Dear SHE family,
I hope this summer has been the perfect blend of fun, relaxing, and productive. Our building is coming along and you may begin moving back in June 30 (if you wish). The office is still under construction, so please do not enter from the front (Lei's office), if you see that it's still being worked on. It has been a very busy summer for us adding several new staff members and making some exciting shifts. I can’t wait for you to meet our rock-star new teammates. District & campus admin have also been busy planning and preparing for you and students to return to campus.
Please keep in mind, that due to our increase in classroom usage, any extra furniture you had may not be available to use any longer. District warehouse and I will try to work with you to find you additional furniture you may need, but we will no longer be able to store excess furniture on campus.
Our theme for this year is The Best is Yet to Come. This phrase provides us some encouragement and a sense of hope and anticipation for what is in store for us and our students.
Explain 'The Best'.
You may be shaking your head wondering if we can ever achieve the best or have the best, especially in the current world of education. This requires faith - faith in yourselves, faith in each other, faith in our students and families, and yes, even faith that our society and lawmakers want the best for education as well. How can we expect 'the best' to come if we don't believe 'the best' even exists? However, it also requires action. Setting goals, true collaboration, and focusing on student learning will drive our school year and truly ensure we become 'The Best' we can be.
Explain the word 'Yet'.
As we work toward consistent growth, we realize that we are always the best that we ever were, and also we will continue to strive for the best. We don't sit stagnant. We don't accept the status quo. We always move forward and therefore the best is always ahead and ready for us to reach it.
What are we going to do with our theme?
"The Best is Yet to Come" will be our battle cry this year. It demands that we extend ourselves past what is convenient and comfortable, not only in our words, but also our actions. We are going to affirm into being that what is coming for our district, our school, our students, and ourselves has already been put into motion. We will march forward armed with the faith that this is going to be the very best school year yet.
There is a ton of information below. Please know this is the best information I have to this point, but as always, it can be subject to change.
As always, thank you for continuing to trust me to lead you. Being a part of our school community is one of my greatest prides. I am here for you for anything you need. This is an incredible school family and I am so glad you are a part of it.
See you soon!
Keegan
District revises protocol for use of smart devices in grades PK-8
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.
- 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.
- Prevent Bullying: By limiting access to devices during instructional hours, schools can effectively deter opportunities for cyberbullying and other negative student behaviors.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
