The Vista Ridge Resource

January 21, 2024 Volume 15

Important Dates

1/22/24: Boys Basketball vs. Argyle 5:00pm

1/25/24: Girls Basketball vs. Argyle 5:00pm

1/26/24: Spelling Bee @ Timber Creek High School

From the Principal

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Keller ISD is facing a nearly $28 million budget deficit for the upcoming 2024-25 fiscal year due to inflation, the ever-increasing costs of running 42 campuses, and the Texas Legislature’s failure to increase the basic per-student funding allotment through their regular session and four special sessions in 2023. This basic allotment has now remained at the same level since 2019, despite the state sitting on a $50 billion surplus built, in part, with your local tax dollars that should be going to schools. With inflation increasing 17% over that time, Keller ISD and all Texas school districts are facing tough decisions when it comes to how to meet the needs of students with significantly fewer resources.

As Keller ISD continues to work through these challenges, our community is invited to stay engaged with the process. Updates, including helpful videos and resources about Texas school finance, can be found at www.KellerISD.net/BudgetUpdates.

However, with no increase in the basic per-student funding allotment, Keller ISD will continue to face similar challenges each year. Your voice matters and we encourage you to use it by urging our elected officials to take action and support Texas public schools. All KISD stakeholders are invited to visit www.SaveKellerISD.net and fill out a brief form that will send a message to Governor Greg Abbott, encouraging him to call a fifth special session to address public school finance in Texas.

Thank you for your continued support of our school and for helping keep Keller ISD a destination for excellence!

Drop off and Pick up

A friendly reminder regarding our student drop-off and pick-up procedures: These will be facilitated at the back of the school accessible by turning into the drive located between the football field and tennis courts.

We kindly ask that cars in the pick-up line pull all the way to the end of the sidewalk. Doing so will enable us to accommodate as many cars as possible simultaneously, ensuring a more efficient and timely drop-off and pick-up process.

Please note that the front drive is designated strictly for bus drop-off and pick-up. This area will be closed to thru traffic from 7:45 am until 8:30 am in the mornings and again from 3:45 pm to 4:15 pm in the afternoons.

Your cooperation with these guidelines is immensely appreciated as it contributes to a smoother flow of traffic during these busy times.

Thank you for your continued support.

JOIN PTA

Why Should You Join the PTA?

Imagine being a real-life superhero for your child's education! By becoming a PTA member, you'll have the chance to:

· Promote Well-being

· Collaborate and Engage

· Advocate for All Children

· No Required Volunteer Hours

· $10 Membership Support Students & Teachers

Joining the PTA is as easy as 1-2-3:

· Sign Up: https://www.joinpta.org/

New Vaping Law

Students vaping in schools have become such a significant problem statewide that the state of Texas passed new legislation this summer to address the issue. House Bill 114 will make it mandatory to place a student caught with a vape into a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP). Families, please speak to your student(s) routinely about not using nor being in possession of any e-cigarette on any KISD campus or at events.

Free and Reduced Lunch Forms

SchoolCafé

SchoolCafé gives students and parents a quick and easy way to stay on top of their nutrition. Macros, ingredients, and allergies are displayed for meals and individual items. Submitting eligibility applications has never been easier, SchoolCafé allows parents to quickly submit for Free & Reduced Meal Benefits.

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Breakfast cost $1.20

Lunch cost $3.05