LVHS Weekly Newsletter

Viking Family-

Last weekend, our track and field team traveled to Kingsville to compete in the Region IV Track Meet. I was unable to attend but was so grateful when Coach Jim Ed Baugh sent a staff-wide email with the link to the livestream. I watched over four hours of our student athletes giving it everything they had in an attempt to qualify for the State Meet in two weeks. (please keep reading the newsletter for results).

The chat window was open, so I immediately typed “Let’s go, Lago!” in the window. As I followed the stream throughout the afternoon, I noticed other fans join the livestream. At one point, there were over 100 people watching races! I knew some of them were from other schools because they were typing well wishes in the chat to kids I didn’t know. I thought it was great that OUR school was providing this service to others.

As the afternoon went by, people started sending in comments to our videographer complaining about the audio, the camera movement, etc. It was frustrating to me because I knew it was a student behind that lens that was doing his best to provide a SERVICE! I thanked him in the chat to nudge others into being grateful. Instead, I read more complaints. I was getting upset to the point of lowering myself to responding with how ungrateful these people were. Instead, I continued to root for our kids and be grateful I could see our Vikings compete.

Our words have power. Those complainers had no idea who was running the camera. They'd never met this student. They didn't know what an awesome kid he is. They didn't know that he takes multiple advanced classes, is competing at the National DECA event this weekend, or that he was volunteering his time and talent to help others experience the Regional meet. Instead of being grateful, those people chose to be unkind and negative.

Here's the thing- we get to choose how we use our words, in person and online. Behind the safety of our keyboards and computer screens, it's so easy to type the mean, sarcastic response. We forget that humans are often on the other side and that our words matter. We must choose our words wisely and carefully, especially when putting them in writing. It's just as easy to write "Thank you!" or "This is so awesome!" or to type nothing at all.

We can be haters, or we can be fans. I choose to be a fan.

I’m a fan of students and teachers. I’m a fan of people that give their best and that serve others. I’m a fan of hard work. I’m a fan of sincerity. I'm a fan of this student who loves his school so much that he gave up his weekend to showcase his classmates. I am a fan of his.

In a day when negativity is widely spread across social media, be more like this kid. Be kind. Be grateful. Be a part of something bigger than yourself. Be selfless. Be a fan.

The Vikings' Biggest Fan-

Janda Castillo

LET'S FLIPPIN' GOOOO!

Saturday, April 26

• Regional UIL Academic Meet @ Texas A&M Corpus Christi
• Baseball @ Burnet- Varsity- 1:00pm

Monday, April 28

• B Day

Tuesday, April 29

• A Day
• 10th Grade Sports Physicals (with proper paperwork)
• Baseball @ Manor New Tech- JV- 4:30pm/Varsity- 7:00pm
• Softball vs. Harper @ LVHS (Playoff Warm-up)- Varsity 5:00pm (Tickets)

Wednesday, April 30 **CCMR T-SHIRT DAY**

• B Day

Thursday, May 1

• A Day
• State Track Meet @ University of Texas-Austin Mike Myers Stadium
• Percussion & Jazz Ensemble Spring Concert- 6pm @ LVHS PAC (Free Admission)

Friday, May 2

• B Day
• Cinco de Mayo Celebration 6pm @ LVHS Cafeteria

Saturday, May 3

• Valkyrie Spring Show- 5pm in the PAC ($5 cash at the door)

Lago Vista Baseball has the chance to finish district play tonight versus Manor New Tech. With the win, a District Championship is ours! Let's get out and get loud for the Vikings! Baseball plays a warm-up game on Saturday in Burnet @ 1pm. Stay tuned for more playoff details!

Lago Vista Softball team continued our district dominance finishing as Undefeated District Champs!

Softball playoffs start TONIGHT, 7pm @ Cedar Park High School. Come out and support the Lady Vikes as they take on Canyon Lake!

Congratulations to Seniors Kaylee Leonard, Natalie Vaquera, and Mikayla Vasquez who played their final home game this week. Thank you for all you've done to help us build such an excellent program!

