Dear Serene Sailor Families,

I'm sure everyone has heard about the school funding challenges public schools in Texas are facing. With all the information out there also comes a lot of misinformation. Below are several infographics full of information about Lake Travis ISD's budget. School Finance is a very complicated topic. I recently saw this video that helped break it down in a more understandable way. I encourage everyone to watch it as it is such an important issue facing Texans right now. Texas is also heading into a new Legislative Session. Below are also a list of LTISD's priorities for the next Legislative Session.

The holiday season is incredibly busy, and sometimes stressful, for families. While celebrating and traditions are so important, I want to encourage the maintenance of routines and bedtimes during the holiday season. While it's a time for fun and excitement, consistency in these areas offers significant benefits for children. Routines provide a sense of security and predictability, which can be especially comforting during times of change and heightened activity. Consistent bedtimes ensure children get the adequate sleep they need for their physical and cognitive development, helping them stay focused and manage their emotions better. When children are well-rested, they are more likely to be patient, cooperative, and able to fully enjoy the holiday festivities.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Warmly,

Keegan Luedecke

Dec. 18: 5th Grade Science Project Showcase

Dec. 19: Discovery Holiday Party 7:45-8:30AM

Dec. 20: Holiday Parties / Early Release Day @11:40 / No Extended Care / End of 2nd Grade Period

Dec. 21- Jan. 7: Winter Break

Jan. 8: Start of 3rd Grading Period / 2nd Semester

Jan. 16: SHE Science Fair @ 8AM

Jan. 20: MLK Jr. Day / Staff & Student Holiday

Jan. 23: Talent Show Tryouts @5PM

Jan. 28: 5th Grade Visits LTMS

Jan. 29: 100th Day of School

Jan. 31: 5th Grade Visits HBMS / Monthly Assembly

Here at our school we want to put our empathy into action. This is called showing compassion. When we’re able to understand how someone else is feeling and do something to show we understand, we are showing that person compassion. Listening, saying kind words, and helping are three ways to show compassion. Take a moment now to think about how you can show compassion to someone today. Then find a way to do it during the day.

In A World of Cookies for Santa, by M.E. Furman and illustrated by Susan Gal, children around the world eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus, Papai Noel, Father Christmas, or Grandfather Frost. From Malawi to France to the United States, children worldwide celebrate the holiday season with unique traditions. Illustrations capture the essence of these festive customs, painting a colorful picture of Christmas celebrations around the globe.

What a better way to start off the holiday break than a sweet treat at Cookie Dough Cowgirl? Come by from 12-5pm on Friday, 12/20 and 15% of total proceeds will be donated back to Serene Hills.

1310 Ranch Rd 620 S A6, Lakeway, TX 78734

Dear Students and Families:

Welcome to Schlitterbahn's Waves of Pages, a reading program designed to inspire students in grades K-5 to read for fun!

With your help, your child can earn one FREE admission to your local Schlitterbahn Waterpark by reading 10 hours (600 minutes) during the 10-week program, and we will share a special discount offer for your family as well.

Here is how it works:

1. You may read to your child, your child may read aloud to you, or your child may read alone. It all counts toward the 10-hour goal.
2. Time spent reading for school assignments does not count toward the 10-hour goal. Reading anything else does count, including books, comic books, magazines, newspapers, or online reading.
3. Record the number of minutes your child reads on the attached Reading Log along with the title of their reading material and teacher's name. You must date and initial each entry to verify that your child completed the reading sessions. Please use additional sheets of paper, if needed.
4. Complete all reading by the date on the Reading Log. Your child must turn in all signed Reading Logs to his or her teacher by this date to be eligible for the free admission ticket. Admission tickets are valid from the first day of the 2025 season through Monday, June 30, 2025, and from Monday, Aug. 11 through the last day of the 2025 season, at your local Schlitterbahn Waterpark only. Please note that Waves of Pages tickets are not transferrable and may not be sold.

Please read the Program Guidelines on the last page and contact your teacher if you have any questions about the Waves of Pages Reading Program. Visit www.schlitterbahn.com to learn more about the waterpark.

This program was developed to inspire your child to become part of a new generation of readers and to provide your child's teacher with a fun way of encouraging reading. We hope you will want to participate and look forward to seeing your family in the park this summer!

Sincerely,

Schlitterbahn Youth Sales

Order early now through October 31st for a 10% early bird discount!

www.treering.com/validate

Enter school passcode: 101663195800543

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