Quarterly Newsletter for Quarterly Newsletter Lockhart ISD Home of ofthe Lions Home thelockhart Lockhart Lions letter February April 2013 This issue: SPRING BREAK March 11-15 Message from the Superintendent of Schools 2 Lion Contest Winner 3 Hennessey Donation 5 Class of 1950+ Reunion 6 STAAR Testing Dates 8 Where is the Lion? Can you find the hidden lion on one of these pages? The first LISD student that finds the lion, and visits or calls our Central office at 512-398-0024, on or after Tuesday, February 5, 2013 please do not call or visit before this date, will have an opportunity to have lunch with the Superintendent of Schools. Please leave a message telling us: 1) First name 2) Last name 3) Campus, and 4) Location of lion. Parents may not call for their child. The mission of Lockhart Independent School District is to graduate all of its students as citizens who are educated, productive, and self-fulfilling lifelong learners.
Page 2 LHS Tennis Courts Complex Now Open L.I.S.D. invited the community to attend the LHS tennis team s intra-squad scrimmage on Thursday, January 10, 2013, at the new Lockhart ISD Tennis Courts Complex located on Lion Country Drive. This scrimmage marked the first formal use of the new tennis courts. During the brief ceremony Coach Lemons stated, It s pretty incredible that not too long ago we were standing in a grass field, and now we are standing on brand new tennis courts where we can host competitive home matches. We want to thank past and present board members. We also want to thank Dr. Parra, Mr. Ramirez, and everyone in Lockhart ISD who was involved with managing and assisting the construction. After a few brief speeches, and popping the tops of tennis ball cans, the tennis team (cont. page 6) A Message from the Superintendent of Schools Superintendent Jose L. Parra, Ed.D. It started with a letter I received from Ms. Billie Jean Lock, a Lockhart High School (LHS) graduate from the Class of 1950. Her question was simple: Would the Lockhart ISD be open to allowing the Class of 1950 to participate in some of the Homecoming 2012 activities? It was a simple question, but it led into a wonderfully expansive and rich answer. Months later on November 2, 2012, the Class of 1950 met in the Lockhart High School cafetorium for a reception (prepared by the Lockhart High School Culinary Arts program) and then proceeded to the football field where they were treated to hearing their class song, In the Mood played by the Roaring Lion Band. After that, they were led to special seating in the stands, where they enjoyed the Lions victorious Homecoming Game. On Saturday morning, the Class of 1950+ (they were joined by various other alumni, ranging from the Class of 1937 to 1962) gathered in the Adams Gym at the current LHS Freshman M.L. Cisneros Campus. After enjoying time to mingle and hear from the administration and current Freshman Campus students, the alumni anxiously made their trek from Adams Gym to the main building they attended as Lockhart High School students. Laughter, wistfulness, and Remember when? stories echoed as the alumni were escorted by freshman students through the classrooms, hallways, and other areas of the building. I was walking through the upper (cont. page 3)
Page 3 A Message from the Superintendent of Schools (cont.) Where is the Lion? Contest Winner In the November 2012 newsletter issue we began a Where is the Lion? contest. On the front of each of our quarterly newsletters you will find the question, Where is the Lion? followed by a picture of the lion that a student is supposed to find. The first student to visit or call the LISD Central Office, telling us where the lion is located in the newsletter (parents are not allowed to call for the student) will get the unique opportunity to eat l u n c h w i t h t h e Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jose Parra. We are happy to announce that Ernesto Suarez was our first contest winner. We encourage all grade level students of the LISD to participate in the contest and have the unique opportunity to have lunch with the Superintendent of Schools. hallway when I encountered several gentlemen standing outside what is currently used as an office space. One of the gentlemen, a tall man with white hair, asked to enter the office. I obliged by opening the door. He moved quickly and familiarly through the entry area and strode directly to the south wall and the large windows covered by long window blinds. In what seemed to be a single motion, the man pulled the blinds cord, completely uncovering the windows from the high ceiling to the bottom of the windowsill. The view from the windows was incredible. From the windows one could see the entire front yard of the campus, across the street to the Nueces Street Park, and to many of the homes along Bois D Arc and Pecos Street. The man slowly raised his right arm, put his right hand against the window frame, and then gazed across the perimeter and front yard of the campus. I could see him, through his mind s eye, re-seeing the yard as it was when he attended, re-seeing events unfold in that yard as they had so many years before. Feeling, as he did, before leaving the school. His sharp clear eyes turned nostalgic, and slowly, clearly, he said, The last thing I did before I left this school was to take one last look out this window... To see this beautiful place one last time... I never