School Matters

Welcome to School Matters, your official source for award-winning news coverage from the Lake Travis Independent School District Office of Communications & Community Relations. Questions or concerns regarding any of the content in this publication should be addressed to info@ltisdschools.org.

On Wednesday, August 14, nearly 11,100 students in grades PK-12 are expected to arrive at our front doors, marking the start of the 2024-2025 academic year. On behalf of our school board, administration, faculty, and support staff, I want to welcome you and your family to Lake Travis ISD.

The beginning of a new school year brings excitement and energy from our students, staff, parents, and community members. I ask that you please be patient and drive safely in and around our school zones. Traffic will be a challenge as many parents choose to drive their child(ren) to school during the first few days of the new year. Help us ensure our students arrive to and from school safely each and every day. As the parent of a student enrolled in our Lake Travis schools, I too will do the same.

We have an eventful year ahead, one which will focus on increasing student achievement, supporting community involvement, refining our curriculum, creating a welcoming school environment, preparing our students for college and career readiness, and recruiting and retaining the highest quality staff. These challenges will present opportunities for us to improve and shape the future of our exceptional community. With your support and collaboration, we will make decisions that prioritize the well-being and education of our students. Our shared commitment, "One Community, One Purpose, All Heart," will guide our actions.

On behalf of our school board and 1,400 district staff, I extend my best wishes to you and your family for a successful and fulfilling academic year.

The first day of the school year is Wednesday, August 14. School supply lists, arrival and dismissal maps, and more can be found in the back to school section on our website.

Instructional Hours:

• Elementary School: 7:40 am - 3:00 pm
• Middle and High School: 8:50 am - 4:10 pm

Parents who have yet to complete their child's Returning Student Verification for the 2024-2025 school year in Skyward Family Access are reminded to do so before Wednesday, August 14. This process is required to be completed for all students who will be returning for the 2024-2025 school year.

If your child will not be returning to Lake Travis ISD for the 2024-2025 school year, please email ltisdenrollment@ltisdschools.org and submit the summer leaver form.

As we begin the 2024-2025 school year, we want to inform you about an important change to our district protocol regarding smart devices used by students in Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade.

New Smart Device Protocol
Beginning on the first day of instruction, Wednesday, August 14, students in PK-8 grade will not be permitted to use smart devices during the school day. Smart devices include cell phones and wearable technology such as smartwatches, earbuds, and other personal devices. The school day is defined as the period from when students enter the building in the morning until dismissal time at the end of the day. During the school day, smart devices must be turned off and out of sight.

Reasons for the Change
This decision was made after careful consideration and consultation with our district’s School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) which includes students, teachers, administrators, parents, and community members. Furthermore, the responses gathered through our Spring 2024 Stakeholder Survey align with and support the implementation of this change.

1. Enhance Focus on Learning: Restricting the use of smart devices will minimize distractions in the classroom, allowing students to fully engage with their lessons and participate actively in discussions and activities. This uninterrupted focus is crucial for academic success.
2. Prevent Bullying: By limiting access to devices during instructional hours, schools can effectively deter opportunities for cyberbullying and other negative student behaviors.
3. Improve Social Interaction: Encouraging face-to-face interactions among students will help them develop essential social skills such as effective communication, empathy, and teamwork. These skills are vital for personal growth and future success.
4. Promote Physical Activity: Without the temptation of cell phones and wearable technology, students are more likely to participate in physical activities during recess and lunch breaks. This not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also helps improve concentration and behavior in the classroom.
5. Support Digital Wellness: By reducing screen time during the school day, we aim to promote a healthier balance between online and offline activities. This is essential for students' mental and emotional well-being.
   
   

Implementation and Consequences
The implementation of this protocol seeks to nurture smart kids, not smart devices. To ensure compliance with our smart device protocol, we will implement appropriate consequences for any violations. These include:

• First Offense: Smart device will be confiscated; the student may pick up the device at the end of the school day
• Second Offense: Smart device will be confiscated; parents may pick up the device at the end of the school day
• Third Offense: School consequences in accordance with the enforcement of campus rules
  
  

We understand that this change may require some adjustment, and we are committed to supporting our students and families through this transition. More information will be provided by our campus administrators as we approach the start of school.

Family Contact Information
We recognize that smart devices are often used by parents and students for important communication. In the event that you need to contact your student, parents can always reach the school office, and we will ensure that messages are relayed to your child.

We Appreciate Your Support
The change in our district protocol regarding smart device usage by students in Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade will have a positive impact on our school community. Together, we can create an environment that fosters learning, personal growth, and well-being for all students. If you have any questions or concerns about this new protocol, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s campus.

