Connect with Katie.08.02.2025.Issue02

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Connect with Katie

AUGUST 02, 2025

Lovejoy Lovejoy Leopards Leopards

LovejoyCommunity,

A new school year always brings fresh energy, new possibilities, and an unmeasurable sense of excitement. We are looking forward to welcoming our students back to school on Thursday, August 7th! We cannot wait to hear abouttheirsummeradventures,seehowmuch theyhavegrown,andenjoythepositiveenergy theybringtoourclassrooms.

We are in the final countdown to the best schoolyearyet!Onlyfivemoredaysofsummer until we get the opportunity to welcome our studentsbackatschool.

and instructional resourI know that back to school brings a list of “to dos” for parents and I stand in solidarity with those of you who do not yet have that list completed. Every time I think I have taken care of everything, I see an email or socialmediapostthatremindsmethatIhave,infact,notcompletedthelist.

As a reminder, we ask that parents complete student enrollment in PowerSchool bySunday,August3rdat5:00p.m.Havingup-to-dateinformationforeachstudent helpsuswiththeirsafety,health,andacademicsuccess.Classlistsandschedules will be released on Monday, August 4th by 3:00 p.m. through PowerSchool for studentswithcompletedregistrationforms.

Our dedicated teachers and staff have spent the summer preparing to make this school year exceptional. This week, teachers engaged in focused professional learning,equippingthemwithinstructionalstrategiesandhigh-qualitycurriculum resourcesdesignedtoenrichyourchild’seducationalexperience.

On Thursday, we had the honor of attending the Region 10 Teacher of the Year Luncheon where Lovejoy ISD's District Teachers of the Year, Brittney Crews (Elementary)andDeborahAdams(Secondary)werecelebrated.Itwasanhonorto have lunch with these two outstanding teachers, who have such a significant impact.

This morning at Lovejoy High School, we welcomed our newest families at the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools Welcome Breakfast. This annual tradition is a specialmomentfornewfamiliestomeetdistrictleaders,principals,andmembers oftheLovejoyFoundationastheybegintheirLovejoyjourney.Wearegratefulfor The Foundation for Lovejoy Schools and encourage you to learn more about the positiveimpacttheyhaveonourstudentsandschoolsbyvisitingtheirweb-page.

We look forward to seeing you at our back-to-school events next week and to celebratingthestartofanotherincredibleyeartogether.Here’stoayearfilledwith love,joy,andgrowth!

ThereisonlyONELOVEJOYandwea

On July 23rd, Lovejoy ISD proudly welcomed its newest Lovejoy Leopards during the New Professional Day Celebration. Incoming teachers were introduced to the heart of Lovejoy through an engaging day led by District Leaders. The event was filledwithconnection,inspiration,andpreparationasthesepassionateeducators began their journey in Lovejoy ISD. The district looks forward to the incredible impacttheywillmakeinclassroomsandthroughoutthecommunity.

On July 31st, District leaders had the honor of celebrating Brittney Crews and Deborah Adams at Region 10’s TeacheroftheYearLuncheon!

These exceptional educators were recognized among the region’s finest for their dedication and impact in the classroom. We are deeply grateful for their passion and strong commitment tostudentsuccess.

Congratulations, Ms. Crews and Ms. Adams youaretrulyREMARKABLE!

Superintendent Kordel had the opportunitytojointhecustodialteam meeting this week and left truly inspired. Their pride, purpose, and servant-heartedspiritwascontagious.

Their hard work and dedication behind the scenes ensure our campuses are clean, safe, and ready forthenewschoolyear.Thankyouto these unsung heroes who help Lovejoyshine!

Over 40 dedicated Lovejoy ISD gifted and talented teachers recently participated in professional learning to further develop and enhance their knowledge in serving and educating gifted students. The research in gifted education is constantly evolving and professional learning is a critical component that allows educators to stay informed and prepared to serve students with effective teaching strategies. The two days of training centered around developing an outcomes-based approach for gifted education and differentiating curriculum and instruction to optimize outcomes for gifted learners.

The District recently engaged in a partnership with the Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development at Baylor University. As part of the partnership,LovejoyISDhadtheprivilegeofhavingDr.ToddKettler,Executive Director of the Center and Dr. Cheryl Taliaferro, Director of Pre-Collegiate Programs,facilitatetheprofessionaldevelopmentwithourteam.TheCenteris known regionally, nationally, and internationally for their research in gifted educationandconsideredaleaderandresourceforeducatorsonservinggifted learners.

