

LVHS Weekly Newsletter
April 11, 2025
THE DREAM TEAM
WE ππ OUR AMAZING APs!
Dear Viking Family,
This week, we are proud to celebrate Assistant Principalβs Week and shine a spotlight on two of Lago Vista High Schoolβs finestβour outstanding Assistant Principals - David Hilsenteger and Dusty Kinslow. Their dedication, leadership, and heart make our school a better place every. single. day.
Many of you may have seen βdudewithsignβ on Instagram. The βdudeβ is from New York, and each day he holds a cardboard sign with a somewhat thought provoking message. Most days they are simple and quite humorous. One of my favorites reads, βYouβre only as good as the name of your group text.β Ever since I read that one, Iβve been very intentional about naming my group texts. Mr. Hilsenteger, Ms. Kinslow, and I share a group text. We share school/extracurricular/sports updates, family photos, weekend plans, and oftentimes words of encouragement. Our group text is called βThe Dream Teamβ.
Mr. Hilsenteger and Ms. Kinslow are some of the best people Iβve ever worked with in my 30+ year career! They bring balance, strength, and perspective to our administrative team. Their individual talents and collaborative spirit are felt in every corner of our campus, and their impact on the culture of our school is both lasting and deeply appreciated. I couldnβt do my job without them, and our teachers feel that way too.
Mr. Hilsenteger has served as an assistant principal at LVHS for the last 4 years. This year he added co-testing coordinator and JV boys' soccer coach to the many, many hats he wears on campus. His love for our school and students runs deeply. Truthfully, most people have no idea what this school means to him. His gives his whole heart to this work. His passion is watching students succeed and providing opportunities for growth. One of my favorite things about Mr. Hilsenteger is how he speaks to students and makes them feel respected. He often says, βI appreciate you coming and talking to me.β or βI appreciate you taking care of that.β βI appreciate youβ¦β The words are simple, but he validates our students and honors them in his words. I love that about him!
Ms. Kinslow has served LVHS as a teacher, counselor, second mom to the masses, and now Assistant Principal. She has been a game changer in every role! Her joy is contagious and her mind is beyond brilliant! I feel like my IQ goes up a few points just being around her. She is thoughtful, caring, a quick thinker, and always has the best advice. Itβs like all of her roles have led her to this place and prepared her for this position. My favorite thing about Ms. Kinslow is her ability to make people feel like they are the most important person in the room. She does this with her smile, her tone, how she looks at you, and how she listens. Sheβs amazing!
Whether itβs guiding students with compassion, supporting teachers with insight, or handling the day-to-day operations with professionalism and poise, Mr. Hilsenteger and Ms. Kinslow consistently go above and beyond. They model what it means to lead with integrity, empathy, and purpose. It is an honor to serve LVHS with them, and I thank God daily for placing them in my life. I couldnβt do this work without them!
Please join us in celebrating and thanking our amazing Assistant Principals for their tireless work and for being the kind of leaders who love and serve your kids with everything theyβve got!
Proud member of the Dream Team,
Janda Castillo
WEEK OF APRIL 12-19
Calendar
Saturday, April 12
- JV Baseball @ Blanco Tournament
Monday, April 14
- B Day
- Regional Golf Tournament- Girls
- Softball vs. Austin Travis @ Garrison Park- Varsity 6:00pm
Tuesday, April 15
- A Day
- STAAR EOC- Biology
- Regional Golf Tournament- Girls
- Baseball vs. Austin Travis @ LVHS- JV- 4:30pm/Varsity- 7:00pm (Little League Night) (Tickets)
Wednesday, April 16 **CCMR T-SHIRT DAY**
- B Day
- STAAR EOC- US History
- Regional Golf Tournament- Boys
Thursday, April 17
- A Day
- Regional Golf Tournament- Boys
- Softball vs. Manor New Tech @ LVHS- Varsity 4:30pm- Senior Night (Tickets)
- Baseball vs. Austin Travis @ Garrison Park- JV- 5:00pm/Varsity- 7:30pm
Friday, April 18
- NO SCHOOL- APRIL BREAK
- Track @ Regional Meet @ Texas A&M Kingsville
Saturday, April 19
- Track @ Regional Meet @ Texas A&M Kingsville
ππΊ GLITZ & GLAM ππΊ
PROM PERFECTION!
This year's Prom was a huge success! Students entered the beautiful Casino themed venue dressed to impress! They danced the night away as the DJ kept the music going. Everyone had a great time, and it was in no small part to the work of the Junior Class SUPER SPONSORS, Lisa Dohm and Kate Nordloh! A huge thanks to them for all of their organization and hard work! Also, thank you to the chaperones who came out to keep everyone happy and safe! It was a night we won't soon forget!
π CONGRATS! π
Prom Queen, Lily Wisdom
Prom King, Noah Babin
LADIES NIGHT!
CASINO TRIO!
LAST PUBLIC PERFORMANCE!
COME FOR A NIGHT OF AWARD WINNING THEATER
VIKING TRACK = AREA CHAMPS
GRAYDON BURKE
AREA CHAMP!
