

LVHS Weekly Newsletter
February 28, 2025
HOT MESS TO MASTERPIECE
Viking Family,
When my sister and I were little, we spent summers with our grandparents. Some of the very best days of our lives were spent in a small town called Valera, where we would play school, color in coloring books, watch βDays of Our Livesβ, play with paper dolls, and take weekly trips to Coleman to see what we could see. Our βLita (short for abuelita) was this tiny Mexican woman who sat on a phone book and two cushions to drive her four door sedan. One of her many talents was embroidering. Everything she embroidered was just beautiful! My sister and I wanted to learn, so one summer, she tried patiently to teach us.
I remember going to Perryβs (a nickel and dime store) and picking out patterns, buying hoops, and choosing beautiful embroidery threads. We were going to make potholders! My grandmother tried to keep it simple and patiently taught us how to thread needles, change colors, and follow the patterns making small, even stitches. We worked for hours, and she would come by, check our stitches, and oftentimes take them out and have us try again. It was hard work, but our first potholders were eventually transformed into masterpieces that we gave to our mom as gifts. The only downside was looking at the backs of them - they were knotted, tangled messes!
Finding success in any field is a lot like that! Eventually you see the masterpiece, but the process often looks like a hot mess! Hours of rehearsals, studying, practicing, planning, crying, and, oftentimes, praying, produce what you see on the outside. Stellar performances on the OAP stage, solid GPAs and high SAT scores, District championships, and career-based certifications- none of those accomplishments happen without more than a few knots and tangles along the way.
We also recognize that the journey towards excellence, like the back of that potholder, is not always linear. There will be challenges along the way, but it is in facing those challenges together that we grow stronger- strengthening the fabric of our entire community. Sometimes we have to back up, redo the work, and try harder. Itβs important to have family and friends to help us through the process and to hold us to high standards. I can hear my βLita say, βYou can do betterβ and I believed her! I learned to be better, because she was willing to show me how.
I will forever be grateful to my βLita for all the lessons she taught, but most importantly, for the love and patience that she gave. Iβm still working on masterpieces- leading our amazing LVHS Team of educators, modeling grace and patience with students, building trust with this community by showing up for our Vikings whenever I can. Masterpieces are never easy, but theyβre also never perfect. But, at LVHS, we are not about perfection, we are about excellence. My team and I want this school to get better every day. May we have the patience and grace of my βLita as we continue to work together on the masterpiece of LVHS!
Your Proud Principal,
Janda Castillo
WEEK OF MARCH 1-7
Calendar
Saturday, March 1
- Softball @ Varsity Northshore Tournament @ LVHS (Brackets - subject to change & Tickets)
- Baseball- Varsity Northshore Tournament @ LVHS (Tickets)
- UIL Academic Meet @ Westwood
- UIL Band Solo & Ensemble Contest
Monday, March 3
- B Day
- Golf @ San Saba Invitational
- Softball vs. Wimberley @ LVHS JV- 5:30pm (Tickets)
Tuesday, March 4
- A Day
- Golf @ Burnet Invitational
- Regional Band Concert & Sightreading @ LVHS
- Valkyries @ Texas Dance Educators Association Spring Assessment
- Girls Soccer @ Austin Northeast (House Park)- Varsity 6:00pm
- Boys Soccer vs. Austin Northeast @ LVHS- JV- 6:00pm/Varsity 7:30pm (Tickets)
- Softball vs. Austin Achieve @ LVHS- Varsity 6:00pm (Tickets)
Wednesday, March 5 **SAT DAY for Juniors**
- B Day *College, Career, Military Shirt Day**
Thursday, March 6
- A Day
- Track @ Cotton Bowl Relays @ Taylor High School
- Softball- JV @ Anderson Tournament
- Baseball- V @ Jarrell Tournament
- Tennis- Varsity @ China Springs Tournament
Friday, March 7
- B Day
- Track @ Bluebonnet Relays @ Texas A&M
- Baseball- Varsity @ Jarrell Tournament
- Girls Soccer vs. Gateway @ LVHS- JV- 4:30pm/Varsity 6:15pm (Tickets)
- Softball @ Austin LBJ (Noack Sports Complex)- Varsity 7:30pm
- StuCo Spring Fling Dance @ LVHS Cafeteria- 8-11pm
LET'S DANCE!
Lago Vista StuCo is happy to sponsor the Spring Semi-Formal- The 2025 Spring Fling!
When: Friday, March 7th
Time: 8pm to 11pm
Where: LVHS Cafeteria
What: Dancing, cotton candy, popcorn, and punch!
Dress is classy casual! $10 tickets, cash only! Tickets sold at lunch and at the door!
IMPORTANT HEALTH UPDATE
With news of the measles outbreak in West Texas, parents have reached out to campus nurses with questions. The purpose of this post is to provide information and resources to parents who have questions or concerns about protecting their child from measles. Note: We have NO reported cases in Lago Vista ISD to date.
What is Measles? Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus with the potential for severe illness. It begins with high fever, cough and a runny nose. It can cause a sore throat, watery reddened eyes which is followed by a fine flat red rash starting at the hairline and moving downward over all the body.
What can I do? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people get the Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine, which provides high levels of protection against measles. For more information, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mmr/public/index.html. Parents are encouraged to contact their family physician or pediatrician with questions about the MMR vaccine.
