Tiger Talk
01/28/25
Dear Tiger Parents and Guardians,
Be sure to read through this edition of Tiger Talk! It contains important updates and announcements for the upcoming month!
For example, there have been questions about celebrating our 100th and 101st days of school on the same day, Friday, January 31. To clarify the reason for this, at the beginning of the school year, we set our six, allowed, food exemption days for this school year. One of these six food exemption days is January 31. Our Kindergarten Team and our 1st Grade Team decided to celebrate both occasions on the food exemption day. Thus, both milestones will be celebrated on the same day. Teachers often plan exciting activities around these two special days, and these may include food-related items. We hope the students enjoy these celebrations as part of their learning experience!
Thank you for your continued support!
With warmest regards,
Amy Russ, Principal
Dear Lake Travis ISD Staff and Parents/Guardians,
Ensuring a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students remains at the heart of what we do. We deeply value each of our students and families at Lake Travis ISD, whose unique perspectives strengthen and enrich our community.
We understand that recent discussions surrounding changes in immigration guidance may be causing worry or uncertainty for some in our community. These issues are more than policy matters—they are deeply personal and can weigh heavily on our students, families, and staff. Please know that we are here to support you during these challenging times.
To help our staff and families navigate sensitive conversations and address concerns, we are providing a set of "Frequently Asked Questions" (available below). While we continue to monitor developments at the local, state, and federal levels, our unwavering commitment remains the same: to provide a safe, nurturing environment where every student can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. We will maintain open lines of communication and keep you informed as new information becomes available.
Thank you for trusting us to care for and educate your children. Together, we will navigate these times with resilience and compassion, ensuring the well-being and success of all our students.
Sincerely,
Pam Sanchez
Acting Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent for Business Services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Does a student’s immigration status impact their ability to attend school?
No. Every student has the right to enroll in public school, regardless of immigration status, as affirmed by a 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
Does the district inquire about a student’s immigration status?
No. We do not request or collect information regarding a student’s immigration status.
Can undocumented students qualify for free or reduced lunch?
Yes. All students within LTISD are eligible for meals through applicable programs, with immigration status not being a factor in eligibility.
Can undocumented students participate in extracurricular activities or athletics?
Yes. All enrolled students have equal access to extracurricular activities and athletic programs.
Would the district disclose a student’s immigration status to federal agents?
The district does not maintain this information. Student records are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and can only be shared with parental consent or a valid legal request.
Is the LTISD Police Department enforcing immigration policies and removing students from our schools?
No. Our LTISD police officers do not serve as immigration officials.
Have United States ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement ) officials “raided” any LTISD schools?
No. Since the President’s Executive Order on immigration was signed on January 20, 2025, ICE officials have not been in our schools.
Can federal immigration officials enter a school and speak with a student without parental consent?
If law enforcement or other authorities request to speak with a student at school, the principal will first confirm the officer’s identity and the purpose of the interview. Prior to allowing access to the student, and in accordance with the law, the campus will work to inform the parent and remain in the room throughout the conversation to support the student.
What should parents do if they are concerned about immigration enforcement near a campus?
Remain calm and alert campus administration if you notice any unfamiliar individuals on school grounds. We advise against spreading unverified information, as it may contribute to unnecessary anxiety. Parents may also reach out to trusted community organizations or legal resources for assistance with specific concerns.
How does the district handle bullying or harassment related to immigration?
LTISD maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for bullying and harassment, fostering a safe and respectful environment for all students.
Does the district offer resources for immigrant families?
Yes. Please contact your campus administration or the district’s Counseling and Health team to access available resources and support.
Attention LTISD Parents and Guardians,
The Discovery Program, otherwise known as Gifted and Talented, is now accepting parent referrals for KINDERGARTEN G/T Screening via this Google form.
The Elementary Discovery Program is a cross-curricular thematic-based pullout program for students in grades K-5. Participating students will demonstrate skills in self-directed learning, thinking, research, and communication as evidenced by the development of innovative products and performances that reflect individuality and creativity and are advanced in relation to students of similar age, experience, or environment. To be identified as gifted and talented, each student must undergo a screening and selection process. Assessment opportunities are made available once per school year.
If you feel your child is a good candidate for the G/T screening process, please fill out the link below. The deadline to register is March 13 at 3 pm. More information about the program can be found on the Lake Travis ISD Gifted & Talented website.
Referral link for Kinder students only - deadline March 13, 2025 @ 3:00 PM.
No Worries! We can Replace SMART Tags
If your Tiger(s) lost part or all of the SMART Tag equipment, we are happy to replace them upon receipt of the cost to replace the missing or broken items. Just let our Receptionist, Mrs. Michelle Harper, know what needs to be replaced. She can accept payment by exact cash (sorry, we have zero change) or by check payable to WCHE. The price list is:
Scannable badge......$5
Reel and/or lanyard......$5
Oops, lost the whole thing!......$10
West Cypress Hills Elementary
Email: WCHPrincipal@ltisdschools.org
Website: https://wche.ltisdschools.org/
Phone: 512-533-7500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ltisdschools