2020-2021 Planning & Communications Timeline

June 2, 2020

Dear Viking Family,

Let me begin by offering my thanks - to the students, staff, parents, and community members who helped us succeed with our online at-home learning at the end of the 2019-20 school year. While certainly not without bumps, frustrations, and setbacks - overall I am very proud of the way we collectively responded to the challenges we faced.  Without a doubt, you all exemplified our Viking motto of "We All Row".

And as we catch our breath for a moment and look to the future, we must also consider what school will look like in the fall and how we can restore some form of in-person learning.  I know that there are a lot of questions about what school will look like next year: How will we manage social distancing? Will there be more COVID-19 related closures?  Will we continue online at-home learning or return to in-person learning?  Determining the answers to these questions is a daunting task because we must create a quality and meaningful learning experience for students, while also making sure we maintain a safe learning environment and put forth a model that our professional staff can successfully implement.

School districts across Texas are awaiting guidance from state and local officials regarding our operations in the fall, but please know that Lago Vista ISD is committed to coming back together as much as we can while ensuring that we take the necessary measures to keep all of us safe and healthy.  That said, while we are not sure what it will look like, we do want to set the expectation that things will likely look different from this year – both when we were in school and during the past several weeks of remote education.

Here is what we can share today:

• Lago Vista ISD leadership is actively planning and preparing for multiple scenarios that will ultimately be influenced by public health conditions and local and state orders.  As we plan, there are some assumptions that I'd like to share because I feel it is important for our stakeholders to know what we are thinking.  In all scenarios, Lago Vista ISD is assuming that any in-person instruction will require some level of safety & wellness protocols, including physical distancing.  We are also assuming that the Texas Education Agency will allow for a full-time at-home learning option to be made available for some students, especially those identified with underlying health conditions or those with family members who are at-risk.
• Regarding our plans for when school will begin in the fall, I ask that you please use the approved 2020-2021 school calendar that is posted on the Lago Vista ISD website as your guide for dates for when school will resume in August as there are no plans to alter this calendar.  That said, although our campuses typically begin sending out other information that might include dates for Meet the Teacher nights and student schedule pickup dates, please understand those will undoubtedly look different this year. Due to our current circumstances, we want to make it clear that you will not receive this information in the timelines that you typically would. 
• Surveys will be sent out via Parentlink later today to help capture your feedback so that we may use it to help inform and guide our planning. As we've done throughout the COVID-19 response, Lago Vista ISD leadership will work closely with and follow recommendations from public health officials and the Governor's office as we work to develop our plans.  However, our success this fall will also greatly depend on the input we receive from parents and staff members.   My wish is to have every parent and every staff member participate because it is your candid and constructive feedback that will help us provide the very best, and safest, education we can for the students of Lago Vista ISD.
• On or before June 30th, Lago Vista ISD will communicate to staff and families about the most prominent scenarios we are considering, as well as any decisions that have been made up to that date.  We know many of you may be anxiously awaiting specific information about the fall, so that you can plan for your future work schedules and childcare and consider other critical family decisions.  Further communication will follow as we make a District-wide decision about how education will look in fall 2020, as well as other adjustments we are anticipating for the 2020-21 school year. 

As we learn from the State what school will look in August and we determine what it will mean for Lago Vista ISD, we will share that information as quickly as possible. No matter what, we will be prepared to provide instruction in a manner that meets the safety protocols and health regulations while also providing an enriching learning experience for every student in Lago Vista ISD.

We thank you for your patience as we work to plan for the foreseeable realities we may face and as we continue to focus on the safety of our students, staff, and communities.  Thank you for your partnership during these truly exceptional times.