How can I access my child's school immunization records? Parents may access their child's school immunizations records through their Ascender ParentPortal account. Please see the District nurse's webpage for directions on how to see your child's records.
If my child has updated vaccinations, who should I notify? Updated vaccination information should be shared with the school nurse. As a reminder, individual student vaccination records are confidential.
Where can I get more information? Please visit the Texas DSHS updates page for more information.
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 OAP Advances to Bi-District π
ACTING UP!
Along side advancing, they received a number of individual awards for their outstanding performance.
- Luna Quintero- All-Star Technician
- Ruby Rees- All Honor Cast
- Avery Korock- All Honor Cast
- Avery Thompson- All-Star Cast
- Aiden Neel- Best Overall Performer
LEGISLATIVE LEARNING
FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE CAPITOL
Ms. Metters and several of her Senior students went to the Texas State Capitol to learn how they can be engaged in the legislative process. They were involved in dialogue with current key issues and were able to get a more wholistic view of what happens at our capitol building. Many thanks to Lago Vista City Councilman, Shane Saum, who facilitated the visit.
π COOL THINGS HAPPEN IN CLASSROOMS π
SPARKS ARE FLYING IN THE SHOP!
LEARNING IS IN THE AIR
Our EMT students had an incredible experience this week when the Air Evac LifeTeam helicopter landed at LVHS. The pilots shared about what it's like to be part of this crucial, life-saving team, and our students got a real world glimpse into their future careers as first responders.
DRILL TEAM TRYOUTS
2025-2026 Tryout Information
- 8th graders: February 25, 2025 at LVMS during Advisory
- 9th, 10th, and 11th graders: March 3, 2025 at LVHS during Advisory
Mandatory Meeting
- All Candidates and a Guardian: March 10, 2025 in LVHS Main Gym 6:00 pm
Clinic Dates
- Sunday, March 23rd LVHS Aux Gym 4:45 β 7:00 PM
- Monday, March 24th LVHS Aux Gym 4:45 β 7:00 PM
- Tuesday, March 25th LVHS Aux Gym 4:45 β 7:00 PM
If you have any further questions, please contact the Lago Vista High School Valkyries Drill Team Director, Wendy Phillips at wphillips@lagovistaisd.net
Valkyries Success Continues
The Lago Vista High School Valkyries competed in the American Lone Star State Championship on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Georgetown East View High School.
TEAM AWARDS
Team Pom--2nd RUNNER-UP
Team Kick--CHAMPION
Team Contemporary--CHAMPION
SWEEPSTAKES (90 or above from all judges on at 3 entries)
GUSSIE NELL DAVIS (93 or above from every judge on all team entries)
ACADEMIC AWARD
SILVER AWARD (Presentation and Choreography)
OVERALL 2nd RUNNER-UP
LINE OFFICER AWARDS
Officer Novelty
Officer Jazz--1st RUNNER-UP
Officer Contemporary--1st RUNNER-UP
SWEEPSTAKES (90 or above from all judges on at 3 entries)
GUSSIE NELL DAVIS (93 or above from every judge on all officer entries)
BRONZE AWARD (Choreography)
OVERALL 3rd RUNNER-UP
SOCIAL OFFICER AWARDS
Social Officers--DIVISION I
DUET
Ayla Snapp & Ainsley Townsend--DIVISION I
SOLOS
Haley Huey--9th Grade DIVISION I
Laney Bentley--10th Grade DIVISION I
Ensey Cratty--10th Grade DIVISION I
Olivia O'Brien--10th Grade DIVISION I
Ainsley Townsend--10th Grade DIVISION I
Makenna Fiscus--11th Grade DIVISION I
Ayla Snapp--11th Grade DIVISION I
Haley Swanson--1th Grade DIVISION I
Abiageal Cantwell--12th Grade 2nd RUNNER-UP
The Valkyries will compete again on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at the TDEA Spring Assessment (UIL Pilot Year for Drill Teams) in Katy, Texas at the Merrell Center.
This is such an amazing and multi-talented group of ladies!
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
JUNIORS, GET PREPPED FOR TEST DAY!
- Pack your backpack the night before
- Get a good night's sleep
- You must show a proper photo ID (ex. driver's license)
- Bring your FULLY CHARGED Ipad and pencils
- Eat a healthy breakfast
- Check the SAT Room Assignments spreadsheet for to find your testing spot (Helpful hint: hit "command F" and type in your student ID)
- Stay positive and give your best effort!
ACC DUAL CREDIT WEBINAR
You're invited to a virtual presentation via Zoom to learn about the Dual Credit program and opportunities for students currently enrolled in high school who reside in the ACC service area to earn college credits.
The benefits of completing college credit courses while in high school exposes students to college, provides valuable experience, and can satisfy high school graduation requirements. Additionally, it can also save students and their families time and money!
This session is designed for parents and their students interested in taking ACC college credit courses in the upcoming Summer and/or Fall 2025 semesters.
Please REGISTER HERE for the virtual session on Tuesday, March 11h at 6:00pm.
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 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!
Upcoming Important Dates π
Please add these dates to your calendar
- 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
π WE ARE PROUD OF YOU! π
LVHS Special Olympics Basketball Team competed in the Leander Lazers Basketball Showcase held on Saturday, February 22. The students who played are Christopher Landon Nuckolls, Loren and Seren Mitchel and Kason Erwin. These athletes won both of their games and took home GOLD MEDALS! Great job, Vikings!
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