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SEPTEMBER 12, 2025
Lovejoy Leopards Lovejoy Leopards
MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
LovejoyCommunity,
This week has been filled with gratitude, connection, and continued commitment to excellenceacrossLovejoyISD.
FirstRespondersBreakfast
On Thursday morning, Lovejoy High School, in partnership with our Lovejoy Safety and Security Department, proudly hosted the Second Annual First Responders Breakfast. The room was filled withheartfeltappreciationforthosewhoselflessly support and protect our students, educators, and community. We were grateful to have representativesinattendancefromtheLovejoyISD representing Allen, Lucas, and Fairview, as well as members of the Allen PD, Fairview PD, Lucas Fire Department, Fairview Fire Department, Collin County Sheriff'sDepartment,CollinCountyConstable’sOffice,FBI,andTexasDPS.Weare proud of the strong relationships and meaningful partnerships our School Marshalsandleadershipteamhavebuiltwithourfirstresponders.Thiseventwasa reflectionofourongoing,strategiccommitmenttocontinuingtostrengthenthese vitalconnections.
BoardofTrustees,cityofficials,
SafetyandsecurityremainourtoppriorityinLovejoyISD.Wearedeeplyproudof ourSchoolMarshalProgramandthemanyproactivemeasuresinplacetokeepour campuses safe. To our first responders, thank you for your continued dedication andthecareyouprovidetoourstudentsandfamilieseverysingleday.
A heartfelt thank you to Kyle Pursifull, Executive Director of Operations, Casey Littlefield, Director of Safety and Security, Justin Wieller, Lovejoy High School Principal, and Jorge Jaquez, School Marshal, for their leadership in hosting this event.
9/11Remembrance
Thisweek,wepausedtoremembertheliveslostandtheheroeswhorosetoaction onSeptember11,2001.Mayweneverforgetthecourage,resilience,andunitythat emergedfromthehorrificeventsthatunfoldedonthatday.
NorthTexasGivingDay
North Texas Giving Day is almost here! We are incredibly grateful to the FoundationforLovejoySchoolsforthetremendousimpacttheymakeeachyear. Through the generosity of our community, the Foundation raises hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to support our teachers and enrich educational experiences for our students. We encourage you to join us in supporting their efforts.Tolearnmoreortogive,pleaseclickhere.
FutureLeopardsAssociation
IhadthepleasureofmeetingsomeofourfutureLeopardsandtheirparentsthis week at the Future Leopards Association (FLA) gathering. This organization helps families connect and get to know Lovejoy ISD before their children begin their educational journey in our outstanding elementary schools. We are excited to welcomenewFLAfamiliesintotheLovejoycommunity
Teacher-SuperintendentConnectionCouncil
Thisweek,IhostedthefirstTeacher–SuperintendentConnectionCouncilmeeting of the school year. This council provides a direct line of communication between districtleadershipandourteachers,fosteringcollaborationandsharedproblemsolving.Wearedeeplygratefulfortheteachersthatserveonthiscommittee.We knowthatouroutstandingLovejoyISDteachersarevitaltothestudentexperience andtocontinuingthetraditionofexcellencethatdefinesLovejoyISD.
Mayyourweekendbringtimetogetherwithfamily,filledwithmuchloveandjoy. ThereisonlyONELOVEJOYandweareALLLEOPARDS!
LovejoyProud, KatieKordel Su
FIRST RESPONDERS BREAKFAST
OnSeptember11,LovejoyHighSchool,inpartnershipwithourLovejoySafetyand Security Department, was proud to host the Second Annual First Responders Breakfast.Thisspecialeventwasfilledwithgratitudeforthemenandwomenwho faithfullyserveandprotectourstudents,staff,andcommunityeachday.
We were honored to welcome city leadership, the Lucas and Fairview Fire Departments, law enforcement representatives from Fairview, Allen, and Collin County,theTexasDepartmentofPublicSafety,theFBI,andtheVicePresidentof Security for the Dallas Mavericks. We are deeply thankful for the strong partnershipsthatmakeLovejoyasafeandsupportiveplaceforeverystudent.
COLLEGE FAIR AT LOVEJOY HIGH SCHOOL
TheLHSCounselingDepartmenthostedthe2025CollegeFairforallLHSstudents onWednesday,September10.Theeventprovidedstudentswiththeopportunity to explore a wide range of post-secondary options, including trade schools, colleges, universities, and military enlistment. With more than 100 institutions represented,thefairofferedvaluableinformationtohelpstudentsastheyplanfor theirfutures.
READING WITH THE LEOPARDS AT HART ELEMENTARY
Hart Elementary was buzzing with excitement as student-athletes from baseball, softball,boysandgirlsbasketball,andcheerjoinedstudentsforReadingwiththe Leopards.Athleteslinedthehallwaystogreetstudentswithcheersandhigh-fives beforeheadingintoclassroomstosharestoriesaloud.Thisbelovedtraditionnot onlyhighlightstheimportanceofliteracy,butalsoshowcasesLovejoyschoolspirit and strengthens our athletes’ leadership skills. We are grateful to our studentathletesforinspiringouryoungestLeopardsandmakingreadingevenmorefun!
LeopardNation,
TheLovejoyFootballBreakfastClubwillnowbemeetingattheHeritageRanch Clubhouse. Your $20 donation helps fund off season professional development for the coachingstaff.
Ilookforwardtomeetingwithyouallandcelebratingthegreatgameoffootball. Thankyouall.
DATE:09.16.25
TIME:9:00AM
COST:$20.00DONATION
LOCATION:HERITAGERANCH BILLIARDROOM
DISTRICT REMINDERS
This week, Lovejoy ISD proudly celebrated National Arts in EducationWeek!Fromkindergarten through high school, students experience firsthand how the arts inspire creativity, build confidence, andfosterinnovation.