Sincerely,
Darren Webb
Superintendent
Lago Vista ISD

As We Finish Out The School Year

May 21, 2020

Dear Viking Family,

First, let me say that I hope you and your family are safe and healthy as you read this letter. As we prepare to finish out this school year and celebrate our Lago Vista Class of 2020, I want to take a moment to thank the entire Viking Nation. During the past nine weeks, you have demonstrated amazing patience and understanding as we adjusted, like you, to the drastic changes that impacted each and every one of us this spring. I am extremely appreciative and proud of our students, parents, teachers, staff, and administrators for demonstrating amazing positivity, flexibility, and resilience during these trying times. Our experience working as a team during these truly unprecedented closures will no doubt make us all stronger and has definitely helped to grow our appreciation for less challenging times. We have done our very best for our students this spring because they deserve nothing but our very best and we could not have done it without you. So again, thank you for working with us!

And while I know many of you are grateful to be heading into the summer, I know you are wondering about next year. Like the rest of the Viking Nation, we are eager to regain some structure to our lives and we certainly miss our students. And while we are working very hard to plan and prepare for next year, I have to be honest and let you know that we do not have many answers right now. Unfortunately, this is not like a weather event where we are able to decide much of what our operations will look like. Many decisions will be made for us and, like you, we are anxiously awaiting additional guidance and information about the fall.

Of the decisions related to the 2020-2021 school year that will be ours to make, please trust that we will do our best to ensure that we meet our responsibility of providing an excellent education for our students while also doing all we can to keep students, staff, and the Lago Vista community safe and healthy. The ultimate decision about our operations falls to Governor Greg Abbott and I can assure you that he and experts from our public health agencies are working on a plan for our children. In the meantime, it’s important for you to know that Lago Vista ISD is being proactive while we wait for that final guidance and we are actively planning for various scenarios and developing contingencies for opening school within those scenarios.

One thing is certain: your input is critical to our planning and preparation for the 2020-2021 school year instructional model. We will be sending a full survey in the coming days, but we invite you to provide us with your initial feedback by thinking about and answering the following question: What is important for Lago Vista ISD to consider as we plan for the 2020-2021 school year and possible adjustments due to COVID-19? Lago Vista ISD is using a new tool called Thoughtexchange to gather your input related to this question and we will be sending you a link with instructions later today. We take your feedback very seriously and I strongly encourage you to participate in this Thoughtexchange to help us get a better idea of what's on the hearts and minds of our parents.

While there are still a lot of unknowns about what the 2020-2021 school year will look like, I can promise that, as we receive guidance from the Texas Education Agency and the governor's office, we will be sure to provide timely updates and information about our planning. Please rest assured that we will do everything we can to ensure a productive learning experience for our students next year.

Thank you for supporting the Viking Nation and being such an integral part of our success in the 2019-2020 school year. Please have a safe and healthy summer!

Warm Regards,
Darren Webb
Superintendent
Lago Vista ISD

Closure for the Remainder of the 2019-2020 School Year

April 17, 2020

Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order today that closes all Texas schools for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year, as it "would be unsafe to allow students to gather." As a result of this order, Lago Vista ISD schools and offices will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.

Distance learning will begin on Monday, April 20th and will continue through the end of the scheduled academic year in accordance with the following schedule:

• April 20: Week 1 learning module content and assignments will be posted in digital classrooms.
• April 27: Week 2 learning module content and assignments will be posted in digital classrooms. Assignments from Week 1 are due.
• May 4: Week 3 learning module content and assignments will be posted in digital classrooms. Assignments from Week 2 are due.
• May 11: Week 4 learning module content and assignments will be posted in digital classrooms. Assignments from Week 3 are due.
• May 15: Final day for assignment submission. Assignments from Week 4 are due.
• May 18-22: Campuses will finalize retention/promotion decisions and begin developing plans, including parent outreach, for any student who will be retained/fails to earn credit.

 

The District’s grab-and-go meal service will continue through the end of the scheduled academic year, as well.

Governor Abbott said to expect more information from the Commissioner of Education Mike Morath about conducting graduation ceremonies.

Parents, guardians, staff and community members are encouraged to visit www.lagovistaisd.net, the Lago Vista ISD Facebook page @LagoVistaISD, and the Lago Vista ISD Twitter feed @LagoVistaISD for updates and additional information.

