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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, August 8, 2019

BACK TO SCHOOL 2019

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, August 8, 2019

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Liberty Hill principals excited for the new year

Liberty Hill Elementary Liberty Hill Elementary’s motto is “Changing the world one heart at a time.” “Our vision ends with every child getting to their true potential,” said Principal Heather Collison said. “With that, we talk about how we have to educate the hearts and minds of everyone on campus. By the time they leave here, they need to know what they’re good at. They need to feel passionate about it because they are getting into a level of independence to choose, more independence to show their strengths. We want them to leave here knowing what they’re good at and feeling very conﬁdent in that.” Collison said a big change for

the upcoming school year is that they are going to use ongoing data and student work to insure they are reaching each child. “As a staff, each year we strive to be more collaborative, to work harder, not smarter,” she said. “I think with that collaboration, we are looking at consistency in each grade level.” Bill Burden Elementary Principal Tanya Lambert said Bill Burden Elementary’s vision for the year involves a hashtag, #ProudToBeBBE. “We have a little saying ‘Today is a new opportunity. Accept the challenge. Take some risks. Treat others with

kindness, and know how much you matter and are loved,’” she said. “We want to live that out with our kids, so we are focused on the whole kid. We are focused on high learning expectations and growing them as a member of society and our community.” Communication is key, Lambert said. “We want to be real forward and open with all our communication,” she said. Lambert said kindergarten is going to be a little different this year. “We are going to have Panther Cub Camp,” she said. “School starts on a Wednesday, and the kindergarten students will not be assigned a teacher on the ﬁrst day of school. They will be rotating between all of our kindergarten teachers and getting to know them all, and then we will build classrooms off of that on Friday. They will have their ﬁrst day with their

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assigned teacher that Monday. We have an ‘All means all,’ mentality here, which means we all serve every kid. In order to do that, it helps to get to know them a little better. They are our newest students. We don’t know them yet, and this will give us a chance to better fit each child’s needs.” Lambert said she is looking forward to the first day of school. “I am excited to see every little face that walks through that door,” she said. “I love the first day of school, and I can’t wait to shake all of their hands. It’s a very exciting time to be a Burden Panther.” Liberty Hill Intermediate Principal Josh Curtis said the vision for Liberty Hill Intermediate is “Learning today, leading tomorrow.” “Liberty Hill Intermediate is 100 percent student-focused,” Curtis said. “We have a lot of lessons that are collaborative with the students. We want the students to be involved with the lessons, not just teachers teaching students. We have different classes like makerspace, which encourages students to start thinking out of the box and creating projects.” The goal at Liberty Hill Intermediate is to be the best Intermediate school in the state, Curtis said. “We say it every day,” he said. “We focus on trying to help every student learn and grow. We are not so much focused on tests and things like that. We are focused on students growing from the previous year.” Curtis said it is not just about what is learned in the classroom either. “It’s not just about what’s in

See PRINCIPALS, Page 7

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MEET THE TEACHER

August 9 Bill Burden Elementary Pre-k - 4th Grade 4-6pm Rancho Sienna Elementary Pre-k - 4th Grade 4-6pm August 12 Liberty Hill Elementary Pre-k - 4th Grade 4-6pm Liberty Hill Intermediate 5th Grade 5-6pm 6th Grade 6:30-7:30pm LHJH Schedule Pickups 5:30-7:30pm Aug. 12 LHHS New Student Orientation 4:30-5:30pm Aug. 8 LHHS Panther Prowl 6-7:30pm Aug. 8

OPEN HOUSE DATES Bill Burden Elementary

Aug. 19 Aug. 27 Aug. 29

5:30-6:30pm Kindergarten 5:30-6:30pm Pre-k, 1st 5:30-6:30pm 2nd, 3rd, 4th

Sept. 10 Sept. 12

5:30-7pm 5:30-7pm

Pre-k, 1st 2nd, 3rd, 4th

Sept. 10 Sept. 12

5:30-7pm 5:30-7pm

Pre-k, 1st 2nd, 3rd, 4th

Sept. 9 Sept. 9

5-6pm 5th 6:30-7:30pm 6th

Liberty Hill Elementary

Rancho Sienna Elementary Liberty Hill Intermediate Liberty Hill Junior High

Aug. 27 Aug. 27

5:30pm 6:30pm

7th 8th

Sept. 9

5-7pm

9th-12th

Liberty Hill High School

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, August 8, 2019

Snell focused on championship culture for LHISD

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor Steve Snell arrived in Liberty Hill just in time to see the Panthers play in the state championship football game before gearing up for the sprint to the finish line of the school year last May. With that experience in Liberty Hill to draw on, he has spent his first summer as LHISD Superintendent refining the focus for the district’s next step. “The overall theme is building a championship culture,” Snell said of his vision for the 2019-20 school year. “I want Liberty Hill to win at everything, especially in the classroom. But it goes beyond that. I want Liberty Hill ISD to be the best place to work, whether you are a teacher or one of our many departments that support our teaching and learning pro-

cess. That includes a culture of support, encouragement and celebration so people feel appreciated and their work gets recognized.” The faculty and staff family in LHISD is growing with the community, adding 89 new employees this year for a total of 669. Taking the sense of community in Liberty Hill a step further by creating more opportunities for community involvement is also high on the list for this year. “We have a great community and really supportive parents, but how welcome do they feel on our campuses?” Snell asked. “Do they feel they can come in and participate in the education process, assist the staff in any way? I want to encourage parents to be a part of that process and help out in

any way.” If they don’t feel welcome enough, Snell wants to work on improving that. “How can we communicate better so we’re reaching all of our community so they know what we’re doing and why we’re doing it,” he said. “We want to open up our campuses to parents and want them to feel welcome when they come in to be part of that process.” There are no limits to the opportunities ahead for the district, said Snell, but the growth and expansion that creates so many more opportunities makes it important to also stay focused on the small-town character everyone wants to preserve. “I think there is some anxiety concerned with all the growth and working with the leadership team and talking with the

community the overall thing that comes out is just the tremendous opportunity we have to take a culture that is very small town and family atmosphere and expand that and keep it going,” Snell said. “We want to keep that small-town feel, we want people to think you’re sending your kids to a Liberty Hill school and they’re going to be known and taken care of and receive a worldclass education while they have opportunities to compete in whatever they want.” Growth continues to challenge the district, and this year will be no different with more than 690 new students enrolled already and a student population over 4,830. “Bringing them into the culture of what Liberty Hill is – how we act, how we perform, how we want to win at every-

thing – is about wanting to be the best at whatever we’re doing,” Snell said. “I think that’s public schools in general, but especially at Liberty Hill.” The past and current success is a good foundation for the district, but Snell said there is never a “relax button” in Liberty Hill ISD. “It’s even harder once you get to the top,” Snell said. “That’s a hard climb and I would say in a lot of areas Liberty Hill is on top, but staying there is the challenge. Having people always have that grind mentality and saying we’re going to win championships in the classroom or we’re going to win championships with character, that’s hard work every day. “The classroom every day is like those two-a-days in football or the strength and conditioning, because we

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor Area residents peppered Liberty Hill Mayor Rick Hall with pointed questions Aug. 1, seeking assurances there was no road soon to be running through the middle of their Sundance Ranch neighborhood. For his part, Hall spent more than two hours trying to calm those fears and answer questions ranging from communication to legalities to the general philosophy of growth. Early in the meeting Hall said the transportation plan as posted on the City’s website was essentially void, promising to have it taken down from the site. “I want to apologize that I haven’t taken the initiative to remove that map from the website,” He said. “I have taken the initiative to totally stop the transportation plan that we have in effect right now because we do have to go back to

ground zero.” But residents were suspicious of the plan’s origins and why it remained if it was no longer valid, arguing that it was not their job to catch the map on the website, but instead if it wasn’t accurate or the City’s real plan, it should never have been put on the City’s website. “That map to me is no better than the paper it’s written on because it’s going to change, I guarantee you that,” Hall said. The Mayor just continued throughout the meeting to try and distance the Council and himself from the map in question. “As long as I’m the Mayor for this city, I am not going to take a public road through any kind of subdivision unless there is no other viable choice to doing that,” Hall said. “In this situation I’ve got tons of viable choices. I do agree that we need a connector road from east to west that resembles what is going through Sun-

dance Ranch (on the map), but I do not believe that’s the place we need to put it. There’s plenty of land that is half to three quarters of a mile up the road on CR 200 that will take that outside Sundance Ranch and will give us the same exact effect.” He stopped short of saying no one’s house would ever be taken for a road project, though. “At some point in time it’s going to be inevitable that we have to do that because that’s the way it is,” Hall said. “Until I’ve exhausted every possible resource out there, and every possible avenue, I can tell you that that line on that map isn’t going to happen.” The transportation plan officially adopted by the Council in May 2018, has been a long time in the making. “That transportation plan has been up there for probably 18 to 24 months,” Hall said. “That transportation plan y’all ran across a few weeks ago is

nothing that has just spurred up. That’s a transportation plan that myself, the Council and the staff is working off of right now, but that doesn’t mean we are following that to a T. That transportation map you guys saw was first put on a public hearing on August 8 of 2017.” But questions continued to be asked throughout the evening about the validity of the map in question, and even after Hall instructed City Secretary Barbara Zwernemann to have the map removed from the City website, residents had their doubts about what that would accomplish in making sure there was no road planned for the future through their neighborhood. Attendees cited the fact that some of the roads on the proposed map were projects Hall recently asked for funding from the County for as part of the proposed bond election as evidence it was more valid

than Hall was implying. “We did use that map, but that doesn’t mean I agree with 100 percent of it,” Hall responded. One resident also pointed to the fact that the map in question had been promoted to business owners. “I greatly appreciate you saying the map is going to be taken down and we’re going to be back to ground zero, but I feel you are either going to lie to the business owners and say ‘Here’s our map, we’re showcasing the growth of Liberty Hill and this is where we’re going,’ or you’re going to lie to the residents here and say ‘We don’t know where this map came from, there really wasn’t any thought given to it, it’s not a big deal,’” she said. Again Hall downplayed the importance of the map. “That map to me is not a big deal, and whether we share that map or not it has no bearing on the growth that we’re going to see here in Liberty

STEVE SNELL LHISD Superintendent want to push them hard in the classroom, too,” he said. “Just because (a student) can easily make an A, I don’t think

See SNELL, Page 7

Transportation map continues to stir fears

Hill,” Hall responded. “That map will change at least 100 times before all those roads (are built), no matter which roads on there get built. That map is just a proposal. It’s a working document and it will change.” He later clarified that it was not a big deal to him not because it is not important to him, but because it is the least of his worries when it comes to local transportation issues and needs. A bigger picture plan While on one hand Hall repeatedly pointed out that the map in question was not valid in his opinion, he also emphasized the importance of remembering that the transportation plan was a living document, that was meant to change and evolve over time as the city changes. But before a more refined

See TRANSPORTATION, Page 31

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

PRINCIPALS Continued from Page 5 the classroom,” he said. “We also want to prepare them to be great citizens. We want to prepare them to be great contributing members of the community.” Curtis said he is looking forward to the upcoming school year. “We look forward to working with all stakeholders -- parents, community members -- to make sure that every student is successful,” he said. “We like to say ‘All means all,’ meaning that we focus on every student, every day. Whatever we can do to make every student successful, that’s our goal.” Liberty Hill Junior High Principal Travis Motal is new to Liberty Hill ISD. “I was attracted to this district because it’s a fast-growing district, which means a lot of opportunity for me to learn and grow personally, and work

with a culture of champions,” Motal said. “Liberty Hill is known for being great at everything they do, and I wanted to be a part of that. That’s really special.” Motal said the school’s goal is continue the championship culture embedded in the district “Coming in we hear about all the great things the kids are doing, academically and extracurricularly,” he said. “Our goal is to build upon that rather than changing anything drastic. We want to put systems and structures in place so that we can continue down that path.” Support and involvement from the community is key to continuing that championship mentality, Motal said. “Without the parents and the community knowing what we are doing, supporting what we are doing, asking questions and getting involved, we’re never going to be able to maintain that,” he said. “It’s going to take all of us.” Motal said it is going to be new for everyone. “I feel like everything is

SNELL Continued from Page 6 that’s maximizing their potential and we need to push them harder because we live in a very competitive world.” Opportunities are the ﬁrst step for improving the education. Making it something students enjoy is a close second. “School has to be fun and it has to take time to have awesome experiences for kids or they’re not going to connect with it,” Snell said. “We want our kids to be connected and to have the opportunity to do the things they’re passionate about as a kid so they’ll love their learning a little bit more than us just pushing the curriculum.” The district plans to organize events to bring the community together on important issues

that may often go well beyond the classroom. “I’d love to have some nights to bring in some parents and educate them on the dangers of vaping,” Snell said. “Vaping seems to be an epidemic across the country. I wish I could waive a magic wand and get rid of vaping, but that’s not going to happen, so what can we do as a community – because this is bigger than me and bigger than my staff – to help educate kids and help them make better choices? “If we are going to talk about building champions for life, those are the types of decisions that we need to educate kids on,” he said. “I realize we are all busy, but these are important conversations.”

so they can each be successful in their own ways this year? We’re going to do that by learning where the children are academically, physically, emotionally and mentally, and we want to partner with parents on that so we can try to meet everyone’s needs.” Bowman said students will have learning goals that they will each set individually and will be personal for each child. She said one student could have a goal to master science Rancho Sienna Elementary vocabulary while another could have a goal to learn the As physicality of jumping rope in Rancho PE. Sienna “We want students to have a begins voice in what their goals are so its third they’ll take ownership, so they year, could be anything,” she said. Prin“Obviously everyone will be cipal very different.” Melanie Bowman said Rancho will B o w man is excited about the indi- continue to hold its morning vidualized learning goals the meeting celebrations each Frischool will be implementing day, but instead of having the whole campus attend, they’ll as school gets underway. “We as a district have been looking at building a culture of champions,” she said. “How are we as a staff going to champion for each student going to be sort of new for everybody, because I’m new principal and we have a new assistant principal is new, but our doors are open,” he said. “If you have questions or you see something we are doing that you really like and want us to continue or things you’d like us to work on, let us know. The more information I have the better decisions I can make. The door is open. Come talk to us.”

