Tiger Talk
11/11/25
We appreciate your service.
Dear Friends and Families:
I would like to take a moment on behalf of our entire school community to recognize and honor the brave men and women who have served, and who continue to serve, in the United States Armed Forces.
Veterans Day is a special time for us to reflect on the tremendous sacrifices made by those who protect our freedoms. Their courage, dedication, and commitment to our country are deeply appreciated, and we are grateful for the example they set for our students in service, perseverance, and citizenship.
At West Cypress Hills Elementary, we have been decorating our school with student art and rehearsing songs to sing commemorating Veterans Day. Through these experiences, our students have learned the meaning of this important day and the value of showing respect and gratitude to those who have served.
To our veterans and military families within our school community—thank you. Your service and sacrifice make a lasting difference, and we are honored to have you as part of our West Cypress Hills family.
With appreciation and respect,
Amy Russ, Principal
Notice to Families of WCHE Lockdown Drill
Friday, November 21, at 9:30 am
Dear West Cypress Hills Elementary School Parents and Guardians,
A critical component of school safety is the classroom response to an incident on campus. The Standard Response Protocol, or SRP, is a proven method of creating shared language and actions among students, staff, and first responders during a school emergency. Since its adoption in August 2019, students across our district have received an introduction and overview of the SRP including classroom practices and drills.
Our staff and students will take part in a lockdown drill on Friday, November 21, 2025, at approximately 9:30 am. As a result, parents, students, and visitors to our school may see law enforcement officers, safety vehicles and/or other emergency responders onsite during this time. Once the drill has been initiated, teachers will immediately suspend all instruction, and students will receive further directions from their teachers regarding the drill.
Once the drill has been completed, all instruction will resume as scheduled. The drill is scheduled to occur at approximately 9:30 in the morning and should take no more than 15 minutes to complete. Our teachers and students have been advised of the drill and are prepared to participate.
We appreciate your patience, understanding, and support during this time. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Amy Russ, Principal
The classroom that collects the most wins a prize!
Shop our Book Fair Online 11/10 - 11/23
Please note: Book Fair closed 9:30 - 10 am on Friday 11/17
Yearbook Cover Entries Due 1:30 pm December 1
Thanks for being PAWSitive, Tigers!
Tigers demonstrating PAWSitive behavior are nominated to have their names added to our WOW Board. WOW Board members are then eligible to win a fun brag tag and Buddy Pass. The Buddy Pass entitles each WOW Board member to enjoy lunch on the stage with a buddy of his/her choice.
The photo above is of our WOW Board #8 for the 2025-2026 school year. Congratulations, Tigers!
First Annual LTISD Sneaker Drive
We’re excited to kick off our first annual LTISD Sneaker Drive! This districtwide effort brings our community together to provide new sneakers for children in need, helping every student step confidently into a brighter future. When purchasing shoes, parents and families are asked to please consider selecting sizes that align with their child’s current grade level to ensure the best fit for recipients. Every pair makes a difference! We will be adding collection bins to our foyer for this.
Food Bank Information for Families in Need
As of now, due to the continuing federal government shutdown, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed that full November 2025 SNAP benefits will not be issued unless new appropriations are approved. In Texas specifically, approximately 3.4 million to 3.5 million SNAP recipients are at risk of losing benefit issuance starting November 1.
Because of this disruption, demand for emergency food assistance will likely spike. Here are some available alternatives:
1. Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB)
CTFB’s “Find Food Now” tool – clients enter their ZIP code to locate free food pantries/mobile distributions.
2. Integral Care Food Pantry
Location: 3000 Oak Springs Drive, Austin, TX 78702
Distribution occurs weekly every Wednesday from 11a-1pm
3. Additional Local Food Pantries (Travis County)
The county lists multiple community-center-based pantries available to residents here (typically free, once every 30 days). https://www.traviscountytx.gov/health-human-services/apply-for-assistance/food-pantry
LTISD Virtual Parent Workshop Series: Youth Vaping: The Problems and the Solutions
The Texas School Safety Center will be hosting an informational workshop for parents focused on the risks and realities of youth vaping. The session will provide up-to-date research, practical strategies for prevention, and tools to help parents engage in meaningful conversations with their children about the dangers of vaping. Families will leave with resources and guidance to support healthy decision-making and reinforce a safe, drug-free learning environment.
Topic: Youth Vaping: The Problems and The Solutions
Date: November 16, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm
Presenter: Kellen Kruk, Tobacco Youth Prevention Specialist, Texas School Safety Center, Texas State University
Location: Virtual, Zoom link will be provided after registration is submitted
Registration Link: Virtual Parent Workshop Series: Session #4
Golden Attendance = Golden Goose Award!
Classes receiving a Golden Goose for Golden Attendance
for the week of November 3
Ms. Lee's Kindergarten & Ms. Hilario's 1st Grade
Mrs. Moore's 2nd Grade
Ms. McDaniel's 4th & Ms. Ellis' 5th Grade
In October we launched an exciting initiative to boost student attendance. Each week, we feature a "Golden Goose" for every grade level. The class with the best attendance in each grade will receive the "Golden Goose" for the week. Additionally, attendance updates will be shared in our newsletters.
