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To the Parents of the Class of 2008 |
Barbara Qualls, PhD – Superintendent, LVISD
May 29, 2008
In less than two weeks, the Lago Vista High School Class of 2008 will be alumni. At this time each year, graduating seniors and their parents experience a rite of passage that is like no other. While high school graduation is certainly not the first such experience acquiring a driver’s license and first real boyfriend/girlfriend come to mind the graduation from high school has its own set of unique emotions and symbolism. Some of our graduates already know exactly what they plan to do for the next phase of their lives; others are still weighing options. Some are counting the minutes until they move out of their parents’ homes; others are planning to stay at home for another year or so and pursue jobs or high education close to home. We have graduates who will attend college on the east coast and west coast of the United States, others who will become part of the armed forces and travel all around the world. Indeed, the next two weeks marks the last time this particular group of eighty-four individuals will be in the same place at the same time.
As a class, they have played hard, studied hard, and worked hard. Among their collective accomplishments are a large number of Advanced Placement tests with very high scores, representation at state level competition in most areas of academic endeavor – notably social studies and Academic Decathlon. In addition, several 2008 graduates have left a legacy of successful essay writing and competition. Seniors also led three Viking athletic teams into playoff runs this year, which may be a record for LVHS – all the while maintaining an extremely high level of academic performance so that eligibility was rarely an issue for concern.
I’d like to share a few thoughts for parents of these young men and women. For some, it may feel like a major part of your life is leaving but the reality is that you are about to gain a whole new significant person. The ‘kid’ who causes heartburn with late nights out, sassy mouth, and disregard for spending money will come back to you after a few months at college an entirely different person. He/she will have stories to tell, experiences to share, as well as a carload of dirty laundry. He/she will have met people from different countries, surely people from different parts of our country, and maybe acquired a close enough new friend to bring home. While some researchers believe that peers influence us more than family beginning at around age 13, what is not considered in that research is that it is the same family that continues to influence, even though the peers change with each life phase.
Don’t underestimate the importance of these last few weeks of having your Class of 2008 graduate still a ‘kid’ and still under your influence. The things you have taught him/her and the values you have imbued are lasting and are extremely resilient, but probably could use a summary and recap. If possible, enjoy some activities together, just you and your graduate. Tell him/her how proud you are. Let them know that they will be missed. I know that the many teachers, counselors, coaches, principals and other LVISD staff who have had the incredible privilege of working with your children will join me in thanking you for the trust you have placed in us for the last 13 years of your child’s life. We are confident that they have the skills needed for wherever their imagination takes them. We join you in wishing them all a safe, successful and happy life journey. | | |
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Parents – The Best Support Team of All |
Barbara Qualls, PhD – Superintendent, LVISD
May 22, 2008
The last few weeks of school offer many opportunities to share in the celebration of student achievement. All three LVISD campuses have end-of-year promotion and graduation ceremonies, organizations have recognition banquets and programs, and new members of honor societies are selected to fill the empty shoes left by graduates. Last Sunday night was an example of one of those opportunities when the LVISD Athletic Booster Club hosted the annual spring sports banquet. K-Oaks was filled with young athletes and their parents, as coaches gave recaps of the competitive seasons and recognized all participants, with special emphasis on those athletes who had a high level of achievement. Coach after coach repeated the same theme—appreciation of the support that parents gave to their student athletes.
While Lago Vista enjoys a very high level of parent involvement, the value of that practice is so important to children that it may be helpful to look at some ways to expand. Below are just a few examples of how students benefit from parent involvement:
When parents are involved with their child’s education, the student: Gets better gradesScores higher on standardized testsHas better attendance recordsHas a more positive attitude toward school and homework
Bogenschneiden, K. (1997), Henderson, A.T. & Mapp K.L. (2002), Catsambes, S. (1998, Fall)
When parents are involved with their child’s education, the student:Enrolls in more challenging academic programsHas improved behavior at school and homeHas better social skills
National Center for Family and Community Connections with Schools
42% of children 3–5 years old (not in school) who were read to more than three times a week are more likely to recognize all letters, count to 20 or higher, write their names, and read or pretend to read books, compared to 24% who were read to by their parents less than three times per week. 75% improvement with parent involvement!
