Life School Lancaster Elementary News & Notes

• 4-Day School Week May Yield Mental Health Benefits for Life School Students and Families

  Over the past few years, Texas school districts have seen an increase in demand for new approaches to learning. In 2023, Life School was one of a few districts to have made the switch to a 4-day school week. Among the motivators was a goal to attract experienced teachers during an ongoing Texas teacher shortage. Teachers are known to be one of the biggest contributors to overall student success in the classroom. While 4-day did make an impact on average years of experience among teachers, it also made a big impact elsewhere. Parents repeatedly emphasize its effect on childrens’ mental health and overall well-being.

• Board of Directors Approves $1.5M in Pay Increases

  Life School is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has approved the allocation of approximately $1,500,000 for increases in staff salaries for the 2022-2023 school year. This allocation will result in an average increase of 5% for certified teachers, $750 increase for non-certified teachers and 2% increase for all other Life School staff.

• Charter School Pioneer Life School Celebrates 25th Anniversary

  In 1995 the Texas Legislature authorized the establishment of charter schools in Texas. Just 3 years later in 1998, Life School opened its doors in Oak Cliff, TX, with a small team of 15 staff members to serve 266 students. Sparked by the vision of Dr. Tom Wilson, the school was established to “provide a quality education and give parents educational choice regardless of their ability to pay.” Today, Life School employs more than 600 staff and serves more than 5,500 students across the Dallas area.

• Continued Safety Efforts at Life School

  Dear Life School Families,

  Ensuring the safety and security of students and staff is always Life School’s top priority. Last year, we formed the Life School Safety & Security Committee. This committee is responsible for reviewing and approving Life School’s Emergency Operations Plan as well as makes recommendations for necessary security improvements across our district.

  As a result, Life School has spent the past year making significant improvements and investments toward keeping our students and staff safe while on campus. Some of the recently enhanced safety and security measures include:

  • Increased security presence on all campuses
  • Improved access control on several campuses
  • Additional security cameras at multiple campuses
  • Upgraded radios and communication on campuses

  The Life School security team has been working closely with local law enforcement in the communities in which all of our campuses are located. If we should encounter an emergency situation, these agencies are prepared to provide the necessary support to our campuses. Additionally, Life School has expanded our integrated school safety software system, Raptor, to include emergency management and communication capabilities.

  All of these efforts allow Life School and local law enforcement to respond quickly and efficiently in the case of any campus emergency. 

  Every month our security team publishes a security bulletin to inform you of any security updates and provides resources for parents and teachers to help keep our students and staff safe. Please be sure to stay up to date with all security measures by clicking here.

  We hope everyone has a safe, fun and relaxing spring break! We look forward to finishing the year strong when we return!

  Sincerely, 

  Dr. Brent Wilson, Ed.D.
  Life School Superintendent

• Education Foundation Raises $71,000 in Fairways for Life

   More than 120 golfers teed off during Life School's eighth annual Fairways For Leaders (FFL) Golf Tournament on June 13, raising $71,000 for the Life School Education Foundation (LSEF). This year marked a record year with the most funds raised, surpassing the previous 2016 record by $11,000. More than 45 businesses and individuals participated to support Life’s Schools mission – to develop leaders through strong academics, character training, and partnerships with parents and the community.

• How to Save a Seat Before the Lottery at Life School

  With the launch of a 4-day school week, Life School has attracted quite a bit of interest in the Dallas area. The district already serves families from 47 cities, and this fall may experience longer wait lists than normal. However, there is a strategic way for new families to save a seat for August enrollment and avoid long waits when the summer rush hits, and it requires urgent action.

• Lancaster Life Skills Students Donate to Jonathan's Place

  Life School develops students with life skills through strong academics, character training, and partnerships with parents and the community. The fruit of those efforts can be seen in how the district engages with its surrounding communities. Life School Lancaster (LSL) Life Skills students recently partnered with Jonathan’s Place to donate essential items to others in need.

• Life School Achieves Record Enrollment of 5,797 Students

  Life School, a leading K-12 school district committed to providing exceptional education and fostering student success, announced a groundbreaking milestone: a record-breaking enrollment of nearly 5,800 students. This unprecedented achievement is attributed to the implementation of the innovative 4-day school week, which has garnered significant praise from students, parents, and educators alike; along with a continued focus on character development.

• Life School Appoints New Members to the Board of Directors

  Life School, a public charter school district operating in North Texas, has recently appointed three new members to serve on the Board of Directors.

• Life School Earns Highest Fiscal Accountability Rating

  Life School officials announced that the district received an “A” rating for “Superior Achievement” under Texas’ 2020-2021 Charter FIRST financial accountability rating system.

• Life School Earns Highest Fiscal Accountability Rating

  Life School officials announced that the district received an “A” rating for “Superior Achievement” under Texas’ 2022-2023 Charter FIRST financial accountability rating system.

