Connect with Katie.11.01.2024.Issue14 by Lovejoy ISD

Connect with Katie

NOVEMBER 01, 2024

Lovejoy Lovejoy Leopards Leopards

from the Superintendent MESSAGE

LovejoyCommunity,

The last Lovejoy ISD bond election took place ten yearsagoin2014,makingWednesdaynight'sBond PlanningCommitteemeetingasignificantmoment for our district. The Lovejoy ISD Bond Planning Committee is made up of 55 stakeholders, including high school students, parents, and community members. This committee is tasked with studying the district's facility and capital needsandrecommendingprioritiestotheBoardof Trustees for a potential future bond election. These priorities may include facilities,fleet,technology,furniture,fixtures,andequipment.

TheformationoftheBondPlanningCommitteewouldnothavebeenpossible without the extensive work of our Capital Planning Committee, which began assessing the district’s capital needs in 2022. This stakeholder-based committee met 12 times over a 16-month period, touring campuses and reviewing third-party assessment data. The Capital Planning Committee provided valuable feedback to the district, instrumental in shaping the information that will be evaluated by the Bond Planning Committee in the comingmonths.

Capital Planning Timeline

Capital Asset Study and Planning

In its first meeting, the Bond Planning Committee reviewed the committee process, discussed past bond projects, and received a presentation on school finance from Lovejoy ISD Chief Financial Officer, Thomas Willman. We are incredibly grateful to each Bond Planning Committee member for their dedicationandthetimetheyareinvestingtomakealastingimpactoncurrent andfutureLovejoyISDstudents.Onpage6ofthisnewsletter,wehaveincluded someschoolfinance"fastfacts"thatweresharedwiththecommittee.

Thursday morning, we started the day with our much-loved tradition of the Lovejoy Child Development Center students trick-or-treating throughout the administration building. The LCDC students were absolutely precious and so excitedtotellusabouttheircostumes.Ihopeyouenjoythephotosasmuchas weenjoyedthetimewithourLittlestLeopards.

Tomorrow morning, Lovejoy HS Girls and Boys Cross Country teams will be runningintheStateChampionshipMeetinRoundRock.Wecouldnotbeprouder oftheseelitestudentathletesandtheiramazingcoaches,CoachKellyandCoach Littlefield.RunFastLeopards!

Tonight,theLovejoyISDcommunitywillcometogetherinLeopardStadiumfor Friday Night Lights. It is Senior Recognition Night and we look forward to honoringourSeniorsandtheirparentspriortokick-off.

Wishingyouandyourfamilyawonderfulweekend.

ThereisonlyONELOVEJOY,andweareALLLEOPARDS!

LovejoyProud, KatieKordel Superintendent

School Finance 101

Meeting # 1 Fast Facts October 30, 2024

The last bond election was 10 years ago in 2014.

04 BOND ELECTION 10 YRS AGO

FUNDING BUCKETS

School budgets and tax rates are made up of two parts: Maintenance and Operation (M&O) and Interest and Sinking (I&S).

01 02 03

BONDS FUND THE I&S “BUCKET”

I&S funds can be used for District expenses including new construction, existing building renovations, program equipment, technology, safety, and school buses.

LOWEST TAX RATE IN 20 YRS

Lovejoy ISD’s tax rate is the lowest it has been in 20 years due to tax rate compression.

05 06

100% OF BOND FUNDS RETAINED

100% of bond funds stay in the district and are not subject to recapture by the state.

$37.9 MILLION SAVED IN INTEREST COSTS

Lovejoy ISD has saved $6.9 million in interest costs due to early repayment and $31 million due to refunding.

CANDY DAY WITH CABINET

CabinetmembersenjoyeddeliveringcandytoLISDstaffonallcampusesThursday. Portillo’s also generously donated certificates for a free piece of cake, so Cabinet cleverlyplannedtheircostumesasPortillo’sfooditems. Lotsoflaughsand“photo ops”weredeliveredwiththesweettreatsandcertificates!

LOVEJOY LETTER

CAMPAIGN

LovejoyFamiliesandCommunityMembers:

TheAnnualLovejoyLetterCampaignforteachersandstaffmembersisofficially underway!Manyofyouarefamiliarwiththisbelovedtradition,butforthoseof you who are not, it is the time of year when we write appreciation letters for eachofourteachersandstaffmembersacrosstheDistrict.

The letters do not have to be elaborate or lengthy. The goal is for people to writeanoteofthankstoshowappreciationtotheirteachers,thestaffandour administration. It is an opportunity for us to take the time to let each person whomakesadifferenceforusthroughouttheschoolyearknowhowmuchwe valuethem.

This year’s campaign started Monday, October 21st and runs through Friday, November15th.Pleaseplaceyourletterinaclearlylabeledenvelopeincluding thestaff/teacher’sname,thecampusandLLC(LovejoyLetterCampaign).There willbecollectionboxesavailableatallcampusesintheDistrict.Thelastdayfor dropoffisFridayNovember15th.

