Liberty Hill ISD ConnectED Magazine, Aug 2021 by The Liberty Hill Independent

A Liberty Hill ISD Publication

NEW YEAR

NEW POSSIBILITIES PANTHERS MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER

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Vol 2, Issue 2 | Fall 2021

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Fall 2021 6 Greetings from Superintendent Steven Snell 8 Meet the LHISD Board of Trustees 12 Passion Leads Guerrero to Dream Job |

An interview with LHISD CEO Rosanna Guerrero

18 Fine Arts, Reaching for the Stars | Band, theatre, choir, art out to excel entertain, inspire

26 Grants in Action | Liberty Hill Education

Foundation grants being implemented across district

32 Where Did the Panther Come From? | The interesting tale of the Liberty Hill mascot and colors

34 Move to Middle School Makes Good Sense | Continued district growth is catalyst for change

45 2021 Bond Update | $180 million issuance gets numerous projects underway

48 Moving on in the Wake of COVID | Students, teachers, parents and administrators share their experiences

I nternships Offer Real Workplace Experience | CTE students gain skills during summer vacation

56 Panthers Making a Difference | LHHS sibling alumni dedicate careers to serving others

58 Shining Out of the Spotlight | A look at LHISD staff

whose behind-the-scenes support is a critical part of the district’s success

63 Getting with the Program | Library modernization keeps students engaged

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66 Panther Extended Care Provides Safe, Secure Place for Students

68 Profile: Officer Patricia Champion A Liberty Hill ISD Publication

Vol 2, Issue 2 | Fall 2021

ON THE COVER Principal Josh Curtis, and students Nadia LaGrange, Ellyse Dyer, Penelope Johnson-Quaife and Jett Harrison stand in front of the new Santa Rita Ranch Middle School.

NEW YEAR

NEW POSSIBILITIES PANTHERS MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER

PHOTO BY STACY COALE

CONNECTED MAGAZINE | A Publication of The Liberty Hill Independent Newspaper for the Liberty Hill Independent School District PUBLISHER | Shelly Wilkison CONTRIBUTING EDITOR | Kristy Kercheville, LHISD Director of Communications & Community Engagement ADVERTISING & SALES | Stacy Coale PUBLICATION DESIGN | Kristen Holland WRITERS | Scott Akanewich, Rachel Madison, Shelly Wilkison For advertising rates and information, or to obtain additional copies, call (512) 778-5577 or send email to news@LHIndependent.com. Find more information about the Liberty Hill Independent School District at www.libertyhill.txed.net. Copyright ©2021 The Liberty Hill Independent. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the Publisher. The Liberty Hill Independent, PO Box 1235, Liberty Hill, TX 78642.

LHISD ConnectED | August 2021

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Panther Nation! Panther Nation, Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year, a year that promises to be a great one for Liberty Hill students and staff as we return 100% in person! This last school year brought many challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic, and I think Liberty Hill ISD handled the pandemic as well as any school district in the state. This summer, LHISD has been busy working to continuously improve our district and keep Liberty Hill as one of the top-performing school districts in the state. We are excited to have all of our students back in our schools and will have 100% in-person learning this year. LHISD will continue to work hard to make sure our schools are clean and safe when students return. In addition to planning for the return of school, Liberty Hill ISD and the Board of Trustees are focused on a continuous improvement process and working towards the future. With the successful 2021 Bond Campaign, the school district has been busy securing future school sites and building new schools to accommodate the expected growth. We are in year two of the Strategic Planning process, which started in January of 2020, and continue looking for ways to fulfill the LHISD vision of Building Champions in Academics, Character, and Community. This year will be very busy! Our current construction is on schedule and under

budget. We will say goodbye to the Intermediate campus and add all 5th grade students to the elementary schools. Liberty Hill ISD will open the new Santa Rita Middle School this fall and join Liberty Hill Middle to convert to a 6th-8th middle school. LHISD will also open the new Louine Noble Elementary school in the building formerly known as LH Intermediate. Conversion construction is underway, and that campus will be open this month as well. The last construction piece on the 2018 bond will be the completion of the high school addition that will add 16 classrooms to expand to a capacity of 2,100. That should be complete by the end of September. The Liberty Hill ISD Education Foundation has finished its first year of existence, has raised close to $70,000, completed its first round of teacher grants awarding close to $13,000, and awarded LH seniors $24,000 in student scholarships. In recognition of our teachers and staff’s hard work over the last year, the LHEF partnered with various local businesses and organizations for teacher appreciation events and gifts. Look for more exciting grants, student scholarships, and spring donor recognition and fundraisers from this organization. I am excited about the new school year in Liberty Hill ISD and for my privilege to lead and serve the students, staff, and community as your superintendent. The teachers and staff are deeply committed to providing your children with the very

best education possible. Panther Nation is simply the best! I am so thankful and excited for such a supportive and engaged community. With great pride,

Steven Snell Steven Snell, Superintendent

Todd Washburn

Rosanna Guerro

Bob Mabry

Kristy Kercheville

Sharif Mezayek

Jay Olivier

Assistant Superintendent of Schools

Chief Financial Officer

Executive Director of Human Resources and Operations

Director of Communications and Community Engagement

Chief of Police

Chief Technology Officer

LHISD ConnectED | August 2021

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Board of Trustees

LIBERTY HILL ISD 8

TERRY A. SMITH PLACE 1

Terry A. Smith graduated from Will C. Wood High School in Vacaville, CA in 1995. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the US Army and served from February 1996 – February 2016. Terry has been assigned to worldwide locations including Korea, Germany, Iraq, Afghanistan, Colorado, Texas, and finally Hawaii. After military service, he attended Central Texas College and Texas A&M – Central Texas to earn his degree in Business Administration. He moved to Liberty Hill in 2017 where he now lives with his wife Lauren, and two children, Taryn and Spencer. He was elected to the Board in 2020.

LHISD ConnectED | August 2021

KENDALL CARTER PLACE 2

Kendall Carter is married with two children in the school district. His family has lived in Liberty Hill more than 10 years, and he works as the National Builder Manager for Spectrum Brands and owns Classic Window Coverings. He was elected to the school board in 2020. Professionally, Kendall is most passionate about building relationships. “As a national account manager one needs great relationships in order to have the opportunity to win the business. As the owner of a small business, it is 100 percent about the relationships you build with your customer base.” Personally, kids academics and sports are at the top of the list. “I get the most excitement from seeing my kids excel at their school work and when they do great in the extracurricular activities. It doesn’t matter if it is an A on a test, a homerun, an ace in volleyball, they are all exciting to me.” Kendall has a vested interest in numerous community organizations and events over the last 10 years, and that has helped shape his thought process for decision-making abilities for the school board. As a board member, he works to become more educated through training, and attending conferences with other districts.

MICHAEL FERGUSON PLACE 3

Michael Ferguson lives in Liberty Hill with his wife, Chrissy, a business development manager for Direct Orthopedic Care, and their two children, Colt and Cash, who will be attending Noble Elementary this school year. Their family has lived in the district for three years. Michael graduated from Kilgore High School, and received his bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. He is employed as a Regional Sales Manager at Core and Main covering six states. Michael said he is proud to serve on the Liberty Hill School Board for two reasons. First, he loves being part of our small, but fast-growing community; and second, he has a strong desire to be an active participant in continuing to give students the opportunity to learn, lead, and succeed in life. He is heavily involved in the community coaching baseball in the youth league, serving on the Panther Pit Crew, and volunteering his time as a campus Watchdog. He feels it is important to have male role models to help develop children to be more prepared for school. Michael said his skills as a regional sales manager play an important role as the district continues to go through massive growth. He wants to make sure every student gets the education they deserve. He plans to do everything he can while serving to create opportunities that will take the next generation to a level we can only imagine.

KATHY MAJOR PLACE 4

Kathy Major has been married to Estes Major for 37 years. Their children, Kenda and Bradley, are graduates of Liberty Hill High School. She is a member of Cross Tracks Church. Kathy retired from LHISD serving as teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Her teaching passion is student literacy and writing. She was published several times and presented at various state and national conventions. Originally from Western Michigan, Kathy earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, and a Master of Education degree from The University of Texas at Austin in Educational Administration with midmanagement and supervision. She was elected to the LHISD Board of Trustees in 2018. One of her proudest professional achievements is lifelong learning and team work in Liberty Hill. “I was just one part, but I am very proud of what we have accomplished and our expanding possibilities. I want to continue being part of a team that trusts each other enough to have the dialogues to address our objectives, and in turn support decisions addressing community concerns with effective problem solving,” she said. Her hobbies include reading, fishing, volunteering, but most of all cheering for the Panthers.

ANTHONY BUCK

KRISTI HARGROVE

Anthony Buck has been on the Board of Trustees since May 2015, during which he has seen tremendous change and growth in the district. As a result, Anthony supported bond elections to prepare for anticipated growth by building more schools, and making improvements to existing campuses. Anthony and his wife, Robin, have two daughters, Sarah and Elizabeth. Both attended LHISD from kindergarten through graduation. Sarah graduated from the University of North Texas with a BBA in Business Marketing and Lizzie is in her senior year at Texas A&M University. Anthony is the Emergency Management Coordinator for a major state agency. He brings to this position over 30 years of experience working in Disaster Response. He is also retired from the US Military where he spent most of his service working in Homeland Security and Civil Defense. His educational background includes US Army Infantry School, US Coast Guard Machinery Technician School, US Army CBRN Specialist School, and US Army Battle staff NCO Academy.

Kristi Hargrove was raised in a small community similar to Liberty Hill, and received her undergraduate degree from St. Edward’s University and a master’s degree from Texas State University. She is a retired educator, coach and school administrator, and served in those various capacities for 25 years. She was a Strategic Mentor for athletes at The University of Texas after retirement and also taught PE part time. Kristi stepped back from those endeavors after being elected to the LHISD School Board this year. “I have lived in Liberty Hill for two years. I have four grandchildren who attend Liberty Hill schools and I moved here to be involved with my grandchildren. I am an avid sports fan and love to travel, but my main passion is kids,” she said. “I ran for school board to utilize my experience in education to help the students and educators in our district to have the best school district possible. I wanted to give back by contributing to Liberty Hill schools and help them be the best they can be,” she said. “I want our community to benefit from incredible academics and extra-curricular activities, and our kids to be successful as contributing adults after their time in LHISD. “I look forward to serving our students, parents, educators, and community,” Kristi said.

