Connect with Katie.05.25.2024.Issue39

Connect with Katie

MAY 25, 2024

Lovejoy Lovejoy Leopards Leopards

from the Superintendent MESSAGE

LovejoyCommunity,

We did it, Lovejoy! It has been an outstanding schoolyear.Aswereflectontheschoolyear,Iam filled with gratitude and admiration for our students, staff, and families. Lovejoy ISD’s sense of community and connection centered on maximizing student opportunity takes a shared commitment. Together, we have created somethingspecial.

This morning, we celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2024. It was an honor to recognize this this significant milestone with their families and shake our graduates' hands as theywalkedacrossthestage.IhopetheClassof2024looksbackwithgratitudeand forwardwithgreathopeandpossibility.

There is no doubt the Class of 2024 is remarkably accomplished. They have truly taken our Legacy of Excellence to a new level. As proud as we are of their many achievementsinacademics,thearts,andathletics,wearemostproudofwhothey are.Ithasbeenagreatjoytoseethem:

actinlove,kindness,andservicetoothers, usefailureasfuelforgrowth, sacrificetheircomfortfordisciplineandearnexcellence, encourageandcelebrateexcellenceinothers,and use their achievements and opportunities to bring honor to their family, educators,school,andcommunity

Congratulations to Lana Jasper and Kellie English on being named Lovejoy ISD's 2023-2024DistrictTeachersoftheYear!Thesetwooutstandingeducatorswillhave the opportunity to represent Lovejoy ISD in the Region 10 Teacher of the Year competition.

Youknowyourbaseballteamisdoingwellwhentherearegamesaftergraduation! LovejoyHighSchoolBaseballbeatFriscoHighSchoolintwogamestoearnthetitle ofRegionalSemifinalist.LovejoyHighSchoolBaseballisnowheadedtotheRegion II-5AFinals.Wewillsharegameinformationonsocialmediaassoonasitbecomes available.GoLeopards!

ThiswillbeourlastConnectwithKatienewsletteruntilwegearupforthestartof next school year. The 2024-2025 school year will bring new opportunities and possibilities. I am already excited about all that we have in front of us. I wish you andyourfamilyasummerfilledwithsunshine,love,andjoy.

ThereisonlyONELOVEJOYandweareALLLEOPARDS!

LovejoyProud, KatieKordel Superintendent

DISTRICT TEACHERS

OF THE YEAR!

CongratulationsLanaJasperandKellieEnglishonbeingnamedLovejoy's20232024 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. We want to thank our sponsors for recognizing our teachers and thevaluethattheybringtoourstudents:

Ms.JasperandMs.EnglishwillbedrivingaSewellAutomotiveCompaniescar for the summer courtesy of Sewell BMW Plano and Sewell Audi McKinney! Sewell also awarded each teacher a $250 gift card to Rick’s Chophouse in downtownMcKinney.

BrianDalefromCommercialBankofTexas(CBTx)awardedMs.JasperandMs. Englisha$500check.

The Foundation For Lovejoy Schools awarded all 5 Campus Teachers of the Yearwith$250FogoDeChaogiftcards!

Wewanttothankoursponsorsforrecognizingourteachersandthevaluethat theybringtoourstudents.

Join us in celebrating the incredible contributions Ms. Lana Jasper and Ms. KellieEnglishhaveontheirstudentsandcampuses!

LOVEJOY ISD

FOOTBALL SEASON SERVICE AWARDS

Please help us celebrate these Lovejoy employees celebrating milestone anniversaries! Each Lovejoy ISD employee contributes to our uniquely special culture and and we are incredibly grateful for your dedication and impact! Presentingour2024LovejoyISDServiceAwardrecipients!

TICKET SALES

EOY EMPLOYEE

CELEBRATION

When the kids are away the teachers play! On Friday afternoon, Lovejoy teachers and staff celebrated retirements, significant years of service, and the endoftheschoolyear.

SloanCreekIntermediatewasvictoriousonceagaininourthirdannualstaffTug ofWarcontest.Theygettokeepanawesometrophyandbraggingrightsforthe year!