4X100 RELAY TEAM
BROOKS JACKSON
Triple Jump
MILE RELAY- NEW SCHOOL RECORD OF 3:57.61
LADY VIKINGS RUN TO REGIONALS!
The regional qualifiers for the girls track & field team are:
Jade Clements - 4x100m, 4x200m, 4x400m
Maddie Kassell - 4x100m, 4x200m, 4x400m
Haley Kruger - 4x100m
Lilah Smith - Pole Vault
Kahlen Mathes - 4x200m, 4x400m
Abby Tristan - 4x100m, 4x200m, 4x400m
Harper Phillips - High Jump, 100m Hurdles
New school record for the 4x400m relay with a time of 3:57.61!!! This relay team consisted of Maddie Kassell, Abby Tristan, Kahlen Mathes, and Jade Clements. Harper Phillips has two personal records with a high jump of 5'2, and a time of 16.85 in the 100m hurdles. The 4x200m relay (Maddie Kassell, Abby Tristan, Kahlen Mathes, Jade Clements) had a season best with a time of 1:43.12.
LILAH SMITH
Pole Vault
HARPER PHILLIPS
High Jump
100 Hurdles
ON THE JOB LEARNING
CAREER READY!
Mr. Panter's Ag Mechanics and Structures/ Engineering classes were blessed with an opportunity to visit a local business on Monday. Students were given a tour of Podium Body Works in Liberty Hill. Podium Body Works is a Porsche-licensed repair facility that does collision repair on High-Value cars including Porsche, Ferrari, and BMW. Processes include welding metals like Aluminium, Magnesium, High-strength steel, and carbon fiber bonding. Repairs are performed to the exact tolerances demanded by the manufacturers. Master Technician Kevin, talked to all of the students about how he attained his skill set and what a career in the auto body repair industry is like. Students watched a modern paint booth in action. A master paint technician applied automotive paint on carbon fiber and aluminum body panels. Students were also informed about career paths in the industry, various high-demand jobs, and training that motivated people can fill. Many disciplines are taught through apprenticeship where "Earn while you Learn" is the Modus Operandi. Students were also exposed to the management side of a business. The owner Kevin and his wife Renee talked in depth about the insurance industry and how the office handles claims, including negotiations with Owners and insurance adjusters. What a fantastic opportunity for our students!
EMT STUDENTS GET HANDS ON EXPERIENCE
LVHS EMT students went to the fire station to practice their scenario and skills. There was a car accident simulation, the jaws of life were on hand, and LifeFlight made another experience. Our students are literally learning to save lives, and WE ARE SO PROUD OF THEM!
NEW SENIOR TRADITION!
Seniors can leave their mark on the famous Cart Narc's roof! We are so thankful for how Mr. Yordt keeps an eye on things around campus and helps to keep all of us safe and sound!
SIGN ME UP!
WE LOVE OUR CART NARC!
Attention CURRENT 10 graders!
SOPHOMORES, this is for you, only you, no other grades, just 10th graders- Sports physicals are being offered for free on April 29 & 30 during the school day to 10th graders so they are ready for next year.
Parents, you received a text from Nurse Carmichael with a Google form to complete for consent.
Students in sports, marching band, cheer, valkyries or drill team are eligible. Pick up the forms at the table in the lobby by the SRO's office. Return them to the nurse's office after your parents have completed their part.
This will be on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE basis. If you have any questions please direct to them to Nurse Carmichael @ gcarmichael@lagovistaisd.net
π COOL THINGS HAPPEN IN CLASSROOMS π
US HISTORY STAAR REVIEW
PICTIONARY EDITION!
LVHS COUNSELOR UPDATE
SPRING IS FOR SCHEDULING!
Counselors will be working steadily this semester to plan with students and parents regarding next year's coursework. Please encourage your students to check their emails and pay attention to announcements to set up these crucial meetings with their counselors. Parents are welcome to attend the 1:1 meetings, as well. Be on the lookout here and in your inbox for more information.
FRESHMEN- SCAN THE CORRECT QR CODE TO SIGN UP NOW!
1:1 Freshmen Conferenceswill be held March 31-April 17
Have questions? Contact your student's counselor-
- Last Name A-L: Mrs. Read (wread@lagovistaisd.net)
- Last Name M-Z: Mrs. Clark (lclark@lagovistaisd.net)
SAT SCORES RELEASED!
Our Juniors have completed their SAT and can now access their scores. Score release dates and steps to view scores are listed below. Also, if your student input their cellphone number during pre-administration, their scores will be sent directly to their phones.
DOES YOUR STUDENT NEED VOLUNTEER HOURS?
INFORMATION BELOW!
SIGN UP HERE: KLVB City Wide Clean Up 4/12 Sign Up
SEND IN THOSE SENIOR SLIDE SHOW PICS
A Time Honored Graduation Tradition
- A baby photo (for that adorable "then" picture)
- A senior photo (the impressive "now")
- Any school-appropriate photos and videos that capture your memories.