Drive-Thru Meal Service Hours Are 9:00am-11:00am

April 16, 2020

Just a reminder that the hours for our drive-thru meal service for students with Free & Reduced meals are 9-11am. Parents may pick up meals through our drive-thru service from 9:00-11:00am at Viking Hall on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Distance Learning Begins April 20, 2020

April 13, 2020

Don't forget! Distance learning begins Monday, April 20th. In the meantime, please check out the updates to our Lago Vista ISD Learning Supports website...new resources, new activities, and an updated parent FAQ.

LVISD Learning Supports

Distance Learning at LVISD

April 2, 2020

As you know, earlier this week Governor Abbott issued an executive order extending the State's shelter-in-place order.  As a result, Lago Vista ISD has extended our current school closure through Friday, May 1st.  This announcement is to provide parents with information about plans to move to distance learning beginning Monday, April 20th.

Right now, in addition to working hard to create the optional learning supports for our students, teachers have been busy building digital classroom spaces, reaching out to students and families, as well as engaging in online professional development to become familiar with new technology tools that will be needed to facilitate student learning through the upcoming weeks.  Next week, they will also begin building distance learning modules to deliver new learning both online and through printed packets for students without Internet access.

Distance Learning Overview
Starting April 20th, our students will begin participating in distance learning through the use of tools like Seesaw (PK-3), Google Classrooms (4-8), and Canvas (9-12) to submit assignments and to receive feedback from teachers. Using these tools, teachers will also have the ability to send new learning material to students, which will allow them to view and repeat as needed in the timeframe that works best for their individual needs.  Students participating in online instruction will also submit assignments through these digital classroom spaces.  If they have not done so already, teachers will be reaching out to students and parents to help them get connected to their online classroom spaces in the coming days.

In order to provide maximum flexibility for students and families, Lago Vista ISD will be implementing an asynchronous distance learning model.  This means that lessons and activities will be self-paced and will also be able to be carried out both online and offline.  Asynchronous learning involves teacher-developed coursework delivered via online portals (e.g., Canvas, Google Classroom, Seesaw) or offline through paper-based packets.  Online content will not be delivered in "real time" and will, instead, be posted for students to watch or complete at their own pace. Our goal is to be flexible and responsive, understanding that each of our families has their own unique situation. We also understand that some families will have multiple students that need to share technology or parents who are working/telecommuting during the day.

Learning Modules
Our classroom teachers will create weekly learning modules for students that will be sent out through digital classroom spaces each Monday, beginning April 20th.  Students receiving paper packets due to lack of Internet access will have one packet per week, each containing one learning module.  Each learning module will contain a series of activities and information with one graded assignment per week.

Once learning modules are sent out each Monday, parents and students will have opportunities throughout the week to receive support from our staff if they have questions or need help.  In addition to responding to emails, teachers will have scheduled “office hours” when they will be available to help students in real time.  Campuses are working on those schedules now and will communicate that information in the coming days.

Recommended Student Schedule
In addition to providing meaningful learning opportunities to students that are asynchronous (self-paced), we also want to ensure that we are mindful of overscheduling our students and parents. Our daily recommendations for total academic time on task are:

Pre-K: 30-45 minutes total per day
Kindergarten & 1st Grade: 45 mins - 1hr total per day
2nd - 5th: 1½ - 2 hrs total per day
6th - 8th : 2 - 4 hrs total per day
9th up : 4+ hrs, not to exceed 6 hours per day

Distance Learning Grading
While providing feedback to our students and progress monitoring their performance will not change, some of our grading guidelines will have to be amended during this time.  As mentioned, we will take one grade per teacher/subject per week for TEKS-based courses. In order to receive a passing grade for the 4th nine weeks, students are expected to complete and submit each weekly assignment and meet grade-level standards.  And, as always, a student's final grade in a course is the determination of the classroom teacher and must be based upon performance on assignments and assessments designed to evaluate students' master of the TEKS. [See Policy EIA(LEGAL)]

Grading for Grades PK-1
Grading for early childhood students will remain skills-based, though our paper-based report card system is presenting some challenges currently.  We are working on ways to get feedback to parents for the 3rd nine weeks.