Ourendoftheyearstaffeventwasmadepossiblebythefollowingsponsorsand donors. Thank you for making this a positive, fun event in celebration of our wonderfuleducatorsandstaff!

FoodSponsor

MyCommunityCreditUnion

DJService&Music

RyanCavewithCaveRealtyTeam

PrizeDonations

DermatologyandSkinCancerSurgeryCenter

TheLoJoConnection

TheWalkerGroupRealty,CBApex,Realtors

HighlandsMortgage

FrostBank

ATHLETIC & FINE ART

Aswelookforwardtothe2024-2025schoolyear,wearepleasedtoannounce ourAthleticsandFineArtsleadershipteams.

ToddDodge

AthleticDirector

HeadFootballCoach

CarlyLittlefield

AssistantDirectorofAthletics

CrossCountry/Track&FieldCoach

WesWatson

LHSCampusAthleticsCoordinator

HeadBasketballCoach

MartyBall

MusicalArtsSpecialist

HeadBandDirector

BriceMcCasland

PERSONNEL UPDATE: LEADERSHIP UPDATES

MARTHA BALL

LovejoyISDisproudtoannounceMarthaBallas

Head Band Director. Ms. Ball is a veteran educatorwith28yearsofexperience.Shejoined Lovejoy in 2016 and has served as the Interim Director of Band at Lovejoy High School, DirectorofBandatWillowSprings,andFineArts Specialist.BandsunderMs.Ball’sdirectionhave consistently received Sweepstakes Awards at UILConcertandSightReadingContest,wontop ratings at local and national festivals, and receivedtheNationalWindBandHonorsAward. Congratulationsonyournewrole,Ms.Ball!Read thefullpressreleasehere.

K-12VisualArtsCoordinator

APVisualArtsTeacher

JacklynSimone

PerformanceArtsSpecialist MajesticsDirector

PERSONNEL UPDATE:

COACH WATSON

Lovejoy ISD is proud to announce Mr. Wes Watson as Head Boys Basketball Coach and Campus Athletic Coordinator. Coach Watson joins Lovejoy ISD from McKinney ISD where he hasservedasHeadBasketballCoachsince2001. Watson is a veteran educator with 30+ years of coaching experience. Under his direction, McKinney High School’s Boys Basketball program has achieved 435 wins, 15 playoff appearances, 12 Bi-District Championships, 2 RegionalTournamentappearances,andaUIL6A State Basketball Championship in 2021-2022. Readthefullpressreleasehere.

PERSONNEL UPDATE:

COACH MILLER

LovejoyISDisproudtoannounceJoseph“Joey” Miller as Head Girls Basketball Coach. Mr. Miller joined Lovejoy in 2022 and has served as the Varsity Assistant Boys Basketball Coach for the pasttwoseasons. Priortoteaching,CoachMiller spent 5 Years playing professionally all across the world including stops in Australia, Italy, Canada and the NBA G-League. While overseas he coached multiple club teams and ran development programs for some of the best professional basketball organizations in the world. Coach Miller has also interned for USA Basketballwhiletheywereworkingtoqualifyfor theOlympics.Readthefullpressreleasehere.

CONNECTING LOCAL BUSINESSES AND THE LOVEJOY COMMUNITY

WHILE SUPPORTING LOVEJOY ISD THROUGH REVENUE GENERATION

TheLovejoyISDCommunityPartnerprogramisanew way for local businesses to support Lovejoy ISD and connect with the Lovejoy Community! Community Partner advertisements are featured in our weekly Districtnewsletter,ConnectwithKatie,LivingLovejoy videos,andDistrictSocialMedia.

InterestedinbecomingaCommunityPartner? ClickHEREtolearnmore!

AMERICAN DREAM TV FEATURES LOVEJOY ISD

Celebrating Lovejoy ISD's Legacy of Excellence on "The American Dream TV”

The District continues to mark significant strides in living out our Legacy of Excellence. Recently, we had the honor of being approached by Lovejoy ISD parent and community member, Michel Morales, to be featured on a DFW episodeof“TheAmericanDreamTV.”Thisshowisdedicatedtopromotinglocal communities like Lovejoy, and they were thoroughly impressed with the uniquelyspecialsmall-townfeelofourDistrictandournumerousachievements inAcademics,Arts,andAthletics.

