Category Archives: Lake Travis

LISD, Vandegrift increases anti-vaping efforts, education

By SARAH DOOLITTLE, Four Points News

(The online edition of this story was updated March 22, 2018 at 3:18 p.m.)

The numbers of vaping infractions at Leander ISD is on the rise. This school year already, there have been more than 160 discipline incidents regarding the use of a tobacco product on campus, including e-cigarettes, and more than 30 at Vandegrift. Vaping is against school rules and it is illegal for those under the age of 18, and since it is still relatively new, LISD is grappling with the issue of e-cigarette usage on school campuses.

Vaping at school and the selling of e-cigarette paraphernalia presents a unique challenge to schools separate from the use of traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes or chewing tobacco.

Continue reading →

One family’s experience with vaping

Editor’s note: This story was of one student’s perspective. The student makes broad and general statements that were not verified by Leander ISD. Leander ISD’s spokesperson Corey Ryan said that the claim that “everyone does this” is misleading and not reflective of Vandegrift High School. Also, Ryan said “Leander ISD schools and employees promote drug, alcohol and tobacco free choices for students and strictly prohibit the use of those substances on school grounds and during school events. We encourage any parent, guardian, employee or student who sees illegal or prohibited activity happening on a school campus, including the use or sales of vaping products, to immediately notify a principal, teacher, coach or counselor, or to utilize the Anonymous Alerts program.” 
 

By SARAH DOOLITTLE, Four Points News

Chris doesn’t have any reason for vaping other than,”My friends were doing it so I did it,” starting in the 8th grade.

Now a freshman, Chris was caught vaping on campus. “They took (my e-cigarette) away and I got ISS (in-school suspension) for a week.”

The punishment, though, didn’t change his attitude toward vaping or act as a deterrent. Chris continues to vape on campus, as do all of his friends.

Continue reading →

Majestics dance shines at FPMS

By KIMBERLY STRENK , Contributor

For the last five years, the Majestics have consistently produced a high-impact, award-winning dance team under the leadership of director Kelly Mabry at Four Points Middle School. This season, two dances are particularly noteworthy: the Ghoomar and Lifeboat.

Eighth grade Majestic, Anna Zavelson known for her budding recording and acting career, was given a challenge by Mabry to compose an original song for the entire team to perform during this year’s competition season. Zavelson wrote, produced and recorded a lyrical song, “Lifeboat” which tells the story of what being a part of the Majestics has meant to her. The dance, choreographed by her teammates, also won several best-in-class awards this season.

Continue reading →

Steiner controller resigned, Selman returns as interim director

By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

Another Steiner Ranch employee, Andrew Smullen, controller, resigned effective March 9 making the third upper management resignation of the small HOA staff in the last three months — the executive director and  community manager resigned over the past several months.

As of the Steiner homeowner’s website on Monday, Scott Selman was listed as interim director. Selman was one of the community’s previous directors.

“The community cares about this because eight people have left in the last six months,” said Bill Menzies, when addressing the Steiner Ranch Master Association board during the homeowner forum at the Feb. 27 board meeting. Menzies used to be the SRMA board president. “What is going on? This (the way things are now) is a huge mistake.”

Continue reading →