LVMS Newsletter
Edition XII, November 3rd
Camp Fire Stories
Wind Up Toy Lab
Peace Poster
Information About VATRE
The Lago Vista ISD Board of Trustees approved a resolution calling for a November Voter Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) to generate additional revenue for salary increases and safety and security measures. This resolution follows months of deliberation by the Board of Trustees and the approval of the 2023-2024 budget. The VATRE will take place on November 7, 2023.
A Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) is an election that is required by state law when a school board adopts an M&O tax rate that is greater than the rate set by the State. The Lago Vista ISD Board of Trustees adopted an M&O tax rate of .6992 cents, which is two cents higher than the rate set by the State of Texas. With an I&S tax rate of .32 cents, the total adopted tax rate for 2023-2024 is $1.0192. Voters must approve the two cents on the M&O rate.
Due to the M&O tax rate compression by the State, Lago Vista ISD's total tax rate will still decrease from last year with the passage of the VATRE. Lago Vista ISD’s total adopted tax rate for 2023-2024 is $1.0192 (with the VATRE), which is a decrease from the prior year’s tax rate of $1.184. The District’s Chief Financial Officer, Jason Stoner, explains, “If the VATRE is approved by voters, tax rates will go down 16.5 cents per $100 of valuation instead of 18.5 cents. Tax rates will still go down from last year."
In addition to compressed tax rates, Texas will vote to decide if taxpayers will see the homestead exemption increase from $40,000 to $100,000 as a result of the passage of SB 2. Lago Vista ISD taxpayers will also continue to benefit from the additional Board-approved Local Optional Homestead Exemption (LOHE), which provides a 20% exemption off the net appraised value of homesteads.
If approved by voters, the VATRE will inject approximately $800,000 into the District's operating budget. These funds will be used to provide additional salary increases for staff members and increased safety and security measures across the District.
"The language on the ballot is required to specify the amount of the increase in local revenue, so the ballot will say that it's a 0 percent increase in revenue," said Stoner. "In actuality," he explains, "there is a $0 increase in local tax revenue, but our overall revenue will increase approximately $800,000 from State funding generated by the VATRE.”
If the additional revenue is not approved, the District will face a projected $800,000 budget shortfall. This shortfall is the result of multiple variables, including the estimated $10.5 million recapture payment the District has to send to the State of Texas this school year, the discontinuation of federal funding programs, the Texas legislature's decision not to increase the basic allotment amount per student, unfunded state mandates the District will have to allocate funds to meet, and rising operating costs due to inflation. If the VATRE does not pass, the District’s budget shortfall would largely result from planned raises for staff. “If the VATRE does not pass, we will not have the revenue needed to move forward with additional salary increases planned for this year,” said Stoner.
To date, voters in nine other ISDs in central Texas have approved VATRE elections, including Leander ISD, Georgetown ISD, Dripping Springs ISD, Lake Travis ISD, and Eanes ISD.
The Lago Vista ISD VATRE and an election for Place 4 on the Lago Vista ISD Board of Trustees will be on the ballot of a General Election held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Polling times and locations will soon be available on the District website and/or Travis County elections website.
Join us at one of the following public meetings in the PAC at LV High School to learn more about the VATRE.
Attention LVHS & LVMS Parents! Did you sign up for the LVISD Optional Accidental Damage & Theft Coverage for your student's device?
The cost is $50 for an individual student, or $75 for households with multiple students. Please visit www.myschoolbucks.com to pay for your student's coverage prior to November 1st.
Note: Students in grades PK-5 will not have self-managed devices this year, so coverage is only needed for students in grades 6-12.
If you have any questions, please contact our Technology Department at techhelp@lagovistaisd.net.
As a parent AND as the Middle School Principal...I HIGHLY suggest getting this coverage!
We made it!
Thanksgiving Pies!
Please help us show gratitude to our teachers and staff by presenting each of them with a pie to take home and enjoy with their families this Thanksgiving. Please sign up Here! Thank you for your continued support and appreciation for the Teachers, Staff, and Students. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Courtney Stockard at cstockard@duck.com or Lindsey Phillips lindsey.phillips@modmed.com.
