

LVHS Weekly Newsletter
February 21, 2025
πͺ VIKING POWER πͺ
βThese are my people. This is where I come from. Weβre giving this life everything weβve got and then some.β - Rodney Atkins
Viking Family-
A few weeks ago, I got the chance to watch our powerlifting teams compete. As I watched the madness unfold - lifters everywhere, lifting stations with ridiculously tough judges around them, huge monitors with lift orders, coaches yelling, kids wrapping teammatesβ knees, families cheering, taking pictures, videoing - I was inspired. I came back and told Ms. Kinslow, βWeβre writing a newsletter about powerlifting!β
The more I reflected on what Iβd seen, the more I realized all of the incredible lessons wrapped up in the experience for the competitors, for the coaches, and for spectators, like me. It reminded me of Robert Fulghumβs famous piece, βAll I Ever Needed to Know About Life, I Learned in Kindergartenβ.
So, in honor of our incredible Viking Powerlifters, hereβs my rendition of βAll I Needed to Know About Life, I Learned at a Powerlifting Meetβ
Show Up Ready
Cheer for Everyone
Have a Hype Guy
Failure is Part of the Process
Control What You Can
Fully Commit
Our powerlifting teams have found a lot of success this season, and I could tell immediately that they were ready. They had the gear, the shoes, the special suits, and, most importantly, the focus. Preparation is everything. Whether itβs the platform or life, success starts with consistent effort and being ready when your number is called.
Our "We All Row" mentality was on full display at this meet. While our athletes were hyped for their teammates, I saw them supporting other athletes, too. They recognized and appreciated what others were able to achieve. Imagine a world where we celebrated everyoneβs PRs, not just our own. Cheer for everyone.
Speaking of cheering, everyone needs their own hype guy! For Viking Powerlifting, our Hype Man is Coach Martinez! He was everywhere, running from rack to rack making sure our athletes knew how low to go on squats and when it was time to push the weight up, up, up! He was loud and proud, inspiring and energetic! We all need someone like that, believing in us and reminding us in difficult moments, βYOU GOT THIS!β When the weight of the world is on your shoulders, find your hype guy.
Remember, in sports and in life, failure is part of the process. Sometimes you miss the lift. Sometimes life is extremely hard. Either way, you get back up, adjust, and try again. Donβt ever give up! Lean on your teammates, and keep going!
As much as weβd like to control situations, we donβt always get to. For example, watching our kids give their best and then finding out that their lift didnβt count because a judge saw a fault was beyond frustrating! I had no control over their red flags! Neither did Coach Martinez. Neither did our athletes. The lesson - The weight is heavy, the judges are strict, and nerves are realβbut your attitude and effort are always within your control. Stay the course and trust the process!
Finally, I learned a lesson in commitment. Half-hearted attempts lead to half-hearted results. Whether itβs a squat, a career, or a relationship, give it everything youβve got.
I hope these lessons resonate. I hope you get to see a powerlifting meet at some point. I hope you approach life like these student-athletesβ¦
With Viking Power,
Janda Castillo
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 22-28
Calendar
Saturday, February 22
- Valkyries @ American Lone Star State Competition @ Georgetown East View High School
- Boys Powerlifting- Last Chance Qualifier @ Johnson High School Buda
- Softball and Baseball Tournaments- CANCELED
- Practice SAT for Juniors- 8:30am-11:30am LVHS MAC
**PROJECT VINΓTTA CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH!**
Monday, February 24 (Doing It for the Culture Day!)
