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AUGUST 29, 2025

Lovejoy Lovejoy Leopards Leopards

LovejoyCommunity,

Thisweek,Lovejoywashonoredtotakepartinan important conversation about education’s critical roleinbuildingfutureworkforcetalentattheAllen Chamber’s State of Education event.Thediscussion highlighted topics such as preparing students for target occupations and workforce readiness, the impact of recent legislation, bond elections, and the power of collaboration between schools, colleges, and local businesses. In Lovejoy ISD, we remain committed to equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive, not onlyintheclassroom,butalsoincollegeandcareer readiness. WearegratefultotheAllenChamberofCommerce,theLovejoyISDBoard of Trustees, the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools, Allen ISD, Collin College, the Texas WorkforceCommission,LinebargerAttorneys,andallthelocalbusinessleaderswho joinedusinbuildingstrongpartnershipsforabrightertomorrow.Wewereextremely proud to have two Lovejoy High School seniors in attendance, Lily Lee and Ashton Scott.LilyandAshtonwereremarkableambassadorsforourschooldistrict.

CelebratingExcellence:8thGradeSocialStudiesTeamShines

We are proud to celebrate the incredible work of our 8th grade Social Studies teachingteam.Throughdedication,collaboration,andarelentlessfocusonstudent learning, this team transformed a growth opportunity into one of the highest-rated results in the state on the STAAR assessment. Their efforts not only raised achievementbutalsoopeneddoorsforstudentstoengagemoredeeplywithhistory, government,andcivics.

This success did not happen by chance, our teachers exemplified our Professional Learning Community (PLC) model. Together, our teachers studied student data, sharedstrategies,andplannedlessonsthatchallengedstudentswhilemeetingtheir individual needs. Their work stands as a model of what is possible when educators work in partnership with one another, guided by a shared vision of excellence. This exceptional team of teachers also prioritizes vertical collaboration, working closely withthe7thgradeteachingteamtopromotealignmentandcontinuity.

A BIG Lovejoy thank you to teachers Heidi Gambrell, Allison Novicke, Mason Leech, and Emily Peabody for the outstanding presentation at the Board Meeting on Mondaynightandtheirrelentlessdedicationtoourstudents.Thisworkwouldnotbe possible without the steadfast support and leadership of Mrs. Eldredge, Willow SpringsPrincipal,alongwithourdedicatedC&ITeam,whoseeffortshavebeentruly instrumental. You can view more by watching the Board Meeting presentation on middleschoolsocialstudiesatthislink(minute6:00).

CommitmenttoSafetyandSecurity

InLovejoyISDweprioritizecreatingasafe,supportiveenvironmentforeverystudent andstaffmember.Aspartofthiscommitment,wehaveimplementedanewSafety Alert and Communication System across all campuses. This innovative, best in its classsystemallowsstaffmemberstocallforimmediatehelpwiththesimplepressof a badge. Responders are notified and provided the exact location, supporting the fastestpossiblesupport.Thissystemfunctionsnotonlyinsideourschools,butalso acrossouroutdoorspaces,includingplaygrounds,practiceareas,andparkinglots.

Aspartofthisimplementation,youmaynoticesomechangesincludingstrobelights installedthroughoutourschoolsandnewwhitebadgeswornbyteachersandstaff. Theseupdatesarepartofourefforttocreateanevensaferenvironmentsothatour educators can focus fully on teaching and our students on learning. You can learn morebywatchingtheBoardMeetingpresentationonsafetyandsecurityatthislink (minute33:34).

Thisweekhasbeenasoberingreminderofhowdeeplysafetyandsecuritymatterin our schools and communities. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have beenimpactedbyrecentevents,andweextendourheartfeltconcerntofamiliesand communitieswhoaregrievingorfacingunimaginablechallenges.

HolidayWeekend

Our students will enjoy a long weekend returning to school on Wednesday, September3rd.Thisprovidesvaluableprofessionaldevelopmentandplanningtime forourteachersandstaff.FridayNightLightsisontheroadtodayforourfirstgame oftheseasonatLubbock-Cooper.GoLeopards!