Our Lady Vikings competed last week at the Regional Track Meet and we had several athletes earn their way to the State Meet next week:

• 2nd place Pole Vault- Lilah Smith
• 2nd place 4x400 Relay- Madi Kassell, Abby Tristan, Kahlen Mathes, and Jade Clements

Overall, our girls got 6th place out of 32 scoring teams. The State Meet is on May 1. Lilah will vault around 3pm, and our 4x400 team will run at 8:45pm. Let's be sure to send them all of our positive vibes!

The Lago Vista Boys Track Team won the Regional Championship for the FIRST TIME IN SCHOOL HISTORY! We also had 4 athletes qualify for the State Meet next week:

• Graydon Burke- Discus
• Swayde Griffin- High Jump, 110 Hurdles, 200m, 4x400 relay
• Matthew Purkey- 300 Hurdles, 4x400 relay
• Miguel Rocha- 4x400 relay
• Devon Parson- 4x400 relay

The 4x400m Relay set a new school record of 3:21.89. Swayde going in 4 events, the most by any Lago Vista student-athlete.

NFHS Stream: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/uil/gam5d2548f171

Schedule of Lago State Events:

Swayde Griffin - HJ - 9am

Lilah Smith - PV - 3pm
Graydon Burke - Discus - 3pm

Swayde Griffin - 110 Hurdles - 5:45pm

Matthew Purkey - 300 Hurdles - 7:35pm

Swayde Griffin - 200m Dash - 7:55pm

Girls and Boys 4x400m Relay - 8:45pm

Class of 2022 graduate, Ryder Phillips, son of Craten and Wendy Phillips, was recruited to apply for the very prestigious Navy NUPOC (Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate) program. Basically, these are the people who run the nuclear powered engines inside of submarines and aircraft carriers for the Navy. In order to qualify, candidates must have the math and science skills of an engineer and the mental and physical fitness to be a Naval Officer. After several preliminary rounds of fitness tests, math tests, and interviews, Ryder was sent to Washington D.C. for the final evaluation process to be admitted into the program. He underwent multiple verbal one-on-one math and physics tests and had an interview with the 4 Star Admiral in charge of the entire Nuclear program for the US Navy. Ryder passed and was immediately sworn into the Navy as an Active Duty Service Member!

This program allows Ryder to finish college as a normal student with a few physical check-ins along the way. He immediately receives Naval pay which will allow him to finish his Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Texas without having to work another job to pay for school. After graduation from UT next spring, Ryder will travel to Newport, Rhode Island to attend Officer Candidate School. He will then continue his training for an additional year in Nuclear Power School and Prototyping to become a Naval Nuclear Officer (Nuke). He will work as a Nuke Officer for 3.5 years before his commitment is up, at which point he can continue with the Navy or get out and start his career as an engineer.

We are very proud of Ryder's accomplishments and his commitment to his country and his craft. We wish him the best of luck as he takes the Viking Spirit into this new adventure!

SOPHOMORES, this is for you, only you, no other grades, just 10th graders- Sports physicals are being offered for free on April 29 & 30 during the school day to 10th graders so they are ready for next year.

Parents, you received a text from Nurse Carmichael with a Google form to complete for consent.

Students in sports, marching band, cheer, valkyries or drill team are eligible. Pick up the forms at the table in the lobby by the SRO's office. Return them to the nurse's office after your parents have completed their part.

This will be on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE basis. If you have any questions please direct to them to Nurse Carmichael @ gcarmichael@lagovistaisd.net

In Mrs. Arzate's AP Spanish 4 "Shark Tank" project, students pitched their innovative business ideas to the "Sharks" entirely in Spanish. They researched common issues in Latin America, invented a product or service to help solve the issue, and created production and marketing strategies for their inventions. Our Vikings are changing the game!

En nuestro proyecto "Shark Tank" de AP Spanish 4, los estudiantes presentaron sus ideas innovadoras de negocios a los "Tiburones" completamente en español. Investigaron desafíos comunes en América Latina, inventaron un producto o servicio para ayudar a resolver el problema, y crearon estrategias de producción y comercialización para sus inventos. Nuestros Vikingos están cambiando el juego!

