WHAT’S INSIDEBoard President’s Message 2Superintendent’s Farewell 2Strategic Plan 3Back-to-School Events 4Parent Communication Tools 5Meet the Board of Trustees 6Advisory Committees 6Canvas Learning Management 7Mental Health Initiative 7DS Education Foundation 7Student Insurance Offered 7Athletics Pass Offered 8Clear Bag Policy 8School Directory 8Special Services Notice 8Bus Transportation Information 9Extended Care Programs 9New Administrators 10Welcome New Teachers 10

August 15Elementary Meet the Teacher Night (see Page 5 for campus details)

August 19Board of Trustees Agenda Review Meeting, 6:00 p.m., Board Room, DSISD Administration Building

August 20First day of school

August 26Board of Trustees Meeting, 6:00 p.m., Board Room, DSISD Administration Building

September 2Student and Staff Holiday

September 6Tiger Football vs. Hays HS, first home varsity football game, 7:30 p.m.

CALENDAR

DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD

Back to School GuideAUGUST 2019

This summer has seen impressive progress on multiple projects from the 2018 bond program. Groundbreaking occurred in early June for the Dripping Springs High School expansion, reno-vations occurred at Dripping Springs Elemen-tary and Rooster Springs Elementary, turf fields and tracks were replaced at Dripping Springs Middle School and DSHS, and schematic designs were introduced for the new Walnut Springs Elementary to be built at the Dripping Springs Middle School site. More information can be found on the DSISD website. See a project-by-project summary below. Dripping Springs High School Additions and Renovations:The high school expansion project (architect’s rendering below) to increase capacity to 2,500 students is underway. Currently, the new addi-tion foundation work is underway, the flex gym building pad is complete and ready to start foundation work, the new classroom in the ex-isting ag barn is in progress and will be ready in September. The orchestra room in the existing high school has been expanded.

Dripping Springs Elementary Renovations/Furniture:Numerous renovations are nearing completion at Dripping Springs Elementary including a new HVAC central plant, new exterior wall panels, painting, replacement of stage curtains, and renovation of the space shuttle. In addition, new classroom furniture is replacing items that were original to the campus.

Rooster Springs Elementary Renovations:Numerous upgrades in the areas of interior paint and carpet were addressed and ventila-tion was added to the art room. The playground also was resurfaced.

Athletic Improvements (Turf/Track):The turf surfaces at the DSMS stadium, and both Tiger Stadium and the track field at DSHS were replaced. For clarification, the turf at Tiger Stadium was not replaced in 2016 when the new stadium structure was built around the ex-isting field; that original turf dated back to 2010. Installation of new track surfaces is underway at both DSHS and DSMS.

Walnut Springs Elementary Relocation:Architects and the project manager held mul-tiple meetings in the spring to gather pre-design input from teachers, campus administrators, parents, and members of the public. A Google form also was used to collect input. That input was reviewed and organized by the architects. A summary of input was provided at meetings held in late May. In July, a community meet-

ing was held to share the two schematic designs. Meetings also were held with campus administrators and with teach-ers. All groups had the oppor-tunity to ask questions and the architect gathered feedback. Elementary #5:The district’s fifth elemen-tary school will be located on property DSISD has owned for nearly a decade on the south side of Darden Hill Road just east of the intersection with Sawyer Ranch Road. The

exact location on that property has not been determined. The pre-design phase will start soon and will include opportunities for commu-nity and staff input. In addition to projects funded through the 2018 bond program, one additional project that was completed with remaining 2014 bond programs was an additional parking lot (140 spaces) at the Sycamore Springs Elementary/Sycamore Springs Middle School campus.

Facility and Construction Update

New DSHS classroom wing

Message from Board of TrusteesCarrie Kroll, Board President

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Welcome to the 2019-2020 school year! Much planning has gone into

preparing for the new school year and, as trustees, we are thankful to the members of Tiger Nation...from teachers and administrators to mainte-nance and operation crews who have logged many hours over the summer to ensure that each classroom, facility and performance space is prepared to greet our students.

On July 25 it was announced Dr. Bruce Gearing was selected to serve as superintendent for the Leander Independent School District. On behalf of the Dripping Springs ISD Board of Trustees, I would like to take this op-portunity to thank Dr. Gearing for more than seven years of service that he dedicated to our district. His clear vi-sion for personal learning and support for a shift in traditional public education that seeks to prepare students both academically as well as socially and emotionally now serves as a model for schools statewide. Our students are being well-prepared to thrive on the path of their choice … from higher education opportunities to vocational trades … and for careers that will greet them in the 21st Century.

