Š2018 The Liberty Hill Independent
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Thursday, August 9, 2018
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
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Liberty Hill schools welcome The Liberty Hill Independent YOUR AWARD-WINNING HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER SINCE 1987 new teachers, staff A Publication of Free State Media Group
Liberty Hill ISD welcomes 70 new teachers and staff members to its six campuses next week. The district’s professional staff started to work Aug. 6, and classes start Aug. 15. Liberty Hill High School Audrey Spicer, Spanish Calvin Phillips, Counselor Galen Munger, Economics/Soccer Hector Vega, Chemistry Heidi Roop-Moreland, Science Holly Richardson, Math/Soccer Justin Walker, Assistant Principal Lindsey Sunvison, Ag Science/Vet Tech Mack Oliphant, US History/Asst. Girls Marilyn (Sue) Davidson, Science Composite Matthew Gately, Anatomy and Physiology Megan Fitzgerald, Dance Megan Riggins, Counselor Michaila Spradlin, US History/AP US History Paige Ellisor, Cheer Coach/CTE Philip Dodd, SpEd, Math/Tennis Ricky Prescott, Ag Science (Ag Fabrication) Steven Hutcherson, Social Studies/Baseball Susan Kemper, English/Cross Country/Track
Tamera White, English Taylor Sanner, English Dayna Doan, SpEd Life Skills Elizabeth Whitten, Paraprofessional Liberty Hill Junior High Aaron Russo, Science/Girls Coach Amanda Trapani, 8th Math/Algebra I Angel Noble, SpEd ILS Bonnie Reichert, CTE Teacher Brennan Berry, ELA/Yearbook Callie Clarkson, ELA Classroom Desiree Wells, Science Heather Wright, Assistant Principal Lance Jones, PE/Aerobics/Boys Coach Laurie McDaniel, Self-Contained SpEd Marie Layne, Art Melanie Bivone, Dance Michelle Wright, Science Rachel Bottoms, Librarian/Media Specialist Shelley Howell, ELA Classroom Tania Santiago, Spanish I Pedro Placek, Paraprofessional
See NEW STAFF, Page 12
(512) 778-5577
Send Email: news@LHIndependent.com www.LHIndependent.com www.LibertyHillLiving.com P.O. Box 1235 14251 W. SH 29, Suite B Liberty Hill, TX 78642
The Liberty Hill Independent is published every Thursday except the weeks of Independence Day and Christmas at 14251 W. SH 29, Suite B, Liberty Hill, TX 78642. Periodical Postage Paid at Liberty Hill, Texas. Publication #018932 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Liberty Hill Independent, P.O. Box 1235, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 Shelly Wilkison - Publisher/Managing Editor Katie Amsler - Advertising Director Keith Sparks - Sports Editor DEADLINE Noon Tuesday prior to Thursday publication
SUBSCRIPTIONS Available for $25 per year in Williamson County, $29 per year in Texas outside of Williamson County, and $32 per year outside Texas. ADVERTISING DISPLAY RATES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Liberty Hill Independent welcomes letters to the editor, but requests that letters be limited to 300 words or less and address issues rather than personalities. Unsigned letters or those deemed unacceptable by the publisher will not be published. Children under the age of 17 must have signed parental permission. Phone numbers and addresses must be included for verification purposes. Opinions expressed in the articles, letters and columns do not reflect the views of The Liberty Hill Independent or its owners. COPYRIGHT The entire contents of each issue of The Liberty Hill Independent, including editorial and advertising copy, is protected under the Federal Copyright Act. Reproduction of any portion of any issue will not be permitted without the express written permission of The Liberty Hill Independent.
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
LHISD principals discuss changes, goals for new school year
By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer Principals across the Liberty Hill Independent School District are gearing up for the 2018-19 school year, and with a new year always comes a few changes, a few lessons learned and a few goals. From minor cosmetic changes to major professional development goals, every campus is working toward improving every student’s learning experience.
Bill Burden Elementary The focus at Bill Burden Elementary this year will be on core values, said Principal TERRIE Terrie CHAMBERS ChamPrincipal bers. “It’s one of our renewed focuses,” she said. “It’s really hinged on developing character, providing education for our students and maintaining a positive campus culture. With that we are looking to become a No Place for Hate campus and we have some interest, with the support of our PTO, for developing a Watch D.O.G.S. program, which we hope to implement during the school year.” No Place for Hate is a program for schools looking to build inclusive and safe communities where all students can thrive. The Watch D.O.G.S. program is a volunteer program for dads and other father figures to help students with every thing from reading and writing to physical education. Last year, Bill Burden added secured entry to its building, and this year, controlled vehicle access to the playground area has also been added. “It’s gated back there for vehicle traffic and we re very pleased about the added security,” Chambers said. Conversational Spanish has also been added as part of specials rotation for students, and additional technology devices have been add-
ed to each grade level, which now means there are two students per device or better in each grade. Ten new staff members are joining the campus as well as five para professionals. New teachers will be seen in indergarten first grade second grade, Spanish and physical education. “We have so much expertise on this campus,” Chambers said. “Staff has been working most of the summer to polish and enhance the skills they take into the classroom. Our focus this year with staff development is going to be for us, by us. There will be a lot of peer-led professional development built into our culture here—more than we previously had.” Chambers added that she is ready for the new year to get started. “This building was not made to be empty,” she said. “I need the spirit of this building up and going again. It just doesn’t get any better than that.”
Liberty Hill Elementary Heather Collison, principal at Liberty Hill Elementary, is excited about the fact that this HEATHER year, she COLLISON doesn’t Principal h a v e any new teachers joining the ranks. “We are extremely excited to be inviting our whole staff back,” she said. “This year will look at lot like last year did. We’re taking all of our first year initiatives from last year like our conversational Spanish and our maker space, and making them even better this year.” However, one thing teachers will be doing differently this year is adding a lot more project-based learning to their lessons. “We have several teachers who went to training on that,” Collison said. “That means we’ll be bringing hands-on activities to the classroom and working together on student engagement, so kids are learning through different medias. We’ll
also be embedding more technology every chance we get. We have ordered more devices for our upper grades with hopes to order more for lower grades. Devices will be very close to one-to-one in third and fourth grades.” ast year was also a first year Professional Learning Community (PLC) campus, and Collison said she and her staff will continue working to improve as a PLC. “As teachers we need to be the students we want our kids to be,” she said. “The more we learn about our profession and the future and best practices, the more our kids will learn. We’ve worked really hard on team collaboration and using each other’s strengths so that we can help build strengths in our kids.” Collison added that because teachers began working on writing their own Panther Curriculum last December, that has helped them to focus on teaching and instruction with their teams as well as vertically across all grade levels, which in turn has helped to serve students. “We’re going to continue to work on it because it’s had a great impact on our teachers and our students,” she said. “It’s us becoming better at our craft. Teaching in the classroom will be very targeted, and we’re going to focus on the impact of knowing the capabilities of our kids.” Overall, Collison said she’s proud of the great year her campus had last year, and because her whole staff is returning, she’s happy to have another chance to “perfect the great year LHE had last year.” “I’m excited about settling back into what was great and making it ever greater,” she added. “We’re grateful to have the community we have and we look forward to seeing our parents back on campus because of the impact they have here.” Rancho Sienna Elementary At LHISD’s newest campus, student population continues to grow—and is expected to grow by another 100 students by the end of this school year. For that reason, staff has been added at nearly every grade level, for a total of 15 new staff members. The school has also added a conversational Spanish class, is starting a Watch D.O.G.S. program, and is
preparing for growth by closing in some of its collaborative spaces to have MELANIE additionBOWMAN al classPrincipal rooms for students. e are creating five additional classroom spaces by installing glass panel walls that can be folded back to create collaborative space or closed shut so there can be a private classroom,” said Principal Melanie Bowman. Celebrating student success will be a huge focus this year, she added, meaning students will be recognized in all areas—whether it’s for excellent grades or perfect attendance. “We are also a PLC campus,” she said. “We have teams working collaboratively to look at student progress to make really prescriptive plans to reach students to help them succeed. I have six teachers who will be PLC leads, and those teacher leaders will be charged with the training of their teams, to increase collaboration with goals for student learning.” Academically, writing will also be a focus across the campus, Bowman said. “We have been analyzing data and looking at the areas that need growth, and with that, we will be focusing on writing and being explicit to empower young learners to be writers in all areas, even in math and science.” Another area Bowman expects to see change in is communication with parents. Based on surveys that went out last school year, parents wanted more aligned communication, she said. “We have streamlined our communication,” she added. “A calendar of communication will be going home with parents in backto-school packets. We will also provide electronic communications weekly either from teachers or
See PRINCIPALS, Page 12
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Important Back to School Dates in LHISD Meet the Teacher August 10
Bill Burden Elem
4-6pm Pre-K - 4th Liberty Hill Elem
4-6pm Pre-K-4th
Rancho Sienna Elem
4-6pm Pre-K - 4th
August 13
Liberty Hill Intermediate 5pm - 6th Grade 6:15pm - 5th Grade LHJH Schedule Pickup 2-4pm LHHS Panther Prowl 5-7pm
August 14
LHHS New Student Orientation 10am-12 Noon
Parent Orientation Bill Burden Elementary Pre-K - 1st Grade 5:30-7pm Sept. 11 2nd-4th Grades 5:30-7pm Sept. 13
Liberty Hill Elementary Pre-K - 1st Grade 5:30-7pm Sept. 11 2nd-4th Grades 5:30-7pm Sept. 13 Rancho Sienna Elementary Pre-K - 1st Grade 5:30-7pm Sept. 11 2nd-4th Grades 5:30-7pm Sept. 13
Open House Dates
LHHS -- Aug. 27 LHJH -- Sept. 4 LH Intermediate -- Sept. 10
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Thursday, August 9, 2018
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
THROWBACK THURSDAY
Remembering LHISD in 1972
C l n t f r e n e en ent As another school year begins and projections calling for the need for additional classrooms and campuses to handle the exploding enrollment in Liberty Hill schools, it might be difficult for newcomers to visualize that less than 50 years ago the school district was based in a single location near downtown Liberty Hill. A glance through a 1972-73 Panther yearbook serves as a reminder how different things were back then. Less than two dozen teachers were on the staff for both the elementary and unior high grades and a total of youngsters were pictured in the eighth grade class photo. Twenty children are pictured as kindergarten students. ehind the scenes of course school and com munity leaders were busy formulating plans to restore secondary education as Liberty Hill had lost its accreditation a couple of years earlier and high school students were being bussed to eorgetown and eander to finish out their ed ucation. Beverly Cousins was principal and Barbara Forbes served as school secretary. Three women were identified in the yearboo as teachers aides and the lunchroom staff also numbered three. The unior high did boast of a football team and there were both girls and boys basketball teams as well as cheerleaders and a band, but other than the yearboo staff the only other photo depict ing a club or organi ation was one of the slide rule club. news@LHIndependent.com
(TOP) The 1972-73 Liberty Hill eighth grade class as pictured in the Panther yearbook included, in alphabetical order, Faye Birdwell, Marvin Brown, Bob Brown, Melvin Brust, Rebecca Cantrell, Paul Cody, Patricia Cox, Billy Dycus, Ann Fort, Travis Gilmore, Mike Hagan, Kathy Hyden, Elaine Lackey and Judy Lohman. Also, Terrie Mobley, Karen Pogue, Bobby Robbins, Sara Rosas, David Shackelford, Patricia Sullins, Rex Swartz and Eric Reems. Mrs. Cousins served as their homeroom teacher. (CENTER) The lunchroom staff in 1972-73 included these three women who were identified as (from left) Mrs. Hays, Mrs. Hyden and Mrs. McLeod. (RIGHT) Students pictured made up the Liberty Hill Slide Rule Club back in 1972-73. (Courtesy Photos)
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staff notebook
Our views and other news and musings from THE INDEPENDENT Staff
On t e fir t fe a f c l my parents would get up bright and early and try to get my sister and I motivated to get up and get going. can still hear them singing the first few lines of chool ays . thought if closed my eyes real tight, and tried to block out the light by hiding under the covers, maybe the sing-song volley would just go away. ut no luc . y fol s were pretty good about sticking to what they started. “School days, school days Dear old Golden Rule days ‘Reading and ‘riting and ‘rithmetic Taught to the tune of the hick’ry stick...” I don’t know, I just always thought the tune stopped right there. Or it did at my house. But the song written in 1907 by Will Cobb and Gus dwards includes a few more lines and instead of being a tool to prompt sleeping children into their school clothes, it’s about an older couple fondly loo ing bac on their memories of ele mentary school. Today as the anticipation builds for the start of a new school year, Liberty Hill has much to celebrate. As a community, we invest heavily in our schools and take pride in Panther achievements. We know what it means to have teachers and administrators remember our children year after year even after graduation. n my mind that s what small towns are supposed to be -- an extended family that loo s out for one another. The 2018-2019 school year promises to be an e citing one for anthers of all ages. ot only will Liberty Hill students meet important academic goals they will also be successful in all sports. Walking alongside them on this journey are professionals who had choices when they pic ed iberty ill as the place to ma e a difference. Liberty Hill teachers and principals have meant a lot to our family over the years. ir laire and atie are turning into fine grownups than s partly to a handful of big hearted educators. s more people discover the charm of our hometown and decide to make it their home, we feel positive about the future of our school dis trict. Grounded in its small-school roots, growth can be a positive thing opening doors to more opportunities. n ednesday try a few lines of chool ays and celebrate a fresh start. on t forget to send us your irst ay of chool photos. ost them to our Facebook page or send them by email news ndependent.com. f we choose your photos for publication the year s subscrip tion is on us. ~ Shelly Wilkison
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Liberty Hill Police Blotter
Prepared by Liberty Hill Police Department Week of July 30- Aug 5, 2018 The Liberty Hill Police Department responded to or self-initiated a total of 304 incidents resulting in two cases, 92 citations, 96 warnings and no arrests. Weekly Highlights: n uly at appro imately offi cers responded to the 15000 block of W. SH 29 for a three-vehicle accident with injuries. n uly at appro imately officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for a non- injury, two-vehicle accident. n ug at appro imately officers
responded to the 2000 block of RR 1869 for suspicious activity. n ug. officers conducted a traffic enforce ment initiative on W. SH 29, RR 1869, and Loop 332. This resulted in approximately 70 vehicles stopped for traffic violations. n ug. at appro imately officers responded to Double File Trace to assist the Williamson ounty heriff s ffice with an alarm call. n ug. at appro imately officers responded to W. SH 29 and CR 277 to assist for a report of shots fired.
Thursday, August 9, 2018
LHISD launches new programs
By DANA DELGADO Staff Writer The Liberty Hill Independent School District is launching a host of new or expanded programs in support of student academic needs. A Conversational Spanish class piloted last year at Liberty Hill Elementary was so successful, according to Assistant Superintendent Dr. Toni Hicks, that it is being expanded to all three elementary schools as an optional elective. Also making a debut at the elementary schools this year is a new PK, K, 1 report card. “The one from last year was very vague,” said Hicks. “We shared it with other schools, parents and teachers and came out with a new one, which is much more descriptive and helpful for parents.” PK students will receive their new report cards every nine weeks while students in kindergarten and first grade will be issued one every six weeks. At the high school, the district
is adding new dual enrollment classes in partnership with the University of Texas that will provide both high school and college credit. Referred to as On-Ramp, the courses include Rhetoric, English III, English IV, and U.S. History. They are available to LHISD students at no cost. Also, UT is launching a new engineering class as part of its Engineering World Program. All new UT classes being offered at LHHS will be taught by school district teachers who attend intensive training at the university. A new guidance program, “Career Cruising,” is being introduced at the junior high and high school. Career Cruising is a self-exploration and career planning program that helps people of all ages achieve their potential in school, career, and life through an engaging platform. In addition, the “No Place for ate rogram will offi cially be integrated this year at all grade levels. No Place for
Hate® is designed to create inclusive school communities by promoting unity and respect, and empowering schools to reduce bullying, name-calling and other expressions of bias. A move to engage parents more was offered by the school district on a voluntary basis and is expected to gain traction is the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). One school reporting great success was the Intermediate School. “The PTO was amazing this past year,” said Intermediate School Principal Josh Curtis. “They had two successful fundraisers and did numerous teacher appreciation events. We are lucky to have the Best PTO in the state to help our students and staff have a successful year. The goals for this year are to increase membership and increase the fundraiser participation. We look forward to another successful year with the PTO.” Dana@LHIndepenent.com
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Thursday, August 9, 2018
panther band
ALEX RUBIO PHOTO
The 2018-2019 Liberty Hill High School Band is comprised of 105 students, who began working on the fall marching show last week. Drum Majors are, front row from left, Karlie Bye, Sarah Hill and Will Harbour.