Lost & Found
2023-2024 Lago Vista Middle School Yearbooks on sale NOW!
Order yours today for only $30.00, $35.00 with name. Price will increase on 11/30/23! Buy now for the best rate. Ads are also available at this time. This is a wonderful opportunity for family and friends to show their support for your child. Space is limited, package descriptions available online. Thank you for your support to the yearbook program.
https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/?event=general.displayLanding&jobnumber=18995
Subs Needed!
We get asked the question a lot - how can we help? Being a substitute is one of the best ways! Apply online - https://www.lagovistaisd.net/page/hr.substitutes
Please email me if you have any questions! eholt@lagovistaisd.net
The Supply Drive ENDS this Wednesday!
Lago Vista Blue Santa Applications
Lago Vista Blue Santa applications are ON-LINE ONLY this year - from November 1 - December 1. To apply, go to www.lvbluesanta.com
Los aplicaciones de Lago Vista Blue Santa son solo por sitio web departir del 1 de noviembre al 1 de diciembre 2023. Para aplicar vaya a www.lvbluesanta.com
Want to get involved?
Hello Parents and Guardians:
We are actively forming a parent volunteer group to help support the teachers, staff, and
students at Lago Vista Middle School. As a parent, there are a number of ways you can help out
and be involved at middle school:
● Teacher Supply Drive
● Monthly Staff Appreciation Luncheons
● Stock the Teachers Lounge
● Pies for Thanksgiving
● Holiday Goodies
● And More
If you are interested in joining a group of parents to volunteer at the middle school, please
complete the form Here.
We will send you an email to coordinate the many different opportunities you have to make a
difference at the middle school. Whether you have a few hours a week, an hour a year, or
awesome culinary skills, we’d love to hear from you! If you’d like to help out but aren’t quite sure
how, just let us know and we’ll figure something out!
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Courtney Stockard at
cstockard@duck.com or Lindsey Phillips at lindsey.phillips@modmed.com
Sincerely,
Courtney Stockard and Lindsey Phillips
Every Wednesday is College Shirt Day!
Volleyball District Tournament Highlights!
7A District Tournament
Saturday the 7A Girls competed in their final games of the season at the District Tournament! We entered into the tournament as the 2nd seed with only 1 loss for the regular season.
First game was against Taylor at 8am and they dominated the game with the win in 2 sets! Considering the early morning travel in the dark, this was a big accomplishment as I was worried they’d be half asleep! They played well and were in sync! The amazing parent send off and awesome food and drinks had to have helped contribute to the first victory of the day!
Second game was a close one versus Lampasas. We were neck and neck the entire first set losing 23-25. Second set they came back and won 25-12! I thought we had this one but unfortunately couldn't pull off the overall win in the third set. With this loss it bumped us down into the lower bracket of the tournament.
Third game of the day was against Marble Falls. We were very motivated to get another victory against Marble Falls for more reasons than the obvious and they accomplished that! The girls pulled it off in 2 sets for the overall 3rd place finish in the tournament!
Even though they finished 3rd in the tournament, this team only had 2 losses the entire season with a 10-2 overall record! That is a HUGE accomplishment! I am so proud of their efforts, their attitudes, their determination and work ethic this season! I am excited to watch them continue on each year because they are going to be a FORCE! Thank you to all of the parents this season as well! It would not have been possible without you!
8A District Tournament
LADY VIKINGS ARE BACK TO BACK HILL COUNTRY DISTRICT VOLLEYBALL CHAMPS!
This past weekend the 8A Lady Viking Volleyball team competed in the 8th Grade Hill Country District Volleyball Tournament hoping to secure a 2nd straight championship. The girls entered the tournament as the overall #1 seed with a record of 6-0 throughout regular season district play. The benefit of being the #1 overall seed allowed the ladies a 1st round bye and automatic entry into the semifinal match where they would meet up with Marble Falls.