The board is dedicated to identify-ing the right candidate to steer the district into the future. Transitions are an inevitable part of life. Dripping Springs ISD has long been home to a tremendous group of faculty and administrative leaders. The success of

our students is directly related to their talents and expectations, but it has also been buoyed in large part by the hands-on support of our extraordinary parents and community members. The strength of DSISD’s academic and extracurricular success is well-estab-lished and on solid footing. Our district will continue to thrive during this transi-tion thanks to the phenomenal staff we have in place and the support of our parents and the broader community.

Please note that the Board of Trust-ees is already hard at work identify-ing a path forward. On August 2, the board selected TASB Executive Search Services to lead the superintendent search for the district. An interim superintendent will be selected as soon as possible to guide the district in day-to-day operations. We also are developing a timeline and hiring strat-egy to identify a new, full-time superin-tendent to lead DSISD into the future. We have been told that most super-intendent searches take three to four months. Our goal is to have someone hired by the end of the year or in Janu-ary. Stay tuned for opportunities that will allow you to have a voice in the process. The board is very interested in student, teacher, administrator, employee, parent and community in-put. This process will likely include an online survey as well as face-to-face forums so that we can hear first-hand the attributes you would like for us to look for in a new leader.

Hopefully you have heard that Joe Burns, fresh off his retirement as principal of the high school, will

be joining us part-time as the interim Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Innovation. Prior to taking over at the high school, Mr. Burns spent two years in the L & I Department. We have asked Mr. Burns to serve in an interim capacity until we’ve identified a permanent superintendent, at which point a search will be conducted for the Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Innovation.

In addition to personnel news, mul-tiple building and renovation projects from the 2018 bond have been in prog-ress this summer (see story, Page 1). Considering that we anticipate enroll-ment of about 7,300 students this year – up 6.3 percent since last school year and 30 percent from five years ago – we know that we must continue to plan for a growing student population. As such, we will address the impact of that growth on our current facilities and start to look at what facilities we need to lead us into the future. I encour-age you to participate in this process through the Long-Range Facility Plan-ning Committee, public forums, and input-gathering opportunities.

We urge you to have an active voice in the future of the district and are so thankful to you for choosing to be a part of DSISD. Have a wonderful school year!

Sincerely,

Carrie Kroll

“Change is an opportunity to do something amazing.” George Couros

The only certainty in life is change. It is with mixed emo-tions that I share I have been named as the Lone Finalist in the superintendent search for Leander ISD.

As my family and I prepare to make the transition to Lean-der ISD, I reflect on the time I have spent in Dripping Springs. From the moment we arrived in February 2012, we were warmly welcomed and made to feel a part of the Mighty Tiger Nation. So many exciting things have happened in the past seven and a half years, from the planning and construction of Sycamore Springs Elementary and Middle School to our second place finish in the UIL Lone Star Cup and so much inbetween. We have watched in awe as our staff and students

have accomplished incredible feats. We have made many friends and had experiences we will never forget. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love and support.

We will miss you dearly but know that, like us, you will take advantage of this change to do something amazing.

Sincerely,

Bruce and Aldine Gearing

Farewell from Dr. Gearing

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Dripping Springs ISD Strategic Plan 2016-21OUR VISION

We inspire and equip students to be life-long learners and positive contributors to the world.OUR MISSION

We partner with students, parents and the community to provide a personal and exceptional education for every student.

DSISD Five-Year VisionDripping Springs ISD serves as a model 21st Century learning environment. Faculty and students are committed to life-long learning through creative and innovative thinking. Together they take risks and explore passions. Each student is part of a team focused on creating, implementing, assessing, and modifying a unique plan to maximize potential. These personalized plans have a global focus and create a growth mindset. Students develop a 21st Century skillset through the integration of curricular and ex-tracurricular programs. The culture reflects a commitment to everyone’s realization of maximum potential. The operation of the district is effective and efficient in the delivery of a safe, nurturing environment for all.

Beginning in 2014, Dripping Springs ISD engaged in a plan-ning process to guide the future of the district, its schools, students and staff. Initially, stakeholders from across the district gathered to provide insight and input into the design of the new elementary school and middle school. The ideas and priorities that emerged from the design process led into a strategic planning effort that pulled in other members of the Dripping Springs community and DSISD. Throughout 2015, all input was compiled and organized by the district’s Visionary Leaders, or administrative team, into a guiding document. The 2016-21 Strategic Plan was rolled out in the spring of 2016 and full implementation began the following year. After the five-year period concludes, the district will take a year to evaluate progress and then work on devel-oping a new strategic plan.The Village:DSISD exists in a sea of stakeholders. Successful col-laboration and communication with all stakeholders is critical to success. This goal is about building and sustaining posi-tive relationships. The Village refers to community partner-ships, relationships built on trust, communication and a sense of connectivity among campuses. It definitely takes a village to raise a child.

