Counseling & Health Services News

Welcome to the Spring Edition of Counseling & Health Services!

As we approach Spring Break, we want to take a moment to celebrate the hard work, growth, and resilience our students, families, and staff have shown throughout the school year. At Lake Travis ISD, supporting the well-being of the whole child remains at the heart of everything we do, and this season provides a wonderful opportunity to rest, recharge, and reconnect.

The spring months often bring increased academic expectations, busy schedules, and important social and emotional growth for students. During March and April, our counseling and health services teams focus on helping students strengthen skills that support their success both in and out of the classroom.

In this edition, you will find resources, campus highlights, and practical strategies designed to support students’ mental health, physical wellness, and overall balance.

Health Services

Stop the Bleed Student Training
Partnering to Teach Dental Hygiene
Stay Safe This Spring Break: Physical Safety Tips
Nurse Spotlight

Food and Nutrition Services

Bugs Bunny Carrots Bring Farm Fresh Fun to Elementary Cafeterias!

Student Wellness & Character Development

Understanding the “Spring Slump”
Character Trait Focus: Courage in Learning and in Life
April is National Stress Awareness Month
LTISD Virtual Parent Workshop Series

Campus Highlights

Lake Pointe Elementary School
Lake Travis Elementary School
Rough Hollow Elementary School
Serene Hills Elementary School
West Cypress Hills Elementary School
Bee Cave Middle School
Lake Travis Middle School
Lake Travis High School

Counselor Spotlight

Social Worker Spotlight

CAV Kudos: Celebrating Amazing Victories

Students gained life-saving skills through our annual “Stop the Bleed” training. Jesus De Luna with Lake Travis Fire Rescue, alongside registered LTISD nurses, led a hands-on session for middle and high school students focused on recognizing and responding to severe bleeding emergencies.

Students learned practical techniques such as applying direct pressure, using tourniquets, and packing wounds. Whether responding to an accident at home or in the community, this training empowers students to act quickly and confidently before medical professionals arrive.

Thank you for allowing your students to learn these essential safety skills and help strengthen our community!

Lake Travis ISD nurses recently partnered with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to provide a free dental screening clinic for students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

Participation in the clinic was completely optional, and students were only screened with written parental consent. During the event, a registered dentist conducted a visual oral exam to check for any concerns involving the teeth, gums, or mouth. Parents and guardians will be notified if any findings are identified that may require follow-up care with a dental provider.

In addition to screenings, students were offered a free fluoride varnish treatment designed to help stop or even reverse early tooth decay. Families had the option to decline the fluoride varnish while still allowing their child to participate in the dental screening.

We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with DSHS to support the health and well-being of our students by helping identify dental concerns early and promote strong oral health habits.

Wendy Everett, RN: Hudson Bend Middle School

Why do you love being a school nurse?

"I have been a nurse for 30 years. I've spent nine of those years as a school nurse.

I had no idea how much I would love being a school nurse! Being a school nurse allows me to promote health/wellness through education, preventive care, and encouraging healthy habits. Supporting students with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, and severe allergies is especially meaningful to me, as it gives me the opportunity to advocate for their safety, independence, and confidence in managing their health.

Beyond clinical care, I value the sense of community that school nursing fosters—working closely with families, teachers, and staff to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where every student can thrive."

This month, our elementary students had a special opportunity to try something fresh, fun, and locally grown: “Bugs Bunny Carrots” served with the tops on!

Through a partnership between LTISD Food & Nutrition Services and the Central Texas Food Hub, students enjoyed locally grown carrots from Terra Preta Farm in Edinburg, TX delivered straight from the farm to their lunch trays. Served whole (with leafy green tops), these carrots sparked curiosity, conversation, and lots of smiles in the cafeteria!

Turning Lunch into a Learning Opportunity

Students learned how carrots grow, read fun carrot nutrition facts displayed on the serving line, talked about where their food comes from, and explored how local farms support our community. Experiences like this help students build positive relationships with fresh foods. Research shows that when children can see, touch, and learn about their food in a fun way, they are more likely to try it, and even enjoy it! Building food curiosity at a young age supports lifelong healthy habits, stronger academic performance, and overall well-being.

