Connect with Katie.04.04.2025.Issue32 by Lovejoy ISD

Connect with Katie

APRIL 4, 2025

Lovejoy Lovejoy Leopards Leopards

LovejoyCommunity,

We are extremely proud of our students and their curiosity, enthusiasm for learning, and hard work. Lovejoy High School students have been competing in the UIL Academic District Competition. They are currently leading the sweepstakes race by 4 points, with speaking and debateeventssetforApril5 Goodlucktomorrow, Leopards! th.

Thisweek,wealsohadthehonorofhostingour3 AnnualGiftedandTalented Showcase and our elementary students excelled! Hart Elementary and Puster Elementary students did an amazing job presenting and discussing their innovativeresearchprojectsandstudiesofinterest.Aspecialthankyoutoour GTTeachersandeveryonewhoattendedandsupportedourstudents.

JoinusthisSundayfor2025BondFacilityBusTour!

Weareexcitedtoinviteparentsandcommunitymemberstolearnmoreabout the 2025 Bond proposition through a Lovejoy facility bus tour. This informational tour will provide the opportunity to see school facilities, learn about proposed projects, and engage with District leadership. More informationisfoundonpage6.

LegacyofExcellence:HighlightsandCelebrations

LovejoyHighSchoolGirlsSoccer

Congratulations on an outstanding season, which included a District Championship,andmakingittothe4throundoftheplayoffs!

LovejoyHighSchoolChoir

Congratulations on a huge success at the UIL Concert and Sight reading competition.ALLfourchoirsearnedcleansweepstakes,meaningtheyreceived aSuperiorratingfromallsixjudges-SpectacularLeopards!

LovejoyHighSchoolGirlsGolf

Congratulations on a 2nd place finish at the District Meet! The second place finishqualifiesGirlsGolftocompeteatRegionals!

LovejoyHighSchoolBoysandGirlsTrack

Both Track Teams completed the District Track Meet on Thursday with several Areaqualifiers-Let’sgoLeopards!

LovejoyHighSchoolOneActPlay

LovejoyHighSchoolTheatrereceivednumerouswell-deservedawardsattheBidistrictOneActPlayCompetitionthisweek.Weareimmenselyproudofthehard workanddedicationshownbythecastandcrewthisseason.

WillowSpringsMiddleSchoolBroadcastJournalism

Willow Springs Middle School Broadcast Journalism students earned statewide recognitionin“BestinTexas”Competition!

Majestics

The Spring Show “Up in the Air” is here and we cannot wait to watch the MajesticsperformonApril4thand5th.Youcanpurchaseticketshere.

Happy School Librarian Day to our amazing librarians. We appreciate their important role in fostering a love of reading, teaching research skills and providing resources for our students and teachers. We are proud to celebrate KristinDawson,ArielStewart,RachelBrenner,KirstenCermakandHollyGreen.

Wishingyouaweekendfilledwithloveandjoy.

ThereisonlyONELOVEJOYandweareALLLEOPARDS!

LovejoyProud, KatieKordel

Superintendent

LovejoyISDispleasedtoinviteparentsandcommunitymemberstolearnmore aboutBond2025throughaLovejoyfacilitybustour.Theinformationaltourwill providetheopportunitytoseeschoolfacilities,learnaboutproposedprojects, andengagewithDistrictleadership.

LovejoyISDBond2025includesupgradestomajorfacilitysystems,technology, and safety and security, as well as updates to instructional learning spaces at Hart Elementary and Lovejoy High School. These improvements will impact everystudentandeveryschool.

BusTourDetails

Date:Sunday,April6th

BusPick-Up:HeritageRanch(1:40p.m.),LovejoyHighSchool(2:00p.m.)

Tour Locations: Hart Elementary, Lovejoy High School, and LISD Transportation

Duration:Thetourwilllastapproximately3hours

Please click here to sign-up for the tour so we can plan adequate bus transportation.Thankyou!

April4 isNationalSchoolLibrarianDayandweareproudtocelebrateKristin Dawson, Ariel Stewart, Rachel Brenner, Kirsten Cermak, and Holly Green! School librarians support the literacy and learning of all students and partner withteacherstoenhanceinstructioninclassrooms.Thankyou!

