When my daughter, Claire, was little she would often tear up when something touched her heart. Claire would smile through big, salty tears and say she was “happy-sad”. The end of the school year feels “happy-sad” or bittersweet. There is so much joy in celebrating the growth, experiences, and accomplishments of our students. That joy sits right next to the heart tug we feel as a grade level is completed and our children move on from a favorite teacher and special classmates.
No one is experiencing more “happy-sad” right now than our Class of 2023 graduates and their parents. This morning, we celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2023. It was an honor to recognize this significant milestone with their families and shake our graduates' hands as they walked across the stage. I hope the Class of 2023 looks back with gratitude and forward with great hope and possibility. We cannot wait to see their continued positive impact in the world.
I was copied on numerous messages of gratitude that were emailed to our teachers and staff this week. Your kind words mean the world to our extraordinary educators. We deeply appreciate you taking the time to share such personal and positive feedback.
We are grateful for the tremendous partnership of our parents and community this school year. Thank you for entrusting us to educate and care for your precious children. Your support and involvement is a critical element in the uniquely special educational experience that Lovejoy ISD provides.
This will be our final Connect with Katie newsletter until we gear up for the start of next school year. The 2023-2024 school year will bring new opportunities and possibilities. I am already excited about all that we have in front of us. I wish you and your family a summer filled with family, friends, love, and joy.
There is only ONE LOVEJOY and we are ALL LEOPARDS!
Katie Kordel Superintendent
Congratulations to the Class of 2023! Graduation represents 13 years of hard work, grit, resilience, and successes. Lovejoy ISD Graduate Profile was designed to prepare students to move into the world as individuals who are:
These principles will continue to serve our pursue their interests, higher education, an exceptionally proud of our graduates. We w and urge them to continue learning, growing, and responding in love and service to others. Once a leopard, always a leopard!
Lovejoy ISD is proud to announce Shawn Lewis as Assistant Principal at Willow Springs Middle School. Mr. Lewis currently teaches Leadership and serves as Director of Football Operations and Head Freshman Coach at Lovejoy High School. Additionally, he has served on the district Master Schedule Committee this year.
Katie Kordel, Superintendent of Schools, stated, “Mr. Lewis will be an outstanding addition to the Willow Springs Leadership Team. He is a champion for kids and promotes a positive, student-centered culture in both his words and actions. I have no doubt that Mr. Lewis will have a significant impact on Willow Springs students and staff.”
Read the full press release here. Congratulations Mr. Lewis and Willow Springs Middle School!
As we wrap up the 2022-2023 school year, it is already time to begin planning for the 2023-2024 year. If you would like to register for bus service for the 23-24 school year, registration will open in PowerSchool on June 12. More information will be communicated in the coming weeks regarding the fee amount to utilize bus service along with directions for registration.
As you know the fee for transportation services for the 22-23 school year was $350 if a student rode the bus before AND after school. The fee for a student to ride before OR after school was $280. We also had a family cap of $700.
The proposal to the LISD School Board in June will be to increase the fee to $450 ($225/semester) for all students who utilize transportation services with a family cap of $900. Additionally, all students who register for bus services will be registered for both before and after school. The option of choosing morning or afternoon only for a discounted rate will no longer be available.
As a reminder, the cost to provide transportation services by the district is approximately $1.2 million. Fees allow us to offset these costs and continue to provide bus service within Lovejoy ISD. Even with the proposed increase in the transportation fee, we anticipate that our transportation function will cost the district over $500,000. Additionally, Partial Rider (only AM or PM) options created challenges in funding and fee collection that are not sustainable for the district.
We understand the importance of Bus Service to the parents and families of Lovejoy ISD and we are proud to continue to offer this optional service. We do not take the increase in fees lightly, and appreciate our families contribution to the overall Financial Sustainability of the District.
When the kids are away the teachers play! On Friday afternoon, Lovejoy teachers and staff celebrated retirements, significant years of service, and the end of the school year.
