✨ Both inside and outside the classroom, our students know how to shine! In this edition of The Compass, get a recap of this year’s incredible Festival of Bands, discover how 5th-graders at Naumann Elementary take ownership of their learning, and meet a New Hope High School graduate who has returned to #1LISD to inspire and empower the next generation of students.
Don’t miss the latest edition of The Compass. ⬇️
Top Bands in Texas Share Field at Festival of Bands
The Leander ISD community is no stranger to marching band excellence, and it is these bands’ hard work and dedication year after year that makes nights like Festival of Bands a sight to behold.
A sold-out crowd at Gupton Stadium saw all six high schools come together to present their show, along with a mixture of middle school color guard performances and a grand finale of more than 2,000 middle school and high school band students playing “Land of 1,000 Dances.”
#1LISD wishes all our bands continued success during competition season!
Student Ownership of Learning: From Elementary to Graduation and Beyond
Learning in Action: Naumann ES
Leander ISD Board member Francesca Romans paid a visit to a 5th-grade class at Naumann Elementary to see how students are taking ownership of their learning journey in math. Watch the latest segment of Learning in Action to discover the role tools like data binders play in tracking student progress.
New Hope HS Graduate Returns to Inspire, Empower Students as Attendance Clerk
After graduating from New Hope High School in 2018, Morgan Kelly was determined to return to the school in some capacity.
New Hope served as a turning point in her educational journey, and she feels a deep responsibility to be one its biggest advocates.
“We all learn differently, and that’s what I want people to know about New Hope, it’s an alternative learning opportunity,” Kelly said. “It’s not just for kids who are ‘messing up.’ You’re in charge of your education here. It takes driven kids to come here and graduate.”
Kelly returned to New Hope as a full-time employee in August and is already finding new and creative ways to empower the next generation of students
#1LISD News & Celebrations
📣 Follow #1LISD on socials – Facebook & Instagram – to see district highlights and important information throughout the year.
Academic Calendar Feedback Requested for the 2025-26 School Year
It’s that time of year when the district reviews the current academic calendar and finalizes the academic calendar for the following year. Input from the #1LISD community is crucial to ensure that we develop the 2025–2026 school year calendar to best meet the needs of everyone in the district.
There are two different formats for providing feedback. You may choose to engage in both of the options below to provide feedback or choose the one that works best for you. Our goal is to collect as much feedback as possible.
Option 1: Online Survey
Complete the Academic Calendar Survey. The survey will close Dec. 3, 2024.
Option 2: Community Listening Sessions
We will hold two listening sessions, one in person and another via Zoom.
- Via Zoom: Monday, Nov. 4, at 6 p.m. (click to RSVP*)
*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting. - In Person: Monday, Nov. 11, at 6 p.m. (no RSVP needed)
Reed Elementary: 1515 Little Elm Trail, Cedar Park, TX
Whichever way you choose to provide your feedback, please know that we are eagerly anticipating your thoughts. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to shape our academic calendar.
Leander Educational Excellence Fund (LEEF)
LEEF Awards $20,000 to LISD Fine Arts
LEEF presented the district’s fine arts department with $20,000 at the annual Festival of Bands event, surpassing the department’s funding request by more than $5,000 in order to further support fine arts programs and students in the LISD.
“The Leander Educational Excellence Foundation’s generosity will have a substantial impact on Fine Arts students district-wide,” LISD Director of Fine Arts Mike Howard said. “We are so appreciative of our partnership with LEEF.”
Tickets & Sponsorships Available for 2024 State of the District
LEEF is excited to partner with the Leander Chamber of Commerce and Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce to host the 2024 Leander ISD State of the District Luncheon. Superintendent Bruce Gearing, Ed.D., will showcase our district’s remarkable accomplishments and a vision for the future alongside current LISD students, staff and alumni.
Seats are limited and table sponsorships are already sold out, so act now to secure your seats and sponsorships!
🗓 Upcoming Events
- Oct. 14-18: Staff Appreciation: 🎒🍏 National School Lunch Week — Child Nutrition Services (CNS)
- Oct. 21–25: Staff Appreciation: 🚌 National School Bus Safety Week – Transportation, Crossing Guards
- Monday, Oct. 21: 🗳️ Start of Early Voting
Early voting runs through Friday, Nov. 1 | Williamson County Elections | Travis County Elections - Thursday, Oct. 24: 🏫 LISD Board Meeting
6:15 p.m. at Concordia University | Board Agendas - Sunday, Nov. 3: State Recognition: Father of Texas Day
- Nov. 4-5: 🟢 Staff Development & Student Holiday
- Nov. 4-8: Staff Appreciation: 🛠 Maintenance Appreciation Week: Maintenance, Grounds Crew, Plant Services Staff
- Nov. 4-8: Staff Appreciation: 🧠 National School Psychology Week — School Psychologists
- Monday, Nov. 4: 🗓️ Academic Calendar Feedback Listening Session
6 p.m. via Zoom | More Info - Tuesday, Nov. 5: 🗳️ Election Day
Polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Williamson County Elections | Travis County Elections - Thursday, Nov. 7: 🏫 LISD Board Meeting
6:15 p.m. at Concordia University | Board Agendas - Monday, Nov. 11: 🗓️ Academic Calendar Feedback Listening Session
6 p.m. at Reed Elementary | More Info
Our Voice (Staff)
Leander ISD Launches 2024-25 Cohort of Empowered Learning Institute (ELI)
The Digital Learning Team recently launched the 2024–25 Empowered Learning Institute (ELI), a year-long professional learning experience. Now in its second year, participants will explore the process of designing learner-centered experiences while integrating technology, content, and pedagogy.
