LVIS Family Newsletter

September 22, 2023

Important Changes Coming to the Dismissal Process

One of our campus goals is to ensure effective processes that keep students safe. This year, our school is implementing School Dismissal Manager. The purpose for the program is to provide an easy way for families to notify us of any transportation changes so that we can get students home safely and the correct way.

Please note the following:

Each family should receive an electronic welcome letter next week from School Dismissal Manager (SDM).
Please visit the website to learn more and download the appropriate app.
Once you receive your welcome letter and login information, please login and set your child’s default dismissal.
Families will manage how their child leaves each day.
SDM will eliminate the need to call the office or email with changes. It can all be done at the palm of your hands anytime of day.

Please watch form more information coming from School Dismissal Manager

Dismissal Process and Reminders

Reminder: If you are picking up your child early, you must do so before 2:30. After 2:30, our buses start pulling into the parking lot, and we have already started the dismissal process. We cannot release students after 2:30pm. Thank you for your cooperation.

Car Rider Reminders

Families, we need your help with the car rider line at dismissal. Please pull all the way up in the line before 3:10pm.

I understand that it is tempting to wait under the shade before the students are released, but this causes traffic congestion to back up on the street. By moving your vehicle forward as far as possible, you help maximize the available space, allowing more cars to fit in line and reducing congestion on the street. Thank you for your support and cooperation.

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 General Election, for the purpose of electing a school district trustee to Place 4 and the VATRE, will take place on November 7, 2023.

Join us at one of the following public meetings in the PAC at LV High School to learn more about the VATRE.

Wednesday, October 11 - 7:00pm (Candidates Night)
Tuesday, October 17 - 6:30pm
Thursday, October 19 - 6:30pm
Monday, October 23 - 6:30pm
Wednesday, November 1 - 6:30pm

Room Parent Requests

A room parent's main task is to facilitate communication between other parents and the teacher. They help with organizing class parties, celebrations, field trips, etc. They will meet with the teacher and schedule some dates on the calendar. If you are interested in being a room parent, please reach out to your child's teacher. I know they would greatly appreciate your help and support!

Mark Your Calendar

10/9 - Student Holiday

10/13 - Last day of the 1st Nine Weeks

10/18 - Fall Individual Pictures

10/23 - 10/27 - Red Ribbon Week

10/24 - LVIS "Reading Rocks" Family Literacy Night at 5:30pm

11/6 and 11/7 - Student Holiday

11/17 - APEX Fun Run

GT Referral Link

If you would like your child tested for Gifted and Talented, the testing window will be open until October 2, 2023. To nominate your child for testing, please complete the form at the link below.

English here

Lunch with Your Child

We are excited to welcome parents to lunch. If you would like to eat with your child, please arrive a few minutes early. You will need to check in at the office first. Please make sure that you have your driver's license with you. We will scan your license into our Raptor system.

A couple of procedures to know:

Parents will sit with their child in our guest section in the cafeteria.
Parents may only sit with their own children. Inviting other students to eat or bringing other students food is not allowed.
Parents may choose to bring outside food for their child or have them eat cafeteria lunch.
Parents are also welcome to buy a cafeteria lunch if they would like. The adult lunch price is $3.40
Before you leave, please sign out in the main office.

Cafeteria Information

Breakfast and Lunch . Breakfast is $2.00 and Lunch is $3.30. Here is the link to add funds to your child's account.

Free and Reduced Meal Applications - Families are encouraged to fill out the Free and Reduced-Price Meals applications. You can access the links here (English or Spanish). You may not qualify for it, but you could be eligible for other assistance.

Lunch with your Child - Families are welcome to come eat with their child starting the week of September 11th. This allow us time to learn routines and procedures. We will have tables in the cafeteria for parents to sit with their child during lunch.

Friday Night Lights - Guidelines

House Bill 3 - Parent Information

The Texas legislature passed House Bill 3 (HB 3) during the 88th Regular Legislative Session which requires a minimum of one armed security officer during school hours at District campuses. The new statute states that an armed security officer must be: (1) a school district peace officer (only available if the District has its own police department); (2) a school resource officer; or (3) a commissioned peace officer employed as security personnel. Lago Vista ISD committed to evolving to meet the safety needs of students and staff and is currently exploring how best to comply with new requirements resulting from the passage of HB 3.

The new law allows a school board to claim a good cause exception and identify an alternative standard if lack of funding or availability of personnel makes complying with House Bill 3 impossible. Currently, both are true - there is inadequate funding to fund all of the required positions and there is a shortage of available personnel who qualify to serve as an armed security officer under Section 37.0814(a). As such, the Lago Vista ISD Board of Trustees voted to claim a good cause exception due to a lack of adequate funding and qualified personnel.

As a priority step, the District is currently working with the City of Lago Vista and the Lago Vista Police Department to develop and approve an agreement to provide a school resource officer in the 2023-2024 school year, with the intent of additional SROs added in subsequent years until full compliance with HB 3 is met. The Lago Vista Police Department is also currently providing increased patrols and campus walkthroughs at each campus in the District. We are grateful for our continued partnership with the city and our local law enforcement and their efforts towards ensuring the safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors.

In addition to working to establish a school resource officer program with the City of Lago Vista, the District is also evaluating the other allowable alternatives that satisfy exceptions to the requirements of HB 3. Options under consideration include armed security guardians, employee guardians, and contracting with a security services contractor to provide commissioned security officers as defined by

Texas Occupations Code section 1702.322.

To learn more about the safety and security measures in place, please visit our updated Lago Vista ISD Safety Information page.

Free and Reduced Lunch Application

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Families are encouraged to fill out the free and reduced meal lunch application. The application may be found online at: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application

Or, please contact the Intermediate School office at 512 267-8300, press 4. We are happy to send a paper copy home with your child.

Reminder: The free and reduced lunch application is completed each year.