Operations:To achieve this strategic plan, operations must become like breathing. As long as systems operate effectively and efficiently, they shouldn’t be noticeable. This section refers to the behind-the-scenes functions that must occur in order for schools to serve students’ needs and for the district to serve schools’ needs. It is all about the delivery of fantastic service. Op-erations includes Transportation, Facilities, Child Nutrition and Busi-ness Services. Life Changers:“Life Changers” refers to having effective staff in place district-wide. The district recognizes that not only is it important to hire the right employees for the right posi-tions, but to build their capacity to do the right work by being given opportunities to develop and grow professionally over time. The most important part of this plan is the

people. Without a life-changer in every position in the district, we will not achieve everything in this plan. Personal Learning:At the top of the pyramid is “per-sonalized learning” – creating an environment that allows students to pursue their passions and be involved in creating their own edu-cational goals. This is the ultimate goal of the entire plan. By 2021, we want personalized learning in place for every student. A plan will be developed by a team that in-cludes the student, parents, teach-ers, professional support staff, and administrators. The 2016-21 Strategic Plan is available at on the district web-site. This living, breathing docu-ment is updated and modified as the district moves forward with implementation and discovers what elements of the plan are working and what elements might need to be revisited. It consists of objec-tives, strategies and action steps for each of the four main sections. Also posted on the strategic plan website is a “heat map” indicat-ing progress made with the plan. The heat map graphically displays which action steps are underway, which have been completed, which are completed annually, and what steps have not yet been started.

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Back-to-School Events

DRIPPING SPRINGS ELEMENTARYThursday, August 15: Meet the Teacher Night for Pre-K, Kinder, Grades 1 and 2, 5:00-5:45 p.m., classrooms

Meet the Teacher Night for Grades 3, 4, and 5, 5:45 p.m.-6:30 p.m., class-rooms

Sunday, August 18: “Popsicles in the Park” sponsored by DSE PTA, all students, 3:00-4:00 p.m., DSE playground

Friday, August 23: Parent Celebration of First Week, 8:00-9:00 a.m., Foyer

Thursday, September 5:Parent Orientation for Pre-K, Kinder, 5:30 p.m.-6:15 p.m., classrooms

Parent Orientation for Grades 3 and 4, 6:15 p.m.-7:00 p.m., classrooms

Tuesday, September 10:Parent Orientation for Grades 1 and 2, 5:30 p.m.-6:15 p.m., classrooms

Parent Orientation for Grade 5, 6:15 p.m.-7:00 p.m., classrooms

ROOSTER SPRINGS ELEMENTARYTuesday, August 13:Pre-K Parent Orientation, 6:00 p.m., cafeteria

Thursday, August 15:Meet the Teacher Night for Pre-K, Kinder, Grades 1 and 2, 5:00 p.m.-5:45 p.m., classrooms

Meet the Teacher Night for Grades 3, 4, and 5, 6:00 p.m.-6:45 p.m., class-rooms

Thursday, August 22: Meet and Greet for RSE families, 7:45-8:30 a.m.

Thursday, September 5:New Family Welcome for Kinder and Grades 1 and 2, 5:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.,

Parent Orientation for Kinder and Grades 1 and 2, 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., classrooms

Tuesday, September 10:New Family Welcome for Grades 3, 4, and 5, 5:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.,

Parent Orientation for Grades 3, 4, and 5, 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., classrooms

SYCAMORE SPRINGS ELEMENTARYWednesday, August 14:Pre-K Parent Orientation (parents only), 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., classrooms

Thursday, August 15:Meet the Teacher Night for Pre-K, Kinder, Grades 1 and 2, classrooms, 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Meet the Teacher Night for Grades 3, 4, and 5, classrooms, 6:15 p.m.-7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, August 27:Parent Orientation for Kinder, Grades 1 and 2, 6:00 p.m.-6:45 p.m., classrooms

Thursday, September 5:Parent Orientation for Grades 3, 4, and 5, 6:00 p.m.-6:45 p.m., classrooms

WALNUT SPRINGS ELEMENTARYWednesday, August 14:Kinder Orientation (parents only), 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., cafeteria