As always, our passionate teachers brought the energy and excitement about unity to expand their skills to ents A cornerstone of Lovejoy

Becauseofyourgenerosity,TheFoundationforLovejoySchoolswasabletogrant each new educator to the district $100 to get their classrooms up and running. Thankyouforyourunwaveringsupportofourteachersandstaff!

Thank You for Joining Us at the FoundationBreakfast!

We were thrilled to welcome so many new families to our recent Foundation Breakfast!Yourpresencehelpedmake the event a meaningful and memorable morning as we celebrated the spirit of community, connection, andsupportthatdefinesLovejoy.

The Foundation Breakfast is more than just a meal it’s an opportunity to introducethemissionandimpactoftheFoundationforLovejoySchools,andto share how the generosity of our families and community members directly benefitsourstudents,educators,andprograms.Itwasapowerfulreminderthat theLovejoytraditionofexcellencecontinuestogrowstrongerwitheveryfamily whojoinsus.

Toournewfamilies:thankyoufortakingtimeoutofyourmorningtobewithus. Wearegratefulforyourpartnershipandenthusiasm,andwelookforwardtothe manywaysyou’llhelpshapethefutureofLovejoyISD.

TexasschooldistrictsarerequiredtoestablishaDistrictImprovementTeam(DIT) andCampusImprovementTeams(CIT).Thepurposeoftheteamsistocollaborate asadvisorycommitteestoimprove,clarify,developandcommunicateeducational ideas and goals in order to enhance the learning environment for Lovejoy ISD students.DistrictandCampusImprovementTeamsarecomprisedofdistrictand campusadministrators,teachers,parents,students,businessrepresentativesand community leaders. The District develops the district and campus improvement plansthroughtheworkofthesecommittees.

Please contact Dr. Laurie Tinsley for more information or if you would like to express interest in being considered to serve as a member of the district committee. For consideration to serve on campus improvement teams, please reachouttocampusprincipals.

ContactInformation:

Dr.LaurieTinsleyAssistantSuperintendentofCurriculum&Instruction laurie tinsley@lovejoyisd.net

JustinWiellerPrincipalLovejoyHighSchool justin wieller@lovejoyisd.net

CaitlinEldredgePrincipalWillowSpringsMiddleSchool caitlin edredge@lovejoyisd.net

AmandaPuckettPrincipalSloanCreekIntermediateSchool amanda puckett@lovejoyisdnet

ShannonAcostaPrincipalHartElementary shannon acosta@lovejoyisd.net

ChrissyWagnerPrincipalPusterElementary chrissy wagner@lovejoyisd.net

Doyouworkinthehealthindustry?Areyouaparentorcommunitymemberwhois interested in supporting the health and wellness of students in Lovejoy? Lovejoy ISD is seeking individuals who would like to serve on our School Health Advisory Council,otherwiseknownasSHAC.

WhatisSHAC?

A SHAC (School Health Advisory Council) is a school board-appointed advisory groupofindividualswhorepresentdifferentsegmentsofthecommunity.Bylaw,a majorityofthemembersmustbepersonswhoareparentsofstudentsenrolledin thedistrictandwhoarenotemployedbythedistrict.TheLISDSHACismadeupof parents, community members, students, and school staff working together to improvethehealthofallstudentsandfamiliesthroughcoordinatedschoolhealth programs

Whatisthetimecommitment?

Our committee meets 4 to 6 times a year from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. We ask that membersbewillingtoservefortwoyears,ifpossible,tosupportcontinuity.

HowdoIletsomeoneknowIaminterested?

Pleasesendaletterofinteresttoshac@lovejoyisd.netdetailingyourconnectionto Lovejoy ISD, including any information about your connections to health and wellness and the schools your students attend (if applicable). This information allowsustodevelopacommitteethatisrepresentativeofourdistrict.

Aswecontinuepreparingourclassroomsandcampusestowelcomestudents andfamiliesback,wehaveafewimportantremindersforthefirsttwoweeks ofschool:

Plan for extra drive time. Expect heavier traffic and longer carpool lines duringarrivalanddismissal.Thingswillsmoothoutafterthefirstcouple ofweeks!

Busroutesmayrunslower.Bothmorningandafternoonroutesmaytake moretimeasroutinesareestablished.

Review your campus arrival/dismissal plan. Parking and carpool procedures may have changed since last year double-check to stay informed.

Let’skickoffthe2025–2026schoolyearsafelyandsmoothlybyshowingextra patience and grace as everyone settles in. We appreciate your support and partnership!

