LVHS Weekly Newsletter

Viking Family,

Many of you know that I’m a former English teacher. I taught all secondary levels from 6th - 12th. I absolutely loved it! I used to use Chris Jordan’s art as a springboard for research topics and journal entries. In the picture below this text you can see an image of one of my favorite pieces of his Running the Numbers exhibit. Click on the image to interact with this amazing piece. Essentially, the artist designs an art piece representing a bigger concept using smaller objects and statistics. It’s incredible! Check it out!

Remembering Chris Jordan’s work inspired me to do my own Running the Numbers piece but in written form. I’m in awe of our students, teachers, and staff and all that they pour into our school. The hours of hard work and dedication are countless, but here are a few numbers to consider:

9,535- the number of pounds lifted collectively in the last powerlifting meet

629- the number of students currently enrolled at LVHS

63 - the number of times our band has rehearsed its concert pieces preparing for UIL Concert and Sight Reading

43 - the number of games our basketball teams have won collectively in route to District Championships (boys and girls)

15 - the number of rehearsals our One Act Play troupe has until they perform at District

10 - the number of State UIL Academic and Athletic Championships LVHS has won since 2015. Let’s get some more, Vikes!

9 - the number of departments at LVHS that provide top-tier learning experiences from mathematics to CTE to Fine Arts to Athletics- there is something engaging for every student!

8 - the number of members of our dedicated LVISD School Board, including Superintendent, Mr. Webb. We are so grateful for this Team of 8 and their leadership!

7 - the number of delicious slices of brisket and ribs the Rowin’ Smoke BBQ team can turn in during each competition (Those are some lucky judges!)

6 - the number of weeks until SPRING BREAK! (We’ve got this, Vikings!)

5 - the number of UIL State Spirit Championships with a trip to Nationals this week! Long Live Lago Cheer!

4 - the number of members of our cafeteria staff who work hard to provide healthy breakfast and lunch options for our students daily

3 - the number of devoted Principals who love and serve this school

2 - the number of incredible Counselors who guide our students to success

1 - Viking AeTT (family) that just keeps getting better by the day!

Behind every number is a team of dedicated teachers, staff, and parents working tirelessly to support our students. Thank you for your continued involvement and encouragement. It’s this partnership that allows our students to succeed exponentially!

We are so grateful for all that you do, from volunteering in concession stands to clearing Amazon wish lists; from showing up in the stands to donating money to local organizations that provide scholarships for our Seniors. We couldn't row without you! Thank you, Viking Nation!

As for me, when I run the numbers, I find myself continually counting my blessings!

One Proud Principal-

Janda Castillo

Saturday, February 1

• Boys Soccer vs. Austin Northeast (Nelson Field)- JV- 9:00am/Varsity 10:45am
• Baseball Scrimmage vs. Troy @ LVHS- JV- 11:00am/Varsity 1:00pm
• Powerlifting @ Jag Power Championship- Johnson High School in Buda

Monday, February 3

• B Day

Tuesday, February 4

• A Day
• **SENIOR NIGHT** Girls Basketball vs. Manor New Tech @ LVHS- JV-5:30/Varsity 7:00pm (Tickets)
• Boys Basketball @ Manor New Tech- 9th- 6:00pm/JV- 6:00pm/Varsity 7:30pm
• Girls Soccer @ Gateway College Prep- JV- 4:30pm/Varsity 6:15pm
• Boys Soccer vs. Long Creek @ LVHS- Varsity 6:30pm (Tickets)
• Softball vs. Anderson @ Noack Sports Complex- JV- 5:15pm/Varsity 7:00pm

Wednesday, February 5

• B Day
• Wear your favorite CCMR Shirt Today (College, Career, Military)

Thursday, February 6

• A Day
• Baseball vs. LASA @ LVHS- JV-4:00pm/Varsity 7:00pm (scrimmage)

Friday, February 7

• B Day
• Girls Basketball @ Lexington- Varsity- 5:00pm
• Girls Soccer vs. Burnet @ LVHS- JV- 4:30pm/Varsity 6:30pm (Tickets)
• Boys Soccer @ Burnet- JV-5:00pm/Varsity 7:00pm
• Softball @ Harper JV- 5:00pm/Varsity 6:30pm
• Girls' Golf @ Hidden Falls Golf Tournament

Saturday, February 8

• National High School Cheerleading Championship- Disney World, Orlando, Florida
• UIL Academic Meet- Hendrickson High School
• Girls' Golf @ Hidden Falls Golf Tournament

Mrs. Koenning's AP Biology students completed a lab exploring Huntington's Disease Inheritance Lab. They got beautiful results with their gel electrophoresis!