We are #LovejoyProud of our exceptionally talented Fine Arts students and educators, whose passion, imagination, and diligence enrichourentiredistricteveryday.
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!
Community Coffee Talk DISTRICT REMINDERS
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
LOVEJOY ISD MOBILE APP
ATTENDANCE UPDATE
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)
ClickReportanAbsence
DISTRICT CALENDAR
SCIENCE IN ACTION AT HART ELEMENTARY
Third grade students explored and made predictions about the properties of gases.Theyinvestigatedthequestion: What happens to a crumpled piece of paper placed inside a cup when the cup is turned upside down and submerged in water? Will the paper get wet, or will it stay dry?
Next, students considered another scenario: If a cup filled with water is placed inside a tub of water, what happens when the cup is turned upside down and air (a gas) is blown into it through a straw?
Students were amazed to discover that the gas displaced the water, taking up space inside the cup. Throughout the lesson, they were highly engaged using advanced science vocabulary, testing their predictions, and adjusting their thinkinginrealtime.
FIFTH GRADERS DIVE INTO DENSITY
At Lovejoy ISD, our commitment to high levels of student learning is guided by three non-negotiables: rigorous, standards-aligned instruction; active and engaged student learning; and assessment for learning that drives responsive teaching. These priorities came to life recently at Sloan Creek, where 5th grade studentsspentthedayexploringthephysicalpropertiesofmatter.Afternoticing some common misconceptions– specifically around the concept of density – the teaching team designed a full day of hands-on activities to help students strengthenandapplytheirunderstanding.
In small groups, students measured and ranked the masses of different objects, compared their findings with peers, and discussed how different objects can be described by their physical properties. As a whole group, they tested oranges in water,bothwithandwithouttheirpeels,toseehowthepeelchangeswhetherthe fruitsinksorfloats.Theyalsoinvestigatedadiscrepanteventwithbowlingballs, generously provided by Pinstack. Students were amazed to discover that while bowling balls may look similar, their densities can differ dramatically meaning somewillsinkinwaterwhileotherscanactuallyfloat.
By the end of the day, students had not only corrected some of their misconceptions about density, but also practiced explaining their thinking, working collaboratively, and connecting science concepts to everyday objects. Experienceslikethisshowcaseoureducators’dedicationtoprovidingchallenging, meaningfullearningopportunitiesforeverystudent.
LOVEJOY SPIRIT SHINES DESPITE THE STORM
Friday night’s matchup against Highland Park was a memorable one for reasons beyondthescoreboard.Severeweathercausedalongdelaybeforekickoff,butour Leopards kept the energy alive. While fans waited for the game to begin, the Leopard Band, Color Guard, Cheerleaders, and Majestics filled the indoor facility with music, routines, and cheers. Their performances turned downtime into a spiritedcelebration,remindingusthatschoolpridenevertakesabreak.
When the skies cleared, the Leopards took the field and battled through the first half.Unfortunately,stormsreturnedbeforehalftime,forcingofficialstocancelthe restofthegame.
Before the evening concluded, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football and Valvoline Instant Oil Change presented their Fan Performance of the Game awards at the North30-yardline.CongratulationstoAnnaliseLevinfromLovejoyandDylanRoy from Highland Park, who were each recognized with $250 scholarships for their
LOVEJOY THEATER HOSTS FIRST IMPROV NIGHT
TheTheatredepartmenthosteditsfirstImprovNightonThursday,September4th, in the Lovejoy High School Black Box Theatre. The show featured 21 student performers who showcased their quick thinking, creativity, and comedic timing throughavarietyofimprovgamesandscenes.Similartoshowslike,“WhoseLine IsItAnyway?”theperformancewascompletelyunscriptedanddrivenbyaudience suggestions.Withfast-pacedscenes,unexpectedtwists,andplentyoflaughs,the night provided fun for all ages. Families, friends, and classmates enjoyed supportingthetheatrestudentsinthisone-night-onlyevent.
ICE CREAM SOCIAL AT HART ELEMENTARY
Hartfamiliesandstaffcametogetherforaneveningfilledwithfun,laughter,and sweet treats. The Hart PTO hosted the school’s annual Ice Cream Social, where studentsenjoyedicecreamfromJeremiah’swhileplayingandspendingtimewith friends. Parents had the opportunity to connect with their child’s teacher, staff membersandotherparents,makingtheeventawonderfulwaytostrengthenour Hartcommunity.
BOARD WORKSHOP INVITATION
DearLovejoyCommunity,
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 andfullyaware,sowecancometogetherasacommunityforourchildren.
September17,2025PublicNoticeWebsite
(Public notice will be posted a minimum of 3 business days in advance)
You may find the full agenda with supporting documentation on our district's BoardBookPremierwebsiteHERE.
Sincerely,
Julie McLaughlin, President
Jeff Wood, Vice President
Marvin Bobo, Secretary
Aubrey
Stock, Trustee
Mark Wheelis, Trustee
Jason
Jaynes, Trustee
Barrett Owens, Trustee
LEOPARD LIFE WEBSITE
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.
LovejoyRoboticsUpdates
Will be at the Lucas Farmers Market on Saturday, Sept. 27 stop by and visitwiththeLISDRoboticsteam.
Save the Date: On Nov. 1, Lovejoy HighSchoolwillhostitsfirstrobotics tournament in the main gym. Admission is free. The tournament begins at 9 a.m. and runs until late afternoon.
DISTRICT & CAMPUS NEWSLETTERS
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!
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
Lovejoy Leopards Lovejoy Leopards