The Lake Travis Education Foundation held its 5th Annual Kinder Club Parade & Corral on August 11 at Lake Travis High School. LTEF board members and numerous other volunteers braved the heat to display their support for our youngest Cavaliers across the district in parade-like fashion. After the car parade, families enjoyed the corral full of fun and engaging activities.

The Cavs Who Care Tip Line provides an easy and confidential way for students and parents to report bullying, harassment, or other personal crisis. You can leave an anonymous tip on the LTISD or any campus website 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You now have the ability to engage in two-way communication with a live person and remain anonymous. However, you may consider including your name and contact information so that a campus administrator can investigate your tip more thoroughly.

The 2024-2025 LTISD Instructional Calendar provides the framework to best meet the instructional requirements for students as well as the professional development needs of teachers and staff.

The calendar was developed in coordination with the District’s Advisory Committee on Education (ACE), input from district and campus staff, and made possible by our partner and sponsor A+ Federal Credit Union.

The instructional calendar is available on the District website and on each school website (listed under ‘Calendars’). Hardcopies are also available for students at each campus.

As we begin the 2024-2025 school year, we would like to announce a significant update to our lunch account restriction procedures. To ensure a seamless and positive experience for all students, we are implementing a fresh start by clearing out all lunch account restrictions for elementary school students.

What does this mean for you?
If you wish to reinstate or set specific restrictions on your child's lunch account, we kindly ask that you refer to our latest restriction form which can be found on our Food & Nutrition Services website.

We understand that each student's requirements are unique. To help facilitate discussions at home and foster responsible spending habits, we encourage parents to explore the transaction history feature on MySchoolBucks. This feature empowers informed conversations at home about lunch account activities and allowable purchases.

Meal Accommodations
Lunch account restrictions related to meal accommodations for students with special dietary needs will remain in effect. Meal accommodations are offered for students with special dietary needs, provided that the necessary supporting documentation is on file with our Food & Nutrition Services department. More information regarding meal accommodations can be found on the Food & Nutrition Services Meal Accommodations webpage.

Our Commitment
The updated meal account restriction procedures are being thoughtfully implemented to cater to the diverse needs of our students while prioritizing student safety through standardized restrictions. These changes aim to minimize disruptions in the lunch line, ensure consistent implementation by cashiers, and enhance sensitivity to medical alerts for the safety and well-being of all students.

We are committed to providing an exceptional dining experience, and these updated lunch account restriction procedures are just one way we strive to enhance your child’s time in our school cafeterias. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your student’s lunch account, our dedicated support staff will be available to assist you throughout the school year. We look forward to welcoming you back to school and making this a great year for all students.

Bus routes for the 2024-2025 school year are now available via SMART tag, our on-board tablet solution designed to increase the safety and security of students who use school bus transportation. Please note, SMART tag has transitioned from its parent portal to a new, stand alone mobile app for Android and iOS devices. As a result, all routes can be accessed exclusively on the app. Parents with existing SMART tag accounts can download the app and use their email address to sign up. More information about SMART tag can be found on the Transportation Department website.

Some of our bus routes as well as pick-up and drop-off times have been adjusted from the previous school year. Did you know that you can receive push notifications regarding approximate arrival times, delays, and other updates regarding our transportation services? To do so, be sure to review your settings and preferred notifications in the SMART tag app.

If your child will be riding the bus this school year and you have yet to enroll in transportation services, you may request services by selecting the ‘Transportation Update Form’ in Skyward Family Access. Additionally, if your contact information is not updated in Skyward Family Access, our Transportation Department will not be able to correctly identify your child’s bus route. Be sure to visit the Transportation Department web page for additional resources.

School bus drivers do everything they can to keep children safe, but motorists are also responsible for driving safely around school buses. Please reference the bus stop safety graphic below for a quick refresher before the start of the school year.

Tips for drivers sharing the road with school buses

• Follow school buses at a safe distance, keeping in mind that they make frequent stops.
• Stay alert for children around buses and remember that they may not always look for vehicles before crossing the street.
• Always stop for flashing red lights or a stop sign on a school bus regardless of which direction you’re headed, unless the bus is on the opposite roadway of a divided highway. Continue once the bus has moved, the flashing lights stop flashing, or the bus driver signals it’s okay to pass.
• Violations can lead to a fine of up to $1,250 for a first offense.
  