The 2 most common illness we are seeing in our community right now are:

Flu A: Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:

• fever* or feeling feverish/chills
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle or body aches
• headaches
• fatigue (tiredness)
• some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

*It's important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.*

The Stomach Bug (most likely Norovirus): A person usually develops symptoms12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus. We encourage students to wash their hands with soap and water instead of hand sanitizer. This virus is not killed by alcohol. Most common symptoms:

• diarrhea
• vomiting
• nausea
• stomach pain
• Other symptoms: Fever, headache, and body aches

Please monitor your child for any signs or symptoms and keep home if any fever within the last 24 hrs, vomiting/nausea, diarrhea, persistent coughing, listlessness or lethargy, or no appetite.

Students must stay home until they have had 24 hrs without vomiting or fever (not needing medicine to bring the fever down below 100) in order to return to school to help stop the spread of illness.

Lady Viking Basketball supported 2 middle school G/T students in their pursuit to help some precious pets! The G/T students are working to support the Lifelong Friends Animal Shelter here in Lago for their G/T passion project. They are setting up donation tables at several district events to gather items/money for the shelter, and they will showcase their progress at the Spring G/T Showcase in April. Let's get behind these Vikings in their efforts to do good work here in our community!

These students spent their Saturday flexing their brains at the UIL Academic Invitational at Round Rock High School. Lago was the only 4A school in attendance, competing against 5A and 6A schools, preparing for our district contest in March.

Top 6 in each event earn points and awards and these were our winners:

Current Events - Finn Anglin 3rd place

Informative Speaking - Jonah Farrington, 6th place

Persuasive Speaking - Westin Walker, 5th place; Jess Welton, 6th place

Social Studies - Team 2nd place! Ezequiel Vallejo 4th place

Literary Criticism - Team 2nd place! Aiden Neel 6th place

Congratulations Vikings, keep working hard!

Project Vinatta, the LVHS No Place for Hate Initiative, is bringing the LOVE to LVHS in a big way! Along with the dress-up days posted above, we'll have special events each day during lunch including:

• Feb 10- Count the Candy Hearts Contest
• Feb 11- Face Painting
• Feb 12- Love Songs at Lunch Karaoke
• Feb 13- Advisory Valentine's "Party" & Photo Booth at Lunch

Project Vinatta wants every Viking to know they are safe and seen! Join the fun February 10-13 as we celebrate "Love is in the Air" Week!

Counselors will be working steadily this semester to plan with students and parents regarding next year's coursework. Please encourage your students to check their emails and pay attention to announcements to set up these crucial meetings with their counselors. Parents are welcome to attend the 1:1 meetings, as well. Be on the lookout here and in your inbox for more information.

Have questions? Contact your student's counselor-

• Last Name A-L: Mrs. Read (wread@lagovistaisd.net)
• Last Name M-Z: Mrs. Clark (lclark@lagovistaisd.net)

On Saturday, February 22 from 8:30am-11:30am, LVHS Admin and Counseling Team is offering the chance for Juniors to take a practice SAT in an environment similar to the real deal. We will provide a quiet space, similar timing, proctors, and breakfast ALL FOR NO COST to students. All we need is for students to pre-register so we know how to set up the space and how much breakfast to buy. Please have your student SIGN-UP HERE!

Click the images below to visit helpful sites your student can use to prepare for their BIG day!

We met with the Juniors this week and encouraged them to sign up for their 1:1 with their counselors. Appointments start next week, and they fill up FAST! Parents, please remind your Juniors:

• TO SIGN UP! (They can use the QR Code below.)
• TO SIT DOWN WITH YOU! (Parents/Guardians need to sign off on class selections.)
• TO SHOW UP! (With their yellow selection sheets, signed! Set reminders!)

