February 2023

I-Statement of the month: I use resources in an effective and efficient way that serves others.

LISD Staff,

Our spring semester is in full swing, and I don’t know about you but I am ready for the weather to shift accordingly. I want to thank you for your support and cooperation throughout our recent weather closures. I am proud of the example you set for our students and their families as we had to quickly change gears throughout the week. I also want to thank our Board of Trustees for their approval of paying staff throughout those missed days. I’ve included more information below about how we plan to make up for those missed days using our built-in bad weather days, so keep reading for details.

This month’s newsletter is a full one. There are so many important topics on the table right now, and it is my best hope that our staff remain involved and informed as it relates to the LISD budget and what it means for compensation and benefits; what is happening during the 88th Legislative Session and how it affects Texas Public Schools; and the importance of the upcoming Board election this May.

In my video message to you below, I take a moment to reflect on this past year as I officially pass the one-year mark as Superintendent of LISD; I discuss some results of our most recent staff surveys; and I touch on the ability for LISD to stay competitive in terms of staff salary in the midst of challenging budget situations.

As I mention in my video, this week marks the one year anniversary of my official first day of Superintendent of LISD. I received so many messages of thanks and congratulations, and I just want you to know how grateful I feel to be part of a district with such an encouraging and supportive culture.

There are so many reasons to celebrate our students and staff, and I appreciate your continued readership as we partner in sustaining an environment in which our staff feel a sense of belonging. I am continuously blown away by the incredible achievements I get to witness every day in this district, and am thrilled to see what we’re able to accomplish as One LISD in the future.

Let’s make it a great day for kids!

Dr. Lori Rapp, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Follow along with me:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LISD.net/superintendent

In this video I cover results from the Staff Pulse Check Survey, an overview on LISD's budget, updates from the current legislative session, information on our upcoming board election and results from the recent Staff Compensation Survey.

Feb. 17 - Student Early Release

Feb. 22 - School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

Feb. 20 - School Holiday

March 3 - Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day

March 6-10 - School Social Worker Week

March 10 - Student Early Release

March 13-17 - Spring Break

At Monday night’s board meeting, the Board approved the paying of staff for missed days due to winter weather. Additionally, the bad weather days built into the academic calendar will be used to make up missed days. Details:

April 10 - Students and staff will report to campuses.

May 24 - Students and staff will attend school for the full day.

May 25 - Staff and students will report to campuses, and students will be released early according to normal campus early release hours.

TEA has approved our waivers, so no additional make-up days will be needed for the 2022-23 school year.

As I mentioned in my above video message, over the coming weeks and months I will be breaking down important information regarding LISD’s budget, where our revenue comes from and how funding from the state affects our district. First up, I'm explaining how LISD receives funding from local, state and federal sources. Read more to stay informed at LISD.net/unrapped.

For more details about LISD's finances, visit the financial transparency page on the website.

The Lewisville Independent School District Board of Trustees met for their regularly scheduled Board Meeting on Monday, Feb. 13. Highlights include the Pledge of Allegiance led by Old Settlers Elementary students, a proclamation by Carrollton Mayor Steve Babick, a recognition of the Creek Valley Middle School Honor Winds program and a Superintendent Update from Dr. Rapp. Read the recap here.

At Monday’s Board Meeting, the Board of Trustees submitted an Order of Election signifying that an election will be held on May 6 for places 6 and 7 on our board. Applications for a place on the ballot shall be filed by Feb. 17 at 5 p.m. The deadline to ensure you are registered to vote is April 6.

While you are permitted and encouraged to exercise your political voice during non-district time and without district resources, please exercise good judgment and err on the side of caution to ensure you don’t run afoul of state laws by supporting or opposing a particular candidate while at work or using district resources. District resources can include items such as your District computer, District phone, District printer, paper or office supplies, and District email if you receive, reply or forward from it. View these Election Reminders for LISD Staff on LISD.net for additional information. If you have questions about what you can or cannot do related to elections, please contact Legal Services.

Join us March 1 for Wellness Wednesday! March sessions include yoga, hip hop, running and more. Visit the “Meet Ups” tab on LISD.net/connect for more information and to register.

LISD is hosting a snack drive on Saturday, March 4 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. outside of TECC East and Marcus High School. Please bring healthy and individually-wrapped snacks such as fruit snacks, granola bars, crackers or other items that provide nutrients and promote growth.

Lewisville ISD is hosting an in-person job fair on Saturday, March 25. The event is an opportunity for applicants to meet campus principals and department heads. Participants are encouraged to view job openings and apply ahead of the job fair. For more information, visit LISD.net/jobfair.

As a reminder, LISD.net/perks is your place for discounts exclusive to LISD employees. Find cost-saving opportunities in categories like childcare, dining, fitness, home and more. Have or know of a perk for LISD employees? Contact website@lisd.net to get it posted on this page.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the most recent compensation survey. Your feedback is crucial as we make decisions for next year’s compensation plans. To review the data from the survey, click HERE.