PLACE 5

PLACE 6

MEGAN PARSONS PRESIDENT, PLACE 7

Megan Parsons was elected to the LHISD School Board in May 2019 and has been President since November 2020. She has a background in business finance and has enjoyed learning about the unique challenges that school finance presents. Megan is co-owner of Best Friend Blankets, making custom weighted blankets, and works part time for a local Liberty Hill family doing hand finishing at The Knitting Mill. She has been volunteering in her community for most of her life. “I feel strongly about giving back and helping others and have a family who supports me in those efforts. I have volunteered at my church teaching bible classes, assisted at hospitals, coached basketball, been involved in PTO and other school activities, as well as volunteering as a driver for Meals on Wheels,” she said. Megan has been married for 20 years and has two children who both attend school in Liberty Hill ISD — a sophomore and a 6th grader. “The future of public education and our children is very important to me and it’s why I prioritize it in my life. I feel passionately about giving all our students the tools and opportunities to figure out what they want for their future while helping them achieve their goals. One of my goals for the next year is to work on developing my leadership skills so that I can be a more effective board member and President,” she said.

August 2021 | LHISD ConnectED

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A PASSION FOR MATH AND TEACHING LEADS GUERRERO TO DREAM JOB Story and Photos by Shelly Wilkison

few minutes with Rosanna Guerrero can be an inspiring experience. The school district’s Chief Financial Officer has a deep-rooted passion for math that is contagious - even to those who might consider themselves mathematically challenged. While her expertise and passion for the subject, and particularly school finance, can excite even the marginally interested, at the core of Guerrero’s love for the job is a teacher’s heart. The positive energy she brings to any discussion on finance is clearly fueled by her teaching experience. In February 2020 — just two weeks before COVID-19 changed public schools — Liberty Hill ISD hired Guerrero to manage the financial operations. It’s a challenge that the former math teacher, University of Texas alum and valedictorian of San Benito High School considers her “dream job”. “When I saw the opening here for CFO, I said that’s perfect because I knew LHISD was in a fast-growth pace and I knew that I had that big district experience and could go in and see what efficiencies we could do and put the right processes and procedures in place for big district status,” she said. “Today, I feel like I’m doing so much good for this district, and at the heart of it, I want us to be better and keep achieving that excellence and do what we can to put the district in a much better financial position.” When LHISD chose Guerrero, the district benefitted from her 10 years experience at Round Rock ISD where she started as an accountant and worked her way up to Director of Finance. During her tenure, the district grew from 35,000 students to more than 50,000. She was an integral part of facilitating bond programs and managing an ever-growing budget that was reflective of that district’s fast growth. But her first experience out of college, as a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in math and business, was teaching secondary math. She taught at Cedar Park Middle School and at the high school level in the Austin ISD at the former science academy.

LHISD ConnectED | August 2021

“Math is at my core of what I enjoy doing every single day,” she said, adding that it was the reason she chose to teach. “Having that teaching experience has made all the difference in the world in my career.” Guerrero said her passion for education has grown through the years. “I still have a passion for education and a whole new level of appreciation for what our teachers do every single day,” she said. “I commend the hours - long hours - and am frustrated by the misconception that it’s easy being a teacher - it’s absolutely not. I could not have been successful without those experiences, and to see kids ‘get it’ is so amazing. You’ll never get that feeling from anything else.” The decision to leave the classroom was a difficult one, but she wanted to pursue an interest in the business side of education. Guerrero, now a registered Texas School Business Official Administrator with the Texas Association of School Business Officials, advanced her career from a programmatic perspective in education to working on the finance and operations side of a non-profit organization. “I thought since I have this whole other side of business certifications and things, I thought I’d try that for a little bit, and started working for an Austin nonprofit called ‘Girls Start’, which focuses on math and science education for girls,” she said. At the time, the nonprofit had obtained a grant from the National Science Foundation, and Guerrero was hired to lead that grant focusing on Algebra I as the gateway in eighth grade to female careers in STEM. Shortly thereafter, she worked her way to the finance

“ I wanted to change the world, and I feel like I am making a difference – a little piece at a time.” — Rosanna Guerrero, LHISD Chief Financial Officer

educator, and I want to be able to explain anything and everything about what I do.” Making decisions on how to efficiently utilize public funds to ensure the best possible experience for every child may seem overwhelming, but Guerrero says she is influenced primarily by the needs in the classroom - an experience she knows well. “It’s not just a number on a page,” she said. “There’s a meaning behind all of it. You want to make sure you’re making informed decisions and seeing the whole picture and are able to communicate that. I don’t just

“ I know where I belong and I absolutely feel like I’m at home here.” — Rosanna Guerrero side of the nonprofit, and her tenure there spanned eight years. Since joining the LHISD family 18 months ago, Guerrero has played an important role in educating the community about how Liberty Hill schools are funded, as well as the priorities for spending. She attributed the interest in transparency and strategic planning to Superintendent Steve Snell and his leadership. “What I feel like we’ve accomplished in the last year is to make sure people understand everything that comes into putting a budget together. Transparency is the number one goal, and we’re using all the channels available to us (social media and LHISD website) to do that,” she said. “I can talk every day about the budget. I’m still that teacher,

crunch numbers, but I meet with people all the time. I make sure I’m out and seeing and understanding what’s happening.” Guerrero says it isn’t hard for her to say “no”, but the personal challenge is “making sure I can explain the why behind the no.” She said the most common request at the campus level is for more positions, and before saying yes, she does the research. “I ask them, ‘tell me about your structure, let me understand why you’re saying this is a need. Why is this a need?’ If the answer is ‘no’, then what can we do with what we have. What is sustainable,” she said. Guerrero grew up in the Rio Grande Valley, was the third of four children and the only person in her family to earn a college degree. It was a major accomplishment, and one that

required her to break through some traditional barriers. From a cultural perspective, she said her family expected her to go to work and contribute to the family income as soon as she was old enough. The idea that a young girl shouldn’t leave home until she is married was another barrier she had to break. Her eighth grade Algebra I teacher, Mr. Gonzales, encouraged her to reach higher. “We were, and still are a close-knit family. He (Gonzales) told me they (the family) would support me, and I should focus on myself. I told him in eighth grade that I was going to be a valedictorian and was going to college. I was and I did,” she said. As the valedictorian, it opened the door to scholarships at the University of Texas. Her entire family eventually moved to Austin. “Since I was a child, I always liked money and I was a big saver growing up,” she said of her original interest in math. “I was the saver and I was always so goal oriented. I saved money for a Cabbage Patch Doll, something that I worked toward for chores.” Guerrero, whose siblings immediately spent the childhood dollars they received from birthdays, gifts and allowance, admits she still has the doll. Guerrero says she is excited to be part of a fast-growing school district and enjoys the spirit of collaboration that is central to LHISD. “Seeing that growth and seeing that in the next five years how different we’re going to look, and making sure at the heart of it we’re maintaining the culture and the family dynamic is important,” she said. “It’s the constant ongoing planning, and what we can do to align goals. It’s the collaborative spirit of the district, and I feel more connected here and seeing that.” August 2021 | LHISD ConnectED

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BAND, THEATRE, CHOIR, ART OUT TO EXCEL, ENTERTAIN, INSPIRE Story by Scott Akanewich

iberty Hill High School’s Fine Arts program is as robust as ever, with the Band, Theatre, Choir and Art departments forming a quartet of quality featuring some of the most talented young musicians, singers, actors and artists the area has to offer. New this year to the Panthers’ program is Fine Arts Coordinator and Director of Bands Shawn Murphy, who arrives from Burleson High School after a successful stint with the Elks during which he crafted state contenders after having done the same at Azle and Palestine. According to Murphy, Liberty Hill is exactly where he needs to be at this point in his career, which has spanned over two decades. “I’ve always been able to go into places which needed a shot in the arm and get it done,” said Murphy. “I’ve always been drawn to underdog programs.” As Liberty Hill is now a Class 5A school, the Panthers of fine arts – much like their sports brethren – find themselves up against much tougher competition than in years past and Murphy believes he has what it takes to get the best out of his new students. “I love building kids up and getting them to the point where they can compete at the highest level in the state,” he said. “We want to make sure the band is right up there with our football team.” Murphy has built his considerable reputation by flying in the face of conventional band wisdom in that he has all the different instrumental sections practice on their own as opposed to the entire collective gathered together at the same time in the same place. The rationale behind this practice is simple, he said. “If everyone is together and I have to stop to give instruction to a particular part of the band, everyone else is sitting around doing nothing – that doesn’t make any sense because it wastes time,” said Murphy. “It’s the system I like to run and I’m the only one who does it.”

FINDING A VOICE Anyone who’s attended a Liberty Hill sporting event may have heard the dulcet tones of the Panthers choir singing the national anthem.

Liberty Hill High School’s band performs at football games, and participates in various contests throughout the year. (Photo by Alex Rubio)

However, there’s much more to the program than simply belting out lyrics in unison. According to choir director Davina Hendrix, the program provides an oasis in the cacophony of teenage life. “We want our room to feel like one place they can not be stressed out,” said Hendrix. “But, it doesn’t mean we don’t work hard at what we do.” Hendrix said students need not worry about whether they have the voice to be a part of the program. “Even if you don’t think you’re very good,” she said. “We take every kid for who they are, as long as they buy in.” For those who are more advanced, there are UIL competitions the choir competes in, events that are broken down into different singing disciplines, but for others who just want to be in a regular singing class, that’s fine, too, said Hendrix. “We can start someone on the basics, which will give them more confidence,” she said. “We won’t start CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 August 2021 | LHISD ConnectED

Members of the Liberty Hill High School choir perform the national anthem before the Class of 2021 commencement. (Photo by Alex Rubio)

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

someone out with Mozart – we want to find someone’s strengths and then build on them.” Once those abilities are unearthed and cultivated, the finished product is what Hendrix finds the most rewarding, she said. “I really love our kids,” said Hendrix. “When I see how happy they are after a performance, that’s the moment.”