Sloan Creek Intermediate School was victorious in our second annual staff Tug of War contest. They get to keep an awesome trophy and bragging rights for the year!
Our end of the year staff event was made possible by the following sponsors and donors. Thank you for making this a positive, fun event in celebration of our wonderful educators and staff!
CoServe Electric - Food and Drinks
Ryan Cave with Cave Realty Team - DJ Service & Music
The Foundation for Lovejoy Schools - Gift Cards
The Foundation for Lovejoy Schools celebrates and awards more than $667,187 in grants to the teachers and staff of Lovejoy ISD. The grants, aimed at enhancing classrooms within Lovejoy, promise to enrich the educational experience of every student.
The grant patrol showcased the remarkable power of collaboration and the generosity of its donors. Thanks to the unwavering support of numerous individuals, families, and organizations, the foundation was able to provide much-needed resources for educators across the district.
The awarded grants have the potential to revolutionize the learning environment for each student within Lovejoy ISD. With a diverse range of funding, the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools has covered a wide spectrum of classroom enhancements, ensuring that students receive a holistic and well-rounded education. From state-of-the-art technology to interactive teaching tools, the grants are designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and engagement. Through these investments, teachers are empowered to create dynamic and immersive learning experiences that will leave a lasting impact on the students' academic journey.
The Foundation for Lovejoy Schools firmly believes that supporting teachers is the key to unlocking educational excellence By providing them with the necessary resources and opportunities, educators can inspire and motivate their students, paving the way for future success. These grants represent the foundation's commitment to investing in the educational infrastructure and fostering a culture of innovation within the Lovejoy ISD.
The Foundation for Lovejoy Schools extends its deepest gratitude to the generous donors whose contributions made these grants possible. Their unwavering commitment to educational excellence has made a significant difference in the lives of students and educators within Lovejoy ISD.
Congratulations to Amanda Puckett, Mallory Taffet, Becky Isaacson, Elizabeth Rose, Aubrey Stock, Christina Nish, Carla Parker, Sarah Villanueva, Anita Carrasco, Steve Smith, Humera Anwar, Marisa Davis, Joshua Strickland, Michelle Wilde, and Rodricka Taylor, recipients of the Lovejoy Council of PTOs Outstanding Service Award.
This award is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon an individual by our PTO. Each year, the community nominates a parent, a volunteer, a teacher, an administrator, or a community leader who has given so much and done more than was expected. Some contributions to our students are big and visible, while others give quietly behind the scenes, making a huge impact all the same. This year, PTO received a record-breaking 158 submissions and had committees from each campus select the honorees. We are grateful for all the nominations and amazed at all the outstanding work on our campuses.
Cheraina Dunn, Lovejoy Council of PTO's President said, "We want to thank the school board and administrative team for supporting our award reception and thank the families for sharing these individuals with Lovejoy."
Please find a link to the PTO's Outstanding Award Winner write-ups here.
A L P H A B E S T R E G I S T R A T I O N I S O P E N !
Memorial
Seniors donated over 1000 pounds of food to the Allen Community Outreach Kids Summer Food Program on Tuesday. They worked together to bring donations, organize and enjoy breakfast hosted by the Senior Booster Club.
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 them on.
The Lovejoy HS Senior Tailgate is a special tradition. Thankful we got some time in before the . Congratulations and well done to the decorating contest winners who brought some next level creativity!
Lovejoy Visual Arts is proud to announce that Simi Fadel ('23) was named a 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts Semifinalist. Simi was one of 628 students selected from over 5000 of the nation's highest-performing artists in the visual and performing arts for this prestigious award. Presidential Scholar in the Arts Semifinalists are chosen annually by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars based on academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities, and writing ability.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts Award one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership qualities and community service is presented on behalf of the President of the United States and honors up to 161 graduating high school seniors of high potential each year.