LHHS Band gearing up for intergalactic school year with ‘Sun, Moon and Stars’ marching show
By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer Since the last week of July, the Liberty Hill High School Band has been meeting daily to practice for this year’s marching show, called “The Sun, The Moon and The Stars.” John Perrin, LHHS band director and fine arts coordinator for the school district, said not only is the show fun, uplifting and good entertainment for halftime shows during football season, but it will also do well in competitions the band plans to attend during the school year. “We’ll have 105 students competing
in our band this year, ranging from freshmen to seniors,” he said. “It’s a good mix of kids. The dance team is involved with the band again this year and will be performing with us as well.” Perrin said he’s always been a bit of a “sky watcher,” something he credits to his youth growing up in a small Wyoming town, and that’s one reason why he chose the show for the band. He said the show also fits with the group he has this year. There s a flute solo and an alto sa ophone solo,” he said. “We have two outstanding players on those instru-
ments that perform really well. The way the music was laid out fit our kids. It also works with who we have as far as color guard. We have props of the sun and the moon, and then the dance team picked out costumes that will make them look like the twinkling stars.” Perrin said the band will be competing in five different competitions this year, including the Vista Ridge Marching Festival, the Texas Marching Classic, the University Interscholastic League region and area marching band competitions, and the USBands Liberty Hill Showcase, which LHHS
is hosting. “This is the most competitions this band has ever done,” Perrin said. “We are also hosting [the USBands Liberty Hill Showcase] on Sept. 29. We will be able to show off our facilities, which is a big deal for a school our size. It’s also an advancing year for us, so we have the opportunity to compete at the area and state levels if we make it that far. We always plan on doing that. verall it s beneficial for us because we get to do a performance in our stadium and it raises money for our band boosters program.” Perrin said he feels like the band is
ready to go farther this year than it has in the past, especially during the UIL competitions. “We want to increase our region band participation and we want to increase our state participation,” he said. “We also want to increase our solo and ensemble participation. We have good strong players who do those things, but we want to get that spread out through the rest of the band. It benefits people individually and ma es our band program better.” Students like incoming senior Masyn
See BAND, Page 12
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administrative staff. We want to make sure we’re being clear and transparent with families.” Bowman said she’s most excited about her staff this year as school starts, because it’s a team of teachers who are 100 percent on board to support students. “Our teachers work cohesively and support one another,” she said. “Having a culture on campus of teachers and staff that are excited for students coming to us and are ready to jump in and do what it takes is huge. Together we will continue to explore strategies to create a classroom environment that’s a positive place where students feel armed for success.” Liberty Hill Intermediate Higher order thinking and questioning are going to be at the forefront of teachers’ minds at Liberty Hill Intermediate School this year, said Principal Josh Curtis. “We want to shift from teachers
NEW STAFF
Liberty Hill Intermediate Amanda Burson, Leadership Benete Doerr, 6th Grade Art Charleen Carothers, Art Julie Montgomery, 6th Grade Science Kyndall Boone, 5th Grade ELA/Social Studies Shelli Carnes, 5th Grade Performing Arts Tamra Warner, Gifted and Talented Specialist (with LHES) Christine Wilson, Paraprofessional Bill Burden Elementary Christopher Cormack, ESL Teacher Crystal Harlow, Elementary teacher Jennifer Robinson, Elementary teacher Lexi Simpson, PE Maria Gonzales, 3rd Grade Megan Cormack, Conversational Spanish Melissa Baxley, Elementary Intervention teacher
a s k i n g questions to the students asking questions,” he said. “Research shows if students ask questions JOSH CURTIS they’ll learn LHIS Principal for life rather than having info regurgitated to them. Our whole campus did a book study on that this summer and we’re excited to implement that.” Classes like art, performing arts and music are also now available to fifth graders. These electives were previously not an option, which in turn has reduced some of the class sizes for special rotations, Curtis said. A total of nine new teachers have been added to the staff at LHIS, and the lockers in the building were removed.
“The students have more room in the hallways now,” Curtis said. “We have more students than we did lockers anyway, so we weren’t utilizing them. They were just taking up room. We’re looking to start the year with 705 students, which makes us the second largest campus in the district [behind the high school].” This year, students can also expect something a little different when they meet with the school counselor as small group counseling is being added. “Not every student has test anxiety or comes from a single parent home, for example,” Curtis said. “Students have different issues and in these small groups they can talk amongst themselves because they’ll have similarities and can learn from each other.” LHIS will also have a continued focus on anti-bullying and will be a No Place for Hate campus. Students who take power reading or power math—courses that help them
Continued from Page 4 Melissa Finley, Elementary teacher Shanda Bates, SpEd ILS Teacher Alexis Vessels, Paraprofessional Rancho Sienna Elementary Abbie Barr, Elementary teacher Aimee Chapman, Elementary teacher Brittni Jakstas, Elementary teacher Colleen Hawkins, Elementary teacher Greta Burnikel, Elementary teacher Halie Bradshaw, Kindergarten Jennifer Licup, Elementary teacher/ESL Jessica Lorence, Elementary teacher/ESL Marissa Barrios-Garza, Elementary teacher/ESL Melissa Scott, Elementary teacher Michel Brady, Elementary
teacher Morgan Clopton, Elementary teacher/ ESL Paige Hintz, Elementary teacher Teresa Rios, Elementary teacher/ESL Christinea Faure, Paraprofessional ILS Central Office Hollee Braun, Instructional Coach Summer Neary, Special Programs Ismael Aranda, Computer Technician Vickie Hernandez, PEIMS Assist. Christine Appleby, ARD Facilitator Christy Cowling, Educational Diagnostician Heather Brooks, Diagnostician Susanne Winkley, Educational Diagnostician
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BAND
Thursday, August 9, 2018
to excel in those areas if they’re struggling—will also see a change. In past years, if a student was enrolled in one of those courses, they had to stay in the course the entire year, Curtis said. This year, if they are able to show ample improvement, they’ll have the opportunity to exit the course after six weeks and take an elective instead. “Students are closing the gaps and we want to reward them for working hard,” he added. “They’ll get to go back to an elective if they do.” Overall, Curtis said he is excited to build on last year’s success and keep the momentum going. “It’s always fun starting a new school year,” he said. “I’m excited about growing from the accomplishments we had last year.” Liberty Hill Junior High At Liberty Hill Junior High, one of the first things students will notice is that the lockers have been removed.
“Students don’t have a locker at the high school, so it wasn’t really benefiting the kids to have one for two years ANNETTE COE and then it LHJH Principal goes away,” said Principal Annette Coe. “Removing them also widened my halls and improved safety. The traffic flow between class periods is going to be much safer.” Coe added that students will also be receiving a digital planner this year instead of a paper planner. The digital planners will be accessible through their own personal devices or a Chromebook laptop in the classroom. “That will enable them and their
See CHANGES, Page 22
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Avila, who received a UIL award for outstanding performer last May with his snare drum solo, will help the band do just that, Perrin said. “Around 100,000 students participate in the region level of solo and ensemble, and of those, about 25,000 make it to the state competition,” he added. “Of that 25,000, just 2 percent of those receive outstanding soloist awards. That’s a pretty big deal. They get the same medal that is awarded to state champs in all UIL events.” Perrin added that the band’s drum majors, senior Sarah Hill, senior Will Harbour and junior Karlie Bye, will also help the band to reach new heights. During the summer, the trio went to a leadership camp where they were awarded for having the best team spirit. Hill also received an outstanding drum major award during the camp. “Our goal is to come off as a united front and put together a really good show,” Hill said. “We’ve got to get down to everyone’s level and be like, ‘This is what we’ve got to do and this is the work we’ve got to put in.’ We want everyone coming out on the field and
knowing what we’re supposed to do.” Harbour added that he’d also like the band to improve musically, especially because LHHS is becoming a larger school and could potentially be ranked 5A after this school year. “We really want to focus on the music and the story that it can tell,” he said. “We have had a huge emphasis on finding the motivation in music.” Bye agreed and said good working relationships among fellow band members will be important as the school continues to grow in enrollment. “We have to push ourselves to be better as a bigger school,” she said. “And it’s our job to make sure everybody knows what to do when they are [performing].” Perrin said the school’s enrollment growth had added several new students to the band this year, and he expects the numbers to continue to grow in future years, especially because of the popularity of band within the lower grade levels at Liberty Hill Intermediate School and Liberty Hill Junior High School. “At the sixth-grade level we put 130 kids into seventh
grade band this year,” he said. “That’s the most we’ve ever done. That growth will start hitting us next year and the year after that. Over the next two years I expect to increase our numbers by about 75.” Besides Perrin and Junior High Director Kevin Baird, new band director Justin Zimmerman will also be helping out the LHHS band’s percussion team when he is not teaching at LHIS. Zimmerman replaced Andy Anker, who resigned this summer. Overall, Perrin said he is looking forward to a new year with the LHHS band, and not just because he gets to teach music to his students. “Another aspect of band is that we try to foster good citizenship and be helpful to our bandmates and carry that over to the rest of life,” he said. “After we practice all week, on Friday nights [during the football games] I stand against the wall and let the band do its thing. At that point, it’s the [students’] band and they produce for the crowd what they’ve all worked on. The product they put out is truly theirs.” Rachel@LHIndependent.com
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Thursday, August 9, 2018
liberty belles
Drill team ready to dance into new school year
By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer Clean lines, a little glitz and a lot of Liberty Hill High School’s signature royal purple are all a part of the Liberty Belles’ new uniforms this year—and are just one aspect the dance team is excited about as the school year gets underway. “I’m most excited for our new uniforms,” said junior Brylee Brandt, Liberty Belles captain. ust entering the football field during half time to perform] in these uniforms will help us to be recogni ed as more of an official drill team and we’ll be taken more seriously. We put in a lot of work and I don’t think everybody understands that. e put in ust as much practice as the foot ball team does.” And just like the football team, the Liberty elles do two a day practices daily from the end of uly until school starts. They also start wor ing on their spring show routines right away. “We start working on our spring show routines
See BELLES, Page 16
The Liberty Belles from front row left, are Haeven Gibbons, Bylee Brandt, Leah Hanstein. Second row, Daniela Sandoval, Kaytlynn Taylor. Third row, Lauren Bailey (wearing black). Fourth row, Riley Frank, Chloe Figgins, Kalli Witt, Sara Hesskew, Emily Barnett, Madison Hudson. Fifth row, Alyssa Schaefer, Taylor Cox, Hanna Turman, Dominique Berzin, Anissa Garza. Top row, Megan Cox, Aubrey Tucker, Skylar Mason, Trinity Cranford, Caitlyn Mutchler, Trinity Holloway.
ALEX RUBIO PHOTO
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The Adventure
Begins ...
A new school year. You have exciting, new experiences ahead of you and an old friend behind you. Because from your first savings account to your first car loan, USB is here. To help. To cheer you on. And to always welcome you back.
Call (512) 515-6300 or stop in today!
usb-tx.com
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FDIC
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BELLES
We Have Back to School Discounts!
134 Jon athan D Liberty r Hill
Thursday, August 9, 2018
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at the beginning of the year,” said Liberty Belles Director Megan Fitzgerald. “We also dance with the band during the [football] halftime shows and we do a traditional kick or jazz routine in our field uniforms. e also go to all the band competitions. Our spring show isn’t until April, but in that show we showcase everything we’ve been learning all year. Our dance team does routines in that show, but we also have all the high school and junior high dance classes perform.” Melanie Bivone, Liberty Belles assistant director and director of the junior varsity dance team Liberty Stars, said the show basically highlights the whole Liberty Hill dance community in one event. The dates for that show are April 26 and 27, 2019. This year, there are 22 Liberty Belle team members and two managers, who range from sophomores to seniors. On the junior varsity team, called the Stars, there are 15 members who are freshmen or sophomores. “Last year we only had 14 Belles and 12 Stars, so our teams have grown a lot,” Fitzgerald said. “I think what’s helped is two years ago the district added a junior high dance program, which has gotten kids more interested in dance.” Fitzgerald said the team’s new uniforms will give them more of a drill team look than a pom squad look, which is important because the three white lines of a white hat, white belt and white boots can be transferred into the team’s actual dancing, which is all about clean, strong and beautiful lines. Besides performing during football halftime shows, the dance team also performs with the LHHS band at each of its competitions. “In the band show this year they have a space theme with props that are the sun and the moon, and the Liberty Belles are the stars,” Fitzgerald said. They have flowing blue dresses that ma e them look like stars. Last year, the band had a block and the Belles had a block during performances, but this year we’re more integrated with the band so we’re really hoping we’ll progress high in the [University Interscholastic League competitions] for the band this year.” The Liberty Belles are also hosting a contest, called the Hill Country Classic, at LHHS in February. “All schools and studios are welcome to come compete,” Fitzgerald said. “The Stars will be competing in that competition and the Belles
will be hosting it.” Another big event for the Belles this school year is a trip to California to perform at Disneyland, Fitzgerald said. “The Belles are going to be taking classes at Edge Performing Arts Center, which has been described as the Olympics of dance,” she added. “It’s a huge honor to get a scholarship to dance there, and the Belles get to take classes from these highly ualified teachers. nd while we re there, we’re going to take one of our routines and perform it on stage in Disneyland, as well as do some sightseeing.” Because it’s such a big travel and hosting year for the Liberty Belles, Fitzgerald said the team most likely won’t compete in any other events, like last year when they won the grand champion award at the Hill Country Texas Competition in Fredericksburg. “I want to compete, and the girls want to as well, but I don’t want to stress them out,” she added. During the summer, the Stars went to a team camp and the elles went to both an officer camp, where they learned leadership skills, and a team camp. The line officers this year include randt as well as first lieutenant eah anstein a junior, and senior lieutenant Haeven Gibbons, a senior. Brandt said her biggest goal for the year will be helping the Belles and Stars get to know each other better. “Because we’re a bigger team this year a bunch of the girls don’t know each other, and I want them to bond and know everyone just as well as the previous members know each other,” she said. “I also want to get back to where we were last year with technique.” Fitzgerald said she is proud that the Belles is a group of students who are accepting and don’t form cliques, making the group a good place for students who previously didn t feel li e they fit in. “We are all about having fun and creating well-rounded individuals,” Bivone added. “A huge thing with drill team is teaching the girls how to be young ladies, which means teaching them to be poised confident and caring. earn ing dance is just the icing on the cake—it’s really about everything else you get out of the dance team.” Rachel@LHIndependent.com
BACK TO SCHOOL 2018
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Page 17
cheerleaders
The 2018-19 Liberty Hill varsity cheerleaders are, front row from left, Ashley Ediger, Sierrah Perez, Erin Goodson (Prowler), Lauren Faulk, and Ryley Tanner. Center row are Jayeana Barker, Emily Smirl, Montana and Haley Frank. In back are Kloe Foster, Haley riffin, Hanna ro n, Ramie King, Allie Mayeux, and Halle Hudson. 1st PHOTO TEXAS
Cheerleaders ready to ignite Panther spirit
By DANA DELGADO Staff Writer Countless cheerleading teams have come and gone before them - energizing and entertaining audiences while keeping the Panther spirit alive, but this year’s squad may well surprise everyone with their boundless talent, determination and unity. To direct the Liberty Hill High School cheerleading program, two new coaches with impressive resumes have been named. Paige Ellisor, who helped launch the Austin Cheer Factory in Austin where she won multiple national titles, will serve as director for the varsity s uad. hile at flugerville igh chool she cheered all four years and went to nationals at both Indianapolis and California. Ellisor will be teaching in the Culinary Arts Program at the high school. “I am very excited to be coaching the varsity squad this year,” said Ellisor. “When you grow up in the cheerleading world, it stays in your blood. A good group of the girls I grew up cheering with are now high school cheer coaches in the area including one of my cousins. It will be great to have them as a support system this first year. From what I have seen so far I have a great
squad to work with and I know we are going to have a wonderful year together!” Heading up the junior varsity is Crystal Jackson, who began cheering at age six with Pop Warner before becoming a member of the competitive Cheer Authority squad in Georgetown. She went on to win nationals twice with American Cheer Power and tumbled with Capital Cheer in Austin before completing her cheer experience at age 18 with Pat Wedge and the Georgetown Heat. Members of the 2018-19 cheerleading squads (varsity and junior varsity) include six seniors, seven juniors, seven sophomores, and 11 freshmen. The seniors on the squad are Hannah Brown, aley ran aley riffin amie ing ammi Marshall, Cat Tolbert, and Erin Goodson who will serve as the mascot. Junior cheer members include mara urrell auren aul aty ib son, Halle Hudson, Allie Mayeux , Emily Smirl, and ontana owell . The sophomores are loe Foster, Sierrah Perez, Ambar Lopez Brenner, Jayeana ar er shley diger and iley Tanner. epresenting the freshman class are atelyn ody ora osni ia ontes bby asalla
See CHEER, Page 21
NOW OPEN IN LEANDER ACC San Gabriel Campus
austincc.edu/sgc
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Thursday, August 9, 2018
SHELLY WILKISON PHOTOS
Teachers show their Panther Pride
At the LHISD Opening Convocation to start the new school year Monday, the campuses competed for the coveted Spirit Trophy. Rancho Sienna Elementary (right) won the trophy, but Bill Burden Elementary staff (left) and the other campuses donned the purple and gold and enthusiastically welcomed the start of school.
