April 30, 2021

As local transmission rates of the coronavirus continue to decline, temperatures begin to rise, and overall conditions improve, we are modifying our face covering protocols specifically for outdoor physical activity. 

Beginning Monday, May 3, Lake Travis schools will no longer require the wearing of a face covering while students engage in outdoor physical activity or when at recess. Students may continue to choose to wear a face covering when engaging in outdoor activities. Please note, students will be required to wear face coverings when entering and exiting our facilities. This modification aligns with face covering protocols already in place for students participating in UIL activities outdoors. The face covering modification has been updated in our Return to School Protocols for COVID-19.  

We will continue to evaluate conditions and consider guidance from health authorities while prioritizing the health and safety of our staff and students. Thank you for your continued patience, understanding and support.

Sincerely,

Paul Norton
Superintendent of Schools

March 8, 2021

As you may already know, the Texas Education Agency announced in January that students must be present at school in order to participate in STAAR testing this spring. I am writing to provide some clarity regarding this issue. 

1. There are a number of federal and state laws that require all 1,202 Texas school districts to administer STAAR. In fact, TEA has posted a listing of these laws on its website at: https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/state-and-federal-required-tests.pdf
   
   
2. Logistical constraints prevent the State of Texas from administering these assessments in remote or at-home settings. Therefore, in order to participate, a student must be physically present at school.
   
   
3. TEA has made a number of adjustments and options to help school districts provide a safe on-campus testing environment. These include expanding the testing window and providing remote instruction to those not testing in order to reduce the number of students on campus during assessment days.

We are obligated to comply with federal and state laws relating to state assessments, but we are also committed to providing the safest environment possible for staff and students on our campuses. While assessment is the most meaningful way of gauging student knowledge, STAAR is only one indicator that can help us evaluate the impact of the pandemic on student learning.

We would like to have as many students as possible participate in STAAR this spring. However, we recognize some of our parents may feel having their child come into our schools for testing is not a viable option due to safety concerns. We respect your decision to have your child remain in remote instruction. As a result, your child will not be able to participate in STAAR testing at home. Rest assured students in 3-8 grades not participating in a STAAR assessment this spring will have no impact on promotion or retention.

However, please know that under current law, students are required to perform successfully on End-of -Course (EOC) exams in order to receive high school credit and meet graduation requirements. Therefore, there are implications for those students who choose not to participate in EOC assessments. Although there may be future opportunities to take EOCs prior to graduation, we believe it is important for students to participate in EOCs at the conclusion of their course. EOC courses are applicable in Algebra 1, Biology, English I, English II, and US History. For students receiving special education services, the ARD committee will make decisions related to state assessments and graduation requirements.

You will receive detailed information from your child’s campus regarding STAAR testing in the near future.

Thank you for your continued support and flexibility throughout this challenging year.

Sincerely,

Paul Norton
Superintendent of Schools

March 4, 2021

As we communicated earlier this week, Gov. Greg Abbott announced a new executive order which rescinds restrictions on business occupancy and the statewide mask order effective Wednesday, March 10. The Governor’s order also indicates that “public schools may operate as provided by, and under the minimum standard health protocols found in, guidance issued by the Texas Education Agency.” Updated guidance issued by TEA on March 3 stipulates that a mask shall be worn while inside the school building, school facility, or in an outdoor space on school property. Given this guidance, and as part of our efforts to keep staff and students safe and our schools open, Lake Travis ISD will continue to follow our Return to School Protocols for COVID-19.

I am proud of the commitment our staff, students and families have made to protect themselves and others by adhering to the precautions we have in place. While it is encouraging to see segments of our population getting vaccinated, the vast majority of our teachers and staff have not yet had the opportunity to obtain a vaccination. Given the President’s recent directive that all states prioritize teachers, school staff, and childcare workers for the vaccine, I am hopeful enough supply will soon be available in our community.

In the meantime, I ask that you remain vigilant and continue to follow our District’s current COVID protocols. Thank you for supporting our efforts to prioritize the health and safety of our fellow staff, students and community.

Sincerely,

Paul Norton
Superintendent of Schools