Bringing the Fun Home: Tips for Families

Want to spark that same curiosity at home? Here are a few simple ways to make healthy foods more exciting:

Keep it playful. Serve vegetables in their whole or natural form (like carrots with tops, corn on the cob, whole green beans, broccoli florets, or rainbow lunchbox peppers). Presentation makes a difference!
Add a fun name. “Bugs Bunny Carrots,” “X-ray Vision Carrots,” or “Broccoli Trees,” can make trying new foods feel fun and exciting.
Share a food fact. Kids love interesting trivia! For example:

Carrots grow underground. The part we eat is the root!
Eating raw carrots can help clean your teeth naturally, like a toothbrush!
Baby carrots do not grow that way! They are actually regular carrots cut down to snack-sized pieces!

Talk about where food comes from. At the grocery store or farmers market, ask:

Is this grown nearby?
What part of the plant are we eating?
How do you think this grows?

Let kids help. When children help wash, peel, or prepare vegetables, they’re much more likely to taste them.

Farm-to-School Isn’t Just for Elementary!

While our elementary students enjoyed “Bugs Bunny Carrots,” our middle and high school students can connect with fresh, local foods in ways that match their growing independence and interests.

Older students are often motivated by:

Real-world experiences
Performance and wellness
Sustainability and environmental impact
Culinary exploration
Career connections

Helping Teens Connect with Healthy Foods

Talk about food as fuel for performance (sports, dance, band, exams).
Invite them to help choose or cook one vegetable dish per week.
Try international recipes featuring vegetables as the main ingredient.
Visit a local farmers market together.
Discuss how food choices impact the environment.
Encourage them to follow credible registered dietitians or chefs on social media who promote balanced, evidence-based nutrition.

Teens value independence, so offering choice and autonomy works better than pressure.

By connecting students to local farms and making fruits and vegetables engaging, hands-on, and relevant, we can inspire confident, curious eaters at every age.

Physical Safety Tips

Spring break is the perfect time to relax, explore, and have fun—but it’s important to stay safe while doing it. Here are a few tips to keep your body and mind healthy during your time off:

1. Protect Your Skin

Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher before spending time outdoors.
Reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
Wear hats, sunglasses, and light, protective clothing to shield yourself from the sun’s rays.

2. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re active or spending time in the sun.
Avoid sugary drinks or excessive caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
Carry a refillable water bottle to keep hydration within reach.

3. Travel Safely

Always wear seatbelts in cars and helmets on bikes or scooters.
Follow safety guidelines if swimming or participating in water activities.
Plan your route ahead, let someone know your plans, and have a phone or GPS device available in case of emergencies.

By taking simple precautions, you can enjoy spring break safely and return refreshed, healthy, and ready for the rest of the school year!

Supporting Students Through the Spring Semester

Spring can be one of the most challenging times of the school year for students. By this point, routines are established, but academic and social demands increase. Students are managing projects, assessments, activities, and preparing for the transition to the next grade level. At the same time, friendships evolve, schedules become busier, and many students begin to feel pressure they may not always know how to express.

Many families notice a shift in motivation during the spring semester. This is sometimes called the “spring slump,” when students feel mentally tired after months of school but still have important work ahead.

Students may experience:

decreased motivation
frustration with schoolwork
procrastination
emotional ups and downs
increased sensitivity to social dynamics

These changes are developmentally normal, particularly for adolescents whose brains are still developing skills related to planning, time management, and emotional regulation.

Research shows students are more likely to stay motivated during demanding parts of the school year when three conditions are present: predictable routines, manageable expectations, and consistent adult support. Families can help support students during this time in several practical ways.

Break large tasks into smaller steps

When assignments feel overwhelming, students may avoid starting them. Helping your child identify a small first step—such as outlining ideas or completing one section—can reduce anxiety and build momentum.

Focus conversations on effort and learning

Students often assume adults only want to hear about grades. Shifting conversations toward effort, strategies, and progress helps keep them engaged in the learning process. Conversations during everyday activities like driving or preparing dinner often create natural opportunities for students to open up.

Helpful questions might include:

What was the hardest thing you worked on today?
What helped you keep going when something felt frustrating?
What is something that feels easier now than earlier in the year?
What is one small goal you have this week?

