Tiger Talk

07/07/20

Superintendent outlines options for 2020-2021 school year


Dear Lake Travis ISD Staff, Parents and Guardians:


We have been very busy this summer working on various plans and options for the 2020-2021 school year. Despite the ongoing concerns surrounding COVID-19, we are excited to be able to open our schools next year and look forward to welcoming our students and staff back in August, whether that is in person or in a remote environment.


The purpose of this letter is to provide you with the latest information concerning our plans to open schools this fall. During a special called school board meeting on Wednesday, July 1, our trustees were presented with several options on how to address learning for all students next year. Please note that any guidelines or details about next year are subject to change based on information from local, state, or federal authorities.


As it stands today, LTISD families will select one of two options for their children for the 2020-2021 school year.


  • Option 1: Five days a week full-time in-person traditional learning on campus, with heightened hygiene and disinfection protocols
  • Option 2: Full-time remote learning


We are working on a website that will provide greater detail which we expect to make available next week. Until that information is ready, I wanted you to have the latest plan so your family can begin thinking about what is best for the students in your family. I also know that you have many questions about how we will organize in person learning and remote learning. The website will have an extensive question and answer section that will address many of those issues. As you might expect, this is a constantly evolving process, and we will continue to update this website and our plans throughout the next few weeks.


Please keep in mind, like all public school districts across Texas, LTISD is subject to rules and regulations from city, county, state, and federal authorities. These guidelines may require school districts to take specific action, such as requiring face coverings, specifying cleaning guidelines, or even closing schools. Our goal is to provide our parents with as much notice as possible should these plans change.


For now, I hope you and your family enjoy the Fourth of July weekend. You can expect more details to come on these important plans. Thank you for your continued patience, understanding and flexibility.


Sincerely,

Brad Lancaster, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Overview and FAQs from LTISD Regarding the 2020-2021 School Year

Dear Lake Travis ISD Staff, Parents and Guardians,


On Wednesday, August 19, we will welcome more than 11,400 students and their families back to school. Whether in person or remote, the Lake Travis Independent School District will be ready to support learning for all students.


District and school leaders are working to finalize safe and viable opportunities to meet the diverse educational needs of our students. We have published an overview and Frequently Asked Questions for both In-person Learning on Campus and Remote Learning at Home on our website, linked here.


The information shared on this and subsequent sections of our website outlines our plans for resuming instructional services this fall. Please note, any and all information is subject to change in response to directives provided by governing authorities and/or health officials, or as environmental conditions warrant. Please visit this site often for updates.


Sincerely,

Marco Alvarado

Director of Communications, Media & Community Relations

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Congratulations, Aayan Cheema!

Aayan Cheema, a fourth-grade student at West Cypress Hills, recently came in 19th place out of 71 fourth graders in the 2020 Math League Elementary National Championship. The National Championship was held online on Saturday, June 20, with 378 students representing 169 public and private schools across the United States.


To prepare for the competition, Aayan spent 1-2 hours each day during the summer break

reviewing mathematical concepts and taking countless practice tests. His commitment and

dedication to the pursuit of a personal goal were key to his achievement.


After competing at Nationals, he realized just how much he has grown and learned since joining the Tiger Math Club in Fall 2019. Even though he didn’t reach his goal of being in the top 10 fourth graders in the nation, he was pleased knowing he came very close. Aayan states he still has a long journey to achieve his objective. This was Aayan’s first year competing at Nationals.


When Aayan is not respresenting WCHE in math competitions, his hobbies include swimming, reading, programming, and riding his electric scooter and hoverboard. His favorite subjects at school include math, reading (especially spelling) and science.


Math League is the largest network of local and state math competitions at the elementary,

middle, and high school levels in the United States. It conducts over 200 contests and reachesover 20,000 students each year.

School's Out For The Summer!

To celebrate the arrival of summer, and to stay connected as a Tiger Community, we invite you to participate in West Cypress Hills Summer Bingo!


Photograph your family in any of the board selfie challenges and post to Twitter, tag @mbeninga and @leannapestaedd, and add #wchessummerselfiebingo.