We appreciate all submissions, and while we may not be able to use every item, they will all be reviewed. Please direct questions to Coach Baugh at jbaugh@lagovistaisd.net. Thank you, LVHS AVP Team
SENIORS-WANT SCHOLARSHIP INFO? NEED FAFSA HELP?
Visit the LVHS Counseling website for information on all sorts of Senior and post-graduation planning tools. You'll find videos explaining the financial aid process, links to college visit forms, transcripts and more! We are here to help your Senior transition to their next step after graduation!
NEED π° FOR COLLEGE? FILL OUT THE FAFSA!
π ORDER CAPS & GOWNS NOW! π
- Start here. Lago Vista High School | Herff Jones
- Click on GRADUATION
- Click SHOP YOUR HIGH SCHOOL
- Enter LAGO VISTA and click SEARCH.
- Click SHOP GRADUATION PRODUCTS
- Click GRAD GEAR AND APPAREL
- Scroll to the bottom of the page select CAP, GOWN, AND TASSEL.
π IMPORTANT DATES FOR SENIORS π
Sat., 4/5/25- Prom at The Crossover in Cedar Park
Mon., 4/7/25- Last Day to purchase a Senior Ad in the Yearbook (Contact Tracy Cox tcox@lagovistaisd.net)
Thur., 5/1/25- GenTX Day- On this day, we celebrate you and your plans after graduation. Wear your college shirt, military shirt, or something that represents your post-grad plans.
Wed., 5/14/25- Blue & Gold Ceremony- 6:00 p.m. in the PAC - The Blue & Gold Ceremony is where we honor seniors who have received local scholarships and/or awards. Students receiving an award will receive an invitation to attend; however, the event is open to the public.
Thurs., 5/15/25- Senior Trip to Schlitterbahn
Thurs., 5/22/25- Graduation Practice & Legacy Walk
Fri., 5/23/25- GRADUATION DAY!
Upcoming Important Dates π
Please add these dates to your calendar
- 4/15- Biology STAAR EOC
- 4/16- US History STAAR EOC
- 4/18-4/21- April Break
- 4/24- Algebra I STAAR EOC
- 5/1- GenTX Day & Extracurricular Fair
- 5/14- Blue & Gold Ceremony
- 5/22- Last Day of School
- 5/23- Graduation
VIKING BASEBALL VICTORIOUS
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME!
Viking Baseball is currently 7-0 in District and 13-7 overall. The boys have 5 district games left, so be sure to come out and cheer them on as the prep for the playoffs! (Photo credit: Vernon Reher)
LV Viking Booster Club Corner
LV VIKING BOOSTER CLUB BOARD APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN:
Want to make a difference for our Viking athletes and in our community? The LV Viking Booster Club is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Board! Several positions are open, and weβre looking for passionate volunteers ready to join our team and support our student-athletes and programs.
Application Deadline: April 30, 2025
Apply here: https://forms.gle/n8mdGGyzHgrUFB2Y9
Don't miss this chance to get involved and help shape the future of Viking athletics! Apply today or refer someone whoβd be a great fit.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
The Booster Club needs your help! Please consider signing up to help out at the concession stand.
WE ALL ROW!
Graduation Ceremony Concessions:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-56089281-2025#/
Softball:
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-53019844-2025
Baseball
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-54658539-2025
Easter Egg Drop
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-56089094-lago
π β½ VIKINGS SPORTS SCHEDULES βΎπ₯
BUS DRIVER OPPORTUNITY
APPLY TODAY!
GoldStar Transit is hiring school bus drivers for Lago Vista ISD!
- Starting at $20.50 per hour
- $1,500 sign on bonus w/experience
- Bring your kids to work, no daycare needed.
- No experience necessary....training provided!
Submit your application online today at https://ridesta.com/careers/.
Please contact (512) 267-8300 x1508 with questions.
π Stay Connected π
Check out these simple ways to stay in the know...
- JOIN CANVAS- The best way to stay connected to your student's academic progress at LVHS is through Canvas. Lago Vista High School parents can create parent accounts in Canvas to view student assignments, course information, and much more!
For instructions on how to create an account, click here.
To login, please visit http://lvisd.instructure.com/. - GET TEXTS- For class specific updates, text the following to 81010-
- Freshmen text @lago2028
- Sophomores text @lago2027
- Juniors text @lago2026
- Senior text @lago2025
- CHECK EMAILS- Encourage your Vikings to check their email. They can login to Google Mail on their school Ipad and use the following login info:
- firstname_lastname@lvisd.com
- PW is their Student ID#
- GET SOCIAL- Follow LVISD groups on Instagram
- @lvisdvikings
- @lagovistapals
FOR THE PLANNERS OUT THERE...
THE SPRING FINALS SCHEDULE
NEXT YEAR'S A&B DAY CALENDAR
A&B DAY CALENDAR
LVHS Administrative Team
Principal, Janda Castillo- jcastillo@lagovistaisd.net
Assistant Principal, David Hilsenteger- dhilsenteger@lagovistaisd.net
Assistant Principal, Dusty Kinslow- dkinslow@lagovistaisd.net
Website: https://www.lagovistaisd.net/page/lhs.Home
Phone: 512-267-8300 ex.5500