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do half one Friday and half the next, as a way to have more time to celebrate and recognize the students who reach their goals. Bowman said the campus acronym for teachers this year is SWAG, which stands for success, willingness, attitude and goals. “Those are the four things we are going to be supporting with students,” she said. “We want kids to be successful, and that’s going to be possible through willingness, attitude and goal setting. We want to make sure we’re growing citizens who are going to be successful adults. This is not just a numbers game for us.” One way the principals plan to achieve this success is by taking a more collaborative approach this year. In addition to Bowman, new assistant principals Kendell Luedtke and Heather Wright are joining the staff. “We have gone from having

separate ofﬁces to all being in one ofﬁce so we can collaborate and communicate on an ongoing basis,” Bowman said. “Our staff academic teams also meet weekly because we are a professional learning campus, and I used to sit in on those. This year, the assistant principals will sit in on those so that I can be more available to parents as they’re dropping off their students in the morning. I’m excited to build relationships and have more connection with parents.” This year Rancho Sienna is adding a total of 18 new staff members and about 80 new students, but Bowman said that growth is exciting as the year begins. “We are the fastest growing campus in Liberty Hill, and that brings challenges, but it also brings the excitement of new families and new staff members with a wealth of resources.”

IF IT'S HAPPENING, YOU'LL FIND IT HERE.

Snell is excited about the new police department coming online for the district, knowing it is just one more way to build those critical relationships and connect the community, students and the district in a deeper way. “I expect my police ofﬁcers to be out there forming relationships, getting to know the kids and staff in addition to getting to know the buildings and community,” he said. “I want those police ofﬁcers to be someone parents can come up to and approach. They’re here to be visible, to take action when needed, and most importantly they’re here to build relationships and educate people on safety.”

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Liberty Hill Police Blotter Prepared by Liberty Hill Police Department

Week of July 29- Aug 4 The Liberty Hill Police Department responded to or self-initiated a total of 243 incidents resulting in three cases, 16 citations, 19 warnings and no arrests. Weekly Highlights • On July 29, at approximately 9:11 AM, ofﬁcers responded to

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the 6000 block of FM 3505, to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office with an accident. • On July 29, at approximately 1:30 PM, officers responded to Bell Street to assist the Liberty Hill Fire/ EMS with a structure fire. • On July 30, at approximately 7:25 AM, officers responded

to RR 1869 for a welfare concern. • On July 30, at approximately 5:11 PM, officers responded to the 3000 block of RR 1869, to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office with a theft complaint. • On July 31, at approximately 12:11 AM, officers responded to the 12000 block of W. SH

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29, for a disturbance. • On Aug. 1, at approximately 12:45AM, officers responded to the 2000 block of RR 1869 for a disturbance. • On Aug. 1, at approximately 9:13 PM, officers responded to Appaloosa Run, to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. • On Aug. 2, at approximately 2:26 PM, officers responded to Kingfisher Lane to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office with a suspicious incident. • On Aug. 3, at approximately 2:00 PM, officers conducted a tobacco sale check, resulting in one citation for sale of tobacco to a minor. • On Aug. 4, at approximately 8:01 PM, officers responded to the 15000 block of W. SH 29 for a theft complaint.

Thursday, August 8, 2019

OBITUARY

Thomas Gayle Myers

Thomas Gayle Myers, 88 of Liberty Hill, passed away peacefully on July 25th, 2019. Tommy was born on July 21st, 1931 to Leslie and Ilyne (Reed) Myers in Liberty Hill. After graduating high school, Tommy joined the navy. When he returned home from the navy, Tommy began his life long career in insurance. After over 30 years in the insurance business, he retired from USF&G. He enjoyed the simple things in life - being with his family and friends, traveling, hunting, ﬁshing and spending time with long time friend Eleanor Brown. Tommy is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by daughter Pamela Ford and granddaughter Casey Marcuse and her husband Doug Edington of Liberty Hill and Marcia Smith of Austin.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Kindred Hospice and Bertram Nursing and Rehab. Arrangements under the care of Jenkins Funeral Home, Burnet, Texas.

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Thursday, August 8, 2019

LHISD BACK TO SCHOOL FAQs:

What you need to know to get your Panthers off to a good start

Administrators at each campus shared with The Independent the most asked questions in these days prior to the start of school. Help your students get off to a good start by learning more about important processes in place at their schools.

Rancho Sienna Elementary

We love our parents at Rancho and hope you will want to take an active role on campus. Check out the PTO website at www.RanchoSiennaPTO.org and join the WatchDOG kickoff event Sept. 3 from 5:306:30 p.m. • Every Friday is Panther Spirit Day! We encourage students and staff to show their school pride by wearing Panther Purple and Gold. Go Panthers! • Parent Orientation Nights

will be held Sept. 10 for PreK and ﬁrst grades. Second, third and fourth grades will be held Sept. 12. Both events will be from 5:30-7 p.m. Kinder Orientation will be held on Aug. 9. Kinder parents will receive invitations prior to that date. • Want to volunteer on campus? Volunteer orientation will be held 8-9 a.m. Aug. 28. • Communication with families is a priority at Rancho. An electronic newsletter will come home every Thursday. News will alternate from week to week between grade level and campus news. These are sent to the email contact in Skyward from registration. If you do not receive these weekly newsletters, contact the school registrar to ensure we have the correct email address on ﬁle.

Bill Burden Elementary

Q: How do I ﬁgure out my child’s transportation home from school? A: We have several options for students after our 3 p.m. dismissal. • Car Rider - At Meet the Teacher you will be given a set of hang tags with your family car ID number. Anyone picking up your child must have this hang tag. Your child will have a matching tag attached to his/her backpack. The carline is a bit of a process, but there is a super informative video on our campus webpage to help explain it. If you’re new to Burden, please take a minute to watch the video. If you can’t make it to Meet the Teacher and your child will be a car rider on the ﬁrst day

of school, we will need you to swing by the office some time that day and pick them up. If for some reason you don’t have your hang tag, you will need to park your car and show ID in the office to pick up your child. • Bus Rider - Our transportation department runs several routes from Burden in the afternoon. If you did not register your child on the bus during your enrollment or returning student verification, you will need to call the transportation department at (512) 379-3254. You can find out your child’s bus number, animal, and estimated arrival time by going to our district website and selecting Departments-Transportation-Bus Routes and Schedules-Visit Info Finder to begin. You will need this information at Meet the Teacher

Night. Also, bus numbers and animals can change from the morning to the afternoon route so please make sure you bring your child’s afternoon bus number and animal to Meet the Teacher. • Walkers - Crossing guards are available to Stonewall residents. This year we will have two crosswalks where children will be protected while crossing the street at dismissal. The GRAY crosswalk is at the end of the Burden driveway across to Quarry Lane and the PURPLE is from Burden across Stonewall Pkwy. Children who are walkers must be able to walk home from one of these two points. Parents are welcome to meet their child at the gray or purple crosswalk, but we will no longer dismiss walkers to parents inside the building. If you

choose for your child to be a walker, please practice these routes and your expectations of them. Please be prepared to indicate which crosswalk your child will be using at Meet the Teacher. • Panther Extended Care - We are very fortunate to have Panther Extended Care on campus this year both before and after school. After school care lasts until 6:30 p.m. You can ﬁnd out more information and register by going to our district webpage-Parents and Students-Panther Extended Care. Kenna Park will also be at Meet the Teacher to answer any questions you may have. • Daycares - If your child attends a day care that sends a van for after-school pick up, please let your teacher know

See QUESTIONS, Page 29

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Teachers and staff new to Liberty Hill Independent School District started their new positions Aug. 1. Students return to school on Aug. 14.

Thursday, August 8, 2019

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Liberty Hill ISD welcomes 89 new teachers, administrators, staff

Liberty Hill ISD welcomes 89 new teachers, administrators and staff members to its six campuses this week. The district’s professional staff started to work Tuesday and classes begin Aug. 14.

Liberty Hill High School

Terrance Neal, Assistant Principal Kyle Buescher, SS Composite/Coach Callie McCullough, Ag Science Teacher Monica Miller, Associate Principal Norberto Papandrea, Spanish Teacher Lisa Hill, Asst. Band Director Monica Youngblood, Speech/Asst. Cheer Coach Mikyela Tedder, CTE Business/Tech Teacher Raven Donaldson, Life Skills Sp. Ed. Teacher

Sara Pieprzica, History Teacher Patrick Kellner, Social Studies/Coach Sonja Brewer, Sp. Ed. Teacher Aimee Kuhlmann, Math Teacher Paul Kilby, ISS Teacher Beth Sievers, Sp. Ed. Teacher Lori Edwards, Inclusion Support Aide Allison Englade, Receptionist James Wagner, Solid Roots Aide Jennifer Schuessler, Counselor

Audra Cozart, Math Teacher Kenneth Powell, Paraprofessional (ISS) Brandi Pennington, Assistant Principal Alicia Skalak, SS Teacher Rhanda Schrank, Instructional Coach Katie Ann Prescott, Librarian/Media Specialist Sara Lemenager, Paraprofessional (Instructional) Scott Torr, Self-contained Sp. Ed. Teacher Yvonne Burgett, 8th Grade ELA Teacher

Robin McFarland, 6th Grade ELA Kasie Kline, Theatre Arts Peggy Doyle, Sp. Ed. Teaher (5th, 6th Grades) Sarah Walker, Counselor

Travis Motal, Principal Catherine Presley, Counselor Michelle Hodge, Spanish Teacher Patrick Hughes, Sp. Ed. Case Manager/Teacher Danette Vaughan-Arrington, 8th Grade Science

Melissa Underwood, School Nurse Charla Rogers, Leadership Teacher Maycee Rutkowski, 5th Grade SS Teacher Amber Buescher, 5th Grade Math Ryne Foster, Sp. Ed. Teachers (5th, 6th Grades)

Valerie Baca, Classroom Teacher Alfredo Romero, Paraprofessional (Instructional)

Liberty Hill Junior High

Liberty Hill Intermediate School

Liberty Hill Elementary

Misty Thomas, Natalie Huling, Classroom Teacher Natalia Doble-Cabanas, Conversational Spanish Teacher Demi Tatsch, PE Aide

Bill Burden Elementary

See NEW STAFF, Page 19

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

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Thursday, August 8, 2019

Food Service preps for back to school

Liberty Hill Independent School District Food Services Director Mary Sheffield said there will be no significant changes to the food services or nutrition programs offered at Liberty Hill ISD. Parents and/or guardians need to sign up for Skyward Family Access to be given up-to-date information on meal balances as well as other important resources specific to each student. “Skyward Family Access is a great way to keep up with your student’s grades, attendance and meal accounts,” Sheffield said. “This allows you to see students’ daily purchases, view their meal balance and select to receive an email reminder when a meal account balance drops below $10. Skyward Family Access also allows you to set limits on a student’s a la carte or snack purchases. It is the preferred method of submitting free/re-

duced meal application.” More information can be found on the Child Nutrition Services Department page on the district website, and funds can be deposited in students’ accounts through RevTrak, Sheffield said. Sheffield said eligibility for the free or reduced lunch program is based on income and the total number of members in a household. All available information is live on the district website. Families already enrolled in the program have 30 school days to reapply for the 2019-20 school year. All extra food or beverage items sold to students must meet snack standards set by the United States Department of Agriculture, Sheffield said. “This includes anything food-related sold on the school campus including fundraisers during the school day,” she said. “They must meet specific calories, sodium, total fat, sat-

urated fat, trans fat and sugar limits. Some other requirements are that the item must be at least 50 percent whole grain or have the ﬁrst ingredient listed as a fruit, vegetable, dairy or protein food. Prices will vary based on item and will be posted at each campus prior to the start of school.” Shefﬁeld said elementary students will be limited to three extra items that are not a choice in a school breakfast or lunch meal, and parents or guardians have the ability to set a dollar limit per day for extra purchases through Skyward Family Access. “We would like to reiterate that parents have full control of viewing and controlling purchases through Skyward Family Access,” she said. If students’ accounts become negative, Liberty Hill ISD has a charging policy as required through the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Sheffield said Liberty Hill ISD participates in the School Breakfast Program and the National School Lunch Program. The Food and Nutrition Service, under the USDA, administers the program at the federal level. At the state level, the programs are administered by the TDA. “Child Nutrition Services promotes health and well-being for our students in a variety of ways,” Sheffield said. “The So Happy nutrition app shows parents and students everything we are serving in the cafeteria along with each item’s nutritional information. This includes calories, carbs, allergens and more.” Information is available on the menu page, Sheffield said. SodexoMyWay link is available on each campus web page as well, by clicking the menu link. “It lists school menus, healthy tips and other helpful informa-

tion,” she said. “We also rotate signs in each cafeteria that provides fun activities, educational resources and information promoting health and nutrition. Each year, we have an A to Z bar at the elementary schools during the month of April. A to Z Bar is a fun and innovative way to teach students about good nutrition. It focuses on nutrition awareness by offering a variety of fruits and vegetables that students might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience along with educational information about each item.” Shefﬁeld said the Student Health Advisory Council (SHAC) is a committee of community, parents and district representatives who meet at least once each quarter to provide advice to the district on coordinated school health services and its impact on student health and the learning. “The meetings are open to

the public, and we would love to have more parent involvement,” she said. View the district website, www.libertyhill.txed.net, for more information on SHAC, including contact information. If students have any dietary restrictions, campus nurses have a form that needs to be filled out that is sent to Child Nutrition Services and entered on their meal account system, Sheffield said. Sheffield said due to increased enrollment in the district, additional staff has been hired at Rancho Sienna Elementary and Bill Burden Elementary cafeterias. “Chef Andrew and I are very excited and looking forward to this new school year,” Sheffield said. “Our burgers are made with 100 percent beef. We are also using more locally-sourced ingredients and creating meals that are made from scratch.”

