Leander ISD and the Texas Department of Agriculture are sponsoring a summer food program to provide free meals for children ages 1 – 18 years old. The program will be offered at nine locations in the LISD community. Breakfast will also be served at eight locations.

The lunch program will service the following areas:

Lakeline Apartments, 3000 N. Lakeline Blvd. in Leander
Serving breakfast from 9-10a.m. and lunch from noon – 1 p.m.
Monday – Friday, June 10 – Aug. 9

Bagdad Elementary, 800 Deercreek Ln. in Leander
Serving breakfast from 9-10 a.m. and lunch from noon – 1 p.m.
Monday – Friday, June 10 – Aug. 9

Cedar Ridge Apartments, 2702 S Bagdad Rd. in Leander
Serving breakfast from 9-10 a.m. and lunch from noon – 1 p.m.
Monday – Friday, June 10 – Aug. 9

Cherry Hollow Church, 21509 Cherry Hollow Dr. in Leander
Serving lunch from noon – 1 p.m.
Monday – Friday, June 10 – Aug 9

Cypress Creek Apartments, 2101 South Lakeline Blvd. in Cedar Park
Serving breakfast from 9-10 a.m. and lunch from noon – 1 p.m.
Monday – Friday, June 10 – Aug 9

Twin Lakes Fellowship, 1150 S. Bell Blvd. in Cedar Park
Serving breakfast from 9-10 a.m. and lunch from noon – 1 p.m.
Monday – Friday, June 10 – Aug 9

Cedar Park Townhomes, 400 E. Cypress Creek Rd. in Cedar Park
Serving breakfast from 9-10 a.m. and lunch from noon – 1 p.m.
Monday – Friday, June 10 – Aug. 9

Participants in the summer food program are not required to be residents of the apartment complexes. Acceptance and participation requirements for this service and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write or call immediately to:
USDA
Director, Office of Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
(800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY)

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

For more information, visit the Texas Department of Agriculture website at www.SummerFood.org or call 2-1-1 for other locations of summer food programs or text FOODTX to 877-877

The Mock United Nations Summit on Climate Change was hosted at Cedar Park High School recently. Students in AP Environmental Science across the district have been researching environmental, ecological, political, economic and population issues in each of their countries. Students prepared for this event by researching, discussing, and writing various types of papers.

Climate change is an ongoing issue with countries losing valuable coastlines, undergoing drastic climate catastrophes as well as trying to adapt to variable agricultural changes. In an effort for the students to be exposed to a real-life setting, they met in voting blocks, discussed the issues, then created a draft resolution that would solve climate change issues.

After an hour of discussion and creating a draft resolution, students went back to the CPHS PAC and commenced delegation by asking questions of various represented voting blocks. A delegate from the randomly chosen voting block presented their draft resolution and the floor was open for questions and debate. After the communication and amendments, the entire Mock UN voted on each resolution.

See photos!

Leander ISD announced its policy today for providing free and reduced-price meals for children served under the attached current income eligibility guidelines. Each school/site or the central office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by anyone on request.

Starting on August 17, 2013 Leander ISD will send home letters to the households of the children in the district about eligibility benefits and any actions households need to take to apply for these benefits. Applications also are available at each campus, or online at www.leanderisd.org.

Criteria for Free and Reduced-Price Meal Benefits
The following criteria will be used to determine a child’s eligibility for free or reduced-price meal benefits:

Income
1. Household income that is at or below the income eligibility levels

Categorical or Automatic Eligibility
2. Household receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

Program Participant
3. Child’s status as a foster child, homeless, runaway, migrant, or displaced by a declared disaster 4. Child’s enrollment in Head Start or Even Start


Income Eligibility
For those households that quality for free or reduced-price meals based on income, an adult in the household must fill out free and reduced-price meal application and return it to Sandy Lopez, CNS Clerk, 1900 Cougar Country Cedar Park, Texas 78613. Those individuals filling out the application will need to provide the following information:
1. Names of all household members
2. Amount, frequency, and source of current income for each household member
3. Last 4 digits of the Social Security number of the adult household member who signs the application or, if the adult does not have a social security number, check the box for “I do not have a Social Security number”
4. Signature of an adult household member attesting that the information provided is correct


Categorical or Program Eligibility
Leander ISD is working with local agencies to identify all children who are categorically and program eligible. Leander ISD will notify the households of these children that they do not need to complete an application. Any household that does not receive a letter and feels it should have should contact Sandy Lopez, CNS Clerk, and 512-570-0681 Any household that wishes to decline benefits should contact Sandy Lopez, CNS Clerk, at 512-570-0681.