Nine Weeks Grading for Grades 2-12
Although assignments in grades 2-12 will continue to receive numeric grades, course grades for the 4th nine weeks will move to a Pass/Fail system.  As such, grading for the 4th nine weeks will have three options:
I - INCOMPLETE (Will translate to a “0” if missing assignments are not submitted prior to May 15th).
P - PASS (100% in semester calculation, in accordance with weighted table)
F - FAIL (69% in semester calculation, in accordance with weighted table)

Semester Grading for Secondary Students
There will be no final exams for grades 6-12.  For the spring semester of the 2019-2020 school year only, the second semester average in grades 6-12 will be determined using the nine-week averages only:

3rd Nine-Week Average = 50%
4th Nine-Week Average = 50%

Rank Calculation
Per policy, senior rank for graduation honors is calculated using the 3rd nine weeks and this year will be no different.  Grades for the 3rd nine weeks will be finalized next week and report cards will be issued shortly thereafter.

Rank calculations for second semester will continue to be based off of the second semester grades in accordance with the calculation shown above.  For the purpose of calculating the second semester average, a student with a passing grade for the 4th nine weeks will receive a 100% in the calculation.  Semester grade calculations will continue to be weighted in accordance with District policy.

Retention and Promotion Standards
Lago Vista ISD's standards for grade-level retention and promotion will remain in effect, as outlined below.

Promotion in Kindergarten - Grade 1: In kindergarten–grade 1, promotion to the next grade level shall be based on demonstrated proficiency in the language arts and mathematics essential knowledge and skills, as outlined on grade-level, skills-referenced reports cards.  In addition, the District shall require satisfactory performance in all other subject areas.  [See Policy EIE(LOCAL)]

Promotion in Grades 2-8: In grades 2–8, promotion to the next grade level shall be based on an overall average of 70 on a scale of 100 based on course-level, grade-level standards (essential knowledge and skills) for all subject areas and a grade of 70 or above in three of the following areas:  language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.  [See Policy EIE(LOCAL)]

Promotion in Grades 9-12: Grade-level advancement for students in grades 9–12 shall be earned by course credits. [See Policy EIE(LOCAL)]

Students Receiving Special Education Services (All Grades):  Any modified promotion standards for a student receiving special education services shall be determined by the student’s admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee and documented in the student’s individualized education program (IEP). [See Policy EIE(LOCAL), Policy Series EHBA, and Policy EKB]

 

Additional Information About Distance Learning
Throughout this shift to online learning, Lago Vista ISD is committed to ensuring that we:

Provide equitable activities for students with and without Internet access;

Adjust lessons, resources, assignments, and grading for our 504, Special Education, and English Language Learner students;

Meet the needs of students receiving special education services and students served under Section 504-Dyslexia by providing resources and remote instructional support;

Review and ensure that students needing special services (such as 504, Special Education, LPAC) will be provided these services to the maximum extent possible;

Check-in with your student(s) regularly;

Adhere to policies, procedures, and expectations around teacher to student communication;

Ensure the safety and security of students in the online environment, to the extent possible;

Encourage parents to have their student(s) read for pleasure and journal write; and

Encourage students to play/exercise to help keep their minds and bodies relaxed and healthy.

Assistance with Device & Internet Access
Part of our instructional approach also includes providing equitable access to both devices and the Internet to students who may not have these resources readily available. Last week, the District distributed over 200 devices through our iPad Lending Program.  If you did not request an iPad prior to the deadline last week, please email tech@lagovista.txed.net so that a request form may be sent to you.