Parents are welcome to attend, but counselors have left the inviting up to the students. Senior Year will be here before you know it. Let's make it the best one yet!

Visit the LVHS Counseling website for information on all sorts of Senior and post-graduation planning tools. You'll find videos explaining the financial aid process, links to local scholarships, college visit forms, transcripts and more! We are here to help your Senior transition to their next step after graduation!

• Start here. Lago Vista High School | Herff Jones
• Click on GRADUATION
• Click SHOP YOUR HIGH SCHOOL
• Enter LAGO VISTA and click SEARCH.
• Click SHOP GRADUATION PRODUCTS
• Click GRAD GEAR AND APPAREL
• Scroll to the bottom of the page select CAP, GOWN, AND TASSEL.

• Sat., 4/5/25- Prom at The Crossover in Cedar Park

• Mon., 4/7/25- Last Day to purchase a Senior Ad in the Yearbook (Contact Tracy Cox tcox@lagovistaisd.net)

• Thur., 5/1/25 GenTX Day- On this day, we celebrate you and your plans after graduation. Wear your college shirt, military shirt, or something that represents your post-grad plans.

• Wed., 5/14/25, Blue & Gold Ceremony- 6:00 p.m. in the PAC - The Blue & Gold Ceremony is where we honor seniors who have received local scholarships and/or awards. Students receiving an award will receive an invitation to attend; however, the event is open to the public.

• Thurs., 5/22/25, Graduation Practice & Legacy Walk

• Fri., 5/23/25, GRADUATION DAY!

• 2/14- NO SCHOOL
• 2/17- NO SCHOOL
• 2/22- PRACTICE SAT for Juniors (8:30am-11:30am in the MAC)
• 3/5- SAT Testing for Juniors
• 3/14- NO SCHOOL
• 3/17-3/21- Spring Break
• 4/5- Prom
• 4/8-4/9- English STAAR EOCs
• 4/15-4/16- Biology & US History STAAR EOCs
• 4/24- Algebra I STAAR EOC
• 4/18-4/21- April Break

This Week, LVHS Special Olympics Athletes took center stage! We are so proud of the work they put in to learn a new sport and to compete with the heart of a Viking!

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY!

Exciting News! The 2025 LV Viking Booster Club Scholarship is NOW OPEN for applications! Attention all aspiring scholars! The LV Viking Booster Club is thrilled to offer a fantastic opportunity for LVHS VARSITY SENIOR student athletes, athletic trainers, and managers whose family members are active Booster Club members to apply for our esteemed scholarship.

To be considered, applicants must complete the following steps:

1. Local Scholarship Application: Fill out the form to showcase your academic achievements.
2. Booster Club Supplement: Provide additional information relevant to the LV Viking Booster Club.

Find applications and eligibility details on our official website under the Scholarship tab: https://www.lagovistasports.com

Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. Don't miss out on the chance to apply for a scholarship to help further your education!

For inquiries or more information, feel free to contact us. Best of luck to all applicants!

FINAL YARD SIGN ORDER DEADLINE JANUARY 31

We are now accepting orders for LV Viking Yard Signs! Show your Viking pride and support our LVMS and LVHS athletic programs with our fantastic yard signs. We offer lots of choices: All Sports (for multiple sport athletes), specific sports, Cheer, or Valkyries. We have options for everyone!

Important Details:

• Order Date: Deadline January 31. This will be the final order of the 2024-2025 academic year.
• Order Form: Please submit a separate order form for each yard sign you need.
• Payment: Signs are $25 each. Payment must be made prior to the order date via PayPal or Square.
• Pickup Arrangements: We will contact you to arrange pick up once the signs are ready.

To view Yard Sign examples and to access the Order Form please go to: https://forms.gle/8BGEXkKiXYBk99mE8

If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to email us at lvvikingbooster@gmail.com. Thank you for your support and GO VIKINGS!

SHOP THE VIKING STORE

The LV Viking Booster Club Merchandise Store is OPEN! Your one-stop shop for all your Vikings gear is just a click away. Head over to lagovistasports.com and select the SHOP tab to explore our online store. We’ve got everything from t-shirts, tank tops, and sweatshirts to hats, visors, beanies, bags, decals, and so much more!