Brice McCasland, K-12 Visual Art Coordinator said, "We could not be more thrilled that Simi was selected as a semifinalist for this incredible award and the recognition it gives her as a leader in our visual arts program. Ms. Fadel has done an incredible job of exemplifying the character, intellect, curiosity, selflessness, and confidence that
Lovejoy Visual Arts strives to impart in all of our students, and we are ecstatic that the Commission on Presidential Scholars saw these attributes shining clearly in Simi." Congratulations Simi!
On Monday, James Wilkins, Edward Sutton, Joshua James, Nathaniel Bognot and Ahmad Shaikh from the Lovejoy Permaculture Club (sustainable agriculture) and the Lovejoy Permaculture founder, Lovejoy Graduate and Cornell Freshman Andrew James, enjoyed speaking to Mr. Knight’s fourth grade science classes.
The class had a great discussion about what sustainability means and why it matters. The Permaculture Club even brought some of the produce they grow near Lovejoy High School and sell at the Lucas Farmers Market. Our Lovejoy 4th graders are incredibly impressive and inspiring. Their love of learning and curiosity was incredible.
On Tuesday and Thursday, the LHS Permaculture Club visited Mrs. Perez’s 8th grade science classes at Willow Springs Middle School. Andrew James and Mrs. Perez shared that his 8th grade science "passion project" was about permaculture. That project and was fundamentally influential in his creation of the Permaculture club at LHS and his major in at Cornell (science of fruit making trees). Additionally, Andrew explained there are many types of jobs in Agri-tech right now. Twenty-first century agriculture is not only traditional farming.
This is an excellent example of students investing in our school community and making the Lovejoy community stronger by creating connections across schools #OneHeartOneLovejoy. These moments make me particularly proud to be part of the Lovejoy community.
Congratulations Kathy Hale and Jared Glaze on being named Lovejoy's 2023 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 the value that they bring to our students:
Ken Henry and Matt Gilaland from Sewell BMW of Plano awarded each teacher a $250 gift card to Rick’s Chophouse in downtown McKinney and each Secondary and Elementary teacher will be driving a Sewell car for the summer.
Brian Dale from Commercial Bank of Texas (CBTx) also awarded each teacher a $1,000 check. We want to thank our sponsor for recognizing our teachers and the value that they bring to our students.
Join us in celebrating the incredible contributions Ms. Hale and Mr. Glaze have on their students and campuses!
Please help us celebrate these Lovejoy employees celebrating milestone anniversaries! Our staff creates uniquely special opportunities for kids and we are incredibly grateful for your dedication and impact! Presenting our 2023 Lovejoy ISD Service Award recipients!
Thank you LHS Counselors for the tremendous planning, and preparation that went into our Lovejoy High School Senior Signing Day! It was an event that will be remembered by our graduates and their families for years to come!
Lovejoy ISD is committed to providing consistent, transparent communication with our community and employees. We hope this meeting summary will support you in staying connected and informed.
Additionally, Regular Board Meetings and Workshops are now recorded and archived on the Lovejoy ISD website. You can access recordings by clicking the picture to the right. Passwords are noted below the recording links.
The Board of Trustees and Superinte following student groups for their p beyond.
Robotics
Academic UIL
Girls Track
Boys Track
Girls Golf
Debate (not pictured)
Boys Track (UIL State Qualifiers)
Additionally, the 2023 District Teachers of the Year were recognized and awarded: Kathy Hale (Elementary) and Jared Glaze (Secondary). See the Staff Recognitions Section for additional details and photos of our District Teachers of the Year and our generous sponsors.
Girls Track (2nd Place UIL State)
Robotics (Vex Worlds Qualifiers)
Academic UIL
The Lovejoy ISD Community News website is intended to facilitate connections and raise awareness of local events, activities, fundraisers and organizations that might interest Lovejoy families.
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
The Texas Department of State Health Services released new guidance for the 2022-2023 school year regarding Covid-19 and schools. LISD Health and Safety Measures are posted on the District website, linked below.