Pre-K Parent Orientation (parents only), 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., CL&I

Thursday, August 15:Meet the Teacher Night for all grades, 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m., classrooms

Thursday, September 5:Parent Orientation for Grades 1-5, 5:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. or 5:45-6:15 p.m. (both sessions are the same), classrooms

DRIPPING SPRINGS MIDDLE SCHOOLFriday, August 16:Tigers-N-Training for Incoming 6th grade students, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., cafeteria; Orientation for students new to the district, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., cafeteria

Tuesday, September 3:Meet the Teacher Night, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

SYCAMORE SPRINGS MIDDLE SCHOOLTuesday August 6:“Tigers Ready” (self-led tours and sup-ply pick-up), Grade 6, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.; Grades 7 and 8, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.; Orientation for students new to the district, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 3:Meet the Teacher Night, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

DRIPPING SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOLTuesday, August 13:Freshman Orientation: ROAR 2023, 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., cafeteria

Monday, September 9:Meet the Teacher Night, 6:30 p.m.

August is always an exciting time of year as students head back to the classroom and families readjust to “Tiger Time!” All campuses plan back-to-school activities to orient students to their schools, provide information, and establish important home-school connections.

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Dripping Springs ISD Parent Connections

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The following overview shares informa-tion about the many ways that Dripping Springs ISD and all seven schools reach out to parents.

SKYWARD FAMILY ACCESS:This system allows parents to access information on grading, attendance, and discipline. It also is used for the annual enrollment verification process. A Family Access app is available; just search the app store for “Skyward.”WEBSITES:• Teacher websites can be accessed

via each school’s Staff Directory and include basic information about the teacher and resource links. Teachers also use the Canvas Learning Man-agement System (see article on page 7) to share assignments and informa-tion with students.

• Campus websites include events, information and news specific to that school.

• The district website (www.dsisdtx.us) has several valuable features: (see screenshot image).

jSelect a School: Drop-down menu links to campus websites.kSearch Tool: Can’t find what you’re

looking for? Type it in.lOur District: Many pieces of informa-tion are included in this category includ-ing attendance zone map, staff directory, district academic calendars, archived news releases, etc.mFamily Access: This link leads to the sign-in page for Family Access. nMenus: This link leads to the menus for all cafeterias, including both breakfast and lunch. Menus are provided as pdfs or in Nutrislice, which includes nutritional information.oBus Routes: This link allows users to type in home address and child’s grade to receive bus stop time and location.pOnline Payments: This link leads to two options – Meal Payments and Webstore. Meal payments connects to PayPAMS where parents may add to students’ cafeteria accounts. Webstore provides an opportunity to pay for items like community classes, child care, the-atre tickets, and transcript fees.qNewsletter: This link connects to the district’s e-newsletter that is updated every Monday.rVideos: Videos highlight programs and activities from around the district.sAnnouncements/District News: Look for what’s happening in the district. “An-

nouncements” includes remind-ers and timely items of interest, while “News” covers awards, introduction of new programs, accomplishments, and major district decisions. WEB UPDATES:Parents can subscribe to receive alerts that are sent regarding webpage updates. This can be done by logging into their Blackboard account, then clicking on “My Options,” then “Subscriptions.” Parents may either select “Site,” then chose appropriate campus, or click on “Other Areas” and choose a specific webpage. Step-by-step directions are available online. Non-parents or vendors may subscribe to web alerts and should begin by clicking the “Register” button.DISTRICT APP:DSISD has an app that provides mobile access to items on the district website; some features are customizable to campuses that one’s children attend. The

free app can be downloaded from the iTunes store or Google Play.E-MAIL/PHONE:E-mail blasts are sent from the district, campus or classroom levels, based on contact information stored in Family Access. Teachers can message parents through Canvas. Elementary teach-ers aim to make weekly contact, while secondary teachers plan e-mail commu-nications in conjunction with key proj-ects, deadlines, exams, etc. Classroom teachers have phone extensions where messages can be left, but e-mail is the preferred method of communication since teachers do not answer phones during instructional time. NOTIFICATIONS:Dripping Springs ISD offers parents op-tions for emergency and time-sensitive notifications via e-mail, phone calls, or texts through the Blackboard Communi-cations system. In addition, parents may set notifications for multiple phone num-bers: home, cell and/or work. Selecting notification preferences is one step in the annual enrollment verfication pro-cess that is completed online in August. Initially, all contact numbers listed in the student’s Skyward Family Access ac-count are used as a default, but parents may go into their Blackboard account to select preferences. Attendance notifica-tions can be set separately from emer-gency notifications. Parents’ log-in should be the same as it is in Family Access; passwords were assigned at the begin-ning of the year and can be reset at any time. This account can be used with the DSISD app.NEWSLETTERS:The district publishes an e-newsletter called “Inside DSISD” that is updated every Monday (see “Newsletter” icon on homepage). This includes informa-tion about news, honors, programs, events and Board actions. Schools and elementary grade level teams also post newsletters to update parents on campus happenings. SOCIAL MEDIA:DSISD has a Twitter account, a Face-book page, Instagram account, and You-Tube channel to share information about news, events, programs and honors. Campuses and many classrooms also use social media tools.