At the end of the semester, the grade level with the highest overall attendance will enjoy an ultimate recess! Also, students with perfect attendance every 9 weeks will receive a certificate from the office.
We appreciate your partnership in promoting excellent attendance. Let’s make this a great month and a great year!
Tigers recognized for following cafeteria rules
and demonstrating appropriate lunchroom behavior
are our Tiger Lunchroom Leaders
Tiger Lunchroom Leaders are allowed to invited 3 friends to dine with them as a special treat
Congratulations, Tigers! Enjoy your lunch!
School Library Advisory Council
In response to Senate Bill 13, our Board of Trustees has established the Lake Travis ISD School Library Advisory Council (SLAC.) The purpose of the SLAC is to formalize a collaborative process between librarians, parents, and community members in the ongoing development of strong library collections that support student achievement and meet state standards. This process helps ensure transparency, parent involvement, and a strong library program that strengthens student achievement while nurturing a lifelong appreciation, habit, and love of reading.
The SLAC works with librarians and district staff to develop a recommended list of library materials for procurement, including donated titles. At least 30 days before the Board’s vote, the proposed procurement list will be made publicly available for parents and community members to review and provide feedback. The Board will review these recommendations, consider any proposed changes, and make the final decision to approve or reject the materials. The SLAC will also recommend procedures for handling challenges to library materials and review challenges according to law before making recommendations to the Board.
Visit the SLAC webpage to access the Proposed Titles for Library Procurement List, Proposed Titles for Library Procurement List Feedback Form, and the Library Materials Challenge Form.
For questions or additional information regarding SLAC reviews or library material challenges, please contact Tasha Barker at watersbarkert@ltisdschools.org, or at 512-533-6036.
Contact Coach Williams or Coach Mayes to share the good news about new shoe-tying talents!
Upcoming Events
By 1:30 pm 12/01/25......Yearbook Cover Entries Due Mrs. Cornell
10/02 - 11/12/25........Tiger StuCo Collecting Food & Care Items for Helping Hands
11/01 - 11/30/25.........Native American Heritage Month
11/01 - 12/05/25.........Sneaker Drive
11/10 - 11/14/25.........Book Fair Preview Days
11/10 - 11/21/25.........StuCo Collecting Coats for Kids
By 11/12/25................Sign Up here for Picture Retakes! Picture Retake Day is 11/13/25!
11/13/25.....................Picture Retake Day!
11/13/25.....................Student Council Meeting @ 3 pm
11/15/25.....................Mariachi Symphony en Fuego @ LTHS PAC 7 PM Tickets
11/17 - 11/21/25.........Book Fair Shopping Days
11/17/25.....................Book Fair Shopping 8 am to 4 pm
11/18/25.....................Book Fair Shopping 8 am to 6 pm -- Kona Ice after school!
11/19/25.....................Book Fair Shopping 8 am to 3 pm
11/20/25.....................Book Fair Shopping 8 am to 3 pm
11/20/25.....................Celebrating Parent Involvement and Tiger Buddies
11/20/25.....................LTCL Bookmobile at WCH Park 3 - 4 pm
11/21/25.....................ROAR Day! No Visitors on Campus Except for Book Fair Shopping!
11/21/25.....................Book Fair Shopping 8 to 9:30 am & 10 am to NOON!
11/21/25.....................Lockdown Drill @ WCHE 9:30 am
11/21/25.....................SOS Super Outrageous Science Day!
11/21/25.....................1st Grade Lunch is 12:20 - 12:50 pm Today!
11/21/25..............Extreme Science Experience K-2nd: 1:15 - 1:55 pm & 3rd-5th: 2:05 - 2:45 pm
11/21/25.....................Unclaimed Lost & Found Items to be Donated!
11/24 - 11/28/25.........Happy Thanksgiving! No School for Tigers!
12/01 - 12/04/25.........Penguin Patch Holiday Shop
12/02/25.....................Meteorologist Visits 2nd Grade 9:45 - 10:45 am
12/08/25.....................Tiger Student Council Meeting 3:00 pm
12/11/25......................LTCL Bookmobile at WCH Park 3 - 4 pm
12/12/25......................Tiger Rally in Gym @ 7:40 am - Families Welcome!
12/15/25......................Tiger Student Council Meeting 3:00 pm
12/19/25......................Early Release Day for Tigers - No Extended Care Today
12/19/25......................Classroom Holiday Parties
12/20/25 - 01/06/26.....Student Winter Break - No School for Tigers!
01/07/26.......................Tigers Return to School 7:40 am
Useful Links
West Cypress Hills Elementary
Email: WCHPrincipal@ltisdschools.org
Website: https://wche.ltisdschools.org/
Phone: 512-533-7500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ltisdschools