Once your order is paid for and fulfilled, we'll contact you for pick-up details.

Remember, when you purchase from the LV Viking Booster Club, you are directly supporting the Lago Vista Middle School and High School athletic programs. Let's gear up and show our Viking pride! Let’s go Vikes! If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to email us at lvvikingbooster@gmail.com

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

The Booster Club needs your help! Please consider signing up to help out at the concession stand.

WE ALL ROW!

Lady Vikings Soccer -- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-53019842-20242

Vikings Soccer -- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-53019841-202425

Youth Basketball League – HS Campus Games Only:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-54195679-lvyouth#/

Softball:

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-53019844-2025

Baseball

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-54658539-2025

JV Baseball Tournament Feb. 20-22

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-54658494-2025#/

Varsity Baseball Tournament Feb. 27-March 1

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-54658496-2025#/

Softball Northshore Classic Tournament Feb. 27-March 1

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-53019843-2025#/

The LVHS boys golf team participated in its first golf tournament of the Spring, 2025 season. The team earned 4th place out of 25 teams, with a team score of 314. The tournament consisted of 130 individual players. from 14 different local high schools ranging from Class 4A-6A.

LVHS also placed two players from our team in the top 10 for all players in the tournament. Reed Ray placed 4th, overall, with a round score of 73, and Aidan Velasquez placed 6th (tied), overall, with a round score of 75. Other members of our team who participated in the tournament (with their scores) were Bennett Lane (78), Dalton McKinney (88(, Mason Taylor (88), Caden Deen (90), and Trey Crim (115).

• LADY VIKING BASKETBALL
  
• VIKING BASKETBALL
• LADY VIKING SOCCER
• VIKING SOCCER
• LADY VIKING SOFTBALL
• VIKING BASEBALL
• LVHS POWERLIFTING
• LADY VIKING GOLF
• VIKING GOLF

February 12th:

2025 Valkyries Competition Show-Offs

Wednesday, February 12th

LVHS Main Gym

6:00 pm

FREE admission

February 15th: Ascension's Central Austin Challenge Competition

February 22nd: American's Lone Star State Competition

March 4th: 2025 TDEA Spring Assessment--pilot year for Drill Teams becoming part of UIL

GoldStar Transit is hiring school bus drivers for Lago Vista ISD!
- Starting at $20.50 per hour
- $1,500 sign on bonus w/experience
- Bring your kids to work, no daycare needed.
- No experience necessary....training provided!

Submit your application online today at https://ridesta.com/careers/.
Please contact (512) 267-8300 x1508 with questions.

Our former principal, Stu Taylor, was on campus this week talking with FCA members about "taking it to the cross". He focused on how to navigate conflict and disputes in a loving "listen first" method based on biblical principles. We are always thankful for some wisdom from Stu!

FCA meets on Thursday during Advisory in Coach Clement's room. Encourage your students to get connected here!

• JOIN CANVAS- The best way to stay connected to your student's academic progress at LVHS is through Canvas. Lago Vista High School parents can create parent accounts in Canvas to view student assignments, course information, and much more!

  For instructions on how to create an account, click here.

  To login, please visit http://lvisd.instructure.com/.
• GET TEXTS- For class specific updates, text the following to 81010-
• Freshmen text @lago2028
• Sophomores text @lago2027
• Juniors text @lago2026
• Senior text @lago2025
• CHECK EMAILS- Encourage your Vikings to check their email. They can login to Google Mail on their school Ipad and use the following login info:
• firstname_lastname@lvisd.com
• PW is their Student ID#
• GET SOCIAL- Follow LVISD groups on Instagram
• @lvisdvikings
• @lagovistapals

Principal, Janda Castillo- jcastillo@lagovistaisd.net

Assistant Principal, David Hilsenteger- dhilsenteger@lagovistaisd.net

Assistant Principal, Dusty Kinslow- dkinslow@lagovistaisd.net
Website: https://www.lagovistaisd.net/page/lhs.Home

Phone: 512-267-8300 ex.5500