Counseling & Health Services News

Welcome to the introductory newsletter for the Lake Travis ISD Counseling and Health Services department! Our quarterly newsletter serves as an essential communication tool to keep students, parents, and community members informed about resources, updates, and opportunities to support mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Inside this issue:

• Shout Out to our School Nurses!
• Fun Activities to do During Cold Weather
• How to Incorporate Healthy Eating Habits in the New Year
• Recognizing Food Allergies
• Mental Health Support in LTISD - What do our Counselors and Social Workers do?
• Partnership with Crime Stoppers - Anti-Bullying Lessons
• LTISD SHAC Committee Update
• Launching Naviance, LTISD’s New CCMR Platform
• Career Guidance Lessons Coming to Middle School
• Meet the Hudson Bend Middle School Therapy Dogs!
• Campus Spotlights
• Counseling Team Spotlight - Lake Travis High School
• Social Worker Spotlight - Brandon Green, LMSW

From Jamie Ennis, Lead Nurse

Shout Out to our School Nurses!

A heartfelt shoutout to our incredible Lake Travis ISD school nurses! Their unwavering dedication and expertise ensure our students receive the care they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom. From managing health emergencies to providing daily support for chronic conditions, their work goes far beyond treating minor injuries and illnesses. Our nurses are vital to fostering a safe, healthy, and welcoming environment for learning. We deeply appreciate their tireless efforts and the positive impact they make on our students and staff every day.

Fun Activities to do During Cold Weather

Winter break is the perfect time to stay active as a family while blending fun with learning! Here are some engaging ideas to try:

• Winter Hiking: Take advantage of local trails for a scenic hike, many of which also offer playgrounds, pickleball courts, or other family-friendly amenities.

• Indoor Fun: Set up obstacle courses, host a dance party, visit a trampoline park, or try family yoga.

• STEM Adventure: Explore local spots or engage in hands-on activities that bring STEM concepts to life:

• Visit a Science or Discovery Center: Explore interactive exhibits at a local museum or discovery center where kids can experiment with physics, engineering, or biology.
• Nature Walk and Engineering Challenge: Collect sticks, leaves, and other natural materials on a hike, then work together to design a bridge, tower, or shelter using what you found.
• Star Gazing: Bundle up and head outside on a clear night to observe constellations and planets. Use a stargazing app to identify them and discuss the science of astronomy.
• Winter Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of seasonal or science-themed items (like specific plants, rocks, or animal tracks) to find in your neighborhood, a park, or even indoors.
• Farmers’ Market Cooking Challenge: Visit a farmers' market with your kids to pick fresh, local ingredients, then head home to cook a healthy meal together. It’s a fun way to combine physical activity, math (measuring ingredients), and creativity in the kitchen.
• Story Walk: Combine literacy and exercise by creating a walking path with story pages to read along the way or visiting a local library with an outdoor story trail.
• Discover Local Events: Take advantage of the break by exploring local events and activities, offering a blend of fun and community spirit.

These activities keep your family active and engaged while fostering connection, exploration, and learning!

From Marissa Bell, MPH, RD, Dietitian & Marketing Coordinator

How to Incorporate Healthy Eating Habits

Let's start off the new year with some healthy eating habits! Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into meals, and savor treats in moderation.

Here are some tips to help you incorporate healthy eating habits:

1. Fill Half Your Plate with Fruits and Vegetables: Prioritize fruits and vegetables at meals to add nutrients and fiber. Keep your plate colorful and satisfying.

2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay energized, and to not mistake thirst for hunger.

3. Enjoy Holiday Treats Mindfully: Serve yourself small portions, and savor each bite.

4. Listen to Your Body: Eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full. Tune into how your body feels and use a hunger-fullness scale (like this one) to do a quick “gut-check.”

5. Stay Active: Incorporate physical activity into your daily life, like a family walk after a meal or a festive dance session just for fun.
   

From Marissa Bell, MPH, RD, Dietitian & Marketing Coordinator

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that happens quickly after exposure to an allergen. It can affect multiple parts of the body, including the skin, lungs, heart, and digestive system. Anaphylaxis usually starts within minutes of eating an allergenic food, but in some cases, symptoms may appear hours later. Sometimes, a second wave of symptoms can occur hours or even days after the initial reaction.

