AUGUST 19, 2022 Connect with Katie W E E K L Y N E W S A N D I N F O R M A T I O N F R O M T H E S U P E R I N T E N D E N T Photo Credit: Becky Hand
Table of Contents Student Activities & Recognitions Staff Recognitions Staff Spotlight Superintendent's Message03 Lovejoy Life Links 13 16 19 20 Community News District Highlights05 21 Voter-Approved Tax Rate Election 24 Featured Job Openings24 Health and Safety25 14 District Calendar
Lovejoy ISD scored a 99/100 and received an A rating. We are one of only two traditional school districts to earn a 99/100. The other district is Rochelle ISD which has just over 200 students. This distinction is the direct result of the remarkable efforts of our incredible educators. Insert standing ovation for Lovejoy Teachers here! As we celebrate this accomplishment, we also recognize that Lovejoy ISD is so much more than a letter grade and STAAR performance. Our students provide evidence of high levels of learning in a multitude of ways. To gain a full picture of our students' learning, we utilize numerous measures; including performance based assessments. Ultimately, fulfillment of our mission is measured against achievement of our graduate profile. There is only ONE LOVEJOY and we are ALL LEOPARDS! Katie Kordel Superintendent It has been an outstanding start to the school year! As I visited our schools on Monday, student after student told me how excited they were to be back at school. One of our cherished Lovejoy traditions on the first day of school is the Senior Walk. On their last first day of school, cheered on by their family, teachers, and classmates, our seniors walk through the courtyard and into Lovejoy High School. This occasion honors our seniors' K 11 journey and provides a pause that marks the significance of the year ahead.
We received some very exciting news this week. Lovejoy ISD is ranked as the top traditional school district in Texas by the Texas Education Agency.
Lovejoy Community,
SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE
*One of only two traditional school districts to earn a 99/100.
Living Lovejoy Lovejoy ISD is proud to be a premier district sought out by families across the nation. We take great pride in having exemplary academic and award winning extracurricular programs while maintaining a small town feel. Our district has an unparalleled sense of community and connection centered on student opportunity. The “Lovejoy Experience” is discernibly different and uniquely special. In Lovejoy ISD, we honor the past, seize every opportunity to celebrate the present, and work together to provide a continuing legacy for the future. Lovejoy ISD is a place where Kids Come 1st and we give our Best Today and Better Tomorrow. We are One Heart, One Lovejoy! DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS
Page 6 Lovejoy Students are Back-to-School!
Page 7 Puster Elementary students were welcomed back to school by the namesake of their school, former Lovejoy Superintendent and Principal, Robert Puster!
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The Lovejoy Senior Breakfast and Walk began in 2010 with our first Lovejoy High School graduating class. This tradition has been carried forward every year since. Our 2022 breakfast/walk was the 13th year of this tradition!
Last First Day of School: Senior Breakfast and Walk
The Last First Day of School is organized annually by the Lovejoy Senior Booster Club, in partnership with Lovejoy High School, senior parents, and the community to honor Lovejoy seniors. The booster club sponsors senior events throughout the year and make moments that create lifelong memories. Lovejoy is incredibly grateful for this special group of volunteers and their generous investment of time.
Their Last First Day of School only happens once. Lovejoy High School has a special tradition that gives students and parents the opportunity to honor the importance of this milestone and set the tone for senior year.
Senior Breakfast and Walk
Foundation New Family Breakfast
The Foundation for Lovejoy Schools is a 501c(3) non profit that raises money to support Lovejoy students and staff by enhancing educational opportunities in every classroom. Through the donations of our supportive community, they have been able to grant more than five million dollars in the past 16 years. more
Learn
The Foundation for Lovejoy Schools hosts a breakfast on the Saturday before school begins each August, to welcome families that are new to the Lovejoy district. Parents are welcomed by LISD leadership, school principals and the Foundation. A short presentation helps families learn what it means to be part of the Lovejoy Experience.
at: www.foundationforlovejoyschools.org
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Coach Lopez and his daughters, Lauren and Allison (2nd grade and Kindergarten at Hart Elementary), were happy to help Ms. Kordel cool off in the cold water!