Due Thursday, May 1:

Complete the Senior Questionnaire Form. Link: https://bit.ly/2025LVSeniorQuest

**DATE CHANGED** Thursday, May 8: GenTex Pep Rally 11:10am during Advisory- Students wear your post secondary shirts! (college, military, industry) **Parents who want to attend this event will need to check in at the front office to follow safety protocol. Email Kellie Berry to have your badge pre-printed.**

Wednesday, May 14 @ 6PM: Blue and Gold Ceremony in the PAC (All students are welcome. Seniors receiving an award or local scholarship will receive an invitation.)

Thursday, May 15: Senior Trip to Schlitterbahn, New Braunfels

• Cost and Meals

• $2 and a permission form are due on Friday, May 9. This pays for admission and an all-day drink wristband. Cash or check should be given to Mrs. Dohm. Checks should be made out to “Lago Vista ISD” with “Senior Trip” in the memo line. Permission slips are available in Mrs. Dohm’s office.

• Lunch and drinks will be provided. If you have special dietary needs, please email Mrs. Dohm ASAP with specifics.

• You may bring credit/debit cards to purchase additional food in the park on your own. Please note: Schlitterbahn is a CASHLESS PARK. If you do not have another form of payment, there are cash to credit cards in the park.

• Expectations

• Meet at the high school parking lot at 8:00am and return around 4:30pm.

• Students must ride the bus to attend. You may not drive yourself to the park.

• LVHS Dress Code will be enforced for the bus ride there and back.

• Only pre-packaged and unopened drinks and snacks will be allowed. Everything else will be left at the school.

• All bags will be checked before boarding the bus.

• Law enforcement with drug dogs may also be present as we board the bus.

• Plan to bring a swimsuit, cover up clothes, appropriate water shoes, towels, sunscreen and money. Remember- Schlitterbahn is a CASHLESS PARK. If you do not have credit/debit cards, there are cash to credit cards in the park.

• When we arrive at the park, all students will place their items in our designated meeting area and will be free to enjoy the park.

• Other middle and high school groups will be in attendance that day. Students should represent Lago Vista High School with pride and behave appropriately at all times.

• Any misbehavior will cause students to be dismissed from the park. Parents will be contacted to retrieve misbehaving students from the park.

• Seniors are not required to attend this trip. However, attendance will be taken, and any student who is not on the trip IS EXPECTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL. In other words, go to Schlitterbahn, go to school or receive an absence.

SENIOR FINALS SCHEDULE:

• Friday, May 16: Finals for 6th & 7th (Seniors Only)

• Monday, May 19: Finals for 3rd & 4th

• Tuesday, May 20: Finals for 8th & 5th

• Wednesday, May 21: Finals for 2nd & 1st (in that order)

Thursday, May 22: Legacy Walk and Graduation Practice

• Students should be at school by 9:00am wearing their caps or crowns and gowns and be ready to board the bus to the Intermediate, Middle, and Elementary schools. Students may not drive themselves.

• **Parents who want to attend this event will need to check in at the front office of each campus to follow safety protocol.**. Approximate times- Intermediate- 9:45am, Middle School-10:00am, Elementary- 10:30am

• If you did not order a cap and gown, please see your counselor as soon as possible.

• After the Legacy Walk, we will return for Graduation practice. Graduation is scheduled to be held at the Stadium, but there is a contingency plan for the gym in the case of inclement weather. We will practice both possibilities on this day. You will be free to go after we complete graduation practice.

Friday, May 23: Graduation Night- Viking Stadium 7pm

**Students should arrive at 5:30 pm.**

Stadium opens for guests at 6pm.

The LVHS AVP team is creating a slideshow highlighting the Class of 2025's journey. Please USE THIS LINK to send us:

• A baby photo (for that adorable "then" picture)
• A senior photo (the impressive "now")
• Any school-appropriate photos and videos that capture your memories.