Common Symptoms of Food Allergies

Food allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Skin Reactions: Hives, redness, or swelling, especially around the face, mouth, or lips.
• Respiratory Issues: Sneezing, coughing, itchy or watery eyes, runny nose, or wheezing.
• Gastrointestinal Problems: Stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or nausea.
• Swelling: Swelling in the lips, tongue, throat, or face, which can interfere with breathing.

These symptoms typically happen soon after consuming the offending food—often within minutes to a couple of hours.

Our younger students may say things like, “My tongue or mouth itches,” “There’s something stuck in my throat,” "It feels like there are bugs in my ears,” or “My tummy suddenly hurts really bad” if they are experiencing an allergic reaction.

Did you know?

Lake Travis ISD takes several important steps to ensure student safety when it comes to food allergies:

Food Allergy Management Plan: We have a comprehensive Food Allergy Management Plan in place to help guide our approach to preventing and managing food allergies. This plan outlines the steps staff should take when food allergies are identified and outlines protocols for safely managing allergens at school.

Medical Meal Accommodations: If your child has food allergies or other medical dietary needs, we offer Medical Meal Accommodations to ensure that appropriate meals are provided in the cafeteria. Our Food & Nutrition team works closely with parents to address specific dietary needs and ensures safe meal options are available for all students.

Annual Staff Training: To prepare for emergencies, we provide annual training for all staff on how to respond quickly and effectively to food allergy situations.

For more food allergy resources and information, visit Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE).

From Jennifer Garrigan, Director of Counseling & Health Services

Mental health support is essential for students in public schools to ensure they are equipped to succeed both academically and emotionally. Addressing mental health needs helps students manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges that can impact their learning and well-being. Providing mental health resources and counseling promotes resilience, improves focus, and fosters a positive school environment. When students receive the support they need, they are more likely to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically, setting them up for long-term success.

Each campus within Lake Travis ISD has School Counselors and Social Workers who work with our students on a daily basis.

At Lake Travis ISD, our school counselors play an essential role in supporting students’ academic, social, emotional, and career development in Lake Travis ISD. Oftentimes, we know that there is a school counselor on campus, but the question we get a lot is, “what does a school counselor do?” School counselors play a vital role in supporting students' academic, social, emotional, and career development. Their primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Academic Support: Assisting with course selection, scheduling, and academic goal-setting. Providing strategies for effective study habits and time management.

• Social and Emotional Guidance: Offering individual or group counseling to address personal challenges, peer relationships, and emotional well-being. Helping students navigate issues like bullying, stress, and conflict resolution.

• College, Career, and Military Readiness: Guiding students in exploring career paths, setting goals, and planning for higher education or vocational training. Assisting with college applications, scholarships, and financial aid information.

• Crisis Intervention: Responding to emergencies or significant events affecting students' mental or emotional health.

• Collaboration and Advocacy: Working with teachers, administrators, parents, and community resources to create a supportive environment for students. Advocating for student needs and equitable access to resources and opportunities.

By addressing the holistic needs of students, our school counselors help foster academic success, personal growth, and post-secondary success and life readiness.

Lake Travis ISD is fortunate to have dedicated social workers who support our campuses and students. As licensed mental health professionals, they work closely with our counseling teams to ensure that students and staff receive the care they need.

Key Roles of Our School Social Workers:

• Support Academic, Social, and Emotional Well-being: Addressing barriers to learning and promoting overall student success.

• Provide Counseling and Crisis Intervention: Offering support during difficult times to help students cope with challenges.

• Collaborate with Families and Teachers: Working together to ensure students receive the necessary support to thrive.

• Advocate for Students: Ensuring students have access to the resources they need to succeed, both in school and beyond.

• Foster Positive Relationships and Coping Skills: Promoting emotional well-being and resilience in students.

School social workers are essential in creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment, helping our students overcome challenges and achieve success.

The School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) is a key partner in fostering student wellness and academic success by connecting schools and the community. This advisory board provides valuable input on health education, physical activity, nutrition, and wellness initiatives, ensuring district policies reflect the needs of students and families. By bringing together parents, educators, health professionals, and community members, the SHAC helps create a supportive environment where students can thrive.

This year, our LTISD SHAC has been actively engaged in several important initiatives. They are currently:

• Reviewing and approving the human sexuality curriculum for middle and high school.