We’re excited to welcome the following teachers and staff as they continue on a journey to empower students to own their learning.
Open Enrollment Now Live, Closes Nov. 7
It is that time of year again to enroll in benefits for 2025. The window opened today and will close Nov. 7. New plans will be effective Jan. 1, 2025.
All employees must re-enroll no matter when you started working with LISD, including new-hires.
During the enrollment window, there will be options to self-enroll on the website; call the Benefits Service Center; or visit In-person Labs to meet with an enrollment specialist.
For enrollment assistance, call the Benefits Service Center at 833-667-1172.
More Information for Staff
The Compass: 16 de octubre de 2024
Las mejores bandas de Texas comparten escenario en el Festival de Bandas
Una multitud con entradas agotadas en el Estadio Gupton vio a las seis escuelas preparatorias reunirse para presentar su espectáculo, junto con una mezcla de actuaciones de la guardia de color de las escuelas secundarias y un gran final de más de 2,000 estudiantes de bandas de escuelas secundarias y preparatorias tocando «Land of 1,000 Dances».
Los estudiantes se responsabilizan de su aprendizaje: De la escuela primaria a la universidad y más allá
Aprendizaje en acción: primaria Naumann
Francesca Romans, miembro de la Junta de Leander ISD, visitó una clase de quinto grado en la primaria Naumann para ver cómo los estudiantes están apropiándose de su viaje de aprendizaje en matemáticas. Vea el último segmento de Aprendizaje en Acción para descubrir el papel que juegan herramientas como las carpetas de datos en el seguimiento del progreso de los estudiantes.
Graduada de la Escuela Preparatoria New Hope regresa para inspirar y capacitar a los estudiantes como encargada de asistencia
Después de graduarse de New Hope High School en 2018, Morgan Kelly estaba decidida a regresar a la escuela en alguna capacidad.
New Hope sirvió como un punto de inflexión en su viaje educativo, y ella siente una profunda responsabilidad de ser una de sus mayores promotoras.
“Todos aprendemos de manera diferente, y eso es lo que quiero que la gente sepa sobre New Hope, es una oportunidad de aprendizaje alternativo”, dijo Kelly. “No es sólo para los niños que “se meten en líos”. Aquí estás a cargo de tu educación. Se necesitan chicos motivados para venir aquí y graduarse».
Kelly regresó a New Hope como empleada a tiempo completo en agosto y ya está encontrando formas nuevas y creativas de capacitar a la próxima generación de estudiantes.
#1LISD Noticias y celebraciones
📣 Siga #1LISD en redes sociales– Facebook & Instagram – para ver lo más destacado del distrito e información importante a lo largo del año.
Se solicitan comentarios sobre el calendario académico para el año escolar 2025-26
Opción 1: Encuesta en línea
Opción 2: Sesiones comunitarias de escucha
- Via Zoom: Lunes 4 de noviembre, a las 6 p.m. (click to RSVP*)
*Después de inscribirse, recibirá un correo electrónico de confirmación con información sobre cómo participar en la reunión. - En persona: Lunes 11 de noviembre a las 6 p.m. (no se necesita RSVP)
Primaria Reed: 1515 Little Elm Trail, Cedar Park, TX
Fundación de Excelencia Educativa de Leander (LEEF)
LEEF otorga $20,000 a Bellas Artes de LISD
LEEF presentó el departamento de bellas artes del distrito con $20,000 en el evento anual Festival de Bandas, superando la solicitud de financiación del departamento por más de $5,000 con el fin de apoyar aún más los programas de bellas artes y los estudiantes en el LISD.
“La generosidad de la Fundación para la Excelencia Educativa de Leander tendrá un impacto sustancial en los estudiantes de Bellas Artes de todo el distrito”, dijo Mike Howard, Director de Bellas Artes del LISD. “Estamos muy agradecidos de nuestra asociación con LEEF”.
Entradas y patrocinios disponibles para el Estado del Distrito 2024
LEEF se complace en asociarse con la Cámara de Comercio de Leander y la Cámara de Comercio de Cedar Park para ser el anfitrión del almuerzo del Estado del Distrito 2024 de Leander ISD. El Superintendente Bruce Gearing, Ed.D., mostrará los logros notables de nuestro distrito y una visión para el futuro junto con los estudiantes actuales LISD, personal y ex alumnos.
Las plazas son limitadas y los patrocinios de mesas ya están agotados, así que actúe ahora para asegurar sus asientos y patrocinios!
🗓 Próximos eventos
Nuestra voz (para el personal)
Leander ISD lanza la cohorte 2024-25 del Instituto de Aprendizaje Empoderado (ELI)
Inscripción abierta desde hoy y hasta el 7 de noviembre
Todos los empleados deben inscribirse sin importar cuando empezaron a trabajar con LISD, incluyendo los nuevos empleados.
Durante la ventana de inscripción, habrá opciones para auto inscribirse en el sitio web; llamar al Centro de Servicio de Beneficios; o visitar laboratorios en persona para reunirse con un especialista de inscripción.