LISD is looking for enthusiastic individuals with a strong work ethic to apply to work for LISD’s Summer Day Camp program. This year is going to be “Out of this World,” so don’t miss out on the fun. The deadline to submit an application is Feb. 24 at 5 p.m. For more information, requirements and to apply, click HERE.

It’s time for kindergarten! Early childhood programs will be hosting parent information sessions on March 6 and March 30 for families wanting more information about what to expect when their little learner starts kindergarten for the 2023-24 school year. Help us spread the word by sharing LISD.net/kindergarten. Families can now enroll at any time.

LISD serves eligible four-year-old students in full-day, state-funded prekindergarten classes. Students must be 4 years old on/before September 1 of the school year for PreK enrollment and qualify by one or more of the criteria. Enrollment for the 2023-24 school begins April 11. Help us spread the word by sharing LISD.net/prek.

As a reminder, the LISD community now has access to the STOPit anonymous reporting system. Download the app in the Apple or Google Play stores or use the online form to submit tips at any time, from anywhere. Visit LISD.net/tipline for more information.

This month's staff commitment is: Be proactive in letting families know about any concerns. That way, you are able to work together to find a solution. READ MORE

We are committed to building positive partnerships between staff and communities with clear communication. Each month we'll be sharing corresponding Communication Commitments with both staff and families. Click here to see the Communication Flow for Staff

FERPA is…

1. Documents that show if a student is enrolled at LISD;

2. Educational records (i.e. transcripts, Skyward information, assignments graded by teachers, statements written by students, etc.);

3. Photographs of students working in the classroom;

4. Student handwriting;

5. And more!

Quick tip: Assume anything that identifies a student is FERPA. Remember, you can always direct a parent to informationrequest@lisd.net to request information and we’ll handle it!

This week, Dr. Rapp surprised 10 incredible teachers with the exciting news that they were selected as LISD’s Teacher of the Year finalists. Click HERE to see photos of the surprises!

Visit LISD.net/awards to view the full list of campus teachers of the year, and stay tuned to our Facebook page to learn more about these finalists over the next few weeks. These individuals and many others will be honored at our LISD Awards Banquet on April 21. Congratulations to all of our finalists!

All staff recently had the opportunity to complete the second staff pulse check survey of the year. To review the results, click HERE. The third and final staff pulse check will be shared before the end of the school year.

The American Heart Association has extended the donation deadline for this year’s Go Red program. You may now donate by Feb. 24 to be entered in the donation contest between campuses and by March 1 for the final cutoff. Congratulations to the below staff members on their Go Red wins:

• Debbie Brininstool at Marcus HS won an air fryer in a districtwide drawing for those who have donated during the Go Red campaign!
  
• Kristie Willingham from CTE won an Automatic Blood Pressure Cuff for participating in our LISDAC blood pressure check!

As a reminder, Employees can text LISDGIVES to 71777 to make a donation and receive this year’s Go Red shirt, mark that you’ve had your blood pressure checked and take the first step to learn hands-only CPR. Don’t forget to participate in the District Wear Red Days on Feb. 24 and March 9!

LISD will host its annual Snack Drive Saturday, March 4 from 10 a.m. to noon outside of TECC-East and Marcus High School. Drop-off individually wrapped, healthy, protein-rich snacks such as granola bars, fruit snacks and crackers to help fuel the learning in LISD.

The submissions are pouring in and we appreciate your participation in our recognition program. Share your appreciation for and recognize your peers via our online form.

Since its inception in 2011, Lewisville ISD’s annual Chin Festival has provided the LISD community with an opportunity to be immersed in a unique cultural experience. This year’s student-led event was no different, treating the audience to selections of traditional Chin dance, song, fashion and food. Attendees included members of the LISD Board of Trustees, district administration, municipal government officials and hundreds more members of the community. Teachers and pastors from local Chin churches were recognized for their efforts in ensuring that the LISD Chin community continues to thrive. The event, now in its 12th iteration, is designed to honor the Chin students and families that call Lewisville and LISD home. In the early 2000s, the area became a haven for members of Chin State, a region of western Burma (Myanmar), seeking refuge from religious and racial persecution. READ MORE

August French, a kindergartener at Donald Elementary, was born with a heart condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome which reduced his heart's capacity to function. August underwent two open heart surgeries by the time he was just three months old, and a third when he was three years old. August's story is a reminder that heart defects can affect anyone, and that the donations raised by the American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge have a direct, positive impact on the lives of those in our community. You’re our Heart Hero, August! Still reading? Click HERE to enter for a chance to win a RAPP Reward.

Old Settlers Elementary has gone to the D.O.G.S. Since 2019, the school has partnered with the national organization Watch D.O.G.S. – “Dads of Great Students” – to encourage dads (or uncles, grandfathers, etc.) to be more involved with the campus while providing positive male role models for students. While the program garnered attention when it was introduced, it has rocketed into the stratosphere during the 2022-23 school year. READ MORE