WewerethrilledtoshowcaseLovejoyandhighlighttheexceptionalhardwork and commitment of each and every student, teacher, and staff member. This feature is a testament to the remarkable support of our parents and community, without whom our successes would not be possible. A special thankstoRodrickaTaylorforhercoordinationofthisprojectandJakeMayfield forcontributingallthedronefootagefeaturedinthefilm!

We invite you to watch this short video segment featuring our incredibly talented Lovejoy Leopards. As Superintendent Kordel says, “There is only One Lovejoy,andweareALLLeopards!”

Lovejoy ISD is proud to share our first annualeditionofLivingLovejoy:WhoWe Are! We invite you to learn more about Lovejoy ISD and help us celebrate our LegacyofExcellence!

LCDC GROUP LEADER

JOB OPENINGS 2024-25

ATTENDANCE

UPDATE

The Lovejoy Child Development Center is hiring After School Group Leadersforthe2024-25schoolyear!

Excellent entry level position for college students or high school seniors. Flexible schedule: 15-20 hours per week. Benefits, including student transfer, available in qualified positions. Must be 17 years oldtoapply.

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

Lovejoy ISD would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our 2023-2024 advertisingsponsors. WearedeeplygratefulfortheirinvestmentinLovejoyISD asbothAnchorSponsors(highestleveldonors)andCommunityPartners.

SENIOR BREAKFAST

IntheirlastweekasaLovejoysenior,studentsareinvitedtoattendbreakfastat theirelementarycampus. Thenostalgiaispalpableasstudentsroamthehalls that used to feel huge and reminisce with teachers that sparked a love of learningandsenseofbelongingyearsago. AbigthankyoutoHart,Pusterand AdministrationformakingthisLovejoyTraditionpossible!

E J O Y

V

H A R T

P U S T E R

SENIOR SERVICE DAY

LHSSeniorClassof2024organized donationsfortheAllenCommunity Outreach Kids Summer Food Program.TheLHSStudentCouncil provided breakfast for our senior classduringtheirserviceproject.

SENIOR AWARDS

GraduateProfileAwards

IntellectuallyEquipped-HannahMao

OpentotheChallengesofLearning-NickYarad

WellRounded-SavannahSpors

EngagedinaHealthyLifestyle-SaraMorefield

FairandRespectfulofOthers-BriannaMurphy

WorkingforJusticethroughCommunityService-JelaiJohnson

Athletes,ArtistsandPhilantropistsoftheYearAwards

AthleteoftheYear(Girl)-KaileyLittlefield

AthleteoftheYear(Boy)-DanteDean

ArtistoftheYear(Girl)-KayleeChristiansen

ArtistoftheYear(Boy)-WesleyHightower

PhilanthropistoftheYear(Girl)-MadelineSmith

PhilanthropistoftheYear(Boy)-DavidDavid

Senior Walk took place on Friday morning. This is a Lovejoy tradition where Senior students take a final walk through the building and exit into the courtyard where students, parents, and our community gather to cheer for them. Thankyoutoalloftheparentsandstaffmemberswhomadeoursenior activitiesincrediblyspecialthisweek!

BASEBALL: REGIONAL

SEMIFINALISTS!

The Leopards were successful during Round 3 of the playoffs last week vs. Hallsville HS. Leopards lost Game 1 in the bottom on the 7th inning (3-2), but didnotletthatdefeatthemoverall.ThenextdaytheLeopardstookGame2(32) with a walk off HR by Matthew Mainord in the bottom of the 9th inning. Leopards continued their determination in Game 3 behind an outstanding pitchingperformancebyAsherLacy.

The Leopards were also successfully during Round 4 of the playoffs and have defeatdFriscotobecomeRegionalSemifinalists. YourLeopardsareadvancing to ROUND 5 of the playoffs! Stay tuned to social media for updates on game datesandlocations!

Thank you to all of our fans who have hit the road this year to help support LeopardBaseball.