AccordingtoTEA,ifastudentisnotphysicallypresentandinaseatonthefirst dayofschoolthentheywillbecodeda"noshow."Codingastudentanoshow willtemporarilydisabletheirschedule.

Whenthestudentreturnstoschool,thestudentorparentwillneedtovisitthe campus counselor or PEIMS/data clerk to have their schedule reactivated. Please plan on having your student arrive early to school so this can be done beforetheirfirstclass.

The Lovejoy Childhood Development Center is hosting a special two-week SummerCampforourLittlestLeopards,childrenofLISDemployees,whiletheir parentspreparefortheupcomingschoolyear.Campisfilledwithfunactivities, creativity,andconnectionaswecountdowntothefirstdayofschoolonAugust 7th. We’re grateful to our amazing LCDC team for providing a joyful and supportivespaceduringthisimportanttime.

The LHS Band and Color Guard have been hard at work refining their fundamentals and preparing to start learning their show on August 1st. They hadanepicwaterballoonbattlewith2,900waterballoonsandendedTuesday night’s rehearsal by cooling down with help from the Lucas Fire Department. Theycan’twaittosharetheirshowwiththecommunity!

Thisweek,studentsingrades1–8broughttheenergytothefieldattheLovejoy Football Camp! Over three days, campers trained hard under the guidance of the dedicated Lovejoy football staff, focusing on fundamentals, skill-building drills,andteamconceptstosharpentheirgame.Eachday,coachesrecognized standout athletes with the Pacesetter Award, honoring campers who gave maximum effort and set the tone for their group. With heart, hustle, and unmistakableLeopardpride,thesefutureathletesmadethemostofeveryrep!

Last year, Lovejoy ISD implemented a clear bag policy for events held at LeopardStadium.

Therewillbeasecuritycheckatthegate uponentry,andastrictnore-entrypolicy willbeenforced.

topurchase footballtickets

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!

Roadma

LovejoyISDCampusSchoolTimes

LCDCPreKindergarten

7:40AM-3:15PM

HartandPusterElementarySchools

7:50AM-3:25PM

SloanCreekIntermediateSchool

7:40AM-3:15PM

WillowSpringsMiddleSchool

8:35AM-4:10PM

LovejoyHighSchool

8:40AM-4:25PM

EarlyReleaseHours

HartandPusterElementarySchools

7:50AM-11:55AM

SloanCreekIntermediateSchool

7:40AM-11:45AM

WillowSpringsMiddleSchool

8:35AM-12:45PM

LovejoyHighSchool

8:40AM-1:05PM

Got school supplies?! Campus school supply lists are linked below for your convenience!

HartElementarySchoolSupplies

SchoolID:HAR290 HartSupplyListLink

PusterElementarySchoolSupplyList SchoolID:PUS011 PusterSupplyListLink

SloanCreekIntermediateSupplyList SloanCreekSupplyListLink

WillowSpringsMiddleSchool

WSMSSupplyListLink

LovejoyHIghSchool

Supply Lists will be communicated by each teacher during the first few days of school. Ample time will be given for students/familiestopurchasesupplies.

LovejoyFamilies,

We are excited to welcome students back toschoolonAugust7th!Inpreparationfor the2025-2026schoolyear,LovejoyISDhas opened annual registration forms in PowerSchool. Student registration records contain extremely important contact and safety information that must be updated annually; therefore, class lists and scheduleswillonlybereleasedifstudent registrationiscomplete.

To complete the annual student registration process for the 2025-2026 school year throughthePowerSchoolParentPortal,pleasecompletethefollowingsteps:

1.AccessthePowerSchoolParentPortal:Loginusingyourcredentials.Passwords and Usernames can be reset by clicking, “Forgot Username or Password?” at the PowerSchoollogin.

2.Click“Forms”onthelefthandside.

3.CompleteAllForms:Aparentorguardianmustcompleteallstudentregistration forms for each enrolled student. This includes personal information, emergency contacts, medical information, and any other required documentation. Time Saving Tip: Some forms have a “Submit for Family” option which allows you to remit the form for multiple students simultaneously.

4.Registration Deadline: All forms must be completed by Sunday, August 3rd at 5:00p.m.

5.Class Lists and Schedules: On Monday, August 4th by 3:00 p.m. class lists and scheduleswillbereleasedonlineforstudentswithcompletedregistrationforms.