Create “start times,” not just deadlines

Students often procrastinate because they only focus on when an assignment is due. Encouraging a short starting point—such as working for 10 minutes—can make tasks feel more manageable and help students build momentum.

Encourage healthy resets and sleep

Sometimes low motivation is actually fatigue. Short breaks, movement, and stepping away from screens can help students refocus. Consistent sleep routines are also critical, as adequate rest supports concentration, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.

With steady routines, manageable expectations, and supportive conversations, students can successfully navigate the challenges of the spring semester and finish the school year strong.

Courage in Learning and in Life

Each month, our schools highlight a character trait that helps students grow academically and personally. In March, we focus on courage—a quality that isn’t always about dramatic acts but often shows up in everyday moments: trying something challenging, asking for help, standing up for oneself or others, and making choices that reflect personal values. How courage looks often changes with age.

Elementary Students: Learning from Mistakes

Young children may equate “being smart” with always getting the right answer. Encouraging courage at this age means helping them see mistakes as part of learning. Families can support this by praising persistence, sharing stories of personal struggle, and modeling calm responses to errors. A simple phrase like, “Your brain grows when you try something difficult,” reinforces the idea that challenges help them grow. Over time, children gain confidence to take risks and persist through difficulties.

Middle School Students: Courage in Social Situations

For adolescents, courage often involves social decision-making. Middle schoolers navigate shifting friendships, peer pressure, and online interactions. Courage may mean refusing to gossip, standing up for a classmate, or making choices aligned with their values rather than peer approval. Parents can help by discussing real-life scenarios and asking reflective questions, such as:

“What would a good friend do in this situation?”
“How might the other person feel?”
“What kind of friend do you want to be?”

These conversations build decision-making skills and confidence in navigating complex social environments.

High School Students: Courage Through Responsibility

In high school, courage often shows as consistent habits rather than single acts. Teens practice independence by managing priorities, asking for help, owning mistakes, and making choices aligned with their goals. Families can guide rather than solve problems, helping teens plan, prioritize, and reflect on challenges with questions like:

“What might you try differently next time?”
“What support would help you move forward?”
“What is one choice today your future self will appreciate?”

Daily choices like these build resilience, accountability, and long-term confidence.

Looking Ahead: April Focus: Being Supportive

Next month, we will focus on support. Being supportive means helping classmates, showing kindness, and working together. Families can reinforce this by asking simple questions like:

“How did you help someone today?”
“Who helped you when you needed it?”

These discussions help students see the value of empathy, encouragement, and creating a community where everyone feels valued.

Helping Students Recognize and Manage Stress

April is National Stress Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of understanding and managing stress in healthy ways. A little stress can motivate students to stay engaged, but ongoing or unmanaged stress can affect sleep, focus, mood, and overall well-being.

During spring, many students feel extra pressure as academics, activities, and end-of-year responsibilities increase. Recognizing how stress shows up at different ages can help families respond supportively.

Elementary Students
Young children may show stress through behavior, as they may not have the words to express feelings. Signs can include irritability, tearfulness, frustration, stomachaches, headaches, trouble focusing, or unusual fatigue.

Middle School Students
Students face growing academic demands and increased awareness of peer dynamics. Stress may appear as mood swings, withdrawal, procrastination, frustration with schoolwork, or worry about friendships and fitting in.

High School Students

Teens may feel stressed by academics, extracurriculars, social pressures, and future planning. They may struggle with sleep, feel overwhelmed, procrastinate, withdraw, or become irritable.

Supporting Children and Teens
Stress management is a skill children develop over time, largely by observing adults and practicing coping strategies. Families can help children recognize stress and respond constructively. Simple questions like, “What part of your day feels most overwhelming?” can open the door to supportive conversations.

Practical Strategies for Families

Practice calming techniques: Teach slow, controlled breathing, short relaxation exercises, or mindfulness moments to help children reset.
Encourage movement: Physical activity reduces stress hormones, improves mood, and increases focus. Encourage walking, biking, playing outside, or sports.
Create space to talk about feelings: Journaling, drawing, or open-ended conversations help children process emotions. Ask questions like, “What helped you feel better today?”
Limit screen time: Breaks from technology, especially before bedtime, allow the brain to rest and reduce stress.