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What Fun! Shop @ Original Works Thru July 31!

School code is Wcye. To find your Tiger's art, click the teacher search box. Select your Tiger's classroom teacher. Art from that class is then displayed. Scroll through to find the art of your dreams! Happy shopping!

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2019-2020 WCHE Yearbooks are on their way!

Pick Up Yearbooks Already Purchased July 23

Our 2019-2020 yearbooks are scheduled to arrive by mid-July!!!!


Therefore, families who purchased 2019-2020 yearbooks in advance may drive by the front entrance of the school on Thursday, July 23, to pick up their yearbook(s.) Please do not leave your vehicle, for we continue to practice safe-distancing in accordance with the Governor's guidelines. We are offering two pick up times:


  1. between 9 am and 11 am on Thursday, July 23.
  2. between 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm on Thursday, July 23.


To pick up yearbook(s) that you purchased during the school year:


  • drive by the main, front entrance of the school building.
  • remain in your vehicle. We will deliver your yearbook(s) to your vehicle.
  • place a sign in your windshield, in large print, showing the name of the student(s) who purchased the yearbook(s) and the name of his/her classroom teacher(s.)

When we see your sign in the windshield, we'll deliver your yearbook(s) to your vehicle.

Buy Yearbooks July 23 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm

Families who did not purchase a yearbook in advance can purchase yearbooks on July 23.


To purchase your 2019-2020 yearbook(s.)


  • drive by on Thursday, July 23, between 4:30 and 6:30 pm.
  • have your $40 payment ready for us to pick up from your vehicle.
  • we accept cash (exact amount only) or check payable to Balfour.


We'll pick up your $40 payment and deliver your yearbook(s) to your vehicle.

Any yearbooks not sold by 6:30 pm on July 23 will be available for purchase from the Front Desk of the school beginning August 17.


Forgotten if you bought a yearbook? Contact us by email to confirm.

WCHE Staff Presents "Happy Summer" Video

Some people & a tiger you may know and love wish you a happy summer.

Respond with your own video!

Send your music video to Mrs. Hill or to #WCHLipSyncChallenge.


Have a great summer!

Press for Kinder & Any New-to-LTISD Student Enrollment

Welcome to the Lake Travis Independent School District and West Cypress Hills Elementary! Please complete and submit new student registration here. This link is not for returning LTISD students. Returning student enrollment info coming soon!

Please tell us how your Tiger(s) will be going home.

At the end of the school day, how should your child go home...the first day of school? The first week of school? And thereafter? Please take a moment to tell us about your child's dismissal arrangements.

2020-2021 West Cypress School Supply Lists

If you purchased your WCHE student school supplies online before the June 12 deadline, your supply kits will be delivered to West Cypress Hills Elementary before the first day of school.


Our grade level supply lists are available here for WCHE 2020-2021 so that you can purchase the supplies on your own from any source convenient to you. Feel free to drop off the school supplies that you've purchased at our Meet the Teacher Event in August.


A limited amount of free district-approved, prepackaged school supplies are available for the 2020-2021 school year for elementary, middle, and high school children. These supplies are funded from charitable grants made available to LTLov. If you would like to apply for a set of free, prepackaged school supplies to be delivered directly to your child's school at the Meet the Teacher Event - please complete this form. You will receive notice by postcard, email, or text towards the end of June to let you know if your application has been successful. Applications must be received by June 30 to be eligible for consideration. As funding is limited, supplies will be awarded on a 'first-come, first served' basis and are NOT guaranteed.


*3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Students also need to have student planners for the 2020-2021 school year. These are sold separately from the prepackaged supply kits. Planners cost $6 each. We can accept cash or checks payable to WCHE. Planners can be purchased at the school during the Meet the Teacher Event or from the front desk any time on or after the first day of school.

Order LTMS School Supplies Here thru 7/14 Code LTMS001

Skip the trip and the crowds at the store. Order with Sprout to enjoy FREE school delivery and have your student’s supplies waiting for you at LTMS before the 1st day of school.

To Follow Principal Beninga on Twitter

Melanie Beninga provides info, photos, and updates via Twitter, too. If not already following Melanie Beninga in Twitter, you can follow her @principalwch and @mbeninga.