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
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PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ISSUE CITY OF LIBERTY HILL, TEXAS TAX AND WATER SYSTEM SURPLUS REVENUE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on September 10, 2018,
at 6:30 p.m. at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Liberty Hill, Texas, to be held in the City Council Chambers at 2801 Ranch Road 1869, Liberty Hill, Texas, the regular meeting place of the City Council, the City Council intends to pass an ordinance authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $10,000,000 total principal amount of a series of certificates of obligation the ertificates bearing interest at any rate or rates, not to exceed the maximum interest rate now or hereafter authorized by law, as to be determined within the discretion of the City Council at the time of issuance, and maturing over a period of years not to exceed 40 years from the date of said ertificates for the purpose of paying contractual obligations to be incurred for the following purposes, to wit: (i) construction, renovations and improvements to City parks and trails and parking related thereto; (ii) construction, renovations and improvements to City buildings and parking related thereto; (iii) repairs, improvements and extensions to City streets, including sidewal s traffic signals controllers, signage and acquisition of land and rights-of-way in connection therewith; (iv) construction, improvements and extension of the City’s sewer, water, and drainage systems and acquisition of land and rights-of-way in connection therewith (collectively, items (i)-(iv), the “Project”); and (v) payment of professional services of attorneys financial advisors, engineers and other professionals in connection with the Project and the issuance of the ertificates. aid ertificates shall be payable from the levy of a direct and continuing ad valorem tax, levied within the limits prescribed by law, against all taxable property within the City sufficient to pay the interest on the ertificates as due and to provide for the payment of the
principal thereof as the same matures, as authorized by Subchapter C, Chapter 271, Texas Local Government Code, as amended, and from all or a part of the surplus net revenues of the City’s Water System, such pledge of surplus net revenues being limited to $1,000. THIS NOTICE is given in accordance with law and as directed by the City Council of the City of Liberty Hill, Texas on July 23, 2018. (8/9) NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bid proposals addressed to MREC MAG MorningStar, LLC on behalf of Williamson County Municipal Utility District No. 23 (the “District”), c/o LandDev Consulting, LLC, Attn: Caylea Pogue, will be received from ualified bidders until pm CST on August 22, 2018 at the offices of and ev onsulting, LLC, 5508 Highway 290 West, Suite 150, Austin, Texas, 78735, for furnishing all labor, supplies, and supervision necessary for construction of Morningstar Phase 3, Section 1A and Section 2A Subdivision (the “Project”). The Project involves construction of subdivisions and associated infrastructure including grading, roadway, water quality ponds, waterline, gravity wastewater line, storm sewers, erosion controls, and associated appurtenances. Bids will be opened and publicly read aloud at 2:00 p.m. T at the offices of andDev Consulting, LLC, 5508 Highway 290 West, Suite 150, Austin, Texas, 78735, on August 22, 2018. No faxed bids will be accepted. Any proposal received after the closing time will be filed unopened. ids must be submitted on the form included in the bid documents, in sealed envelopes marked “Bid for Morningstar Phase 3, Section 1A and Section 2A Subdivision Project”. lans and pecifications for the Project may be examined without charge at the offices of LandDev Consulting, LLC, 5508 Highway 290 West, Suite 150, Austin, Texas, 78735. Bidders must contact Caylea Pogue at LandDev Consulting, LLC in order to view and/or obtain electronic access to proposal forms,
Thursday, August 9, 2018 plans specifications and contract documents without charge (telephone: 512-872-6696 or email: caylea.pogue@landdevconsulting.com). A bid must include Bid Security in the form of a certified or cashier s chec or a bid bond issued by a surety legally authorized to do business in Texas, payable to the District, in an amount of at least 5% of the total amount of the bid, in accordance with Texas Water Code Section 49.271(c), as a guaranty that, if awarded the contract, the bidder will promptly enter into a contract with MREC MAG MorningStar, LLC on behalf of the District and furnish bonds on the forms provided. If a Bid is Accepted, the contractor will be required to furnish, at the contractor’s expense, (i) payment and performance bonds in accordance with Texas Government Code Section 2253; (ii) a one year maintenance bond in the amount of 10% of the contract price, in a form and substance, and with a surety satisfactory to the istrict upon final payment and acceptance under the contract; (iii) worker’s compensation insurance coverage in accordance with Texas Labor Code Section 406.096; and (iv) general liability insurance insuring against liability for bodily injury, personal injury, death, or property damage. No Bid may be withdrawn for at least 90 days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. The Award will be made on the basis of the lowest responsible bidder that is considered the most advantageous to the District and result in the best and most economical completion of the Project in accordance with Texas Water Code Section 49.273(c). The right is reserved to waive any informality in the bidding and to reject any or all bids. The Project is being constructed by MREC MAG MorningStar, LLC on behalf of and in the name of the District. The contract will provide that the contractor will look solely to MREC MAG MorningStar, LLC for payment of all sums coming due thereunder. Minimum Wage Scale: The contract will require compliance with Texas Government
Code, Chapter 2258, Subchapter B, pertaining to prevailing wage rates. In accordance with Texas Water Code Section . the istrict specifies the prevailing wage rates for public works established by Williamson County, Texas as the District’s prevailing wage rates. The contractor for the Project must pay not less than the specified prevailing wage rates to workers employed by it in execution of the contract. (8/9p) NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BUSINESS INCENTIVE Thursday – August 9, 2018 5:00 PM The public is hereby notified that the City of Liberty Hill Economic Development Corporation - Type B Economic Development Corporation, (LHEDC) intends to undertake an economic development project in FY 2018 – 2019, ending 10-1-2019. The project is a Business Incentive Program in which LHEDC will reimburse eligible participants within the City of Liberty Hill and its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) for City permits and fees on eligible capital investment projects in amounts up to $20,000, and partial salary reimbursement for eligible new jobs created at $500 per position with a maximum of $5,000. Every incentive approved must meet the requirement that it will promote new or expanded business enterprise within the City of Liberty ill or its T and will benefit the City of Liberty Hill. The estimated amount to be paid by the LHEDC for this project is $50,000, although this amount is subject to future revision. The Public Hearing will be conducted by the City of Liberty Hill Economic Development Corporation Board on THURSDAY – AUGUST 9, 2018 at 5:00 PM at 2801 Ranch Road 1869 – Liberty Hill, Texas 78642. The Business Incentive Program Application may be viewed at www.libertyhilltx.gov. For more information contact the City Secretary at 512-7785449. (8/9) CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGE
BACK TO SCHOOL 2018
CHEER
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
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ylee ran ella rethower adley nc en auren onish ontgomery adison mma aurer and egan ims. eading the cheerleaders this year are senior captains Haley ran and aley riffin. ran started with competition cheer at age and has cheered at every level for the school district since unior high. mong her most memorable experiences last year was ta ing part in the pep rally assemblies. en oyed cheering along with my team as we felt the excitement from the entire school,” she said. t really gets you fired up for the football games as soon as the band starts playing y goals for the year are to increase school spirit around our school and community and to grow our cheer program into a fun and successful one riffin said she has cheered competitively since she was nine from level one to level five and has participated in school cheer since seventh grade. ast year provided some unforgettable moments for the senior captain. The bus rides and team dinners are always memorable,
but the China Springs playoff game was one of the most memorable games of the year,” she said. Both senior captains agree on the varied strengths of this year s s uads. This year s team is full of very talented girls with strong cheerleading bac grounds ran said. ost girls have done several years of competitive or school cheer so ust be ready to see some cool stuff on the sidelines!” With so many girls with great s ills riffin hopes the team could reel in a tate hampionship title in anuary . “So far, they have been nothing but helpful and outstanding leaders in our eyes irector llisor said of her two senior captains. oth have come up to help us get organi ed even on their summer vacation and have answered any uestions we have. verall they have helped us tremendously to get started on the right foot. llisor said she loo s to see her s uad bond and demonstrate their leadership to the whole community while representing the school. hile focusing on a good showing
The JV Cheerleaders from front row, left, are Mia Montes and Bella Brethower. Center row, are Hadley Oncken, Lauren Ponish, Ambar Brenner, Montgomery Madison and Rylee Frank. In back, are Emma Maurer, Megan Sims, Amara Burrell, Katelyn Cody, Abby Basalla and Cora Kosnik.
1st PHOTO TEXAS
at the UIL competition in January and competing for a title llisor stressed the need for the s uads to improve their tumbling and stunting s ills. The s uad officially began practice on une . n preparation the cheer members held their annual cheer camp. e learned everything for the upcoming school year,”
said ran . e started the camp with fun games and lots of laughter. Then the staff taught us three dances several cheers and new stunts. t the end of the camp we performed for our parents to show them all our hard wor . verall we grew together as a team in so many ways during camp. amp was a good opportuni-
ty for us to bond together and tal about our ne t season added riffin. To open their season, the varsity s uad will cheer at the varsity volleyball game ug. while the s uad will cheer at the varsity volleyball game on ug. . lans call for the varsity cheer team to perform at varsity football and varsity
bas etball games. The is scheduled to cheer at and freshman football and bas etball games. The s uads will split volleyball and sports in the playoffs. n addition the cheer s uads will participate in other district and community events. Dana@LHIndependent.com
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FAÇADE & SIGN MATCHING GRANT Thursday – August 9, 2018 – 5:00 PM The public is hereby notified that the City of Liberty Hill Economic Development Corporation - Type B Economic Development Corporation, intends to continue this economic development project through FY 2018 ending . The project is a Downtown Façade & Sign Matching Grant Program in which LHEDC will reimburse eligible businesses up to $5,000 in its a ade atching rant rograms for fa ade renovation as outlined in the pplication and or will reimburse eligible businesses up to in its ign atching rant rogram for wor on signs are outlined in the ppli-
cation. The program provides matching a ade ign rant unds to downtown iberty ill non residential property owners on anch oad from State Highway 29 to all of oop and from tate Highway 29 to Barton Street behind ar er s rocery tore in support of revitalization on a case by case basis. The estimated amount to be paid by LHEDC for this project is $25,000; this amount may be subject to change in the future. The Public Hearing will be conducted by the City of Liberty Hill Economic Development Corporation Board on THURSDAY – AUGUST 9, 2018 at 5:00 PM at 2801 Ranch Road 1869 – Liberty Hill, Texas 78642. The Downtown Façade & Sign Matching Grant Application may be viewed at www. libertyhilltx.gov. For more information contact the City Secretary at 512-778-5449. (8/9)
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION SIGN GRANT PROGRAM Thursday – August 9, 2018 – 5:00 PM The public is hereby notified that the City of Liberty Hill Economic Development Corporation - Type B Economic Development Corporation, intends to continue this economic development project through FY 2018 – ending . The project is a Sign Grant Program in which LHEDC will reimburse eligible businesses up to 50% of costs or $5,000 for new street facing sign installations and abandoned and illegal sign removal. The program is applicable to street facing signage of income-producing non residential businesses along Highway 29, from Liberty Hill High School to onald eagan lvd. anch oad from ighway
to
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION DEMOLITION PROGRAM Thursday – August 9, 2018 – 5:00 PM The public is hereby notified that the City of Liberty Hill Economic Development Corporation, a Type B Economic Development Corporation, intends to continue an economic development project through FY 2018 ending . The project is a Demolition Program for assistance related to commercial properties in which the LHEDC will reimburse owners of eligible commercial properties up to 50% of costs or for demolition of substandard structures on such properties. The purpose of the program is to encourage businesses developers and individuals to demolish substandard structures to al-
low for future development and community uality of life improvements. ommercial properties located inside the ity limits are eligible. The estimated amount to be paid by the LHEDC for this project is $25,000, although this amount may be subject to revision in the future. The Public Hearing will be conducted by the City of Liberty Hill Economic Development Corporation Board on THURSDAY – AUGUST 9, 2018 at 5:00 PM at 2801 Ranch Road 1869 – Liberty Hill, Texas 78642. The DEMOLITION PROGRAM APPLICATION may be viewed at www.libertyhilltx. gov. For more information contact the City Secretary at 512-778-5449. (8/9)
SUBSCRIBE
512.778.5577
ighway and ighway from anch oad outh to ourning ove other properties will be considered on a case by case basis . The estimated amount to be paid by the LHEDC for this project is $25,000, although this amount may be subject to revision in the future. The Public Hearing will be conducted by the City of Liberty Hill Economic Development Corporation Board on THURSDAY – AUGUST 9, 2018 at 5:00 PM at 2801 Ranch Road 1869 – Liberty Hill, Texas 78642. The Sign Grant Application (Highway 29) may be viewed at www.libertyhilltx.gov. For more information contact the City Secretary at 512-7785449. The area designated in the owntown a ade ign rant rogram is not eligible for this program. (8/9)
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Thursday, August 9, 2018
CHANGES
Continued from Page 12
teachers to list when assignments are due,” Coe said. “Teachers can send reminders to kids and parents about when tests are coming or when pro ects are due. t ll be very benefi cial because parents sometimes didn’t know what their kids’ homework was, and now they will.” Coe said academic teaming is another big change this year, which means seventh and eighth grade students will be divided up in a way that they will have the same four teachers for all their classes. “Teachers will get to know their students very well, which will be very supportive for the kids,” she added. “We didn’t have the staff to do that last year. We worked very hard on the schedule to make sure teachers have time to meet and discuss the kids as well. The fact that we’ll be able to do this teaming process is very exciting.” Several new teachers have been added to the campus to accommodate this change, Coe said, as well as a second assistant principal. Coe said staff will also be focusing more on student data this year to find where ids wea nesses are and what they can do to fill in those skills. “Getting them prepared for high school is our job,” she said. Another concern carried over from last school year is students’ interest in vaping— using e-cigarettes—and the health risks associated with it. “That’s been a huge issue, and I don’t think students realize the health issue,” Coe said. “We’re going to set up a presentation on that and warn kids of the dangers. We’ll also be having a presentation on the Kindness Matters initiative once again and being a No Place for Hate campus is something we’re working on.” Coe said overall, she and her staff are excited to get the new year underway so that they can get to know their students. “Because our teachers will have smaller groups of students, they’ll get to know them and get them on board with what they’re interested in and hook them with something,” she said. “We’re really excited about that.”
Dr. Ben Menke, PT, DPT, OCS
(512) 778-6700
Your kid’s back at school
August 15th couldn’t come soon enough. Am I right parents? But now that your kid will be back at school, one of the things you will need to be mindful of is your kid’s back at school; that is, their spine. If you think about what your child is physically doing during a typical school day, what exactly does it look like? Well, probably lots of sitting…like, LOTS of sitting. They will also need to carry heavy items like backpacks, books, and binders that will become increasingly full to the point you’ll wonder if they’ve got bricks in there. This may come as a shock to some of you out there, but unfortunately there’s no way to totally control our kids. I know, if only we could legally force feed them their recommended daily values of kale and spinach, or even just choose their friends for them – would that really be so much to ask? But seriously, there are a few simple things you might be able to influence regarding any bac or neck pain they might develop, if not for them at school, then maybe yourself at work. es see you slouching in that office chair. know you do because even I, as a physical therapist who is supposed to know better, do it, too. The truth is, there’s actually nothing inherently wrong with slouching when we sit. It’s only when it’s associated with symptoms that it needs to grab our attention as something that can be corrected.
Thankfully, this can be done without needing to pick up a prescription or pay for a doctor’s visit. There have been numerous studies done on the relationship between back or neck pain and sitting posture, and the majority supports the idea that people in pain generally benefit from a modification in their posture as well as more frequent moving in and out of various postures. At the risk of over-generalizing, one simple thing you (and/or your child) can do is just scoot your booty back in that chair! This alone can get the ball rolling in the right direction. And generally (again, over-generalizing here), sneaking a little something behind your back in that space that is naturally created between you and the chair when you sit upright will allow your body to relax in a posture you can maintain longer than you could if you had to hold that position actively. Heads and necks also ideally are brought back. Picture your ears lining up with your shoulders (by bringing your head back, not shoulders forward) and your chin being parallel to the ground. Another important topic regarding posture at school is backpacks. This also applies to those of us who go to work with a briefcase, bag, or even the occasional “murse” (don’t be shy of your man purse, own it!). Basically, think symmetry.