By practicing these strategies, children and teens learn habits that support emotional well-being, resilience, focus, and academic success. When families model healthy coping and provide support, students gain confidence to manage challenges now and in the future.

The LTISD Virtual Parent Workshop Series is designed to inform and empower parents on issues impacting children and teens.

Offered as a “lunch and learn,” all sessions will be held at noon to make participation easier throughout the spring semester.

Workshop Dates and Session Information

Topic: From Stress to Success: Helping Students Overcome Test Anxiety

Date: March 24, 2026

Time: Noon

Presenter: Dawn Borellis, LPC, Central Texas Anxiety and OCD Center

Location: Virtual, Zoom link will be provided after registration is submitted

Registration Link: Virtual Parent Workshop Series: Session #7

Topic: Cybersecurity and Social Media - How to Keep Your Student Safe

Date: April 21, 2026

Time: Noon

Presenter: Cally Conklin, Statewide Education Specialist, Crimestoppers

Location: Virtual, Zoom link will be provided after registration is submitted

Registration Link: Virtual Parent Workshop Series: Session #8

Lake Pointe Elementary School

Over the past few days, students at Lake Pointe Elementary filmed a video to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week! Our student participants were thrilled to be part of the broadcast and eager to see the video. Since our regular broadcasts were already pre-filmed and scheduled through spring break, we released this special video early for everyone to enjoy.

We were able to include nearly every student’s interview in this longer-form video (a few were cut due to audio issues), and a shorter version will also be shared on social media.

Thank you for all you do to support the kindest students in the world!

Lake Travis Elementary School

Students at Lake Travis Elementary School enthusiastically participated in Random Acts of Kindness Week by engaging in a variety of activities designed to promote kindness and compassion. From creating thoughtful notes for classmates and staff to helping others around the school, students embraced opportunities to make a positive impact in their community. Through these activities, they not only practiced empathy but also helped foster a caring and supportive school environment where small acts of kindness could make a big difference.

Students across the district contributed goals and resolutions on colorful, decorative leaves to create a collaborative New Year, New Me Tree, celebrating growth, community, and shared motivation. At Lake Travis Elementary, students from Pre-K through 3rd grade joined in, sharing their aspirations and helping bring the tree to life!

Rough Hollow Elementary School

Kindness Week at Rough Hollow Elementary was a huge hit!

Students were each given Kindness Cups and throughout the week, they filled the cups with compliments about each other.

Students also made heart grams where they wrote what they were grateful for and they displayed them around the school.

Another highlight of the week was "Little Kindness Critters," which were placed all over the campus for students to find. Once found, students passed the Critter on to someone else along with a sweet compliment or kind words. We had kindness sprinkled all around the campus—it was so fun!

Our school also introduced "Book Nook Fairies," who reward students "caught being good" with a token to redeem for a free book of their choice from our new book vending machine!

Serene Hills Elementary School

At Serene Hills Elementary, we have focused on growth mindset, self-confidence, and goal setting during our monthly guidance lessons. Through engaging activities, students have practiced perseverance, positive self-talk, and recognizing their individual strengths.

5th grade students participated in important middle school transition activities, including campus visits and course selection, as they prepare to attend either Hudson Bend Middle School or Lake Travis Middle School next year. Students also explored fine arts opportunities through instrument fittings and participation in the district Fine Arts Showcase.

Additionally, we recognized students demonstrating exceptional character through our Blizzard of Good Deeds, celebrating acts of kindness, leadership, and positive contributions to our campus community.

West Cypress Hills Elementary School

Fourth and 5th graders at West Cypress Hills Elementary kicked off the new year with a meaningful “New Year, New Me” activity focused on goal setting. Students created a collaborative tree display by writing their SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—on paper leaves and added them to a shared trunk. Through this activity, students learned that setting clear goals helps turn big dreams into actionable steps, builds perseverance, and strengthens confidence. Goal setting encourages students to take ownership of their growth, both academically and personally.