It was a balmy 99 degrees Saturday, with the dunk tank in direct sunlight, so it was lucky when
Lucas Farmer's Market
This was the Lopez family's first time at the farmers market and the girls said they had a blast...Ms. Kordel concurred!
Local Family Fun The Lucas Farmers Market is open the 2nd and 4th Saturdays monthly from 8 am to Noon at the Lucas Community Park located at 665 Country Club Road. Their mission is to create a safe and pleasant social experience for our community and visitors by providing access to local farmers, food producers and artists.
Saturday, August 13, Superintendent Kordel, was a guest at the Lucas Farmer's Market. More specifically, Ms. Kordel "supervised" the dunk tank!
DJ Lopez, Lovejoy ISD Head Softball Coach & Health Teacher, just happend to stroll by with his two daughters.
BID HERELEARN MORE Premium Football Game Parking
Lovejoy Athletics is excited to offer the opportunity to secure premium parking for all Varsity home football games for the 2022 season. The Leopards will auction off 42 prime parking spaces just west of Leopard Stadium. No more coming early and fighting for that elusive parking space on nights like Leopard Friday or Homecoming your spot awaits you! These premium spots are open to any community member who wants to support the school and would appreciate a short walk to the ticket booth on those busy game nights. All proceeds go back to Lovejoy ISD. Your generosity will help pay for additional workers for athletic events as well as a needed increase in the pay for athletic event workers. Funds raised will have a positive impact on LISD athletic events running smoothly for our fans. To learn more and bid on your premium parking space, click on the buttons below:
VOTER-APPROVED TAX RATE ELECTION Weekly Fast Fact: VATRE Priorities Lovejoy ISD VATRE Website For additional information regarding school finance, Lovejoy ISD's budget outlook, and the November 8, 2022 tax rate election, click the link below to visit http://lovejoyisdvatre.net Employee compensation Restore fund balance Financial Priorities: The passing of the VATRE would generate approximately $640,000 in additional funding for Lovejoy ISD.
Page 14 DISTRICT CALENDAR
District & Campus Calendars Link Athletics Calendar Link Campus, District, and Athletics Calendars are linked above for the convenience of our community. *Please note event dates, times and locations are subject to change and should be verified by participants. August 29 Page 15 August 2022 Board of Trustees Meeting LCDC Library @ 6:00 PM (Open Session expected to begin at approximately 7:00 PM) September 2022 September 2 September 5 September 6 September 5 - 9 September 11 September 12 September 16 September 20 September 26 Board of Trustees Workshop LCDC Library @ 5:30 PM (Open Session is expected to begin at approximately 6:00 PM) Board of Trustees Meeting LCDC Library @ 6:00 PM (Open Session expected to begin at approximately 7:00 PM) National Substitute Appreciation Week LOJO Football vs. Argyle (Home)Teacher Recognition Night LHS Homecoming - LOJO vs. Terrell National IT Professional Day No School - Teacher PD/Student Holiday No School - Labor Day District Calendar Updates Texas First Responders Day
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The WSMS football team has kicked off their practices this first week of school. Despite the heat, they are working hard and getting prepared for an exciting season!
7th Grade Football
STUDENT ACTIVITIES & RECONGITIONS
Tennis Wins First Games
Tuesday night, the Leopards took on Prosper Rock Hill capturing the second win of the season 11 8. It was a dominating performance from the ladies and a strong outing for the boys as well. The Leopards are back in action Friday against Frisco High.
The girls Cross Country team had a great time learning and growing as athletes and people during their Camp of Champs! There was even a great new team song written and performed; if you see one
The Boys Cross Country team has their first race on Friday at Warren Park in Frisco. These young men have been training hard all summer and currently hold a number 3 State ranking in the preseason polls.
Girls Cross Country
Boys Cross Country of our runners, have her sing it for you! The girls are ready for their first race of the season on Friday, August 19th where they will begin the quest to defend their State Championship title in November!
