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MAY 23, 2026

Lovejoy Lovejoy Leopards Leopards

SENIOR

SENIOR AWARDS

SENIOR SERVICDE PROJECT

SENIOR WALK

WSMS BOYS SOCCER

WSMS GIRLS SOCCER

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

LOVEJOY BASEBALL

GIRLS SOCCER ALL AREA

TENNIS TOURNEY

LovejoyCommunity,

As we celebrate another extraordinary school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many accomplishments, milestones, and memorable moments that defined this year across Lovejoy ISD. Together, we continued our strong tradition of excellence while remaining steadfastinwhatmattersmost,servingstudents, supporting their growth, and preparing them for abrightandsuccessfulfuture.

CongratulationstotheLovejoyClassof2026!

This morning’s graduation ceremony was filled with tremendous pride, celebration, and heartfelt emotion as our graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas. More importantly, they crossed that stage as Lovejoy Leopards who embody the GraduateProfileandspiritthatdefineLovejoyISD.Icouldnotbemoreproudofthis remarkableclassandalltheyhaveaccomplishedthroughouttheirjourney.

I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to our campus leadership, staff, parents, PTO, and community members for the energy and love poured into celebrating our seniors throughout the week. From the senior tailgate, breakfast, SeniorWalk,seniorcelebration,andawardsceremoniestothecountlessmeaningful moments in between, these traditions created lasting memories our students will carrywiththemforyearstocome.Theseuniquelyspecialtraditionsbeautifullyreflect thestrongcultureoftheLovejoyISDcommunityandthedeepcaresurroundingevery studentastheyreachthisimportantmilestone.

The Lovejoy Class of 2026 has left an extraordinary legacy, and we are excited to watchalltheywillaccomplishintheyearsahead.Althoughtheirtimeasstudentshas cometoaclose,theywillalwaysremainanimportantpartoftheLovejoyfamily.Once aLeopard,alwaysaLeopard!

LovejoyChildDevelopmentCenterPre-KGraduation

This school year, we celebrated learning, growth, and achievement at every level, from our youngest learners to our graduating seniors. One of the sweetest and most joyful moments of this week was honoring our Pre-K graduates as they proudly crossed the stagefilledwithexcitementandendlesspossibility.Theseyounglearnersareprojected to graduate as the Lovejoy High School Class of 2039, look out Kindergarten, here they come!TheyrepresentthebrightfutureofLovejoyISD,andwearehonoredtohavethe privilege of supporting them, encouraging their dreams, and watching them grow over theyearsahead.

DistrictTeachersoftheYear

Congratulations to Shannon Price and Jenny Perez on being named Lovejoy ISD’s 2026 DistrictTeachersoftheYear!WeareproudtohonorMs.PriceasourElementaryTeacher oftheYearandMs.PerezasourSecondaryTeacheroftheYear.Throughtheirpassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to students, both educators exemplify the excellence, heart, and spirit that make Lovejoy ISD so special. We celebrate this welldeservedrecognitionandthankthemfortheextraordinaryimpacttheymakeeachdayin thelivesofstudents,families,colleagues,andtheentireLovejoycommunity.

Summerisofficiallyunderway,andourdistrictandcampusleadershipteamsarealready hardatworkpreparingforanotherexceptionalschool e final Connect with Katie newsletter of the school y g summerhighlightsacrossoursocialmediachannels,an g aswecontinuecheeringonourLeopards.

Wishingyouasummerfilledwithloveandjoy.

ThereisonlyONELovejoy,andweareALLLeopards!

LovejoyProud, KatieKordel

Superintendent

Congratulations Shannon Price and Jenny Perez on being named Lovejoy's District Teachers of the Year! These two outstanding educators will have the opportunity to represent Lovejoy ISD in the Region 10 Teacher of the Year competition.

Wewanttothankoursponsorsforrecognizingourteachersandthevaluethat theybringtoourstudents:

ThankyoutoSewellAutomotiveCompaniesforprovidingtheuseofanAudior BMWforaweekend,twoticketstotheAT&TPerformingArtsCenter,onenight’s stayataluxuryhotelwithbreakfastfortwoandacertificateforadinnerfortwo.

Thank you to Brian Dale from Commercial Bank of Texas (CBTx) who awarded Ms.PriceandMs.Pereza$1,000check.

