis Elementary School
- Steve Howell - Lakeway Elementary School
- Marianne Karlsen - Lake Travis High School (Link)
- Wendy Lopez - Hudson Bend Middle School
- Donnie Williamson - Bee Cave Elementary School
"Please join us in expressing our thanks and sincere gratitude to the officers of the Lake Travis ISD Police Department," added Mr. Norton. "If you haven’t had a chance to do so, be sure to visit our LTISD Police Department webpage and meet our officers."
FANS recognized as 2023 Farm Fresh Challenge "Best of the Bunch"
The LTISD Food and Nutrition Services (FANS) department has received recognition as "Best of the Bunch" for its efforts in the 2023 Farm Fresh Challenge, a program sponsored by the Texas Agriculture Commission.
Throughout October 2023, FANS offered locally-sourced Texas foods and provided agricultural learning activities to strengthen student's appreciation for healthy Texas foods. The department also shared its achievements on social media throughout the challenge to further champion and promote local food for kids.
“Participating in the Farm Fresh Challenge has a real impact on students, communities, and
local agricultural economies,” said Commissioner Sid Miller. “Connecting Texas farmers with
federal nutrition programs builds healthy habits that can last a lifetime. I am proud of all the
operators that participated in this year’s challenge, and I thank them for the hard work they do
to keep young Texans healthy all year.”
To learn more about the Farm Fresh Challenge, visit the Square Meals website
FANS reminds parents of food allergy protocols and update on Chick-fil-A in school cafeterias
With the start of the spring semester, the Lake Travis ISD Food and Nutrition Services (FANS) department would like to remind parents of the food allergy protocols in school cafeterias to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. FANS is committed to accommodating students with special dietary needs, including food allergies.
LTISD FANS Food Allergy Information:
- Medical meal accommodations are not provided unless specific documentation from a medical professional with prescribing authority is on file with the FANS Department.
- No items containing peanuts or tree nuts are served at the elementary school level.
- Pre-packaged items containing peanuts/tree nuts as ingredients are only available at the middle and high school levels.
- Food items with precautionary allergen statements* (e.g., "may contain...") are not restricted from students with standard medical alerts.
Chick-fil-A Update:
- In Fall 2023, LTISD became aware that Chick-fil-A updated the ingredient list of its sandwich to contain sesame flour. As a result, the District updated allergy profiles to restrict this item from purchase by students with a documented sesame allergy. FANS cashiers will not override allergy alerts at the point of sale, regardless of dietary practices outside of schooI.
- For this reason, students with sesame allergy alerts on their meal account will be unable to purchase Chick-fil-A sandwiches in LT middle and high school cafeterias. Parents are encouraged to reinforce these guidelines with their children.
Parents are also urged to promptly inform the school of any changes to their child's medical condition, particularly those related to food allergies. Timely communication allows FANS to update records and ensure students can purchase cafeteria foods aligning with their medical needs.
For more information about meal accommodations for students with special dietary needs, please visit our Food and Nutrition Services website, or contact FANS Dietitian, Marissa Bell, MPH, RD, at bellm@ltisdschools.org.
LT students publish books
Lake Travis High School junior Evangeline "Evie" Gatz is passionate about computer science and STEM. Combining her love for coding with storytelling, she recently published her first children's book, The Grow Up Garden: From Seed To STEM. As a developer and an aspiring computer scientist, Evie is committed to empowering women in STEM by inspiring young girls to pursue careers in science and technology.
Evie will read her debut book at the Lake Travis Community Library's "Yes I Can! Story Time" from 10:30-11:30 am, Saturday, January 20. Focusing on the power of perseverance and positivity, this special event will feature storytelling and activities centered around overcoming obstacles and refusing to give up. Hosted by Reach for the Stars ATX, this event is free and open to children of all ages and abilities.
Additionally, Sayen Banados, a 4th grade student at Serene Hills Elementary, and her teacher, Heidi Keating, self-published a book of haikus.
According to SHE principal Keegan Luedecke, Sayen's creative talents shine through in the book titled, Ten Thousand Hands.
Nearly 100 LTHS students advance to DECA state conference
Ninety-three Lake Travis High School students took top honors in their respective events at the DECA District competition held January 9 at the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock. As a result, these students will compete at the state conference February 15-17 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.
LT DECA provides students the opportunity to develop their leadership and business skills in preparation for success in their future careers. Students travel and compete in various events while making lifelong friends and networking with other students from high schools around the globe. LT DECA advisors are Jill Oates and Tracey Griffith.
Spring after school enrichment registration open
Registration for the 2024 Spring After School Enrichment is now open. There is something for everyone: Robotics, Cooking, Self Defense, Athletics, Art, Yoga, Chess, STEM, Choir, Acting, and more!
Classes are available at all campuses, elementary through high school. Enrichment is a great way to introduce your children to new experiences while helping you avoid the car rider lines!
Enrichment classes are taught by LTISD staff members and carefully vetted contractors and serve the purpose of piquing a student's interests or fine-tuning skills already in place.
To learn more about our offerings and to register your child, visit the LTISD Community Programs website.
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