thought I d see this view again in my life... It s beautiful... I loved my time here... I loved this school... Now, 62 years later, I m seeing it again. This thoughtful man then shared with me many stories of his high school years in Lockhart. He recounted sometimes with a shade of sadness, often with a tone of joy the many feelings and experiences he remembered in those classrooms, in those hallways, and in that front yard. When it finally came time to return to Adams Gym for the rest of the class reunion, the man gripped the window blinds cord, took one last look from one end of the yard to the other, and then gently, slowly, let the blinds drift downwards until the entire view from those windows was only a memory. As we left the office and entered the hallway, the man turned and thanked me for allowing him to see that sight again. I responded that he was welcome, but that I needed to thank him for letting me have a look out those windows as well. When I finally left the reunion that afternoon, I couldn t help but think about schools and what they can represent to those who have filled those classrooms and those hallways, what they can recall for those who have left and returned for those who simply long for one more view from a window. Sometimes the richest experience starts with the simplest thing. It sometimes starts with a letter.
Page 4 Navarro Elementary Watch D.O.G.S. Program Navarro Elementary kicked off the WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students) program in January 2013. WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students) is an innovative father involvement, educational initiative of the National Center For Fathering. There are two primary goals of the WATCH D.O.G.S. program. 1) To provide positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important. 2) To provide extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying. Program Benefits Students gain positive male role models. Schools gain an extra set of eyes and ears. The presence of a father or father figure will provide an additional deterrent to bullying and enhance a sense of security in the building, and will assist in an environment conducive to learning. Fathers get a glimpse of their students everyday world and learn about the increasingly complex challenges and decisions today s youth are facing. As a result, they can learn to relate better to their student and hopefully connect with them. Student Success Kai Brewer credits much of his success to the dedication of his parents. They have always been with him. His father worked nights allowing him to keep Kai during the day. His parents have coached, been involved with boards and booster organizations and generally volunteering so that they can see that Kai has the opportunities to be successful. Kai s father, Don read aloud to him as a child and they started writing a book together in junior high that someday they plan to finish. Kai helps participate in the construction of the Chisholm Trail Roundup float for Wilson Riggins each year. He also volunteers each year working booths for the library at the Dickens festival. Kai has participated in Student Council since third grade and was president. He was vice president his freshman year and continues to serve as secretary of the senior class. Kai participated in Key club for two years and serves as secretary of the organization this year. Kai has a full class schedule with advanced placement courses and Austin Community College dual credit classes. He also competes in UIL Academic competition. He has competed in Number Sense, Calculator Applications, and Mathematics placing as a two time district champion and qualified for regional competition on three occasions. As you can see his favorite subject is Math. College plans include attending Rice University to pursue a BA in a math related area. At some point he would like to get his masters and doctorate degree from the University of Texas at Austin with plans to teach at a post secondary level or use Math in a business related area. A busy academic schedule does not allow Kai to take Tennis as a class, but he is still a team member and practices after school and on weekends. Music has been a part of Kai s life. He participated in the programs at the Baker theatre from the age of six until junior high which helped him develop communication and leadership skills. You may have seen Kai at the football games on drum line. Kai has played with indoor drum line since the seventh grade and marched during football season throughout high school. He has been a member of the Band Leadership Team since he was a sophomore. Kai also played football through freshman year. Kai s parent s philosophy has been to have him try things. You can t say you don t like something if you have not tried it. They encouraged him to persist with things until he became a freshman in high school and then gave him the freedom to choose what he wanted to continue along with the advice to choose the things that helped him grow as a person and propel him forward toward college. Kai s parents tell him to shoot for more than you can achieve because you may fail sometimes, but you will go places that you did not know you could go. Kai feels most proud of the accomplishments you can t measure and put on a plaque. Connections with people are most important and the effect you have on other people s lives.