DEPTH OF CHARACTER Now that Sarah Beauchamp is a theatre director at the high school level, it gives her the opportunity she’s always craved in her profession.

“With older kids, we can do productions with more mature material,” said Beauchamp, who spent time at Liberty Hill Junior High. “We can have depth of characters in which they deal with things which are more mature.” Beauchamp added older students can also grasp more as far as getting to know the characters they play. “They’re really good at figuring out who their characters really are,” she said. “Younger actors take a bit more time to develop characters.” Interestingly enough, Beauchamp said there is a definite parallel between the stage and the field or court. “I think one challenge we have moving forward is trying to close the gap between fine arts and athletics,” she said. “We have kids who are multi-talented and are good at both, so as we continue to grow as a school, we need to figure out how we can support each other.” Liberty Hill’s theatre program aims to put on three or four plays 20

LHISD ConnectED | August 2021

per year, with the first production of the upcoming school year to be “Alice in Wonderland,” scheduled for November. Beauchamp said she and her actors intend to take an unorthodox approach to the Lewis Carroll classic. “We’re going to do it the Liberty Hill way,” she said. In addition, Beauchamp said she employs theatre history into what she wants to teach her students, along with some valuable off-stage lessons. “One of the great things about theatre is there are so many things you can take away into life,” said Beauchamp. “Most of all, we want them to have an appreciation for the arts.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

I think one challenge we have moving forward is trying to close the gap between fine arts and athletics. We have kids who are multi-talented and are good at both, so as we continue to grow as a school, we need to figure out how we can support each other.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

Not all the opportunities are in the spotlight, though. “We have kids who are just interested in the tech side of what we do,” she said. “People who want to build something, but with a creative side.” Beauchamp believes she has the resources to build an award-winning program. “I think we’re sitting on a gold mine here,” she said. “If we can harness the talent we have, you’ll see our kids really take off.”

VISUAL EXPRESSION Students who enter the classroom of Liberty Hill art director Susan Barnes can expect their minds to be opened to a whole new world of possibilities. Which is exactly what Barnes’ intent is,

she said. “We give students the avenues to show their talents,” said Barnes. “Here they have the stepping stones to be able to show their true abilities.” Barnes believes in fostering a creative environment that is all-inclusive – regardless of natural talent level. “The really cool thing about art is everyone is at their own individual level,” she said. “Everyone has something they can connect to, so we encourage them to get out and try different things to see what they’re best at.” But, in order to do just that, Barnes must get to know her students, which is a skill she not only excels at, but derives a great deal of satisfaction from, she said. “It’s something I really love,” said Barnes. “I think I connect with the kids very well – especially with my silly sense of humor – so I can bring out the creative

LHHS students who competed at State Art contest in 2019 were, from left, Lillian Nasche - State Medalist, Greta Coker - State Medalist and Gold Seal State Medalist, Ruby Coker - State Medalist, and Antonio Paredes- State participant. (Courtesy Photo)

LHISD ConnectED | August 2021

talent in all of them.” On the competitive side of the program, Liberty Hill is involved in Visual Arts Scholastic Events, which go all the way up to the state level for the most talented and creative artists. “We encourage our students to be involved in those events,” said Barnes. “We do a lot of area competitions.” Debbie Schaefer teaches ceramics in the program and Anita Laurenz is an art teacher who is new to the district this year, but Barnes and her 24 years of experience is certainly the ringleader of the department. The goal of the trio is to provide a place where creativity can be honed, but that can only happen if students open their minds, she said. “We want the art department to be a place where students can explore,” said Barnes. “We provide them with an outlet.”

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Emily Newman/Jacklyn Meers celebrate receiving their grants from the Liberty Hill Education Foundation. The first round of grants were awarded in March 2021.

GRANTS IN ACTION Liberty Hill Education Foundation grants being implemented across the district. Story By Rachel Madison | Courtesy Photos

arlier this year in its first-ever grant cycle, the Liberty Hill ISD Education Foundation (LHEF) awarded 15 grants to teachers totaling nearly $13,000. Those classroom grants are now being implemented to make each school an even better place. LHEF was created in 2019 to support educational programs for both students and staff of LHISD. The Foundation provides funds—through donations from the community—for educational programs and activities, such as student scholarships and teaching grants, which have not been funded or have been underfunded by the normal operating budget. Through the first grant cycle, a variety of unique and innovative programs and ideas are now being implemented. For example, the second-grade team at Liberty Hill Elementary, led by Amy Rampy, was awarded a grant for $1,650 to fund hands-on science kits on the topics of earth materials and matter. “This was something that our campus didn’t have, and it was my vision was to start building a collection of these resources for all the grade levels to be able to use,” she said. “We are starting small scale, so my team and I wrote a grant to start a collection of second grade materials. With the grant, we’ve ordered two different science kits to give kids hands-on activities. It’s another professional resource we can pull from.” Rampy hopes the program will see success among the second graders and then be able to branch out to other grade levels. “It would be a great resource to have a science center for the whole district to pull materials from,” she said. “It’s a vision that I can help with, and it’s a really valuable resource, especially with the growth in our district.” At Rancho Sienna Elementary, learning coach Alison Jalufka was awarded a grant for $500 to fund a mind-body wellness program for students and staff. “Teachers are busy and stressed,” she said. “High teacher stress can negatively impact student learning in the classroom. We need teachers to take care of themselves. I want to introduce teachers to being healthy through mindfulness,

LHISD ConnectED | August 2021

social-emotional learning and yoga.” Jalufka added that when teachers are taking care of themselves, they are also modeling important mind-body wellness strategies for the students in their classroom. “It will be my goal to teach the teachers how to introduce these mind-body wellness strategies to their students,” she said. “Happy teachers create happy students. I hope that mind-body wellness will increase student learning in the classroom.” At Liberty Hill High School, life skills teachers Christine Huppee and Julie Bowse were awarded a grant for $1,130 to fund an independent life skills sensory room for students with special needs. “We’ve been without a true sensory room since 2013 when the high school was first opened, but we needed a true sensory room that students can go to when they need to calm down and need to process things,” Bowse said. “We really hope the room will ultimately reduce anxiety and improve behavior and help the students have more achievement on their IEP goals.” Huppee added that over the last few years, she’s seen several behaviors that she knows if the students had a place to go, they would be happier. The room will be used to reduce behaviors caused by stress or anxiety. “A sensory room brings in so much, whether it’s them tossing a ball into a tube 20 times and finally feeling ready to go work or sitting in a corner watching a fish tank and being soothed by the lights and sounds,” she said. “We give every kid an opportunity and want them to be successful, but a lot of times it’s their environment holding them back, and we want to set them up for success.” One of the biggest aspects within the sensory room is a sensory wall, which will contain a variety of different sensory activities for students. There will be latches that can open and shut, a variety of textured items to feel, wheels to spin, doorknobs to turn, and buttons, lights and other items that can be pushed. There will also be a variety of combination locks students can lock and unlock, beads they can move along wires, and bicycle bells and horns for making noise. “We will implement the room as soon as school starts,” Bowse said. “We will also have hopscotch for gross motor skills, a swinging chair for soothing and comforting, and a giant crash pad they can fall down on and lie on.” “We want a better quality of life for these kids,” Huppee said. “We want to give them the most typical student experience we possibly can.” The Liberty Hill ISD Education Foundation’s board is made up of a group of more than 20 local citizens who are parents, former educators, business owners and advocates for learning in Liberty Hill. For many of the board members, the grant program is what fueled their desire to join the organization. President John Newburg said

“Teachers have endless ideas and imaginations for how they want to engage and inspire our students, but sometimes their budgets aren’t as endless.” – Chris Staton

grants are a cornerstone of the Foundation because the district’s teachers are the best innovators when it comes to children’s education. “With our financial support they can try new teaching ideas, or ideas that have worked elsewhere and implement them here,” he said. Chris Staton, vice president of development for the Foundation, said as a former teacher, there is no better organization for him to be a part of. “Teachers have endless ideas and imaginations for how they want to engage and inspire our students, but sometimes their budgets aren’t as endless,” he said. “The LHEF helps fill in those monetary gaps and allows teachers to create the learning environments they envision. The grants I am looking forward to seeing in action the most are the several we gave out in the STEM fields. My past as a math teacher drives my passion towards these subjects. Michelle Hawley, vice president of marketing and events for the Foundation added that she is passionate about supporting the district’s educators. “Being able to support our teachers and students through our grants program is why I joined LHEF,” she said. “Teachers spend a lot of their own money to bring innovation to their classrooms, and LHEF’s mission is to support them with those needs. Each grant being implemented this fall brings value to our students and enrichment to the classrooms across the district. I’m looking forward to seeing all of them in action and how each will improve the quality of education in Liberty Hill ISD.”

AWARDED GRANTS

LIBERTY HILL ELEMENTARY

• E mily Newman was awarded a grant for $515 to fund Heggerty Daily Phonemic Awareness Curriculum for the first grade. Teachers will use a phonemic awareness curriculum that is an explicit and systematic approach in which students are practicing blending, segmenting, isolating and manipulating words, syllables and more. • L indsey Jameyson, Marcy Mueller and Linda Golemi were awarded a grant for $1,080 to fund a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) lab. STEAM projects allow students and teachers to focus on the 4 Cs: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. • T erry Mayer was awarded a grant for $500 to fund an outdoor learning environment for both general education and special education students. This environment will allow students to master their academic and social-emotional goals in their Individualized Education Plan. It will also develop their creativity, problem-solving, independence and confidence by actively exploring their outdoor learning environment.