Applications may be submitted anytime during the school year. The information households provide on the application will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility. Applications may also be verified by the school officials at any time during the school year.


Determining Eligibility
Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price meal policy, CNS Clerk, Sandy Lopez will review applications and determine eligibility. Households or guardians dissatisfied with the Reviewing Official’s eligibility determination may wish to discuss the decision with the Reviewing Official on an informal basis. Households wishing to make a formal appeal for a hearing on the decision may make a request either orally or in writing to Clint Pruett, Executive Director of Support Services, 512-570-0670


Unexpected Circumstances
If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household’s income falls at or below the attached current income eligibility guidelines.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication,1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

More than 300 schools in the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Southwest Region have been designated No Place for Hate®, including 24 Leander ISD campuses:

Bagdad Elementary; Block House Creek Elementary; Canyon Ridge Middle School; Cedar Park High School; Cedar Park Middle School; Cox Elementary; Faubion Elementary; Four Points Middle School; Giddens Elementary; Henry Middle School; Knowles Elementary; Leander High School; Leander Middle School; Mason Elementary; Plain Elementary; Pleasant Hill Elementary; Reagan Elementary; Rouse High School; Running Brushy Middle School; Florence W. Stiles Middle School; Vista Ridge High School; Whitestone Elementary; Wiley Middle School and Winkley Elementary.

“We are very proud of the work our students have done to have their schools designated as No Place for Hate,” said Bret Champion, district superintendent. “These schools are paving the way for our district-wide, student-led anti-bullying efforts by supporting our goals to create and sustain inclusive school cultures of kindness where all students feel valued and accepted, despite their individual differences.”

The number of LISD schools receiving a No Place for Hate distinction has steadily increased during recent years, with 24 campuses earning the title in 2012-13, 18 in 2011-12 and 14 in 2010-11.

In order to receive a No Place for Hate designation, schools must create a task force or committee to oversee the initiative, sign a Resolution of Respect, complete and document at least three anti-bias activities spread throughout the school year and submit them for approval by the ADL.

Dear Leander ISD Parents and Guardians,

We are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss and destruction of the tornadoes that have recently hit North Texas and Oklahoma. We are mourning with the nation over the loss of so many lives, and our deepest sympathies go out to the victims, their families and friends.

Your child may have questions for you regarding why this happened. The National Association of School Psychologists has made resources available for families to assist in talking with children.

These terrifying acts of nature remind us of the importance of reviewing our practices and policies to ensure student safety. Know that your child’s safety is our top priority at all times. LISD campuses regularly practice drills for numerous situations, including natural disasters, so that staff are prepared to get our students out of harm’s way during a real emergency. Additionally, LISD teachers and staff prepare for emergency situations with ongoing safety training based on the LISD crisis management plan.

When a potential crisis arises, we use these well-rehearsed processes to protect your child. Campus administrators immediately notify the appropriate authorities. LISD staff members follow the outlined procedures and always work under the direction of the police and fire departments to determine the best course of action.

To keep parents informed during emergency situations, LISD sends automated phone calls and emails to parents and updates our campus and district websites with the steps the district is taking, with support from police or fire officials, to ensure student safety. If you have recently moved or changed your telephone number, make sure your child’s campus registrar has your current contact information on file. You can also check the LISD Facebook and Twitter pages for up-to-date information during an emergency.

As superintendent of Leander ISD, I go to work each day believing that it is a blessing for us to be able to teach your child. Our top priority is always the safety and security of our students, and we are committed to continuing every effort to ensure your child is safe while he or she is in our care.