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, August 8, 2019

BACK TO SCHOOL 2019

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Page 17

Shin Oak Ridge Bulletin Board Send news to: News@LHIndependent.com

Public Meetings

The following are standing open meetings that are subject to change within the guidelines set forth by the Texas Open Meetings Act. For the most current meeting postings, and meeting agendas, visit the respective websites. - Liberty Hill City Council, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12 and 26, City Council Chamber, 2801 RR 1869. libertyhilltx.gov/agendacenter - Liberty Hill ISD Board of Trustees, 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, LHISD Administration Bldg., 301 Forrest Street. libertyhill.txed.net

Texas Sales Tax holiday is Aug. 9-11

AUSTIN — Whether you’re in need of notebooks, rul-

ers or running shoes, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar is reminding shoppers they can save money on those and other items during the state’s sales tax holiday on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 9-11. The law exempts sales tax on qualiﬁed items – such as clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks – priced below $100, saving shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend. “As Texas families begin the process of replacing their beach towels with lunch boxes, the sales tax holiday is the perfect opportunity to save some money on supplies families need before the school bell rings,” Hegar said. Apparel and school supplies that may be purchased tax-free are listed on the Comptroller’s website at www.TexasTaxHoliday.org.

Shoppers this year will save an estimated $102.2 million in state and local sales taxes during the sales tax holiday. Texas’ sales tax holiday weekend has been an annual event since 1999.

Master Gardeners meet Aug. 12

On August 12th, the Williamson County Master Gardeners monthly meeting will feature a Canning and Food Preservation presentation by Kate Whitney. She will speak on the basics of pressure canning and water bath canning, freezing fruit and vegetables, and drying produce. Food safety is an important factor in home food preservation, and Whitney will discuss how to safely preserve food and maintain the nutri-

tional value of your garden harvest. Whitney is the AgriLife Extension Horticulturalist in Williamson County. She has 12 years of experience within Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Williamson and Bosque Counties and with the Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture. The meeting is free and open to visitors. There is a social hour starting at 6:30 p.m. and the program begins at 7 p.m. It is held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Training room at 100 Wilco Way in Georgetown. For more information contact Kate Whitney at klwhitney@ ag.tamu.edu or the Extension Ofﬁce at 512-943-3300.

American Heritage Troop recruiting girls ages 5-18

August is recruitment month for American Heritage Girls Troop TX 0923. American Heritage Girls provide life skills development, faith building, community service, leadership growth, and outdoor experiences. Program meetings run September through May, Monday evenings 6-8 p.m. at the Harvest Ranch, Williamson County Cowboy Church, 8355 RR 1869 in Liberty Hill. Pathﬁnders is for girls age 5, Tenderhearts is for girls age 6-8, Explorers is for girls age 9-11, Pioneers is for girls age 12-13, and Patriot is for girls age 14-18, on or by Oct. 31, for each level. Patriots may not be older than 18 on Oct.31.

Registration is $26 per girl (family cap of $60 for 3 or more girls) and dues are $25 per girl. For additional information on uniform and handbook costs and other questions please contact Heidi Watts, Troop Coordinator and Registrar at 512-663-7210 or email at hjhwatts@gmail.com. The American Heritage Girls (AHG) is a Christian-based Scouting-like organization. The organization has more than 43,000 members with troops in all 50 states and 15 other countries. There are thousands of volunteer members across the country helping girls to grow in their faith, cultivate a heart for service, enjoy the great outdoors, and have more fun than they can imagine!

OPINION

Heading back to the schoolhouse means you need a handbook on how to deal with bullies

By WILT CUTTER Columnist It was the first day after school. We all waited outside for the long line of buses to lumber up and the teachers to yell out our number. Nearby was the other line for the lucky kids whose moms came to pick them up in their cars. Without warning a big kid suddenly stepped off the sidewalk laughing, hooked his leg through mine and gave a subtle wrestling maneuver and my books spilled onto the concrete below, saving my teeth. I was a skinny little kid that carried an invisible sign inviting people to mess with my clothes, my hair or to push me into stationary objects.

Funny thing, occasionally I would go just enough days without being picked on that I would start to act like a kid again. Laughing, playing and sometimes having fun. I would forget all about the sign giving the big mean kids permission to pick on me. Then, BAM! I would be reminded. Most of the time it hurt physically, and left bruises and scars. Some of the old timers around here may remember my father, Rock Cutter, he worked out at the quarry until he finally retired. He hardly had any fingers left. He invented a tradition that is carried on by Cutter family members all over the world: How to deal with bullies. He had many stories about this. He, like my mother, believed it was wrong to start trouble.

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor The infamous quote from long-time Oakland Raider owner Al Davis fits fine in an NFL context, where the final score is the number that matters, and wins lead to titles and titles determine value and success.

In Liberty Hill ISD there is a premium on winning and being the best. That focus can be so intense that from the outside looking in it may send the wrong message about priorities and focus being based solely on W’s and L’s. Davis’ approach was deeper than the simple three-words everyone remembers. “Wherever you go, you are the Oakland Raiders,” Davis told his players. “I don’t care who you are or what you’ve done. You’re here now, and

See CUTTER, Page 32

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, August 8, 2019 Page 18

EDITORIAL:

Why should I rely on the newspaper for information?

Nothing could eclipse the back and forth tension between Liberty Hill Mayor Rick Hall and a school cafeteria full of suspicious, frustrated area residents at an Aug. 1 community meeting on transportation. But in second place on the list of things to take aim at and question was the local newspaper’s role – or lack of – in community communications. That lesson we all learned as children about the importance of journalism has apparently been filed away in one of the “do not open” boxes in our minds as we clamor today for better communication and information from our government. The Independent sat through the meeting – as it has done for every city-related meeting, workshop and planning session since its incorporation in 1999 – among the folks questioning the newspaper’s validity and importance in the community, soaking in the message from Mayor Rick Hall that Facebook is the new way to communicate news. Let’s be clear from the beginning of this that neither the Mayor, nor anyone else in attendance has to like what the newspaper writes or agree with how it covers local news, but the dismissive mood misses the whole point of why The Independent exists. When you dismiss the newspaper, you do

so either because you’d rather not have an information source you are responsible to answer to, or you just don’t want to bother taking the time to be informed on local issues. It was ironic that residents who will show up questioning the City’s intentions and efforts to communicate quickly dismiss the value of the community newspaper while applauding the Mayor’s promise to communicate better. Traditionally, one of the cornerstones of our democracy – on a local level more than anywhere else – has been the watchdog role the media plays in the community. But the theme of Hall’s approach to communication was more about how the newspaper really isn’t the source anymore. In his explanation of the requirement for the City to post legal notices in the newspaper, Hall spent a lot of time championing Facebook over the newspaper as a means of communication information. “What really has drawn people to the new City website is not so much the newspaper, but it’s Facebook,” he said. “Social media has really held what we would use as a communication tool in this generation...It has become the norm, more so than reading the newspaper.” So what exactly is communicated on

Facebook by the City? Did the City discuss the how and why of the on again off again one-way streets debacle last year? Did its Facebook page publish stories on local elections, staff salary increases, or the cost of a single new hire or project? Did the City Facebook page address the tension among Council members over the last year, or push for answers on the back-and-forth of who would supervise the police chief or who held specific supervisory roles among City leadership? The Mayor talked about land use planning. The Independent staff has written about land use planning both in the paper and the annual Liberty Hill Living magazine. Far more information than the City has posted on its website or Facebook page. No. The City website and Facebook page are not for that purpose. That is not to say they are not useful information tools, but they are not news tools. The very issue that brought so many to the Aug. 1 meeting is a perfect example. The City website provided a map, approved by the Council more than a year ago, but provided no context or background. It answered no questions. But

See EDITORIAL, Page 19

‘Just win, baby’ oversimplifies Liberty Hill ISD you’re going to win, win, win.” The Panther approach goes well beyond the football field, or any other athletic venue, though those examples of the determination and will to be the best are in the forefront for many people. Winning in Liberty Hill is not just about a score or a trophy. Sure, a victory and the hardware that comes with it is always welcome as a new addition to the trophy case, but victory in Liberty Hill ISD en-

compasses so much more, and the real evidence of that win is likely not seen for years to come. Winning is the goal in sports, but also in the culinary kitchen and the show barn, on the theater stage or at UIL academic competitions. Winning is critical in English class and calculus. A victory is not hiring a qualified teacher, it is bringing in someone who wants to be in Liberty Hill rather than somewhere else and seeks to be part

of the Panther family. Winning in this district is awarding a Teacher of the Year prize to someone who says it could have gone to anyone. There are athletes that sometimes don’t give their all. Thespians may forget their lines and marchers might hit the wrong note. Teachers may not love their job every day, and occasionally one may have bitten off more than they can chew. But with so much focus on winning in all facets of education every single

day, those small setbacks are picked up along the way and serve as lessons, not scars. The very nature of being a Panther in any capacity can lead students to a winning attitude. And when you speak to the district leadership you understand that it is not enough to win with the students who shine brightest or the teachers who excel the most, but to truly win, everyone crosses the finish line each year together,

See WINNING, Page 19

BACK TO SCHOOL 2019

New Staff Continued from Page 12

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Kathryn Ide, Teacher Amy Lantis, Teacher Katelyn Larza, Teacher Elizabeth Whales, Paraprofessional (Instructional) Chelsea Stevens, Attendance Clerk/Registrar Kyra Kish, Classroom Teacher Elisha Gutierrez Richardson, Conversational Spanish Teacher Deborah Alexander, Sp. Ed. Teacher Sara Copeland, Classroom Teacher

Editorial Continued from Page 18 The Independent has written about that map and the other issues tied to it in terms of growth, planning, development and related issues at length, asking questions and providing context. That’s news. Hall went on to explain how his election victory in May 2018 validated his view that Facebook was essentially the shiny new communication tool that mattered most. “When I ran my campaign, I made a statement about that because I kept getting asked ‘When are you going to run an ad in the paper?’ I said I’m not going to run an ad in the paper, I’m going to make a statement that social media is how people communicate these days. Of course I won, so that kind of helps define my statement there.” He did win, with 72 total votes and a margin of 15 over his opponent. The Mayor failed to mention, though, that he did sit down

for a lengthy interview with the paper for a story that ran side by side with his opponent to give the community a balanced look at the candidates. In that story he answered questions rather than simply posting his own version of things on a social media page. He failed to mention that The Independent reported on the campaign fundraising and expenses of both him and his opponent -- something else he did not provide to voters on Facebook. He failed to mention the community election forum organized and hosted by The Independent to give local voters a chance to hear candidates respond in an unscripted manner to questions about his vision for the future of Liberty Hill. The Mayor chooses social media as his form of communication, and that’s his choice. No one said the newspaper should be the only source. But it is a unique source that goes deeper than meeting an-

Winning Continued from Page 18

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Nadene Hanna, Lead Speech Language Pathologist Debbie Wood, Sp. Ed. Job Coach (high school) Krysta Adams, LSSP Teri Guyette, ARD Facilitator Kayla Covington-Shadwell, ARD Facilitator Robin Kuebler, LSSP

picking one another up along the way. I’ve seen many winning programs in my two decades in community newspapers. Schools that dominated in football, outpaced everyone in basketball or out-slugged the field in baseball. I’ve watched UIL plays nail it, and career programs rake in awards. But what I have not seen is one school do it all, until I arrived in Liberty Hill. Liberty Hill ISD is not perfect, and district and campus leaders would scoff at the idea that the school district had somehow reached its goal or arrived at the top. Because the goal is to find where you are and make that better, always looking for the next step forward. The goal is to impact Panthers in a way that they are always seen as Panthers, students and adults who win and improve and succeed in any pursuit. There is no cruise control in Liberty Hill. There is no satisfaction in what someone did before to give Panthers the aura of invincibility. This year’s football team is being reminded each day in practice that the state title appearance was last year’s team, not this one. What teachers accomplished last year will only matter if they can do the same for this year’s students. Panthers just win, but that can’t be viewed as some dominant competitive spirit that overrides what is important in life every day. Winning every day is based on the things that never earn any recognition and go unnoticed, each a building block that leads to that rare kind of success that permeates every aspect of the educational experience in a very proud community with expectations that will never be reached, because they aren’t designed to be.

nouncements. The newspaper is not his form of communication. The newspaper is the community’s form of communication. When you read real news on social media, it originates from a media outlet. That’s how news works. The Mayor has recently mentioned to The Independent that the City has engaged a public relations firm. That was done in an effort to improve communication with the community. Maybe that will work, but then it’s public relations, not journalism. It’s a scripted, tailored message that the City wants to share with the community. Is that the message you want to hear? Is that news to you? An argument was made at the meeting that residents should not have to attend every meeting or read every legal notice to keep tabs on the City. That’s true. That’s what The Independent does. The newspaper staff has attended more than 60 City meetings since January 2018,

lation question, the paper you are reading this editorial in was mailed to 10,000 homes, something we do six times each year with special editions of The Independent and our Liberty Hill Living magazine. Most of the questioning about the paper’s value comes from people who admit in the same breath they don’t bother to read it. It’s a little like that awful hamburger at the terrible restaurant you’ve never been to. None of this is to discourage people from attending meetings, but that’s the whole point of the importance of journalism in America. Journalists often sit as the only member of the audience in a meeting, and elected officials know we are there. None of this is to say that the government is attempting to deceive you or take advantage, but the newspaper’s role is to question and explain. It is to put decisions into context and hold elected officials account-

Rancho Sienna Elementary

Kendell Luedtke, Assistant Principal Jill Guillot, Classroom Teacher Lauryn Richardson, Classroom Teacher Jill Cundiff, Classroom Teacher Rachel De La Pena, Classroom Teacher Addie Henry, Music Teacher Amanda Flournoy, Librarian/Media Specialist Rachael Piatt, Classroom Teacher Jennifer Skonnord, Classroom Teacher Jaime Schultze, Classroom Teacher Lindsay Henderson, Classroom Teacher Barbara Payne, Counselor Kathleen Cooksey, Paraprofessional (Instructional) Carley Pilgrim, Independent Learning Skills Teacher Johanna Blake, Classroom Teacher Melynda Stewart, Classroom Teacher Amy Labay, Classroom Teacher Leah Smithson, Classroom Teacher

MIKE EDDLEMAN PHOTO

LHISD employees returned to work Tuesday, attending the opening convocation and sharing their enthusiasm for the new year.