We once did this neat experiment in physical therapy school. If you’ve never done this before, you should try it. Look at yourself from the side in the mirror. Then, put on a 10-15 pound backpack (and that’s light, kids, right?). Without you even feeling it or doing so consciously, your body will adapt to hold the weight so that your head and shoulders move forward, slouching your mid bac and fle ing your posture for ward. Again, don’t think of this as something causing terrible damage to anything, but it is something you can be aware of if/when symptoms arise that might be related to the forces going through your or your kid’s body on a daily basis that is driven by the physical demands of work or school. And you have the power to correct it! If you’d like more individualized information on your specific situation related to posture we offer free 5-10 minute screens that can be scheduled at any time, usually same-day. Dr. Ben Menke, PT, DPT, OCS, is clinic director at Texas Physical Therapy Specialists in Liberty Hill. TexPTS offers same-day, no obligation, free services to anyone who’d like to learn whether physical therapy might be right for them.
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PANTHER SPORTS 2018 Fall Preview
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, August 9, 2018 Page 23
KATHY CANADY PHOTOS
The Fightin’ Panthers started practice Monday at Panther Stadium. The varsity team (above) is expected to have a winning season in 2018 under the leadership of second-year Head Coach Jeff Walker (below left). The Purple vs. White scrimmage is 11 a.m. Saturday.
Expectations higher than ever for Panther Football
By KEITH SPARKS Sports Editor Last season, expectations for the Panthers were tempered in the wake of former Head Coach Jerry Vance’s retirement, as fans and media alike assumed the transition to current Head Coach Jeff Walker would take some time. To the surprise of many, the Liberty Hill High School football team far exceeded those expectations, going four rounds deep in the playoffs, despite losing a number of starters to injuries, before dropping a close game to Waco
a ega. fter al er s first full offseason with the Panthers, the expectations for the 2018 season are as high as they’ve ever been. Word quickly spread through Liberty Hill over the summer about the intensity and effectiveness of Walker’s offseason strength and conditioning program. Word spread even further about the program when Liberty Hill too first place in the ineman hallenge in June, showing off the strength and agility of the Panthers’ linemen to coaches and media across the state. While improvements in speed and
strength are the most obvious benefits of a successful offseason program, Walker’s biggest hope is that his players improve their durability. The last thing he wants is another injury-riddled season that unfortunately cut the Panthers’ 2017 season short of where they otherwise could have gone at full-strength. “I hope the biggest thing is that we don’t have all the injuries we had last year, because we can’t afford them this next year,” Walker said. “Obviously, the biggest thing was getting bigger and stronger, but we didn’t get as big
and strong as I’d like, personally. I do think we’ll be faster, offensively, and obviously the stronger you are, the more people you can push around.” Although not a cakewalk by any means, the Panthers’ district competition got significantly easier by way of reclassification in the spring. The Panthers’ most imposing opponents as of late -- Waco La Vega and China Spring -- both changed districts, as did Gatesville, leaving Liberty Hill as the only one of last year’s top four teams in the district still standing. With their departures, however, came
the arrival of Canyon Lake and Fredericksburg, both of which Walker said will be amongst the competition for the number one spot in the district. Conference 4A Region IV District 14 will also include Burnet, Lampasas, and Taylor, with Lampasas likely taking that fourth playoff spot, according to Walker, though Taylor and Burnet will fight for it as well. rom the anthers first practice on onday until their first official game on Aug. 31 against Leander Glenn, the
See FOOTBALL, Page 26
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Thursday, August 9, 2018
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Panthers to watch this season
OFFENSE Kyle Harrison Position: Running back Class: Senior
Justin Montgomery Position: Tackle Class: Senior
DEFENSE
Jakob Schofield Position: Fullback Class: Senior
Kory Schmidt Position: Defensive End Class: Senior
Kristian Taggart Position: Guard Class Senior
Brenden Ketchem Position: Linebacker Class: Senior
Lakota Lawrence Position: Guard Class: Senior
Trenton Seward Position: Safety Class: Senior
Josh Lapuszynski Position: Center Class: Senior
Wyatt Cheney Position: Safety Class: Senior
By KEITH SPARKS Sports Editor Although a handful of Panthers could be considered among the best football players in the district, Kyle Harrison is the one that stands out, in particular, based on his incredible season as a junior last year. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine chose Harrison as the preseason offensive MVP for the district, and it’s safe to say they aren’t the only ones who share the sentiment. Last season, Harrison rushed for 2,702 yards and 38 touchdowns and looked like one of the most electric running backs in the state. Leading Harrison on the offensive line will be four studs that Head Coach Jeff Walker said could be part of the best offensive line he’s ever coached. Kristian Taggart and Lakota Lawrence are both capable of running a 4.6 40-yard dash, according to
Walker, and have all the right tools to be the best guards he’s ever coached. Between the two of them will be returning senior Josh Lapuszynski, who’s only gotten stronger since starting at the center position last season. At tackle, the Panthers will have the luxury of starting one of the strongest linemen in the country in Justin Montgomery, who bench pressed 225 pounds a whopping 29 times during the Lineman Challenge in June. This year’s starting fullback, Jaob chofield will have the benefit of playing in a system that utilizes its fullback more than just about any other in the game of football behind a talented offensive line. chofield played the halfback position last season, seeing somewhat limited touches, but proving he can be a solid running back nonetheless. As history has shown, Liberty Hill fullbacks typically finish among the top bac s in the state in yardage. On the defensive side of the ball, last year’s starting quarterback Brenden Ketchem will have the opportunity to show what he’s capable of at linebacker following a move that was
made during the offseason. There will be a learning curve for the senior linebacker, who is playing in Defensive Coordinator Kent Walker’s system for the first time but his athleticism lead ership skills and previous experience at the position should make up for it. Behind Ketchem will be two of the most skilled safeties in the district in three-year starter Wyatt Cheney and fellow senior Trenton Seward. Both Cheney and Seward will have their work cut out for them as the Panthers are forced to replace two starting linebackers following the departure of a couple 2018 graduates, but any confusion at linebacker could give Cheney and Seward opportunities to make big-time plays in 2018. The Panthers will also return last year’s Second Team All-District defensive end Kory Schmidt, who made a solid impact on an otherwise less-than-noteworthy defensive line, and will likely get to the opposing quarterback more than a handful of times before the season is over. Sports@LHIndependent.com
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OPPONENT PREVIEW
DISTRICT 14-4A
A look at those who want to beat the Panthers
Canyon Lake 2017 Overall Record: 10-3 Starters Returning on Offense/Defense: 4/5 Top 4 Players to Watch: RB Tristan Chacon, DB/K Trenton Lorett, LB Greyson Lee, OL Joshua Almond
By KEITH SPARKS Sports Editor Liberty Hill will no doubt be the team to beat in District 14-4A following the departures of two of their most difficult matchups over the past few years in Waco La Vega and China Spring. The district did however add anyon a e reder ic sburg and Taylor each of which will be solid opponents for the Panthers in 2018. utside of iberty ill anyon i e will li ely be the only other team with a fighting chance at the number one spot in the district. The Canyon a e aw s were regional semifinalists in and went undefeated in district play, and they’ll return four starts on offense and five on defense. rederic sburg will have the best shot at the third playoff spot, but Liberty Hill Head Coach eff al er thin s they will put up an even tougher fight than people are giving them credit for. thin anyon a e is everybody s ind of favorite and really do thin rederic sburg is a dar horse al er said. thin they re go ing to be really really good and we have to go to them after our long bye, which is concerning. They ve got some really really s illed ids that don t now how we ll match up with. thin rederic sburg is going to be definitely a dar horse. While Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine lists Taylor as their favorite to ta e the fourth and final playoff spot in al er thin s the Lampasas Badgers will surprise some people. ersonally thin the other spot is going to be a toss up but thin ampasas has probably got the edge on that al er said. li e ampas as. They have good young ids. They had a lot of them last year and young ids grow up so thin they have a good outside shot. Taylor made
Fredericksburg 2017 Overall Record: 6-5 Starters Returning on Offense/Defense: 8/7 Top 4 Players to Watch: ATH Hobbs Price, RB William Sebera, TE/DE Hayden Ahrens, OL Dalton Keener Lampasas 2017 Overall Record: 20-8 Starters Returning on Offense/Defense: 7/3 Top 4 Players to Watch: RB/DB Daunte Cuffie, WR/DB Cameron Everts, LB Landon Irvin, QB Ace Whitehead Burnet 2017 Overall Record: 4-6 Starters Returning on Offense/Defense: 3/5 Top 4 Players to Watch: LB Zach Ferguson, DL Roger Craig, OL Zach Hudgins, WR Blaine Burkhalter
KATHY CANADY PHOTO
The Panthers started football practice this week, braving triple-digit temperatures to prepare for a ne season. e first ome ame is . en i erty Hill ta es on eander lenn on enior Night. the playoffs last year and now they re pretty hungry so thin it s going to be a tough fought district. lthough the anthers district loo s wea er on paper than it did in al er made it clear that it won’t be easy by any stretch of the imagination. thin we re going to have to show up every wee al er said. e re not going to be in a position where we can ust show up and ta e it. ve never had a team li e that. f we do what we thin we re capable of doing and worry about ourselves and ta e care of ourselves and our business usually it ll all wor out.
Prior to district play, the Panthers will play regular season games against four 5A teams in eander lenn utto anor and flugerville Connally. utto will li ely be the most difficult of the four pre-district matchups, considering they’re among the favorites to ma e a tate hampion ship push at the level. anor will have a solid team, as well, while Leander Glenn and Connally will both li ely struggle in their respective districts. will be lenn s first season at the level so it will be interesting to see how they compete within their conference. Sports@LHIndependent.com
Taylor 2017 Overall Record: 6-5 Starters Returning on Offense/Defense: 1/4 Top 4 Players to Watch: K/P Ryan Hanson, OLB Byron Sweet, WR Josh Blue, QB Cole Harms NON-DISTRICT Leander Glenn (5A) Hutto (5A) Manor (5A) Pflugerville Connally (5A)
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Thursday, August 9, 2018
The 2018-2019 Junior Varsity Panthers.
FOOTBALL
Continued from Page 23
coaching staff’s number one priority will be figuring out which players are the best fits at which positions. “Figuring out the pieces to the puzzle,” Walker said of their pre-season focus. “Unfortunately, when you’re in shorts, some people can look really good in shorts, then you put on pads and they’re not quite as impressive. That’s going to be big, because there’s three or four spots on defense and three or four spots on offense that are wide open.” Of the “wide open” spots that Walker mentioned are a few positions in the bac field. e nior Kyle Harrison, one of the state s most prolific runners last year, will continue to be their go-to guy in the backfield and a ob chofield another returner, will move from halfback to fullback. For a team that uses up to five dif ferent running backs per game, though, having only two solidified in the rotation leaves uite a few question marks in the bac field. These first three wee s are going to be huge, because I don t now who my bac field is going to be,” Walker said. “I tell people I think I’ve been doing this for 20 years, and I’ve never had that. I always have a pretty good feeling who’s going to carry the ball, and I don’t know right now, so there’s going to be a lot of shakin’ and bakin’, I guess. We’ll be moving a lot of people around and
trying to find where they fit this football team best.” One position that’s been all but solidified is uarterbac as unior acob earley is set to take over the starting spot while last year’s starter, Brenden Ketchem, moves to linebac er. lthough ear ley, last year’s junior varsity quarterback, has started only one varsity game (as a safety), al er is confident that he s found the right man for the job. “He’s got it all, he really does,” Walker said. “He’s got the height, and he doesn’t have blazing speed, but he’s a good leader. The kids like him, he’s played that spot since junior high, and he can throw the ball really well. We knew that he was going to be the next guy coming. He’s kind of paid his dues. He actually started at safety for us in Gatesville. yatt heney went out with a concussion, and he had to come out for us from the . He started for us and did a heck of a job. He’s one of those guys where, when the lights come on, he’s a really competitive id and finds a way to get it done. He’s got the size and the arm and all that stuff. He just fits the mold of what we do and we need at that spot.” For Ketchem, 2018 will be a year of transition as he heads to the other side of the ball once again. Although he started as varsity quarterback last year, Ketchem played linebacker for close to 10 years until his
freshman year of high school. inebac er may not be his first choice if he were to make the decision, but his willingness to do whatever is best for the team is one of the reasons Walker is confident in him at ust about any position. “It comes down to needs,” Walker said of the switch. “We don’t have that typical linebacker coming up, you know, the big kid that’s played his whole career and ready to go. Last year, we didn’t need him there. This year, we just feel like we need a leader on that side. You look at what you’ve got, and he’s just the best option for that right now. I think, if he could choose, he probably wouldn’t be a linebacker, but I think he’d tell you most times oach that s not where I’d choose to play, but I’ll play wherever I can help the football team.’ That’s just the kind of kid he is.” earley and arrison will no doubt be two of the biggest beneficiaries of iberty ill s lot T offensive scheme thanks in large part to their offensive line. Offensive linemen aren’t typically known for their blazing speed, but according to Walker, both guards, Lakota Lawrence and Kristian Taggart, are among the fastest players on the team and will likely have a huge impact on the Panthers’ success this season. Like Ketchem, Walker said the two of them could probably play a number of flashier positions
successfully, but have sacrificed for the good of the team. “My two offensive guards have the ability to be the best guards I’ve ever coached in Lakota Lawrence and Kristian Taggart,” Walker said. “They’re the real deal. They’re going to be faster than my running backs. They can play a lot of different places. They’re both 4.6 kids on the offensive line, but we think we need them there more than somewhere
else. A lot of kids, unfortunately, have to play places that are best for the team and not what’s best for them. Thank goodness we’re at Liberty Hill and our kids do that. They’re willing to sacrifice themselves for the team, and if we can get that this year, we could be pretty good.” Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine is high on the Panthers this season, ranking them at number five in the state at the 4A level, naming Harri-
son their preseason pick for the district s offensive and giving Walker the nod as their preseason pic for oach of the Year. While those preseason accolades are flattering no doubt it’s safe to say the only thing on the Panthers’ mind is being able to add another tate hampionship to the sign on Highway 29. Sports@LHIndependent.com
BACK TO SCHOOL 2018
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Thursday, August 9, 2018
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SHANNON HOFMANN FILE PHOTO
Rhett Hofmann eyes the ball during a match in October 2017. Hoffman and the Panthers had their first offi ial ra ti e of t e season it t eir ne oa on Monday.
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11/10/16 11:40 AM
Dodd ready to build on Liberty Hill’s successful tennis program
By LANCE CATCHINGS Sports Writer 2018 will be the inaugural season for Head Tennis Coach Phillip Dodd, but he is ready to build on a program that has the potential to be one of the best in Central Texas. Winning state championships across the board is the standard and tradition where Liberty Hill sets their expectations, but before you can win state you have to do well in district and that’s where Dodd is going to start. “This year we are in a small district,” Dodd said. “It is just us, Lampasas and Burnet this year and Burnet is just beginning their program. Lampasas will be the team to beat because they have won district the past couple of years. y first goal coming in is to win the district championship.” Dodd comes in with some veteran players returning. “I got a few good players coming back on the boys’ side and my top girl coming back,” he said. “I don’t know a whole lot of them yet. I know Gunnar Ortega and I know Henry Madison went to state last year. My top girl is coming back and there is another girl coming up from
the eighth grade that I will play number two or number three. The girls’ team is the team that needs to be worked on as well as the lower boys’ side.” He believes the shift to Region IV will be challenging as there are already two state powerhouses in the region. We got shifted into a new region with Fredericksburg and Boerne, who are the top two teams in the state,” he said. “Those teams will be our third-round match in the playoffs most likely. We are probably a couple years behind those programs right now. It usually takes me two or three years to build a good program. Coach (Jeff) Walker is really gun ho about all programs being up to par and tennis is probably one of those that needs to catch up to speed a little more.” Most successful programs have a solid foundation or pipeline feeding into the high school from the middle school level and that is what Dodd wants for Liberty Hill Tennis. “I really want to develop the middle school program into a year around program,” he said. “Right now, it is just one of the sports after track that the kids do. If we are going to compete then we need to be year around
in middle school. I believe we will move up to 5A in two years and that is a whole different level when you jump in with Georgetown, Lake Travis and schools like that.” He believes Liberty Hill has the facilities, staff and community support to become an elite program. “We have the right set up here in Liberty Hill,” he said. “We have families moving in and parents that want to help build the program. I am big on building the community. I have three or four local pros that have contacted me wanting to develop some type of after school program with them. “Tennis is an individual secondary sport, which means the kids must do a lot on their own time if they want to be at the top level,” Dodd said. “I believe the interest for the program is there and it has been there for a couple of years. I think I bring some leadership and experience to the program. We have a good community and the right type of parents that will take their kids to lessons and camps that will help build the program. With those things in place I think we have
See TENNIS, Page 36
BACK TO SCHOOL 2018
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
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cross country
ALEX RUBIO PHOTO
The Liberty Hill Cross Country teams are, front row from left, Isaiah DeLagarza, Makenzy Webb, Bret Yarbrough, Aubrey Caskey, Alexander Zapien, Eliana Luna, Garrett Neeley, Karlie Bye, Dalton Nicholas, Anne De Amaral, Lane Shaw, Elizabeth Chong, Cade Johnson, Kennedy Coleman, Jason Hiebner, Ashlyn Revere and Jordan Rocha. Center row, are Nick Bramhall, Lindsee Miller, Joshua Guajardo, Payton Stephenson, Jacob Russell, Tyler Goode, Gregory Miller, Madsion Sears, Gabe Diaz, Veronika Hysha, Kevin Berber, Noah Ybarra, Brooke Howard, Milo Jacinto, Angela Mena, Alberto Sandoval, Aryn Bagley, Antonio Paredes and Coach Susie Kemper. In back, are Coach Blake Boren, Emma Hiebner, Hannah Johnson, Haley Johnson, Braden Gilbert, Ryan Achumuma, Wyatt Spangler, Nick Roth, Sam Roth, Walker Gilbert, Cade Cole, Collin Johnston, Ryan Davis, Parker Nance, Sarah Bittner, Mackenzie Coleman and Coach Kim Holt.