- A Day
Tuesday, February 25 (African American Trend Day)
- B Day
- **PLAY-OFF BASKETBALL** LVHS vs. Pearsall @ Pieper HS (San Antonio)- 6:30pm (Tickets)
- Girls Soccer @ Austin LBJ (Nelson Field)- Varsity 7:15pm
- Boys Soccer vs. Austin LBJ @ LVHS- JV- 6:00pm/Varsity 7:30pm (Tickets)
- Softball vs. Marble Falls @ LVHS- JV- 5:00pm/Varsity 6:30pm (Tickets)
- Baseball vs. Texans Home @ LVHS- JV- 4:30pm/Varsity- 7:00pm (Tickets)
Wednesday, February 26 (HBCU Gear or College Shirt Day)
- A Day
- Boys Golf @ Wimberley Texan Golf Invitational
- LVHS Cheer Meeting- 6:30pm in the LVHS MAC (read and complete the following form )
Thursday, February 27 (I Have a Dream! Day)
- B Day
- Track- Marble Falls
- Softball @ Varsity Northshore Tournament @ LVHS (Brackets - subject to change & Tickets)
- Baseball- Varsity Northshore Tournament @ LVHS (Tickets)
- Girls Powerlifting @ Del Valle High School
Friday, February 28 (African Colors Day!)
Join Project VinΓ‘tta to Celebrate Black History Month
Monday- Doing it for the Culture! Represent your culture your way on Monday! Black History Month is all about equality and representing individuality. No matter your race, ethnicity or nationality we should all be proud of who we are! WEAR SOMETHING THAT TRADITIONALLY REPRESENTS YOUR CULTURE!
Tuesday- African American Trend Day- African Americans have significantly influenced American fashion by popularizing trends like hoop earrings, bucket hats, camouflage pants, oversized clothing, tracksuits and gold chains, largely through the influence of hip-hop culture and the Harlem Renaissance era. Letβs appropriately honor and represent African American fashion trends on Tuesday!
Wednesday- HBCU GEAR or Your Favorite College Shirt- There are 107 schools identified as Historically Black College/Universities in the United States. In honor of the educational prowess HBCU represents, letβs wear a color, or sweatshirt repping an HBCU! Howard university, Texas A & M in Alabama, Bowie State University.
Thursday- Martin Luther king I Have a Dream Day Dress as your Dream Career! To remember the equality and opportunity that Martin Luther King Jr. lived for weβd love to have all students dress as their dream career! Whether you want to be a mechanic, doctor, or fashion designer, King fought for everyoneβs right to pursue their ambition regardless if you are black or white. So throw on your stethoscope, overalls or chef hat and represent our dream!
Friday- African Colors Day- Incorporating African culture into next week, we ask that all Seniors wear black, Juniors wear Red, Sophomores wear green, and Freshman wear Yellow. Letβs finish off the week proudly representing an amazing and gorgeous country not many of us know about!
SUPPORT THE CANALES FAMILY
The Canales family needs our support during this tragic time, and we wanted to share with you a few options to meet their many needs:
- A local GoFundMe has been established to raise $75K to help with hospital expenses for baby Corinne, funeral expenses, and having a new baby at home.
- LVHS Faculty, Staff, and Students are holding a Diaper and Wipes Drive to provide for this precious new baby girl. Please bring any size diapers and wipes to the high school reception area now through Spring Break, and we'll make sure they get to the Canales family.
- Funeral services for Mrs. Canales will be held on Wednesday, March 5 at Beck Funeral Home. The viewing will be held at 10am and services will begin at 11am. There will be a gathering for family, friends, and community members from 4-6pm at Northlake Church.
- Last, but certainly not least- support this family by supporting LVHS baseball and Colby. Mrs. Canales loved being a sports mom, and Colby loves playing baseball for the Vikings! In her honor, go out and support LVHS baseball.
Coming around our people when times are tough is what we do best. Let's make sure that the Canales family feels our strong support as they walk the difficult days, weeks, and months ahead.
π BI-DISTRICT CHAMPS! π
WAY TO COMPETE, VIKINGS!
Our boys basketball rolled into Canyon High School on Tuesday and beat Canyon Lake to advance to the 2nd round of the playoffs. Tomorrow our Vikings will be traveling to Pieper High School to take on Pearsall. Details below:
- Location: Pieper HS β 1400 Kinder Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78260
- Date: Friday, February 21st
- Game Time: 6:30 PM (Gates open at 6:00 PM)
- GET TICKETS HERE!
Let's get out and GET LOUD FOR OUR VIKINGS!