• Evaluating programs and strategies to improve school climate, including enhanced bullying prevention efforts.

• Exploring policies around personal technology device usage at the high school level.
  
  

We are grateful for our dedicated SHAC members who work tirelessly to support the social, emotional, and physical well-being of our students!

We’re pleased to introduce career guidance lessons to help your child explore their interests, strengths, and future career possibilities.

Why Career Guidance Is Important:

• Early Exposure: Introducing students to a variety of career options early can shape their future decisions in meaningful ways.

• Skill Development: These lessons build critical skills like decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

• Informed Choices: By identifying their interests and strengths, students can make better-informed decisions about their education and career paths.
  
  

• Encourage Open Conversations: Talk with your child about their interests and goals.

• Create a Supportive Environment: Foster a space at home where learning and exploration are encouraged.

• Stay Connected: Participate in parent presentations to stay informed and involved.
  
  

Together, we can help empower your child to make confident and informed decisions about their future!

Introducing the amazing therapy dogs at Hudson Bend Middle School, Nala and Blu!

Therapy dogs bring numerous benefits to school campuses, creating a calming and supportive environment for students. Their presence helps reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and foster positive social interactions. Therapy dogs can also enhance focus and academic performance, provide comfort during challenging times, and boost confidence in activities like reading. By promoting a sense of connection and belonging, therapy dogs contribute to a more inclusive and nurturing school atmosphere.

Nala and Blu have become members of the Hudson Bend family and are bringing joy to everyone on campus!

For the month of December, students at Lakeway Elementary School built a Holiday Forest. Each grade built a tree, which was displayed in our Fine Arts Hall. The forest celebrates the four holiday trees of Acceptance, Belonging, Togetherness, and Community.

The students and staff at Lake Travis Elementary (LTE) have been engaging students in lessons around kindness. In recognition of all the activities and our commitment to kindness, we were named a Kindness Certified School by Kids for Peace.

Additionally, LTE launched Ducky Days! Teachers get two rubber ducks in their boxes to hand out to any student needing a little extra TLC. Those students are allowed to have lunch in the Counselor’s room and play games, have dance contests, or do arts and crafts! They love it!

LTE also started Buddy Builders, which is a peer mediation program facilitated by their Counselor, Laura Twohey. Students participated in a mock mediation to learn the tools to effectively resolve conflict in a respectful way. The Buddy Builders also hosted the Undy 500 Drive, where they worked to get underwear and socks donated for victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The Buddy Builders received more than 660 donated items!

Lake Pointe Elementary School (LPE) students have been doing a lot of great things! Here are some examples:

Character Recognition at LPE: Lake Pointe Eagles highlight a monthly character trait through lessons, posters, and announcements. Teachers select one student per class to receive the prestigious Eagle Award, celebrated with a school parade and family recognition ceremony.

Ducky Day Fun: LPE hosted its first Ducky Day on November 15, where students connected with the counselor and peers over games, music, and fun during lunch. Students loved the event, and another is planned soon.

Buck the Therapy Dog: LPE welcomes Buck, the beloved therapy dog, twice a month thanks to PTO. Buck provides comfort to students needing extra care, recently surprising Mrs. Kreines's 2nd grade class during their Puppy Day celebration.

Coffee with the Counselor: On November 12, parents attended LPE’s first Coffee with the Counselor to discuss bullying and its management. With great turnout, a follow-up session is planned later this school year.

Kindness Crew Initiative: LPE’s Kindness Crew, a select group of students chosen for their positivity, leads monthly kindness projects. In November, they supported World Kindness Day, and in December, they’re preparing a special surprise for teachers and staff.

Eagle Ambassadors: These 4th and 5th graders volunteer each morning to greet students with smiles and positivity, rain or shine. Their enthusiasm keeps the campus energized and welcoming.

Friendship Lessons for 5th Graders: Counseling lessons taught 5th graders that “You Don’t Click With Everyone” through a fun lock-and-key activity, helping students understand and navigate friendships with confidence.

Counselors at Bee Cave Middle School (BCMS) are excited to have their own classroom this year, where all students come once a month to learn about important topics that support student mental health and social and emotional well-being.

So far, students participated in an escape room to learn about bullying and what to do about it, created posters for the hallways after a touching lesson on empathy, and learned about online safety.