Page 5 Hennessy Performance Engineering Donation On Friday, January 25th LHS Adv a n c e d Placement (AP) students had the unique opportunity to attend a special event. John Hennessey, owner of Hennessy Performance Engineering, presented a check in the amount of $5,000 to the LHS for their AP program. Dr. Parra and Principal Guillory welcomed all in attendance and introduced Mr. Hennessy, Ms. Megan Compton, PR Coordinator for SH 130 Concession Company, LLC, and the School Board members in attendance. In May 2011, LHS received a grant from Cintra US SH 130 Concession Company LLC focusing on the necessary achievement of students in the areas of AP English, AP Math, and AP Science. Since the implementation of the APS grant LHS has seen more than a 50% increase in the number of students taking Advanced Placement exams, and a 50% increase in the passing scores of 3, 4, and 5 in the areas of English, Math, and Science. Established in 1991 by John Hennessey, Hennessey Performance Engineering is an American tuning house specializing in modifying sports and super cars from several brands like Ferrari, Porsche, Dodge, Audi, Mercedes- Benz, Toyota, NISSAN, LEXUS. This firm focuses on mechanical component modifications for creating high-powered cars. Besides performance automobiles, they also tune sport utility vehicles, luxury cars, and muscle cars. On January 21, 2013, the Venom GT set a new record for the Guinness Book of World Records acceleration time of 13.63 seconds, making it the fastest production car in the world. In addition, the car set an unofficial record for 0-200 mph acceleration at 14.51 seconds. We want to thank Hennessey Performance Engineering for their donation to the LHS AP program and we are excited about the future of our students. New District 27-4A Executive Committee Chair Athletic Director Sheila Henderson Sheila Henderson has accepted the role as the District 27-4A Chairperson effective January 2013. The role was vacant due to the previous chairperson s resignation. In her role as chairperson, Ms. Henderson will lead the District 27-4A District Executive Committee (DEC) as it considers the University Interscholastic League (UIL) business of District 27-4A. This role as DEC Chair is an important, highly visible position. All District 27-4A DEC meetings will be based at Lockhart High School. Please join us in congratulating Ms. Henderson in her new leadership role for District 27-4A.
Page 6 LHS Tennis Courts Complex Now Open (cont.) gathered for pictures, and then moved directly into warm-ups before scrimmaging. Tennis team player, Rachel Lewis stated, We can now proudly meet competitors on our own home courts and invite them to see or campus and city. Our team has always worked hard to make Lockhart proud and now other tennis teams will be able to see how proud Lockhart is of us. During Athletic Director Sheila Henderson s remarks she stated, All the blood, sweat, tears and love poured into countless hours of practices at the old courts help to create memories for the students and coaches that will last a lifetime. As they move forward with the New Complex, there will be more practices, more opportunities for play and new memories created. Go Lions! Class of 1950+ Reunion On November 1-3, 2012 a Lockhart High School 1950+ Class Reunion took place for the students who graduated from high school what is now the LHS Freshman M.L.C. Campus. The festivities included attendance at the Community Pep Rally on the Square, a Pep Rally at the LHS Lion s Gym, a Reception, and the Football Homecoming Game at LHS Football stadium. On Saturday, November 3rd all of the Class of 1950+ LHS students met in the Adams Gym for visiting and touring of the campus where they attended high school 50+ years ago. Afterwards they had lunch at Kreuz BBQ for more visiting and a final farewell. Freshman MLC students served as ambassadors during t h e tour of t h e Freshm a n c a m - pus. They provided guided tours of the campus and classrooms as the former Class of 1950+ students shared stories from memories ago. (Read Message from the Superintendent on the front cover.)