The race is on for LHHS cross country runners
By LANCE CATCHINGS Sports Writer Head Cross Country Coach Kim Holt will begin her 11th year this season and 22nd overall at Liberty Hill. She and her student-athletes are ready to attack the cross-country course and 2018. Both the girls’ and boys’ teams made appearances at the 4A UIL state track meet, but neither team left fully satisfied. ith both teams moving to a new region this year she said they will need to work as hard as ever. “Last year, both the boys’ and girls’ teams made it to state and we did not finish as high as we d have liked to,” Holt said. e are in a new region this season as we move to egion . e have been in this region before but it has been a little harder for us on the guys’ side. In the past, the girls have won this region a couple times. Our expectations from year to year do not change. Our expectation is to make it back to state and do better than we did last year. e have a lot of boys coming bac and on the girls’ side of the seven that ran at state they are all bac . e also have some freshman girls that will come in and contribute so we will see how it all plays out.” Practices for both teams started July 30 at 7 a.m. sharp and went until a.m. hen school gets underway the teams will practice at 6:15 a.m. to take advantage of the cooler temperatures.
Liberty Hill graduated several contributing seniors from last season, but Holt said there are many runners ready to step up and take on leadership roles. e have evin erber coming out with us this season and he did a good job last year in track,” she said. “He came to us from Leander Glenn last year and did not run varsity level in cross country. Cade Cole will be a senior and Gabe Diaz went to state in track and they are both returning. Nick Roth will be back with us again this year as well. Those guys returning will really help us out heading into 2018.” On the girls’ side, the teamwork approach to each course earned them a second place finish at regionals and a state appearance. Holt said this year she expects more of the same. “Last season we did not have a real top runner that was a girl, but they all worked well together,” she said. “They continually surprised us throughout the year and almost won the regional meet. They finished second so they did a very good job for us last year.” The Panthers have a full slate of seven meets before they run the district meet in Lampasas Oct. 11. Holt made a few tweaks to the schedule this year to make it a little more challenging. The regional meet will be held in Corpus Christi
See RUNNERS, Page 36
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volleyball
ALEX RUBIO FILE PHOTOS
(ABOVE) Liberty Hill High School volleyball Coach Gretchen Peterson (center) leads the huddle during a game against the Taylor Ducks. Ella Shipper (#5) and Kindsee Escamilla (#2) are among s ret rnin arsity layers t at ill loo to ma e a dee layoff r n on e a ain. ( ) n , t e ady ant ers laimed distri t and re ional titles on t e ay to state semifinals.
New season promising for Peterson’s Lady Panthers
By LANCE CATCHINGS Sports Writer After turning in another record setting season in 2017 Head Volleyball Coach Gretchen Peterson and her returners are ready to take on another year in 2018. Last season, the Lady Panthers claimed another district and regional title in route to a state semifinal appearance and when the dust settled it was time for the seniors to say goodbye and the underclassmen to get to work. “Many of our girls understand the importance of summer training,” Peterson said. any of our girls played club volleyball up until uly. That means they were working out with their club teams, taking private lessons or playing in tournaments. e held open gyms once a week and had upwards of girls participate
in those, which was awesome. Many of them did our summer Panther Athletic Course program became stronger and more fit. t is a blessing that we work in a school district where the kids get that they must work hard. Our kids are motivated intrinsically to get out and do what they are supposed to do. The open gyms came with some great senior leadership. Even some of our underclassmen letterman started assuming some of those roles of getting the girls coordinated and running certain drills,” eterson said. t falls a lot on the girls’ shoulders during the summer. facilitate by opening the gym and getting the e uipment out then they are on their own. They understand the importance of it and those that buy in really do reap the rewards of that.” The ady anthers graduated
five seniors from the team that went 33-10. Four of whom were three-year lettermen and three of them will be playing collegiate volleyball this fall. Coach Peterson said her team this season will have to find its own identity. “Since some of these girls played with the five seniors we graduated it is a natural thing for them to say last year we did it this way or last year we did it that way,” she said. “While there is a lot to learn from last year you do have to compartmentali e. ou must ta e what you learned and apply it to what is going on right now,” she said. “We must be ourselves and the team that we are right now. f we try to be last year’s we are setting ourselves up for failure. The e pectation that we all put on
See VOLLEYBALL, Page 35
BACK TO SCHOOL 2018
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Page 31
liberty hill junior high
LHJH football program all about winning in 2018
By KEITH SPARKS Sports Editor Heading into his sixth season at Liberty Hill Junior High, Boys’ Athletic Coordinator and eighth-grade Head Football oach ohn ason is confident that the 2018 football season will be their best since he’s been on staff. “We feel like this is going to be our best year yet,” Mason said. “With the talent we have, with the kids that we have, we feel like the numbers will be where we want them to be with kids playing football. I know that the big thing amongst our staff, what we’ve talked about for the past week was that we feel like this is going to be the best year we’ve had.” Last year was a year of transition for the entire Liberty Hill football program, from youth football all the way through varsity, with the departure of former Head Coach of 16 years
Jerry Vance and the arrival of current Head Coach Jeff Walker. Walker brought his brother Kent along for the ride, as well, to lead the defense. While Jeff kept the same Slot-T offensive system the Panthers have run for nearly 20 years, Kent brought with him a new defense that the junior high was forced to adopt. That transition understandably came with a learning curve for everybody involved in the football program, more so for the defense than the offense, but after a year under Walker’s leadership, Mason said he and his coaching staff are as comfortable as ever. “We do (feel more comfortable), but of course there was less of a learning curve with the offensive side of the ball last year, other than some new wrinkles,” Mason said, “but we feel very comfortable with
both Walkers and what they expect of us. With us being in the third year in this conference that we’re in with Georgetown, Taylor, Hutto, and Elgin, we’re at the point now where we expect to win.” Last year’s changes at the high school led to the hiring of some new coaches at the junior high, as well, but Mason is confident that they ve gelled completely, allowing them to focus 100 percent on winning football games this season. “We want to win games,” Mason said. “We want the kids to know the feeling of winning. We never want to lose. We don’t want the kids to get used to losing at all, so that’s kind of the mentality that the Walkers have and our staff as a whole has. We don’t want the kids to get used to losing. We want to win.”
See LHJH FOOTBALL, Page 32
ALEX RUBIO PHOTO
Liberty Hill Junior High football coach Michael Scott (center) oversees a drill during Panther Football Camp. LHJH seventh-graders Jaxson Scott (middle) and Hagen Oncken (right) work with their teammates under Scott’s instruction to prepare for the 2018 football season.
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Another winning season expected for LHJH Volleyball By LANCE CATCHINGS Sports Writer The Liberty Hill Junior High Volleyball programs turned in another year to be proud of last season, and 2018 is set to be no different. Varsity Head Volleyball Coach Gretchen Peterson has stated time and again that to have talented players in high school they must learn the skills and how to practice at a young age. Junior High Girls Athletic Coordinator Bryan Branch said he and his staff do everything they can to try and prepare the girls at the junior high level. “Any good high school volleyball program will have a good junior high school program,” Branch said. “Coach Peterson and the high school coaches give us their philosophy and we try to emulate that as best as possible. This way when the girls get to high school they are familiar with all the systems, terminology and the expectations. We try to get them started where we are, and the high school coaches take them to that next level
of state championships and things like that. We want to send them to high school with the best skills we can and the understanding of what it takes to be a winner.” Last season, the seventh grade A team only lost one game, so they will have high expectations as they transition to the eighth grade. Although junior high can be a transition time for families Branch and staff make competition the focus rather than who moved away. “I was the seventh-grade coach last year, so I had that team and they were a very good group,” he said. “They have talent and work hard like every other group here in Liberty Hill. They have a good mix of passers, setters and hitters. We only lost one game last year on the A team and I think two on the B team. They had a lot of success and they will expect that to carry over to this year. You never know who will move in and who will move out. We lost a couple of girls, but we will gain a couple of girls. Every year is
LHJH FOOTBALL
This year, the junior high coaching staff has just one newcomer in Lance Jones, who will serve as a seventh-grade football coach to replace Danny Knowles, who retired in the spring. Jones attended Liberty Hill ISD schools from kindergarten through his high school graduation from LHHS in and ason is confident he ll fit right in. “I know two of my coaches, it’s their third year here, and of course I’ve been here for six years. We’ve got a couple of second year coaches and a first year coach so we ve already gelled as a staff,” Mason said. “Now, we’re just ready to get the kids and ready to get going.” The unior high anthers first day of school is Wednesday, ug. but they won t officially start after-school practices until the following Monday. Come Monday, it will be all about the fundamentals until their first game of the season on Sept. 11 against Georgetown’s Benold Middle School. “We really stress the fundamentals, the basic offense and defense,” Mason said. “We
different, especially at the junior high level. Just because you were on the A team last year doesn’t mean you would be this year. Just because you were a setter last year doesn’t mean you will be this year. We want them to always compete for what they have because spots are not guaranteed.” To keep their student-athletes well rounded in the game practices are covered in all portions. Every player takes time to learn different positions, so they are not stuck in one role. “We try to take as many kids as we can possibly take and give them quality playing time,” he said. “We do cut, but we don’t want to cut a kid that could eventually help us at the high school level. To get everyone in, be consistent and have a chance to win you do have to put kids in certain spots. To make sure that they don’t become one dimensional we move them around in practice a lot. We make everyone in practice, swing pass and hit. Even though they may not do it in the game we make sure everyone gets a
Continued from Page 31
want our kids, by the time they get to high school, to know the basic ideas of our offense and defense. If they can understand what we’re doing as a whole on offense and defense by the time they get to high school, they’ll be that much better. Just repetition of our offense and defense.” After three years in the same district with Benold, Tippit, Forbes, Hutto, Taylor, Elgin, Farley, and Wagner, the expectation for the Panthers is now to win every game, Mason said. The days where they simply hoped to compete with teams from bigger cities like Georgetown are long gone. “When we started playing these teams, we were trying to see if we could handle the competition that Georgetown and Hutto and all these different teams had,” Mason said. “Now, the expectation is we should win every week. We have the kids that we go into every game thinking we will win every week. We’ve had that mentality for a long time.” Over three years of playing the same district opponents, Mason and the Panthers have gotten
used to the systems that those teams run, considering each of them use similar schemes. The Panthers, on the other hand, are the only team in the district running the Slot-T, giving them an advantage when it comes to weekly preparation. “We’re getting used to knowing what other schools are going to run,” Mason said. “They have to deal with us. They have to get used to the offense we run, which they don’t see a whole lot. They have to prepare. We get to see pretty much very similar offenses and defenses every week, so we feel like we have an advantage there with it being the third year in our conference.” Expectations are as high at Liberty Hill Junior High as they’ve ever been. Like the high school, the junior high football program no longer has the excuse of a transition to fall back on. With more than a year to adjust to the changes that followed Vance’s departure, winning has become the only option at every level of Panther football, junior high included. Sports@LHIndependent.com
taste of everything in practice.” Seventh grade is when many kids get their first taste of school athletics. It can be a tough transition period as they learn the ropes but necessary for all student-athletes. “Seventh grade is usually a mixed group of kids for us,” he said. “We will have some that have already been playing and are very skilled. Then we will have kids that have never touched a volleyball before in their lives. Seventh grade year is always the hardest because you never know who is going to blossom and who is not. We try to encourage kids that if they do get cut to come back and try out the next year. It is all about fundamentals and that is what we focus on passing, setting and hitting. If we can develop a kid that can do those three things and be skilled then our high school coaches can teach them a higher level of volleyball when they get there.” Although being cut can be disappointing, Branch has plenty of stories of players working hard to overcome
LHHS JV, Freshman Football 10am Aug. 11 JV, 9th Purple & White Scrim 10am Aug 18 @Home JV, 9th vs. Brownwood Scrim 5:30pm Aug 24 @Marble Falls Scrim JV, 9th Aug. 30 @Leander Glenn JV - 7pm 9th - 5:30pm Sept. 6 @Home vs Hutto JV - 7pm 9th - 5:30pm Sept. 13 @Home vs Manor JV - 7pm 9th - 5:30pm Sept. 20 @Pflugerville Connally JV - 7pm 9th - 5:30pm Sept. 27 TBD Oct. 4 OPEN Oct. 11 @Home vs Fredericksburg* JV - 7pm 9th - 5:30pm Oct. 18 @Lampasas* JV - 7pm 9th - 5:30pm Oct. 25 @Home vs Burnet* JV - 7pm 9th - 5:30pm Nov. 1 @Home vs Taylor* JV - 7pm 9th - 5:30pm Nov. 8 @Canyon Lake* JV - 7pm 9th - 5:30pm * District Games
that and becoming great talents. “I can give you a million stories of kids that were cut or on B team and by the time sophomore year came they were on varsity,” he said. “That is what happens when you stick with it, persevere and work hard at something. It is just a matter of not getting discouraged. If you really want to be good at something you must put in the extra time and work at it. There is a long time between seventh grade and your senior year and if you truly want to be a good volleyball player you must put in the extra time. We try to encourage them as much as possible to do those things.” He and the rest of the junior high coaches are looking forward to another successful 2018 volleyball season. “The coaching staff is looking forward to having another good year and we are excited about coming back,” he said. Coaches will send home the tryout schedule for potential players on the first day of school this year.
Liberty Hill Junior High Football Sept. 11 vs Benold 7th - 5pm/6:30pm @Home 8th - 5pm/6:30pm @Benold Sept. 18 vs Farley 7th - 4:30pm/6pm @Farley 8th - 5pm/6:30pm @Home Sept. 25 vs Elgin 7th - 5pm/6:30pm @Home 8th - 5pm/6:30pm @Elgin Oct. 2 OPEN Oct. 10 vs Forbes 7th - 5pm/6:30pm @Forbes 8th - 5pm/6:30pm @Home Oct. 16 vs Hutto 7th - 5pm/6:30pm @Home 8th - 4:30pm/6pm @Hutto Oct. 23 vs Wagner 7th - 5pm/6:30pm @Wagner 8th - 5pm/6:30pm @Home Oct. 30 vs Taylor 7th - 5pm/6:30pm @Home 8th - 5pm/6:30pm @Taylor Nov. 6 vs Tippitt 7th - 5pm/6:30pm @Tippitt 8th - 5pm/6:30pm @Home Follow Panther Football on Twitter @LHIndependent
BACK TO SCHOOL 2018
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Page 33
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Thursday, August 9, 2018
LHISD rolls out Panther Extended Care program
By DANA DELGADO Staff Writer Heralded as a safe, fun, and viable extended care option, the Liberty Hill Independent School District is rolling out its own program for the 2018-19 school year. “It provides options for the parents,” said Assistant Superintendent Chad Pirtle, who is overseeing the development of the program. “We got positive feedback from parents and daycare providers in our discussions. We believe this is going to provide exciting opportunities and will be a premier extended day program.” Kenna Park, a teacher with 13 years experience with LHISD, has been selected as director of the program. “The bar she sets is the reason she was chosen,” Pirtle said. “She brings the right energy.” Park participated in the school district’s leadership academy in 2017-18 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Austin. She is
currently working on her Master’s Degree from the University of Texas at Arlington, which will also include her administrative certification. “I’m sold on the school district and rooted here,” said Park. “This is another option to keep our kids involved. I love it.” The addition of the program provides for a network of extended care throughout the district and ties in with existing services provided by the Williamson County YMCA. Pirtle said the program was created to address the needs of a school district experiencing “tremendous growth.” It also comes in response to concerns expressed by parents about the safety of their children after the district reversed its position on busing students across attendance boundaries. “We’re streamlining the transportation process,” said Pirtle. Panther Extended Care is available to all LHISD students from pre indergarten to fifth
grade in the morning from 6 a.m. to the start of school as a drop-in program at Bill Burden Elementary. In the afternoon, only students from prekindergarten to fifth grade from iberty Hill Elementary (LHE) and the Intermediate School will be served at LHE from dismissal to 6:30 p.m. by the district’s program. Students from Bill Burden and Rancho Sienna elementary schools will have access to on-campus extended child care provided by the Williamson County YMCA. Park said Panther Extended Care will serve snacks as well as offer dedicated study time, homework assistance, and plenty of fun activities that will incorporate technology and makerspace. Pirtle said the program will also have access to the gym and all the facilities on the campuses and hopes to connect high school students and programs
See EXTENDED, Page 38
DANA DELGADO PHOTO
Panther Extended Day Care Program is a new initiative being rolled out this year by the Liberty Hill Independent School District for students in PK-5. Kenna Park (Director of the new district extended day care program) and Assistant Superintendent Chad Pirtle pause for a picture after discussing the plans for the new option being offer to parents and their children.