  

Tips for Students

• Stand as far back from the curb as possible when you are waiting for a bus.
• Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop and watch for the driver to signal that it’s safe to board.
• Listen to the bus driver and remain seated to avoid distracting the driver.
• When exiting the bus, cross only in front of the bus, never behind it. Make eye contact with the driver and wait for the driver’s signal that it’s safe to cross the street.

Graphic courtesy of KXAN

Our primary learning dashboard for the year is referred to as LT1 ClassLink. The dashboard includes a number of applications students will access each day for learning, the most common of which is our Learning Management System. The District uses single sign-on for most learning applications which means the student’s password will be automatically synced across most of the apps in LT1 ClassLink.

New default passwords for the LT1 ClassLink platform were released August 8 for all students in grades PK-12 through the Message Center in Skyward Family Access. Please refer to the email sent by LTISD Communications for step-by-step instructions on how to proceed with the password reset. Note, the password reset does not impact elementary students in grades PK-2.

For technical assistance, please contact the LTISD Technology Department Helpdesk at 512-533-6565, option 1, or email helpdesk@ltisdschools.org.

Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, Lake Travis ISD will transition from Schoology to Google Classroom for all students in Prekindergarten through 5th grade.

Why Google Classroom?

Google Classroom is a widely-used and intuitive learning management platform that provides numerous benefits for students, teachers, and parents. We believe this transition will have a positive impact on our school community. We look forward to supporting your student’s experience with Google Classroom.

1. Streamlined Communication: Google Classroom centralizes all class materials, assignments, and announcements in one place, making it easier for students to stay organized and for parents to stay informed.
2. Accessibility: Students can access Google Classroom from any device with internet connectivity, ensuring they have the tools they need at school and home.
3. Collaboration: The platform encourages collaboration through interactive assignments, discussions, and group projects, fostering a more engaging learning environment.
4. Support for Diverse Learning Styles: Google Classroom offers various multimedia options for assignments and resources, catering to different learning preferences and needs.
   
   

What Does This Mean for You and Your Child?

The best way to familiarize yourself with Google Classroom is to regularly view the platform alongside your student. Families also have the opportunity to receive updates on their student’s progress and upcoming assignments through guardian summaries. These summaries can be sent to your email on a daily or weekly basis. If you are interested in receiving guardian summaries, please contact your student’s teacher.

As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring that our students have access to the technology they need, we understand that accidental damage or loss can occur. To provide peace of mind and help mitigate potential costs, we are offering an insurance plan for the Chromebook issued to your child. Details about the Chromebook program and optional insurance coverage, replacement costs, and care can be found in the LTISD Chromebook Handbook.

We are pleased to inform you that the link to purchase optional annual Chromebook insurance for the 2024-2025 school year is now available on our district website.

Key Details of the Chromebook Insurance (LTShield):

• Coverage: The insurance plan covers accidental damage, theft, loss, and mechanical breakdown (not covered by warranty).
• Cost: The cost of the insurance plan is $25 per device, per year.
• How to Purchase: Please visit our website at Chromebook Insurance Payment Instructions and follow the instructions provided. The purchase process is quick and secure.
• Deadline: To ensure coverage, insurance must be purchased prior to October 1, 2024.
  
  

We encourage you to take advantage of this optional insurance to protect your child’s Chromebook and avoid any unforeseen replacement cost. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact our Technology support team at helpdesk@ltisdschools.org.

Crews worked under the Central Texas sun this summer, and in some cases are still braving the heat, to complete a number of voter-approved bond projects.

View our slide deck presentation for construction highlights. Please note, photos were taken earlier this summer; projects may be complete or near completion.

The Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) recently announced that Lake Travis ISD is the recipient of a 2023-2024 District of Distinction Award.

According to TAEA, the largest state professional organization for art educators in the United States, the award recognizes districts for providing a well-rounded education that advocates and integrates visual arts curriculum to inspire creativity and build social emotional learning.

This is the fifth year that TAEA is honoring districts who meet rigorous criteria as evidenced from data. For the 2023 award, over 1,200 districts were eligible to apply. Each district submitted documentation from a comprehensive, 14-point rubric throughout the 2023-2024 school year. The association looks at field experiences, community service, and community exhibitions as part of the rigorous rubric for the award. TAEA also identifies districts who actively participate in programs such as the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE), Junior VASE, and the Texas Elementary Art Meet (TEAM). Only 68 districts met the standard and received the highest honor, indicating they are in the top 5.5 percent in art education of districts in the state.