National Household Education Survey 1999
The Texas Association of School Boards has a well-developed program for parent involvement, including a list of web-based resources for specific information. One that is especially important is the Center for Successful Fathering. This site has information explaining the unique effect of positive parenting by fathers, with insight into societal changes that impact the role of fathers.
Another web source for information on ways a father can be involved in his children’s education is Fathers.com. General information as well as education-specific articles and research can be found at FamilyEducation, The National Parenting Center, Parenthood Web, Parents Place, and Texas Parent/Teacher Association.
Because the influence of television, free-access internet and other media is such a pervasive component of many children’s lives, interest in efforts to use that force for positive outcomes is important. Some starting points for information related to media in education are The Disney Family site, Sesame Workshop, and Public Broadcasting Service.
Lago Vista ISD has a number of parent involvement opportunities. Each campus has a parent organization that manages volunteer efforts, recruits chaperones for field trips, provides assistance for teachers for special projects and activities, and supports the work of the school. Information about how to become involved with the parent organization at each school is available on the campus website accessed through the LVISD site or from your child’s principal. Parent presence is always welcome and is one of the most important links to student success. Special thanks to all the parents who are busy right now in planning graduation and promotion ceremonies, baccalaureate, end-of-year parties and field trips, Port Aransas(!), and countless other enrichment activities for our kids! You are needed and appreciated. | | |
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Facilities for the Future – What Do You Think? |
Barbara Qualls, PhD – Superintendent, LVISD
May 13, 2008
On Monday night, LVISD citizens, parents and others had an opportunity to share their thoughts. The District Education Improvement Council posed four general questions and those in attendance at the meeting gave their ideas and opinions. The meeting's title, Laying the Foundation: Facilities for the Future, asked for focus on facilities and most attendees had things to say about LVISD facilities, but there were a number of other topics that were brought up, too.
Several slides of information from the recently commissioned district demographic study were presented which show growth trends both in the general population of the school district's geographic area as well as in the student population. That entire study can be accessed here and in the Reports area of the district website.
The first question— What facilities issues do you think we face?—had many answers, identifying small single issues as well as general overcrowding. Some specific areas of lighting and fencing were mentioned. Several respondents noted the overcrowding of core facilities. Core facilities usually refer to those areas of a school building that are used in common, such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, hallways, and restrooms. Questions were also posed related to capacity – how it is measured, capacity of current buildings, and proportion of capacity the current student population occupies. The need for facilities to support all student activities – classrooms, arts, and sports – was also mentioned several times.
The second question— What do you think needs to be done?—had fewer answers but no less interest than the first question. One point that was repeated urged action now on the assumption that costs for construction and related activities (materials, labor, transportation, fuel) will only increase. Another point made was encouraging the district to build for the future, not just addressing present needs.
The third question— Are there other priorities you think are higher than facilities?—yielded a variety of answers that ranged from individual concerns about singular programs to urging more electives. There were several items related to courses of study related to vocational training. LVISD is in partnership with Austin Community College for a series of technical courses that, on completion, will give a student both high school credit as well as course credit toward an associate degree from ACC.
The final question— What can you do to help?—seemed to center on publicity and involvement. Volunteerism was one area identified, as well as continuation of meetings such as this one, where community voices can be heard. Parents of the growing population of Hispanic students were also identified as an area of greater potential involvement.
As was hoped, discussion ranged freely over a number of topics. One that elicited strong interest was in the area of standardized testing—with some concern about how long-lasting labels are attached based on the outcome of a single test.
LVISD and especially the District Education Improvement Council would like to thank those who attended the meeting. Suggestions are always welcome and provide the information needed to make our District better. It is also important to share factual information and meetings where ideas and facts are exchanged provide an excellent opportunity to share.