Students will gain personalized tools for college, career, and life readiness this month as they start to explore Naviance. So many great things are happening at BCMS!

Each year, children in the Lake Travis area receive holiday gifts and are able to enjoy special meals with their families thanks to the LTLov Green Santa Program. LTISD students went above and beyond during the holiday season, collecting new toys across all our schools to contribute to this meaningful program.

We would like to take a moment to bring attention to our counselors at Lake Travis High School! This dynamic team of nine counselors work tirelessly to support more than 3,800 high school students on a daily basis. So who are our high school counselors?? Let’s meet them!

Counselor for: 9 years

With Lake Travis ISD for: 9 years

Undergraduate: Texas A&M University

Graduate: Amberton University

Fave Thing About Being a Counselor: The kids!

Counselor for: 17 years

With Lake Travis ISD for: 2 years

Undergraduate: The University of Texas at San Antonio

Graduate: Lamar University

Fave Thing About Being a Counselor: Helping students and watching them walk across the stage on graduation day.

Counselor for: 15 years

With Lake Travis ISD for: 11 years

Undergraduate: University of Texas at San Antonio

Graduate: University of Texas at San Antonio

Fave Thing About Being a Counselor: I love working with students throughout their four years of high school and helping them decide their post secondary goals/dreams. I truly enjoy watching them grow into young adults.

Counselor for: 4 years

With Lake Travis ISD for: this is my first year

Undergraduate: University of Rhode Island

Graduate: University of the Southwest

Fave Thing About Being a Counselor: The relationships I build with students and peers. This job is very rewarding.

Counselor for: 5 years

With Lake Travis ISD for: 2 years

Undergraduate: University of Texas at Arlington

Graduate: Lamar University

Fave Thing About Being a Counselor: Watching the hard work of students pay off when they walk across the stage and helping students get back on track for graduation when they may have taken a wrong turn.

Counselor for: 19 years

With Lake Travis ISD for: 10 years

Undergraduate: The University of Texas at Austin

Graduate: Dallas Baptist University

Fave Thing About Being a Counselor: Helping students discover their potential, build their confidence, and reach their goals.

Counselor for: 20 years

With Lake Travis ISD for: 11 years

Undergraduate: University of Houston

Graduate: University of Houston

Fave Thing About Being a Counselor: I love working with high school students for the full four years. The growth and maturity that happens during this time is huge and seeing them reach the goals they set for themselves as freshmen and watching their college aspirations come to fruition is so exciting!!

Counselor for: 6 years

With Lake Travis ISD for: 3 years

Undergraduate: William Jessup University

Graduate: William Jessup University

Fave Thing About Being a Counselor: My favorite thing about being a counselor is watching the growth and maturity in my students. I like that I can be a part of their life and be a supportive listener - during the highs and the lows. We can either celebrate together or you can have a good cry in my office. Either way, I like that they know they always have someone to talk to.

Counselor for: 12 years

With Lake Travis ISD for: 2 years

Undergraduate: Southwest Texas State University

Graduate: Texas A&M University, Commerce

Fave Thing About Being a Counselor: Watching the kiddos flourish. And I LOVE graduation day when they're dressed up and taking pictures, etc. Makes my heart so happy!

As mentioned before, we are so fortunate in Lake Travis ISD to have the opportunity to staff Social Workers, who are licensed mental health professionals, to support our campuses.

We would like to introduce you to Brandon Green! Brandon is one of our Social Workers at LTHS. We asked Brandon (pictured right) to share a little information about himself:

“I started in 2018 as a special education teacher at Akins High School and then joined the social work team as an intern social worker the following year.

For three years I worked with a private practice focusing on family and child therapy.

This is my second year with Lake Travis ISD and it is an honor to work here at the high school. Getting to work with 9-12th graders brings a variety of challenges which is what makes this job fun and exciting. Along with my fellow social worker Amanda Roberts, I get to work with students who have real needs. We have the opportunity to help them reach their personalized goals.

Working alongside students to set healthy emotional and mental expectations for themselves is a true joy. Being with students in their darkest days isn't always easy, but helping them through those difficult times is what makes this job so rewarding. I am grateful to work beside so many wonderful staff members who embrace difficult situations and are always ready to get in the mud with our students.”