Join us in celebrating the incredible contributions Shannon Price and Jenny Perezhaveontheirstudentsandcampuses!

LovejoyHighSchoolTrack&FieldathletescompetedattheUILStateTrack& FieldMeetlastFriday,withsevengirlsandoneboyrepresentingtheLeopards against top competitors from across Texas. The athletes delivered strong performancesandrepresentedLovejoywithpridethroughoutthemeet.

StateMeetResultsincluded:

•KateRoberts,CailynNewhouse,CaileeHorinek,andEllaHang–4x400Meter Relay–4thPlace

•EllaHang–400MeterDash–6thPlace

•CarsonFox–PoleVault–7thPlace

•TyMuaina–TripleJump–7thPlace

•TeniSegun–Discus–8thPlace

•SofiaDominguez–1600MeterRun–8thPlace

Congratulationstoalloftheathletesonanoutstandingseasonandsuccessful showingatthestatemeet.

On Friday afternoon, Lovejoy teachers and staff came together to celebrate retirements,milestoneyearsofservice,andthecloseofanothersuccessfulschool year.

Sloan Creek Intermediate School was victorious for our first ever Rock, Paper, Sissorscompetition!

Ourend-of-yearstaffcelebrationwasmadepossiblethankstothegeneroussupport ofthefollowingsponsorsanddonors.Weappreciateyourcontributionsinhelping createafunandmemorableeventtohonorouramazingeducatorsandstaff!

FoodSponsor

PTChiroConcepts

DJService&Music

RyanCavewithCaveRealtyTeam

PrizeDonations

RBCFU

Please help us celebrate these Lovejoy employees and their milestone anniversaries! Each LovejoyISDemployeecontributes to our uniquely special culture andandweareincrediblygrateful for your dedication and impact! Presenting our 2026 Lovejoy ISD ServiceAwardrecipients!

WeextendourheartfeltgratitudetotheretireesofLovejoyISDfortheiryearsof hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our students and community. Your passion for education and the positive impact you've made will be felt for generations to come. Thank you for shaping young minds and contributingsomeaningfullytotheLovejoylegacy.Wewishyouallthebestin thisexcitingnewchapteroflife!

MarkAlbin

CherylAnderson

AnnaKoenig

LaurieTinsley

MaryMullen

HeatherHamil

CarolVik

JamesNix

CeciliaPoe

ShawnLewis

GlendaMartin

ElizabethWinger

TeddyGrizzle

PERSONNEL UPDATE

Lovejoy ISD is pleased to announce the promotion of CoachScottPattersonasthenewHeadGirlsBasketball CoachatLovejoyHighSchool.

Coach Patterson is currently in his second year at Lovejoy High School, where he teaches Advanced Economics and serves as the Boys’ Varsity Assistant Basketball Coach. He brings 16 years of experience in educationandcoaching.

Asavarsityassistantandassociateheadcoach,theteamsheservedcompileda 253-87overallrecord.HiscoachingexperienceincludescontributingtoMcKinney HighSchool’s2022UIL6ABoysBasketballStateChampionshipandLovejoyHigh School’s2026UIL5AStateSemi-Finalistappearance.

PleasejoinusingivingawarmwelcometoMs.Leech!Fullpressreleasehere.

PERSONNEL UPDATE

LovejoyISDisproudtoannounceStephenMcCartyas Director of Human Resources. Mr. McCarty brings 17 years of experience in education, having served as a teacher, 504 facilitator, assistant principal, and principal, where he consistently demonstrated strong,people-centeredleadership.

Throughout his career, Mr. McCarty has supported instructional practices, coordinated assessment systems,andensuredcompliancewithstudent support processes while strategically aligning staffing to meet student and districtneeds.

Inadditiontohiseducationalleadershipexperience,Mr.McCarty’sbackgroundin clinical psychology and work with child and family guidance centers provides valuable experience in employee support, human behavior, and fostering inclusiveenvironments.

PleasejoinusingivingawarmwelcometoMs.Leech!Fullpressreleasehere.