Nextweek,April7-11isNationalAssistantPrincipalAppreciationWeek!Please take a moment to thank Jamie Flemmer, Kelly Schirf, Kimberly Kane, Shawn Lewis,TaylourReeder,LindseyRadford,FernandoOcampo,ChasityLynchand ElysePollardfortheirremarkablededicationandimpactonstudentsandstaff inLovejoyISD!Thankyouforyourfearlessleadership!

Congratulations to our Lovejoy High School students for their exceptional performance at the UIL Academics district competition! Lovejoy is currently leadingthesweepstakesraceby4points,withspeakinganddebateeventsset for April 5th. Additionally, we’re excited to watch our regional qualifiers competeonApril25thand26thatProsperWalnutGrove!

CalculatorApplications

(CoachJosephRasca)

CharltonKim-2nd(RegionalQualifier)

JamesBognot-3rd(RegionalQualifier)

SaayonMahapatra-6th

1stPlaceTeam:

CharltonKim(RegionalQualifier)

JamesBognot(RegionalQualifier)

SaayonMahapatra(RegionalQualifier)

ClaireWu(RegionalQualifier)

CurrentIssues&Events (CoachCherylAnderson)

AndyChoy-2nd(RegionalQualifier)

1stPlaceTeam:

AndyChoy(RegionalQualifier)

VictorGold(RegionalQualifier)

LilyBednar(RegionalQualifier)

Spelling (CoachCyndiAnderson) OliviaLee-6th

3rdPlaceTeam: OliviaLee

AnchyutAnsa AndyChoy ElliePeters

ComputerScience (CoachNithyaSithuraj)

ShilohkNavaneethakrishnan-1st (RegionalQualifier)

JustenMao-2nd(RegionalQualifier)

NolanFinnigan-3rd(RegionalQualifier)

CarsonDykstra-5th

1stPlaceTeam:

ShilohkNavaneethakrishnan(Regional Qualifier)

JustenMao(RegionalQualifier)

NolanFinnigan(RegionalQualifier)

CarsonDykstra(RegionalQualifier)

Editorial (CoachParkman)

ZoeReed-4th

NewsWriting (CoachParkman)

JacksonLaTorre-5th

Mathematics (CoachJosephRasca)

JamesBognot-1st(RegionalQualifier)

ClaireWu-3rd(RegionalQualifier)

1stPlaceTeam:

JamesBognot(RegionalQualifier)

ClaireWu(RegionalQualifier)

JustenMao(RegionalQualifier)

CharltonKim(RegionalQualifier)

LiteraryCriticism (CoachJasenEairheart)

CarolineWilkins-2nd(RegionalQualifier)

JuliannaGarcia-4th

AnnaFrost-6th

1stPlaceTeam:

CarolineWilkins(RegionalQualifier)

JuliannaGarcia(RegionalQualifier)

AnnaFrost(RegionalQualifier)

OliviaLong(RegionalQualifier)

NumberSense (CoachJosephRasca)

JamesBognot-1st(RegionalQualifier)

CharltonKim-2nd(RegionalQualifier)

ClaireWu-4th

1stPlaceTeam:

JamesBognot(RegionalQualifier)

CharltonKim(RegionalQualifier)

ClaireWu(RegionalQualifier)

Science (CoachCherylAnderson)

ClaireWu-1st(RegionalQualifier)

AmeenaChowdhury-6th

Rea (Co

AmeenaChowdhury-1stBiology(RegionalQualifier)

ClaireWu-2ndChemistry(Alternate)

ClaireWu-1stPhysics(RegionalQualifier)

1stPlaceTeam:

ClaireWu(RegionalQualifier)

AmeenaChowdhury(RegionalQualifier)

JennaLi(RegionalQualifier)

AliceLee(RegionalQualifier)

SocialStudies

(CoachDavidMullerandDeborahAdams)

BryceBrezette-1st(RegionalQualifier)

AnnaFrost-5th

LucasOspina-6th

1stPlaceTeam:

BryceBrezette(RegionalQualifier)

AnnaFrost(RegionalQualifier)

CarolineWilkins(RegionalQualifier)

LucasOspina(RegionalQualifier)

LeadershipLovejoyClassof2025ConcludeswithImpactfulSchoolVisits

Lovejoy ISD believes the highest quality of educational opportunities are createdinpartnershipwithourcommunity.LeadershipLovejoyisdesignedto providecommunityparticipantswithacomprehensiveoverviewoftheschool district by department and district leadership. By educating our community membersabouttheworkingsoftheschooldistrict,wecreatearesourcepool from which to draw for participants in district planning, district and campus improvementteams,andotherdistrictorcommunityactivities.

The Leadership Lovejoy Class of 2025 recently concluded its journey with insightful visits to Puster Elementary and Sloan Creek Intermediate School. During their final day, participants engaged in Learning Walks, observed dynamicclassroominstruction,andtookpartinameaningfulQ&Asessionwith Puster’s fourth-grade students. We look forward to celebrating this dedicated group at the April Board of Trustees Meeting, where their commitment to learning and community service will be recognized. Thank you to all participantsforyourdedicationtolearningandleadership!

On Wednesday, April 2, Lovejoy hosted its annual Gifted and Talented (GT) Showcase. TheGTShowcasewasaspectaculareventwherestudentshadthe opportunity to proudly present their innovative projects and demonstrate the depth of their learning. The showcase was met with great enthusiasm. Throughout the event, the students shone brightly, skillfully presenting their projects and engaging with visitors, displaying the dedication and creativity they had put into their work. It was an inspiring celebration of talent and academicexcellence,andthestudentstrulyexcelledinshowcasingtheirhard workandaccomplishments.

LovejoyHighSchoolstudentshadagreattimethismorningReadingwiththe Leopards at Puster Elementary! During this heartwarming and enriching experience,LHSathletesfromswimanddive,varsitybaseball,boys'andgirls' lacrosse, and wrestling, engaged with the elementary students, sharing their loveforreadingandthejoyoflearning.Pusterstudentswereexcitedtointeract withthehighschoolers,whomtheylookupto,anditwasagreatopportunity forthemtoseethepositiveexamplesetbyourLHSstudents!

Congratulations to Rodricka Taylor, Lovejoy ISD Coordinator for the Superintendent and Board Services, on being an Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce Top 20 under 40 Award Honoree for 2025! A true champion for connectednessandbelonging,RodrickaactivelycontributestomakingLovejoy ISD, Allen and Fairview thriving communities. We are deeply grateful for Rodricka’s impact and proud to congratulate her on this significant and welldeservedrecognition.

Thank you to the Allen Fairview Chamber for celebrating the amazing people makinganimpactinourcommunity.

Lovejoy Theatre is proud to present the awardwinning one-act play, We Are the Sea, by Laura Lundgren Smith. This gripping production, which has earned accolades as Zone and District Champions, will be performed on Friday, April 11th at 7:00 PM in the Lovejoy High School Auditorium. Best of all, admission is free! Don't miss the chance to experience this captivating, award-winning performance by our talented students.Markyourcalendars,bringyourfriends, andenjoyaneveningofexceptionaltheatre.

Dave Campbell's and Hometown

Ticketingarethrilledtocelebratethe incredible dedication and hard work of athletic secretaries across Texas.

Lovejoy’sveryownHannahO'Connor is being recognized for her outstanding contributions. These unsung heroes go above and beyond every day, working tirelessly behind the scenes with passion and commitment to their communities. Hannah, your dedication truly makes a difference, and we’re honored to spotlight you for all that you do! WatchHannah’sinterviewhere.

Don’t miss this year's highly anticipated Majestics Spring Show –“Up in the Air” – on April 4 & 5, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the LHS Auditorium. Ticketswillgoonsaletothepublicon Monday, March 24th. We hope you’ll joinusonboardatMajesticAir,where we plan to take you places you’ve never been. This is no ordinary journey it’s an adventure you’ll neverforget!

LovejoyISD,don’tloseyourspotwhile you read! Lovejoy ISD Libraries are excitedtochallengereaderstodesigna bookmark that celebrates reading and centers around the theme of spots-your favorite reading spots, Leopard spots, or whatever "spots" means to you. Use the theme to jumpstart your ideas; be creative. Two winners from each grade level (PreK-12) will have theirbookmarkprintedandavailableat every Lovejoy ISD school, admin building, and library. We can't wait to see your designs and share the love of reading

Strong school attendance is correlated with higher academic performance. Additionally,averageDailyAttendance(ADA)isametricthattheStateofTexas usestodeterminefundingforpublicschools.Eachweek,thisattendancedata willbeupdatedsoourcommunityisawareofourmostrecentADA.

Reality Check

As a valued stakeholder, we know how much our district matters to you. Therefore, we believe it is important that you have accurate and transparent informationaboutLovejoyISD.WiththeintroductionofRealityCheck,weare taking proactive steps to address misinformation and disinformation. It is our hope that this resource will serve as an informational tool for our community andfurtherLovejoyISD’scommitmenttocommunication.

Willow Springs Middle School Broadcast Journalism Students Earn Statewide Recognition in “Best in Texas”Competition

Lucas, Texas Willow Springs Middle School’s student broadcast team, WSMS News, has earned top honors in the prestigious Texas Association of Journalism Educators (TAJE) (TAJE)“BestinTexas”BroadcastAwards.

UndertheguidanceofMrs.BarbaraSmith,BroadcastJournalismAdvisor,these talentedyoungjournalistscompetedagainstsomeofthelargesthighschoolsin Texas including powerhouse 5A and 6A schools with advanced production facilitiesandprofessional-gradenewsrooms.

Thestudents’hardworkandcreativitystoodoutinahighlycompetitivefield, showcasing their skill, dedication, and passion for storytelling. Their multiple awards are a testament to the commitment they bring to producing highqualitybroadcastsfortheirschoolandcommunity.

“We are incredibly proud of our students,” said Mrs. Smith. “They worked tirelessly to create meaningful stories and professional-quality broadcasts. To earn this recognition against schools with massive production resources is a trueaccomplishment.Thesearethefuturevoicesofjournalism.”

The Texas Association of Journalism Educators recognized outstanding work across multiple categories, and the WSMS News team delivered exceptional performancesinallareas.

Viewthefulllistofwinnershere.

CongratulationstoourfuturejournalistsatWSMS!

Lovejoy High School Theatre received numerous well-deserved awards at the Bi-district One Act Play Competition this week, unfortunately they will not be advancing to Area. We are immensely proud of the hard work and dedication shown by the cast and crew. Lead actress, Katy Payne, was honored with the BestPerformerawardfortheentirecompetition,SophieKonecnyreceivedAllStar Cast, Clare Christianson earned an Honorable Mention, and Pinella CrossonwasrecognizedwiththeBestTechnicianaward.

Lovejoy Theatre is deeply grateful for all the support throughout the season. Please continue to cheer on this talented theatre crew, as their passion and commitmenttothecraftaretrulyinspiring!

Last Friday, the varsity girls soccer team beat Midlothian Heritage, in Midlothian,2-0toadvancetotheregionfinalasoneofthelasteightteamsleft intheplayoffs.ThegirlstookanearlyleadinthegameafterashotfromAJSelf bounced high off the post and in. The lead was doubled after AJ Self's corner was headed in by Margo Chester. Defenders Josselyn Schuler, Katie Manders, Margo Chester, Cam Newhouse, and Brenna Wallace, limited Heritage's chances and some excellent saves were made by Kenlea Swadener in goal to keepthecleansheet.Thiswasthesecondyearinarowtheteamqualifiedfor thefourthroundoftheplayoffsandthefirsttimeinprogramhistorytoplayin theregionfinal.

On Tuesday night, in the region final, the varsity girls soccer team's season came to an end with a 0-2 loss to Wakeland. The team can be proud of what theyachievedthisseason:21-2-1(13-0-1),backtobackdistrictchampionships, four rounds deep again, our first trip to the region final, and so much more. Thank you to our five seniors (Margo Chester, Rachel Dobbs, Katie Manders, Emma Nelson, and Chloe Smith) for your leadership this year and for your effortsthelastsixyears,youwillbemissed!Thankyoutoallourfans,parents, administration,andstaffforyoursupport.

TheboyssoccerseasonofficiallycametoanendonThursday,March17thwith a hard fought battle over two nights due to weather and lost the Area Championship Game to Highland Park 1-0. Although the Leopards did not advance there was much to celebrate on the year. The Leopards finished districtwitha9-4-1recordandtheD2number1seedheadingintotheplayoffs. IntheareaplayoffgametheLeopardsdefeatedWhitehousewithascoreof2-1 in the bi-district championship game. This is the second year in a row as bidistrictchampions.Thevarsityboysfinishedwithanoverallrecordof11wins,5 lossesand4ties.

The soccer staff want to thank all of our fans, parents and administration for theirsupport.WeespeciallywanttotorecognizeourgraduatingseniorsJustin Anderton, Maddox Bailey, Joshua Barkley, Aidan Battelle (C), Cash Calhoun, Coury Dismukes, Luke Doyle, Eric Hernandez, Zachary Huettner (C), Nathan Kinser(C),ChristianLambert,RexMarrs,BrendenPickettandMatthewRussell. Youwillbemissed!

OnSaturday,February8th,theWillowSpringsMathCountsteamcompetedin thePrestonTrailregionalMathCountsCompetitiononthecampusofUTD.The MathCounts Competition Series is a national program that allows students to competeinlive,in-personcontestsagainstandalongsidetheirpeers.Created in1983,itisthelongest-runningMathCountsprogramandisopentoallsixth, seventh,andeighth-gradestudents.

Theregionalcompetitionconsistedof251individualcompetitorsandabout40 teams from the North Dallas area. The Willow Springs team consists of 10 seventh and eighth-grade students; six competed as individual competitors, and four competed both as individual and as team competitors. All of our studentsputforthoutstandingefforts,andthreeofourstudentsscoredinthe top 25% of all competitors. Will Chow, Thomas Wu, and Derek Li finished in 14th, 35th, and 44th place, respectively. In addition to exceptional individual efforts,WillChow,DerekLi,ThomasWu,andAubreyWuperformedmasterfully in the team competition, finishing 6th and earning a spot in the State MathCountsCompetition.

On Saturday, March 8th, the Willow Springs MathCounts team traveled to the State MathCounts Competition in Irving to vie for a chance to represent the great state of Texas in the National MathCountsCompetitioninWashington, DC.

The state competition consisted of 264 individual competitors from every region in the state. The Willow Springs team consisted of Will Chow, Derek Li, Thomas Wu, and Aubrey Wu. At the conclusionofthecompetition,ourteam ranked 25th, and our competitors finished in the top half of the field, and WillChowfinishedinaveryrespectable 46th place. Although none of our MathCounts team qualified for the national competition. We are proud of theiraccomplishments.

Lovejoy High School Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Aerospace Engineer Class held their rocket launch on March 13th on the front lawn of the school. This launchwastheculminationandcelebrationofalongunitonpropulsion,where students designed jet engines and calculated thrust using a jet engine simulator, designed and simulated their rockets using an industry recognized modelrocketrysimulatorandfinallybuiltandlaunchedthosesamerockets.All rocketslaunchedsuccessfullyandwererecovered!

LeopardsBaseball:Thrills&UpcomingAction!

WhataweekforLeopardsBaseball!WebattledWalnutGroveintwonail-biting games, including a weather-delayed showdown that ended in a spectacular walk-off win! Game two was just as intense, with another victory for our Leopards.Plus,ourClassof2025SeniorGameonSaturdaywasahugesuccess, cappedoffbyanotherLeopardswin!We'remakingastrongpushinthedistrict, andyoursupportiscrucial!

Markyourcalendars!Thisnextweekispackedwithaction:

JV Red: Catch them against Melissa on April 9th at 6:00 PM (Lovejoy HS) andApril11that6:00PM(MelissaSportsplex).

JV Black/Varsity: Join us for Camo Night/School Marshals Night on April 11thatLovejoyHS(4:30/7:30PM)!They’realsoplayingMelissaonApril10th atMelissaSportsplex(4:30/7:30PM).CoachSmithwillbethrowingoutthe firstpitchonthe11th!

Let'spackthestandsandcheeronourLeopards!

The Leopard Softball team is still rolling in district play! Tuesday night they earnedanotherdistrictwinagainsttheDenisonYellowJackets7-1!JuniorIzzy Guarrielloearned17strikeoutsinthecircleandreachedacareermilestoneof 365strikeouts!WearesoproudofIzzyforallofherhardworkasshecontinues toachievefuturemilestones.TonightthegirlswillcompeteagainsttheWalnut GroveWildcatsinProsper,wehopetoseeyouthere!Markyourcalendarsand join us Friday April 11th for Softball Community Night as we compete against thereigningStateChampionstheMelissaCardinals.

Willow Springs tennis played Jones Middle School on Tuesday, April 1 . They foughthardandbroughthomethe12-4WIN!

Varsity competed very well in the Wakeland Tennis tournament last week taking away several medals. This week the Allen Eagle Tournament will be playedThursdayApril3rd.GoodluckLeopards!

Congratulations to the Varsity Color Guard on their success at the Varsity Guard Championshipsthisweekend!Thiswastheirfirstcontestsincebeingpromotedto National A Class where the competition is intense. Our Lovejoy Color Guard performed beautifully and took home 6th place! The show was beautiful and the everyone consistently excelled throughout the season. We are so grateful for Ms. Garciaandherleadership!Bravo!

TheLovejoyColorGuardShowcasewasApril3,featuringtheWSMSGuard,LHS JV and LHS Varsity Guards. Such love and dedication went into each of their showsandtheirjoyshowed!Thankyoutoallwhoattendedtocheeronthese talentedartists!

The Lovejoy ISD Board of Trustees invites you to attend the upcoming Board Workshop

DearLovejoyCommunity,

As a Board, we are committed to strong and proactive communication with our community. Part of this commitment is sending an email invitation to our community prior to Board Meetings with a sincere desire for you to be involved andfullyaware,sowecancometogetherasacommunityforourchildren.

April9th,2025PublicNoticeWebsite (Public ntoice will be posted a minimum of 72 hours in advance)

You may find the full agenda with supporting documentation on our district's BoardBookPremierwebsiteHERE.

Sincerely,

Barrett Owens, President

Jeff Wood, Vice-President

Amy Smith, Secretary

TheLovejoyISDBoardofTrustees

Marvin Bobo, Trustee

Jason Jaynes, Trustee

Julie McLaughlin, Trustee

Mark Wheelis, Trustee

Lovejoy ISD is committed to providing consistent, transparent communication with ourcommunityandemployees.Wehopethis meeting summary will support you in staying connected and informed. Click the image on thelefttoopenthesummaryandpictures.

Regular Board Meetings and Workshops are nowrecordedandarchivedontheLovejoyISD website. You can access Regular Board Meeting and Workshop recordings by clicking theimageontheright.

The full Regular Board Meeting agenda with supporting documents may be viewedbyclickingtheimageontheleft.

Can't remember where you saw a flyer? Not a problem! Leopard Life is connected to all campus newsletters, Connect with Katie, campus websites, ANDLovejoyISDmobileapp!

Are you ready to build, innovate, and compete with a team of passionate roboticsenthusiasts?OurhighschoolVEXRoboticsprogramisrecruitingnew& existing members,andwewantyoutobepartoftheexcitement!

This year, we are proud to have five teams traveling to the VEX World Tournament on May 6-8, showcasing our talent on a global stage. Whether you'reinterestedincoding,building,strategy,driving,notebooking,orproject managementthere'saplaceforyouonourteam.

WhyJoinUs?

Hands-onSTEMlearning

Teamworkandleadershipdevelopment

Competeatstate,national,andgloballevels

Scholarshipandnetworkingopportunities

Ifyouareinterested,scantheQRcodeandfillouttheinformation.Bepartof somethingamazing.Build,compete,andsucceedwithus!

All spirit wear 50% off now through May 23 . Want more time to shop? The Leopard Store will be open late on April 16th. Everything is 50% off! rd

This is an opportunity for parents and community members to connect with LovejoyISDTrusteesandSuperintendent Katie Kordel in an informal setting. During Community Coffee Talks, Lovejoy ISD leadership listens, shares and engages in open dialogue/discussion withourcommunity.

April29,2025

9:00a.m.-10:00a.m.

HartElementary (LeopardLair)

Lovejoy ISD is committed to creating strong connections and providing clear communicationwithourLovejoyparentsandfamilies.Belowyouwillfindlinksto the most recent newsletters from each campus. Sign up for weekly Principal Newslettersheretostayinformed!