In other news – the Lago Vista Lady Vikings closed out a terrific competitive season this weekend in Brenham, losing two of a three game series to Danbury HS. Congratulations to all the coaches, players, and others who made this season such a memorable one. Congratulations to Nate Menkin who placed sixth in discus at the State Track and Field Meet. Nate closes out an excellent high school athletic career and will be a scholarship student/athlete at Mary Hardin-Baylor University this fall. | | |
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New Positions in LVISD for School Year 2008-09 |
Barbara Qualls, PhD – Superintendent, LVISD
May 6, 2008
Over the past several years, LVISD has worked to get staff benefits at a competitive level with surrounding school districts. With Leander ISD opening one or two new schools every year, the competition for teachers and other staff is fierce. After an average 8.5% raise in 2006 and an average 14% raise in 2007, the salary component of the LVISD benefit package is very competitive. In addition, we have refined the insurance and leave provisions of the LVISD benefits, too. An employee of LVISD has full health insurance coverage from any of four different plans plus access to a wide array of cafeteria-plan benefits such as dental and vision insurance, long-term care, specialty coverage, and various savings and investments plans. For school year 2008-09, the effort to improve human resources includes the addition of several needed new positions. In filling the new jobs, some current employees will be promoted and for others, new staff will be recruited from colleges and from other school districts.
Two new staff positions will be for people who will work directly with LVISD teachers. One position is an Instructional Technology Coordinator. The focus will be to assist teachers in effective use of technology in the classroom, as an integral part of the teaching/learning process. In some cases, that will mean hands-on training and in others it will involve helping teachers select appropriate software and equipment. Another teacher trainer position is for Literacy Coordinator for secondary teachers. This position is specifically to help teachers identify and execute research-validated intervention strategies for all learners, but especially for struggling students.
Two new teaching positions are targeted for specific areas of student academic performance where improvement is needed. LVES will be getting a Math Instruction Specialist—who will work directly with students whose math skills need improvement. The new teacher will help classroom teachers with reinforcement strategies for all students. A new position that will be shared by LVMS and LVHS, is a Reading Teacher to work with struggling readers, especially students who have difficulty related to dyslexia or dysgraphia.
In addition, several new positions are needed to accommodate student population growth. A new Elementary Teacher position and a new secondary Life Skills position have been added. Due to new requirements for increased physical education time at the middle school level, a new PE/coach position has been added at Lago Vista MS. Two other positions that have been part-time will be expanded to full-time teaching positions: PreKindergarten and Middle School Spanish.
The number of students at Lago Vista High School has created a need for an additional English/language arts teacher. For the past several years, we have added a new teaching position in one of the core curriculum areas in anticipation of the new 4x4 graduation requirements – each student will earn four credits in each of the four core curriculum areas of Math, Science, English/Language Arts, and Social Studies. Many LVHS students have already chosen to take at least four core credits in each area. In addition, LVISD requires a total of 28 credits for graduation, considerably above the state requirement. In further anticipation of growth and development, an Assistant Band Director position has been added to the secondary staff for school year 2008-09.
Each of the new positions holds promise for improved instruction and thus for improved student learning. Slightly more than half the new positions have been filled and each new hire represents the very best in a competitive field. We have been extremely pleased with the quality and quantity of interest that professional educators have shown in applying for positions to join the LVISD instructional family. | | |
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LVISD Demographic Study – Available Online |
Barbara Qualls, PhD – Superintendent, LVISD
May 1, 2008
Last week, the results from the demographic study commissioned by LVISD were received. The report is 85 pages of information about the Lago Vista – population trends, housing trends, current and anticipated development, ethnic and age information, and a concentration of information about the area’s school age children population. The information related to general population growth seems to indicate that the largest areas of growth in recent years are outside the City of Lago Vista. The 2000 census recorded 6,071 within LVISD boundaries, up 82% from the 1990 census of 3,343. Since the 2000 census, that same area has increased by 1,853 or 31%. During the decade of 1990-2000, the City of Lago’s population increased from 2,199 to 4,507 – more than doubled. However, since the 2000 census, City of Lago Vista population has increased by only an additional 25% to 5,641.
