Dear Serene Sailor Families,

Please remember that we are not permitting visitors to come for student lunches until Sept. 3. This will allow us to get in the routine of processes and expectations with the students. It also allows students to enjoy social time with their classmates as they form new friendships.

I want to take this opportunity to give some helpful hints when you have a question or concern regarding your student or our systems/processes.

1) Please always start with the teacher. Often times the teacher can help clarify or answer questions without the need for a middle man.

2) Please always assume positive intent. Though it is inevitable that there will be concerns or questions, please know that it is never my, or any of my staff's, intent to upset students or parents.

3) Seek to clarify & avoid making assumptions. Sometimes something happens and we assume we know the reasoning or the entire story. However, once we clarify with the appropriate teacher or staff member, we realize the situation was different than what we initially thought. Adult perspectives and student perspectives are often different, so please take the time to calmly and respectfully talk to the staff member to get a true understanding of a situation.

4) Go to the source. (Facebook is not a reliable source). If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to the school. Often times social media leads to higher emotions and misinformation. Please remember that my staff is human also. They are members of this community. Their children play sports with your children. They may go to your church. You may have mutual friend groups. It is not helpful to any relationship to write negatively about your students' school(s) or teachers.

5) Do not speak ill of your students' teacher(s). This can damage the respect, authority, and relationship between student and teacher. Little ones hear and pick up on more than you think.

6) Most of all, please remember that we value your partnership. We strive to create and maintain relationships with our students and their families, because that is when the true magic of learning really happens.

We are here for you. We are here for your students. Thank you for doing this thing called 'school' with us!

Warmly,

Keegan Luedecke

Kids often complain about being bored. But boredom can actually help them develop skills, creativity and self-esteem. Both little kids and older ones often need some help coming up with things to do with unstructured time. But once you’ve got them going, they can take the boredom ball and run with it.

No matter your child’s age, it’s helpful to sit down and talk about their interests and passions. Then you can collaborate on a list of both short- and long-term projects for them to look to when they feel bored. Little kids usually need a range of relatively short activities to choose from. Their menu can include things like art projects, dress up, and playing sports outside. Older kids can take on longer projects like planting a garden or taking a bunch of DIY leftovers and being challenged to “invent” something. These kinds of projects teach kids skills like planning, how to break a task into steps and how to organize. Older kids need to get outdoors too, so practicing sport skills might be a short-term boredom buster. Kids might also choose time to devote to a book from a favorite series.

When kids reject every idea, they may just want your attention. But giving in to this kind of attention-seeking creates a vicious cycle. Try giving your kid a choice of two activities. Say they must pick one. And when a project doesn’t go as planned, that’s just boredom teaching your kid how to come back from failure and try again.

Sept. 2nd: Student and Staff Holiday

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

Sept. 2: Student and Staff Holiday

Sept. 17: Apex Assemblies

Sept. 18-25: Apex Team Days

Sept. 20: Wear ALL your BLUE & ORANGE

Sept. 27: Apex Fun Run

Sept. 30: 4th & 5th Grade Author Visit - Mari Mancusi

Oct. 2: Fall School Pictures

Here at school, we want everyone to feel welcome and that they belong. We know we’re welcome when people smile at us and greet us with friendly words. We know we belong when we’re included and invited to play at recess. We know we belong when we notice the ways we’re all the same and accept the ways we’re different. This week, take time to greet others with a smile and invite them to play.

Thank you so much to all that helped over the summer in maintaining our school garden. I couldn't have done it without you! Now that school has started, I'm sending out a new sign up for volunteer help. If you are able, I ask that you come once or twice during that week to weed and spot water. I will send out my direct contact information and instructions through Sign Up Genius to all volunteers.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0F4DAEAB23A4FB6-50788712-serene

Thank you again!

Rachel Ellis

Click the link below to purchase individual tickets for open seating or go in with a group of friends and purchase a table. We brought this parents only event back last year and could not wait to do it again! We will be at Back 2 School Bash tonight to answer any questions.

https://www.betterunite.com/serenehillselementaryschool...

Attention LTISD Parents and Guardians,

The Discovery Program, otherwise known as Gifted and Talented, is now accepting parent referrals for GT Screening via this google form.

Transfer students, who were already identified as GT coming from their previous district, should submit their Google form as soon as possible, as the transfer student screening will be set within 30 days of the first day of school. Parents should send proof of their child's selection/participation in the previous GT program directly to the campus GT coordinator. See below for a campus contact list.

Parents can submit referrals for screening up until the end of the first 9 weeks, by October 18, 2024. Students in Grades 1-5 will be tested during the 2nd 9 weeks of instruction. If the referral and permission forms are not submitted by the deadline, the student will have to wait until next year's screening opportunity, as the spring screening session is only for students moving in new to the district after the fall testing window is closed.

Kindergarten students can be referred for GT testing beginning in January 2025. More details will be shared regarding this process at the end of the first semester.

The forms and further information about the program can be found here. A virtual Discovery Parent Information Meeting will be held September 27th at 11:30 AM.

Once the request is submitted through the Google form, the campus GT coordinator will contact parents via email after October 18th to share pertinent information.

You are also welcome to contact your campus GT coordinator at any time with questions.

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.

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!

Dear Lake Travis ISD Staff and Parents/Guardians,

As a reminder, registration for our After School Fall Enrichment will open on Monday, August 19. Explore a wide array of class offerings designed to cater to various interests, spanning from Prekindergarten through high school. Our classes feature dedicated instruction after school from LTISD staff members and meticulously-selected contractors to ensure a rewarding and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Regular registration will be available through Sunday, September 8. Late registration will occur Monday, September 9 through Friday, September 13 and will incur a $35 fee. There are no registrations after September 13. To prioritize the safety of our campers, all rosters must be finalized in advance, enabling Community Programs to plan for staffing, allocate space, and procure supplies accordingly. Classes begin the week of September 30.

To learn more about the diverse range of classes available, and to register your child, click here. We look forward to providing services that will enrich the young minds in our district.

Sincerely,

Suzi Menfi
Director, Community Programs

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