Thank you for picking up your Tiger Property Bags!

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We started out with over 900 bags....now we have a handful left.

If you missed the Tiger Property Pick Up Event, please email us to arrange to pick up your Tigers' things.

More News from Sheila White, WCHE School Counselor!

As our students continue to do a tremendous job in remote learning, and our teachers continue to engage and interact with their classes virtually, please know that I am also available to support families during this time. 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:


Resources for Parents:


  • 24/7 Helpline 512-472- (HELP) - Integral Care’s 24/7 Helpline provides around the clock crisis support as well as access to all of our programs and services for adults and children, including appointments and billing. Our team is here to help. We’ll listen to you and care about you, support you without judgment, and provide immediate support in a mental health crisis.


Resources from our Librarians

Our school Librarian, Cathy Seidenberger, with other LTISD elementary district librarians have created a Schoology group which contains books, stories, resources, links, and more in every subject area. Your child has been added as a member of this group.


To reach the library group, after logging into Schoology using your child's login, please click the "GROUPS" tab at the top of the page and select "LTISD Elementary Libraries Online.

Mrs. Seidenberger Releases the West Cypress Summer Reading Program

Be smarter than ever when you read for fun over the summer!


The best way to become a better reader is to spend time reading.


Did you know that when kids don’t read over the summer they are likely to fall behind when they head back to school? These learning losses are often called the “Summer Slide,” and our school has made it a priority to keep our students’ skills sharp by encouraging them to read all summer long. Spending just 20 minutes of reading time each day will make a dramatic difference in your child’s success in the coming school years.


This summer reading packet contains booklists, activities, community library programs, and even an ice cream recipe! We hope you also visit the elementary librarian Schoology group to find additional resources, books, and activities.


Have a great summer, Tigers!

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Lake Travis Community Library Book and Media Drops are Open!

The Lake Travis Community Library is now accepting returns of library materials.


  • We will continue to wave fines and fees for items currently checked out.
  • We are not able to accept donations at this time, so please keep your items at home until we can receive them again.


We are continuing to monitor the current crisis and its impact on our community as we plan and prepare for a safe, phased reopening. Click the link below to learn more about our curbside reserve pick up. We appreciate your patience and thank you for your continued support of the library!

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Information Concerning Spring Photos

Lifetouch has made the individual spring student photos available for viewing and ordering online this year. You can view the instructions here and well as in the snapshot shown below. Individual photo packages ordered from Lifetouch will be delivered to your home directly from Lifetouch.


According to Lifetouch, these are our ID Access Codes:


ID code for individuals is: EVTNW2JGH................ID code for groups is: EVT8CZXSJ

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Field Trip Updates

In order to keep our Tigers sheltered safely at home, all of our spring field trips planned for March through May were canceled. Some of our first and fourth graders' families had already paid for their field trips and may, therefore, be concerned about the funds turned in to teachers before we realized that the field trips could not take place.


Please rest assured that we have deposited your payments, have recorded your payments, and have a record of the resulting credit balance of each family.


And, we have plans to ensure that you receive full credit for your payment(s.)


  • For students returning to West Cypress Hills Elementary School for the 2020-2021 school year, the credit balance due your family for West Cypress Hills' canceled field trips will be applied toward the purchase price of West Cypress Hills classroom t-shirts and/or field trips that take place during the 2020-2021 school year.
  • For students who are not attending West Cypress Hills Elementary School during the 2020-2021 school year, a refund check will be issued to your family by West Cypress Hills Elementary School by the end of the school year. Please complete the WCHE Field Trip Refund Request Form to request your reimbursement check.

Upcoming Events

By 07/14/20..........Order LTMS 2020-2021 School Supply Kits Here

On 07/23/20..........Pick Up Yearbooks Ordered in Advance from 9 am to 11 am

On 07/23/20..........Pick Up Yearbooks Ordered in Advance from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm

On 07/23/20..........Purchase a 2019-2020 Yearbook for $40 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

By 07/31/20..........Place Custom Art Orders @ Original Works Code Wcye