BILL BURDEN ELEMENTARY • C assidy Ness was awarded a grant for $960 to fund mice for technology efficacy for fourth grade. The grant will fund 160 wireless, USB-compatible, computer mice to help all fourth-grade readers toward literary efficacy. • K atrina Tomlin was awarded a grant for $500 to fund “You Write Up My Life,” a program with LCD writing tablets that will engage students in learning while also increasing instructional time in a small group setting.

SANTA RITA ELEMENTARY • The first-grade team was awarded a grant for $955 to fund “Books for Reading TEKS Success.” Having a diverse selection of books will help the first-grade team to model and teach the reading skills (TEKS) that will help students meet their goals. • J acklyn Meers was awarded a grant for $200 to fund building and imaginative play by adding Magna-Tiles to her classroom’s building center, which will help to improve critical thinking skills, problem solving, imaginative play and creativity. • J essica Carter was awarded a grant for $1,950 to fund “Building Confidence in Math” with Bridges Intervention kits. The program provides target instruction, assessment, support, and progress monitoring for students from kindergarten through fifth grade. • R achel Montemayor was awarded a grant for $600 to fund enrichments for Spanish class. These enrichments will include books, dance and crafts. All students on campus will have access to this enrichment in Spanish class.

LIBERTY HILL ISD – DISTRICTWIDE • J olie Jennings and Lauren Claymon were awarded a grant for $670 to fund “Let’s Take Learning and Libraries on the Road!” The two partnered with the Liberty Hill Public Library to distribute books, STEM kits and WiFi to the Liberty Hill community throughout the summer. • B ridget Friday was awarded a grant for $1,010 to fund a Ready Bodies, Learning Minds Motor Lab. The purpose of the Ready Bodies, Learning Minds curriculum is to expand the district’s motor lab to help all students address their academic and physical needs. Students’ needs are addressed in task-oriented circuit training, supported by consistent, foundational exercises offering developmental support for the sensory and motor systems.

Christine Huppee and Julie Bowse were awarded a Liberty Hill Education Foundation grant for $1,130 to fund an independent life skills sensory wall at Liberty Hill High School.

• M issy Whitsett was awarded a grant for $700 to fund a “Pawsitive Parenting” program. This district-wide initiative will support parents with the social-emotional wellness and mental health needs of students. Through professional presentations and workshops, parents will be able to learn more about child development, trauma, behavior, and mental health supports and strategies. August 2021 | LHISD ConnectED

Santa Rita Ranch Middle School Fall 2021

LHISD ConnectED | August 2021

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LHHS memorabilia from the collection of local historian Gary Spivey shows LHHS pennants in various colors. The Panther has been the mascot since the 1920s and was the name of the yearbook.

Origin of Liberty Hill Mascot and Colors is an Interesting Tale Story by Scott Akanewich

ack in the early part of the 20th Century, long before Panthers became a staple of Liberty Hill’s existence due to the high school football team’s exploits on the gridiron, the much-loved mascot’s real-life relative roamed the hill country. In fact, it was the presence of the prowlers that first inspired the local learning institution to adopt it as its identity. Local historian Kate Ludlow confirmed the existence of the not-so-cuddly creatures, which posed much more of a threat to residents at the time than a blitzing linebacker. “Oh, yes, there were definitely panthers still around at that time,” said Ludlow, a Liberty Hill Class of 2000 alum. “All the old-timers would swear you could see them along the road.” The first mention of “Panther” as far as Liberty Hill lore is concerned was in a senior scrapbook in 1920, with the moniker being formally adopted for the first time in 1928, when the Liberty Hill yearbook was also named The Panther. However, the second piece to the modern-day puzzle of where Liberty Hill’s identity originated – the school’s colors – didn’t materialize until almost a decade later in 1937, when purple and gold were chosen to permanently replace the maroon and white that had been used up to that point. But, even in the days predating the Purple-and-Gold, the school’s colors were

LHISD ConnectED | August 2021

never really cut and dry, said Kandice Wright, daughter of local historian Gary Spivey and one herself. “Each year before then, the senior class would actually choose its own colors every year,” said Wright, whose family collection of memorabilia features pennants of various colors representing different years up until the modern-day color scheme was chosen. According to Wright, back in those early days, football hadn’t yet begun to dominate the local sports landscape. “Baseball was actually much bigger at the time,” said Wright. “It wasn’t until years later when football took over.” Ludlow also inherited her knack for history cultivation from her grandfather, Troy Joseph, who she said didn’t take too kindly whenever the Panthers would experiment with different color schemes. “For example, if he felt the football team was using too much black in their uniforms, he would let (former Liberty Hill head football) Coach (Jerry) Vance know,” she said. “It was always really important for him to not break with tradition and if they were going to, he wanted to know the reason why. But, it was always in a good-natured way.” So, there you have it. No longer need one be wary of panthers of the frisky feline variety lurking about the Liberty Hill city limits. Only opposing teams who venture into Panther Stadium or The Panther Den should have a healthy fear of the Purple-andGold – a tradition of excellence whose seeds were planted nearly a century ago, but continue to produce the fruits of victory.

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Move to middle school model makes good sense Continued district growth catalyst for change

hange is coming this fall to the layout of Liberty Hill ISD, as the brand-new Santa Rita Middle School opens, and along with it the rebranding of what was the junior high into Liberty Hill Middle School. Liberty Hill Intermediate School will no longer exist as the bridge between elementary school and junior high. Under the new format, middle school will include sixth, seventh and eighth grades, as opposed to the previous system in which the intermediate level contained fifth and sixth grades and the junior high held seventh and eighth. According to Liberty Hill ISD Superintendent Steve Snell, the move was made due to the continued growth of the district and the ever-increasing number of students it’s serving. “As we continue to grow, the district is outgrowing the current high school,” said Snell. “When we eventually build a second high school, we’ll have a middle school to service each one.” Despite additions to Liberty Hill High School in recent years, the buildings are still bursting at the seams with over 1,100 students in a school built for approximately 750. Snell said the middle-school system in Texas has been around since the 1980s, so it’s not a new concept – just new for Liberty Hill – which meant much legwork was required in order to transition from old to new. “We did a lot of work to be able to adopt the middle-school philosophy,” he said.

LHISD ConnectED | August 2021

“We want to be able to transitions eighthgraders so they’ll be ready for high school.” What that philosophy involves is cultivating an environment in which synergy is encouraged, but still with one eye on students’ individual needs, said Snell. “It’s all about how we incorporate training concepts, which are projectbased, but with a focus in individualized learning,” he said. “This way, a group of 120 students can share the same group of teachers.” Santa Rita Middle School Principal Josh Curtis said the new system will eliminate the limbo-like atmosphere of the intermediate step of the process. “I think under the old system, the fifth-graders were just coming in from elementary school and the sixth-graders were already looking to move on to junior high,” he said. “So, there wasn’t a chance to learn what’s it’s like to be a leader.” What was the Intermediate School is now Louine Noble Elementary School, housing students through fifth grade. Curtis added the district is simply following a statewide trend toward having middle schools as opposed to junior highs. “This is what the state of Texas is doing,” he said. “So, it’s a model we wanted to follow.” Snell said as long as Liberty Hill’s population continues to expand, so will the need for more schools. “As we grow, we’ll add more middle schools,” he said. “We’re always focused on the student experience.” STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

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NEW ATHLETIC PROGRAM PRESENTS CHALLENGES Santa Rita Middle School will also be known as the Panthers Story By Scott Akanewich

his fall, there will be some new teams on the fields and courts of Liberty Hill, but one thing will remain the same. They will still be known as Panthers. Santa Rita Middle School – Liberty Hill ISD’s newest addition – will be up and running this fall and with it, a brand-new athletic program will be in place for young local athletes to hone their skills in the hopes of one day starring for high school varsity squads. According to LHISD Athletic Director Kent Walker, beginning a program from the ground up is enjoyable, albeit a bit challenging. “It’s been a lot of fun – especially making sure the kids have everything they need in the way of equipment and so forth,” said Walker. “Although it’s been a bit of trial-and-error.” Santa Rita will feature teams in football, volleyball, cross country, basketball, soccer, track and field, golf and tennis. Perhaps the biggest difference from a student-athlete perspective will be the increased playing opportunities due to the fact there will now be twice the number of teams across all the different sports. “It will definitely be better,” said Walker. “Because more kids will get the chance to play now – it’s no fun watching and we want them to have fun.” One of Walker’s biggest responsibilities was the hiring of 12 additional coaches and said it was a process preoccupied with

finding the right candidates to fill out the puzzle. “When we hire coaches, we look for people I call ‘kid magnets,’” he said. “Someone the kids want to play for and be around. I always ask them the question, ‘If I ask a former player of yours about you, what do you think they’ll say?’ You can get to know a lot about someone that way.” Chance Vineyard will be the boys’ coordinator at Santa Rita and is chomping at the bit to get after it, he said. “I’m just super-excited about this opportunity,” said Vineyard. “I feel really good about this.” Vineyard said one of the biggest obstacles for him will be establishing an identity for the new program. “What we want to do is create a culture all our own,” he said. “But, we also know we have a tradition to live up to as far as winning and we need to make sure we don’t lower that standard at all.” One thing that will be slightly different for the newest Panthers in the Liberty Hill sports family will be the absence of gold in the team’s uniforms, relying primarily on purple and black. However, one thing will stay the same, said Santa Rita girls’ coordinator Scott Houston. “We just want to take care of the kids,” he said. “All of us got into education for a reason, so we need to always be there for them.”

