Norton's Notes - September 15, 2023

  • September 15 - October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month

    • Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the cultures and contributions of Americans who identify as Hispanic or Latino/Latina/Latinx.

    • In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, students will have opportunities to learn more about the culture by participating in a variety of activities and events.

    • Today, Mariachis and a parent/daughter Folklórico dance duo greeted students at Lake Travis Elementary School.

    Elementary School #9

    • On Monday, we closed on 22.59 acres on Hamilton Pool Road adjacent to Provence. This will be the site of Elementary School #9 approved by voters in the 2022 Bond. District staff is working with Pfluger Architects on the school’s design. Due to challenges presented by the topography at this site, the design of Elementary School #9 will differ from West Cypress and Rough Hollow elementary schools which share similar architectural features.

    STAAR Results Delayed

    • On Tuesday, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) announced a temporary delay in the release of 2023 A-F accountability ratings for districts and campuses, originally scheduled for September 28.

    • According to TEA, the A-F system is a tool that evaluates how well districts and campuses help students reach certain learning goals. As prescribed by statute, A-F ratings must balance multiple objectives to ensure a rigorous, transparent, and fair system, and are based on:    

    the better of: 

      1. Achievement – how well all students have learned certain academic content – and

      2. Progress – how much all students have gained academically over the course of the year

    along with (c) Closing the Gaps – how well schools raise academic performance among certain groups of students.   

    • The postponement of ratings will allow for TEA to complete a further re-examination of the baseline data used in the calculation of Progress to ensure ratings reflect the most appropriate goals for students. The final ratings methodology will be posted once this analysis of the growth data is complete, and about two weeks later, A-F ratings will be issued for parents, educators, and the public to use to help Texas schools continue to improve.

    SubU

    2023 Bond

    • As you may already know, the Lake Travis school board has approved an order calling a $143 million bond election for November 7, 2023.

    • Our slide deck and a listing of upcoming presentations are available on our bond page.

    • Also available on our website is a handout we are sharing at our information sessions. Additional resources will be posted as they become available.

    • We will also host two, community-wide presentations and a webinar as listed below:

      • Lake Travis ISD 2023 Bond - Community-wide Presentation #1
        6:00 pm, Thurs. Oct. 5
        Lake Travis High School, Performing Arts Center

      • Lake Travis ISD 2023 Bond - Community-wide Presentation #2
        6:00 pm, Thurs. Oct. 19
        Lake Travis Middle School, Cafeteria

      • Lake Travis ISD 2023 Bond - Lunch 'n Learn
        Noon, Mon. Oct. 23
        Zoom Webinar (credentials pending)

    • Questions about the District’s 2023 bond program can be sent to info@ltisdschools.org.

    Lake Travis vs. Westlake Varsity Football - Friday, Sept. 22

    • It’s been four years since Lake Travis last hosted Westlake High School for the “Battle of the Lakes.” 

    • Tickets for LTHS students will go on sale beginning at 8:00 am, Sunday, Sept. 17; public/non-student tickets will go on sale beginning at 8:00 am, Monday, Sept. 18. For ticket info, visit our eTix online ticket sales platform.

    • The game will likely determine the District 26 champion. We know Cavalier Stadium will be rocking next Friday night and hope to see Cav Nation out in support of our team and other amazing student programs; Go Cavs!