2026-2027

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

WEDNESDAY, August 12th

We are excited to announce that Skyward Qmlativ (pronounced "cume-luhtiv"),otherwiseknownasSkywardQ,isarrivinginLovejoyIndependentSchool DistrictthisJuly.SkywardQ,isastudentinformationsystem(SIS)softwarethat will replace the current Powerschool software. Lovejoy ISD will use SkywardQ fordatamanagementofstudentandstaffinformation,grades,scheduling,and attendance. Parents and guardians will utilize SkywardQ for checking grades, attendance,andenrollmentformsintheSkywardParentPortal.

SkywardQ implementation activities are already underway as District teams work to ensure a seamless data migration and system configuration process. ThetransitionwillbecompletedduringsummermonthstoensureSkywardQis operationalandreadyforthestartoftheupcomingschoolyear.

To support families and staff throughout this transition, Lovejoy ISD is developingadedicatedSkywardQwebpagethatwillincludetrainingmaterials, helpfulguides,andongoingsupportresources.

LovejoyISDisproudtolaunchthisnewsystemwhichwillenhanceourabilityto supportstudents,families,andstaffbyprovidingamoremodern,efficient,and user-friendlyexperienceacrossthedistrict.

2026 SUMMER CAMPS

Lovejoy ISD is excited to share the Summer 2026 Camp Catalog, featuring a variety of camps for students of all ages. From athletics andfineartstoSTEMandacademic enrichment, there is something for everyLeopardthissummer.

Families are encouraged to explore the catalog and register early, as somecampsmayfillquickly.

ANCHOR SPONSORS

Aswewrapoftheschoolyear,studentswill nolongerbeableto"charge"mealsifthere isnomoneyintheirlunchaccount.Thiswill helpminimizenegativebalancesattheend of the school year. Households with students who currently have negative balances will receive reminders by email andphone.Federalregulationsdonotallow ustorollovernegativebalancestothenext schoolyear.Anypositivebalanceattheend oftheschoolyearwillrollovertonextschool year. To request a refund, please complete the Refund Form located on our Student Nutrition webpage. Student Nutrition thanks you for your understanding and allowing us the opportunity to serve your student(s).

ATTENDANCE UPDATE

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

DISTRICT CALENDAR

PRE-K GRADUATION

Lovejoy ISD is proud to celebrate a very special milestone, Pre-K Graduation! Our Littlest Leopards have spent the year learning, growing, and discovering the world around them. From learning their letters and numbers to building friendships and confidence, each student has made incredible progress throughouttheyear.

This celebration marks the beginning of an exciting educational journey, and wecouldn’tbeprouderofalltheyhaveaccomplished.Congratulationstoour Pre-Kgraduatesandtheirfamilies,wecan’twaittoseealltheamazingthings yourbrightfutureshold!

The Senior Tailgate 2026 celebrated a cherished Lovejoy tradition as seniors proudlyshowcasedtheirfutureplansbydecoratingtheircarswithcollegeand post-graduationspirit.Familiesandfriendsgatheredtoenjoyfood,games,and raffles while celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2026. Special thankstotheSeniorBoosterClubforsponsoringthismemorableevent.

Lovejoy High School hosted Senior Signing Day 2026 to celebrate graduating seniors as they officially committed to their postsecondary plans. Students were recognized for pursuing a variety of paths, including college, athletics, military service, and workforce opportunities as they prepare for the next chapteraftergraduation.Theeventalsohighlightedtheimpressivescholarship awards earned by members of the Class of 2026, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments throughout high school. Congratulations to theClassof2026onthisexcitingmilestone.LovejoyISDlooksforwardtoseeing alltheywillaccomplishinthefuture.

SENIOR BREAKFAST

H A R T L O V E J O Y

In their final week as Lovejoy seniors, students took a nostalgic walk down memorylane literally astheyvisitedtheirelementarycampusesforaspecial breakfast.The halls that once felt so big were filled with laughter, memories, andheartfeltreunionswiththeteacherswhofirstsparkedtheirloveoflearning and sense of belonging. A huge thank you to Hart, Puster, and our amazing AdministrationteamforkeepingthischerishedLovejoyalive! P U S T E R

OurlittlestandbiggestLeopardssharedacorememorythisweek!AsourPre-K students practiced for graduation, the seniors surprised them by lining the courtyardandtheLeopardHeadtunnel.Therewerehigh-fivesallaroundasthe seniorscheeredonourtiniestlearners,onegroupstartingtheirjourneyjustas theotherfinishestheirs.