Central Administration

Sharif (Ekram) Mezayek, Chief of Police Brad Mansfield, Asst. Superintendent

Special Education

as well as many more school district and county meetings, covering elections, budgets, bonds and capital improvements. The Independent does that for you, all you have to do is pick it up and catch up. But there is another problem. No one reads the paper, right? In fact, The Independent sells 1,900 papers every week, and has nearly 6,700 social media followers of its own where it promotes City events, meetings and shares stories of local importance. Disparaging a local business and dismissing it because it sells only 1,900 products per week is an interesting point of view. Such a volume in any other business would be seen as quite successful. If your local insurance salesman wrote 1,900 policies every week, he would be considered highly successful local businesses. If a local gift shop sold 1,900 items every week, that would be successful. As a side note to the circu-

able by asking questions. Journalism serves as that watchdog. It is the check on government activity when the people aren’t watching. But it only works when you read it and use it as the tool it is meant to be. Don’t trust the paper? Reach out to us and tell us why. Tell us what we can do as journalists to help you see the importance of our role in the community. Living in a community with a thriving newspaper, you get the benefit of the newspaper sitting in those meetings for you, reporting on them and delivering it to your mailbox every week to read at your leisure for only $25 per year. Before you decide the newspaper is not worth a subscription, find out what’s in it every week. Pick it up, read some of the stories and see what you are not finding out about every week in your community.

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Start it off right!

By VICKI BATES Guest Columnist As we approach the start of another school y e a r , there are s o m e things that can help your child have the best year ever -- emotionally, mentally and physically. First, it is important to establish a routine for the school year. Since it has been summer, and most kids are allowed to stay up pretty late (I have some that tell me that they stay up all night and sleep all day), it is imperative that parents do your best to ensure that your kids are getting enough sleep. Studies have found that many teens are staying up half of the night on their phones or tablets, and it is believed that this has been a big contributor to the wave of anxiety and depression that we are seeing among teens and pre-teens. I encourage parents to lock away phones/tablets at night to charge. There is no reason that your child needs his/her phone all night long, especially if they are under the age of 16. And even if they are older, but they are not responsible enough to get the sleep they need, then they may need to have restrictions, too. Of course, not all kids have this issue, but the numbers are really significant. Teens should be getting 9-10 hours of sleep a night, but we all know that most of them don’t. Not only are they spending an inordinate amount of time on social media, but many are completely immersing themselves into the gaming world. I do not believe that there is anything inherently wrong with video games; however, many teens are using those as

an “escape mechanism” and avoiding the real world. I have parents tell me that their child goes into complete “meltdown mode” if they take their phone or tablet away. I see this as a serious issue. Also, be aware if your teen or pre-teen has been “isolating” from others socially. There might not be a problem with your teen emotionally, but you need to work to be aware of how they are doing. Many teens today are asking parents to talk to a counselor. They realize that things just don’t feel “right” with them, or they have experienced a great deal of childhood trauma and really need to “unpack” it somewhere. Don’t take it personally if your child asks to talk to a professional; many parents feel threatened that their child could talk to a therapist, but not to them. Remember, you are their parent, and many kids don’t want to let you down by being “weak” and needing help. Your child wants your approval; they want you to be proud of them, so sometimes they don’t want you to know all their fears and insecurities. Ask your child if he/she needs to talk and be willing to be vulnerable with them and let them know some of the things that you struggled with as an adolescent. That does not mean that I think parents should tell their kids everything that they have ever done in their lives…I don’t see that as particularly healthy, but it does help your kids to know that you, too, had fears and issues as a teen. Watch your child throughout the year for signs of anxiety, depression, or eating issues. If you feel at some time that they might be suicidal, ask them if they are thinking about killing themselves. They may be waiting to tell you or ask for help. Although school is back in

session and that means a return to “work” for kids, it is still important that they have time to play. By “play”, I mean that they need to have some kid fun….free play with imagination should be encouraged. Even older adolescents and adults need to keep “play” in their lives. We all need laughter and to keep playing until we are too old to move! I see many kids who already have had to become “little adults” because of circumstances in their lives; these kids need even more encouragement to play and have fun. Most of all, parents, your children need and want boundaries; yes, they need rules to make them feel loved and safe. Your children may think you are too strict or too controlling, but this is your only chance to really affect their lives. Later on, they can make their own rules for their life, but until they are adults, that is your job. I have seen a number of teens who sit and cry because their parents just don’t care…. they let them do whatever they want to do. That might sound like a teen’s dream, but to kids, it is a sign that no one cares enough to set boundaries. And most of all, parents, tell your kids that you are proud of them. Just telling them you love them is important, but not enough! Vicki Bates is a Licensed Professional Counselor with offices in Bertram and Marble Falls. Before becoming a counselor, she spent 29 years teaching and coaching -- 14 of those years were spent in Liberty Hill schools, with 8 years at the high school teaching English and coaching basketball and track, then 6 years at the Intermediate School teaching P.E. to 5th and 6th graders. She loves working with people to help them find “their best selves.”

Thursday, August 8, 2019

Physical therapy without a prescription

By DR. KIRK RINGLAND Texas Physical Therapy Specialists HB 29 has been signed by Governor Abbott granting patients improved direct access to utilize physical therapy services. On Sept. 1, the bill goes into effect. This means you no longer need a physician’s prescription to initiate physical therapy treatment. However, there are stipulations. Please ask your local physical therapist for more details on what is covered and not covered under the new bill. Below are some highlights. HB 29 amends provisions of Section 453.301, Occupations Code (PT Practice Act) that includes: * Treatment without a referral for not more than 10 consecutive business days for a physical therapist (PT) who possesses a doctoral degree in physical therapy or who has completed a minimum of 30 continuing competence activities in the area of differential diagnosis. * Additionally, a PT with a doctoral degree in physical therapy who has completed a residency or fellowship can treat for not more than 15 consecutive business days without a referral. * Stipulations on treatment without a referral are the PT must have been licensed to practice physical therapy for at least one year and must be covered by professional liability insurance. * Before treatment can exceed the authorized number of days, a referral must be obtained from a qualified healthcare practitioner. A PT, regardless of entry-level degree, who has been

licensed to practice for at least one year will no longer be authorized to treat an established patient This new bill allows you to come in and receive physical therapy right away. Our goal is to ensure that each of our patients receive the highest quality of care available, that they’re able to access that care quickly, and that it’s the care that’s right for them. Our patients are seen within two to three days of calling or filling out our schedule appointment form. A 2014 study suggests that patients who received physical therapy through direct access (vs. physician referral) had a higher level of satisfaction and better outcomes at discharge. This study also highlighted decreased costs in the direct access group vs. the referral group, which can likely be attributed to decreased imaging, fewer visits, and less prescription medication. Early access also saves money! Over 50% in back pain costs alone. It also often prevents the need for further healthcare. Over 13 million Americans see their doctor each year for relief from chronic low back pain. The right physical therapy within 14 days of the onset of pain minimizes the average total cost of care by 50%. That’s a lot of money each year! Kirk Ringland is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and Clinic Director at Texas Physical Therapy Specialists in Liberty Hill. For more information or to make an appointment, call (512) 778-6700.

Commissioners issue burn ban for Williamson County

GEORGETOWN -- On Tuesday, Williamson County Commissioners Court approved the implementation of a County Burn Ban for a period not to exceed 90 days and to authorize County Judge Bill Gravell to lift the ban when conditions improve. A person violates this order

if he burns any combustible material outside of an enclosure which serves to contain all flames and/or sparks, or orders such burning by others. The burn ban prohibits the burning of household yard waste, such as leaves, grass, brush and other yard trimmings. It also prohibits burn-

ing to clear land of trees, stumps, shrubbery, or other natural vegetation. This order may be enforced by any duly-commissioned peace officer. It is a Class C Misdemeanor that is punishable by a fine up to $500.

BACK TO SCHOOL 2019

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

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PANTHER SPORTS 2019 Fall Preview

The Panthers are back on the field this week, stressing fundamentals as they prepare for the new season that begins on the road against Glenn High School Aug. 30. ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Expectations remain high for Panther football following State Championship appearance

By KEITH SPARKS Sports Writer Across Texas, Liberty Hill Head Football Coach Jeff Walker has a reputation for running a top-notch offseason program year after year, and this summer was no different. Although Walker said the offseason “kind of lost its luster” toward the end of the summer, as most offseasons do, his expectations were met for the most part. “It kind of lost its luster toward the end and we didn’t finish as well as I’d like to, but it was a good offseason,” Walker said. “The kids did what we asked them to do,

and I believe we got stronger and we got faster. As a coach, we’re never strong enough or fast enough, but they did do what we expected them to do. They worked hard and I think we took some strides forward. We’ve just got to continue.” Per usual this time of year, Walker said his players aren’t where they need to be, but that’s the case with every football program in the country, and it’s rare that you’ll hear a coach say anything different. “None of us are where we need to be right now, this time of year,” Walker said. “It’s a work in progress. They’re still showing up every day and do-

ing what we ask them to do, so I feel they will be ready, but none of us are quite ready, yet. It’s a process. We’re on day two today, and we’re not where we need to be, but they are doing everything we ask them to do and they’re doing it to the best of their abilities, so I figure we’re going to get to where we need to be.” One of the most important progressions of 2019 is that of senior quarterback and second-year starter Jacob Cearley, whose expectations are higher than they’ve ever been. “They’re very, very high,” Walker said of Cearley’s expectations. “Kind of like with

(Kyle) Harrison last year, everybody asked me when he rushed for 2,700 yards as a junior what I expected from him as a senior, and I told them more.” According to Walker, the ball will be in Cearley’s hands even more this year than it was last year, due in large part to the departure of star running back and 2019 graduate Kyle Harrison. “You’re probably going to see (Cearley) throw the ball a little more, you’re going to see him run the ball a little more, we’re going to put the ball in

See EXPECTATIONS, Page 30

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, August 8, 2019 Page 22

Lampasas expected to be LHHS’ stiffest competition in District 14-4A

By KEITH SPARKS Sports Writer The Panthers are widely expected to come out on top of District 14-4A once again in 2019, but it isn’t a forgone conclusion. Liberty Hill will enter the season as the fourthranked team in the state at the 4A level, according to Max Preps, with Lampasas taking the 14th spot in the rankings as the only other team in the district among the top 25. Lampasas will return the majority of their starters from last season after finishing second in the district in 2018, losing only to Liberty Hill in district play. The Badgers’ most important weapon will be junior quarterback Ace Whitehead, who threw for 3,049 yards, 35 touchdowns, and only four interceptions as a sophomore starter last season. He’ll have a number of weapons to throw to on the outside and a returning running back that eclipsed 1,500 yards last season. “They have skill kids like I probably haven’t seen in 4A with a quarterback and three receivers that can go and a running back that rushed for 1,500 yards,” Liberty Hill Head Coach Jeff Walker said. “They’re returning a lot of their defense, so I think on paper and what everybody’s

saying right now is Lampasas is probably the toughest competition.” If Liberty Hill and Lampasas rank in tier one of District 14, Canyon Lake and Fredericksburg would follow in tier two. Both teams finished with 2-3 district records last season, and both are consistent threats to win against just about anybody. “Canyon Lake and Fredericksburg are the next two everybody’s talking about,” Walker said. “I’m one of those guys that treats everybody the same. We don’t build up anybody, and we don’t put anybody down. I think it’s going to be a district where if we don’t show up to play, we won’t win. If we show up to play, we’ll have a very good chance.” The bottom tier, if ranked in such a way, would be Burnet and Taylor. Burnet has struggled mightily over the last few years and doesn’t seem to have much of a shot in 2019, either. The Bulldogs went 0-5 in district play last season, 2-8 overall, and are expected to finish toward the bottom once again. The Taylor Ducks finished with a 2-3 district record last season, surprising some teams with their athleticism,

See DISTRICT, Page 30

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

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Integrating Fun, Education & Health

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, August 8, 2019

ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Liberty Hill High School’s dance teams are looking forward to a new school year. With 20 members of the varsity Liberty Belles, and 14 members of the junior varsity Liberty Stars, dance coaches say students have been working this summer on routines, and hosted a dance camp.

Liberty Belles poised for successful school year

By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer A busy summer gave the Liberty Hill High School dance team a chance to grow in everything from leadership to dancing—and start working on routines for several upcoming competitions. The Liberty Belles have been running two-a-day practices since the beginning of August and have been working on routines for football game halftime shows, pep rallies and competitions. The dance team

also recently hosted its annual Little Belles class, where students pre-k through eighth grade got to learn three routines with the Belles and will perform with them during a football game halftime show in October. The dance team also just returned from a training camp. “We trained with several other dance teams and learned a bunch of routines,” said Liberty Belles Director Megan Fitzgerald. “We also worked on bonding and how to work

together as a team and how to work with your director. At the camp the girls were awarded best precision and as most admired team. Back in June, we went to a leadership camp with just the Belles officers. There they also learned a lot about how to lead their team, how to teach, how to choreograph and how to be a respected leader and be looked up to.” This year, the team will attend three different competitions. The first, which will be held Feb. 8, 2020, on South Padre

Island, is for the South Padre Island Festival. The next one will be held on Feb. 21, 2020, in Pflugerville and is called the Austin Showcase. The third competition is the Vista Ridge Dance Competition, which will be held Feb. 29, 2020. “February is going to be very busy for us,” Fitzgerald said. “On the weekend we aren’t competing in February, we will be hosting a contest at Liberty Hill High School, called the Central Texas Dance Competition. That will be on Feb. 15,

2020. We will do an exhibition routine at the end of that one, but we aren’t competing in it.” The dance team also starts working on routines right away for its spring show, which will be held April 3-4, 2020. “We showcase everything we’ve learned throughout the year,” Fitzgerald said. “The [junior varsity dance team] Stars and the high school and junior high dance classes also perform in this show. The title of the show will be ‘The

Show of the Century,’ and the idea behind it is that since next year is 2020, we’re going to basically feature the evolution of music from 1920 to 2020. We’re hoping to start with a Roaring ‘20s theme and then go from there.” In addition to Fitzgerald, Melanie Bivone will also return this year as assistant director and junior varsity dance team Liberty Stars director.