LeopardsReceiveAll-DistrictHonors

Congratulations to the following Leopards, who were recognized by the 13-5A DistrictBaseballCoachesforthe23-24All-DistrictAwards.

13-5ACoachoftheYear-CoachRyanGros

13-5AMostValuablePlayer-LoganCorley

13-5ANewcomeroftheYear-AsherLacy

13-5AFirstTeamPitcher-GrantHarlan

13-5AFirstTeamCatcher-ReeseOgden

13-5AFirstTeamInfielder-GarrettHutchins,AarrenMarshall,KyleBranch

13-5AFirstTeamOutfielder-ParkerMcGrael

13-5ASecondTeamInfielder-MatthewMainord

13-5ASecondTeamOutfielder-DylanSears

HEALTH SCIENCE

DUAL CREDIT

Collin College Health Sciences Dual Credit Students of Excellence Awards Ceremony: Please help us congratulate the following students on their outstandingachievements.

Academic Excellence - The students who receive this award scored the highest grade in their cohort. Award Winners: Clare Christenson (Certified Nursing Assistant), Ainsley Johnson (Emergency Medical Technician), Olivia Lee (Certified NursingAssistant)

ClinicalExcellence-Thestudentswhoreceivethisawardscoredthehighestscore ontheircompetencyexamintheircohort.AwardWinners:DanaColston(Certified NursingAssistant),AddieGeorge(CertifiedNursingAssistant)

LeadershipExcellence-Eachhealthsciencecohortvotedon1peerforthisaward. Award Winners: Ella Ashley (Certified Nursing Assistant), Claire Christenson (CertifiedNursingAssistant),SamaraCummings(RehabilitationAide)

HeartofHealthcare-Thehealthscienceinstructorsnominatedonestudentfrom allcoursestheytaughtamongstthe16schooldistrictsand600+studentsenrolled. A committee narrowed down those nominees to the final 15 award winners who demonstrated a true 'heart' for the healthcare profession. Award Winner: Avery Taylor(CertifiedNursingAssistant)

From left: Dana Colston, Addie George, Avery Taylor, Olivia Lee, Clare Christenson, Collin College CNA Instructor Mrs. Fields

From left: Samara Cummings, Collin College Rehab Aide Instructor, Mrs. Williams

CNA Pinning Ceremony: Please congratulate the following students who are officiallylicensedasCertifiedNursingAssistantsintheStateofTexas.

Not pictured:

Liu Interested

SENIOR WALK

DRUM LINE

Front row: Addison Aguilar, Akshaya Rajaiyan, Madison Starr, Dana Colston, Brooklyn Bruner, Caroline Topchik, Olivia Lee, Clare Christenson Back row: Ella Ashley, Olivia Long, Alexa Sims, Liliannae Blevins, Addison George, Instructor: Andrea Fields, Avery Taylor, McKinley Seib, Brooke Starr

Lucas

HART FIELD DAY

SPRING BAND

CONCERT

TheLHSSpringBandConcertandBanquetculminatedinajoyousweekendof celebratingourtimetogetherastheLovejoyBandFamily.Agreattimewashad byall!

TRACK & FIELD

TGCA HONORS

Congratulations to our Girls Track and Field team for receiving Texas Girls CoachesAssociation(TGCA)Honors.

KaileyLittlefieldwasnamedthe5A-6ATexasTrackAthleteoftheYear!

MiaReaughwasnamedTGCAAll-StarTeam

Camryn Benson, Sara Morefield, Lauren Dolberry, Mia Reaugh, Cailee HorinekandKaileyLittlefieldwereallnamedtotheTGCAAll-StateTeam!

WSMS GIRLS SOCCER

SEASON UPDATE

Last week the 7th and 8th grade girls soccer teams won their games against SummersMiddleSchool7-0and8-0respectively.Bothteamswon7gamesand lostonlyoncethisseason.The7thgradersscored43goalsandonlygaveup5 goals.The8thgradersscored47goalsandgaveup3goals.Bothteamsfinished in the top two in district. Congrats to the girls on another successful Willow SpringsSoccerseason!

7thGradeGirlsSoccer

BOARD MEETING

SUMMARY

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 viewedbyclickingtheimageontheleft.