π FREE PERFORMANCE π
Support One Act Play as they Prepare for Competition
The Lago Vista Theatre Department invites you to join them TONIGHT at 7pm in the PAC for a FREE public performance of their UIL competition play "And a Child Shall Lead".
Set in the concentration camp of Terezin during World War II, the play tells the story of the children in the camp who use their creativity and resilience to survive. The show runs only 40 minutes, and is free to attend. Come support our Theatre Department as they read themselves for District!
π FFA WEEK FUN! π
LVHS Future Farmers of America brought the fun this week. From dress up days to competitions, there was a lot going on to help others learn about this incredible organization. Including these brave few who took on the 'Merica Day Hotdog Eating Contest....
π HOT DOG HEROES! π
WINNER, WINNER, HOT DOG DINNER!
Congrats to Arturo Hernandez who downed the most dogs in the time limit!
π TEACHERS ARE LEARNERS, TOO! π
GETTING BETTER TOGETHER
Last week, the AMAZING faculty and staff at LVHS came together for a day of professional learning. It was so refreshing to gather and get better so we can continue to give our students the best learning experiences possible. For example-
- In the "Lesson Plan Bingo" session, we were encouraged to try new teaching methods to keep things engaging and fresh for our students in these long winter months
- In the "Let's Go, CCMR" session, we discussed ways we can work together to help our students check off the crucial CCMR box through one of the 4 pathways. Curious? See the graphic below.
- Lastly, in the "By the Numbers" session, we took a deep dive into some important data to discuss ways we could collectively provide support to specific students. Sometimes we all need a little extra encouragement and care!
We truly believe that we have the best team of professionals in the state in this building! Be sure to encourage your child's favorite teachers today!
π DANCE DOMINATION! π
VALKYRIES ARE GRAND CHAMPIONS!
The Lago Vista High School Valkyries competed in their first competition of the season on Friday, February 15, 2025 in the Ascension Central Austin Challenge at Westwood High School. The Valkyries came home as GRAND CHAMPIONS!
TEAM AWARDS
Team Contemporary--CHAMPION
Team Pom--CHAMPION
Team Kick--CHAMPION
JUDGES AWARD (90 or above from all judges on all routines)
CHALLENGE ELITE
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
OVERALL GRAND CHAMPIONS
LINE OFFICER AWARDS
Officer Jazz--1st RUNNER-UP
Officer Contemporary--1st RUNNER-UP
Officer Novelty--CHAMPION
JUDGES AWARD (90 or above from all judges on all routines)
CHALLENGE ELITE
JUDGES AWARD on NOVELTY (one of the most memorable performances of the day)
OVERALL 1st RUNNER-UP CHAMPIONS
SOCIAL OFFICERS
Social Officers--CHAMPIONS
DUET
Ayla Snapp & Ainsley Townsend--2nd RUNNER-UP
SOLOS
Olivia O'Brien--10th Grade Division I
Ainsley Townsend--10th Grade Division I
Ensey Cratty--10th GRADE 2nd RUNNER-UP
Ariel Canion--11th Grade Division I
Makenna Fisus--11th Grade Division I
Ayla Snapp--11th Grade Division I
Haley Swanson--11th GRADE 1st RUNNER-UP
Haley Wray--11th Grade Division I
Abiageal Cantwell--12th GRADE 1st RUNNER-UP
The Valkyries will compete again on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the American Lone Star State Competition at Georgetown East View High School.
π° POINT VENTURE LIONS TEACHER GRANTS π°
Several Lago Vista High School teachers combined to receive over $2,000 in grants from the Point Venture Lions Club. We are so thankful for their generosity and support!
Here are the recipients:
- Natalie Arzate & Carlos Flores β $446.19; Spanish Club Events & Class Supplies
- Elizabeth Janson β $500; Rowin' Smoke BBQ Team
- Andrew Larkin & David Goza β $492.53; Student Council and Thespian Society
- William Nelson & James Baugh β $415.99; AV Jumbotron Production
- Lea Wray β $298.88; Books for Classroom Library
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.
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)
SOPHOMORES, YOU'RE NEXT! SIGN UP NOW!