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Meet the Board of Trustees

Shannon O’ConnorSecretaryAccountantElected May 2015Term Ends May 2021

Marisa GrijalvaEducatorElected May 2019Term Ends May 2022

Carrie Fontana KrollPresidentAdvocacy/Health Policy DirectorElected May 2012Term Ends May 2021

Joanna DayConsultantElected May 2019Term Ends May 2022

Dr. Mary Jane HetrickVice PresidentConsultant/Adjunct ProfessorElected May 2015Term Ends May 2021

Ron JonesConsultantElected May 2014Term Ends May 2020

DSISD Community Advisory Committees

Barbara StroudAttorney/MediatorElected May 2008Term Ends May 2020

Public school districts are rep-resented by a Board of Trustees comprised of citizens representing the community. Board members are unsalaried district patrons elected for a term of three years. The Board has final control over major decisions regarding school policy, curriculum, expenditures, and building programs. It is the Board’s responsibility to pro-vide tax monies for maintenance and operation of the schools, to submit bond issues to the district’s voters for construction of school facilities, and to hire the district’s Chief Executive Of-ficer (superintendent). Board authority is defined by federal and state law and by regulations set by the State Board of Education. Trustees act officially only as a group in duly called and posted Board meetings. Their interest is to serve DSISD’s students and em-ployees and to protect the taxpayers’ investment in the district.

Dripping Springs ISD’s Board mem-bers work closely with the Superin-tendent and administration to lead the district to maintain a high-quality edu-cation for Dripping Springs students.

Trustees convene for regular meet-ings at 6:00 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month in the Central Admin-

istration Building (510 W. Mercer St.) Board Room. Agenda review meet-ings are held on the third Monday of the month, also at 6:00 p.m. Addi-tional special meetings may be called. (There are no agenda review meetings in November or December due to holiday schedules.)

Agendas are posted 72 hours prior to meetings and at least two hours before an emergency meeting at the Central Administration Building. The agenda also is placed on the district’s website. A majority of the Board (four members) constitutes a quorum. A quorum must be present to conduct business or take action.

Texas law does not require school districts to hold Board meeting public forums; however, DSISD Trustees have chosen to provide that opportuni-ty to the public. At regular board meet-ings, any person wanting to speak during a public forum signs in prior to the meeting. Persons will be heard on a first-come, first-served basis and may speak for three minutes. Delega-tions appoint one person to present their views before the board and are allowed five minutes.

Community involvement is critical to the success of Dripping Springs ISD and is represented as the foundation of the 2016-21 strategic plan. The plan’s base is the “Village,” which reflects the fact that our schools are the center of the community. The Village represents community partnerships, as well as commu-nication and connections between campuses.

Opportunities exist for com-munity advisory committees that strengthen ties between the school and the community and enhance the core educational process. Committees provide input to the district on a variety of subjects, including district and campus planning, gifted and tal-ented programs, special services, student health initiatives, and long-range facility planning.

Committee membership for each of the committees (for a list of all opportunities, visit the DSISD website) is determined by the guidelines established in the Texas Education Code, District Board Policy, and DSISD Admin-istrative Guidelines for Commu-nity Committees. Processes for membership selection for external stakeholders is based on Board and/or Administrative appoint-ment. The intent of all selection processes is to ensure commit-tees are comprised of stakehold-ers with a variety of perspectives who represent the demographic profile of the district at-large.

Individuals interested in be-ing considered for committee membership should submit the applicable form available below. To promote as much diversity as possible with district involvement, individual participation is limited to one committee per year.

The deadline to submit interest in participation for the 2019-2020 school year is Friday, Sept. 6, 2019.

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Starting this school year, Dripping Springs ISD will be introducing the Canvas Learning Man-agement System (LMS) that helps teachers to provide a personalized learning experience to stu-dents. The system features instructional support, class calendars, messages, notifications, assign-ments, collaborative activities, and resources that are tailored to each student in one easy-to-use, easy-to-access platform.