For families that are unable to secure their own Internet access, the District has ordered a LIMITED number of WiFi hotspots that will be prioritized for students receiving free & reduced lunch. At this time, there is a delay in delivery due to nationwide demand and it is possible that we may not have enough hotspots available to meet demand.

If your family has been unable to secure access to the Internet and you would like to request a WiFi hotspot through our lending program, please submit a request form below (one per household). We will release more information about the distribution of these after they arrive in the District. **Please note that submitting a request form does not guarantee that the District will be able to provide you with a WiFi hotspot.**

https://forms.gle/8E1CJAKAJkmySQMPA

Until WiFi hotspots are delivered or if there are not enough to meet the demand, printed take-home lesson module packets and paper-based assignment submission will be made available at our drive-thru meal service for those who continue to lack access to the Internet beginning April 20th.

Commitment to Serving Our Students
During this time, you can expect that we will do all that we can to continue serving the students of Lago Vista ISD.  We are committed to working with our families during this unprecedented time to ensure the success of all students.

We encourage our parents to continue using the Lago Vista ISD Learning Supports website as it is where we will post all information related to our plans for instructional continuity.  We will also continue to provide suggestions for supplemental education enrichment resources, as well as optional learning supports for some of our specials and elective courses.

Our goal has and always will be to do what is best for our students and staff, both to ensure their safety and also to ensure they are receiving the best educational experience possible.  Please know that this instructional continuity plan is a work in progress and we are committed to making improvements as we work through it. We appreciate your patience and support as we work together to educate our amazing students in Lago Vista ISD.

School Closure Through May 1, 2020

March 31, 2020

In accordance with an Executive Order issued by Governor Abbott, Lago Vista ISD will be extending school and office closures through May 1. Additional information related to Lago Vista ISD's plans for instructional continuity will be communicated in the coming days.

Drive-Thru Meal Service Hours Change

March 27, 2020

Beginning Monday, April 6th, the hours will change for our drive-thru meal service for students with Free & Reduced meals. Parents may pick up meals through our drive-thru service from 8:00-10:00am at Viking Hall on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Students will pick up:
-Two grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches on Monday and Wednesday; and
-One grab-and-go breakfast and lunch on Friday.

Students should be present in the car to receive the meals (unless they are ill). Thank you!

COVID-19 Closure Update: Closed Through April 13

March 26, 2020

In response to the continuing COVID-19 situation and the Travis County shelter-in-place order, Lago Vista ISD campuses and offices will remain closed through Monday, April 13th. We encourage our Vikings to stay home, stay safe, and allow our entire community to do our part in keeping each other as healthy as possible.

Please note that we WILL continue to provide our grab-and-go meal service for students receiving free and reduced lunch during this time.

As we navigate and move forward through this uncharted territory, we want to thank the Lago Vista ISD Board of Trustees, our students, staff, parents, and community for your support and patience. We remain committed to ensuring the safety and health of our entire community and are working diligently to develop strategies to continue supporting our students and families during this extended closure.

School Meals During Closing

March 23, 2020

Starting Wednesday, March 25th, our food service program will be available for students who qualify for free & reduced lunch. Food service will be available via drive-thru pick up on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 7:30am-9:30am at Viking Hall (the LVIS/LVMS cafeteria). Students will pick up:

-Two grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches on Monday and Wednesday; and
-One grab-and-go breakfast and lunch on Friday.

Students should be present in the car to receive the meals (unless they are ill).

iPad Lending Program

March 24, 2020

For families needing a student device to access digital learning supports, please complete the request form below. This request form MUST be completed before an iPad will be prepared for your student. PLEASE COMPLETE ONE REQUEST FORM PER STUDENT BY 4:00PM ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25TH: 

https://forms.gle/qHtx6xbvWrR7TcSm6

Due to the recent shelter-in-place order for Travis County, Lago Vista ISD had to arrange special permission to distribute devices. PARENTS MUST MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO PICK UP DEVICES ON THURSDAY FROM 7:30AM-10:00AM.

iPads will be distributed through a drive-thru service at Viking Hall on Thursday from 7:30am-10:00am. Parents will be asked to pull up to the table of your student's campus. Once receipt of your request form has been verified, a staff member will distribute a District iPad to you through the passenger window. Each iPad will be sanitized and bagged with a charging brick and cable.