Avery Wall and Maggie Manders attended the Longhorns Sports Medicine Camp in June. They are pictured here with Will Stone the UT kicker. During this camp, Avery and Maggie explored topics such as head and neck injuries, heat induced illnesses, and were also able to attend lab sessions to enhance their taping skills and learn spine boarding techniques.
Student Athlete Trainers
The girls were able to tour the stadium, hall of fame, and athletic training room. Both Avery and Maggie enjoyed their time learning more about the sports medicine and athletic training professions. We are lucky to have such dedicated trainers to care for our athletes!
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Transportation Recognition
If
. STAFF RECOGNITIONS Page 19
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A huge thank you to our transportation department. Even with the need for additional drivers, they were able provide bus transportation to over 1,500 LISD students to begin the school year. Steve Neill, Director of Transportation, and Johnny Cana, Transportation Specialist, drove routes and Donna Holden, Transportation Coordinator, has served in numerous capacities beyond what is expected of her daily. The department has a new full time mechanic, Eric Allison, who keeps our buses running safely. currently have 12 regular routes. As we add more drivers, more routes will be added to serve even more students. you would like to be added to the waiting list for bus service, please access this link
Join us in welcoming Steve Neill to Team Lovejoy DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION & ATHLETIC FACILITIES STAFF SPOTLIGHT 21 years of Transportation experience with Plano ISD in various roles (Bus Driver, Dispatcher, Operations Supervisor, Assistant Director) Served as a full time Worship Pastor prior to working in Transportation Bachelor and Masters Degrees My wife, Tracye, and I have been married for 28 years. We have a happy 4 legged son named Mater I enjoy most sports, especially college football. Being originally from Oklahoma, I am a diehard Oklahoma Sooner fan! Professional Background Personal Highlights (yes like Tow Mater from cars!) Ensuring students are safely transported to and from school daily Leading the daily operations of the Transportation Department (routing, vehicle maintenance, budget, compliance, hiring, training) Setting the mission and attitude of Transportation to reflect and support those of Lovejoy ISD Oversight of facilities use and rentals Roles and Responsibilities Collaboration, Connection and Community In a recent email to the parents of our bus riders Mr. Neill said: Contact Information Work (469) 742 8028| Cell (214) 763 7971| steven neill@lovejoyisd.net "As a department, Transportation stands on the frontline of connectivity to the community through daily interaction and collaboration with you, in order to safely and reliably transport your students to and from school. Each morning we look forward to the smiling faces that greet us at each stop. We also enjoy hearing about the amazing learning opportunities that have taken place during the day when we take your students home."
LOVEJOY LIFE LINKS Page 21 Gifted and Talented Referrals Lovejoy Orchestra Booster Club Fundraiser 8/31/2022
Evening with the MajesticsMiddle School Leopard Club Fishing Join the Green Team Lovejoy Life Links Continued Page 22
Page 23 Lovejoy Council of PTOs New to Lovejoy Ladies Coffee Lovejoy Red-Out 2022 Band Booster Lovejoy Life Links Continued
Click Here Page 24 COMMUNITY NEWS FEATURED JOB OPENINGS The Lovejoy Child Development Center team is hiring for part time positions serving our youngest Leopards in the infant class all the way through 6th grade in our afterschool program. If you love working with children and are interested in joining our team, apply online and email amanda puckett@lovejoyisd.net.
Lovejoy recently received guidance from the Texas Department of State Health Services regarding Covid 19 and schools.
The district will not maintain a local “dashboard”, reporting positive cases. The district is required to report positive cases to the state. A link will be provided on the website that reflects this information for the district.
The health screener QR code will remain in place at each campus for volunteers and visitors to complete. Covid-19 Illness/Exclusion Protocols
Key Take Aways Current
Students and/or staff who have tested positive for COVID 19 may return in 5 days if they have been fever and symptom free for 24 hours. (Change from 10 days for students)
Students with a COVID-19 household member who has tested positive are no longer required to quarantine.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Connect with Katie . August 19, 2022 . Issue 3