Last spring a group of teachers across the district piloted Canvas. This year all teachers in DSISD will be using Canvas, and all parents will be able to connect to their student’s accounts. Parent access in Canvas will give the ability to see what is going on in a course and a calendar of assignments. Parents will be able to: view the Student Dashboard, course syllabus, assignments, grades, and the class calendar. In addition, parents can customize how they receive classroom notifications from teachers.

Grades will still be available in Family Access, as will attendance information. The Canvas classroom notification fea-ture will give teachers another tool to communicate with students and parents. The district will continue to use the Black-board system for time-sensitive and emergency notifications.

In conjunction with the Canvas roll-out, the district has adopted ClassLink, a single sign-on platform that will allow stu-dents to use one username and password for many applications and resources both at school and at home. This tool will simplify access to resources for students and staff. During the first few weeks of school, students will be trained on both of these resources; questions will be addressed by teachers and campus staff.

Student Insurance OfferedDripping Springs ISD has selected the Stu-

dent Insurance Plan to make reliable coverage available to parents. While all registered students in the district are eligible, this opportunity may be especially appealing to parents of students involved in extracurricular activities such as ath-letics and band.

Different levels of coverage are available, based on the family’s needs. Options are:• At-school coverage (includes field trips)• 24-hour coverage• Football only• Extended dental coverage• Coverage period

Additional information about these options is available under “Parents and Students” on the district website.

Coverage, which is underwritten by Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company, may be purchased at any time during the school year by visiting the website www.K12StudentInsurance.com.

The health and well-being of Dripping Springs ISD students has always been a priority of the utmost importance in the district. In recent years, educators have become increasingly aware of the critical role that the mental health of students plays in their overall happiness. While individual campuses have implemented programs related to social-emotional learning, like those focused on anti-bully-ing, the district also is looking at ways to provide increased support to schools and students.

Last year the district conducted a survey exploring the social-emotional needs of our students and a task force of key staff was formed to explore a more comprehensive mental health program. The Task Force identified some key steps that will take place this year:

1. A full-time mental health professional will be added to the staff at Dripping Springs High School.

2. A half-time counselor will be added at each elementary school in addition to the one full-time counselor.

3. All staff will complete “Mental Health First-Aid” training, in con-junction with Hill Country MHDD.

The Dripping Springs Education Foundation has taken an ac-tive role in funding the district’s mental health initiative. At the July DSISD Board of Trustees meeting, DSEF presented its commitment of $215,000 for the 2019-20 school year to fund the additional posi-tions. The district’s partnership with DSEF to fund the mental health initiative is an impactful step to ensure the community is engaged in the foundation’s vision to provide more students with better opportu-nities while addressing the social-emotional needs of students.

DSISD and all seven schools look forward to working hand in hand with our students, parents, counselors, teachers and staff to support the social-emotional well-being of our entire Tiger family.

Mental Health Is a Priority

Canvas Learning Management System

Founded in 1992, the Drip-ping Springs Education Founda-tion supports academic goals and achievement at every school in Dripping Springs ISD

by raising and allocating private-sector funds. In recent years, the Foundation mission has ex-panded to include establishing a reliable private-funding mechanism to help bridge the gap, foster teacher and student excellence, and ensure the District maintains academic competitiveness regardless of state funding levels.

The Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 orga-nization. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, visit the DSEF website.

DS Education Foundation

This fall Dripping Springs ISD will implement a clear bag policy at Tiger Stadium for varsity football games to enhance safety and security. The policy will limit the size and types of bags allowed at the stadium during games, much in the same manner that most Central Texas high schools have done in recent years. All bags are subject to in-spection prior to entry. Guests attempting to enter the stadium with non-conforming bags will be asked to return the items to their vehicles.

