Lion List
August 28, 2026
Welcome back to another edition of the Lion List! 🦁
This week, we’re sharing exciting news from across the district, including highlights from the 39th Annual Hippensteel Invitational, an update on Seawillow Middle School, our 2026–2027 attendance goal, and more!
Have a wonderful weekend, Lions! ❤️🔒#LockedInForLockhart
1. Our Lions Shine at the 39th Annual Hippensteel Invitational
Our Lockhart cross country athletes are chasing more than a finish line, they’re chasing excellence!
This morning, runners from across central Texas gathered for the 39th Annual Hippensteel Invitational Track Meet and it was an event to remember.
From performances from our Roaring Lion Band and Color Guard to getting hyped up by Lockhart Cheer, Lionettes, and Legacies, to the support of families, friends, and our community, today was a true celebration of these runners’ hard work, dedication, and determination!
A special shoutout to the event’s namesake, Coach Hippensteel, along with our volunteers and organizers who work behind the scenes each year to make this event a success. We are so grateful for your time, dedication, and commitment to our athletes and this tradition!
Thank you to every athlete who came out and gave it their all. We’re incredibly proud of our Lions for representing Lockhart ISD with heart, grit, and pride! From the starting line to the finish line, these Lions were #LockedInForLockhart every step of the way!
2. Seawillow Middle School On Time & On Budget
Construction on Seawillow Middle School is on schedule and on budget, with the new campus set to open its doors in August 2027 for the 2027–2028 school year.
This evening marks an exciting milestone as the final concrete pour is being placed, officially completing the foundation. Looking ahead to September, the gym and athletic areas are expected to complete structural steel, while the sixth-grade wing will be fully dried in, including completed roofing and temporary windows, by the end of the month.
This week, we are holding the first of four Rezoning Committee meetings. Composed of community stakeholders, staff, and district leadership, the committee will collaborate and carefully consider rezoning options before bringing their recommendations to the Board of Trustees for a vote at the December Board Meeting.
3. Spirit of 1.5
The Spirit of 1.5 is about living and celebrating exceeding expectations and fostering a deeply caring environment that grows everyone within Lockhart ISD. This spirit encompasses a heartfelt devotion to people, coupled with a relentless pursuit of excellence that consistently delivers impactful outcomes.
This week, we are excited to celebrate Bailey Martinez from BLE, Dulce Bustos from ABS, Elvira Hernandez and Rosario Vazquez from NAV, and Coach Curtis Hawkins from LJHS.
Bailey Martinez
Dulce Bustos
Elvira Hernandez & Rosario Vazquez
Curtis Hawkins
Do you know someone who exemplifies the Spirit of 1.5? Nominate them today by filling out this form!
4. Road to Success: 96% Attendance Goal
Attendance matters because our Lions matter. Last year, we achieved a 93% average daily attendance rate—the highest we’ve seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, we’re setting our sights even higher with a goal of 96% average daily attendance. Here’s why:
Chronic absenteeism, or missing 10% or more of the school year, or about 17 days, can have a lasting impact on student success. It is associated with lower GPAs, fewer credits earned, and a higher likelihood of dropping out.
Together, we can lead our Lions down the road to success. When our Lions show up every day, ready to learn and grow, they’re one step closer to reaching their goals.
Every day matters because our Lions matter. Let’s Lock In and lead our Lions to success! #LockedInForLockhart #AttendanceMatters
5. The Lion's Share: Celebrating Teaching, Inspiring Learning, Growing Leaders
Read the inaugural edition of The Lion's Share, the new Teaching and Learning newsletter from Lockhart ISD! Each month, we'll share a closer look at the incredible instruction, innovative strategies, resources, and learning happening across our district.
Click the link below and discover what's happening in Teaching & Learning across Lockhart ISD!
6. Reminders & Upcoming Events
Saturday, August 29 - Spirit Clinic - 9:00am - 12:00pm (Lockhart HS) - Register here: https://lockhartisd.store.rankone.com/lhs-spirit-clinic-2026
Tuesday, September 1 - LHS Tennis vs. Long Creek HS - 4:00pm (Long Creek HS)
Tuesday, September 1 - LHS Away Volleyball Game vs. Del Valle HS (Del Valle HS)
Freshman - 5:30pm / JV 5:30pm / Varsity 6:30pm
Wednesday, September 2 - JH Football vs. Wallace Middle School
7th Grade White - 5:00 PM at LJH Stadium / 7th Grade Maroon - 6:00 PM at LJH Stadium
8th Grade White - 5:00 PM at Wallace MS / 8th Grade Maroon - 6:00 PM at Wallace MS
Thursday, September 3 - LHS Football vs. Leader HS
JV - 5:00 PM (Leander HS)
9th Grade Maroon / 9th Grade White - 5:00 PM (Lockhart HS)
Friday, September 4 - LHS Home Volleyball Game vs Bastrop HS (Lockhart HS)
Freshman - 5:30pm / JV 5:30pm / Varsity 6:30pm
Friday, September 4 - LHS Varsity Football vs. Leander - 7:00pm (Lions Stadium)
7. One Thing that Made Us Smile this Week:
We're always looking for great stories to tell that highlight our #LockhartLeading community. If you have feedback or want to share a good news story, email Communications Specialist, Dechanel Santos at dechanel.santos@lockhart.txed.net.