We appreciate all submissions, and while we may not be able to use every item, they will all be reviewed. Please direct questions to Coach Baugh at jbaugh@lagovistaisd.net. Thank you, LVHS AVP Team

Seniors, before you can receive your physical diploma, you must make sure that you don't owe the school any money- cafeteria fees, technology fees, NHS dues, etc. Please take care of these things NOW so that you can walk away with your diploma in hand on May 23rd!

Texas law (House Bill 3; Texas Education Code §28.0256) requires high school seniors to either complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA), or submit a signed opt-out form to graduate. Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Purpose:

  The goal is to encourage more students to apply for financial aid and pursue higher education.

• Students can choose to:

  • Complete and submit a FAFSA.

  • Complete and submit a TASFA.

  • Submit a signed opt-out form (SEE YOUR COUNSELOR TO PICK UP A FORM!)

• Opt-Out:

  An opt-out form allows students (or their parents/guardians) to decline completing the financial aid applications.

• 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.

Graduation is a joyful, but formal, event. It is a celebration of the entire class and its accomplishments, as well as those who have supported you to this point. Thus, student behavior should be celebratory but respectful- focused on ALL of your classmates and not any one individual. Respectful behavior and decorum is expected.

• ARRIVAL

• Students report to the Competition Gym no later than 5:30pm.

• The gates will open at 6:00pm for guests.

• DRESS & DECORUM

• Dress for the event is business casual.

• For example, slacks, a collared shirt, dresses, skirts/pants with blouses and appropriate footwear. Boots are allowed.

• Dresses & skirts should not be longer than the gown. NOTE: Heels are tricky on the football field! Choose your footwear carefully!

• Students may decorate their caps with a pre-approved design. If students' caps are not pre-approved or are deemed inappropriate, we will have extra caps on hand to trade out, if needed.

• NOT ALLOWED: Shorts, jeans, hats, tennis shoes/sneakers, flip flops or chewing gum.

• Cap & Gown Tips:

• After you receive your cap and gown, it is your responsibility to keep up with it and keep it safe.

• Hang it up as soon as you get home so the wrinkles will come out.

• Do NOT iron the gown; a steamer is fine. Do NOT put it in the dryer.

• GUEST PROCEDURES

• The gates will open at 6:00pm for guests.

• If the weather cooperates, the event will be held in Viking Stadium and there will be NO LIMIT on the number of guests you can invite.

• In case of inclement weather, each senior will receive EIGHT wristbands to distribute to family members. These eight guests will be able to attend the ceremony should we have to move to the competition gym.

• There will be a livestream option available in the PAC and online no matter where the event is held for those that are unable to make it down to the football field or into the gym.

• If your family has special needs (ex. wheelchair access) contact Mrs. Castillo to make those arrangements.

• There will be a professional photographer taking pictures as each graduate crosses the stage and receives his/her diploma. An order form will be emailed to you and will be included in your diploma packet after graduation.

• FOLLOWING THE CEREMONY

• Graduates should meet their families in Victory Plaza (entrance to the stadium) immediately following graduation.

• Students will trade in their cords and/or stoles for their cell phones before they leave the stadium. If students have paid all fees and dues, they will receive an envelope containing their diploma and final transcript.

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 college visit forms, transcripts and more! We are here to help your Senior transition to their next step after graduation!

• 5/8- GenTX Day & Extracurricular Fair **DATE CHANGE **
• 5/14- Blue & Gold Ceremony
• 5/22- Last Day of School
• 5/23- Graduation

LV VIKING BOOSTER CLUB BOARD APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN:

Want to make a difference for our Viking athletes and in our community? The LV Viking Booster Club is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Board! Several positions are open, and we’re looking for passionate volunteers ready to join our team and support our student-athletes and programs.

Application Deadline: April 30, 2025

Apply here: https://forms.gle/n8mdGGyzHgrUFB2Y9

Don't miss this chance to get involved and help shape the future of Viking athletics! Apply today or refer someone who’d be a great fit.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

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

WE ALL ROW!

LV Hosting Playoff Games

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-56486229-playoff

Graduation Ceremony Concessions:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAFAF23A4F85-56089281-2025#/

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.

• 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

THE SPRING FINALS SCHEDULE

NEXT YEAR'S A&B DAY CALENDAR

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