“Lake Travis ISD has set a high standard for visual arts advocacy, integrated visual arts curriculum, encouraged creativity, community participation and student growth,” said Sandra Newton, Chair of the Visual Art Administrators of Texas, a division of TAEA, “It is a true testament to their visual art educators’ skill, dedication, and flexibility that the quality of their programs continue to provide strong and comprehensive visual art educational experiences for students.”

The winning districts will be honored during the TAEA Fall Conference General Assembly in November.

The Lake Travis High School Wind Ensemble recently secured 7th place in the highly competitive Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) 6A Honor Band state finals competition.

"This prestigious recognition highlights the exceptional talent, dedication, and hard work of our student-musicians and their directors," said Shannon Gill, Lake Travis ISD Director of Fine Arts. "This placement ranks the Lake Travis High School Wind Ensemble among the top 10 bands in Texas. Congratulations to our band director Richard Hicks, his assistant directors, and our talented student-musicians for this well-deserved honor."

To enter the TMEA Honor Band competition, a band must first prepare and record its performance within specified time limits. Recordings are then submitted to TMEA for adjudication. The adjudication process involves multiple rounds starting with Region, where up to four bands per classification can advance, followed by Area, and culminating in State, where bands are evaluated through a Semifinals/Finals format. Recordings are assessed by panels of judges at each level, and bands are ranked based on a combination of judges' scores, with strict guidelines to ensure fairness and adherence to competition rules.

Do you know about our Senior Gold Card program? With a Senior Gold Card, Lake Travis ISD residents who are 65 years of age and older receive free admission to District-hosted fine arts and regular season athletic events. Susan and David Ornelas, pictured here, were the first Senior Gold Card recipients of the 2024-2025 school year! Apply for your Senior Gold Card today.

One measure of a school district's success is the level of engagement and support it receives from its community. In an effort to strengthen our community partnerships and provide increased opportunities for public participation, we are extending an invitation to parents, community members, students, and staff to consider volunteering as a member of one of the following district committees:

• Advisory Committee for Education (ACE)
• Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
• Diversity Awareness Committee (DAC)
• Library and Instructional Resource Reconsideration Committee
• LT CLASS Project
• Safety and Security Committee
• School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)
• Strategic Planning Committee
  
  

Anyone who would like to be considered for service on the committees outlined above should complete our 2024-2025 District Committees Application. A brief description of each committee is available in the application.

The deadline to submit an application is noon, Friday, August 23, 2024. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee selection for service.

Tatum Ott may have a future in law enforcement. The Lake Travis High School senior took part in the 2024 FBI Teen Academy held July 23 at the FBI San Antonio Division Headquarters Building. The exclusive, one-day experience was designed to give students a comprehensive look into today’s FBI through hands-on experiences and case presentations.

Additionally, Tatum has been selected to serve on the Texas School Safety Center 2024-2025 Safe School Teen Ambassador Youth Advisory Board. She and other student peers from across the state will provide a voice for engaging young people in school safety initiatives.

Congratulations to Tatum for her selection to these highly-competitive programs.

The Lake Travis Middle School Orchestra Ensemble, led by Man May, has been selected to perform at the 2025 Music for All National Festival in Indianapolis in March 2025.

"This is a unique honor and wonderful opportunity to showcase our students and staff at the national level," said Shannon Gill, Lake Travis ISD Director of Fine Arts.

Check out our celebratory slide presentation in Canva.

Contact our Corporate Relations Department to learn how your organization can partner with Lake Travis ISD and support our schools while increasing exposure for your business.

Each of our schools will host a Curriculum Night in September. Parents can attend informational sessions with their child's teachers to review classroom and curriculum expectations for the school year.

Curriculum Night schedule:

• Elementary schools: 5:00-7:00 pm, Tuesday, September 3
• Middle schools: 5:00-7:00 pm, Wednesday, September 11
• Lake Travis High School: 6:00-8:00 pm, Wednesday, September 4

Use the LTISD Keeping Connected document to learn about the various ways to receive District and campus-level news, emergency notification, and other information. The document is also available in Spanish.

Stay in the know on the go with our District mobile app for iOS and Android. Follow LTISD on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube. Learn about Peachjar, the innovative flyer management system that sends District- and school-approved digital flyers directly to parents via email.

The Lake Travis Independent School District is a 6A district located about 25 minutes west of Austin, Texas. Established in 1981, Lake Travis ISD is a fast growth district comprised of 11 campuses serving more than 11,100 students. Lake Travis ISD is the area's largest employer supporting more than 1,400 staff districtwide.

Email: info@ltisdschools.org
Website: www.ltisdschools.org
Location: 3322 Ranch Road 620 South, Austin, TX, 78738
Phone: 512-533-6000