As a school community, we are committed to supporting students as they work toward these goals. Whether in the classroom, through counseling lessons, or in extracurricular activities, we strive to provide encouragement, structure, and guidance to help every student grow. We look forward to celebrating their progress throughout the year and reminding them that with effort, support, and a plan, they can achieve great things—both in and out of the classroom.

Bee Cave Middle School

The middle school years are a time of growing independence, and we want our students to feel confident and prepared to make safe, responsible choices.

This month, BCMS is excited to welcome Crime Stoppers and the Safe School Institute for a proactive conversation focused on personal and school safety. During this presentation, Raiders will learn about the stages of situational awareness, strategies for becoming more aware of their surroundings, and ways to strengthen their social safety skills.

Lake Travis Middle School

At LTMS, we are excited to be promoting Random Acts of Kindness throughout our campus! RAOK (Random Acts of Kindness) bingo cards are displayed around the building to inspire students to spread positivity in simple but meaningful ways. Our teachers have also been leading thoughtful classroom discussions and activities focused on empathy, compassion, and making positive choices each day.

We love seeing our students intentionally look for ways to uplift and support one another as we continue building a strong and caring school community.

Lake Travis High School

At Lake Travis High School, the counseling team is finishing up student course registration for the 2026-2027 school year! Final dates for any course changes will be shared next week, so stay tuned.

Important Upcoming Dates & Opportunities:

ACC Summer Course Registration: All summer course enrollments are due April 1.
TSI Testing: We will be administering the TSI on March 13 for students needing assessment for college readiness.
Texas College Fair: Sophomore and junior students, along with their parents, are invited to the Texas College Fair on April 21 at 6 pm. Explore postsecondary options and connect with colleges from across the state.
Preparing for College Applications Parent Meeting: Rising seniors and their families are encouraged to attend on May 7 at 6 pm to learn about the college application process and tips for success.

Our counseling team is here to support students and families as they navigate registration, college planning, and career readiness. Be sure to mark your calendars for these important dates!

Bee Cave Middle School

Courtney Trimmer, LPC

"I’ve been fortunate to serve as a counselor in LTISD for the past 16 years and am currently in my second year at BCMS. Before joining BCMS, I worked as the counselor at Lake Pointe Elementary from 2008-2012 and loved my time as an Eagle. Then, I spent 12 wonderful years as the counselor at Bee Cave Elementary. In total, I’ve been in education for 26 years, with several of those spent in the Dallas area. Outside of school, I’m the proud mom of two awesome boys and two sweet—but very energetic—Golden Retrievers. I am a graduate of The University of Texas, and enjoy being back in Austin surrounded by the beauty of the hill country.

Working with students has always been my passion. It’s truly an honor to be part of a team that supports a proactive, schoolwide approach to helping students develop the social and emotional skills they need. I’m grateful for the opportunity to support students’ mental health by providing a warm, welcoming space where they feel comfortable talking, while also collaborating closely with teachers and parents to support each student’s success and well-being.

One of my favorite parts of this year has been seeing students I’ve known for years continue to grow, gain confidence, and thrive as Raiders."

Kim Thornley

“This is my 18th year in education, and I feel so fortunate to be a BCMS Raider!

I grew up in Spring, TX, and am a proud graduate of Texas A&M. I joined LTISD in 2015 and have had the opportunity to serve as a math teacher, Spanish teacher, and middle school counselor. Before starting our family and welcoming our three sons (all LT Lifers!), I taught middle and high school math in Houston and Quito, Ecuador, and worked as a high school counselor in Chicago. These experiences helped shape my passion for supporting students both academically and personally.

This is my fourth year as a counselor at BCMS, and one of the things I love most about my job is helping students navigate challenges, build confidence and resilience, and discover their strengths. Middle school is such an important time of growth, and I feel honored to support students during these years.

One of the highlights of my work this year has been serving as a campus liaison for TCHATT (Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine). It has been incredibly rewarding to witness several of our students make meaningful progress in their mental health while developing stronger coping skills through this program.”

Hudson Bend Middle School

Angela Carey, LPC

"I am absolutely thrilled to join the Hudson Bend Middle School team as a campus school counselor this school year! As a parent of two "LT Lifers," I have long felt the warmth of this community, and I feel truly blessed to serve the district as an employee.

