March 2023

LISD Families,

I hope you all enjoyed a much needed break last week and are ready to finish the school year strong as ONE LISD as we enter this last nine weeks of school. Our students are accomplishing incredible things and I am grateful for your partnership in the education of our kids. Without your support of our schools and LISD, none of it would be possible.

There have recently been several stories in the news related to gun violence on campuses in other school districts in North Texas and around the country. As parents, this kind of news shakes us to our core, and as educators, it makes us take a look at our own internal processes to ensure we are doing everything in our power to keep our students and staff safe at our schools. Earlier this year I shared with you our safety and security procedures, as well as new processes we implemented this school year. I invite you review those procedures on our website if you have questions about LISD's safety plans.

In my video message to you below, I touch on a few very important topics such as the Fentanyl crisis we are currently facing, how you can help us retain our amazing teachers, and some very important bills on the table during the 88th Legislative session that directly affect where your taxpayer dollars are going and how they are spent. I encourage you to stay informed and engaged, and help us advocate for the future of Texas public schools.

I have shared a few helpful resources in the rest of this month’s newsletter below, such as details about the upcoming local election in May in which two seats on our Board will be selected, information designed to help you keep the conversation going at home with your child about the dangers of drug use, and more.

Thank you for everything you do to help us make every day a great day for kids!

Dr. Lori Rapp, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Follow along with me:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LISD.net/superintendent

In this video I cover the Fentanyl crisis our students are facing, our upcoming election, the importance of parent surveys and an overview of the financial challenges related to LISD's recapture payments.

March 25 - LISD Job Fair

April 4 - School Librarian Appreciation Day

April 3-7 - National Assistant Principal Week

April 5 - Paraprofessional Appreciation Day

April 7 - School Holiday

April 17 - Board Meeting

April 17-22 - Volunteer Recognition Week

As a reminder, the bad weather days built into the academic calendar will be used to make up missed days. Students and staff will report to campuses for the full day on April 10 and May 24. Staff and students will report to campuses on May 25, and students will be released early according to normal campus early release hours.

Next up in our UnRAPPed series, we’re breaking down an important buzzword throughout public education: Recapture. Find out what it means, how the state determines which public school districts are in recapture, and how it impacts school finance in the video above. Visit LISD.net/Unrapped to view additional installments of this series.

The Lewisville Independent School District Board of Trustees met for their regularly scheduled Board Meeting on Monday, March 20. Highlights include the Pledge of Allegiance led by Hicks Elementary students, recognition of several staff members and students and a Superintendent Update from Dr. Rapp. Read the recap HERE.

As a reminder, LISD School Board Places 6 and 7 will be on the ballot on May 6. The deadline to ensure you’re registered for the May 6 election is April 6. Click HERE for helpful materials such as a list of candidates, candidate forum information and more.

At Monday’s Board Meeting, the Board read a response to the Senate Bill 8, with considerations related to Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). We invite you to read this letter, learn more about LISD’s legislative priorities and sign up for our Legislative Newsletter by visiting the Legislative Information page at LISD.net/legislative.

You might have seen recent news stories about fentanyl and other dangerous drugs that have been circulating around our communities. It is crucial to keep our families informed about the dangers of drug use and how we can be effective partners in preventing our children from falling prey to this deadly trend.

With programs in place such as the Red Ribbon Campaign and the Ask an Expert series, we are focused on providing families with resources to ensure each child receives the support they need. Please visit LISD’s Prevention and Wellness page for these resources and other helpful tools related to substance abuse.

On Monday, March 20 all LISD families should have received an email from Survey@lisd.net with the subject line “LISD Parent Survey.” This is a survey designed to garner feedback about your experience at your child’s individual campus. Please check your junk or spam folders for this message and make sure you complete the form by March 31.

Lewisville ISD is hosting an in-person job fair this Saturday, March 25. The event is an opportunity for applicants to meet campus principals and department heads. Participants are encouraged to view job openings and apply ahead of the job fair. For more information, visit LISD.net/jobfair.

It’s time for kindergarten! Kindergarten enrollment for the 2023-24 school year kicked off this week. Families can enroll their little learner any time at LISD.net/kindergarten.

• Parent Information Session | March 30: Early childhood programs will be hosting a parent information session on March 30 for families wanting more information about what to expect when their little learner starts kindergarten. For more info and to sign up, families can visit LISD.net/kindergarten.

This month's family commitment is: During time of crisis, we understand establishing contact with your student is important, but please allow district staff to be your primary points of contact for updates. READ MORE

We are committed to building positive partnerships between staff and communities with clear communication. Each month we'll be sharing corresponding Communication Commitments with both staff and families. Click HERE to see the Communication Flow for Families.

The submissions are pouring in and we appreciate your participation in our recognition program. Share your appreciation for and recognize your peers via our online form. The last day for 2022-23 recognize someone submissions will be Friday, May 12.

Last month, Superintendent Dr. Lori Rapp surprised each of the 2022-23 LISD Teacher of the Year Finalists with the exciting news. See the full list of finalists at LISD.net/TOY and stay tuned to our Facebook page over the next few weeks to learn more about these individuals. Congratulations again to all of our finalists!

Walking into Ethridge Elementary’s Sweet Shop Bakery, customers are immediately transported back to the 1950’s. Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” blasts from the jukebox, student volunteers sport their finest greaser jackets and poodle skirts while the scent of cotton candy and baking pizzelles fills the room. But taking a closer look, guests may just be able to make out that the ornately decorated cakes, beautifully glazed donuts and perfectly constructed petit fours are actually creatively camouflaged works of art created by elementary students for this one-of-a-kind immersive exhibit. READ MORE

Twin sisters Nicole and Samantha Humphries know what it’s like to be confused for one another. The two are identical, mirror-image twins. This means they have reverse asymmetrical features even down to their dominant hand. Their lives have been mirrored off of each other’s as well, both enjoying the same circle of friends, the same hobbies and more. And for as long as they can remember, both Nicole and Samantha have shared a love of running. READ MORE