Bags allowed in DSISD Tiger Stadium are:• Clear Plastic Tote Bags (no larger

than 12” x 6” x 12”)• One-Gallon Plastic Freezer Bags• Small Clutch Purses (smaller than

4.5” x 6.5”)

Bags not allowed in Tiger Stadium are:• Backpacks• Purses• Binocular or Camera Cases• Diaper Bags• Fanny Packs• Cinch Bags• Printed Pattern or Oversize Tote

BagsExceptions will be made for medically

necessary items and credentialed news media/photographer equipment bags. These individuals should check in at the pass gate table upon arrival (located at both the home side entrance and the

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Special Services Child Find Notice

Annual Athletics Pass OfferedDripping Springs Elementary (PreK-5)29400 Ranch Road 12Kellie Raymond, PrincipalPhone: 512.858.3700 Walnut Springs Elementary (PreK-5)300 Sportsplex DriveMelinda Gardner, PrincipalPhone: 512.858.3800 Rooster Springs Elementary (PreK-5)1001 Belterra DriveSteve Novickas, PrincipalPhone: 512.858.3089 Sycamore Springs Elementary (PreK-5)14451 Sawyer Ranch Rd. Kristen Ray, PrincipalPhone: 512.858.3900

Dripping Springs Middle School (6-8)111 Tiger LaneJason Certain, PrincipalPhone: 512.858.3400 Sycamore Springs Middle School (6-8)14451 Sawyer Ranch Rd.Dan Diehl, PrincipalPhone: 512.858.3600

Dripping Springs High School (9-12)940 Hwy 290 WestAngela Gamez, PrincipalPhone: 512.858.3100

SCHOOL DIRECTORY

Every child learns at a different pace, but often children need help in removing obstacles that prevent them from reaching their full poten-tial. Dripping Springs ISD provides free referral and information services to help children with learning chal-lenges that may interfere with their ability to do well in school.

These can include difficulties with social interactions, playing, talking, seeing, hearing, behavior and move-ment. This service is available to infants, children and youth beginning at birth to age 21.

Parents who are concerned that their child seems to be learn-ing or playing differently from oth-ers, please call the DSISD Special Services Office at 512.858.3066 for more information. We are here to help parents meet the learning needs of their children.

Dripping Springs ISD offers an all-sports pass for general admission to non-playoff middle school and high school home athletic events during the school year, with the exception of varsity football games.

Secondary student athletic season passes can be purchased online through the DSISD Webstore for $25. After purchase, stu-dents should take their new 2019-20 student ID card to their campus receptionist to receive a sticker for the back.

Adult athletic season passes also can be purchased online through the DSISD Webstore for $50 per adult. Adult athletic

season pass cards may be picked up 24 hours after purchase at the Athletics Of-fice located at the DSHS Tiger Stadium Field House. Current 2019 football reserved seat season ticket holders may

purchase adult athletic sea-son passes at a discounted price of $25 per adult. These passes are not ac-cepted at other schools or for varsity football games.

The pass will cover the following sports that host games with UIL-mandated admission fees: baseball, boys’ and girls’

basketball, boys’ and girls’ soccer, soft-ball, volleyball, and sub-varsity football games.

Clear Bag Policy at Varsity Football

“Gold Tiger Cards” for Senior CitizensSenior citi-

zens residing within DSISD are eligible to receive “Gold Tiger” cards that allow free admission to district and school events. The cards, which have been available for several years, can be used for General Admission seating at varsity athlet-ics contests, as well as musical and theatrical performances. Gold Tiger cards cannot be used at UIL playoff games or events where meals are included in the admission price.

Senior citizens (age 65 and older) who live in the district may obtain a card in person at the DSISD Administration Building front desk with a driver’s license or some other form of identification with ad-dress.

north entrance gates).In addition, members of student

groups involved with the event are permitted to enter with equipment bags when entering with their team or group, in uniform, and with the director or coach.

The Tigers’ first home game is Friday, Sept. 6, against Hays High School.

As Dripping Springs ISD Trans-portation is preparing for the new school year, parents are encouraged to access the DSISD mobile app and/or visit the department’s webpage for routes, times, guidelines and other information. All parents should check their student’s bus stop and schedule. Please do not assume it will be the same as last year; routes for 2019-20 have been updated and posted.

Parents should verify their student’s bus information by (this information is only available for those students that are registered with transportation):• Selecting the Bus Route icon on

the district webpage (below the rotating picture).

• Typing in address and grade level of student. Address must be exact, including zip code.

• Those with questions should: ᴑ E-mail the Transportation

Office at transportation@dsisdtx.us.

ᴑ Call the Transportation Office at 512.858.3008 between 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

ᴑ Students should ride their assigned bus and use their assigned bus stop. The district does not offer transportation to alternate locations.

Guidelines for Riders:• Students should be at their bus

stop in the morning 10 minutes prior to their scheduled pick-up, waiting a minimum of 10-15 feet from the roadway. For safety reasons, students should never chase after a missed bus.

• A parent or designee should meet young students at their bus stop after school.

• Parents are responsible for their children on the route to and from the bus stop and while students are at the stop.

