Connect with Katie WEEKLY NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
SEPTEMBER 11, 2026
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TABLE OF Contents M E S S A G E F R O M T H E S U P E R I N T E N D E N T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L E G I S L A T I V E E N G A G E M E N T B R E A K F A S T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F I R S T R E S P O N D E R S B R E A K F A S T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PALS HONORS PATRIOTS THROUGH SER VICE.................. FUTURE LEOPARDS ASSOCIATION............................... DISTRICT REMINDERS.............................................. DISTRICT CALENDAR............................................... GRANDPARENTS DAY AT LCDC.................................... MONSTER ART IN THE MAKING & SHARING STORIES......... LEOPARDS ROLL PAST CREEKVIEW.............................. LOVEJOY VOLLEYBALL............................................. T E N N I S T A K E S T H E L E A D I N D I S T R I C T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S P E E C H & D E B A T E T F A T O U R N A M E N T R E C A P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BOARD WORKSHOP INVITATION..................................
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08 10
12 13 16
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23 24 25
26 LEOPARD LIFE.......................................................
28 DISTRICT & CAMPUS NEWSLETTERS.............................
MESSAGE FROM THE Lovejoy Community,
Superintendent
There are weeks that remind us what it really means to be One Heart. One Lovejoy. This has been one of them. Today, on the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, our students and staff paused together to remember the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the heroes who stepped forward in extraordinary acts of courage and service. September 11 is also Texas First Responders Day, making today an especially meaningful opportunity to recognize the men and women who continue to answer that call to serve our communities. Earlier this week, Lovejoy High School hosted our annual First Responders Breakfast, an important Lovejoy tradition. Law enforcement, fire, EMS, our Lovejoy School Marshals, district leaders, and community partners gathered around the same table. I am incredibly grateful for these men and women, not only for what they do in moments of crisis, but for the relationships they build with our schools throughout the year. A special thank you to Lovejoy High School and our School Marshal team for hosting such a meaningful morning. Safety was also at the forefront this week as we welcomed elected officials, community leaders, business partners, parents, and stakeholders to our Legislative Engagement Breakfast focused on Safety & Security. We shared Lovejoy ISD’s comprehensive approach to school safety, including our School Marshal Program, and had an important conversation about the true cost of protecting students and staff and the need for sustainable state funding. I am grateful for everyone who joined us, asked thoughtful questions, shared perspectives, and continues to advocate for the safety of students in Lovejoy ISD and across Texas. I also had the opportunity to spend time this week with some of the families who represent our future!
I loved joining the Future Leopards Association and connecting with parents of some of our youngest and future Leopards. We also welcomed some very special guests to the Lovejoy Child Development Center for Grandparents Lunch today, a sweet reminder that the Lovejoy experience includes family partnership and connection across generations. Parent and family engagement is such an important part of what makes Lovejoy special. Our schools are strongest when families are connected and engaged, and it is a beautiful thing when that sense of belonging begins even before kindergarten. Tonight, we get another opportunity to experience that connection at Leopard Friday! I strongly encourage you to come out and experience it for yourself. Bring your family, support our students and local vendors, stop by the Lovejoy High School School Spirit Store, and enjoy an evening surrounded by the energy of our Lovejoy ISD community. Leopard Friday begins at 5:00 p.m. in the Lovejoy High School courtyard and Friday Night Lights begins at 7:30 p.m. in Leopard Stadium. From honoring those who serve, to advocating for safe schools, to welcoming our future Leopards, to gathering together under the Friday night lights, this week has been a beautiful reminder that Lovejoy is more than a school district. It is a community connected by our commitment to one another and, most importantly, to our children. There is only ONE LOVEJOY and we are ALL LEOPARDS! Lovejoy Proud,
Katie Kordel Superintendent
LEGISLATIVE ENGAGEMENT
Breakfast
Lovejoy ISD was honored to welcome elected officials, community leaders, business partners, stakeholders and parents for our Legislative Engagement Breakfast focused on Safety & Security. We are grateful to everyone who joined us, asked thoughtful questions, shared their perspectives and continues to advocate for the safety and success of students in Lovejoy ISD and across Texas. School safety is more than a requirement, it is stewardship, partnership and a commitment we must continue to make together. Thank you to everyone who engaged with Lovejoy ISD and contributed to this important conversation.
FIRST RESONDERS Breakfast What began in 2022 at Sloan Creek with just one police officer and a few Fairview firefighters has grown into a meaningful Lovejoy tradition. The First Responders Breakfast was created with two important purposes: to show our appreciation for the first responders who serve and protect the communities surrounding Lovejoy ISD and to build strong, lasting relationships between our schools, School Marshals and local first responder agencies. Over the years, the breakfast has grown to bring together law enforcement, fire, EMS, School Marshals, district leadership and community partners. More importantly, the relationships behind the event have continued to grow as well. Since the beginning, the goal has remained simple: Build relationships before an emergency happens, not during one. These connections strengthen communication, trust and collaboration, helping ensure we are prepared to work together when our students, staff and community need us most. Lovejoy ISD is incredibly grateful for the continued partnership, service and support of our local first responders.