Having two middle schools will provide increased opportunities for more students to play sports. (Photo by Alex Rubio) 38

LHISD ConnectED | August 2021

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$1 8 0 mi l l i on i s s u an ce ge ts num ero us pro je cts unde rway Story by Rachel Madison

Liberty Hill Elementary School, the oldest campus in the district in continuous use, will see a new facade in addition to a second-floor classroom addition.

he Liberty Hill Independent School District’s 2021 bond package was approved by voters in May, and this summer, steps have already been taken to bring those projects to life. ONS & RENOVATIONS TO LIBERTY HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | LIBERTY HILL ISDhave “The 2021 bond program is started, and we PY ONLY | JULY 19, 2021 essentially hit the gas,” said Casey Sledge of Sledge EGULATORY APPROVAL, PERMITTING OR CONSTRUCTION. MICHAEL T. BOYLE TX - 18083 Engineering, who serves as program manager for the district’s bond projects. “Early in the program we have a lot of contacts to make and designs to get started, so there’s not much to look at yet, but design work is happening and paperwork is happening.” Sledge said because the $491.7 million bond package includes a large list of projects to be done, the district decided to break it down into several cash issuances to fund the projects as needed over the next four to five years. The first issuance, which Sledge said is essentially the first phase, was $180 million and covers a wide variety of projects, from renovations at multiple campuses to additional buses for transporting students. Sledge said one of the main questions he gets from the community is why not much construction has been seen right away, but that’s because most of the projects are still in the behind-the-scenes stages, besides the renovations taking place at Liberty Hill Elementary and the new Louine Noble Elementary. “We have Hill and Noble we were already moving on, but with the rest of the projects, it’s very important that we get the design and planning done correctly,” he said. “We want to get it right and not rush to point of making an error. As soon as we’re fully ready, we will go under construction, but not prior to that.” While LHE and Noble are two separate campuses, Sledge said the renovation projects at both schools are being treated as one with the same contractor for better pricing. The design of both renovations has been approved and a construction management company, Joeris, has been brought on board to CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

Current project list

EXTERIOR PERSP

Liberty Hill High School

addition . . ................................................................................... $ 6,000,000 $ 6,000,000 09 Stadium . . ................................................................................... total........................................................................................ $12,000,000

liberty hill middle school Renovation . . .............................................................................. $18,000,000

santa rita middle school addition . . ................................................................................... $8,000,000

liberty hill elementary addition . . ................................................................................. $12,000,000

louine noble elementary renovation & addition............................................................... $10,000,000

new elementary #6 new building............................................................................. $ 42,000,000

district wide security & technology security cameras, access controls, waps, network.. .................. $1,000,000

District wide major maintenance roofing/hvac/other.................................................................. $ 6,050,000

district network upgrades fiber infrastructure. . ............................................................... $ 6,500,000

technology devices technology equipment.............................................................. $ 2,000,000

administration & transition center renovation . . ............................................................................... $ 4,000,000

transportation buses............................................................................................ $ 450,000

land land & infrastructure............................................................. $ 58,000,000

TOTAL............................................................... $180,000,000 August 2021 | LHISD ConnectED

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TOILET TOILET CONVERSION OF LIBERTY HILL IS TO NOBLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | LIBERTY HILL ISD

CONVERSION OF LIBERTY HILL IS TO NOBLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | LIBERTY HILL ISD DRAFT COPY ONLY | JULY 19, 2021

STO.

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TOILET TOILET FORLIBERTY REGULATORY APPROVAL, OR CONSTRUCTION. MICHAEL T. BOYLE TX - 18083 CONVERSION OF HILL IS TOPERMITTING NOBLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | LIBERTY HILL DRAFT COPY ONLY | JULY 19, NOT 2021 NOTOF FORLIBERTY REGULATORY APPROVAL, PERMITTING OR CONSTRUCTION.SCHOOL MICHAEL T. BOYLE TX - 18083 DRAFT COPY ONLY JULY 19, 2021 VERSION HILL IS |TO NOBLE ELEMENTARY | LIBERTY HILL ISDSTORAGE STORAGE BOYS

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ISD

NOT FOR REGULATORY APPROVAL, PERMITTING OR CONSTRUCTION. MICHAEL T. BOYLE TX - 18083

COPY ONLY | JULY 19, 2021 CONVERSION OF LIBERTY HILL IS TO NOBLE STORAGE R REGULATORY APPROVAL, PERMITTINGDRAFT OR CONSTRUCTION. MICHAEL T. BOYLE TX - 18083 COPY ONLY | JULY 19, 2021

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STORAGE | LIBERTY HILL ISD

TOILET

CLASSROOM FLEX CLASSROOM

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CONVERSION OF LIBERTY HILL IS TO NOBLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | LIBERTY HILL ISD

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Louine Noble Elementary will receive a classroom addition onto the back of the school. Noble, which opens to elementary grades this fall, 07 LL IS TO NOBLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | LIBERTY HILL ISD previously served only fifth and sixth grades as Liberty Hill Intermediate School. DRAFT COPY ONLY | JULY 19, 2021

TTING OR CONSTRUCTION.SCHOOL MICHAEL T. BOYLE TX - 18083 BLE ELEMENTARY | LIBERTY HILL

ISD

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45 help with the LL IS TO NOBLE SCHOOL | LIBERTY HILL ISD earlyELEMENTARY stages of the project, like acquiring

RUCTION. MICHAEL T. BOYLE TX - 18083

materials and adding input to the design phase prior to the project going out to bid. Sledge said both schools are set to have their renovations completed by fall 2022. “I don’t anticipate we’ll be ready for the first day of school in 2022, but we are working on that,” he said. “We will definitely open the new wings next fall. The nice thing is the campuses will both be active with students already, so no one has to move campuses.” Other projects currently underway include elementary #6, middle school #3 and the expansion of Liberty Hill Middle School. Sledge said these three projects are all under negotiations with three different architects, and after they’re approved by the Board of Trustees, design on those schools will begin. Elementary #6 and the expansion of LHMS are set to be completed in fall 2023, while middle school #3 is set to be completed in fall 2024.

LHISD ConnectED | August 2021

FLOOR PLAN - WITH ADDITION

NORTH

0’

30’

Two more projects happening include the Liberty Hill High School and stadium expansion project and the Santa Rita Middle School expansion project. The school board decided to go with the design-build-delivery method for these two campuses, which means one firm will be hired to do the entire process from design to delivery. The board is set to decide on the firms they’ll use in August, and then those projects will begin. SRMS’s expansion is slated to be complete by fall 2022, and the LHHS expansion project is set to be complete by fall 2023. Other projects being funded with the first cash issuance include district-wide campus security, campus technology, technology devices, buses and land acquisition. “These are some of the things that are really ongoing as the district grows,” Sledge said. “The district has already purchased quite a few new devices and will be purchasing buses soon. Land acquisition is always ongoing at this point.”

Sledge 07added that the intended opening dates of each of the building 07 as they are still projects could change, actively working on detailed schedules and budgets for each project. “The bond program is really about growth and maintaining equity for the students,” Sledge said. “Because Liberty Hill is a fast-growth district, the staff is also having to expand to keep up, which brings in a lot of new teachers and administrative staff. We’re excited to work with them on the models for the types of facilities they want to build.” Sledge added that because so much new staff is coming in, his firm will have the ability to develop the right standards for the teachers to keep the facilities on pace with the way they want to educate. “You don’t often get to do that if the district is already large, so this is really exciting for Liberty Hill,” he said. Sledge anticipates the second cash issuance for the bond will take place at the end of 2022 or beginning of 2023.

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Moving on in the wake of COVID Students, teachers, parents, administrators all learned from experience Story By Scott Akanewich | Courtesy Photos

hen Gabby Mundy walks into Liberty Hill High School on her first day as a Panther freshman, she will enter a world that has dramatically changed over the course of the past 18 months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Mundy is already well-versed in exactly how to function in her brave, new world after being part of a COVID planning team during her final year at Liberty Hill Junior High as an eighth-grader, an experience that provided her with the confidence to move forward in an uncertain environment, she said. “We talked about how the classrooms should be as far as being properly sanitized and so forth,” said Mundy. “Also, we figured out how it was going to work when we went back to school in person.” In addition, Mundy was herself forced to quarantine for 10 days due to contact tracing. Upon her return, she was part of a theatre production the junior high put on called “Mask Up,” which was a pandemic parody. Mundy continued to attend school in person due to her desire for face-to-face education, she said. “For me, going in person, I definitely learn more,” said Mundy. “Remote learning was much more difficult.”

TEACHING IN TRYING TIMES

Autumn Violetto is a second-grade teacher at Santa Rita Elementary School. She found herself on the educational front lines as she attempted to juggle the burden of both teaching in person 48

LHISD ConnectED | August 2021

and remotely – which made it a challenge to achieve the kind of chemistry needed for optimum learning, she said. “It was definitely hard to connect with families,” she said. “Usually, it would take about six weeks to build relationships, so it left me thinking ‘How do I connect with the kids?’” Violetto found she needed to reinvent how business was done in her classroom as a result of health restrictions. “I had to introduce an entirely different classroom culture,” she said. “It was hard for all of us and a difficult situation – especially when you’re dealing with second-graders.” From not being able to configure classroom seating as she normally would to only two children per table in the cafeteria to having to wear masks at all times, Violetto felt as if the usual trials and tribulations of teaching were multiplied exponentially. “The pandemic was one of the biggest barriers we could’ve possibly faced,” she said. “The kids had social hurdles to overcome and for a lot of them there was frustration like ‘Why can’t we just do things like normal?’” In the end, though, Violetto feels as if the situation was mitigated as much as possible as a result of the efforts of everyone involved, she said. “Everybody in the district should be really proud,” said Violetto. “We did everything we could and it was good we had each other. Moving forward, I think it’s going to be a very good year.”

Messana credited the school district with a job well done in managing a seemingly unmanageable situation. “We feel very blessed to be in Liberty Hill,” he said. “The district did an amazing job – a much better job than we expected – especially as far as communication with parents and how everything was handled.”