LovejoyProud, KatieKordel Superintendent

With the new school year underway, we remain committed to intentionally fosteringacultureofcollaborationandopencommunication.Weencourage Lovejoy parents to reach out to the appropriate district staff with questions and feedback. Please find contact information below for some important districtcontacts:

CentralAdministration

Superintendent’sOffice RodrickaTaylor

CoordinatorfortheSuperintendent &BoardServices rodricka taylor@lovejoyisd.net

469.742.8003

Athletics ToddDodge

AthleticDirector&HeadCoach todd dodge@lovejoyisd.net

HannahO’Connor

AdministrativeAssistanttothe

AthleticDirector

hannah oconnor@lovejoyisd.net

469.742.8068

CommunicationsandMarketing

KimSteiner

CoordinatorofCommunications kimberly steiner@lovejoyisd.net

469-742-8518

Curriculum&Instruction

AllisonClaunch DirectorofSpecialEducation allison claunch@lovejoyisd.net

469-742-8047

StephaniKranz DirectorofStudentSupport (Nursing,Counseling,504) stephani kranz@lovejoyisd.net

469.742.8033

MaryMullen DirectorofSecondaryEducation &Assessment/Accountability mary mullen@lovejoyisd.net

469.742.8026

ErinPerkins DirectorofElementaryEducation &EarlyChildhood erin perkins@lovejoyisd.net

469.742.8015

EarlyChildhoodPrograms

JamieFlemmer

LCDCCoordinator

jamie flemmer@lovejoyisd.net

469.742.8133

ExtenedDayProgram

AlphaBest

214.707.9247

https://www.alphabest.org/lovejoytx/

Enrollment

CampusPEIMSClerks

FacilityLeasing/Rental

RigoValdivia

Custodial,Maintenance&Grounds

Supervisor

rigo valdivia@lovejoyisd.net

469.742.2192

https://www.practiceplan.io/landing

Finance

AmberPennell

DirectorofBusinessServices

amber pennell@lovejoyisd.net

469.742.8032

FineArts

TravisZambiasi

ExecutiveDirectorofStudentServices

Travis zambiasi@lovejoyisd.net

469.742.2185

HumanResources

HeatherCox

DirectorofHumanResources

heather cox@lovejoyisd.net

469.742.8062

Operations

MariaArnold

AssistanttoOperations&Student Services

maria arnold@lovejoyisd.net

469.742.8002

Safety&Security

CaseyLittlefield

DirectorofSafety&Security casey littlefield@lovejoyisd.net

469.742.8097

StudentNutrition

MatMcCarty

DirectorofStudentNutrition mat mccarty@lovejoyisd.net

469.742.8014

Technology

JohnKorb

DirectorofTechnology

john korb@lovejoyisd.net

469.742.8070

Transportation

MichelleLeasure

DirectorofTransportation

michelle leasure@lovejoyisd.net

469.742.8006

LovejoyISDwashonoredtojoinanimportantconversationoneducation’srolein regionaldevelopmentandtalentbuildingattheStateofEducation:Lunch&Panel Discussion,hostedbytheAllenChamberofCommercethisweek.

Superintendent Katie Kordel represented Lovejoy ISD on the panel alongside Dr. Robin Bullock (Allen ISD) and Dr. Neil Matkin (Collin College), sharing insights on howpubliceducationisevolvingtomeettheneedsoftomorrow’sworkforce.

Thepanelhighlightedseveralkeytopics,including: Preparingstudentsfortargetoccupationsandworkforcereadiness Theimpactofrecentlegislationonpubliceducation Bondelectionupdates Collaborationbetweenschools,colleges,andlocalbusinesses

Lovejoy ISD remains committed to empowering students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive—both in the classroom and in their future careersandcommunities.

We extend our gratitude to the Allen Chamber of Commerce, Allen ISD, Collin College,TexasWorkforceCommission,LovejoyISDBoardofTrustees,Foundation forLovejoySchools,LinebargerAttorneys,andallthelocalbusinessleaderswho participated. Together, we a partnerships for a brighter

ThispastSaturday,theLucasFarmersMarketwasbuzzingwithcommunityspirit as families gathered to celebrate the start of a new school year! Superintendent Kordelbravedthedunktank,providinglotsoflaughsandbigsplashesforallages. LovejoyFootball,Basketball,Cheer,andBandproudlyrepresentedtheLeopards, showcasingtheirtalentandschoolspirit.

Addingtotheexcitement,severalofourveryownLovejoystudentshostedbooths, highlighting their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. It was a wonderful day to connect with neighbors, support local vendors, and celebrate all that makes our communityspecial.

Thankyoutoeveryonewhocameouttomakethisevent totheschoolyear OneHeart.One

Save the date for Lovejoy ISD’s Inaugural Homecoming Parade, a celebration of school spirit and community!

EventDetails:

Date:Monday,October6th

Time:6:00p.m.

Location:HeritageRanch

The parade will feature colorful floats, fine arts performances, athletic teams, and school-sponsored student groups. Bring your family, friends, and neighborstocheeronourstudentsand show your support for our school community.Theeventwillbefunforall ages!Additionaldetailswillbesharedas the event approaches. Let’s make Lovejoy’s first homecoming parade a traditiontoremember!