NOTE: For your safety and that of our staff, we ask that you please remain in your vehicle and understand that staff members will be maintaining a safe distance and wearing gloves.

We are so grateful for your flexibility and patience as we take time to work through things thoughtfully and with consideration of many variables and the best interests of all children in mind. You're the best, Vikings!

Suspended School Operations: March 23-April 3

If you would like updated information from the CDC on the Coronavirus, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. The most recent information about the Coronavirus in Texas may be found at https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/.

Lago Vista ISD Board of Trustees Approves Compensation Increases

July 16, 2019

Last evening, the Lago Vista ISD Board of Trustees approved substantial salary and stipend increases for the District’s 2019-2020 employee compensation plan. As a result of the passage of House Bill 3 in the 86th Texas Legislative session, Lago Vista ISD will receive an additional $154,000 in state revenue that must be used to increase compensation for non-administrative employees. However, last night, the Lago Vista ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved an additional $450,000.00 in funds for employee compensation.  In total, over $600,000 was approved for increases to employee pay.

The approved compensation plan for 2019-2020 includes significant increases in salaries at each step, with a special emphasis placed on teachers with more than five years of experience, as required by HB 3. When applied to the 2019-2020 staff, the salary increases approved by the Lago Vista ISD Board of Trustees include:

• An average salary increase of 8% for all teachers, counselors, and librarians District-wide;
• A minimum pay increase of 4% for all hourly staff;
• A minimum salary increase of 3% for all administrators and directors; and
• An additional $97,000 to the current stipend schedule, which are in addition to the overall salary increases.

 

"This competitive compensation package demonstrates our Board's appreciation for the service and dedication our employees provide to our students and community," said Superintendent Darren Webb. "Lago Vista ISD is fortunate to be able to provide meaningful pay raises and increased stipends for our hardworking and incredibly talented staff."

The District will continue to contribute $134 per month above the required contribution for employee insurance premiums, for a total contribution of $434 per month/$5,208 annually.

Lago Vista ISD Seeks District of Innovation Designation

February 20, 2017

The legislature passed House Bill 1842, which allows traditional independent school districts the ability to access flexibilities which had previously been reserved for Texas’ open enrollment charter schools. In order for an independent school district to obtain these flexibilities, the Districts must seek designation as a “District of Innovation.” On Monday, March 24, 2016, the Lago Vista ISD Board of Trustees initiated the process by adopting a resolution to pursue a “District of Innovation” designation.

On Monday, February 13, 2017, the Lago Vista ISD Board of Trustees held a public hearing to consider the development of an innovation plan and approved the motion to move forward with the process to develop a District Plan for Innovation, pursuant to Texas Education Code, Title 2, Subtitle C, §12A.005. The Lago Vista ISD Board of Trustees appointed the District Educational Improvement Committee to serve as the District of Innovation Committee. This committee is comprised of various stakeholders, including district and campus administrators, teachers, parents, community representatives, and business representatives. The committee will meet in February and March of 2017 to discuss and develop a District Plan for Innovation. The committee was arranged into 5 teams with the objective of investigating identified areas of the Texas Education Codes from which the District could benefit from modifying in order to make the education process more effective/efficient for Lago Vista ISD.

The Lago Vista ISD District Plan for Innovation was posted on the District web page for public input on February 20, 2017 for 30 days. The District Educational Improvement Committee will meet to consider feedback at a public meeting on March 22, 2017. Click here to view the draft plan.

UPDATE: The final Lago Vista ISD District of Innovation plan was approved by the Board of Trustees on July 12, 2017.  Click here to view the final approved plan.  If you have any questions about Lago Vista ISD's innovation plan, please contact Dr. Suzy Lofton-Bullis.