• Life School Earns Seven Campus Distinctions

  On Friday August 12th, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) released new accountability ratings for the 2021-2022 school year. Accountability ratings are based on end-of-year test scores including STAAR and EOC exams. As a district, Life School received a score of 87 out of 100, earning a ‘B’ rating and improving from a score of 81 in 2018-2019. Students across the district saw growth in all grades and subjects. Four campuses earned a cumulative seven distinctions. Overall, Life School students outperformed their peers in many surrounding school districts.

• Life School Elementary Campuses Celebrate Career Readiness

  In February, Life School celebrated College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) across its elementary campuses. Each campus invited community members, parents and Life School staff members to share their college, career or military experiences.

• Life School Holds 2022 District-Wide Science Fair

  Six Life School elementary campuses came together for the Life School District Science Fair at Life School Red Oak Elementary on April 1, 2022. The district also partnered with The Perot Museum for the event. While students waited to present their projects to the judges, they participated in STEM activities with employees from the Perot Museum.

• Life School Holds Annual Gifted & Talented Expo

  Life School held its annual Gifted & Talented (GT) Expo Awards on April 21, 2023. This year, the GT Expo was held at Life School Red Oak. Students, parents and staff filled the campus as GT students competed for the title of “Humanitarian of The Year” and participated in activities that explored the way of life of those in developing countries.

• Life School Holds Annual Gifted and Talented Expo

  Life School held its annual Gifted & Talented (GT) Expo Awards on April 22, 2022. This year, the GT Expo was held at Life School Red Oak. Students, parents, and staff filled the campus as GT students competed for the title of “Humanitarian of The Year” and participated in activities that explored the way of life of those in developing countries.

• Life School Holds District-Wide Science Fair

  Six Life School elementary campuses came together for the Life School District Science Fair at Life School Red Oak Elementary on February 24, 2023. The district also partnered with The Perot Museum for the event. While students waited to present their projects to the judges, they participated in STEM activities with employees from the Perot Museum.

• Life School Hosts Future Chefs Cooking Contest

  Life School is working to teach students about the importance of making healthy food choices through a cooking contest hosted by its food service provider, Sodexo. The event, called Future Chefs, was held on April 27, where students competed in a competition that allowed students to put their cooking skills to the test.

• Life School Lancaster Supports Troops through Operation Pringles

  This year, in honor of Veteran’s Day, Life School Lancaster Elementary held Operation Pringles, a drive for students and families to bring cans of Pringles to send to U.S. soldiers serving in other countries. From November 11-18, the campus collected donations. Together, students and families supported the initiative by bringing a total of 1,192 containers of Pringles.

• Life School Receives Dyslexia Grant

  Life School is excited to announce that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has awarded Life School a grant through the Dyslexia Grant Award Program. The total grant of $370,000 provides $260,000 for 2022-2023 school year and $110,000 for the 2023-2024 school year. Funds from the grant will allow staff members to receive further education to serve students.

• Life School Student-Athletes Give Back Through Community Partnerships

  In the spirit of giving, Life School student-athletes and staff stepped up their volunteer efforts this year to assist those in need throughout the community. From food pantries to clothing closets, and mentorship opportunities - students exercised citizenship and gained hands-on experience while giving back. 

• Life School Technology Goes 1:1

  When the COVID-19 pandemic hit last March, few entities had to pivot harder or faster than schools. Faced with the need to provide online education to more than 5,500 students almost overnight, Life School worked quickly to meet a growing need.

• Maximizing the Flexibility of Life School 4-Day School Week

  Life School, a Dallas area charter school, recently made a bold and innovative change to its structure by moving to a 4-day school week. The 4-day school week is designed to boost student well-being; maintain strong student attendance; provide quality instruction for students; retain and attract quality teachers and staff; and give time back to students and staff to improve overall performance and quality of life. Students attend Monday-Thursday, with most Fridays off.

• Mourning the Loss of a Dear Friend, Board Member Joan Butler

  Dear Life School Family,

  It is with sadness that I inform you that Life School Board Member and treasured friend Joan Butler passed away on Saturday morning, June 18. Joan was appointed to the Life School Board of Directors in 2021 and was a longtime supporter of Life School. Joan and her husband, Gordon Butler Sr., served on the pastoral staff of Oak Cliff Assembly of God when Life School was established in 1998.

  Joan was retired from a long career in finance and administrative support, most recently with Southwestern Assemblies of God University. She also served on the SAGU Board of Regents.

  We will miss Mrs. Butler’s wisdom and heart for Life School.

  Visitation will take place at Jeter and Son Funeral Home at 332 Cedar St. Cedar Hill, TX, 75104, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM on Monday, June 27th. The Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 28, at Crossroads of Life Assembly of God at 123 W. Hwy 67 Duncanville, TX 75137.

  Thank you for joining in our sympathy for her family.

  Sincerely,

  Brent Wilson

  Superintendent

• Parents Voice Benefits of Life School 4-Day School Week

  In a post-COVID era, things have gradually begun to return to normal. For many industries, normal has meant learning new ways to do things. When COVID hit, no industry had to pivot as quickly and dramatically as schools. Overnight, in-person classrooms were replaced with distance learning. Teachers had to learn to engage students online, not just in the classroom. Parents became part-time teachers and tutors.