The data concerning age indicates that the average Lago Vista citizen is older and wealthier than in years past. The median age of Lago Vista residents is estimated to be 44.8, up from 39.7 in 1990. Household income has certainly increased, but the demographers pointed out that much of the increase might be due to inflation. The median household income increased from $33,716 in 1990 to an estimated $62,681.
A significant portion of the report lists the development projects currently operating in Lago Vista. Some of the 20 identified projects are in construction while others are in various stages of planning. Some of the new housing planned for Lago Vista is targeted for second homebuyers, multi-family units or retirement homes. Other projects, though, are specifically designed for mid-range pricing and growing families. One of the most important findings is that although new construction home building is primarily in high-end pricing, much of the re-sale housing (75%) has been for homes under $300,000.
The majority of the report concentrates on information related to the LVISD student population. Since 2000, yearly enrollment increase has varied between 1.8% and 6.6%. The elementary school enrollment has outpaced both middle and high school, but all three campuses have experienced significant growth. Enrollment charts in the report show grade-by-grade enrollment with several ‘bumps’ but an overall smooth enrollment pattern.
In addition to using numerical data from the Texas Education Agency Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS), the District's demographers interviewed city and area elected officials, realtors, developers, homebuilders, and business people. A number of issues unique to the North Shore area were identified as potential challenges or benefits for LVISD growth. These include water and wastewater service issues, industry growth and residential building, employment, and transportation.
The report will be very useful in future planning. One feature that is most helpful is division of the LVISD geographical area into planning zones. There are 27 zones which, according to the report, present enrollment and residency information in manageable units for short and long-term planning, provide a baseline for future consideration of attendance zone boundaries, and develop geographical indicators of how the student population is distributed. The 27 attendance zones are graphically displayed in the body of the report, with all LVISD students as well as three separate maps with elementary, middle school, and high school students indicated.
The report is posted on the LVISD website with a link on the homepage and also in the Reports section. Hard copies are available for examination in the District administration office. The LVISD Board and staff will use the information in the study for guidance in future planning. If you have questions about any part of the demographic study, we would appreciate an opportunity to discuss it. | | |
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LVISD Students – Success on the Stage, Classroom and Field |
Barbara Qualls, PhD – Superintendent, LVISD
April 21, 2008
This is the time of the school year where the culmination of much effort is seen. Many competitive activities finish their final phases, with lots of winners and try-again-next year for others. I am almost sure to omit important contests and contestants in the following list, so please let me know about any omissions so I can have an opportunity to include them in future columns.
» Even though LVHS baseball will conclude without a playoff run this year, Coach Mike Anderson saw his 300th career win with a victory over the Florence Buffaloes in late March. That win is a milestone in a long and productive career that has touched many lives.
» The LVHS One-Act Play troupe had another great year with two actors named to the All-Star Cast – Corey Hendrix and Garrett Vernon.
» Essayists Laura Febbo and Krystal Rodenbeck were selected as part of the top three writers in Central Texas in the Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Contest.
» Their colleague, Rachel Duran, was not only recognized as one of the top three in Central Texas but also third in the state and received a $1,000 recognition prize. Under the guidance of English department chair Berniece Donnellan, LVHS writers consistently win recognition in this prestigious contest.
» The LVHS Boys Tennis team is the 2008 Champion! Josue Villegas in the boys singles champion and Spencer Allers and John Stearns won second place in doubles.
» LVHS will send ten track athletes to the Regional Meet this week: Bryan Jacobs, Scott Kerr, Nate Menkin, Mitch Guile, Josh Penner (2 events), Katelynn Holleyman, Miranda Hazard, Kain Tomlin, Cameron Kurth, and Ryan Baranak.
» The JV Track team collected more points than any other JV team at the District Meet.