See BELLES, Page 32

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LHHS cheer team ‘pepped’ for new school year

By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer After a summer of learning new skills, the Liberty Hill High School cheer team is ready to bring the pep to fellow students and the community. LHHS Cheer Coach Paige Ellisor said over the summer, the cheerleaders attended the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) camp in Galveston, where the team spent four days learning new cheers, dances and skills. The team also started its full-time practices in early August and is in the middle of working on routines for the first two pep rallies of the year. “The first pep rally is going to be for the football games against Hutto, which is our first home game,” Ellisor said. “We’re doing a ‘hunt the hippo’ theme, so we’re going to be selling camo shirts for our fundraiser and trying to get the community involved in the game. I think it’ll be a tough one for us this year.” This year, the cheer team has

The Liberty Hill varsity cheer team gathers for a photo during NCA cheer camp in Galveston. The four-day camp took place June 27-30. (Courtesy Photo) 16 varsity cheerleaders, 12 junior varsity cheerleaders and the mascot. Head captain this year is senior Montana Sowell. Ellisor will also be joined by new assistant coach Monica Huffman, who will also serve

as the junior varsity coach. For a lot of the cheerleaders, football season is the biggest season of the year. “We are hoping the football team does well this year,” Ellisor said. “For the seniors it’s a

big deal, and it was so exciting last year for us to be able to go all the way to state.” Ellisor also has a separate competition team, with approximately 20 cheerleaders that must try out to be select-

ed, that will go to two different competitions this school year. The ﬁrst one, in December, is a regional competition in Round Rock through Cheer America. The second one is the NCA Nationals competition, which

will be held in February. “Last year we did a different type of competition that wasn’t as rigorous as these ones will

See CHEER, Page 29

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, August 8, 2019

ALEX RUBIO FILE PHOTO

Emma Parsons (#10) battles at the net last season. This year the Lady Panthers will be in for a battle as they try to capitalize on the returning talent and make a run for a state title.

Lady Panthers have high expectations for 2019

By LANCE CATCHINGS Sports Writer The Liberty Hill volleyball team is already hard at work prepping for the 2019 season. After going 24-17 last season and winning another district title many teams would be satisfied, but not the Lady Panthers. After taking a surprising loss in the bi-district playoff round last season and being two years removed from back-to-back state tournament appearances, head Coach Gretchen Peterson said her players are as motivated as they have ever been. “Nobody is ever happy when your season ends earlier than you wanted it to,” Peterson

said. “We just were not happy about last season, and it stung bad for us. Once we stepped back from it, we realized that we never want to feel that way again. It was a sad, yucky and awful pit in your stomach feeling when your season ends before you’re ready. I hated it for our seniors, but it may turn out to be the best motivation that we needed so we’re going to run with it. We will use it to fuel us, push us and do everything we can to make sure we’re not in that situation again.” The Lady Panthers return seven players total and five starters this season. Ashley Nelson, Emily Huppee. Lili

Wilkins, Emma Parsons and Kindsee Escamilla return to a Lady Panther lineup that boasts some of the district’s best. Nelson is the returning district co-MVP, Huppee was offensive player of the year last season and Wilkins was a firstteam all-district selection. “All of them got quality playing time last season,” Peterson said. “If we want to look for silver lining from last season when we were hit by injuries and had to call on different people at different times. Youth is a good thing because you get them for a while, but there were times where it was hard last year. Last year real-

ly paid off because the girls have come in and they are so much better and so much more knowledgeable and stronger. They click better because they have had a year together and those are struggles you go through sometimes. Last year we struggled but we learned along the way and now we are better for it.” This fall, look for seniors Nelson and Huppee to lead by example. Escamilla is a force to be reckoned with on the court, but injuries slowed down her sophomore season. Entering her third year on varsity she is prepared to show the talent fans have seen flashes of the past two seasons.

“Nelson and Huppee both have the ability to lead in their unique and special ways,” she said. “We will definitely lean on their leadership qualities throughout the season. There are some kids that we have this year that really have a knack for being a good teammate and I think that is a good leadership quality as well. Escamilla is a good teammate and she picks people up and is vocal. Escamilla will continue to do what we know she is capable of. Our hope is that this season she will be able to do it more often. Injuries plagued her last season and that was just unfortunate, but she has continued to work and improve.”

Parsons was setter of the year last season as a freshman, but Coach Peterson doesn’t want any of her players getting comfortable. Healthy competition breeds overall success and there are new players joining the team this year that will make a push for playing time. “Emma (Parsons) has also grown into a leadership role that you want from your setters,” she said. “We have great kids that have found their voice in different ways. We have some players that are new to our team as well and they have not skipped a beat filling in. We have a new

See VOLLEYBALL, Page 32

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Cross Country teams hit the ground running in 2019

By LANCE CATCHINGS Sports Writer The Liberty Hill cross country teams have wasted no time in hitting the ground running in 2019. The mornings come early, and the runs are long but the goal of a trip to state is what has the runners of Liberty Hill logging early miles. Head Coach Kim Holt said the turnout for this season has been exactly what she hoped to see. “We started practice July 29th and our first meet will be Aug. 16th at Wilco Park in Leander, so it comes fast,” Holt said. “We have almost 60 kids show up this year with roughly 28 girls and 29 boys. Some of the kids have really worked hard during the summer so we have seen a lot of good things early on. We have an upperclassman girl who moved here from Leander and she is talented. Both the girls’ and boys’ teams look to have improved from last year.” Every year Holt starts the first few weeks of practice with a time trial and she was pleasantly surprised. “We had a time trial last Monday and we had some freshman boys running in the front of that pack,” she said. “We also had a freshman girl as our number two girl. She is the only freshman girl in that top spot and the rest are upperclassmen.” With so much potential showing up at practice Holt believes her teams can improve on what they accomplished in 2018. “The boys finished second at regionals and seventh at state

last year,” she said. “Their goal the previous year was to come back and make top five and this year we are talking about the podium and I think it is doable, they just have to put in the work. We graduated three seniors and the boys coming back are just as good or better. The girls were fifth at regionals and just missed qualifying for state, but we have two runners that will really help improve our team.” Senior leadership can often be the straw that stirs the drink in high school athletics and Holt said this season will be no different. “Senior Madison Sears has improved a lot during track last season, and we are expecting her to improve this year,” she said. “Watching our returners come back they look stronger and hopefully that will continue to improve. I have Gabriel Hernandez and Kevin Berber coming back and we will be looking to them for our leadership on the boys’ side. Ryan Davis is a senior for us as well this year who will be contributing. He did not make the seven that ran at district last year, but he has improved and is looking good in practice so far. “This year the dynamics of the team have changed and there will be different leadership so there is always an adjustment every year,” she said. “If we have a strong runner and we have that type of competition throughout the season it can change the competitiveness level at practice. We want to make sure that we don’t get mentally tired and we stay on

pace throughout the season in our runs.” The expectations are always high in Liberty Hill and the student-athletes in the cross country program know precisely what the coaches are expecting them to do this year. Last season, Liberty Hill made a clean sweep at district on the varsity and junior varsity level and Peterson is looking to see more of the same. “We recently did a goal setting and they wrote their goals on a piece of paper and they gave them to us,” she said. “Our expectations for this year’s team is high. We swept district last year and all four teams won, and we were talking about regionals and what we need to do there. Our goal is to win regionals and we have the people we just must do the work. The goal is to make the podium at state and that will never change. The girls’ team was upset last year that they didn’t qualify for state and I think that will help motivate them for this season.” Holt made no major changes to the cross country schedule besides the addition of a meet in Belton since they will not run at Vista Ridge and a meet held in Temple at Profit. “You can have a total of eight meets without district, so I added a meet since last year McNeil got rained out,” she said. “The kids are working hard already, and we are excited to see what happens once the meets start.” The annual Liberty Hill cross country meet will be held Sept. 7.

(LEFT) Entering his senior season Kevin Berber will now be one of the Panthers counted on to help lead the cross country program this season. In this photo he is shown running last season at the regional cross country meet. LAURA COLEMAN FILE PHOTO

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Liberty Hill tennis ready to take the court

By LANCE CATCHINGS Sports Writer The Liberty Hill tennis team had one of the biggest program turnarounds of any sport in the state in year one with head Coach Philip Dodd at the helm. In year two, he is looking to build on the foundation the players and parents and have made. “Last year we had a great fall season overall,” Dodd said. “In the spring I let the seniors kind of choose what they wanted to play, and we fell short of the state tournament. This year, they will not get to choose in the spring, but we still got as far as we could last year in the fall. “We played the state champions in the regional quarterfinals last year and we will end up doing the same thing again this fall because they will still be state champions. Our goal this year is to win the district championship again so ‘backto-back’ will be our slogan,” he said. “Last year was our first time winning the district team championship. I also took 10 individuals to the regional tournament, which was the most ever. I think we will replicate that or do better this coming season,” he said. This summer, Dodd challenged his players to take the game seriously and really work at it if they wanted to improve for this season and he was not disappointed. “Last year I had three or four multi-sport athletes and this

year those girls plan to just focus on tennis, which is really nice,” he said. “I made the players earn 2,000 points this summer by going to camps, taking lessons and playing tournaments and they all got way more than I asked them to get. I was really pleased with that,” Dodd said. “We had 15 girls show up at 6 a.m. in the morning for tryouts earlier in the week and we had more that were out of town so that gives roughly 20 players to choose from on the girls’ side and we’ll take between eight to 10 for the varsity level. On the boys’ side I have roughly 15 boys.” Graduation is something every tennis team deals with year in and year out, but the cupboard is not bare at Liberty Hill. “We lost two seniors on both sides in Henry Madison was a state qualifier and Gunnar Ortega who was a state qualifier,” he said. “Kennedy Coleman was a state qualifier and Mckenzie Wukasch was one of our top players. On the girls’ side we will have a top player back and the boys should be solid all the way down has a looking at a balanced team this year. We should hold our own all the way down the lineup. Last year they were mostly all freshman so now they are sophomores and some juniors and a couple of seniors.” Last season the Panthers had a loaded schedule of mostly road games and at that time

Thursday, August 8, 2019

Dodd asked parents to trust the process. This season the Panthers have roughly 20 matches scheduled and 14 of them will be played at the Liberty Hill High School tennis courts. “Last year we had a heavy schedule and did a lot of traveling and the parents were worried about that,” he said. “This year the majority of our matches will be played at home. Last year we had to be on the road because the previous coach didn’t make a schedule but this year the teams we played returned the favor so our first five or six matches are at home. We will host Lampasas at home for the district championship this year as well. The kids have another year under their belts, so they know what to expect and the parents know what to expect and we are looking forward to getting started.” The Panther tennis team opened the season Tuesday at home against Waco Robinson and Dodd said it would be a good test of where his team stood. We open with Robinson here at home and they went to state in team tennis two years ago and was a top 25 team last year,” he said. “It will be an early season preview of how good we are right now and how hard our kids have worked over the summer. This year I feel our team is ready to go and last year we really weren’t ready.”

LAURA COLEMAN FILE PHOTO

Mackenzie Coleman makes a swing to return the ball over the net last season. This year the Panther tennis team is ready to swing into action for 2019.

BACK TO SCHOOL 2019

Questions Continued from Page 10 at Meet the Teacher. A few other reminders about transportation are any changes to the plan you determine at Meet the Teacher will require a transportation change to be emailed to bbestransportationchanges@libertyhill.txed.net by 1 p.m. There are no exceptions to this rule and without the above change sent, your child will be sent home per the plan you dictate at Meet the Teacher. Q: What is Panther Cub Camp? A: The first days of school in kindergarten look a lot different this year. Bill Burden kindergarten students will participate in Panther Cub Camp during the first three days of school. Students will rotate between each of the kindergarten teachers and get to know each of them and each other before class lists are made. Parents will receive an email on the evening of Aug. 16 to introduce their child’s teacher. We will have Kindergarten Orientation on Aug. 19 from 5:306:30 p.m. for parents to meet with their child’s individual teacher and get an overview of our campus and procedures. Q: How can I know what is going on at Burden? A: At Meet the Teacher you will receive a copy of the Communication Plan for our campus. Basically, we will send a newsletter home each Thursday alternating from the campus to the grade level and back. Email addresses are pulled from those entered during registration. If for any reason you do not receive correspondence from our campus on Thursday, please call the office so we can figure out how to correct it. We will also utilize the Burden Facebook page for pictures, events, and fun messages. In the event of an emergency, phone numbers are pulled from those registered in Skyward. Please make sure all numbers stay current. Q: What is the visitor policy? A: Parents and community

members are welcome additions to our campus! We have many events and activities throughout the year to open our doors and invite you to see the wonderful things that are happening at Burden. There are some times when we limit visitors to protect our instructional time and allow for our students to have time to acclimate to campus routines. There are no visitors during lunch for the first two weeks of school and during state testing. We also ask that parents talk to teachers during their daily scheduled conference time and not during classroom instructional time while supervising students. Anytime you visit campus, you will be required to show ID and badge into the building. Your badge must be worn at all times while on campus. Q: What if I can’t make it to Meet the Teacher? A: On the first day of school, all parents will be allowed to walk their child to class. You can bring your child’s supplies and fill out the appropriate transportation information in the classroom. Starting Day 2, we will begin promoting their independence and students will walk to class on their own. Don’t worry, our staff will be throughout the building ready to help them learn their way! We will post as much information as we can online and class lists will remain posted over the weekend.

Liberty Hill Elementary

Q: What time does school start and end? A: Students may enter at 7:15 a.m. They are released to classrooms at 7:30 a.m. The tardy bell rings at 7:45 a.m. School is dismissed at 3 p.m. Q: Do I need my driver’s license every time I visit LHE? A: Yes, even if you are already in our system you must bring your ID. Q: What time is my child’s lunch?