Tips to Get Your Kids Back-to-School Ready!
• Get your kids back on a
• Set goals for the school year
• Shop for school supplies - and
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• Set a routine - and stick to it! • Organize backpack & supplies
• Keep a family calendar to
regular sleep schedule
don’t forget an agenda!
(other than good grades) your children
organize holidays/activities
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BACK TO SCHOOL 2018
VOLLEYBALL
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Continued from Page 30
ourselves in Liberty Hill is playing for a state While some programs may think Liberty Hill is championship. The girls know that, and it is not in a rebuilding phase, Peterson and her players something we have to beat over their head. We are by no means taking anything lightly. They are blessed to have a good tradition and great want to go out and prove that Lady Panther volfoundation. These girls’ value that and want to leyball is a staple year in and year out. do everything they can to honor that. We have a “I think some people may write us off that we great community within our volleyball program graduated our five and are rebuilding she said. in that no group wants to be the group that drops “We must try to replace some very talented playthe ball. It is a fun atmosphere to be in and they ers, but I am excited. Many people will write us value the tradition.” off a little too soon and I like that we will have In Liberty Hill, the cupboard is never bare, and to play with a chip on our shoulder. I think it is a Peterson truly believes that. She returns TCGA great position that we are in.” All-State Selection Ella Shipper this season as In all, the team will return 10 players who have well as a host of players with varsity experience. seen game action and that puts them on the plus There will also be plenty of competition from the side of things. newcomers wanting to leave their own legacy “We have 10 returners coming back and all of and join the great players before them. them have been in situations where we needed “In high school sports change is inevitable them to make plays,” she said. “From their pereven though spective, they you don’t come in and “The work ethic our girls have transcends the want them to can play with volleyball court into the classroom. They are graduate you more confi know that it really challenging themselves and set their ex- dence. When is time,” she have pectations high, academically. I want them to be you said. players play“Those girls successful strong women. Volleyball is great and ing with conwere not only builds strong character, but the likelihood of them fidence they great playwilling to being professional volleyball players is not high. are ers but took push themThat to me is at the top of the list.” a lot of pride selves more ~ Gretchen Peterson and challenge in preparing the girls that LHHS Head Volleyball Coach t h e m s e l v e s would evenmore. We tually take must aptheir places. Emily Huppee, Ashley Nelson and proach it one day at a time and one game at a Kenzi Escamilla who were some of our young- time. We must still prove that we are the Liberty est girls last season were able to learn so much Hill people know us to be. That only comes from in one season with those veterans. Our younger hard work and getting after it.” players really have a lot of experiences that they The 2018 district schedule remains mostly inwill be able to draw on. That is something that tact with only one team dropping out. Liberty helps us continue to grow as a program. Our up- Hill will face familiar opponents in Burnet, Salaperclassmen take a lot of pride in making sure do, Taylor, Lampasas with the addition of Austin what they are leaving behind is a little bit better Eastside Memorial. than they found it.” “We do not take district championships lightly hipper will be counted on to be a floor general we go out and work for that every day,” she said. this season with her three years of experience at “Every team in our district is a team we must the varsity level. go out and play. You don’t just win because you “Ella has been on varsity since her freshman show up or you won last year. We will treat evyear and is a veteran in every sense of the word,” ery opponent with the respect they deserve and she said. “She is one of the most mature kids I prepare for them like we would any opponent. have ever had the opportunity to coach. She real- We must take care of preseason and get the kinks ly takes a lot of responsibility to make sure what worked out and when district comes around we she is doing is for the betterment of the team. She must handle that portion of our season.” wants to help in any way that she can. The playThe Lady Panthers have a loaded pre-district ers will need someone to be the glue that holds schedule and it is all for the benefit of playing them together when they are on the court and she tougher games down the road. does a great job of that.” “We changed a few things schedule wise this Huppee, Nelson and Claire Kubesh are all ex- season just to try and see some different teams,” pected to step up and fill big shoes this season she said. “We are playing a lot of teams we as well. would have seen in our old region from the play“All our players stepped up throughout last sea- offs like China Spring, Robinson and Lorena. son,” she said. We tried to challenge ourselves as much as we “Emily, Ashley and Claire had breakout seasons can in the preseason portion of our season belast year and they helped win a lot of matches for cause I believe that is the way we get better.” us. They gained so much confidence throughout Last season, over 90 percent of the varsity team the year. Kenzi Escamilla gained so much con- earned Academic All-District selections and that fidence throughout the year and is bac healthy is something the Head Coach holds near and dear and will get her moment as well,” Peterson said. to her heart.
“The work ethic our girls have transcends the volleyball court into the classroom,” she said. “Our girls are in ACC dual credit classes and On Ramps, which is partnered with the University of Texas. They are in AP and pre-AP courses as well. They are really challenging themselves and set their expectations high academically. I
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want them to be successful strong women. Volleyball is great and builds strong character, but the likelihood of them being professional volleyball players is not high. That to me is at the top of the list.” Lance@LHIndependent.com
ALEX RUBIO FILE PHOTO
Liberty Hill volleyball fans supported their fellow students throughout the 2017 season.
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Sunvison, Prescott join LHHS Ag Department
DANA DELGADO PHOTO
Incoming LHHS Agricultural Science and Technology teachers Lindsey Sunvison (left) and Ricky Prescott (right) couldn’t have gotten off to a better start when they not only met but encouraged, and bonded with students and parents at the Texas FFA convention this summer.
RUNNERS
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Oct. 22, and the state meet Nov. 3 in Round Rock. “We feel pretty good about our upcoming schedule this season,” she said. “We added in the Round Rock McNeil cross country meet because last year it was cancelled due to weather. We will go to Lago Vista this year instead of going to Cedar Park, and it is a challenging course. When we go to Cedar Park we have to run with the small schools and they always schedule it when it is hot, so we decided to try something different this year. alado is a bit of a difficult course as well, so we have some challenges throughout the season when it comes to our schedule. The regional course this year is in Corpus Christi, so it is not that hilly this year. The schedule will challenge us, and we will see how we do.” The Liberty Hill cross country meet is a source of pride.
This year the meet will be held Sept. 8 and Holt said it will be just as large as last year. “At the end of the year we send out an invite to our cross-country meet, so we already have about 30 teams signed up,” she said. “It is a middle school and high school meet, so we expect roughly 1,000 athletes for that meet this year.” Even though Holt and her squad moved into a new region, the district remained largely intact with Burnet, Lampasas, Salado and Taylor. The only change was Llano moving out and a team from Austin moving in. “We lost Llano from our district and picked up Eastside Memorial,” she said. “Llano has been steadily improving so we will still see them at regionals. We beat them in district and they turned around and beat us at regionals last
season.” Another change is a former Liberty Hill cross country state champion joining Holt’s coaching staff this season. “Susie Kemper is one of our former athletes that will be starting with us this year,” she said. “She will help coach cross country and track. She helped us build the program to what it is today. She went to state three times and her senior year the team went and she won as an individual. That was the first time the girls won regionals and they finished fourth at state as a team. She will be a big help for us this year.” Holt knows it will be a long season ahead, but the goal in Liberty Hill is always clear. “We are just focused on improving on what we did last year,” she said. “The kids know the expectations, so we will see how it all plays out.” Lance@LHIndependent.com
By DANA DELGADO Staff Writer If the recent 90th Texas State FFA Convention in Fort Worth was any indication, it’s going to be a promising year for the Agricultural Science and Technology Department at Liberty Hill High School. Incoming LHHS AG teachers Ricky Prescott and Lindsey Sunvison couldn’t have gotten off to a better start when they not only met but encouraged, supported, and bonded with students and some parents at the convention. While Prescott and Sunvison were quite impressed with the Liberty Hill students, the students seemed to be most accepting and appreciative of the teaching duo. “During the Texas FFA convention, I fast realized that Liberty Hill ISD is full of passionate, well-mannered, great kids,” Sunvison said. “I am excited to be joining the Panther family.” Several LHHS students were recognized at the convention including Riley Miller, Katie Bumgardner, Shelby Reynolds, and John Burk who received their Lone Star Degree, the highest degree of membership the State FFA can award. Also
TENNIS
honored was recent graduate Cassidy Weems who participated in the Agriculture Policy Speaking Contest. “Miss Sunvison and I are extremely proud to be a part of Cassidy’s journey to her State Championship,” Prescott said. “She did an awesome job and finished first in the senior prepared agricultural policy public speaking contest and was the state runner-up in overall senior prepared public speaking. I spent some time with her before her first speech and can attest to how hard this young lady had worked. I know she will do great things at Texas Tech as she pursues her career as a heart surgeon.” While at the convention, Prescott and Sunvison got to observe Katie Coldiron perform in the Texas FFA Chorus for the duration of the July convention. Rett Lee ran in the vigorous state officer process and was able to make professional connections and explore a whole new realm of the possibilities he can achieve. In total, 14 Liberty Hill FFA members represented the local chapter. “I would like to say thank you to the Liberty Hill community for the opportunity to work with the Liberty Hill FFA
Chapter,” said Prescott. “It was a great experience. I look forward to more achievements as the year moves forward.” Raised in San Saba, Prescott arrives at LHHS this year with 23 years of education experience. e is a certified welder and welding inspector and holds his for lift certificate. He coached in Goldthwaite and taught in the AG program at Lampasas ISD for 10 years. Sunvison graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science. She previously taught in East Texas for three years and grew up around livestock, and enjoys hunting and fishing in her spare time. “We are excited about instituting our own curriculum,” Prescott said. “We’re going to hit it hard to prepare the kids and want to establish new expectations. We also look to upgrade some equipment. The classroom, however, is our strength. We are going to be focused on academics.” After saying that, the teaching duo paused, looked at each other, smiled, and then said, “We can’t wait to get started.” Dana@LHIndependent.com
Continued from Page 28
a good base for the program to start and explode on the next level in a year or two.” Last season, the fall tennis team had a few gaps in the schedule and Dodd has made it a priority not to let that happen this year. He has already scheduled the teams more than 15 matches and hopes to get that number even higher as summer ends. “I have 15 matches scheduled right now and I generally like to play between 20-25 matches in a season,” he said. ur first match is ug. th and we will be traveling a little more this year. We’re playing teams like San Marcus, Copperas Cove, Killeen Ellison, Harker Heights, Leander Glenn, Marble Falls, Lockhart, Bastrop and Cedar Creek
among others. Since we don’t have a big district schedule it is hard to find matches sometimes. The other districts in the area have a full district between nine and 10 teams. We may have to play a few larger school junior varsity teams, but that is the challenge we face schedule wise. I think I have scheduled a match for almost every Saturday, which will be different, but to get better you must play.” Fredericksburg and Boerne are both returning their top players, and Dodd said the more matches the better. Most of the schools are within a short distance of Liberty Hill. Dodd is enthusiastic that within a few years the program can be among the best. Doubling the amount of varsity
players the team currently has is very doable in his eyes. “We are one of the biggest growing districts in the area and it has the right type of people to build the tennis program at Liberty Hill,” he said. “I want to grow to at the high school level and right now we have about 25. If parents know there is a good program they will want to put their kids in it. My plan is to work a couple times a week on a volunteer basis with the middle school kids and have the high school kids work with them. I do adult clinics on the weekends and if we can get all those pieces put together then it will explode.” Lance@LHIndependent.com
BACK TO SCHOOL 2018
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Page 37
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS BUDGET AND PROPOSED TAX RATE
The Liberty Hill ISD will hold a public meeting at 6:00 PM 08/20/2018 at 301 Forrest Street, Liberty Hill, Texas. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the school district’s budget that will determine the tax rate that will be adopted. Public participation in the discussion is invited. The tax rate that is ultimately adopted at this meeting or at a separate meeting at a later date may not exceed the proposed rate shown below unless the district publishes a revised notice containing the same information and comparisons set out below and holds another public meeting to discuss the revised notice. Maintenance Tax School Debt Service Tax Approved by Local Voters
$1.040000 /$100 (Proposed rate for maintenance and operations) $0.500000 /$100 (Proposed rate to pay bonded indebtedness)
Comparison of Proposed Budget with Last Year’s Budget
The applicable percentage increase or decrease or difference in the amount budgeted in the preceding fiscal year and the amount budgeted for the fiscal year that begins during the current ta year is indicated for each of the following e penditure categories: Maintenance and operations 11.600000% (increase) or % (decrease) Debt service 11.400000% (increase) or % (decrease) Total expenditures 11.500000% (increase) or % (decrease)
Total Appraised Value and Total Taxable Value (as calculated under Section 26.04, Tax Code) Preceding Tax Year $2,122,360,853 $336,978,919 $1,743,891,315 $165,013,871
Total appraised value* of all property Total appraised value* of new property** Total taxable value*** of all property Total taxable value*** of new property**
ppraised value is the amount shown on the appraisal roll and defined by ection . ew property is defined by ection . Ta ode. Ta able value is defined by ection . Ta ode.
Ta
ode.
Current Tax Year $2,668,907,840 $471,596,623 $2,141,286,338 $230,665,182
Bonded Indebtedness
Total amount of outstanding and unpaid bonded indebtedness: * Outstanding principal
$139,644,649
Comparison of Proposed Rates with Last Year’s Rates Last Year’s Rate Rate to Maintain Same Level of Maintenance & Operations Revenue & Pay Debt Service Proposed Rate
Maintenance & Operations $1.040000
Interest & Sinking Fund* $0.500000*
Total $1.540000
Local Revenue Per Student $8,090
$1.052670 $1.040000
$0.447180* $0.500000*
$1.499850 $1.540000
$8,327 $8,589
State Revenue Per Student $2,643
$2,204 $2,312
* The Interest & Sinking Fund tax revenue is used to pay for bonded indebtedness on construction, equipment, or both. The bonds, and the tax rate necessary to pay those bonds, were approved by the voters of this district.
Comparison of Proposed Levy with Last Year’s Levy on Average Residence Average Market Value of Residences Average Taxable Value of Residences Last Year’s Rate Versus Proposed Rate per $100 Value Taxes Due on Average Residence Increase (Decrease) in Taxes
Last Year $349,379 $300,210 $1.540000 $4,623.23 $0.00
This Year $367,524 $327,923 $1.540000 $5,050.01 $426.78
Under state law, the dollar amount of school taxes imposed on the residence homestead of a person 65 years of age or older or of the surviving spouse of such a person, if the surviving spouse was 55 years of age or older when the er n e a n t e ncrea e a et ea nt a n t e fir t ear after t e er n t rne re ar le f changes in tax rate or property value. Notice of Rollback Rate: The highest tax rate the district can adopt before requiring voter approval at an election is 1.540005. This election will be automatically held if the district adopts a rate in excess of the rollback rate of 1.540005.
Fund Balances
The following estimated balances will remain at the end of the current fiscal year and are not encumbered with or by a corresponding debt obligation less estimated funds necessary for operating the district before receipt of the first state aid payment: Maintenance and Operations Fund Balance(s) $5,064,539 Interest & Sinking Fund Balance(s) $3,459,844
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EXTENDED
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Continued from Page 34
as well as athletics with the extended care program. “I was always in awe when the high school athletes would visit our elementary when I was that age,” he said. “We just want to grow the passion,” added Park. All safety and security procedures followed by the school district will be in place at the Panther Extended Care sites. Furthermore, the extended care staff is being selected from the ranks of district teachers and will be trained in CPR, First Aid, and in the use of an AED. Training to recognize child abuse and neglect will also be provided. In addition, all of the LHISD’s expectations including “Be Responsible and Be Respectful” will serve as a foundation to maintain consistency and alignment with the school district. The program will follow the school district’s schedule, but will be open during teacher professional training days. Student monthly tuition rates are $100 for morning care only, $230 for afterschool care only, and $270 if the parent opts for both morning and afternoon care. As a pilot program, the district’s extended care will be under regular review according to district officials. irtle indicated that parent feedback, enrollment numbers, cost effectiveness, student engagement, and staff retention would be some of the factors used to assess the program’s effectiveness. The school district has applied for and been granted an exemption from Texas Child Care Licensing to operate the extended care program according to district officials. Additional information on Panther Extended Care is available on the district s website www.libertyhill.t ed.net. or specific questions, call (512) 260-5582 or email pantherextendedcare@ libertyhill.txed.net. Dana@LHIndependent.com
Liberty Hill Chamber News Upcoming Events
Lunch & Learn
11am - 1pm Thursday, August 23
RIBBON CUTTING
RockPointe Church 170 CR 214, Liberty Hill
August 22, 5pm 601 St. David’s Loop Leander
Liberty Hill History as told by Gary Spivey
St. David’s Emergency Center
Lunch is provided
$10 Members - $15 Community Members PAY ONLINE!