BOARD MEETING

RECOGNITIONS

Dr. Travis Zambiasi, Principal, Lovejoy High School,introducedLovejoyHighSchoolers, KuguScottisinthe11thgradeandJudson Thompson in the 11th grade, who led the PledgeofAllegianceandtheTexasPledge.

SPECIALOLYMPICS

HARTELEMENTARY

Mrs.Flemmer

LukeTian

AceRocha

EmaireDavenport

PUSTERELEMENTARY

Mrs.Matteucci

TreyTassan

HarperJones

RishiRavulapelli

NephtalemAnteneh

WILLOWSPRINGS

Mrs.Wheeler

SamCiatto

ElizabethWood

JonathonMcGill

TimothyBurchett

LOVEJOYHIGHSCHOOL

Ms.MurrayandMrs.Kovach

DallasPaquette

SethScanlan

MyraNatarajan

CohenZuerker

NashCheesborough

LaylaJuarez

MattiasJackson

HudsonSmith

ThaddEason

SullivanHempkins

SLOANCREEK

Mr.Nelson

GraysonBlumer

GusDiaz

SammyDoelling

NoelleNovotny

ReidJohnson

TobyBlack

HannahPang

GarrettWinder

BOYSGOLF

BenMuirhead-AllRegionHonors,StateQualifier

BOYSANDGIRLSTRACK&FIELD

TheLovejoyHighSchoolGirlsTrack&FieldTeamwastheTeamStateRunner-Up!

KaileyLittlefield-StateRunner-Upin4x400meterrelay,StateRunner-Upin800 meter

SaraMorefield-StateRunner-Upin3200meter,4thPlaceinStateinthe1600meter

CamrynBenson-3rdplaceinStatein3200meter,6thplaceinStatein1600meter

MiaReaugh-StateRunner-Upin4x400meterrelay

LaurenDolberry-StateRunner-Upin4x400meterrelay

CaileeHorinek-StateRunner-Upin4x400meterrelay

ColstonAdamson-7thinStateinTripleJump

CadenGary-StateRunner-upinthe1600meter

WillCarlson-9thinStatein1600meter

DevinMuaina-9thinStatein800meter

UILACADEMICS

COMPUTERSCIENCESTATEQUALIFIERS

HannahMao-1stPlaceIndividualRegionals,2ndplaceTeamRegionals,5thPlacein State

JoshuaJames-2ndplaceTeamRegionals,5thPlaceinState,StateChampionin

ComputerScienceWrittenTest

BradyKofal-2ndplaceTeamRegionals,5thPlaceinState

HunterStark-2ndplaceTeamRegionals,5thPlaceinState

CURRENTEVENTSSTATEQUALIFIER

KatherineSmith

COMMUNITYRECOGNITIONS:GREENIEAWARDS

MollyCollins,LovejoyISDParentandCommunityMember

GretchenDay,LovejoyISDParentandCommunityMember

NathanSchulz,LovejoyISDStudent

BoysTrack&Field

GreenTeam

Leopard Life

LOVEJOY LINKS

SUMMER CAMPS ALPHABEST

SWIMMING CAMP ROBOTICS CAMP

Leopard Life

LOVEJOY LINKS

LCDC REGISTRATION

LCDC FREE PRE-K

KINDER ROUND-UP

DISTRICT & CAMPUS

NEWSLETTERS

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!

DISTRICT NEWSLETTER

Connect with Katie

HART ELEMENTARY Principal Newsletter

PUSTER ELEMENTARY Principal Newsletter

SLOAN CREEK INTERMEDIATE Principal Newsletter

WILLOW SPRINGS MIDDLE Principal Newsletter

LOVEJOY HIGH SCHOOL Principal Newsletter

Leopard Life

COMMUNITY NEWS

TheLovejoyISDCommunityNewswebsiteisintendedtofacilitateconnections and raise awareness of local events, activities, fundraisers and organizations thatmightinterestLovejoyfamilies.

The information featured on the Community News website is submitted by community members Lovejoy ISD is not affiliated with the organizations and does not claim to endorse them