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

up their schedule and walk A: Travis Motal, Princiaround the school to find their pal; Brandi Pennington, AP; classes. Courtney McVan, 8th Grade Q: What supplies will my Counselor; Catherine Presley, student need? 7th Grade Counselor; or Lisa A: The LHJH web page has a Gardner, Administrative Aslist of all supplies needed for sistant. 7th and 8th grade. Q: What are the start and Liberty Hill end times for the junior High School high? A: The front doors of the Q: Are my children safe at school open at 7:30 a.m. and your school? first period begins at 7:50 a.m. A: Leadership and staff have The last period ends at 3:35 been trained in the most up-todate guidelines to ensure the p.m. Q: How can I access my stu- safety and security of all staff dent’s grades or lunch ac- and students at Liberty Hill High School. count? A: Parents/guardians can Q: Who do contact to allow access their student’s class my child to leave school eargrades, schedule, teacher con- ly? tact information, as well as A: If you would like to check their lunch account through your student out early, please LHTRANSPORTASkyward Family Access. All email parents/guardians should have TIONCHANGES@LIBERTan account set up for Family YHILL.TXED.NET prior to Access through registering 1 p.m. on the day needed. If their student in Liberty Hill you have any other transportaISD. There will be someone tion questions including buses, available during schedule or bus routes please contact pick-up on Aug. 12 if help is transportation at (512) 3793250. needed to create an account. Q: Who should I contact if I Q: What is considered an have questions about my stu- absence that counts against Liberty Hill dent’s schedule, special pro- exemptions? Intermediate grams (504, GT..), or have A: Absences counted against exemptions eligibility include • Students can not cross the just general questions? street during car rider lines before or after school. • Students do not have lockers. heer Continued from Page 25 Students carry their backpacks from class to class. be, so the girls are excited,” “We just want to get the crowd • There are three lunches that Ellisor said. “This separate involved in what we’re doing,” are split between both grade team has separate practices she said. “It was awesome last levels. and we practice all year long. year going all the way to state • Students do not dress out/ We run three-minute routines in so many different sports and change clothes for PE, but all with dance, cheer, stunt, tum- seeing the community involveIntermediate students are ex- bling—basically everything ment. We want to keep that up pected to wear tennis shoes. rolled into one performance.” and keep people excited.” • Campus doors open at 7:15 Ellisor said besides doing Ellisor added that the coma.m. for students to enter the well at the competitions, the munity will be impressed with building. cheer team’s main goal this the team’s skills this year, as year is crowd involvement. they’ve improved and added

A: PK 10:45-11:15 ESLE 10:45-11:15 K 11:00-11:30 1st 11:15-11:45 2nd 11:45-12:15 3rd 11:10-11:40 4th 11:35-12:05 Q: How do I change my child’s end of day transportation? A: Email your change to lhestransportationchanges@libertyhill.txed.net before 1 p.m. Include your child’s name, teacher’s name and what the change is for the day. No changes will be accepted after 1 p.m. no exceptions. Q: When should I keep my child home and for how long? A: Healthy kids are better learners! Please keep your child home if they have had a fever (100 degrees or more) within the last 24 hours; vomiting or diarrhea within the last 24 hours; or signs of a communicable disease (strep throat, influenza, impetigo, pinkeye, etc.) until 24 hours after starting medication or as directed by their doctor.

Liberty Hill Junior High

Q: When can my student pick-up their schedule? A: On Monday, Aug. 12, students and their parents/guardians can come anytime between 5:30-7:30 p.m. to pick

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Excused and Unexcused. State approved non-absences listed in the LHISD Handbook will NOT be counted against exam eligibility. Full day absences with a doctor’s note count against eligibility. Funerals do not count against eligibility. Up to five partial day medical appointments do not count against eligibility. Q: How do I get a copy of my transcript? A: To obtain a transcript or have it sent to a college you will need to fill out a Transcript Request form and return it to the High School Registrar. This form can be found on the High School Counselor’s Corner forms tab or in the High School front office. Q: How do I get access to Skyward? A: If you have not set up a Skyward account, you need to select under the login that you are having a problem. That will bring up a page to fill out your issue, “setting up new account”, and submit. Administration will send you an email with the account registration information. If you have an account but are having trouble accessing it, click reset password.

to their repertoire. “Our team is always working on bonding and coming together and working well together,” she said. “With stunting you have to be able to trust everyone around you. We had a good year last year and we want that to continue this year.”

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, August 8, 2019

District Continued from Page 22 but they aren’t shaping up to be a particularly strong team in 2019. Regardless of expectations, Walker said both the Ducks and Bulldogs could rattle off a win any given week, and he plans to prepare for them as if they were among the best in the state. “Everybody’s penciling in Taylor and Burnet to be the last two in our district, but either one of those can sneak up and

surprise somebody,” Walker said. “They have some history and all that.” District 14-4A will likely finish with similar standings to 2018, but with the graduations of Liberty Hill running back Kyle Harrison, linebacker Brenden Ketchem, safety Wyatt Cheney, and a number of dominant offensive linemen, the Panthers aren’t quite as strong as a favorite as they were last season.

Coach Jeff Walker and his staff are working to evaluate the talent on a young Panther team that will look to make another deep playoff run in 2019.

his hands a little more,” Walker said. “He proved last year that when the ball is in his hands, he makes plays.” From a leadership standpoint, Walker said vocally, there aren’t many. There are, however, a number of senior Panthers that Walker said do an excellent job of leading by example, namely defensive back Brady Brewer and offensive lineman Hadley Weems. “We have kids that lead by example,” Walker said. “Brady Brewer, he’s a worker. He works hard and does what we ask him to do. Hadley Weems is not a vocal kid at all, but he’s always in the weight room, always doing exactly what he’s supposed to be doing. We have a lot of those seniors that the younger kids can look at, look to them as far as how their work ethic is and what they’re doing, how they carry themselves and all those

kinds of things.” One of the biggest question marks after Harrison’s graduation is the running back core. Returner Blake Simpson will likely get the lion’s share – or the Panther’s share, rather – of the carries, but the fullback and tailback positions remain up for grabs. “I think we’ll be fine at the running back spot,” Walker said. “Obviously, we’re not going to have another Kyle Harrison. We just felt like when we put it in his hands, good things were going to happen, and it makes you look like a really good coach. Blake Simpson is one of those that could do some of that. He’s got all the ability in the world to be a great running back.” Although the fullback and tailback positions aren’t set in stone as of yet, Nash Robinson and Trey Seward have been taking first-team reps for the

time being. Robinson played a limited role as fullback last season as injuries took their toll on those ahead of him in the depth chart, but Seward didn’t get a single carry last season. “The other running backs are still a work in progress,” Walker said. “I think offensively, we’re going to be okay, it just may take us a little while. We may need to have a little patience, and I’m not very good with patience, but I think offensively, we will shake out to be a pretty good football team. It’s just going to take a little longer than what I like.” As far as the defense is concerned, Walker said they aren’t where they need to be, but mentioned Brewer and Drake Oberpriller as his impact players on that side of the ball. Both played major roles on the defense last season, and both players’ expectations are even

Expectations Continued from Page 22

ALEX RUBIO PHOTOS

higher as returning seniors. The only thing that might hold them back, Walker said, is the possibility of having to play them on offense. “There are guys that have had good offseasons, but we’re still not where we need to be,” Walker said. “Our two safeties are going to be pretty dang good if we can keep them there and don’t have to bring them to the offensive side. Brady Brewer and Drake Oberpriller, they’re both pretty dang good players back there.” The linebacker core, Walker said, could be a weakness on the defense following the graduation of Brenden Ketchem, a leader for the Panther defense last season, but he expects the defense to be a force once they “gel” over time. “I think the defense has a chance to be really good, too, it’s just that we’ve got to gel,” Walker said. “We’ve got to

start coming together. That’s what scrimmages are for and practices are for. I think if we have a strength on our team, it’s our safeties. They’re going to be pretty dang good.” Regarding improvements that need to take place between now and the Panthers’ first game, Walker said the biggest thing is shifting from a bunch of individuals to a team that plays together. “There are about 100,000 things that I could tell you, but I really want them to start playing together as a group,” Walker said. “Pushing for each other, challenging each other. I told the kids, and I don’t know where I heard it but I think I’ve told you this before. ‘On good teams, coaches push the players. On great teams, players push players.’ We just need more kids pushing each other and challenging each other, and I guess playing together

for a bigger cause than just me. I’d like to see us come together better as a unit, because there’s a lot of individuals right now and kids that haven’t been under the Friday night lights and don’t know what to expect, don’t know what’s coming. I hope we’ll get some of that from our seniors that have been there and done that and maybe help them along the way.” The Panthers’ Purple and White Scrimmage will take place Saturday at 11 a.m., followed by a scrimmage at Brownwood on Aug. 17 at 11 a.m. and a scrimmage at home against Marble Falls Aug. 23 at 6:30 p.m. Their first official game of the season will take place in a non-district matchup at Leander Glenn on Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

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Mansfield ready to make a difference in LHISD

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor Liberty Hill’s new assistant superintendent has been on the job through much of the summer, but he hasn’t had an opportunity to experience what he loves most about education so far in his new home. “The summer is just full of stuff,” said Brad Mansfield, who made the move from Leander ISD to Liberty Hill this summer. “You have all these lists. You’ve got to plan this, prepare this, meet on this, talk about this, then you get to see it all happen and put into place when the kids start showing up. Then you start to see the kids. Everybody is excited and happy to be there, and we hope it stays that way all year long. That energy just revives you.” Mansfield is Assistant Superintendent of Student and Operational Services for LHISD and is already knee-deep in operations, security, construc-

tion and planning duties, and while he has lots of experience with the functions of a school district, one of the things he missed as he got deeper into the management side of Leander ISD was the chance to mentor. “I didn’t get to mentor principals like I was when I was an area superintendent, and I get to do that here,” Mansfield said. “I love that.” The students, though, are the center of the educational world for Mansfield and getting into the school year, where he can meet the students and watch them grow is what it is all about. That chance, along with a staff he already knows he is proud to be a part of has made the transition an easy one. “Usually what I love about a school district is kids and parents, but I haven’t gotten to know them yet,” he said. “Here, the people in this district, from top to bottom, love

being around kids, they love Liberty Hill. One of the things that really convinced me toward the end as I was trying to make a decision – because I loved Leander – was driving through town in the middle of summer and there are Liberty Hill Panther flags everywhere. People just support the schools. There’s something compelling about working at a place that has one high school in a community that is right with us.” From 2004 to 2019, Mansfield held positions ranging from assistant principal, to principal at Leander High School, followed by two different district-level administrative posts for Leander ISD. His last position, Senior Executive Director of Student Services, had him focused on many of the same responsibilities he will have in Liberty Hill, though here he will not miss out on the opportunity to

play a role in all aspects of the district’s operations. “It was needed (in Leander) because we had things going on on campuses that needed an administrator’s support, but the area superintendents needed to focus on the curriculum and performance end,” Mansfield said. “We needed a person to kind of help the operations side of the house understand what the principals were dealing with so I got to see a little bit about facilities and maintenance, construction, HR, finance, athletics and all those things. It got me interested in what it means to run an entire school district. Here I knew I’d have the opportunity to learn that side of the house.” Coming from another fastgrowth district in the area, Mansfield knows what it takes to plan for and work around construction, which will help with the number of bond

transportation plan can be adopted, Hall said a land-use plan is needed. “One of the first things I felt we needed to do was create a land use map,” he said. “I felt like we got the cart before the horse in this situation because a land use map tries to identify what part of town is going to become industrial, what part of town is going to be residential, what section of town is going to be multi-family....In order for you to build a transportation map and to have a drainage map as far as how the sewer water is getting out of your town, you have to know and understand how your city is laid out as far as what you want it to look like 15, 20, 30 years from now.” While no public meetings have been held to discuss a future land use plan, he said he hoped by the end of the year a map can be completed. “That should be done – we have a preliminary map that

is out right now – we’ve got some more refining on that to do and then it will come to Council and then we will be able to pass that,” Hall said. “Just like every other plan, whether it is transportation, drainage, land use or whatever, it is a working document, so that does not mean that is set in stone and it is never going to change.” The question was asked whether area residents would be included in that planning process. “I’m all about that,” Hall said, pointing to the past meetings he has held for the community. “Just because you are not part of the city limits does not mean I don’t want you involved in what’s going on in how our city grows.” The current work being done in conjunction with the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) to revamp and enhance the City’s transportation plan is the next

step in terms of road plans. The Council voted unanimously in January to partner with CAMPO on an enhanced plan, investing $4,000 in the costly project that CAMPO will primarily fund. “Campo will come in and sit down with us – and Sally (McFeron) and Greg (Boatright) have been working with them for a few months now – and they will look at what the county’s plan looks like, what the state’s plan looks like, what the projected growth looks like and they will help us figure out how we need to get around in our city to connect to all these arterials outside so we have a fluid process to get through the entire county and the state,” Hall said. “When we get back to that point we will have those kind of meetings where you can sit down and say ‘No, I don’t want that there because this is what’s going on here. This is my driveway.’ We will

listen to that.”

Transportation Continued from Page 6

Growth disagreement The Sundance Ranch residents were not hesitant to let it be known that they generally preferred to see the community not grow so much in the future, suggesting the City limit building permits or take other actions to slow growth and focus on improving infrastructure first. “Why are you letting developers in?” asked one resident, generating applause from a number of those in the audience. But Hall, who has advocated for “smart” business growth specifically, was hesitant to endorse the idea of slowing area growth. “We could stop all development from coming into the City, then when our roads die because they get beat up and can’t be repaired, we will just drive on dirt roads,” Hall responded. “It’s a bad situation

MIKE EDDLEMAN PHOTO

Brad Mansfield is joining LHISD as Assistant Superintendent for Student and Operational Services. He comes from Leander ISD where he most recently served as Senior Executive Director of Student Services. projects on the calendar for LHISD. “Part of the fun of those situations is I’ve been through an add-on to a building, I’ve been through a remodeling of a building, so I got to see

it all happen and I got to see how it affected student interaction and staff,” he said. “It’s the whole process, I’ve been through it, I love it and we’re

right now because the City needs the money in order to do this stuff.”

to change that without another resolution. It’s not a hesitation of doing it, but a hesitation on trying to think if we needed to do it.” A commitment to all residents As he has done many times since his election in May 2018, Hall recommitted himself to representing all area residents, not only those within the city limits. “Whether you’re in the city, or in the community around it, as far as I’m concerned you guys are all from Liberty Hill,” Hall said. “It’s my responsibility as Mayor, and it’s our responsibility as a Council to make sure we’re doing what is best for not only our City, but our community. “At some point in time, 10 years from now, what’s not in the city today could be in the city. I’m treating everybody the way I would want to be treated,” he said.