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Bever named LHHS Interim Principal
DANA DELGADO PHOTO
Jonathan Bever is the new Principal (Interim) at Liberty Hill High School. He spent the last three years as an assistant principal at LHHS under Mario Bye who resigned earlier this summer to accept a position in Bryan.
By DANA DELGADO Staff Writer After serving three years as assistant principal at Liberty Hill High School, Jonathan Bever has been named Interim Principal following the resignation of Mario Bye who accepted the principal’s position at Rudder High School in Bryan. final decision on the position is expected by December, according to district officials. Justin Walker, who had been serving as an assistant principal at Lago Vista High School, was selected to assume Bever’s duties as assistant principal. “I am humbled and grateful to be named the Liberty Hill High School Interim Principal,” said Bever. “Over the past three years, it has been a privilege getting to know the faculty and staff of LHHS. My goal as we move forward is to promote a culture of excellence for all stakeholders, as we learn from each other to work for the future.”
Bever said he has been able to build trust over the last three years at LHHS because of one of his greatest strengths – the ability to be a good listener. “It’s amazing what can happen when we listen with real intent,” he said. “There are relationships and connections that will last a lifetime.” Bever said that the formula for student success involves “everyone being on the same page, even the student.” “We need to be willing to give everything we have to help the student progress,” he said. reat sacrifice brings forth blessings in many ways and one of the greatest blessings is to witness the success of a student. atience sacrifice love kindness and adapting are just a few areas that we should focus on. There are many more characteristics that fit the lives of students and it’s up to us as educators to figure out those characteristics and help the students.” Bever challenges himself and
his staff to “ignite learning and find the spar . e added that his experience with special programs and testing will serve as a “springboard for the new school year.” As a 22-plus-year education veteran, Bever holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and Exercise Physiology from Southwest Texas State University now Texas State University. He earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Tarleton State University. In 1994, Bever began his career in education in the Houston area before returning to central Texas where he taught and coached with both the Leander and Lampasas school districts. He was an assistant elementary principal in Copperas Cove for five years and served in the same role in Leander at Four Points Middle School for three years. Other work experiences
See BEVER, Page 46
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LHISD using technology to improve learning experience
By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer Liberty Hill Independent School District is launching a pilot program this fall for high school freshmen, who will each be issued their own Chromebook laptop to use at school and home throughout the year for homework and class assignments. “This pilot program has been three years in the making,” said Jay Olivier, chief information officer for . “People have asked since I started working for the district, ‘When will we go one-to-one with devices?’ My answer has always been that we’d do that when students and staff were ready. At this point, thanks to the digital learning coaches we have in place at each campus, we have staff and students who are ready.” Starting with the second six weeks of school, every Liberty Hill High School freshman will receive a Chromebook that will be checked out to them just like
a textbook. They will be able to take it home, and the use of the device will be integrated into their classroom lessons daily, Olivier said. The idea behind the pilot program is to find what wor s best for LHISD. Olivier said the district has looked at several technology-providing options, like the one-to-one model, as well as a bring-your-own-device model or a classroom set model, where devices are kept in classrooms for community use. “These freshmen are a relatively small subset of the district,” he said. “If the program is successful, as they continue their high school career, we can continue to grow the program. But this initially allows us a subset to provide data on what’s going to work.” The district’s digital learning coaches have been working with staff on professional development to help them integrate the use of the Chromebooks into their classrooms on
a daily basis—a change from the past when teachers have had to plan ahead to check out devices for classroom use. “Now these devices will be in the hands of the students all day every day, so teachers will need to be thinking about how that changes what options they have, and what expectations they have,” Olivier said. He added that freshmen will also receive some training on digital citizenship when they are issued their Chromebooks. “We’ll talk about what is appropriate to do with technology and what’s not,” he said. “We’ll be looking at social media and that digital footprint and answering the question of when you post something online, is it ever really gone even if you delete it? Students have to learn this, and we have to provide them with the tools and training on how to be a good digital citizen.”
See TECHNOLOGY, Page 49
Elementary school students from across Liberty Hill Independent School District use Chromeoo s d rin lassroom lessons to en an e t eir learnin a a ilities. istri t offi ials are or ing to integrate technology seamlessly into every classroom across LHISD. (Courtesy Photo)
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
New LHHS Assistant Principals lead by example
By DANA DELGADO Staff Writer Liberty Hill High School opens the school year with some new faces on the administrative team with the hiring of Justin Walker and Monica Miller as assistant principals. Both Walker and Miller bring a host of leadership skills and like to lead by example. Their records reflect impressive results earning them unique distinctions and both share a common goal of cultivating relationships and building a team. Walker is entering his ninth year in education after a successful business career in marketing and sales with professional basketball and ice hockey organizations in Denver and San Antonio. The Boerne native, who graduated from Marble Falls High School, brings five combined years of middle and high school admin-
istrative experience to Liberty Hill with stints at Midland ISD and Lago Vista ISD where he spent the last three years as high school assistant principal. He also taught career and technical classes at Midland High School where he was selected in 2013 as Midland ISD and Region 18 Teacher Of the Year and was a state nominee for the same honor. “I love teaching and integrating real life business experiences,” said Walker, who has been praised by former students who have gone on to graduate from college. “It shows my passion.” Although his mother and sisters are teachers who love their profession, Walker said he was more drawn to business at first since his father was in construction. The death of his grandfather, a former colonel in the U.S. Air Force, altered his life course. “I met so many people who
told stories about how my grandfather impacted their lives,” he said. “I could tell they had lost someone they looked up to. I took a leap into education because I wanted to affect and influence lives. ow I can make each generation better than the last by helping students turn their dreams into reality. High school is the last step to lend a hand before they get into the real world. “I’m excited to be a part of Liberty Hill High School,” Walker said. “It’s a family and I feel very comfortable. The cool thing about this community is that everyone supports the schools. I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone, build relationships. People will see that I like to lead by example. My big thing is that all kids can learn and all means all.” Walker said he has a drive
See ASSISTANTS, Page 43
Thursday, August 9, 2018
DANA DELGADO PHOTO
Liberty Hill High School’s administrative team includes new assistant principals this fall. Justin Walker and Monica Miller will be working alongside Interim Principal Jonathan Bever, formerly an assistant principal. Walker takes over Bever’s assistant principal role while Miller replaces D’Onda Kristan, who resigned earlier this summer.
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ASSISTANTS
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
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that won’t stop and maintains high expectations for students and teachers as well as himself. “There’s always something to improve,” he said. At LHHS, Walker will serve as Testing Coordinator, oversee school safety, monitor facility operations, and be responsible for student management and discipline of students whose last names start between A-K. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Mass Communications from Texas Tech University and a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Lamar University. In whatever spare time he has, Walker likes to spend time with family go fishing play golf listen to music, and travel. Walker said he and his wife, who is a teacher at Bill Burden Elementary, look forward to raising their three children in Liberty Hill. In addition, someday he’d like to follow another long held dream, to become governor of the state. Miller, who built a reputation as an outstanding coach and teacher in mainly central Texas schools, steps into the high school assistant prin-
cipal position with the same passion, drive, and determination that she’s had since she was knee-high while tending to cattle and doing other challenging chores on the family ranch. “There were no excuses and I had to find a way she said. y wor ethic, drive for perfection and time management all came from my dad.” She also credits Sue Betts, a powerhouse coach from College Station ISD, for helping her discover her abilities while challenging her to improve and later teaching her the ropes in coaching. “Life hasn’t always been easy,” she said. “I had many doors shut in my face, but I have learned to never give up on a dream. I’m fearless once I set my goals for myself and struggle just strengthens me. I’m a conqueror.” She further explained that her success was due to many people believing in her and the work she put in. “I feel pretty blessed,” she said. “And I’m grateful for the opportunity at Liberty Hill High School and thankful to all the people who
believe in me.” Over her 20 years in education, she has proven her salt as an English teacher and athletic coach of various sports including basketball, track, and cross country with several school districts including College Station, Killeen, Conroe, Georgetown and Liberty Hill. She won Coach of the Year honors at Harker Heights and guided the LHHS girls 4x4 1600 meter relay to back to back state championships. Last year, Miller was the Student Support Specialist at LHHS assisting administrators with a multitude of tasks and being a voice for the teachers. Drawing from her coaching experience, Miller says she will seek to encourage people to find their strengths and build a cohesive team. “I always try to empower people so they feel wanted and appreciated,” she said. “I am a support system for them.” She said she also instinctively seeks the upside of a downside like being a novice to administration. “My strength is that I am so fresh out of the classroom that I can support students and teachers because
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I know where they are,” she said. “Our role as administrators is pretty crucial. e need to find the superstars as well as the diamonds-inthe-rough by encouraging them to step out of their comfort zone.” At LHHS, Miller will support around 550 students whose last names begin with the letters L-Z with a variety of things including discipline, mentoring, and academic progress, and attendance. She will also oversee the cheerleading program and the Response to Intervention process as well as mentor and evaluate teachers. “Curriculum is a real strength of mine,” she said. “I love coming up with innovation strategies to student engagement. I strongly believe all students can learn.” Miller said that what keeps her in balance is having her priorities in order: faith, then family, and then career. She enjoys coaching her daughter’s select volleyball team, cooking, gardening, and when she can, get wild with outdoor adventure like rock climbing. Dana@LHIndependent.com
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Panther Pit Crew cooks up camaraderie
By MIKE EDDLEMAN Staff Writer The plan was to tailgate. The hope was to have some fun and spend some time with other Panther fans. The result – nearly a decade later – is something hundreds of Panther football fans gather for before each home game, which has generated nearly $100,000 for clubs and organizations in Liberty Hill ISD. The Panther Pit Crew is gearing up for another year and planning bigger, just as it has done in each of its years dating back to its simple beginnings. “A couple of guys – who are still in the group – got together and started tailgating,” said Clint Stephenson, a founding member, on the origins of the group. “We just wanted to do something a little bit different, and back then, before you had assigned seats everyone had to get there early. That’s originally why it all got started to build more community involvement and togetherness. It was about meeting people you’ve never met before.” The tailgating gained momentum and soon, the group decided there was another golden opportunity in the pre-game fun. “It grew out of something where we wanted to have more community involvement at the
game and at the tailgate to get out there earlier,” Stephenson said. “We thought, ‘You know, we might be able to start raising money.’ Initially it was for the (Liberty Hill All Sports) booster club, but then we morphed away from that and started doing all groups in more of a complete district-wide way.” The mission of the Pit Crew is simple, working to help students and organizations participate in activities that promote awareness and well being. “We’re just guys that are involved in the community, most of us have students in the schools or spouses that are teachers, and we want to do the best we can to make sure our kids have the tools they need to succeed,” said member Scotty Brown. With funding stretched thin in schools today, clubs and organizations are left looking for help, and the Pit Crew sees that void as one it can help fill. “We have had different organizations come to us and present at our meetings,” Brown said. “When the kids come and they ask for things they need, we are able to help them with that. A lot of times the budgets get cut for various reasons and it’s across the board for almost everyone. We feel like we can help these organizations
See PIT CREW, Page 50
Thursday, August 9, 2018
The Panther Pit Crew cooks up delicious food prior to Friday home football games. The masters of tailgating raise money for Liberty Hill school-related organizations and special projects. The organization and its supporters award cash donations to school clubs who tailgate along with them under the Friday Night Lights. (Courtesy Photo)
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include raising cattle and working in sales. “It is my sincere desire to provide the leadership that will facilitate a clear vision, as well as supporting students, faculty, and the Liberty Hill community,” Bever said. “I want to build strong relationships because with strong relationships comes great success. I want to share and develop my knowledge to help move LHISD into the next level of educating students. I want all students to succeed and I want parent support. Every student that walks through our doors is important and I want to be a part of their lives and help them to succeed.” To address state accountability goals, the new interim principal is targeting improving scores in English and wring as well as Algebra by strengthening and fortifying the staff and better aligning the high school with the junior high. Bever said he also plans to further improve campus Professional Learning Communities (PLC) where teachers plan, coordinate, and collaborate on instructional strategies. Another change on the campus this year is a change to the master schedule. The campus will add another lunch period, going from two
to three. Final approval of the implementation plans for an onsite school resource officer and drug testing are still pending. Bever said that SROs would be a “great presence on campus.” “It’s a great opportunity to provide a safe environment,” he said. As far as drug testing is concerned, Bever said he has submitted a proposal which still has to be reviewed and approved by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) and the LHISD school board. “I want to make sure everything is done correctly and appropriately and there are no ifs, ands, or buts,” he added. ever and his wife ebra reside in eorge town and are the parents of seven children. “As a blended family for seven years, our faith and love for each other continues to grow stronger each passing day,” he said. “I love my wife and my children. My family is important to me. I love kids of all ages; that’s why I’m in education.” Dana@LHIndependent.com
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Thursday, August 9, 2018
LHISD Child Nutrition Department shares prices, information for 2018-19 By MARY SHEFFIELD General Manager, LHISD Child Nutrition Welcome Back. We encourage you to sign up for Skyward Family Access. Skyward Family Access allows parents/guardians to view your student’s daily food purchases and current food service balance. You can also deposit funds into their account using a checking account, debit or credit card for a small service fee through RevTrak. Our cafeterias can only accept cash and checks. This service will also email you a reminder when your student’s account has gone below a predetermined amount, if you select this option. Low and negative balances will be emailed several times a week. Please check your email inbox and spam folder to verify you are receiving them to keep up to date with your student’s meal account. Please visit the district home page for more details to sign up for Skyward Family Access. Links to School Menus, Staff Directory and other helpful information are posted on the Liberty Hill ISD Child Nutrition Services web page www.libertyhill.txed.net/departments/child_nutrition_services Free and Reduced Price Meal Program irect certification letters will be mailed or sent by email by the second week of August. If you receive a direct certification letter do not com plete an application. Let the Child Nutrition Department know if any children in the household attending Liberty Hill ISD are not listed in the letter. All other households must submit new Free/Reduced applications to qualify. Under Texas Department of Agriculture guidelines, districts can grant a 30-day grace period to households if they ualified last year. e encour
age you to fill out an application as soon as pos sible. This grace period expires on Sept. 26. All required households that have not resubmitted an application for the 2018-19 school year will be taken off the program and will go into “paid” status on Sept. 27. Applications are available at any Liberty Hill ISD campus, the Child Nutrition Services Department and the Liberty Hill ISD web page. On line applications can be submitted through Skyward Family Access. Parents, guardians and students are responsible for any funds owed for school meals before qualifying for the Free and Reduced Meal Program. Households can apply or reapply at any time during the school year. Remember: if your student receives free lunch, breakfast is free, too! If your student receives reduced lunch, they can also receive a reduced priced breakfast. Extra Milk/Snacks There will be several snack items students may purchase, which are not part of the breakfast or lunch meal. The items range in price from $0.50 to $3.60. Extra items can only be purchased if the student has enough money in their meal account. Charging of a la carte items is not allowed. Limits on extra purchases can be set through Skyward Family Access Food Service. For questions about the food service program, contact ary heffield or hef ndrew iles at 512-260-5593. For information about the Free and Reduced application process, please contact Donna Burson at 512-260-5574. Thank you for your support and interest in the school meal program, Liberty Hill Child Nutrition Department.
LHISD Meal Prices, 2018-2019
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Summer Reading Celebration
Hundreds of children participated in the Summer Reading Program at Liberty Hill Public Library. The program ended last week with an awards celebration. (Courtesy Photos)
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Our Marvelous Mesozoic Level SRP Sponsors Mesozoic Level Sponsors donated at least $350 to help pay for programs, events, supplies, prizes, & so much more!