The girls had defeated Marble Falls a couple weeks prior in a very tightly contested match in Lago Vista and the Lady Mustangs were out for revenge. Marble Falls came out on fire building a solid lead as the Lady Vikings struggled with some nervous play early on. The girls managed to keep the Mustangs within reach as they began to get their feet underneath themselves and find their game. By the time both teams had played about 30 points Marble fall’s lead was completely undone and the Lady Vikings were rolling. The girls would go on to win the 1st set by a score of 25-20. Unfortunately for the Vikings in the 2nd set it was Marble Falls' turn at staging a comeback. The Lady Vikings squandered opportunities to close out the match as the Lady Mustangs would come all the way back squeaking past the Vikings 25-23 and taking the 2nd set.
Marble Falls led early in the 3rd set as the Lady Vikings continued with some clunky play. The Lady Vikings would right themselves quickly earning a small lead in the 3rd and final set as both teams were fighting hard for each and every point. The final points were frantic and tense as the Vikings would play their best and most competitive point of the season. I swear I saw the ball volleyed over the net 10 times by both teams in this frenetic, match deciding, momentum swinging point. Both teams were making diving plays right and left, digging tips, ripping spikes, jousting at the net, neither team giving an inch. Savannah Johnston was able to knock down an “overpass” from the Mustangs, scoring a momentum sealing point for Vikings enabling them to go on and win the match, securing their place in the championship.
The girls would once again take on the Burnet Bulldogs, but this time on their home court and for the District Championship. Despite both teams playing good volleyball early on the Lady Bulldogs managed to build an early lead of about 4 points. The Lady Vikings would respond as they’ve done all season and even the match behind great serving, solid defense and some big swings. This formula of aggressive attacking volleyball allowed the Lady Vikings to go on to win the first set 25-21. The Lady Vikings overcame a small deficit early in the 2nd set building and maintaining a several point lead throughout. However, with the Vikings playing well and Burnet on the ropes, an untimely streak of consecutive missed serves gave the Bulldogs some late life and a chance to take the 2nd set. The Lady Vikings were once again forced to deliver under pressure. These girls have done it all season long and they would do it again. They hit tough serves, followed by great defense, finishing points off with great swings from some great sets. The Lady Vikings would prevail, delivering under pressure winning the 2nd set 25-22, securing their second straight Hill Country District Volleyball Championship!
“Back to Back” District Championships are special. I’m very proud of this group as these young ladies accepted the pressure of every team gunning for them all season long by playing some incredible volleyball and delivering under pressure time and time again.
Your 8th Grade A District Champs:
Jolie Mosser, Ada Weyant, Kyrksen Cook, Elahsohndra Francisco, Harper Phillips, Emerson Burke, Selah Moore, Maddie Burk, Mitzi Wright, Savannah Johnston.
Vikings Conclude Their Season With Two "W's"
The LVMS Viking Football Teams concluded their seasons on Thursday at home vs Jarrell. The Vikings' 7th and 8th-grade teams were coming off tough losses to Wimberley, the previous week, and were looking to get back on track to finish the season on a high note. On the final gameday of the season, the Vikings were ready and did not disappoint. In the 7th grade game, the Viking defense proved to be too much for the Cougar Offense. Jarrell could not sustain drives against the Viking Defense. The Vikings began their scoring when Brody Norris returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. Cole Schroeder added a 2 point conversion with his 3 yard reception from Levi Castro. Brody Norris also tacked on another touchdown later in the game to give the Vikings a 14-0 victory. The 7th-grade Vikings finished the season with a record of 5-3 and a district record of 4-1 and a 2nd place finish in the district. This team improved weekly and grew tremendously as a team. We are looking forward to their continued growth and cant wait to see them back on the gridiron next season.
The 8th grade team was looking to get back on track, as well, after a loss to Wimberley last week. The Vikings' goal for this game was to have their best performance of the season and that's what they did. The final score of this game was 38-0 after a halftime score of 30-0. The Viking Defense was outstanding and the Offense was unstoppable! These boys committed themselves to excellence this season and developed as a team in a way that we could have never expected. They love the game and are determined to be successful. As they move on to the high school ranks, we want to thank them for their efforts and their leadership. This group of student-athletes will be greatly missed, but we know that they will go on to achieve greater goals in the next four years. This is a special group of young men and we are thankful to have had the opportunity to be with them. The 8th-grade Vikings finished their season with 6 wins and 2 losses and a district record of 4-1 and 2nd place in the district.