LovejoyISDintroducedanewtraditionthisyearwithSeniorFieldDay,heldon the Lovejoy football field for the graduating Class of 2026. Seniors spent the morningparticipatingingames,friendlycompetition,andcelebratingtogether duringtheirfinalweekbeforegraduation.Theeventprovidedstudentswithan opportunitytomakelastingmemoriesandenjoyonefinaltraditiontogetheras Leopards. The Senior Booster Club provided refreshments for students, while theClassCouncilhelpedorganizeandleadtheevent.

AthleteoftheYear(Girl)–CamrynBenson

AthleteoftheYear(Boy)–LoganCorley

ArtistoftheYear(Girl)–KatherinePayne

ArtistoftheYear(Boy)–KeshavSubash

Intellectuallyequipped–BryceBrezette

OpentotheChallengesofLearning–EmersonSmith

WellRounded–MargaretMeehlhause

SENIOR SERVICE PROJECT

LovejoyHighSchoolseniorsparticipatedinLovejoyCommunityServiceDayby giving back to the community through a service project benefiting Dorcas Heart. Students donated hygiene items and worked together to assemble hygiene bags that will support individuals experiencing homelessness and familiesinneed.Thebagsprovideessentialitemstohelprecipientsstayclean, warm,dry,andcaredfor.

Senior Walk took place Friday morning, continuing a cherished Lovejoy tradition. Our seniors took their final walk through the halls, exiting into the courtyard where students, parents, and community members gathered to celebrateandcheerthemon.Aheartfeltthankyoutoalltheparentsandstaff whohelpedmakethisweek’ssenioractivitiestrulymemorable!

The Willow Springs Middle School Boys Soccer A-Team capped off an impressive2026seasonwithaConferenceChampionshiptitleanda6-1overall record after competing against top teams from both conferences throughout theyear.

Led by team captains Thayer Algor and Lucas Moore, the Leopards also received standout contributions from Ethan Sommers, Easton Kulcak, Chris Dongell,HudsonAlgor,DavisMair,andMitchellSmith.

Entering the Conference Semifinals with a 4-1 record, the A-Team battled Gainesville in a hard-fought match that advanced to penalty kicks, where the Leopardssecureda4-3victory.IntheChampionshipGame,theteamdefeated futuredistrictrivalMelissabyascoreof3-1toclaimthetitle.

The WSMS Boys Soccer B-Team also competed hard throughout the season, finishingwitha0-2-3record.Congratulationstoallofthestudent-athletesand coachesonasuccessfulseason!

WillowSpringsMiddleSchoolGirlsSoccerwrappedupasuccessfulseasonthis spring. The B team finished the year with a 2-3 record, while the A team completedtheregularseasonundefeatedat3-0-2andqualifiedforthedistrict tournament,wheretheyearnedrunner-uphonors.

InthesemifinalmatchagainstHighlandPark,theLeopardsbattledtoa1-1tie before securing a 4-2 victory in penalty kicks to advance to the championship game.TheAteamfinishedtheseasonwithahard-fought0-1losstoCelinain thedistrictfinal.

Congratulationstobothteamsonagreatseason,andthankyoutotheparents, administrators,andcoachesfortheircontinuedsupportthroughouttheyear.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

BigshoutouttoseveralLovejoyXCTF alumni on an incredible weekend of competition and championship performances.

• Sara Morefield claimed the 3,000M Steeplechase title at the American ConferenceChampionship.

• Will Muirhead captured the Big 12 5,000MChampionshipwhilesettinga new facility record with a time of 13:49.19.

• John Michael Martin earned the Southern Athletic Conference Discus Championship with a winning throw of47.83m. HisperformancealsobroketheSACMeetRecord,setanewStadium Record,andearnedhim1stTeamAll-Conferencehonors.

WeareproudtoseeourLovejoyalumnicontinuingtocompete,succeed,and representLovejoyatthehighestlevel.Thetraditioncontinues.