Let’sshowourLovejoyteachersandstaffjusthowmuchweappreciatethem!

ATTENDANCE UPDATE

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

NATIONAL SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY WEEK

Lovejoy ISD is proud to celebrate National SchoolPsychologyWeekandhonorthevital work of our School Psychologists Jennifer Stinson, Persephone McPeters, and Laura Allen.

School psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen strengthen connections between home, school, and the community. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and youth succeed socially, behaviorally, emotionally, and academically. Thank you,LovejoySchoolPsychologists!

DISTRICT CALENDAR

LOVEJOY CDC

TRICK-OR-TREAT

Each year, Lovejoy Child Development Center students trick-or-treat through the Red Building. This is a favorite event for our littlest leopards AND Administration staff. Our childcare and pre-k students were absolutely adorable and creative. Therewerelotsofsmilesandcandyallaround!

RED RIBBON WEEK:

RED CARPET DAY

HartElementarySchoolstartedRedRibbonWeekbyrollingouttheRedCarpet! Superintendent Kordel and Mr. Marvin Bobo, Board of Trustees, were guest judgesandawardedprizesforthebestdressedboyandgirlineachgradelevel.

Red Ribbon Week is an important week long celebration designed increase awarenessaboutdrugprevention.Duringtheweek,eventsemphasizemaking responsiblechoicesthatcanhelpstudentsbeanddotheirverybestinschool and in life. Dress up days, like this one, are a fun way to get students excited about the week and unite with their classmates to celebrate living a healthy, drug-freelife.

RED RIBBON WEEK:

ACO DONATIONS

AspartofourRedRibbonWeekactivities,Pusterstudentshadtheopportunity tofeelconnectedtotheCollinCountycommunitybycontributingtotheAllen Community Outreach Center. According to research, youth who feel they are contributing members of a caring community are less likely to be involved in illegaldruguse.

The ACO Cares Center is a store that allows clients to “shop” for household necessities and personal hygiene products while receiving personalized assistance.Theshopissupportedbydonationsitreceivesfromthecommunity, soPusterandHartpartneredtohelpstocktheirshelveswithsomeoftheirmost neededitems.TheirgenerouscontributionswillassistresidentsofAllen,Lucas, andFairviewwhoareinfinancialneed.

Thankyouforyourgenerosityandsupportofthiscommunityorganization!

PUNKIN’ CHUNKIN’

AT SLOAN CREEK

Sloan Creek 6th Grade Science did some punkin' chunkin' learning this week! Their science lesson explored how the amount of force exerted on an object will affect the distance it travels. This hands on activity definitely added FUN to measuring force and distance!

SCIS & WSMS

ALL REGION SUCCESS

On Saturday, October 26th, our region hosted the TMEA Region 25 Middle School All Region Orchestra Auditions at Allen HS. All Region is an individual competitionwherestudentslearnapacketofmusicthatincludesanetudeand excerpts.Thismusicisdifficultandstretchesthemasmusicians.Theycompete againstother6th-8thgrademusiciansinourregion(Lovejoy,Allen,Plano,Wylie and Sherman). We are in one of the most competitive regions in the state of Texasformusic.Therewereover475studentswhoauditionedtomakethiselite orchestra. Making All-Region Orchestra is a huge honor and something that showsdiligence,perseverance,andtalent!

Once again, our orchestra students set a new record with the number of students who auditioned and the number of students who earned a spot this year!

Please congratulate the following 26 WSMS and SCIS Orchestra students for earning a spot or alternate spot in the TMEA Region 25 All Region Orchestra! TheywillperformwiththeAllRegionOrchestraonDecember14thbeginningat 4pmintheAllenHSPerformingArtsCenter.

Violin

MiaZhang

SrinehaVarri

NaomiKameo

EllaHang

AudreyLe

EthanJia

LerinDavis

SharonYin

Viola

JacobZhu

AubreyWu

WillKing

MunaOsuagwu

EmmaSun

JadeRoberts

Cello XiLin(Nina)

AdrianNgai

SophiaWang

VictoriaWong

AdamXu

EmmaHang

EthanChen

Bass

JacobWang

CharliRohr

EmmaPierson

HughHawkins

SydneyMcCall

WSMS ORCHESTRA

FALL CONCERT

On Wednesday, October 9th, all four of the Willow Springs Middle School Orchestras performed a successful Fall Concert in the Lovejoy High School Auditorium! Music selections included standard repertoire as well as four fun Halloweentunes:Shiver,AliensintheAttic,ARockin'Halloween,andTheMagic ofHarryPotter.Eachgrouphadafantasticperformanceandwearesograteful toourLovejoycommunityforattending!Ournextconcertwillbetheeveningof December10thintheLovejoyHighSchoolAuditorium.

DUDE BE NICE WEEK AT LHS

This week was Lovejoy High School StuCo's anti-bullying campaign that's called, "Dude, Be Nice." A series of events encouraged LHS students to embrace and recognize the many ways in which they can be kind and supportivetoothers.