McCoy Agency
Loraine & Stan McGee Ann & David Miller Beverly Mercer Christy Hutto Heather & Chris Johnson
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TECHNOLOGY
Olivier said safety and security measures are already in place for things like student email, but he is looking into other ways the district can monitor the freshmen’s use of the computers. “We’ll also be looking more into specifics of how the devices are being used,” he said. “We’re looking at that from a safety and security perspective, but also from a data perspective. How are students actually using the devices? What are teachers assigning and expecting from them, and what is it translating to?” Olivier added that the success of the program will not only take place during school hours, but when freshmen have their devices at home as well. “I want to make sure parents are aware of what their students are doing on their devices,” he said. “The best thing you can do as a parent is be involved. When those devices come home with your freshmen, talk to them about their assignments. We’ll provide resources to help parents with
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Students in Liberty Hill elementary schools are using computers and mobile devices to enhance the learning experience. This fall, Liberty Hill High School freshmen will be involved in a pilot program that will provide Chromebooks for every student to use at school and at home. (Courtesy Photos)
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that. We’re looking to partner with parents on digital citizenship.” Currently, Olivier said data the district has gathered is that students are using classroom devices mainly for school work, but as they gain more access by having their own individual devices, he wants to make sure it stays that way. “We’re talking to other districts about tools they use and we’re looking into that,” he said. “We’re also trying to keep this a clean, consistent and positive experience. We want these devices to be a tool that will be effective for students and teachers, not an obstacle to learning.” Olivier said the ultimate goal of the pilot program is to collect data and see if a one-to-one model will work for the district in future years. “We’re not dead set on this approach, and it may look different at different campuses, meaning we may stay with one-to-one at the high school, but at the elementary campuses we don’t,” he said. “We’ll be gathering feedback from students, staff and parents
as well. That way when we get to spring semester and we’re making an assessment of how well the pilot has worked, we can intelligently budget and prepare for [the model we’re going to use] the next school year.” The use of technology throughout LHISD is nothing new—Olivier and his team have been working tirelessly the last few years to integrate technology more and more into each classroom. “Our goal from an instructional perspective is to have seamless access,” he said. “We want students to have access to the devices they need when and where they need them.” While the rest of the district besides LHHS freshmen will still be using shared devices, Olivier said it won’t deter them from having immersive opportunities. Students are able to do everything from ta e a virtual field trip to the Great Barrier Reef in science class to collaborate and peer review essays in English class. “We’re creating an environment where technology is just part of what
you do,” Olivier said. “Whenever we create a new process, like for example, our student registration process, we look at what technology tools are at our disposal and put that in place.” Pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first graders mainly use i ads in the classroom, while students in second grade on up use Chromebooks. These devices were specifically chosen because they provide students with consistent and positive experiences, Olivier said. “With the lower grade levels, the iPad gives them enough productivity, a touch screen and a great selection of apps,” he added. “Past that point, we’ve found there’s a heavier emphasis on productivity, which requires a keyboard and mouse, so at that point we transition to Chromebooks.” Every campus also has a digital learning coach, who plays a couple of different roles. “Their primary role is to support instructional practice and help teachers integrate technology into their lessons,” Olivier said. “They are that
resource on campus. They are also the tech advisor for their campus. They look for ways to integrate technology into practices we already have in place.” As the district continues to grow, Olivier said his team will be working on a technology process that can scale—meaning it has to work now for the district at the size it’s at, but also for the larger district LHISD is becoming. He will be placing an emphasis on streamlined automation and management tools, continuing to look for ways to provide functionality and meet the needs of the district without increasing cost, and working to further integrate technology into every practice the district has. “The district has been receptive to the need to make sure technology is not a hurdle or obstacle,” he said. “That’s because technology should not be a separate thing. It should just be a part of what we do. My goal is to not have a goal for technology.” Rachel@LHIndependent.com
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Thursday, August 9, 2018
OBITUARY Wade Derek Stanush
e ant er it re s men is di erse. ome e ents all for and more. (Courtesy Photo)
PIT CREW
r ers and ot do s,
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get to the next level without them always having to go to the same well.” The Pit Crew puts all the money it raises back into school groups, from athletics to extra-curricular clubs and organizations, to academic pursuits. “We’ve raised quite a bit of money and everything we’ve raised we’ve given back,” Stephenson said. “We don’t even cover our expenses because we pay stuff out of pocket. We do fundraisers periodically.” eneficiaries of the it rew s efforts in the past have included Project Graduation, the Ag department, DECA and the All Sports Booster Club among many others. To date, the total is nearing $100,000 put into student activities, and this year, the plan is to contribute $10,000 at the tailgate contest alone. “Last year we kind of had a pilot program, again, trying to bring community involvement out there and group involvement to try and come up with ways for other groups to raise money that may not have a booster club. We had excellent participation last year,” Stephenson said. “It was just Liberty Hill High School, but this year it is going to be the high school and junior high, any groups in those.” The Pit Crew comes out with its own tents, tables, music and games, but the mantra is “the more the merrier” and they want to see every organization joining in the fun with their own tailgates by 5 p.m., with judging around 6 p.m. Brown said there is a scorecard used to judge the organization tailgates and prize money is awarded from those scores. “The idea is to get kids and parents involved as a community out there, and really tailgating is one of the most fun ways to do that,” Stephenson said. “It keeps them engaged in the school
ile ot ers en oy a fis fry,
and it’s fun.” It may be about celebrating another potential anther win on the football field but the mission is not all about sports. “It’s important because not everyone is in athletics,” Stephenson said of the tailgate contest. “Not everyone is in one of the big clubs. This is a way, with the tailgate to help open it up and to where, if you need money, come out and there’s a way to earn it and do it in a fun way.” The atmosphere will get any Panther fan ready for kick off. “It’s pretty neat,” Stephenson said. “We’ll have the band come through there, they’ll play about three songs for us, along with the Belles. It has really gotten good.” Tailgating groups can focus on fun and spirit activities, because the Pit Crew has the food under control. “We’re doing food and all that stuff, nobody else has to do any food because there is expense there, and our stuff is free,” Stephenson said. The menu is diverse and always evolving, ranging from a fish fry to gumbo or pulled por sandwiches, rib eyes, bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin medallions or jalapeno poppers. They have even discussed developing their own corn dog recipe. There is no cutting corners. Why don’t they just grill burgers and hot dogs? “No, we don’t do that,” Stephenson said with a serious smile. “We’re a bunch of guys who like to eat. We can sling some hash, and what’s really good about our group is people show up because we have fun. It’s a bunch of really good men.” The head cook is Mike Thames, with Zach Franks and Chris Perry also shouldering much of the load, but the prep work is an all-in en-
m o,
lled or sand i
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deavor before game night. No fewer than 15-25 members show up to prepare to feed as many as 300. It is a dedicated membership because everyone involved believes in the mission and has fun doing it. “It’s a lot of fun,” Stephenson said. “If it wasn’t fun, people wouldn’t show up. A lot of us have kids here, but there are people in the group with infants, people in the group who have kids going to private school. We’re a bunch of good old boys here to hang out with each other and to try and give back to the community.” The it rew sponsored its first barbecue coo off in the spring and ust wrapped up its first golf tournament last week, looking for new, fun ways to keep raising funds. But as fall approaches, the focus turns back to the original tailgating plan, one simply designed years ago with bringing people together even as the community grows. “Everyone comes together, especially at football games, so we’ve been trying to get it to where more people come early and hang out and get to know their neighbors they never really see,” Stephenson said. “It’s almost something you need to come out and see,” Brown said, issuing the invitation to everyone to join the Pit Crew for some Friday night fun at Panther Stadium. The Crew will be laughing, working and looking to share their pride with anyone who stops by, just a group of men who found a way to have a really good time for a really good cause. “We’ve got a really good group of really good men,” Stephenson said. Mike@LHIndependent.com
Wade Derek Stanush, of Liberty Hill, Texas, was received in Heaven Thursday evening, August 2, 2018. He was born in San Antonio, Texas to Suzzanne Puente and Joseph Stanush on September 3, 1968. He graduated from East Central High School in 1986. He married his wife, Debora Lynn Stanush on February 15, 2004 in one of their favorite places, Laredo, Texas. Wade was a fun, loving father to his children and enjoyed when they would all come for gettogethers. Wade thoroughly loved being outdoors going to concerts, barbecuing, motorcycles and going shooting. Wade is preceded in death by his grandparents, Farmer Jupe, Joseph and Susie Stanush; cousins, Kevin Gill, Tyler and Garrison Tausch. He is survived by his wife, Debora Stanush of Liberty Hill; children, Kenny Martin, Spring Branch; Laura Hyden, Liberty Hill; Kayla Pearson, Burnet; grandmother, Ruth Jupe; parents, Joseph Stanush, Suzzanne (Martin) Puente; brother, Blayne (Malia) Stanush; sisters, Kellie Puente, Amy (Jacob) Lilly; grandchildren, Tannon Martin, Taylor Hyden, Bransyn and Brinlynn Pearson; nephews and niece, Dayton Stanush, Raelan, Kace and Kolt Lilly; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. His rosary was Tuesday, August 7th at 7pm, at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet, Texas. The funeral was held at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bertram, Texas on Wednesday, August 8th at 10am followed by burial at Liberty Hill Cemetery, Liberty Hill, Texas. A luncheon was held at Holy Cross Catholic Church immediately following burial. He loved his community, family, friends and his church. Contributions can be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church in his name. Arrangements were made by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet. Condolences may be offered at www.clementswilcoxburnet.com
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2018 Property Tax Rates in Williamson County ESD #4 This notice concerns 2018 property tax rates for Williamson County ESD #4. It presents information about three tax rates. Last year’s tax rate is the actual rate the taxing unit used to determine property taxes last year. This year’s effective tax rate would impose the same total taxes as last year if you compare properties taxed in both years. This year’s rollback tax rate is the highest tax rate the taxing unit can set before taxpayers can start tax rollback procedures. In each case these rates are found by dividing the total amount of taxes by the tax base (the total value of taxable property) with adjustments as required by state law. The rates are given per $100 of property value. Last year’s tax rate: Last year’s operating taxes $2,330,203 Last year’s debt taxes $231,849 Last year’s total taxes $2,562,052 Last year’s tax base $2,607,686,937 Last year’s total tax rate 0.098250/$100 This year’s effective tax rate: Last year’s adjusted taxes (after subtracting taxes on lost property) $2,563,135 ÷ This year’s adjusted tax base (after subtracting values of new property) $2,850,737,259 0.089911/$100 = This year’s effective tax rate This year’s rollback tax rate: Last year’s adjusted operating taxes (after subtracting taxes on lost property and adjusting for any transferred function, tax increment financing, state criminal justice mandate and/or enhanced indigent health care expenditures) $2,331,207 $2,850,737,259 ÷ This year’s adjusted tax base 0.081775/$100 = This year’s effective operating rate 0.088317/$100 x 1.08 = this year’s maximum operating rate 0.019752/$100 + This year’s debt rate 0.108069/$100 = This year’s rollback rate Statement of Increase/Decrease If Williamson County ESD #4 adopts a 2018 tax rate equal to the effective tax rate of 0.089911per $100 of value, taxes would increase compared to 2017 taxes by $267,635. Schedule A: Unencumbered Fund Balances: The following estimated balances will be left in the unit’s property tax accounts at the end of the fiscal year. These balances are not encumbered by a corresponding debt obligation. Type of Property Tax Fund M&O I&S
Balance 0 0
Schedule B: 2018 Debt Service: The unit plans to pay the following amounts for long-term debts that are secured by property taxes. These amounts will be paid from property tax revenues (or additional sales tax revenues, if applicable). Description of Debt
Principal or Interest to be Paid Contract Payment from Property Taxes to be paid from Property taxes
Fire Station #1 79,649 Fire Station #2 157,307 Equipment/Chassis & SCBA 57,228 2013 & 2018 Pumpers 79,911 Command/Squad 24,869
7,288 183,243 6,534 21,607 6,938
Other Amounts to be Paid
0 0 0 0 0
Total Payment
86,937 340,550 63,762 101,518 31,807
Total required for 2018 debt service $624,574 - Amount (if any) paid from funds listed in Schedule A $0 - Amount (if any) paid from other resources $0 - Excess collections last year $0 = Total to be paid from taxes in 2018 $624,574 + Amount added in anticipation that the unit will collect only 100.000000% of its taxes in 2018 $0 = Total Debt Levy $624,574
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Increase The Williamson County ESD #4 will hold two public hearings on a proposal to increase total tax revenues from properties on the tax roll in the preceding tax year by 9.313655 percent (percentage by which proposed tax rate exceeds lower of rollback tax rate or effective tax calculated under Chapter 26, Tax Code). Your individual taxes may increase at a greater or lesser rate, or even decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted. The first public hearing will be held on August 20, 2018 at 6:30 PM at 301 Loop 332, Liberty Hill, TX 78642. The second public hearing will be held on August 27, 2018 at 6:30 PM at 301 Loop 332, Liberty Hill, TX 78642. The members of the governing body voted on the proposal to consider the tax increase as follows: FOR:
Dan Clark, President James Crabtree, Secretary Keith Bright, Treasurer
AGAINST:
Vice President James Baker Assistant Treasurer Jeff Roemer None None
PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT:
The average taxable value of a residence homestead in Williamson County ESD #4 last year was $312,855. Based on last year’s tax rate of $0.098250 per $100 of taxable value, the amount of taxes imposed last year on the average home was $307.38. The average taxable value of a residence homestead in Williamson County ESD #4 this year is $336,110. If the governing body adopts the effective tax rate for this year of $0.089911 per $100 of taxable value, the amount of taxes imposed this year on the average home would be $302.20. If the governing body adopts the proposed tax rate of $0.098285 per $100 of taxable value, the amount of taxes imposed this year on the average home would be $330.35. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the hearings and express their views.
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This notice contains a summary of actual effective and rollback tax rates’ calculations. You can inspect a copy of the full calculations at 904 South Main Street, Georgetown, TX 78626. Name of person preparing this notice: Larry Gaddes PCAC, CTA Title: Williamson County Tax Assessor/Collector Date prepared: August 2, 2018
* “Appraised value” is the amount shown on the appraisal roll and defined by Section 1.04(8), Tax Code. ** “New property” is defined by Section 26.012(17), Tax Code. *** “Taxable value” is defined by Section 1.04(10), Tax Code.
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Experienced administrator joins LHJH
By DANA DELGADO Staff Writer Heather Wright, an experienced campus administrator with a diverse background, has been tabbed as the second assistant principal on staff at Liberty Hill Junior High. Wright joins returning Bobby Rush as assistants to Principal Annette Cole. “I grew up in a small Texas town where it was all about community and I wanted that feel,” she said. “I like the values and community and the pace of life.” She sees herself as a servant leader who seeks to meet the needs of the students, staff, and the community. “I’ve always sought leadership roles,” Wright added. “I like the big picture.” Besides sharing a number of administrative responsibilities with Rush such as supervising extracurricular activities, Wright will oversee some specific tas s at . he will wor primarily with seventh grade students; oversee the Section 504 Program, and support the Language Arts team. She particularly looks forward to working with and coaching new teachers as well as sharing her expertise in Professional Learning Communities, a model that emphasizes intense engagement and complete collaboration and flows from the assumption that the core mission of formal education is not simply to ensure that students are taught, but to ensure that they learn. With a Bachelor’s Degree in English and
French from the University of Texas and a Master’s Degree from West Texas A&M University in Educational Administration, Wright has held a variety of roles during her 26-year career, with most of the experience being in the Texas Panhandle where she was born and raised. She taught high school English at both Hereford and Amarillo before accepting positions in administration. She was a middle school assistant principal with Amarillo ISD and was an elementary school principal for three years with Canyon ISD. Her most recent assignment before moving to LHISD was with Lake Travis ISD where she taught English for eight years. “I love education,” Wright said. “I come from a long line of educators including my mother and aunt. taught my first class when was in eighth grade. I attended a different school district than where my mother worked and on one of my off days, she asked me to come and help her with her class. She broke the class into two groups and I got to teach one of the groups.” Over the years, she has had opportunities to work with a multitude of students including the children of her former students, but says “kids are kids” no matter their background. Wright credits the powerful impression a host of mentors and influences made on her while she was in the Texas Panhandle. She also has been heavily affected by the power of books and their impactful messages. Among those is The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig,
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which underscores the importance of kindness and connection. rom theses influences right says, she has been shaped into a caring person who people can trust, but who can also expect great things from them. Her goal for the coming year is to get integrated into the community. eople will find that m very perceptive and a great listener,” Wright said. “I’m tough but fair and like to build relationships, be available, and be present.” (RIGHT) Heather Wright has been hired as the second assistant principal at Liberty Hill Junior High. Wright will oversee the seventh grade class.
DANA DELGADO PHOTO
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taking care of each other is what community is all about. Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home is dedicated to serving our community with personal, compassionate care. Rely on us to help you create a unique and meaningful memorial that truly celebrates the life it represents.
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New roof for Liberty Hill Public Library
KATIE AMSLER PHOTO
The Liberty Hill Public Library will be getting a new roof in the coming weeks thanks to generous giving after the Day of Giving in June. Scott Placek (left) of Arnold and Placek offered a 4:1 challenge grant and The Liberty Hill Independent accepted. The library raised $2,500 to replace the roof, which was leaking with ever rainfall, threatening to damage books and materials. From left are Placek, Library Director Angela Palmer and Shelly Wilkison of The Independent.
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