Coach Janson and the football staff are extremely proud of these teams for their efforts this season. GO VIKINGS!
Student Registration
This message is to inform you that annual student registration is open in Ascender ParentPortal.
As a reminder, annual registration must be completed EACH YEAR because these forms provide us with important permissions and information that must be provided annually. It is also very important to note that the information provided in Ascender ParentPortal is what the school uses to contact parents in the event of an emergency, so it is very important that all information is correct and up-to-date.
HOW DO I ACCESS ASCENDER PARENT PORTAL?
https://portals13.ascendertx.com/ParentPortal/login?distid=227912
¿NECESITA ESPAÑOL?
Todos los formularios de registro también están en español. Para continuar en español, hay un menú desplegable en la esquina superior derecha de la página de inicio de sesión para cambiar al español.
WHAT IF I HAVE A NEWLY ENROLLED STUDENT? WHAT IF DON'T SEE MY ENROLLED STUDENT IN ASCENDER PARENTPORTAL?
If you enrolled your student during summer enrollment, you must still complete annual registration forms. If you don't see your enrolled student when you log in, an Ascender ParentPortal ID is needed in order to link to your student and complete the annual registration forms.
Please email registration@lagovistaisd.net and your campus registrar to receive your student's Ascender ParentPortal ID. Please note that there may be slight delays in answering requests during peak times, such as this, but we will get it to you as quickly as possible!
Once you receive your student's Ascender ParentPortal ID from the campus registrar, please log into Ascender ParentPortal, select "Link to Enrolled Student", and enter the ParentPortal ID and the student's date of birth.
WHAT IF I SEE MY STUDENT, BUT DON'T HAVE A "REGISTRATION" OPTION?
In order to complete forms or update data for a student, the email address you have listed in Ascender ParentPortal must match what we have in our system. If you can see your student, but can't update any information, those email addresses do not match. We recommend updating and verifying your email address in Ascender ParentPortal. If you need us to change your email address in our system, please email registration@lagovistaisd.net and your campus registrar. You will be asked to provide your student's full name, date of birth, and grade level for verification purposes.
WHO IS MY CAMPUS REGISTRAR?
Lago Vista Elementary School (PK-3)
Christine Harris at charris@lagovistaisd.net
Lago Vista Intermediate School (4-5)
Gabby Mercado (Habla española) at gmercado@lagovistaisd.net
Lago Vista Middle School (6-8)
Monica Kaiser at mkaiser@lagovistaisd.net
Lago Vista High School (9-12)
Lisa Dohm at ldohm@lagovistaisd.net
NEED OTHER HELP?
Please email registration@lagovistaisd.net and your campus registrar.
Bell Schedule
Doors open at 8:10 - there will not be supervision before then...
1st Period - 8:40 - 9:32
2nd Period - 9:36 - 10:28
Advisory - 10:32 - 11:02
3rd Period - 11:06 - 11:58
A Lunch - 12:00 - 12:30
A 4th Period - 12:34 - 1:26
B 4th Period - 12:02 - 12:54
B Lunch - 12:56 - 1:26
5th Period - 1:30 - 2:22
6th Period - 2:26 - 3:18
7th Period - 3:22 - 4:15
Vaping = DAEP
HB 114 makes offenses involving the possession and/or or use of vapes a mandatory DAEP offense. School districts will now be required to place all students who are caught in possession and/or or using vapes (of any kind – not just those with drugs) into their DAEP.
Please share this with your children - it's just not worth it!
Important Dates Coming Up
Monday and Tuesday, November 6 and 7 - Student Holiday
November 20 - 24: Thanksgiving Break
Lago Vista Middle School
Email: eholt@lagovistaisd.net
Website: www.lagovistaisd.net
Location: 8039 Bar K Ranch Road, Lago Vista, TX, USA
Phone: 512-267-8300