Rescind by resolution? Residents urged Hall to take official action through the Council to negate the current transportation plan and pass a resolution identifying the future steps in creating a new plan. “Either take it down by resolution the way it was originally passed or the majority of the people are going to believe that’s still a working document, it’s just not still on the website,” one gentleman said. Hall said it was not necessary to pass a resolution to make the change regarding the road and map in question. “Just doing a resolution is really just the City Council saying this is what we’re going to do,” he said. “Having a working document, that was put into play as a working document, gives us the freedom

See MANSFIELD, Page 41

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Volleyball Continued from Page 26

Thursday, August 8, 2019

Belles Continued from Page 24

addition to our team in Emma Becker and she is also a setter, and she and Emma complement each other very well. We may end up running a two-setter offense again. No matter who is on the court they are both natural leaders and they will take it and run with it. It is a great advantage having both of those girls on the team.” With talent that deep the expectations are high and Peterson reaching that potential starts with doing the little things well. “From a fundamental perspective ball control will be

big for us this year,” she said. “We must have better ball control out of serve/receive and defense. We have struggled with that and we must do better. It doesn’t matter who is out there we must pass the ball because we have everything that we need. “From an organization standpoint we will run a bunch of different lineups and we will get people in different places in a lot of different games,” she said. “At the end of the day we are only as good as our bench. We will run a bunch of different rotations because the strength of our bench will be

the strength of our success.” The Lady Panthers will compete at the Westwood Showcase this weekend followed by the Bastrop ISD tourney and the Smithson Valley Showdown later in the month as tournament season gets in full swing. “Going into this year our schedule we changed a few things with the tournaments we go to,” she said. “We wanted to see some of the teams that we may see in the playoffs and get some different looks. We picked up a couple new opponents that we know are historically strong

However, that’s where their world view on how to deal with bullies ended. There was a major fork in the road, philosophically speaking. Two roads diverged in the yellow wood? Yeah, that was written about them. Every day you had to choose the right road. My mother’s road was winding, mysterious and deeply forested with meaning. Daddy’s road was a straight shot at getting there quicker and not taking any crap. My mother invented de-escalation. This is widely known. In fact, she admitted at supper one night that had she remained focused on her education instead of getting married she might have made something more of herself than being our mom. As with most of the folks in her family she was highly intuitive. They are cursed with an almost spiritual side of understanding things that have happened to a person without being told. Of knowing the past and using it as an indicator of future behavior. Of understanding and even forgiving. This is not the Cutter way. Daddy said never start none and then maybe there won’t be none. But, he would always look far away and a hard

smile would crease the leather of his face. He would say that the bigger they are, the harder they fall. Then go back to his supper. The injury to the side of my face from the sudden impact had definitely become the dinner topic. It wasn’t good. My parents had a real world difference on how this should be handled. From the Daddy end of the table came the slow careful questions. Did I know this kid? Had I ever done anything accidentally to hurt him? Bumped into him? Stepped on his books? Anything? (This shows you what a nice, little kid I was…it was understood that it would never have been intentional.) After a moment he said he knew how all this would play out. I either picked up a piece of a live oak limb and put it upside that boy’s head or he would never leave me alone. “Boy, wait until he hits you first, then don’t mess around with it -- drop him. You won’t have to hit him but once if you hit him right.” My mother looked at him as though he might have been a holdover from the crucifixion crowd. She said they had beat our Lord and he never raised a hand against his enemies. We should be more like Jesus.

“St. Peter,” said my daddy, determinedly, “took his sword out and cut off a man’s ear in the Garden of Gethsemane and he is considered the Rock of Christendom.” I absently wondered if my dad were a distant relative of St. Peter. Mother sighed and said that the Lord had rebuked St. Peter back when he was just Peter and had healed the man’s ear and performed a miracle and put it back on his face. Then she asked all about this bully’s family. Where did they live? What kind of folks were they? Did I remember what his mother looked like? In a weird way, these questions seemed a little scarier than my dad’s. She indicated that something must be very wrong in that house to raise that kind of kid and she would be going to the school to discuss this tomorrow. I knew she didn’t know she would make it much worse. I bravely indicated I thought it might be okay just not to do anything. She assured me that giving way to the temptation of anger, vengeance and violence was weakness. If I was a good boy and behaved like our Lord I would be protected. I should have faith. She gave me a loving smile straight from the heart of Jesus and I

Cutter Continued from Page 18

in their respective classifications. We will have to push ourselves this year and raise our standards. We must raise the standard for what we are willing to accept. The girls have understood that and have been working towards that. It is still early, and we have a long way to go. I think we have the talent and it is a matter of how much are we willing to give of ourselves to capitalize on that talent.” The Lady Panthers first home game is set for Aug. 27 at 6:30 p.m. against Cedar Creek.

did not sleep very much that night. All the next day I waited solemnly for the series of bad things to start. I felt like a man without a country. No place to run. Nobody to tell. I watched around every corner. I spent recess with my back to the school building waiting on the hammer to drop. The worst part was that I didn’t really have a plan. Finally, I saw a tree limb near the fence. I spent most of the outside time at lunch wrestling a manageable stick off of it in case I got stuck and had to resort to the Daddy/St. Peter method. I heaved the stick over the fence so I could fetch it from the other side. I knew I was a weak sinner, but the whole exercise helped take up most of lunch. I stayed in the classroom until the teacher finally asked if I was okay and had a way home. I reluctantly made my way to the sidewalk outside with a plan to find my stick. That’s when I looked up and saw our Chevy Impala sitting outside the school. My blood ran cold and I thought about running and trying to get inside but I could see the door locks were down. Locked. I could go back inside and try to find my mother. Suddenly, the bully was on

There are 20 Belles and 14 Stars this year. Line officers include captain and senior Brylee Brandt; first lieutenant and senior Leah Hanstein; senior lieutenant Trinity Holloway; and junior lieutenant Dominique Berzin. “What’s really exciting is this year we have 14 veterans on the Belles, which is the largest number of returning members we’ve ever had,” Fitzgerald said. “We had no turnover, which is really awesome.” In addition to being LHHS’ dance team, the Belles also serve as the dance guard for the high school’s marching band. They perform with the

marching band at all football halftime shows and go with the band to its competitions as well. This year’s band theme is “Home of the Brave,” which will focus on a patriotic Americana theme. The Stars, which have historically always performed at junior varsity football games, will also get the opportunity this year to perform during varsity football playoff games, as well as compete at the Vista Ridge Dance Competition. “This is their first time competing at a huge competition at a totally different school, so we’re excited for that change this year,” Fitzgerald said.

me before I could turn around. I stopped, heard the jeering, put my feet apart and got ready to take the first blow. The world moved in slow motion. I heard him say, watch this and I thought he coughed or made a noise in his throat. Then the spit hit me straight in my face. I have no idea how I had the presence of mind to reach in the back pocket of my pants and pull out the clean white handkerchief. But I did. And without any further immediate plans I wiped his spit off my face. I looked up to see the faces of my classmates. Some began reaching across to help me. Others to pat me on the back in support. He was still laughing. Suddenly, an adult teacher hand reached in and turned me around. I didn’t know her name but she calmly leaned in close and looked me in the eye and asked if he was bothering me. Yes, I said. I calmly told her that I was headed to the fence to get my stashed weapon that might make up the difference in size but that my mommy didn’t want me to fight. I kept wiping away the spit. I didn’t know my teacher had a first name, but I heard it for the first time. Connie, she was called. What a beautiful face she had. What

a sad beautiful group of teacher faces surrounded me. I kept talking about the stick and telling them what daddy said and what mommy said and Connie kept brushing away her hair from her face and telling the others about me staying after class. All this took place in a matter of seconds and then my bully friend was unceremoniously seized by the arm and led towards the principal’s office. He was bellowing and crying. During the car ride home my mother told me I had made the right decision not to fight. She shared my decision and my moral victory with my father who seemed okay with it. After supper I broke down and told my dad about the stick. “If he ever touches you again, crack that thing over his head and tell the school to call ME.” After my bedtime prayers I thought about the two roads. About the loyalty and unquestioning love of my daddy. About ears on the ground and tears of my Lord in the Garden. About my beautiful teacher with her beautiful first name. About my mother and her Lord who never fights back. I drifted off to sleep thinking about the various ways the universe deals with big, mean bullies.

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ALEX RUBIO PHOTO

Members of the Panther Marching Band are practicing daily prior to the start of school, preparing for their marching show. Featuring songs celebrating patriotism, this year’s marching show is sure to appeal to every Panther fan. Drum Majors are Alex Urben, Karlie Bye and Breeley Bodine.

LHHS Band to celebrate patriotism this season

Liberty Hill High School Band Director John Perrin said the theme for this year’s marching show will be “Home of the Brave,” celebrating patriotism. “We look for music that we like, and then we try to pick themes that are meaningful or important in the moment,” Perrin said. “Honoring veterans is a worthwhile theme. Many of the kids from Liberty Hill have parents that served or are currently serving. A lot of kids from Liberty Hill tend to go on and serve in the military services as well. It’s a very important theme.”

While performing during halftime shows, Perrin said there will be a presentation of the Vietnam Memorial and other patriotic props. “I think it will be nice,” he said. “We’ll have some other patriotic decorations. Then we will march our show with patriotic themes, playing ‘America, the Beautiful’ and other patriotic tunes.” The idea of it is to display the sounds of patriotism, Perrin said. “There is a movie called ‘Pacific,’ and we are using one of the tracks from that,” he said. “It evokes a very patri-

otic feeling. The music isn’t necessarily like ‘Yankee Doodle’ or anything like that, that would be considered strictly patriotic. There will be hints of patriotism that you will be able to feel in each piece of music. That’s the idea behind the show, and we want to have a good year with a good theme and put on a good halftime show for our crowds.” Perrin said this year the Liberty Hill High School Band will be hosting a marching competition Oct. 12 at Panther Stadium. “Marching bands from around the area travel here to put on

their show,” he said. “There will be judges to score the different bands. In the evening, those that scored high enough will come back to perform again to see who is the ultimate winner.” As the Liberty Hill High School Band will be hosting the event, they will be an exhibition band only, meaning they will not be competing. “It will be a good chance to see some different bands with some different styles,” Perrin said. “There are six bands currently signed up, so seven performing including us, and we anticipate probably four or

five more will sign up. Ten or 11 bands from around the area will be performing at the competition.” Perrin said there are 220 sixth graders joining band this year, and Lisa Hill will be the new band director at Liberty Hill Junior High. “I feel a lot of good energy with that hire,” he said. “Growth is happening. We’re expecting pretty quick growth all around, and we are excited.” Perrin said he is grateful for the support the band receives from the administration. “The planning board, super-

intendent and school board really support us,” he said. “We have some of the best athletics, and we are happy to have an administration that supports our band just the same.” Perrin said he and the 100-member high school band are eagerly looking forward to the upcoming season. “We’re excited about football season and getting to work with other programs,” he said. “We get everything kicked off for the year. The kids are excited. They rested a bit. Now, they are ready to go.”

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Thursday, August 8, 2019

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LHHS may adjust drug testing plan

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor The drug testing program implemented at the high school last year may see some changes going into its second year as administrators look for ways to get clearer results and have the program serve as the deterrent it was meant to be. “I feel like we may need to use other tools and resources to make sure we are keeping kids safe and making sure they are doing what they’re supposed to do,” said Principal Jonathan Bever. Last year testing was done twice, both times in the spring, once in March and once in April. There were no positive tests, but among the 56 students tested in March and the 63 in April, seven came back inconclusive each time and had to be retested. Each of the retests were negative. When looking at the effectiveness of last year’s testing, Bever said he felt like it could have been better. “I want to make sure the tests

are accurate,” Bever said. “I feel like providing that deterrent is a way to help the kids question, ‘Am I making the right decision? Am I behaving the way I am supposed to be behaving?’” To improve accuracy, Bever wants to look at going beyond swabbing as the testing method. “I think swabbing may not be the most appropriate tool to drug test,” Bever said. “Probably urine testing is what we’ve been focused on, so we’ve had some visits between the Superintendent and I. We’ve talked about results we’ve had in the past and what we need to do going forward.” In the policy the district can use a variety of methods of testing, including swabbing, urine or hair samples. Superintendent Steve Snell echoed Bever’s thoughts on the program, expanding on the overall goal. “We are exploring companies and types of testing again to make sure we have accurate,

Mansfield Continued from Page 31 starting to do some of it here.” With teaching and coaching stops in Wimberley, Livingston and Houston ISD before Leander ISD, Mansfield has a wide variety of experiences. His love of education and decision to become a teacher was inspired by his 10th grade biology teacher. “She was one of my favorite teachers,” he said. “She helped me have a passion for science. I’d loved science before, but my 10th-grade year I got third in district in the science fair and I never felt like I was excellent in science. From there, I loved science and loved being a part of the science world.” He has never looked back and never second-guessed his decision, but he learned early on that to be successful he had to be completely dedicated to be-

ing the best teacher he could. “I wouldn’t say there was ever a time I wanted to get out of it, but I knew I had to get really good at it and find out what I really wanted to do, and if I really cared about doing what’s right for the kids and giving them a great experience, then I better get to work learning,” Mansfield said. “I don’t think I’ve ever had a time where I said I wish I hadn’t done it. I’m glad I did it. It’s the best thing that’s happened to me.” In his new role, the pace of the projects and amount of work involved mean that the construction side of the job will be the biggest challenge. “The student end of it I have done it a lot, the challenges are going to be different circumstances that come up and how to handle each one of them,” he said. “The operational side,

valid and reliable results,” said Snell. “We are not looking for this to be a ‘gotcha’ and punish students, I want to educate them on the dangers and give them a reason to say no.” Talking about drug use, smoking, vaping and other issues students currently face is something Snell says he will not be hesitant to do. “To me, it is not a sensitive subject at all,” he said. “Student health is vital to lifelong success. I do not want any student and any age to use or abuse drugs or alcohol. I don’t want them to vape. It’s not just vaping, that’s just the popular method today, I am against tobacco use of any kind. I don’t want them to do anything that could harm them or jeopardize their future.” To help students the most, Snell said it will take involving the community in the solution. “We need to bring students and parents into the conversation, we can’t do it alone,” he

Page 41

Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Increase The Williamson County ESD No. 4 will hold two public hearings on a proposal to increase total tax revenues from properties on the tax roll in the preceding tax year by 9.313655 percent (percentage by which proposed tax rate exceeds lower of rollback tax rate or effective tax calculated under Chapter 26, Tax Code). Your individual taxes may increase at a greater or lesser rate, or even decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted. The first public hearing will be held on August 19, 2019 at 6:30 PM at 301 Loop 332, Liberty Hill, TX 78642. The second public hearing will be held on August 26, 2019 at 6:30 PM at 301 Loop 332, Liberty Hill, TX 78642. The members of the governing body voted on the proposal to consider the tax increase as follows:

See TESTING, Page 42

I know enough to be dangerous in that area, but construction and strategic planning are going to be the big challenge for this district. That’s the part I’m enjoying the most but also the biggest challenge for me.” Mansfield is already working closely with the district’s new Chief of Police, Sharif Mezayek, who is working to get the department established and off the ground. “He and I talk a lot about next steps and about the hiring of the school resource officers we’re going to have,” Mansfield said. “He has the exact same philosophy that I do about them, they’re not just police officers they’re resource officers. If they don’t want to work with kids they don’t need to be on the campus. He has that philosophy.”