PALS HONOR PATRIOTS
Through Service
In recognition of Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance, Lovejoy High School PALs honored September 11 by turning remembrance into meaningful service throughout our community. The PALs began by recognizing our Lovejoy ISD School Marshals, surprising them with their favorite Sonic drinks as a small gesture of appreciation for all they do to protect and serve our schools each day. Students also participated in Operation Gratitude’s Activation Day, visiting the Lucas Fire Department and Fairview Police Department to deliver appreciation boxes along with handwritten cards created by students from campuses across Lovejoy ISD. Each message served as a reminder to our local first responders that their service, sacrifice, and commitment do not go unnoticed. Patriot Day is an opportunity to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, while carrying forward the spirit of unity, service, and gratitude that followed. We are proud of our PALs for honoring this important day through action and grateful for the first responders and protectors who serve our schools and communities every day. Today, we remember. Today, we serve. Today, we say thank you.
Association FUTURE LEOPARDS The Future Leopards Association (FLA) hosted its Welcome Coffee Thursday morning, bringing together families to meet FLA members, hear from Superintendent Kordell, and learn more about the organization. FLA connects families with preschool-aged children throughout Allen, Fairview, Lucas, and McKinney through parenting programs, play opportunities, and community service. The event provided a wonderful opportunity to connect families and welcome them into the Lovejoy community.
DISTRICT Reminders Next week, Lovejoy ISD proudly celebrates National Arts in Education Week! From kindergarten through high school, students experience firsthand how the arts inspire creativity, build confidence, and foster innovation. We are #LovejoyProud of our exceptionally talented Fine Arts students and educators, whose passion, imagination, and diligence enrich our entire district.
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Save the date for Lovejoy ISD’s 2 Annual Homecoming Parade, a celebration of school spirit and community! Event Details: Date: Wednesday, September 30th Time: 5:30 p.m. Location: Heritage Ranch
The parade will feature colorful floats, fine arts performances, athletic teams, and school-sponsored student groups. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to cheer on our students and show your support for our school community. The event will be fun for all ages! Additional details will be shared as the event approaches.
LOVEJOY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT EST. 1917
WE WILL NEVER FORGET
PATRIOT DAY SEPTEMBER 11
Report an Absence The District has implemented a process to streamline absence reporting. To notify your campus attendance office about your student’s absence, complete your campuses "Report an Absence" form which can be found: Campus Website (top right corner) Click Report an Absence Lovejoy ISD Mobile App Click More Select Campus Click Report an Absence Linked in Principal Newsletters
DISTRICT Calendar
CALENDAR EVENT LINKS
STUDENT CALENDAR
DISTRICT CALENDAR
CAMPUS CALENDARS
ATHLETICS CALENDAR
FINE ARTS CALENDAR
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.
CONNECTING LOCAL BUSINESSES AND THE LOVEJOY COMMUNITY WHILE SUPPORTING LOVEJOY ISD THROUGH REVENUE GENERATION The Lovejoy ISD Community Partner program is a new way for local businesses to support Lovejoy ISD and connect with the Lovejoy Community! Community Partner advertisements are featured in our weekly District newsletter, Connect with Katie, Living Lovejoy videos, and District Social Media. Interested in becoming a Community Partner? Click HERE to learn more!
GRANDPARENTS DAY AT
LCDC
Lovejoy Childhood Development Center welcomed some very special guests today for a Grandparents Day Lunch! Students enjoyed sharing lunchtime with their grandparents and loved ones, creating sweet memories together and showing them a little glimpse into their school day. Thank you to all of the grandparents and special guests who joined us and helped make the day so meaningful for our littlest Leopards!
MONSTER ART IN THE Making Second graders in Ms. Armstrong’s art class are bringing their imaginations to life while exploring texture! Students practiced different techniques before creating their very own monsters, which will become part of a fun monster flip book. From practice sketches to their first finished monsters, these young artists are learning how texture can add personality, dimension, and creativity to their artwork.
SHARING STORIES WITH
Kinder Buddies
Third-grade students have been hard at work learning and practicing the writing process! From drafting and revising to editing and publishing, students completed their very own personal narratives. To celebrate their hard work, students shared their finished stories by reading aloud to their Kindergarten Buddies. It was a special opportunity for our third graders to showcase their accomplishments while building meaningful connections with their younger Leopards.