LEADING FROM THE FRONT

From inside his office as principal at Liberty Hill High School, Jonathan Bever is at the controls of an institution that is about to return for the fall semester after the tough times of last year. According to Bever, the fact his school was able to finish off an entire year during a pandemic is a tribute to the efforts of everyone in the building. “I think we were very successful,” said Bever. “Our STAAR test scores were still good and we only had 12 seniors who didn’t graduate as a direct result of the pandemic.” However, in order to get there, a myriad of measures needed to be put in place – and all under conditions for which there was no playbook or blueprint on which to base an action plan. “We had to be able to generate a plan

based on synchronous or asynchronous learning,” he said. “Our behavior changed and it was a completely different culture and atmosphere.” Despite all that, though, once in-person learning began again, Bever said there remained trepidation concerning how exactly the plan would take effect. “We weren’t sure what would happen and were concerned with what daily activities would bring,” he said. “We didn’t have a lot of sick students and just wanted to be safe.” In the end, Bever said he and his staff learned valuable lessons. “We found out how powerful technology can be in being beneficial as far as time is concerned,” he said. “But, it also took a lot of work for teachers to be involved with their students.” As staff and students begin a new school year, the uncertainty of COVID continues. Superintendent Steve Snell has encouraged employees to get vaccinated and wear masks, but a Governor’s order prohibits the district from requiring those safety protocols. For updates on district guidelines throughout the school year, visit https:// sites.google.com/libertyhill.txed.net/ lhisdcovid2021-22/home.

ON THE HOME FRONT

During the entire process of how the pandemic was handled, parents were the ones who found themselves caught in two minds – on one hand wanting their children to be properly educated, but also kept safe. Steve Messana has a pair of children – the youngest of whom, Sarah Jane – is starting first grade after successfully completing kindergarten last year during the pandemic. “Our biggest question was ‘How would all this affect the learning aspect for our daughter?’” said Messana. “How would she handle all the restrictions? Would she not want to go to school?” However, his concerns were allayed once his daughter began school. “I can honestly say there was zero negative effect on her at all,” said Messana. “Things like having to wear masks and the dividers between students quickly became second nature.” Much to his delight, Messana said Sarah Jane required no extra parental attention to ready her for what she would encounter at school each day. “It was really an amazing revelation,” he said. “As parents, we didn’t have to do anything at all. Maybe it was the newness of going to school, but she went and kept wanting to go back and now she can’t wait for school to start again.”

The cast of “Mask Up”, a theatre production by Liberty Hill Junior High students, was a pandemic parody.

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Internships offer real workplace experience Students gain skills during summer vacation Story by Rachel Madison Courtesy Photos

ome Liberty Hill High School students have spent the summer learning skills that will give them lifelong opportunities in a variety of technical careers through the Career and Technical Education department’s first-ever summer internship program. Ricky Prescott, CTE teacher and program coordinator, wanted to get students involved in the type of work they were already doing, but outside of the classroom, particularly in the high school’s new construction program. “I know most kids already work during the summer, so why not get them started in their career path?” he said. “We got a grant from [the Texas Education Agency] to facilitate the internship program. It helps the kids to not only make some good money, but also to earn work-based learning credits. That goes on their transcript, which is an automatic for any type of scholarships. These kids graduate with a diploma and real work experience—that makes them different. There is really something to them.” In this first year of the program, Prescott said he has 15 students working at various companies across Liberty Hill and surrounding cities, including Liberty Air, Baker Triangle and Winkley’s. “I have one girl training horses, and I have another working in welding and building the chains for giant diggers that put in underground powerlines for windmills at wind farms,” Prescott said. “I have another kid building robots that build computer chips for automobiles, and a couple that are working as electricians and another working as a plumber.” Another student in the program works as a drywall specialist, while another builds high-end furniture for a local furniture shop. “Most of the kids will continue these jobs where they are at,” Prescott said. “I have one student working as a welder, and the guy he works for told him, ‘I’ll buy you a Ford truck and hand you the keys when you walk across

LHHS senior Garrett Castillo is spending his summer working on building chains for giant diggers that install underground powerlines for windmills at wind farms.

LHISD ConnectED | August 2021

“I am completing my internship at Revelle Welding and Fabricating. I weld alongside my boss and teacher Shaun Revelle, repairing parts on trenchers and other projects as they come up. I have had the opportunity to expand my welding abilities, learn tricks of the trade, and get tips from Shaun that I will be able to use throughout my career.” – Garrett Castillo, incoming senior

I’m working at Evets Global, which is a semi-conductor supplier. We make machines that make microchips and sell them to different companies. I help out any way I can, which includes welding gas lines and cleaning parts, and it’s been good because it gives me a source of income and it gives me something productive to do with my time.” - Charlie Ferrell, incoming senior

Charles Ferrell, an incoming senior, is working this summer to help build a robotic machine that builds computer chips for automobiles.

LHHS student Christian Hunter works on a plumbing project at the Teravista subdivision in Round Rock. Hunter has spent his summer working in the plumbing industry through the CTE’s internship program.

that stage to get your diploma.’ I’ve cold called a lot of these companies to see if they’d like to get involved, and most of them say yes.” The internship program runs June 1 through Aug. 17. Students are incoming juniors and seniors, so after school starts, they will be on a different training program that allows them to attend school full-time and work. Prescott hopes the program will expand to other areas of CTE in the future, like computer sciences and engineering. He is actively looking for more companies to partner with for future internships, because he believes the program will continue to grow. “We have so many students with talents that can do so many things, not just construction-based work,” he said. “These kids need to be recruited in high school, not when they are 19 or 20 years old. They need to be rolling when they walk out the high school doors. Most of the companies we work with are here in Liberty Hill, and they’ve really opened up the door for us. If you invest in a kid and care enough to train them, the relationship you build is just tremendous for that company.” Prescott said the internship program is not only good for the students in the program, but also to show the general public that going into the trades for a career can be a lucrative choice. “We’ve told kids for years you need to go to college and get a degree, and that’s not always the case,” he said. “If students can figure out what trade they are good at, or at least learn a trade so they can pay for college, that’s something. There’s no telling how much these students [in the internship program] will be making a few years from now. Most of them are working 40 to 60 hours a week this summer and making really good money.” Not only are the students learning the skills needed for their future careers, but they are also learning how to do things like manage their time and work alongside others in a team setting. “That’s a big deal for a 17-year-old kid, and eventually, some of these kids will make more money than I do and I’ve been teaching for 25 years,” Prescott said. “This is not just a summer internship, it’s the beginning of a career.” Prescott added that starting the program has been rewarding for him, and he believes he’s just seen the tip of the iceberg. “I don’t know what it’ll look like in years to come, but we’re going to stick with it and keep training these kids,” he said. “Most of them don’t believe they can do it. It’s not that they’re too young, it’s all about if they have the character to do it, and these ones do.” August 2021 | LHISD ConnectED

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PANTHERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE LHHS sibling alumni dedicate careers to serving others healthcare Story By Rachel Madison | Courtesy Photos

iblings Travis Baker and Brittney Majefski have deep roots in Liberty Hill. They both attended Liberty Hill schools from kindergarten through high school graduation, with Baker graduating in 2003 and Majefski graduating in 2005. And that’s not all they have in common—both of them have also chosen careers in healthcare.

TRAVIS BAKER

During high school, Baker played basketball and was an athletic trainer for the Panther football team. He also participated in UIL, Student Council and National Honor Society. His senior year was very unique, because he graduated early. “I had taken an EMT class between my junior and senior years, but I couldn’t become certified until I had a GED or diploma,” he said. “I asked around and decided to just sit for the GED test and then graduate high school six months later. I graduated in December and worked full time for a fire department as an EMT. Twice a week I went to school and did all the senior stuff, like Project Grad.” Baker knew he wanted to work in healthcare. His initial interest

Travis Baker (right) graduated from Liberty Hill High School in 2003 and went on to become a firefighter and physician’s assistant. Baker works for Austin Emergency Medical Services, and remembers his time in Liberty Hill fondly.

LHISD ConnectED | August 2021

was in EMS and firefighting. After high school he went to Texas A&M where he earned a bachelor’s degree in allied health and volunteered for the student-run fire department. After graduation, Baker worked as a firefighter full time for the College Station Fire Department as well as the Burnet Fire Department. He then went on to graduate school at the University of Washington in Seattle, where he earned a master’s degree in clinical health services. He followed that up with a fellowship at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, and then dove headfirst into working in emergency medicine. He worked in the ER, as well as in critical care and the intensive care unit. In early 2019, he was contacted by the medical director for Austin EMS, because they were starting a pilot program where they planned to put a physician’s assistant out in the field. Baker took a risk in taking on the role, but is glad he did, even though he’s still the only PA in the field in the area. “I have one of the coolest jobs in the world,” he said. “I’m one of the only PAs doing this in the state of Texas. My day-to-day just depends, but I take calls for consults, like answering questions

about how to treat someone or what they need. I can prescribe medicine for people being treated on the street. I also respond in the field. I target certain 9-1-1 calls, and because of my critical care experience, I do carry blood, a ventilator, an ultrasound [device], and I can even sew or staple people up.” Another facet of Baker’s job is to support community health paramedic programs, like providing managed care for the homeless population, and teaching classes in the department’s academy. His favorite thing about his job is being able to serve the public every day. “I want to protect people from themselves and protect others from them as they make a mistake,” he said. “That type of service was embedded in how I was raised. I see people on their worst day and I get to serve them and try to help them. I miss being full time in the hospital, but when I get to interact with fire crews and see the public, that’s where my heart is.” Baker credits his teachers at LHHS for giving him a love of education and learning, adding that they all took a real interest in him as a student and his aspirations. “Liberty Hill is a small town, but an excellent community,” Baker said. “There are amazing people that come out of there. I hope to eventually raise my family in a small community like Liberty Hill, because it set me up for success. If you have a goal, it can happen if you set your mind to it. It doesn’t matter if you’re coming from a little town in Texas, you can make it and be proud of where you came from.”

to help these kids build coping skills that will help them go on to live healthy, happy lives despite having real challenges along the way.” Majefski, a strong believer in lifelong learning, hopes to pursue a doctoral degree in nursing. “My family has been in Liberty Hill for a long time,” Majefski said. “It’s definitely rooted in us. We both had such a great education and felt extremely supported by everyone from teachers to coaches to friends’ families. Liberty Hill gave us the foundation we needed to go on and be successful.”

Brittney Majefski, a 2005 graduate of LHHS, is director of nursing at Meridell Achievement Center in Liberty Hill. She and her brother, Travis Baker (right), pursued careers in healthcare.