FOR:

Dan Clark, President James Crabtree, Secretary Keith Bright, Treasurer

AGAINST:

Vice President James Baker

PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT:

None Assistant Treasurer Jeff Roemer

The average taxable value of a residence homestead in Williamson County ESD No. 4 last year was $336,110. Based on last year’s tax rate of $0.098250 per $100 of taxable value, the amount of taxes imposed last year on the average home was $330.23. The average taxable value of a residence homestead in Williamson County ESD No. 4 this year is $341,732. If the governing body adopts the effective tax rate for this year of $0.090912 per $100 of taxable value, the amount of taxes imposed this year on the average home would be $310.68. If the governing body adopts the proposed tax rate of $0.098250 per $100 of taxable value, the amount of taxes imposed this year on the average home would be $335.75. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the hearings and express their views. *

“Appraised value” is the amount shown on the appraisal roll and defined by Section 1.04(8), Tax Code. ** “New property” is defined by Section 26.012(17), Tax Code. *** “Taxable value” is defined by Section 1.04(10), Tax Code.

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Testing Continued from Page 41 said. “A parent approached me in the spring and asked if LH can be a leader statewide in athletics and academics, why not also be an example with a culture that does not engage in these activities. I agree 100

percent. It will be hard, but I think this is a fight the community can support for the future of our students. Step one is attacking it head-on and stop looking the other way.”

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

A family affair at LHHS

By MIKE EDDLEMAN Managing Editor Jonathan Bever has more than 1,300 kids. The second-year Liberty Hill High School principal doesn’t look at them as 1,300 students who enter and leave his thoughts as they enter and leave the building each day, they are family. That’s the culture he is focused on. “The idea of being a family is key, we still believe very heavily in hashtag ‘#1FamilyLHHS’,” Bever said. “That’s something I want to strengthen and continue to strengthen.” The biggest component in that family mentality is finding ways to ensure every student is part of the family, not only the ones who excel or are outgoing, but everyone. “Connection is still a really big part of my vision as far as making sure all kids are connected,” Bever said. “We’re probably going to start around 1,354, which is where we are now, and that number is probably going to go down some, but still, it just keeps increasing. With that I would say there’s a small percentage of kids that struggle and don’t make a connection, and of course we have a large percentage of kids that are connected to everything, but I want those other kids to be connected as well.” The high school has a program in place that tracks critical student data to help identify those who may be falling behind academically or becoming disconnected. “We have an incredible intervention program called Response To Intervention and Mrs. (Monica) Miller has done a really good job of putting that program together and developing it. That program puts together reports and information to help recognize and identify those kids who are struggling,” Bever said. “The program has mentorship with it so we assign the kids mentors. I’m

proud to say there wasn’t a kid that was missed last year.” Bever’s own philosophy is one he stresses the faculty and staff must be a part of. “The staff realizes that it is important that we treat all the kids just like they were our own,” he said. “That’s that family idea, that family culture we have to keep every kid connected. I don’t have any statistics or data in front of me, but I can guarantee you if a kid’s not connected the success is not going to happen.” With the staff on board, he is also putting more emphasis on bringing the community at large into that family as well. He has worked hard with teachers and administrators this summer to identify academic needs and challenges and has made some changes. “I’ve actually moved some teachers around,” Bever said heading into this year. “I’ve had staff that is really, really strong in some areas and I’ve moved them to other areas to be able to focus on some of the weaknesses we have. Being able to look at your department and putting your teachers in the right place is going to make a difference. The great thing about that whole process is my staff says ‘What do you want me to do, Mr. Bever?’ There is no pushback, they will do whatever we need them to do.” With the right teachers in the right places, the next step is to be present in the classroom, to offer help and feedback and constantly follow up to make sure progress continues. “My goal this year is to be in the classrooms as much as we can,” Bever said. “I don’t want to be in the front office. I want to be with the teachers and the kids, so we’re pushing hard for more of that. Being in the classrooms allows us to provide almost immediate feedback. Then we have to follow up and make sure we’re doing the things we say we’re going

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September 7th, 2019 9 am to 12 pm

Ol� Pan��r Sta�� Behind Liberty Hill Elementary

1400 Loop 332, Liberty Hill, TX 78642

Pan��rBy War�� Co�r�� Camp Gladiator 9am-10am

He�l�� Fa�r on t�e t�a�k 9am-12pm

Activaties at every booth Donation and funds from this event will help pay for the water bottle fill stations added to all LHISD schools. To pay for a booth or make a donate @ https://libertyhillisd.revtrak.net Vendor Application @http://tiny.cc/Libertyfit2019

Liberty Fit is an annual health, wellness and safety fair sponsored by the Liberty Hill Independent School District School Health Advisory Committee. For more information, contact John Clark, 512-740-2870 or jmclark@gmail.com

ALEX RUBIO FILE PHOTO

Liberty Hill High School Principal Jonathan Bever enjoyed his first graduation as principal last May, and is excited to kick off the new school year next week. to do.” One key change students will see this year is the expansion of Scholar Time to every day. Last year the 25-minute block was only scheduled on Friday. “It is almost like a study hall time, we call it scholar time, and we have implemented that every day of the week for this year,” Bever said. “Students will have 25 minutes every single day to be able to work on additional homework, additional classwork, and we can focus on kids struggling academically with strategies that will help them.” There will be a lot of flexibility in the time, but Bever said with busy schedules and lives, it can make a huge difference for students. “Kids today struggle because

a lot of them take advance classes, a lot of them work after school or are involved in athletics and work,” he said. “They’re so busy that even just that extra 30 minutes a day gives kids the chance to get some things done or catch up on something.” Bever is ready for the doors to open next week to welcome the family back and show each day just what it all means to him. “Being a part of Liberty Hill High School and being a part of something bigger than me,” he said. “It is something I’ve become very emotional about. I love these kids and they know it and I’m blessed to be a part of this. It’s hard, but I love my staff and I love my kids, all 1,300 of them.”

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS BUDGET AND PROPOSED TAX RATE

The Liberty Hill ISD will hold a public meeting at 6:00 PM 08/19/2019 at 301 Forrest Street, Liberty Hill, Texas. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the school district’s budget that will determine the tax rate that will be adopted. Public participation in the discussion is invited. The tax rate that is ultimately adopted at this meeting or at a separate meeting at a later date may not exceed the proposed rate shown below unless the district publishes a revised notice containing the same information and comparisons set out below and holds another public meeting to discuss the revised notice. Maintenance Tax School Debt Service Tax Approved by Local Voters

$0.970000 /$100 (Proposed rate for maintenance and operations) $0.500000 /$100 (Proposed rate to pay bonded indebtedness)

Comparison of Proposed Budget with Last Year’s Budget

The applicable percentage increase or decrease (or difference) in the amount budgeted in the preceding fiscal year and the amount budgeted for the fiscal year that begins during the current tax year is indicated for each of the following expenditure categories: Maintenance and operations 8.400000% (increase) or % (decrease) Debt service 1.600000% (increase) or % (decrease) Total expenditures 5.100000% (increase) or % (decrease)

Total Appraised Value and Total Taxable Value (as calculated under Section 26.04, Tax Code) Preceding Tax Year $2,668,907,840 $471,596,623 $2,141,286,338 $230,665,182

Total appraised value* of all property Total appraised value* of new property** Total taxable value*** of all property Total taxable value*** of new property**

Current Tax Year $3,158.514,221 $529,365,356 $2,521,861,585 $266,423,760

* “Appraised value” is the amount shown on the appraisal roll and defined by Section 1.04(8), Tax Code. ** “New property” is defined by Section 26.012(17), Tax Code. *** “Taxable value” is defined by Section 1.04(10), Tax Code.

Bonded Indebtedness

Total amount of outstanding and unpaid bonded indebtedness: * Outstanding principal

$226,094,648

Comparison of Proposed Rates with Last Year’s Rates Last Year’s Rate Rate to Maintain Same Level of Maintenance & Operations Revenue & Pay Debt Service Proposed Rate

Maintenance & Operations $1.040000

Interest & Sinking Fund* $0.500000*

$1.149230 $0.970000

$0.571940* $0.500000*

Total $1.540000

$1.721170 $1.470000

Local Revenue Per Student $8,901

State Revenue Per Student $2,408

$9,539 $9,090

$2,023 $2,152

* The Interest & Sinking Fund tax revenue is used to pay for bonded indebtedness on construction, equipment, or both. The bonds, and the tax rate necessary to pay those bonds, were approved by the voters of this district.

Comparison of Proposed Levy with Last Year’s Levy on Average Residence Average Market Value of Residences Average Taxable Value of Residences Last Year’s Rate Versus Proposed Rate per $100 Value Taxes Due on Average Residence Increase (Decrease) in Taxes

Last Year $367,524 $327,923 $1.540000 $5,050.01 $0.00

This Year $383,661 $332,027 $1.470000 $4,880,79 - $169.22

Under state law, the dollar amount of school taxes imposed on the residence homestead of a person 65 years of age or older or of the surviving spouse of such a person, if the surviving spouse was 55 years of age or older when the person died, may not be increased above the amount paid in the first year after the person turned 65, regardless of changes in tax rate or property value. Notice of Rollback Rate: The highest tax rate the district can adopt before requiring voter approval at an election is 1.524023. This election will be automatically held if the district adopts a rate in excess of the rollback rate of 1.524023.

Fund Balances

The following estimated balances will remain at the end of the current fiscal year and are not encumbered with or by a corresponding debt obligation, less estimated funds necessary for operating the district before receipt of the first state aid payment: Maintenance and Operations Fund Balance(s) $5,861,393 Interest & Sinking Fund Balance(s) $5,159,747

Thursday, August 8, 2019

2019 Property Tax Rates in Williamson County ESD No. 4 This notice concerns 2019 property tax rates for Williamson County ESD No. 4. It presents information about three tax rates. Last year’s tax rate is the actual rate the taxing unit used to determine property taxes last year. This year’s effective tax rate would impose the same total taxes as last year if you compare properties taxed in both years. This year’s rollback tax rate is the highest tax rate the taxing unit can set before taxpayers can start tax rollback procedures. In each case these rates are found by dividing the total amount of taxes by the tax base (the total value of taxable property) with adjustments as required by state law. The rates are given per $100 of property value. Last year’s tax rate: Last year’s operating taxes $2,483,411 Last year’s debt taxes $624,887 Last year’s total taxes $3,108298 Last year’s tax base $3,163,662,117 Last year’s total tax rate 0.098250/$100 This year’s effective tax rate: Last year’s adjusted taxes (after subtracting taxes on lost property) $3,108,675 ÷ This year’s adjusted tax base (after subtracting values of new property) $3,419,418,098 0.090912/$100 = This year’s effective tax rate This year’s rollback tax rate: Last year’s adjusted operating taxes (after subtracting taxes on lost property and adjusting for any transferred function, tax increment financing, state criminal justice mandate and/or enhanced indigent health care expenditures) $2,483,756 $3,419,418,098 ÷ This year’s adjusted tax base 0.072636/$100 = This year’s effective operating rate 0.078446/$100 x 1.08 = this year’s maximum operating rate 0.016929/$100 + This year’s debt rate 0.095375/$100 = This year’s rollback rate Statement of Increase/Decrease If Williamson County ESD No. 4 adopts a 2019 tax rate equal to the effective tax rate of 0.090912per $100 of value, taxes would increase compared to 2018 taxes by $335,215. Schedule A: Unencumbered Fund Balances: The following estimated balances will be left in the unit’s property tax accounts at the end of the fiscal year. These balances are not encumbered by a corresponding debt obligation. Type of Property Tax Fund M&O I&S

Balance 0 0

Schedule B: 2019 Debt Service: The unit plans to pay the following amounts for long-term debts that are secured by property taxes. These amounts will be paid from property tax revenues (or additional sales tax revenues, if applicable). Description of Debt

Principal or Interest to be Paid Contract Payment from Property Taxes to be paid from Property taxes Fire Station 1/Station 3 Property 108,410 14,981 Fire Station 2 151,644 188,907 2013 & 2018 Pumpers 82,555 18,963 Equipment/Chassis/ 66,897 10,717 Command/Squad

Other Amounts to be Paid

Total Payment

0 0 0 0

123,391 340,551 101,518 77,614

Total required for 2019 debt service $646,620 - Amount (if any) paid from funds listed in Schedule A $0 - Amount (if any) paid from other resources $0 - Excess collections last year $0 = Total to be paid from taxes in 2019 $646,620 + Amount added in anticipation that the unit will collect only 100.000000% of its taxes in 2019 $0 = Total Debt Levy $643,074

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This notice contains a summary of actual effective and rollback tax rates’ calculations. You can inspect a copy of the full calculations at 904 South Main Street, Georgetown, TX 78626. Name of person preparing this notice: Larry Gaddes PCAC, CTA Title: Williamson County Tax Assessor/Collector Date prepared: July 31, 2019

BACK TO SCHOOL 2019

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

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BACK TO SCHOOL 2019

THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT

Thursday, August 8, 2019