π A FRESH PERSPECTIVE π
Viking Family,
Happy New Year! As we continue into 2025, Iβd like to invite you to consider a small but powerful shift in perspective. Often, we get caught up in the busy routines of daily life and feel like we have to do certain thingsβwhether it's managing schoolwork, packing lunches, driving to activities, or juggling family responsibilities. But what if we could change our mindset and instead think about these tasks as things we get to do?
Last weekend, I attended the 2nd Annual Lago Vista Invitational Cheer Competition. Texas State Universityβs cheer squads gave amazing exhibition performances! As they were waiting to take the mat, one of their leaders came to the front to break out the team. He yelled, βWe donβt HAVE to do this!β and his teammates shouted back, βWe GET to do this!β Their enthusiasm and attitude gave me chills, but they also gave me perspective.
By shifting from "We have to" to "We get to," we open ourselves up to a sense of gratitude and intention in our daily lives. Instead of feeling burdened by the demands of educating children, we can start to view our responsibilities as opportunities to be present, to encourage, to support, and to actively engage in their growth and development.
As families and educators partnering together, there are countless opportunities for us to apply this perspective. Rather than seeing school drop-off as a chore, we can appreciate the chance to connect with our children before they start driving themselves. After all, what fun will it be to drive if thereβs no one to comment on the music we listen to? :) Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the pile of laundry this weekend, we can remember that it represents a family with enough to wear. (I get to pull apart these smelly socks!) Rather than dreading a trip to HEB this weekend, we can relish the fact that we have lunches to pack and meals to share. Shifting our perspective can help us focus on the joy in the journey, even in the small moments.
What a privilege it is for us to set the tone for how our children approach the world. If we model an attitude of gratitude and positivity, itβs more likely that our children will develop this mindset, as well. I can see it now- All of our LVHS Vikings enthusiastically proclaiming, βI donβt have to do my homework; I get to do my homework!β ;-)
This year, letβs embrace the things we βget toβ do as opportunities for growth, connection, and joy. It may not always be easy, but finding the positive in every moment can make a world of difference.
I GET to be an educator in LVISDβ¦
Janda Castillo
Proud Principal of Lago Vista High School
DEBATE TEAM FOCUS
The UIL Academic Debate Team will have its first two Spring Practice Tournaments coming up in preparation for District in March 2025. On January 25th, the team will participate in the Round Rock Tournament. UIL Debate categories to participate in this Spring include: Lincoln-Douglas Debate (Focus: Standardized Testing), Extemporaneous Speaking (Persuasive and Informative), and Oral Interpretation (Prose & Poetry). If you think on your feet and like to discuss, come join the fun!
π LAGO HOOPS ON FIRE!π
Senior Kason Erwin Earns Early Admission to University of Arkansas EMPOWER Program
We are excited to celebrate Kason Erwin, who was granted early admission to the EMPOWER program at the University of Arkansas for Fall 2025. The EMPOWER program (Educate, Motivate, Prepare, Opportunity, Workplace readiness, Employment, Responsibility) is a comprehensive post-secondary program designed to support students with intellectual disabilities, offering an inclusive college experience focused on academics, career readiness, and independent living.
Kason has always dreamed of attending college, but he and his family knew that the traditional route wasnβt the right fit. They began researching inclusive post-secondary education programs across the country. This journey led Kason to visit 11 universities, attend camps, and apply for admissions and interview to several programs. After being offered early admission, Kason decided to forgo other opportunities and focus solely on the Razorback program. His commitment to exploring the right program shows his determination and the hard work heβs put in to make his dream a reality.
At the University of Arkansas, Kason is excited to work as student manager for the team team and in the equipment room, live in the dorms, and enhance his employment and independent living skills. We know Kason will represent his Viking roots well when he makes the switch to a Razorback! KASON, WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!
For more information about programs like EMPOWER, visit Think College.
Get out there and support those Vikings!