BRITTNEY MAJEFSKI

Majefski remembers her time at LHHS fondly. She played volleyball, tennis, basketball and softball, was involved in the National Honor Society and Student Council and dabbled in theatre and UIL events. “I had a great time in high school,” she said. “I had a unique class. Our class was a group of people that despite having differences, we all meshed well together. Liberty Hill has grown so much that you probably have to be more selective with what you do now, but I was able to do a lot.” After high school, Majefski followed her brother and attended Texas A&M University where she entered the business school. She quickly learned she wasn’t passionate about business, but after volunteering at a hospital during the same time, she realized nursing was her path. Having an older brother who always knew he wanted to work in healthcare was also a big influence. She transferred to University of Texas at Austin, completed another year of college, and then decided to take a break. “I knew I wanted to do something working with people, but I was conflicted,” she said. “After about a year break, I decided on nursing because it was still calling to me. I ended up going to Austin Community College’s nursing program, which was an amazing experience.” After earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing, Majefski got married and then went on to University of Texas at Arlington to pursue a master’s degree in nursing education. “My passion is definitely mental health nursing,” she said. “I have had a lot of great opportunities. I worked as a floor nurse, in infection control, as an assistant director, and now I work as the director of nursing at [Meridell Achievement Center] in Liberty Hill. I also have a passion for nursing education and inspiring young nurses about this career path.” This fall, Majefski will also be working as a professor at UT Austin for a group of alternate entry students, who are students who have bachelor’s degrees in different fields of study but have decided to pursue nursing. “One of the things I love is the ability to help empower people to be their best self for our patients,” she said of her role at Meridell. “I see my role as a liaison and resource finder, and I like to help guide nurses on the path of patient advocacy and making sure we offer patients the best we can. I’m trying to help normalize the fact that there are mental illnesses in this world that we need to understand better and de-stigmatize. I work with adolescents, and the goal is August 2021 | LHISD ConnectED

Shining

out of the

Spotlight Behind-the-scenes support critical to success Story by Scott Akanewich

In her role as learning coach, Christina Tucker helps teachers at Santa Rita Elementary School plan lessons and devise more effective teaching techniques based on student needs.

s with many organizations, Liberty Hill ISD couldn’t function properly without the efforts of individuals who toil away far from the spotlight, but whose contributions to the overall success of the district are critical. From an athletic administrative assistant to a head nurse to a learning coach, these are only a few of the many unsung heroes who make things happen with nothing more at the end of each day than a job well done.

ADMIN ACE

Anyone who enters Liberty Hill athletic director Kent Walker’s office will find Gina Ketchem at her desk just inside the main entrance to the field house. Ketchem, who is Walker’s administrative assistant, seemingly never looks away from the computer screen on which she does much of her work in helping keep the Panthers program running like a well-oiled machine. “I do lots of different things,” said Ketchem, who has been in her current position since 2017. “From entering schedules into the system, handling money aspects and ticket sales for all sporting events to receiving equipment for the different teams and making sure everything is correct.” Indeed, nothing happens in the athletic department without Ketchem knowing about it, and more times than not, playing a role – such as ensuring a game comes off properly before a ball is even put into play. “I have to make sure the game workers show up, make sure all the necessary equipment is there and the coaches have everything they need for the game,” said Ketchem. Last season proved even more challenging than usual in planning games due to the health guidelines brought on by the pandemic and the impact they had. “It was definitely a challenge which had many parts to it,” she said, of having to devise entrance and exit points for both teams at venues to maintain social distancing. “Also, getting parents to comply as far as wearing masks and only allowing certain amounts of tickets.” Ketchem was an administrative assistant to the principal at Liberty Hill Junior High for three years before making the move to the high school at the behest of former Panthers athletic director Jeff Walker 58

LHISD ConnectED | August 2021

and has been on board ever since. During her tenure was the football squad’s 2018 playoff run when the Panthers reached the Class 4A state championship game – only for her, Ketchem had the added bonus of her son, Brenden, being on the team. “It was definitely exciting seeing that season from the inside,” said Ketchem. “Seeing the boys come in every day for practice and the camaraderie they had.” Ketchem’s daughter, Paige, will be a junior this school year. On the wall adjacent from her desk is a sign that provides some simple, but sound advice. “Stay Humble, Work Hard, Have Fun.” Ketchem definitely embodies those tenets as she toils in relative obscurity in her vital role of maintaining administrative balance in the athletic department.

GIVING LEARNING A BOOST

Part of a teacher’s job description is to always be there for their students in offering support for all of their learning needs. But, what happens when teachers need help themselves? In Liberty Hill, they can turn to Christina Tucker, who is a learning coach at Santa Rita Elementary School and provides a variety of options to aid them in the form of everything from helping plan lessons to just offering advice. “We want to help teachers figure out what is working best in their classrooms,” said Tucker, who is also a teacher by trade herself. “I’ll have meetings with them and observe their classes to find out things we can do to make things better and what strategies are working best.”

Tucker employs all manner of learning techniques, such as what’s known as a “quick check,” in which a student is asked two questions concerning material they’ve just received instruction on – a method that measures how much information has been absorbed, she said. “Based on the answers they give us, we can determine how effective a lesson was,” said Tucker. One important aspect of the concept is to make students selfsufficient at particular points in the learning process. “We want students to be able to teach themselves and each other,” she said. “Because we know there’s more than one way for kids to learn, so we have to find out what strategies work for each individual.” In such instances, learning can definitely be a two-way street, with ideas moving back and forth on the knowledge highway, said Tucker. “Teachers can see and learn from students as far as what works and what doesn’t,” she said. Tucker tells stories of seeing students she helped early on in their academic lives blossom into who she always knew they could be – although it sometimes takes patience. “You don’t always see your impact right away,” said Tucker. “But, later on I like to know I’m making a difference.” Of course, having a passion for what one does also helps and Tucker has that and them some. “I truly love what I do,” she said. “I genuinely appreciate people who will trust and work with me. I’m super-blessed to be in this district and I’m excited to see us continue to grow.” According to Tucker, the critical component to establishing the synergy needed for optimum educational experiences is building bridges between those involved in every stage of the entire process, she said. “We can all grow and be better together,” said Tucker. “It’s all about building relationships.”

TAKING CARE OF KIDS

Eleven years ago, Michaella Ellis decided to leave behind the excitement of being an emergency room nurse and seek out something a bit more serene – but just as vital. So, the longtime healthcare veteran turned to the education sector to continue her career and was hired by Liberty Hill ISD as campus nurse at Liberty Hill Elementary School. Eventually, she worked her way up the chain and for the past four years has been the district’s lead nurse and has now earned the title of health services coordinator. “My job is to provide leadership from a health standpoint to all of the campuses in the district,” said Ellis. “In addition, I visit all the campuses and help assist, teach and guide health services to employees.” If all that seems like a lot to have on one’s plate, it certainly is, but it’s a role Ellis embraces, which includes coordinating all of

the screening tests students undergo for vision, hearing and scoliosis. Ellis said she was influenced early in her life to pursue a career in nursing by an aunt who always had interesting stories to tell about her profession. “I remember listening to all the things she would say,” she said. “All of it kind of inspired me.” After four years as a paramedic, Ellis transitioned to hospital care with stints in emergency rooms and intensive care units, but then motherhood dramatically altered Michaella Ellis is the district’s lead nurse her ideology as far and health services coordinator, helping as the confluence of ensure students and staff are properly career and family was cared for from a medical standpoint. concerned. “What it really had to do with was having five kids,” said Ellis. “It was always very important for me to put family first – right after God.” Ellis was put to the test last year during the height of the COVID pandemic, which she said provided her and her entire staff with myriad challenges. “The pandemic consumed us last year – we had to devote all of our time to COVID,” she said. “As soon as I would walk into my office in the morning, I would check for positive tests in the database, then would go to whatever school, walk into each classroom which had one and then work out spreadsheets for contact tracing to determine who needed to be quarantined.” Even under normal conditions, Ellis and her staff must remain vigilant in caring for at-risk students, she said. “We have what we call medically-fragile students,” said Ellis. “For example, kids who have diabetes who we need to see multiple times per day.” Ellis also spearheaded the initiative to install EpiPen stations at all of the district’s campuses to guard against unexpected allergic reactions – a happening that was brought about by a personal experience, she said. “When I was at the elementary school, we had a student who got stung by a bee and had a reaction,” said Ellis. “It was a big turning point for me.” Ellis said she derives a great deal of gratification from seeing students blossom before her very eyes. “Just the joy you see in the children’s faces, getting to see them grow and being part of that is great,” she said. “It’s much easier to learn when you’re healthy.” Even after all these years in the profession, Ellis said there still remains a misconception about what exactly school nurses do. “We do a lot more than just wait around to put a band-aid on someone,” she said. “We’re here to take care of the kids in many different ways.” Gina Ketchem has been Liberty Hill’s athletic administrative assistant since 2017 and plays a vital role in helping keep the Panthers’ program running smoothly from a logistics standpoint.