Dude be nice week at LHS has influenced the heart of many students. Weappreciateourfriendsandweknow theLeopardwayistobeKIND!

FOR THE LOVE

OF BOTS!

CongratulationstoourLovejoyHighSchool1082teamsfortheirwinsatForthe LoveofBots!

Excellence-1082M

TournamentChampions-1082Rand1082M

DesignAward-1082R

SkillsChampion-1082E

JudgesAward-1082E

BuildAward-1082S

In addition to earning all those awards, all 8 teams made it to the elimination rounds. Plus, 1082E, M, and R ranked top 3 in skills! Congratulations, Lovejoy Roboticsonaphenominalstarttotheseason!

VOLLEYBALL

UPDATE

Lovejoy Volleyball finished their district season Tuesday night against the ShermanBearcats,resultinginanotherprogramsweep!Thoughthesub-varsity team's season came to an end, there is still so much to celebrate! The junior varsityteamdefendedtheirdistrictchampiontitleandhadanoverallrecordof 28-2!Thefreshmanteamfinished2ndindistrictandhadanoverallrecordof245!Wearesoproudofthesegirlsfortheirhardworkanddedicationthisseason!

Varsityisgearinguptomakeanotherdeepplayoffrunandachievetheirgoalof bringing home another state championship! Their playoff run begins Tuesday night, November 5th! The Leopards will take on the Hallsville Bobcats at Wills Point High School, game time is set for 5:00 pm! We hope to see you there! #OnAMission

LHS BAND: AREA B

MARCHING CONTEST

Congratulations to our Lovejoy High School Band for finishing 14th in Area B MarchingContest!Ourstudentsgavetheirbestperformanceoftheseasonand wearesoproudoftheiraccomplishments.

BOYS & GIRLS GOLF

TOURNAMENTS

In October, several exciting golf tournaments showcased the talents of young athletes, particularly in Granbury, Texas, where the Boys and Girls two-day tournamenttookplaceatHarborLakesandDecordovagolfcourses.Thegirls' team finished in 2nd place with a two-day total of 663, while the boys' team finishedin10thplacewithatotalof665.

At the Anna Fall Shootout for boys, Freshman Red excelled, placing 1st with a totalscoreof358,followedbyFreshmanWhitein2ndwithascoreof400.The girls'divisionofthesametournamentsawaremarkableperformance,withthe team finishing 1st overall at 375. Individually, sophomore Kajsa Sikes took homethetopspot,shooting87,justaheadofCarolineEmerson,whofinishedin 2ndplacewithascoreof88.

Additionally,attheJoeMoungerMemorial,ReidYorkfinished5thoverallwitha scoreof75,andArmaanVermanfollowedcloselyin7thplacewithascoreof77. Thegirlsteamtook2ndplaceasateam.

These tournaments not only highlighted the competitive spirit of these young golfers but also provided a platform for them to showcase their skills and

BOARD MEETING

SUMMARY

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 viewedbyclickingtheimageontheleft.

BOARD MEETING RECOGNITIONS

PLEDGELEADERS,SLOANCREEK INTERMEDIATESCHOOL

The pledges were led by Sloan Creek Intermediate School 5th graders Charlie Rainey and Avery Lester.

PRINCIPALAPPRECIATIONMONTH

October is Principal Recognition Month. Our campus principals are impactful andvaluedleaderswhosupportLovejoyISD’slegacyofexcellenceandmake sureourstudentsreceiveanoutstandingeducationalexperience.

Lovejoy ISD principals were recognized for their leadership. Shannon Acosta, Hart Elementary School Principal, Holly Haynes, Puster Elementary School Principal,AmandaPuckett,SloanCreekIntermediateSchoolPrincipal,Caitlin Eldredge, Willow Springs Middle School Principal, and Justin Wieller, Lovejoy HighSchoolPrincipalwererecognized.

LEOPARD LIFE

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!

ExtendedDayLeopardAcademyisan opportunity for your child to participate in enrichment activities onhisorhercampusbeforeandafter school. Our goal is that these enrichment opportunities will allow our Lovejoy Leopards to develop creativity and critical thinking skills through activities related to their personalinterests.

Registrationisopenforthefollowing academies for students in 1st through 6th grade. Choose from one of the links below for more information.

Lovejoy SAT Prep classes are openforregistration.Clickhere tolearnmoreandregister!

BOARD ACADEMY

REGISTRATION

The Lovejoy ISD Board Academy is designed for anyone considering public service on the Board of Trustees as those that would like to learn more about local school district governance. School Board Members will explain the roles and responsibilities of serving on the Board, review the statestate-required training requirements, and discuss the difference between Boardoversightandday-to-dayoperationsofthedistrict.Informationwillalso be shared on the guidance, logistics, and timelines to run for a Board of Trustees seat. The Board Academy will be on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from1:00p.m.to3:00p.m.

This is 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.

September4,2024

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!