SAT SCHOOL DAY: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5
π PRACTICE FOR THE UPCOMING SAT TEST π
Click the image below to visit helpful sites your student can use to prepare for their BIG day!
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 local scholarships, 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., 5/22/25, Graduation Practice & Legacy Walk
Fri., 5/23/25, GRADUATION DAY!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
A CHANCE TO GIVE BACK
The annual La Primavera Bike Race is headed to Lago on February 28th-March 2nd! Keep Lago Vista Beautiful (KLVB) and other volunteers will be picking up trash on the 5.5 mile cycling route. PLEASE COME AND JOIN US!
Date: February 22,2025
Time: 9:00am
Where: Meet us at Bowden Park (Boggy Ford and National St).
What: Assigned areas and supplies will be distributed on the day of clean up
How: RSVP: pjberger67@gmail.com
Upcoming Important Dates π
Please add these dates to your calendar
- 2/22- PRACTICE SAT for Juniors (8:30am-11:30am in the MAC)
- 3/5- SAT Testing for Juniors
- 3/14- NO SCHOOL
- 3/17-3/21- Spring Break
- 4/5- Prom
- 4/8-4/9- English STAAR EOCs
- 4/15-4/16- Biology & US History STAAR EOCs
- 4/24- Algebra I STAAR EOC
- 4/18-4/21- April Break
LV Viking Booster Club Corner
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY!
Exciting News! The 2025 LV Viking Booster Club Scholarship is NOW OPEN for applications! Attention all aspiring scholars! The LV Viking Booster Club is thrilled to offer a fantastic opportunity for LVHS VARSITY SENIOR student athletes, athletic trainers, and managers whose family members are active Booster Club members to apply for our esteemed scholarship.
To be considered, applicants must complete the following steps:
- Local Scholarship Application: Fill out the form to showcase your academic achievements.
- Booster Club Supplement: Provide additional information relevant to the LV Viking Booster Club.
Find applications and eligibility details on our official website under the Scholarship tab: https://www.lagovistasports.com
Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. Don't miss out on the chance to apply for a scholarship to help further your education!
For inquiries or more information, feel free to contact us. Best of luck to all applicants!
SHOP THE VIKING STORE
The LV Viking Booster Club Merchandise Store is OPEN! Your one-stop shop for all your Vikings gear is just a click away. Head over to lagovistasports.com and select the SHOP tab to explore our online store. Weβve got everything from t-shirts, tank tops, and sweatshirts to hats, visors, beanies, bags, decals, and so much more!
Once your order is paid for and fulfilled, we'll contact you for pick-up details.
Remember, when you purchase from the LV Viking Booster Club, you are directly supporting the Lago Vista Middle School and High School athletic programs. Let's gear up and show our Viking pride! Letβs go Vikes! If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to email us at lvvikingbooster@gmail.com
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
The Booster Club needs your help! Please consider signing up to help out at the concession stand.
WE ALL ROW!
Lady Vikings Soccer -- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-53019842-20242
Vikings Soccer -- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-53019841-202425
Softball:
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-53019844-2025
Baseball
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-54658539-2025
Varsity Baseball Tournament Feb. 27-March 1
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-54658496-2025#/
Softball Northshore Classic Tournament Feb. 27-March 1
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-53019843-2025#/
Varsity Baseball Tournament Hospitality Room Sign Up - Feb 28 - March 1
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-54658495-2025
HS Track Meets:
Track and Field Viking Relays March 13 -- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-54957980-lvhs
Track and Field Viking Relays Hospitality Room -- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-54959116-lvhs
Track and Field District April 2-3 -- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-54950398-2025
Track and Field District Hospitality Room -- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-54950438-hospitality
MS Track Meets
Middle School Jr Viking Relays March 12 -- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-54814232-lvms
Middle School Jr Viking Relays Hospitality Room -- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-54959103-hospitality
Middle School Track District March 31 -- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-54950317-lvms
Middle School Track District Hospitality Room -- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-54956943-hospitality
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
A&B DAY CALENDAR
π NOBODY RIDES THIS SHIP- WE ALL ROW! π
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