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Library modernization keeps students engaged Story by Scott Akanewich

hen Lauren Claymon opens the doors of her library on the second floor of Liberty Hill High School, she’s opening up a world of possibilities to students – only these days in more ways than ever before due to the advent of modern technology. Rows of bookshelves still remain the backbone of the library, but there are many other methods now to serve the needs of young, inquiring minds, said Claymon, head librarian. “There’s definitely been a shift in the library world,” said Claymon,

who is currently in her eighth year of running the high school library. “In particular, the amount of teacher knowledge has changed.” One of Claymon’s primary responsibilities is coordinating all of the various platforms where valuable resources can be gleaned – which is certainly much more involved with all the technology available. “What I do is known as curation of information,” she said. “We’re constantly developing our collection of books and all the other things we do.” Despite all the new technology, the library still holds approximately 12,000 books available to students, which must be constantly monitored by the staff to ensure the collection remains fresh and relevant at all times – including copies that wear out due to use. “For example, our Harry Potter books are still very popular, so we need to replace those about every three years,” said Claymon. “Also, with any kind of book about CONTINUED ON PAGE 64 August 2021 | LHISD ConnectED

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technology, those are constantly changing along with the technology itself.” According to Claymon, the library is more than just a source of knowledge and information for many students. “We have about 150 students in here per day during the school year,” said Claymon. “But, many will just come here to have a quiet place to hang out before school or to eat lunch. Especially seniors who have more time on their hands if they have fewer classes.” Claymon added running a high school library is much different from a public library as far as the role she plays in being the face of the establishment. “As a school librarian, you’re expected to be much more frontfacing as far as interaction with the students,” she said. “Whereas at a public library, a librarian is more of an archivist.” What that means is Claymon – who has a master’s degree in information studies from the University of Texas and a bachelor’s degree in English from Texas A&M – must be very well-rounded and versatile in handling her everyday duties. “I really need to be a jack-of-all-trades,” she said. “I teach library lessons and help other teachers plan lessons, so I need to have a little bit of knowledge about everything in order to properly support the curriculum on campus.” Something most people wouldn’t think of as an issue that needs monitoring is copyright infringement as far as using items available on the internet, even if the intent is innocent enough, said Claymon. “There are a lot of chances to get into hot water,” she said. “As far as the use of images and videos.” Perhaps the biggest challenge for Claymon is the fact as head librarian the buck begins and ends with her. “As a librarian, you’re the only one at the school who does what you do,” said Claymon. “Also, sometimes it’s difficult to form a professional network with other librarians.” However, there is certainly no shortage of interaction for Claymon as far as the student body she serves is concerned, which is one of the most gratifying aspects of her job, she said. “I have the best job in the entire school,” said Claymon. “All of the positive interactions I have with the students every day. I think they look at me as the ‘keeper of the books’ and know I’ll always provide a calm, safe place to study or just spend time.” But, that’s a relationship that sometimes needs to be cultivated, she said. “I think some of the kids find me intimidating and are a bit fearful,” said Claymon. “But, it’s all about getting to know them outside the classroom.” Claymon added there is no particular blueprint for the kind of students who frequent the library. “We have a cross-section of all kinds of different kids,” she said. “We also have those who I call ‘stealth readers’ because they don’t want anyone to know they read.” As far as what they read, Claymon said the latest rage, which is a heavy influence on the titles teenagers are seeking, is BookTok, a variance of TikTok, the popular video app, in which readers make short videos talking about and reviewing their favorite books. “Social media has had a massive impact on the book industry,” she said. “Students will see these and come in asking for specific books.” However, there are still more old-school methods she uses to keep on top of her current stock. “There are different library review journals where other librarians will recommend books,” said Claymon, who reads up to 100 books per year herself. “This way, you can match the right book with a student. I’ve found many times it’s not that a student doesn’t want to read – it’s just they haven’t found the right book.” To that end, Claymon will often set up displays with certain themes in order to attract students to read books they didn’t even know existed. “I’ll usually put up seasonal displays and even did a Netflix display once,” she said. “I want to educate them to the fact a lot of pop culture comes from literature.” 64

LHISD ConnectED | August 2021

Claymon knows by experience all she needs to do to win young, potential readers over is to get them to cross the threshold into the world she has created for them. “I think most kids have a desire to read,” she said. “I just need to get them in the door.” But, breaking down the mental block of what most students view the library as is one of her biggest challenges – along with the fact she’s definitely not the grouchy lady behind the counter always shushing people. “Students need to realize the library isn’t silent and can be a fun place,” said Claymon. “Besides, I’m probably the loudest person in the school.”

“I have the best job in the entire school. All of the positive interactions I have with the students every day. I think they look at me as the ‘keeper of the books’ and know I’ll always provide a calm, safe place to study or just spend time.” – Lauren Claymon

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Panther Extended Care Provides Safe, Secure Place for Students Story By Rachel Madison | Courtesy Photos

hen parents in the Liberty Hill Independent School District asked for better childcare options for before and after school hours, the district stepped up and started Panther Extended Care as a service to parents and students. Entering its fourth year, Director Kenna Park said the program was started after numerous parents asked for it at school board meetings. Panther Extended Care is available at all elementary schools except for Rancho Sienna Elementary, which currently has a contract with the YMCA to provide after-school services on site. Before school care is held solely at Bill Burden Elementary, but transportation is provided to the students each morning

LHISD ConnectED | August 2021

to their home campus before school starts. The program starts at 6 a.m. and continues until students are released to their campuses around 7:10 a.m. “This allows a lot of parents who commute to Austin to get there before rush hour traffic,” Park said. “There are also local families who work at various locations throughout Liberty Hill that need to get to work early.” After school, Panther Extended Care begins immediately and lasts until 6:30 p.m. Students are given a snack, have dedicated homework time, and most importantly, Park said, there is plenty of time for play. “I have curriculum I’ve written, but for the most part the kids really just want to play,”

she added. “Crafts are available, but most just want to go free play with Legos or cars or run and swing without the limits of the school day. We try to provide as much of that as possible. The school day is long and intense, so we want them to have all that free time and develop all those social skills.” Park said the provided homework time isn’t meant to be a deep dive into any specific subjects, but instead a time for students to read, practice spelling and be assisted with staying on task with their assignments. Having kids stay at school after the school day also helps to bridge the gap between school and home, she added. “It helps those kids know they are in a safe place, because they maintain that safe

place all day long and they transition seamlessly from school to the after-school program,” she said. “They know exactly where to go and what to do. And as a parent, it’s comforting to know they aren’t getting in a vehicle driving somewhere—they are staying at school where they are safe and secure.” Currently, all of the Panther Extended Care employees are also LHISD employees. Park said they work in other areas throughout the district during the day, and then work there either before or after school. “These are staff members who really have a heart to be there,” she said. “It also allows them to make some extra money, and really helps us provide this service to our community. We have approximately 20 employees among all the schools, but we will be hiring some new people before school starts as numbers grow.” Panther Extended Care program has grown quickly. It started out only being offered before school at Burden Elementary and after school at Liberty Hill Elementary. Because parents continued to ask for more options, the program was expanded to include all of the elementary schools. In the first year, there were eight students in the before-school program and about 20 in the after-school program. Right before COVID began, there were 100 students enrolled just at BBE. That number had to be reduced to 60 during the school year because of the pandemic, but this year, Park expects the program to continue to grow. Costs for care are $140 monthly for morning care, $300 monthly for after-school care, or $350 monthly for both. Park said reduced rates are offered for families that qualify. The first day of care this year is Aug. 19. The program will run through May 26, 2022. Panther Extended Care is not open on school holidays or teacher in-service days. During in-service days, care is only provided to children of teachers, but Park said she is working with the YMCA to provide drop-in care for the regular attendees on those days.

Panther Academy Panther Academy is a community program under Panther Extended Care that was created to provide further enrichment opportunities for the students of LHISD. The courses are taught strictly by LHISD staff members and each campus has its own unique offerings. “Panther Academy gives our teachers and staff the opportunity to fulfill the needs we see in our community in reference to extracurricular activities that are not just sports based,” Park said. “We do have athletics, but languages are very popular, as well as culinary classes and coding and STEM classes. We’ve also done crocheting and hand lettering—a variety of things that change each semester as the staff that teaches the courses changes, and they share their passions with the kids.” Panther Academy courses are typically offered only at the elementary level, but have also been offered at the junior high and high school levels, based on what grade levels the academy instructors want to teach. Instructors choose the number of sessions and make the courses developmentally appropriate for the grade they are teaching. The courses run about $90 per course, or $15 per session.

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Officer is a Champion for the Students Story and Photo by Rachel Madison

O “In the schools, we get to be counselors and mentors, and arrests are a last resort.” – Officer Patricia Champion

LHISD ConnectED | August 2021

fficer Patricia Champion, the newest addition to the Liberty Hill Independent School District’s police department, brings more than 20 years of law enforcement experience and a passion for teaching and mentoring students. Champion spent her career in the Edinburg Police Department, where she started as a patrol officer and advanced to field training officer, corporal, sergeant and lastly, headed up her department’s criminal investigations unit, where she focused on crimes against persons. “I have kind of a unique career because I stayed with one department for 20 years,” she said. “I didn’t jump around anywhere. I started there in August 1999 and retired 20 years later in 2019.” After retiring, Champion moved her family from the Rio Grande Valley to the Hill Country and found a home in Liberty Hill. “The Valley is saturated with border violence, and there was nothing for our kids to do there,” she said. “We didn’t want our kids growing up in that environment, and it’s an entirely different world here. This is where we want to be.” Her retirement didn’t last long. She joined the district’s police department in January 2020. “I liked retirement, but I yearned for law enforcement,” she said. “The difference in interaction here when it comes to support for law enforcement is amazing. Kids and parents just come up to you and thank you for your service. The support is here, and it’s so different.” In Edinburg, Champion said much of what she did was reactive— responding to calls and making arrests—but now, she gets a chance

to be proactive. “I get to mentor students and guide students and help them see when they’ve made a mistake and give them options to help them and keep them out of trouble,” she said. “In the schools we get to be counselors and mentors, and arrests are a last resort. It took a lot of patience at first because I still wanted to react, but I learned to take it down to a guidance level.” Champion was assigned to Liberty Hill High School last year, but will begin the new year at Liberty Hill Middle School. “At the [middle school] level they have a study hall period, so we can implement Sandy Hook programs, like the ‘Say Something’ program, which we were able to work and build up at the middle school,” she said. “I also really want to start a club called SAVE, which is an acronym for Students Against Violence Everywhere. I really want to get that off the ground this year. That goes hand-in-hand with another program we have, called ‘Say What!’ that advocates for anti-vaping and teaches students about the health risks of vaping.” Champion always wanted to work in law enforcement. She grew up watching her dad, who was the captain of the local fire department, and her uncle, who was the captain of the local police department, talk about their jobs. “I grew up with the scanners in our house and the two of them in uniform meeting us for dinner and listening to all their stories,” she said. Champion earned a degree in political science and criminal justice from the University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg before starting her career as a police officer.

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