PARENTCONSENTFORMS-SENATEBILL12

UndernewlegislationoutlinedinSenateBill12,parentconsentisnowrequired forthefollowingservices:

Student Clubs - Parents must give written consent before students can participateinanyschool-sponsoredclub.

Health Services - Parent consent is required for students to receive health carethatmayincludefirstaid,healthchecksandscreenings. Theexemption iscareforamedicalemergency.

Counseling and Support Services - Parent consent is required prior to studentsparticipationinguidancelessons,orshorttermcounselingsupport services.

Please log in to your student’s Powerschool account and complete the newly required parent consent forms for the 2025-2026 school. Should you have questions,pleasecontactyourcampusadministrator.

Community Coffee Talk

Community Coffee talks are an opportunity for parents and community members to connect with Lovejoy ISD Trustees and Superintendent Katie Kordel in an informal setting. During Community Coffee Talks, Lovejoy ISD leadership listens, shares and engagesin opendialogue/discussionwithourcommunity.

September30,2025@5:00p.m. LovejoyChildDevelopmentCenter Library

February11,2025@8:00a.m. LovejoyHighSchool Library

98900 - IMPORTANT District and Campuscommunications,including safety and security, school closures, and more! Parents are strongly encouraged to NOT opt out of these textmessages

27806 - Lovejoy ISD mobile app notifications, including classroom announcements and teacher messages. Parents may opt out of thesetextmessagesifdesired.

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

Report an Absence

The District has implemented a new process to streamline absence reporting. To notify your campus attendance office about your student’s absence, complete yourcampuses"ReportanAbsence"form whichcanbefound: CampusWebsite(toprightcorner)

On Saturday, August 23, three outstanding Lovejoy High School students were recognizedfortheirparticipationasdelegatesatAmericanLegionTexasBoysand Girls State. Sponsored by American Legion Post 315 in Wylie and led by Mary Lange,thesestudentsrepresentedLovejoywithprideandexcellence.

Duringtheceremony,eachstudenthadtheopportunitytoexpresstheirgratitude to the Post and reflect on their experience. They were also presented with a certificateofachievementandaTexasFlagflownovertheStateCapitol,graciously providedbyRepresentativeCandyNoble.

GavinBlankenshipshared,“WhenIlookbackatmytimeatTexasBoysState,Isee itassomuchmorethanjustaweekofpolitics.Forme,itwasaboutlearningtofail forward,aboutlookingatmyselfhonestly,andaboutbuildingfriendshipsthatwill lastfarbeyondcamp.”

Luke David was also honored as the recipient of the prestigious Samsung Scholarship,atestamenttohisleadershipanddedication.

Lovejoy is remarkably proud of Gavin Blankenship, Luke David, and Iris Lee for theiraccomplishmentsandforrepresentingLovejoyISDwithdistinction.Welook forward to celebrating even more of their achievements as they continue to lead andinspire.

Lovejoy Child Development students are beginning to enjoy the wonderful new items purchased through the Foundation for Lovejoy School’s grants awarded at theendoflastschoolyear.Theride-ontoyshavequicklybecomeafavorite,giving students a fun way to strengthen balance, coordination, and other gross motor skillsduringplay.

During Learning in Lovejoy, our 6–12 Math teachers engaged in professional learning centered on Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl. This research-based approach emphasizes creating environments where students thinkindependentlyandcollaboratively.Onekeystrategyfromthebookistheuse ofverticalnon-permanentsurfaces,likewhiteboards,topromoteactiveproblemsolving and visible thinking. Thanks to the TEA Strong Foundations grant, each teacherreceivedfiveverticalwhiteboardstosupportthisshift.Now,studentsare up out of their seats, working in groups, discussing ideas, and grappling with challenging tasks. Writing is woven into their learning, and they’re making realworld connections. Math classrooms in Lovejoy are evolving into vibrant spaces wherethinkingisnotjustencouraged....it’sexpected.

Photography Credit: Parker Ann Photography

The Lovejoy Leopard Tennis team has opened district play in dominant fashion, starting 2-0 with a 16-3 win over Anna and an 18-1 victory over Denison. Ranked 19thinthestate,theLeopardsareshowingtheirdepthanddeterminationearlyin theseason.

NextweekbringsamajortestastheyfaceProsperWalnutGroveinakeydistrict matchup. Let’s rally behind our Leopards as they continue their push toward a districttitle.GoLeopardTennis!

2025-2026

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.

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.

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

TherewillbeaQRcodeavailableatthedoorto purchasetickets.Seatingislimitedto100guests.

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!