Page 7 Students: Color and cut out the picture below. All pictures returned to the LISD Central Office at 105 South Colorado Street no later than Thursday, February 28, 2013 will be put on display. **************************************************************************** 2013 Name: Campus: Grade:
Page 8 District Names and Faces Bryan Cash Judy Cathey Gabriela Garza Bryan Cash is the District s Computer Field Technician. He has been serving the district since 2004. He graduated from Clovis High School in New Mexico. Judy Cathey is the District PEIMS Coordinator. She has been working for the district for 19 years. She graduated from Lyndon B. Johnson High School in Austin, TX. Gabriela Garza is the Office Secretary at Carver Kindergarten. She has been with the District for five years. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas, Texas. LISD Employee Spotlight Joe Carter has been working for the LISD for five years working as the Bluebonnet Elementary custodian. He graduated from Lockhart s George Washington Carver High School in 1964. He was part of the last graduating class from Carver High before integration. He served in the U.S. Army and retired as Sergeant First Class (SFC) after 20 years of service. He worked as a contractor in tele-communication for the Federal Aviation Department. He retired after 15 years and then began working for the Lockhart ISD. Mr. Carter is a decorated veteran having received many commendation awards while he served in the Army. Ms. Bernal stated, Mr. Carter is one who will go out of his way to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, staff and parents and has built lasting relationships with students and their parents. He approaches everything he does in life with the utmost positive attitude. Students respect and listen to him and he reciprocates the same respect towards them. Mr. Carter is known for changing lives. "So please, oh PLEASE, we beg, we pray, Go throw your TV set away, And in its place you can install, A lovely bookshelf on the wall." Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Elementary STAAR Testing Dates Please do not schedule appointments on these dates. Your child s attendance is important every day - especially on the following dates: Tuesday, April 2 4th Grade Writing 5th Grade Math Wednesday, April 3 4th Grade Writing (cont.) 5th Grade Reading Tuesday, April 23 3rd and 4th Grade Math Wednesday, April 24 3rd and 4th Grade Reading 5th Grade Science A good night s sleep and arriving on time is critical. Thank you for your support.
How to Address the School Board Page 9 The LISD Board of Trustees typically holds regular monthly board meetings on the fourth Monday of each month starting at 6:30 p.m. at the LHS Conference Center 906 Center Street, Lockhart, TX 78644 The public is encouraged to attend Board meetings, including any Special Called meetings. Meeting agendas and Boardbook packets are located on the district s web-site on the School Board homepage. The Board will hear comments, at the Regular Board meetings, during an Open Forum from individuals who have signed up to speak before the meeting begins. During this part of the meeting, the Board will listen, but it is forbidden by the Texas Open Meetings Act from discussing any topic raised or making any decision unless that matter is already on the agenda of this meeting. This portion of the meeting is set aside for parents, students, and community members to speak to the board about any matter of interest to them pertaining to the school program. The Open Forum is not the time or place to bring the Board complaints or criticisms about individual employees or other complaints during this portion of the meeting. For more details visit http://lockhartisd.org/pdf/board/citizens%20request.pdf. Future Board meeting dates: Feb. 25, Mar. 25, Apr. 22, May 20, and June 24 MEET OUR SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS District 1 Carl Cisneros Term Expires: Nov. 2016 District 2 Brenda Spillmann Term Expires: Nov. 2016 District 3 Jessica Neyman Term Expires: Nov. 2016 District 4 Jon Reyes Term Expires: Nov. 2016 At-Large Juan Alvarez, Jr. Term Expires: Nov. 2014 At-Large Tom Guyton Term Expires: Nov. 2014 At-Large Rick Womble Term Expires: Nov. 2014 A Dedication to our previous Board Members. We want to send out a heartfelt thanks to our outgoing School Board members for their years of service and tireless dedication and devotion to Lockhart ISD. Susan Brooks 2008-2012 Alfredo Muñoz 2011-2012 Timoteo Tim Juarez, Jr. 2000-2012
The LISD Newsletter is published quarterly (August, November, Lockhart ISD 105 S. Colorado Street Lockhart, TX 78644 Phone: 512.398.0000 Fax: 512.398.0025 www.lockhartisd.org Addressed to: