Issuu

Connect with Katie

APRIL

16, 2025

Lovejoy Lovejoy Leopards Leopards

LovejoyCommunity,

We are excited to share with you our newly released state of the district, Living Lovejoy: Who We Are a reflectionoftheheart,hardwork,anddedicationthat defineourschoolsanduniquelyspecialschooldistrict. Lovejoy ISD’s Legacy of Excellence is evident in every picture and on each page. This annual publication captures the accomplishments, celebrations, traditions,andongoingeffortsthatmakeLovejoyISD a place where students thrive. From academic achievements and innovative programs to cherished traditions and the incredible work of our staff, this year’seditionisfullofmomentsworthcelebrating.

As you explore the pages, we hope you feel as proud as we do of what we’ve accomplished together.Thisismorethanareport;itisatributetothepeoplewho make our district a vibrant, inspiring place to learn and grow. Living Lovejoy: Who WeAreisfoundonpage17ofthenewsletter.

LovejoyISDSummerActivitiesGuide

Howcanitalreadybetimetoregisterforsummercamps?Believeitornot,summer isjustaroundthecorner,andthatmeansit’stimetostartplanning!Registrationfor ourSummer2025campsisnowopenandtheLovejoyISDSummerActivitiesGuide can be found in this newsletter. Our summer programs are filled with exciting opportunities for students to learn, explore, and have fun in a supportive and engagingenvironment.Spotsfillquickly,sodon’twaittosecureyourchild’splacein theadventure!

LegislativeEngagement

On Tuesday, members of our Board of Trustees and the District leadership team wereinAustinattheStateCapitol.WemetwithlegislatorsonbehalfofLovejoyISD. These conversations focused on key priorities such as student safety and school funding. We are deeply grateful to our Board of Trustees for their continued commitment, and we extend our sincere appreciation to the elected officials and legislativestaffwhospenttimewithusengagedintheseimportantdiscussions.

2025BondPropositionInformation

LovejoyISDBond2025willimpacteverystudentandeveryschool.Wehavecreateda websitewithinformationthatcanbeaccessedhere.Wealsoencourageyoutovisitour 2025BondFrequentlyAskedQuestionsfoundatthislink.

LegacyofExcellence:HighlightsandCelebrations

BoysandGirlsTrackandField

We are wishing our Track and Field teams the very best as they head to Regionals in Arlingtonthisweekend.GoLeopards!

Aswemovethroughthespringsemester,wewanttotakeamomenttorecognizethe dedicationandeffortsofourstudents,teachers,andstaff.Thelongerdaysandbrighter skiesreflecttheenergyandmomentumweseethroughoutourschools.

Wehopeyourweekendisfilledwithmuchlove,joy,andfamily.

ThereisonlyONELOVEJOYandweareALLLEOPARDS!

LovejoyProud,

KatieKordel Superintendent

Every Student, Every School

LovejoyISDwillhavefivepropositionsontheballotnextweek.The2025LovejoyISD Bond Package was developed by a community-based committee of 49 students, parents, and community members who met to study the instructional and operational facilities in Lovejoy ISD. After months of discussion, research, and collaboration, the bond planning committee finalized its recommendation to the BoardofTrustees.Thisbondpackageisbasedontheirrecommendations.

The2025BondproposalwillimpacteverystudentandeveryschoolinLovejoyISD with upgrades to major facility systems, technology, and safety and security. Bond projects also include updates to instructional learning spaces at Hart Elementary and Lovejoy High School, supporting a variety of learning experiences. Career and Technical Education courses, such as robotics, health sciences, and media will be modernizedtocreatereal-worldlearningenvironments.FineArtsprogramswillalso receiveupgradestoenhanceinstructionalandperformancespaces.

LovejoyISDcanfundalloftheprojectsinthe2025bondusingtheexistingI&Stax rateof$0.50per$100ofpropertyvalue.Thebondelectionballotwillberequiredby law to include language that states "this is a property tax increase." However, the 2025BondwillnotincreaseLovejoyISD’staxrate.

Since 2016, Lovejoy ISD has saved $31 million by refunding existing bonds and approximately$6.9millionbymakingearlyprincipalpayments.Bybeingproactive withthecurrentandfuturedebtstructure,LovejoyISDispositionedtoincorporate theadditionalannualdebtserviceresultingfromtheBond2025withoutincreasing thecurrentI&Staxrateof$0.50.

Additionally,LovejoyISDhasachievedanAacreditratingfromMoody’s,atestament to our strong fiscal management and financial stability. This prestigious rating reflects our commitment to maintaining sound budgeting practices, efficient resource allocation, and a solid financial foundation. The Aa rating enhances our ability to invest in educational programs, facilities, and resources that support studentachievement.

Bond funds are the primary mechanism for school districts to address capital upgradesandfacilityrenovationslikethoseinour2025bondproposal.Bonddollars canonlybespentonallowablecapitalexpendituresandnotonordinaryoperating expenses, such as salaries, supplies, utilities, etc. However, certain day to day operating expenditures in the District’s annual budget are also allowable bond expenditures.

By moving allowable facility and technology costs through bonds instead of the general operating budget, the District saves general operating funds for teaching andlearningexpenses,includingteachersalaries.Additionally,projectsinthe2025 bond suchasLEDlighting,HVACreplacement willsaveanestimated$300,000 annually in general operating funds once the projects are fully implemented. Furthermore,100%ofallthemoneyraisedbyabondelectionstaysinLovejoyISD underlocalcontrolbecausebondfundsarenotsubjecttorecapture.

Therearefivepropositions,organizedbyprojecttype,duetoTexasstatelaw.Voters have the opportunity to vote on all five propositions. You do not have to choose betweenthem.LovejoyISDpropositionsinclude:

Proposition A: School Facility Improvements and Renovations, Safety & Security,ConstructionofTransportation&MaintenanceFacility,SchoolBuses& TransportationSafetyEquipment$265,510,000

PropositionB:InstructionalTechnology:StudentandStaffDevices$3,930,000

Proposition C: Track Resurfacing, Concession Stand Renovations, including RoofsandKitchenEquipment$4,525,000

Proposition D: Renovations to Existing Tennis Courts, Softball and Baseball FacilitiesImprovements$1,505,000

PropositionE:NatatoriumRenovations$700,000

2025 SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Lovejoy ISD is proud to share our second annual edition of Living Lovejoy: Who We Are! We invite you to learn more about Lovejoy ISD and help us celebrate our LegacyofExcellence!

WednesdayLovejoyFootballhostedanotherSpringSigningDay,celebrating3 more LHS athletes who have signed to compete at the collegiate level! Congratulationstoouroutstandingstudentathletesincluding:

#13 Zane Kuzenski- University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas- 2-year Letterman

#44 John Michael Martin- Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas- 2-year letterman

#46 Alonzo Nolan- Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa- 2-year letterman. Nolan Will help start the Football Program for the Mustangs of MountMercyUniversity

Kelly Cowan, LISD Curriculum Coordinator, and Jessica Markovich, Lovejoy High School Teacher, recently attended the T³ International Conference hosted by TexasInstrumentsinDallasfromMarch28–30.Thisdynamicprofessionallearning event brought together educators from around the globe to explore the latest strategiesandtoolsforenhancingteachingandlearningwithTItechnology.

Throughinteractivesessionsandengagingdiscussions,KellyandJessicadoveinto bestpracticesforusingtechnologytofosteractivestudentengagement,stimulate criticalthinking,andsupportproblem-solvinginmeaningful,real-worldways.

The conference offered a wide variety of hands-on learning opportunities, includingsessionsfocusedon:

CodingwithPython

STEMintegrationandproject-basedlearning

Datascienceandfinancialliteracy

Instructionalroutinesandinquirystrategies

AssessmentandAPtest-preptools

Attendees explored how to connect math and science, leverage data collection tools, and engage students through mathematical modeling and real-world applications allwithaneyetowardcollegeandcareerreadiness.

AhighlightoftheeventwaskeynotespeakerHowieHua,whoremindedattendees to “Love Math, Love People,” reinforcing the importance of human connection in thepursuitofmathematicalexcellence.

KellyandJessicareturnedinspiredandequippedwithfreshideastobringbackto their classrooms and colleagues—proving once again that when teachers learn, studentsthrive.

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.

We’rethrilledtoannouncethatPusterElementarystudentsmadearemarkable showing at the 54th Annual Collin County Poetry Contest! Out of 435 entries, onlyfivefinalistswereselected andthreeofthemwerefromPuster!

Congratulationstoourtalentedyoungpoets:

SophiaWang–1stPlace

AngelProm–3rdPlace

CharlieJohnson–HonorableMention

Join us in celebrating these students for their creativity, hard work, and inspiringwords.Waytogo,Pusterpoets!

(Pictured left to right: Angel Prom, Sophia Wang, Charlie Johnson)

The Leopards finished up the District Golf Tournament last week. The ladies finished2ndand3rdasateam.Theboystook3rdand4thasateam.

Thegirlsplayedaverygoodrounddayone.Theblackteamshot319andheld theleadby7.Day2wasmorechallenging,andtheyendedupshootingtoa349 total.Atwodaytotalof668.Theredteamshot338and368fora706total.

1stTeamAllDistrictHonors:NatalieBreaux164

2nd Team All District Honors: Emily York 168, Katelyn Coleman 170, Jordan Wheelis170,EmmaBallard172

HonorableMentions:KajsaSikes174,AbigailGeorge177

ThegirlswillbecompetingintheRegion25ATournamentApril14and15.

Theboyshad2soliddaysofgolf.Theblackteamshot312/311toshoot623and finished3rdoverall.Theredteamscored310/333goodfor4thplace.

2ndTeamAllDistrictHonors:KalebOrshalik76/73149total, GradyBoots75/78153total,DavidRuggeri80/74154total

HonorableMentions:EthanTopchik157,VeerDev157,JudeCarlisle158

Kaleb and David will be competing in the Region 2 5A Tournament April 16th and17th.

This weekend, our drumline students had a great time performing at the “Run for Hope 5k and Walk” event at Towne Lake Park in McKinney, Texas. Theyperformedatthestartinglineof the 5k to kick off the race, and even played while leading the crowds through the first 100 meters of the walk! Great job and thank you to all drumlinestudents!

TheGirlsTrackandFieldteamaretheAREARUNNER-UP!

RegionalQualifiers:

4x400meterrelay-AREACHAMPS-Cailyn,Talia,Campbell,Cailee

CamrnyBenson-AREACHAMP-2mileandmile

BridgetBernal-2nd-2mile

CaileeHorinek-2nd-800meterand3rdin400meter

MiaReaugh-2nd-400meter

KatieMitchell-2nd-PoleVault

TeniSegun-2nd-Discus

TaliaOrshalick-3rd-300hurdles

SophieBrooks-3rd-mile

CampbellLester-3rd-2mile

CarsonFox-3rd-PoleVault

HarperJaynes-4th-mile

MichaelaMartin-4th-100hurdles

BrennaWallace-4th-100meter

4x200meterrelay-4th-Cailyn,Mia,CamrynN,Brenna

LeopardsBaseball:OneWeektoGoBeforePlayoffs!

Districtplayisnearingitsexcitingconclusion,withjustoneweekleftbeforethe playoff journey begins! Our Leopards have been working hard all season, and now is the crucial time to finish strong and build momentum for a successful playoffrun.

Baseball invites EVERYONE out at the field for these final district games! Your energy and support from the stands make a huge difference to our players. Let'screateanelectricatmosphereandcheerthemonastheybattleforthose finalwinsandpreparetomakeadeepplayoffpush.

Staytunedforthescheduleofthesefinaldistrictmatchups–we'llneedaseaof Leopardfansreadytoroar!Let'sshowourteamwhatLeopardPrideisallabout andsendthemintotheplayoffswithconfidenceandmomentum!

MarkYourCalendars!

JVRed:

Monday,April21stat4:00PMvs.ShermanHS(home)

Friday,April25that6:00PMvs.McKinneyNorthHS(away)

JVBlack/Varsity:

Tuesday, April 22nd at Sherman HS vs. Sherman HS (JV Black at 4:30 PM,Varsityat7:30PM)

Friday, April 25th at Lovejoy HS vs. Sherman HS (JV Black at 4:30 PM, Varsityat7:30PM)**SPIRITOUTNIGHT-WEARALLYOURLEOPARD GEAR!

Saturday,April26thatCelinaHSvsCelina(Varsityatnoon)

After completing consecutive Soccer Bi-distict Championships the following youngmenreceivedthefollowinghonorsfor2025:

District9-5ACo-GKoftheYear:NathanKinser

District9-5A-UtilityPlayeroftheYear-MaddoxBailey

First Team All-District 9-5A: Nathan Kinser, Maddox Bailey, Brenden Pickett, MatthewHuitson,ZacharyHuettner,BennettBerkland

SecondTeamAll-District9-5A:JettManders,RexMarrs,LukeDoyle,JackJett HonorableMentionAll-District9-5A:WilliamRussell,EricHernandez

District 9-5A Academic All-District: Maddox Bailey, Joshua Barkley, Aidan Battelle, Bennett Berkland, Frank Burns, Luke Doyle, Alex Hansen, Matthew Huitson,NathanKinser,Jettmanders,WilliamRussell,MatthewRussell,Cooper Ryan,RohanSullivan,BrendenPickett

TASCOAcademicAllState(Srs.only)-AidanBattelle,BrendenPickett,Luke Doyle, Maddox Bailey, Matthew Russell, Nathan Kinser, Rex Marrs, Zachary Huettner

Congratulationstotheseincredibleathletes!

WeareexcitedtosharethatLovejoywillberepresentedby9teamsthatwillbe fishingonApril26 onLakeLewisville.Theseanglershaveputinthetimeand dedication it takes to place in the top 40% of the North Texas division during the regular season. Congratulations to the following teams for their AOY Placementandadvancing:

Each team will be trying to punch their ticket to the State Tournament at the end of May but only the top 30% at Regionals advance (usually out of 250+ boats).TightLinestoallofourteams!

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!

This is an opportunity for parents and community members to connect with Lovejoy ISD Trustees and Superintendent 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.

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!