Our reception area is being remodeled to make our front entrance even safer than it was, and the project is running a little behind schedule. All of our campus except for our front reception area looks sparkling clean and ready to greet our new families. We hope to have our reception area in that same pristine condition by Meet the Teacher Day. Meanwhile, we ask for your patience while the remodeling project is being completed. Our Receptionist and Registrar are working hard, but they must work behind the scenes and away from their usual work stations because their usual work areas are part of the remodeling project.

Unfortunately, that means it may take a little longer for you to reach them by phone and for your calls to be returned. We do have helpful information in our Serene Scoop newsletters and on our website so that almost anything you need to know can be found there at your fingertips. We apologize for any inconvenience our construction project may have caused.

We are so excited to welcome new-to-LTISD Sailors and to welcome back our returning Sailors for the 2024-2025 school year. If your Sailor is a new-to-LTISD student and you have not already done so, please be sure to complete the online new student enrollment. If your Sailor is a returning student, please, if you have not already done so, complete the online returning student verification.

The first day of school is Wednesday, August 14. Parents are welcome to walk their Sailor(s) to class that morning (doors open at 7:20 and the school day begins at 7:40 am). PreK & Kinder join PTO & me in the Cafe from 7:45 to 8:15 am for a Kinder Koffee.

Meanwhile, we hope that you are enjoying your last days summer. We miss you, Sailors!

Aug. 9th: Teacher Announcement emails 4PM

Aug. 12th: Meet the Teacher Day (Details below)

Aug. 14th: First Day of School / Kinder Koffee

Aug. 22nd: SHE PTO Back to School Bash

Sept. 2nd: Student and Staff Holiday

Sept. 3rd: Elementary Curriculum Night (Details Below)

The week of Aug. 5th - Aug. 9th, our registrar will be inputting students into classes. However, the way our system works, means that Skyward may show one or several different teachers for your student(s) through the courses of the week. Do NOT consider the teacher listed in Skyward as your student(s)' teacher until you receive the Welcome / Meet Your Teacher email on Friday, August 9 at 4PM.

In addition, we cannot make classroom placements based on friends, so please do not email requesting placement with certain friend(s) of your student(s). Each student is placed with a number of factors in mind to ensure success for each individual student. Thank you for your support.

Dear Lake Travis ISD Parents/Guardians,

We hope this letter finds you and your family well. As we continue preparing for 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.

Dear Lake Travis ISD Parents/Guardians,

We hope this letter finds you well and that your family is enjoying a restful summer. As we continue preparing for the 2024-2025 school year, we would like to share some important information regarding student transportation services.

• Returning Students WITH Prior Service:
  All students who received transportation services this past spring (January 2024 to May 2024) do not need to re-register for the 2024-2025 school year. Your child's ridership will be assigned according to the established routes from last year. However, if you have recently moved, you will need to update your contact information in Skyward Family Access using the "Address Change" tile. This form must be reviewed and verified by the campus registrar before any changes are accepted.
  
  
• Returning Students WITHOUT Prior Service:
  Returning students who did not utilize transportation this past spring will need to register for services for the 2024-2025 school year. The form is available in Skyward Family Access and includes a simple checkbox asking if transportation services are needed for the student (see tile below):

• Newly Enrolled Students:
  Students new to the district who have completed enrollment in Skyward Family Access for the 2024-2025 school year and have elected for transportation services as a part of that process do not need to re-register. Please note, the form can be completed and resubmitted multiple times, so it is normal for parents to still see the Bus Registration tile in Skyward Family Access.
  
  
• Route Assignments, Updates, and Activation Timelines:
  Ridership will be assigned according to the routes established in the spring of 2024. For all students who utilized transportation services this past spring and for new registrations entered by July 31, 2024, route assignments will be posted by August 7, 2024 in SMART tag and at Infofinder. Please allow three to five business days to obtain route assignments for any new registrations requested after July 31.
  
  If your child is absent on the first day of school, please contact your campus registrar to establish enrollment and a start date. Transportation routing will be reactivated once your child is present at school during official attendance time. Please allow three business days for this to occur.
  

While we strive to accommodate all registered students, transportation services will be provided based on available resources including driver availability and route capacity. At this time, we are unable to provide transportation to neighborhoods which did not receive services last year. If you have any questions regarding your registration or need further assistance, please contact our Transportation Department at 512-533-6070. Thank you for your cooperation and support as we work to provide safe and reliable transportation for our students.

Dear Lake Travis ISD Elementary School Parents/Guardians,

As we prepare for the upcoming 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.

First Day of School - August 14

• Doors open at 7:20 AM.
• School day 7:40-3:00
• Parents that wish to walk their children back to class may do so this first short week. On the first day ONLY, parents can forgo signing in. However, the rest of the week and all year, we must abide by our safety and security protocols and have all visitors raptor in. Please plan accordingly.

1) All families will be receiving one car tag per family. This will come home with one of your students on day 1. For the first day of school, if you will pick your students up via car, please have their names written on a sheet of paper for you to hold up. This will help our staff call for your student when you arrive for dismissal. Please work with your children to learn their car tag number to ensure dismissal runs as smoothly as possible.

2) Walkers- Most students will also come home with a Smart Tag attached to their backpacks after the first day. Please take a picture of each students' Smart Tag on your phone. If you are picking your student up from the Walker Porch, you will need to show a picture of your Smart Tag to the staff member on duty for your student to be released to you. Is a neighbor picking up your child? Update this change as an exception in the Smart Tag system and send your neighbor the picture of your child's Smart Tag to show our staff when they arrive to pick up your child.

3) Your students' teachers will communicate to you when your students will have PE. Please remember to have your students wear tennis shoes on those days.

4) We are excited for our families to join our Serene Hills community. It is such a wonderful place to be! My staff is completely understanding of the nerves the students will be feeling, especially for new to campus students, and will meet them with kindness and compassion. We will have numerous adults available to help navigate the students to their classrooms. The teachers will be waiting outside their classroom doors to greet them.

Hello!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!

Emergency care plans must be updated every school year. Please see the following forms if your child has asthma, seizures or allergies requiring epinephrine. Any forms completed over the summer can be faxed to 512-533-7401 or emailed to tabarroke@ltisdschools.org.

If your child is getting vaccines over the summer, please make sure all records are signed/stamped by the doctor. Feel free to email tabarroke@ltisdschools.org or fax the records to 512-533-7401. All 5th grade medical files will transfer over to the middle school campus nurse. Any updated vaccines should be sent to the middle school nurse :) !

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again soon!

Water fountains will be re-opened for this school year. However, we continue to encourage you to send your child with a personal water bottle. Serene Hills has a total of four water bottle filling stations on campus. Please send your child with a refillable water bottle, labeled with their first and last name to ensure our students stay refreshed and hydrated. These bottles will be sent home daily to be cleaned and sanitized at home.

Useful Links:

Serene Hills:

Serene Hills Elementary Homepage

Transportation:

LTISD Transportation

Transfinder

SmartTag

Food and Nutrition Services (FANS):

LTISD FANS

My School Bucks

Menus

Lake Travis ISD Mobile App

LTISD Extended Care Program

#SHEtheBestisYettoCome #LTWorkofHeart

The Serene Hills Elementary community commits to engaging every student in innovative, collaborative learning focused on growth and to igniting a passion for learning in which everyone is valued.

Website: https://www.ltisdschools.org/SHE
Location: 3301 Serene Hills Drive, Lakeway, TX, United States
Phone: 512-533-7400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenehillspto/
Twitter: @SHEsailors