6.Back to School Campus Events: Back to School events take place on Tuesday, August 5th. In order to facilitate the best back to school experience, student registration forms must be completed in advance so your student has their class listand/orschedulefortheevent.Pleaserefertoyourcampusprincipalnewsletter foradditionalMeettheTeacherdetailsandgradelevelspecifictimes.

7.Registration Assistance: If you have questions or need assistance logging in, pleasecontactyourcampusPEIMSclerk.

Timelycompletionoftheformswillhelpensureasmoothstarttotheschoolyearfor your child. We appreciate your time and partnership in updating your students’ records,andwelookforwardtoseeingallourLeopardfamiliessoon!

10:00am - 11:30am 10:00am - 11:30am

CAMPUS

Class lists and schedules will be released on Monday, August 4th at 3:00 p.m. through PowerSchool for students with completed registration forms. Please carefully read the Annual Registration section for additional details and deadlines.

PowerSchoolParentPortal

If you have questions regarding your student's schedule, please contact a SchoolAdministratorortheirCounselor.

We are incredibly excited to welcome studentstotheircampusesandintroduce themtotheir2025-2026teachers!!

LovejoyISDMeettheTeachereventswill beheresoon.Pleaserefertoyourcampus principalnewsletterforMeettheTeacher detailsandgradelevelspecifictimes.

Reminder:MarkYourCalendar!

In order to facilitate the best back to school experience, student registration forms must be completed in advance so your student has their class list and/or schedule for the event.

TITLE AUGUST 5TH DETAILS

LHS Founder’s Day 1:00pm - 3:00pm Students Only

WSMS Walk The Springs 9:00am - 11:30am Students Only

SCIS Walk the Creek 4:30pm - 6:00pm Come & Go

HES Meet the Teacher 3:30pm - 5:00pm Come & Go

PES Meet the Teacher 3:30pm - 5:00pm Come & Go

LCDC Meet The Teacher 10:00am - 11:30am Come & Go

UpcomingBusImportantDates

8/1-BusRoutesReleased TransportationResources

ParentLetter-Transportation Expectations

LISDTransportationWebsiteLink

To request late registration email Transportation@LovejoyISD.net and they will provide waiting list instructions. Please note: Bus service may be delayed or denied duetolateregistration.

Lovejoy ISD continues to partner with AlphaBEST After School Program to support community and staff needs for after school and student holiday child careingradesPreK-6.

Benefits of AlphaBEST Afterschool Program:

Pre-K-6thAfterSchoolChildCare

Enrichmentopportunitiesprovided

Extendedcareuntil6:30PM

Flexible5dayor3dayoptions

StudentsfromHES,PESandSCISwill be transported to LCDC in order to accesstheafterschoolprogramming.

Reminder: Go to AlphaBEST’s website to enroll your children today!

1:1DevicesGrades5-12

LovejoyISDispleasedtoannouncethatwe will be continuing the 1:1 Chromebook initiative for each student in grades 5 - 12 forthe2025-2026schoolyear. LovejoyISD believes technology, when joined with appropriate instruction, can engage students, promote collaboration, enhance learning, and provide opportunities to developfuture-readyskills.

For additional information on the 1:1 program you can access the helpful links below.

FAQWebsiteLink

CampusDeviceRolloutSchedule

Deviceswillbedistributedtostudentsonthefollowingdates: Freshman&NewHighSchoolStudents

August6th| 9:00a.m.–12:00p.m.| LHSCommonsArea SCISStudents(Grades5–6)

August12th|DuringSchoolHours WSMSStudents(Grades7–8)

August14th|DuringSchoolHours

ParentCybersecurityTraining:FocusonGoGuardian

Joinusforaninteractivecybersecuritytrainingsessionforparents!Learnhow

GoGuardianhelpsprotectstudentsonlineandgetanswerstoyourtech-related questions Detailsbelow.

Date:August19th,6:00p.m.-7:00p.m.

Location:LovejoyISDSchoolBoardroom

ThissessionwillincludeanoverviewofstudentonlinesafetytoolsandanopenQ&A withourdistricttechnologyteam.

Additionally,wehaveacreatedhelpfulwebsitetoassistparentsinutilizingthe GoGuardianParentAppwithcontactinformationfordistrictsupportintheeventof connectionissues.

DeviceInsurance-EnrollNow!

Parents with students in grades 5-12 are encouraged to purchase low cost insurance on their district issued device via iTurity. This low cost insurance ($25) will cover any repair associated with your child's device no matter how many times it is damaged throughout the school year. (Please note that lost or stolen devices and chargerscannotbecovered).