» The UIL Academic competition was equally impressive with wins. Doug Macut (Ready Writing), Xavier Allred (Biology and Science), Tony Foianini (Science), George Karr (Science), Alex Murphy (Social Studies), Marissa Stewart (Social Studies), and Lucas Seiferman (Social Studies) all placed in the top three in their events at the District Meet. Four LVHS teams also placed first: Current Issues, Cross Examination Debate, Science, and Social Studies.
» At the next level of academic competition, the Social Studies team again came in first and will compete at the State Meet. George Karr came in fourth and is a State alternate. Doug Macut placed fifth.
» The Social Studies team recently visited the Texas Supreme Court and met Justice Paul Green.
» Both LVHS girls and boys golf teams qualified for regionals and competed this week – results unknown at the time of column deadline!
» LVHS golfers are (girls) Jenny Kunze, Heather Hunt, Morgan Smith, Lindsay Jackson, and Taylor Hillhouse and (boys) Stefan Rogers, Joseph Anderson, Nathan Holtman, and Tony Foianini.
» Destination Imagination also had a great run – the DI-tectives won first place in the regional competition and qualified for state. Coached by Kelly Puschman, Sherry Durham and Angie Haire, the Di-tectives are River Wylie, Presley Puschman, Jake Ward, Bailey Haire, Kennedy Smith, Nina Bortolussi, and Peyton Durham.
» A very successful LVMS student, Brad Hood, was recognized for his mathematics ability in the Duke Talent Search program.
» Nate Menkin, Jenny Kunze, Erica Hollingsworth, and Nathaniel Pepe have all signed letters of intent with various colleges for athletic scholarships.
» And finally, the Lago Vista High School Lady Vikings have won the District 25AA Softball championship! After having this week off from competitive activity, the Lady Vikings will begin the playoff push to the State Championship!
Lago Vista kids are strong competitors on the stage, in the classroom, and on the athletic fields. Thank you to everyone who contributes to their great success! | | |
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TAKS – Can It Be Made Better? |
Barbara Qualls, PhD – Superintendent, LVISD
April 17, 2008
Most people would answer “yes” if asked “Do you think schools should be accountable for student performance?” But the answers get a lot more blurry when a question about accountability is narrowed to discussion of the TAKS tests. Right now, schools all over Texas are about half-way through the 2008 administration of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). There are reports of extreme behavior – an accusation that a principal in south Texas physically threatened teachers concerning outcome scores while another principal in north Texas is on administrative leave after accusations of alteration of prescribed testing conditions. In Lago Vista, parents, teachers, and administrators all work toward helping students do well on the tests, but at the same time, try to minimize stress. Sometimes those efforts aren’t enough. We still have kids who report inability to sleep the night before the tests and upset stomachs during the test.
Happily, the same forces that brought the TAKS and its resulting culture are now preparing to re-examine its usefulness. Over the past several years, critics of the TAKS have centered their argument on these points. The federal No Child Left Behind act measures ‘accountability’ in one manner, TAKS in another. Many schools and districts find themselves in the confusing position of doing well on one measure while failing in the other.TAKS components designed to encourage schools to expend special effort on subpopulations pushed schools into low overall ratings when a large proportion of students actually performed well.Changes in standards (what percentage constitutes ‘passing’) both for individual student scores and campus/district subpopulations make year-to-year comparison impossible.The complexity of the AEIS (Academic Excellence Indicator System) makes meaningful reporting and communication with parents about accountability more difficult than is necessary.Testing for special needs students has not been adequately addressed.
Representative Rob Eissler (R-Woodlands) and Senator Florence Shapiro (R-Plano) are long-time advocates for public education and each is the recognized leader and expert on education in their respective houses of the Texas Legislature. Both have expressed strong commitment to overhaul of the accountability system in the 2009 session. Rep. Eissler is interested in simplification of the system by replacing TAKS with end-of-course tests at the high school level and corresponding streamline efforts at middle and elementary schools. Senator Shapiro has expressed strong interest in basing the accountability measures on improvement – individual, campus, and district – rather than a one-shot high stakes test.