LEOPARDS ROLL PAST
Creekview
The Leopards delivered another statement performance Thursday night at Standridge Stadium, defeating the Carrollton Creekview Mustangs, 63–13. Lovejoy controlled the game in all three phases. The offense piled up more than 600 yards, the defense forced two turnovers, and special teams added a blocked kick. Every unit contributed to the dominant victory, showcasing the complementary football that continues to define this Lovejoy team. Congratulations to our Leopards on another impressive team win!
LEOVEJOY VOLLEYBALL
Update
It was another exciting week for Lovejoy Volleyball! Freshman earned third place in the Areté Freshman Tournament, while JV finished fourth. Congratulations to Caitlyn Busse, who served all 25 points in a 25–0 set victory against Hebron, an incredibly rare accomplishment! Lovejoy returns home for district play tonight, September 11, against Denison. Varsity begins at 5:00 p.m., followed by Sub-Varsity at approximately 6:00 p.m. Tonight’s theme is Red, White & Blue in honor of September 11, and we’ll also celebrate our K–6 Little Leopards. Join us at Lovejoy High School and help pack the gym!
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TENNIS TAKES THE LEAD
In District
Lovejoy Tennis is sitting at the top of District 9-5A following two commanding wins over district rivals Melissa and McKinney North. The Leopards defeated both teams 15-4, moving into first place in the district standings. Lovejoy is now 7-4 overall and remains undefeated in district play with a 5-0 record and three district matches remaining. Leading the Leopards this season are senior team captains Adnan Dohadwala and Morgan Hignite. Congratulations to Lovejoy Tennis on an outstanding start to district play!
SPEECH & DEBATE TFA
Tournament Recap
The Lovejoy Speech & Debate Team competed at the 2026 Princeton TFA Tournament at Princeton High School, earning impressive results in just their second tournament of the season. Representing Lovejoy were Rutvika Rao and Ayse Kaya in Congress; Aditi Cheruku in Lincoln-Douglas; Katelyn Mathis in Novice Extemporaneous Speaking; and Serene Mughal, Rija Bawa, and Maddie Kim in Novice Congress. Three Leopards advanced to the semifinals: Aditi Cheruku — Lincoln-Douglas Wesley Bishop — Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking Katelyn Mathis — Novice Extemporaneous Speaking These results are an exciting accomplishment early in the season and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students. Congratulations to Lovejoy Speech & Debate! We look forward to seeing our Leopards continue to compete, grow, and represent Lovejoy throughout the season.
BOARD WORKSHOP Invitation The Lovejoy ISD Board of Trustees invites you to attend the upcoming Board Workshop
Dear Lovejoy Community, As a Board, we are committed to strong and proactive communication with our community. Part of this commitment is sending an email invitation to our community prior to Board Meetings with a sincere desire for you to be involved and fully aware, so we can come together as a community for our children. September 14, 2026 Public Notice Website You may find the full agenda with supporting documentation on our district's BoardBook Premier website HERE. Sincerely, Julie McLaughlin, President Mark Wheelis, Vice President Marvin Bobo, Secretary The Lovejoy ISD Board of Trustees
Aubrey Stock, Trustee Jessica Perroni, Trustee Jason Jaynes, Trustee Barrett Owens, Trustee
LEOPARD LIFE Website Lovejoy ISD has an unparalleled sense of community and connection centered on student opportunity. In support of this collective commitment, the Leopard Life website showcases a wide range of events, activities, and fundraisers organized by booster clubs, PTOs, athletics, fine arts, individual campuses, and more! Leopard Life is prominently featured across campus and district websites, highlighted in all newsletters, and easily accessible through the Lovejoy ISD mobile app. This week's featured flyers are: Pumpkin Porch Packages - Swim & Dive (Sept. 20) Plastic Bag Drive (Sept. 28-Oct. 2) Homecoming Mums (Oct.1) Homecoming Red Out Shirts (Oct.2) Leopard Classic Golf Tournament (Nov. 2) Future Leopard Association Community News Please note: the information featured in the "Community News" section is submitted by local community members. Lovejoy ISD is not affiliated with the organizations and does not claim to endorse them.
DISTRICT & CAMPUS Newsletters Lovejoy ISD is committed to creating strong connections and providing clear communication with our Lovejoy parents and families. Below you will find links to the most recent newsletters from each campus. Sign up for weekly Principal Newsletters here to stay informed!
DISTRICT NEWSLETTER Connect with Katie
LOVEJOY CHILD DEVELOPMENT Campus Newsletter HART ELEMENTARY Principal Newsletter PUSTER ELEMENTARY Principal Newsletter SLOAN CREEK INTERMEDIATE Principal Newsletter WILLOW SPRINGS MIDDLE Principal Newsletter LOVEJOY HIGH SCHOOL Principal Newsletter
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Connect with Katie. September 11, 2026. Issue 07