Reminder: Enroll for device insuranceontheiTuritywebsite!

There is nothing more valuable to us than our students and staff. Therefore, safety and security remains a top priority in LovejoyISD.

Thisyear,weareimplementinganewSilent PanicAlertTechnology(SPAT)systematall campuses. Approved by our Board of Trustees and funded by 2014 bond dollars, this enhanced system provides improved emergency communication and staff alert devices.

LovejoyISDconsidersparentsimportantpartnersandencouragesfamilyinvolvement oncampus.Inordertomaintainasafelearningenvironmentforall,weaskallvisitors tofollowthesevisitorguidelines:

1. Parkindesignatedvisitorparking.

2. Enterschoolbuildingsthroughthefrontentranceoftheschool.

3.Check in at the front office using a photo ID. Check out and return visitor badge beforeleaving.

FormoreLovejoyISDSafetyandSecurityinformationclickheretovisitourwebsite.

Communication is key to a successful school year, and we want to keep you informedandengaged!TosupportthiscommitmentandourLovejoy2030Strategic Target3.3to“furtherourlegacyofexcellencethroughconnection,communication, celebration and community," Lovejoy ISD has invested in enhancing our communicationtools.

Newsletters

MassCommunications

Lovejoy is also transitioning to a new, integrated communication platform that connects directly with our website and social media channels. This upgrade allows the District to deliver messages more quickly and efficiently across all media channels, especially in emergency situations. Effective August 1st, Campus and District emails, text messages, and voicemails will no longer be sentthroughBrightArrow.

Lovejoy ISD is currently implementing a collaborative newsletter platform, Engage, increasing our teachers, programs, and departements ability to work together to share information. Newsletters will have a different look but contain the same great information! During this transition period, you may receive newsletters from both Engage (via sendgrid.net) and Smore. PleasenotethatSmorewillbephasedout. 98900-IMPORTANTDistrictandCampuscommunications,includingsafetyand security, school closures, and more! Parents are strongly encouraged to NOT opt outofthesetextmessages

-LovejoyISDmobileappnotifications,includingclassroomannouncements andteachermessages. Parentsmayoptoutofthesetextmessagesifdesired.

CLASSROOMANNOUNCEMENTS& PARENT-TEACHERCHAT

LovejoyISDisexcitedtoannouncethelaunch ofanewinstructionalcommunicationsystem aimed at enhancing family engagement and improving communication between teachers, students,andparents!

Beginning Monday, August 4 at 4:00 p.m. parents will be able to login to the new Rooms and Messaging tabs in the Lovejoy ISDmobileapp! th

Excitingfeaturesinclude:

UnifiedcommunicationthroughtheLovejoyISDmobileapp Classroomannouncementsandupdates InstantMessagestyletwo-waycommunicationsinasafe,secureplace Parents with more than one child can easily see each student’s classroom communicationsinoneplace Prefertouseadesktop?Noproblem.Acomputer-basedplatformisavailable. Automaticmessagetranslationsettings

Log-ininstructions:

Clickthered,“Continuetosign-in”button IntheThrillsharebrowser,enteryourphonenumberORemailaddresslistedin yourstudent’sPowerSchoolaccount. �� Tip:Phonenumberistheeasiest! Entertheauthenticationcodesenttoyourphoneoremailaddress Startexploring!

Sign-intoviewclass announcements& teachermessages!

Enteryourphone numberonfilein PowerSchool

Ensuring your child has funds for lunch is easy with MySchoolBucks! This convenient onlinepaymentsystemallowsyoutoquickly addmoneytoyourchild'smealaccount.

MySchoolBuckswebsite:

Createanaccountorlogintoanexisting account

Addyourchild'sschoolandstudentID Fund the account using a credit/debit cardorbankaccount.

Setupautomaticpaymentsifdesired

ClickheretovisittheStudentNutritionwebsiteforadditionalinformation.

Lovejoy Parent Teacher Organizations help provide meaningful experiences and resources for Lovejoy students and staff in cooperation with Lovejoy campuses.

Lovejoy PTO's offer a variety of ways to participate-clickheretolearnmoreand jointoday!

LovejoyISDisuniquelyspecialasaresult of the active involvement of parents. Your willingness to serve in a volunteer capacityisgreatlyappreciated.

Lovejoy ISD's volunteer background check application is now open for the 2025-2026schoolyear.

A new application must be submitted every year. Click here to learn more and submitanapplication.

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!

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