This year marks my 25th year in education, a journey that began with five years of teaching high school career and vocational education. Since then, I have spent a decade as a middle school counselor and another 10 years as a district mental health therapist serving campuses at all levels. My heart is in supporting students in every capacity, whether it’s through engaging guidance lessons or providing immediate responsive care. I love helping students discover their passions, from fine arts to career exploration electives. A true highlight of this year has been partnering with our amazing community to coordinate the backpack food program and holiday gift-giving for our families in need."

Dana Page, LPC & Certified Therapy Dog, Nala

"This is my 20th year in education. I spent my first 10 years as a middle school teacher and the past 10 years as a middle school counselor. This is my seventh year in Lake Travis ISD and my fourth year at Hudson Bend Middle School.

As a teacher, I discovered a passion for supporting students holistically and encouraging them to develop into the best versions of themselves. That passion led me to pursue a role as a school counselor.

One of the highlights of my career has been bringing pet therapy to students and staff. Nala is a very special part of the support I provide to my students. It is heartwarming to see how she lifts the spirits of everyone she interacts with."

Dana Page

Nala

Joanna Janecek & Certified Therapy Dog, Blue

"It is such a joy to work in LTISD! This year marks my 16th year in education, with seven of those dedicated to counseling and two at HBMS.

My transition into counseling felt natural from my background in Special Education, and it has been a rewarding journey. A true highlight of this school year is witnessing the immediate calm our therapy pets bring to students in emotional distress.

I look forward to many more years of guiding students toward success here in Lake Travis ISD."

JoAnna Janecek

Blue

Lake Travis Middle School

Sandy Casarez

“It is a privilege to serve as a school counselor at Lake Travis Middle School. With 24 years of experience in education—14 of those in counseling and 13 dedicated specifically to the LTMS community—my commitment to student success remains my primary focus.

I transitioned into school counseling because I believe every student deserves a dedicated advocate to help them navigate the complexities of personal and academic growth. My mission is to cultivate a secure environment where students feel heard, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.

The highlight of this school year has been witnessing the development of our Breathe Initiative Club and the positive, tangible impact it has made on our campus culture. Additionally, it has been incredibly rewarding to guide our 8th grade students as they move into young adulthood and begin planning for their high school careers. Facilitating this growth and helping students discover their unique strengths is truly the most fulfilling aspect of my work.”

Vivian Rojas

“I am so excited to be at Lake Travis Middle School this year. While this is my first year as a school counselor and my first in LTISD, I've spent the last 20 years working in education, most recently in Eanes ISD.

I chose to become a counselor because I love working with middle schoolers. I am passionate about helping students build positive self-esteem while navigating the challenges of this formative stage of life.

The best part of my job has been getting to know the amazing students at LTMS and building relationships with them each day.”

Lanara Bird, LMSW

“I have been working at Lake Travis ISD for the past five years, with the last two years as a school social worker. I currently serve Bee Cave Elementary, Lake Travis Middle School, and West Cypress Hills Elementary.

My favorite thing about being a school social worker is connecting with students and truly supporting them. I love being someone they can turn to when they're having a hard time or just need a safe space. Watching them gain confidence, work through challenges, and start to believe in themselves is the most rewarding part of my job. It is such a privilege to be even a small part of their journey.”

Lake Travis ISD recently launched CAV Kudos, our new electronic positive referral system designed to celebrate the everyday victories of our students and staff. From acts of kindness to exceptional effort, CAV Kudos makes it easy for parents, community members, and district staff to recognize individuals who live out our core values.

Parents will receive real-time notifications when their child is acknowledged, strengthening the connection between home and school. Staff can also highlight the great work happening across our campuses, ensuring everyone feels appreciated and seen.

With CAV Kudos, we look forward to uplifting our community one recognition at a time and celebrating the excellence that defines Lake Travis ISD.

The partnership between schools and families plays an essential role in helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. When children experience consistent support from both home and school, they develop stronger confidence, resilience, and decision-making skills.

Thank you for the ways you support your child and our school community each day.

We wish all of our LTISD families a safe, relaxing, and restorative Spring Break, and we look forward to welcoming students back ready for a successful final stretch of the school year!

Counseling & Health Services News