Senior, Connor McKee, achieved a Certified NurseAideLevel1CertificationthroughCollin College and earned the opportunity to participate in the Spring 2026 commencement ceremony. Connor met this achievement by taking a combination of classes through Lovejoy High School and Collin College. Any student interested in earning this Level 1 Certification will take Principles of Health Science followed by an articulation exam, by taking Dual Credit Medical Terminology and Pathophysiology, and by taking the CNA class in addition to passing the CNA certification exam. CongratulationsConnoronthisachievement!

Congratulations to our Transition program students for earning certificates in severalareasthroughtheOccupationalSafety&HealthAdministrationAcademy.

The Lovejoy Leopards advanced to the Regional Semifinals following a successfulRound3playoffseriesagainstCorsicanaHighSchool.Lovejoyfaced Midlothian Heritage High School in Round 4 of the UIL Baseball Playoffs at JesuitHighSchoolandopenedtheserieswitha4-3victoryonThursdaynight beforesecuringa6-1winonFridaytoclinchtheseriesandadvancetotheState Semifinals.

Lovejoy ISD also congratulates the Leopards recognized by the District 9-5A BaseballCoachesforearning2025-2026All-Districthonors:

MostValuablePlayer:LoganCorley

OffensivePlayeroftheYear:LucasSmith

PitcheroftheYear:TylerScarborough

FirstTeamFirstBaseman:TannerBrown

FirstTeamShortstop:CarsonBranch

FirstTeamOutfielder:ReedBlakely

FirstTeamOutfielder:ZachCarlson

SecondTeamPitcher:BrettHill

SecondTeamThirdBaseman:BenReinhard CoachingStaffoftheYear:Lovejoy

CongratulationstotheLeopardsonanotheroutstandingseasonandcontinued playoffsuccessastheyadvancetotheStateSemifinals.

CongratulationstoLovejoyGirlsSoccerathletesEllaYork,CamNewhouse,and HarperRemingtononearningAll-Areahonorsthisseason.

Ella York was named 1st Team All-Area by both the Dallas Morning News and StarLocalMedia,whileCamNewhouseearnedStarLocalMedia1stTeamAllAreahonors.HarperRemingtonwasrecognizedasaStarLocalMedia2ndTeam All-Area selection and was also called up to the U16 Girls National Team for a trainingcampattheArthurM.BlankU.S.SoccerNationalTrainingCenter.

Congratulations to these outstanding student-athletes on their incredible accomplishments!

Lovejoy ISD faculty and staff recently came together for the annual Faculty TennisMatch,enjoyinganafternoonoffriendlycompetitionandcommunity.

Congratulationstothetournamentwinners:

1stPlace:AdnanDohadwalaandJasenEairheart

2ndPlace:NolanKowalskiandRachaelKowalski

ConsolationChampions:VishBathiniandCurtisMcCarthy

Dohadwala and Eairheart earned a 4-2 victory in the championship match, whileBathiniandMcCarthyclaimedtheconsolationtitlewitha4-0win.

Thankyoutoallfacultyandstaffmemberswhoparticipatedandhelpedmake theeventasuccess.

LOVEJOYISD BOARDOFTRUSTEES

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 thelefttoopenthesummaryinGoogleDocs.

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 viewed by clickingtheimageontheleft.

LEOPARD LIFE WEBSITE

LovejoyISDhasanunparalleledsenseofcommunityandconnectioncenteredon student opportunity. In support of this collective commitment, the Leopard Life websiteshowcasesawiderangeofevents,activities,andfundraisersorganizedby boosterclubs,PTOs,athletics,finearts,individualcampuses,andmore! Leopard Lifeisprominentlyfeaturedacrosscampusanddistrictwebsites,highlightedinall newsletters,andeasilyaccessiblethroughtheLovejoyISDmobileapp. Thisweek'sfeaturedflyersare:

Please note: the information featured in the "Community News" section is submitted by local community members. Lovejoy ISD is not affiliated with the organizationsanddoesnotclaimtoendorsethem.

LOVEJOY LOVEJOY SCHOLARS SCHOLARS

Ages 2yrs to Prek-4

Lovejoy ISD is excited to introduce summercarethroughAlphaBest.Thisnew program is designed to provide an experience that blends structured enrichment with the joy and flexibility of summer. Each day will include hands-on activities, creative projects, outdoor play, and opportunities to build meaningful friendships.Whetheryourchildattendsfor afewdaysorthefullweek,they’llbepart of something special from the very beginning.

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!