My heart breaks for those impacted by this horrible disaster. Please remember the victims in North Texas and Oklahoma in your thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Bret Champion
LISD Superintendent

Austin Christian Fellowship and Hill Country Bible Church Austin presented LISD with a 2,300 grant for library books to be purchased at each of the 23 elementary schools as part of the Literacy Partners End-of-Year celebration. Learn more about Literacy Partners and how you can impact a child's life with just a 30-minute a week commitment.

As part of its yearlong 75th anniversary celebration of bringing more power to members and the community, Pedernales Electric Cooperative joined Leander Independent School District administrators and students May 9 for a tree dedication at Stiles Middle School. The Co-op coordinated with the school to plant the tree as a symbolic gesture representing PEC’s strong roots and continued commitment to support local students and schools.

PEC welcomed Stiles Middle School’s principal Susan Cole, school staff and Leander ISD seniors and 2013 PEC scholarship recipients Jeremiah Gress and Trevor Riek, who gathered around a newly planted Texas red oak tree representing PEC’s community presence.

“It’s been a great thing, receiving a PEC scholarship worth $5,000,” said Gress, a senior at Vista Ridge High School who will attend the University of Texas at Austin to study biochemistry in the fall. “It really shows me how we give and how PEC gives back to us.”

Riek, a senior at Rouse High School, plans to attend Texas A&M University in College Station and pursue civil engineering. “I’ve always had a passion for building things, and I’ve been learning a lot of different information in school about building more environmentally friendly buildings,” said Riek. “The scholarship means a lot to me, as I can put more time toward my studies and career.”

As this school year comes to an end, we wish to express our sincere thanks to the LISD employees who are retiring, or have already retired, this year.

Mike Barnes, Paula Barnett, Miguel Durante Barradas, Ann Blumrich, Tonna Bouillion, Sandra Brashier, Carroll Bridges, Gwen Bundy, Larry Casper, Billie Chastain, Nikki Cherniak, Ock Chin, Kathy Cochran, Shelly Dixon, Sharon Duhon, Katherine Garrett, Jerry Halstead, John (Bubba) Hearn, Peggy Hudson, Lori James, Debbie Johnson, Suzanne Johnson, Stephen Johnson, Carolina Justiniani, Chris Kay, Joann Keil, Theresa Kirk, Susan Lewis, Carolyn Mabarak, Dean Martin, Barbara Matthews, David McCollum, Coleen Meyer, Tambra Miliman, LeAnn Moody, Connie Moore, Donna Moore, Brenda New, Derrl Ohnheiser, Diana Pierce, Jean Poehl, Carolyn Poston, Monty Price, Darla Leigh Ray, Karen Rieger, James Roe, Becky Ryals, Richard Salome, Julie Scales, Nancy Schroeder, Nancy Scott, James (Hondo) Shapely, Debbie Sommer, Diana Valentine, Merlee Walter, Melissa Warren, Linda Williams and Mollie Wyrick.

The LISD Board of Trustees will honor our retirees at a reception in the Cedar Park Middle School cafeteria at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2013. Cake and punch will be served.

To our retirees, thank you for your service to the students of LISD. On behalf of the district, we wish you the best as you begin a new chapter of your lives!

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The Vandegrift High School ViperBots Team 4546, SnakeByte, traveled to St. Louis, Missouri, to compete in the 2013 FTC World Championships last month. Members of SnakeByte battled through three days of intense competition to claim the honor of third place!

This year, nearly 3000 teams competed in the FIRST FTC Ring It Up! Challenge, yet only 128 teams qualified for the World Championships. During the competition, teams were split into two divisions of 64 teams each, the Franklin Division and the Edison Division. SnakeByte finished their qualifying rounds in fourth place. During alliance selections, SnakeByte formed the number three seed alliance with a team from Ohio and a team from Oregon. After defeating the tournament favorites in the quarterfinal round, SnakeByte lost a tough match to the tournament champions.

SnakeByte was the only rookie team in the elimination rounds at the World Championships. They were the first team from Texas in three years to compete in the elimination rounds and one of only two girl-focused teams in the Franklin division.