Most school people would agree with the aspirations of both legislators. Many veteran educators remember the beginning of the current high stakes testing movement – the TAAS. Those first tests were considered ground-breaking at their introduction and caused almost as much stress as the current system. However, the use of a standard test across the state, one that measured the same skill and the same level of skill from El Paso to Beaumont, caused a positive revolution in Texas education. The result includes much more emphasis on academic achievement and student retention rates. Arguably the most important outcome has been the effort to close the gap in achievement among racial and economic subpopulations. There have been several improvements and ‘fixes’ in the accountability system, but no complete overhaul in almost twenty years. It may be time to do that now – keep the accountability component, align its expectations with federal requirements, make the tests age-appropriate (end-of-course for high school, comparable measures for younger students), make the results truly reflect year-to-year progress, and establish measures for special needs children that are fair and achievable. LVISD appreciates the support and help from all parents, especially the volunteers who help make test days almost fun. | | |
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Head ‘Em Up, Round ‘Em Up - Kindergarten Round-Up for 2008! |
Heather Stoner – Lago Vista Primary School Principal
April 9, 2008
Ahhh, all the signs of spring…flowers blooming, birds chirping, and Kindergarten Round-Up! Please join us on Thursday, April 24, 2008, between the hours of 7:45 am and 6:00 pm for this big event. Each child who turns 5 years of age on or before September 1, 2008, is eligible to attend Kindergarten next year. Kindergarten Round-Up is a vital first step in each child’s educational career. At Round-Up, parents will visit with our registrar who will guide them through completion of the Kindergarten Registration Packet and answer any questions they might have about registration. To help us with this process, we encourage each family to bring with them the following items: each child’s Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, and Shot Record and proof of residence in the Lago Vista Independent School District (in the form of a water or electric bill or a lease or rental agreement). Parents will also have an opportunity to complete a Student Information Profile, on which they can share their child’s unique personality traits and provide any important information parents feel the school needs to know before the school year begins.
While parents are involved in the registration process, incoming Kindergarten students will spend time with a Kindergarten teacher. The Kindergarten teacher will perform an informal assessment to determine what academic skills the child may already bring with him or her to Kindergarten next year. The prospective students will no doubt enjoy this interaction with their potential teacher. In addition, the information gained from the assessments, combined with the Student Information Profiles, will provide us with important information to use when we determine student placement this summer.
While at Kindergarten Round-Up, parents can sign their child up for “Kindergarten Buddy Day”, an informative and entertaining bonus for our 2008-2009 Kindergarteners. This May, future Kindergarten students will have the opportunity to be a Kindergartener for part of a school day! Buddy Day is a time when the incoming Kindergarteners can become familiar with our school and Kindergarten. The future Kindergarteners will experience recess, center time, story time, calendar time and lunch! We will also use this as a time to answer parents’ questions about what to expect during their child’s first year of school. While the future Kindergarteners are visiting in the classrooms, the parents will have their own meeting with LVES administration, office staff, a Kindergarten teacher, and a member of our PTA. This “New Family Orientation” for Kindergarten families will provide parents with a packet of very important school policy information as well as highlight what every family needs to know before they drop their child off on their first day of school on Tuesday, August 26, 2008. This is a new additional feature and because of the preparation required to host it, is only available for those students who are present at Kindergarten Round-Up on Thursday, April 24.
Perhaps one of the most important parts of Kindergarten Round-Up is that it helps us plan for the number of teachers and supplies that will be needed for the 2008-2009 Kindergarten class. Every year, Lago Vista Elementary School hosts Kindergarten Round-Up. Too often, our turn-out is substantially lower than the number of students that show up on the first day of school. Not only does that make planning for the upcoming school year very difficult, it also leaves many of our Kindergartners apprehensive about what awaits them on their first day of school. Please encourage everyone you know who has an incoming 2008-2009 Lago Vista Elementary School Kindergarten student to attend this important event! We can’t wait to meet all of our new Kindergarten students!
...for archived columns, click here.... | | |
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