• Students should always avoid the “Danger Zones” where driver’s vi-sion is blocked (map available on the Transportation website).

Driver Safety Tips:• Slow down and be especially alert

in residential neighborhoods and school zones.

• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.

• Enter and exit driveways slowly and carefully.

• Watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after-school hours.

• Reduce distractions so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Put down your phone and don’t talk or text while driving.

Student Safety Tips:• Students under 10 years old

should cross the street with an adult.

• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.

• Never run out into the streets or cross in between parked cars.

• Make sure to always walk in front of the bus where the driver can see.

The DSISD Transportation Depart-ment can contact all parents or those of students riding a particular bus (based on notification preferences in Blackboard). In addition, parents have easy access to their child’s route infor-mation via the district mobile app.

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Extended Care Programs Offered

Bus Transportation Round-Up

Dripping Springs ISD students may use extended care services offered through the Community Services De-partment at both the elementary and middle school levels.

After-school care, or “Kids Club,” is available at all four elementary cam-puses (RSE and SSE currently have waiting lists). This program serves students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in a safe environment. Chil-dren enjoy structured and supervised playtime, creative time, storytime, homework time, and snacks. There are two options based on pick-up time: the 5:00 p.m. pick-up time costs $120 per month and the 6:30 pick-up time is $200 per month. Drop-ins are $20 per day. Registration is required for attendance. A reminder for returning families: a new form must be com-pleted each year for each child in the program.

At both middle schools, “Club CRASH” is an early-morning super-vised time to assist parents who need to head to work before the school drop-off time. The hours of operation

are 6:45 a.m.-8:15 a.m. during which time students are encouraged to read, work on school projects, socialize with friends, or just mentally prepare for the day. The monthly fee for Club CRASH is just $85. Drop-ins are $10 per day. Registration is required for attendance.

Students can be registered for ei-ther program on the Dripping Springs ISD website. There is a $50 registra-tion fee and the first month’s payment is due prior to attending. Discounts are given for families qualifying for free lunch (40 percent discount) or reduced lunch (20 percent discount). Pre-pay-ment is required and credit cards are accepted.

Elementary parents should make sure the classroom teachers have on file that the student attends the Kids Club program so he or she is directed appropriately at dismissal.

For more information on either the Kids Club or Club CRASH programs, contact the DSISD Community Ser-vices Department at (512) 858-3022.

Now HiringView DSISD job openings at www.dsisdtx.us/employment. There is a particular need for candidates in the following posi-tions:• Bus Drivers/Aides• Maintenance/Grounds• Child Nutrition• Custodial

This summer, some new district and campus adminis-trators have joined Dripping Springs ISD or started in new roles.

The district’s new Director of Special Services is Susan Maxey. Ms. Maxey, who has been the Executive Director of Special Programs at Luling ISD since 2017, has nearly 30 years of experience in education-related fields. The DSISD Special Services Department oversees many areas: Special Education, dyslexia, Section 504, response

to intervention, homebound, and the 18-plus ACCESS program.

Three campuses have new principals: Dripping Springs High School, Rooster Springs Elementary, and Walnut Springs Elementary.

New DSHS principal Angela Gamez steps in as the campus leader following three years as an assistant principal and one year as the school’s instructional facilitator, working closely with teachers through coaching and coordination of professional devel-opment. Before coming to DSISD, Ms. Gamez taught English at Karnes City High School, Marble Falls High School, and Llano High School.

Steve Novickas steps into the role as RSE’s principal following two years as an assistant principal at Sycamore Springs Middle School. Previously, he served as the assistant principal of two elementary schools in the Cherry Creek School Dis-trict in the Denver area. He also served as interim principal in the Cherry Creek district

on three occasions, after teaching for seven years.Walnut Springs Elementary’s new

principal is Melinda Gardner. Ms. Gardner has spent her entire career in Bastrop ISD, most recently as the principal of Lost Pines Elementary in Bastrop ISD, a position she held for four years, after three years as the assistant principal there. Ms. Gardner taught kindergarten and third grade in BISD.

Both middle schools have one new assistant principal: Brandon Henry at Dripping Springs Middle School and Michael Haase at Sycamore Springs Elementary. At DSHS, new assistant principals are Natalie Farber and Amanda Silkett. In addition, former RSE principal Mandy Sargent will be serving in an AP role at Sycamore Springs Elementary.

Recently Joe Burns, who retired as the principal of Drip-ping Springs High School in June, agreed to serve as the interim Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Innova-tion until that position is filled permanently.

New Administrators in DSISD

Welcome New Teachers!

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