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NOVEMBER 14, 2025
Lovejoy Leopards Lovejoy Leopards
MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
LovejoyCommunity, Connection,community,andtraditionarestrong inLovejoyISD!Thankyoutoeveryonewhocame out to support Leopard Friday, Friday Night Lights, Senior Night, and our First Responder Recognition this past Friday. The Lovejoy High Schoolcourtyardwasalivewithsmiles,laughter, leopardspirit,andengagingactivities.Aheartfelt thankyoutoourFineArtsandAthleticDirectors, the Lovejoy High School Administration Team, ourSafetyandSecurityDepartment,ourparents, students, and everyone who made these special eventspossible.
HeartoftheTeacher&Support
This morning, we celebrated one of Lovejoy ISD’s most meaningful traditions, Heart of the Teacher and Heart of Support, recognizing teachers and staff who exemplify our five culture commitments: Relationships, Learning, Collaboration, Results,andFun.Takingtimetohonorourincredibleeducatorsandsupportstaff reminds us how essential their dedication is to the success and spirit of our district.Wearedeeplygratefulforthepassion,care,andcommitmenttheybring toLovejoyeachandeveryday.Eachhonoreereceivedacertificateandaspecial gift generously donated by Tonya Walker of The Walker Group, a valued communitymemberandChairoftheAllenChamber.Wearesincerelygratefulfor hercontinuedsupport.
FallSigningDay
This week, Lovejoy High School hosted Fall Signing Day, celebrating 17 studentathleteswhohavecommittedtocompeteatthecollegiatelevel.Weareincredibly proud of their achievements and excited for their next chapter. This accomplishment reflects not only the relentless dedication of our studentathletes,butalsothetirelesscommitmentofourcoaches,whoguide,train,and inspire them every step of the way. Their combined hard work continues to upholdLovejoyISD’sstronglegacyofexcellence.
LastCall:ListeningCircles
As Lovejoy ISD enters year four of our LOVEJOY 2030 Strategic Plan, we are continuingourcommitmenttolistening,learning,andgrowingtogether.Parents and community members are invited to join us for our Community Listening CirclesonTuesday,November18at5:30p.m.intheLovejoyChildDevelopment CenterLibrary.MoreinformationandtheRSVPlinkareavailableonpage21.
WishingyouaweekendfilledwithLoveandJoy.
ThereisonlyoneLovejoy,andweareallLeopards!
LovejoyProud,
KatieKordel Superintendent
LEOPARD FRIDAY A LOVEJOY TRADITION
Lovejoy hosted another incredible Leopard Friday event at Lovejoy High School, bringing together families, students, staff, and local businesses for an afternoon filled with spirit and community pride. The campus courtyard came alive with performances by the Lovejoy Band, Cheerleaders, and Majestics, along with interactiveboothsandactivitieshostedbystudentgroupsandorganizations.
Theeventhighlightedthestrongsenseofconnectionandtraditionthatdefinesthe Lovejoycommunity.ItwastrulyagreatdaytobeaLeopard! Aspecialthankyouto Heather Osborne, Administrative Assistant to Principal Wieller, for her leadership coordinatoringthiscommunityevent!
SENIOR NIGHT
At the football game on Friday, November 7, Lovejoy ISD proudly recognized seniorsfromFootball,Band,Majestics,ColorGuard,Cheer,CrossCountry,Fall Tennis,FallGolf,FallSwimandDiveandAthleticTraining.Thesestudentshave demonstrated outstanding commitment to their teams and training, and we are incredibly proud of their well-rounded talents, strong work ethic, and perseverance.Congratulations,LovejoyHighSchoolseniors,andthankyouto theparentswhohavesupportedthemeverystepoftheway! Hereareajusta fewphotosfromaverymemorableseni
GAME NIGHT FUN!
AP Scholars Lovejoy High School
Lovejoy ISD is proud to celebrate the four hundred sixty nine students at Lovejoy HighSchoolwhohaveearnedAPScholarAwardsandrecognitionsoftheirexceptional achievementsonAPExams.
TheCollegeBoard’sAdvancedPlacementProgram®(AP®)providesstudentswiththe opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earncollegecredit,advancedplacement,orbothfromsuccessfulperformanceonthe APExams.
In May 2025, 1004 Lovejoy ISD students completed AP exams. Collectively, students took 2,354 exams representing tests from the Arts, English, History and Social Sciences, Math and Computer Science, the Sciences, World Languages and Cultures, andAPCapstone.
The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performanceonAPExams.AtLovejoyHighSchool:
209studentsqualifiedfortheAPScholarwithDistinctionAwardbyearningan average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on fiveormoreoftheseexams.
66 students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an averagescoreofatleast3.25onallAPExamstaken,andscoresof3orhigheron fourormoreoftheseexams.
191studentsqualifiedfortheAPScholarAwardbycompletingthreeormoreAP Examswithscoresof3orhigher.
58 students qualified for the AP Capstone Diploma by completing both AP SeminarandResearchandearninga3orhigher.Diplomastudentsalsoearna3or higheronfouradditionalAPcoursesoftheirchoosing.
12studentsqualifiedfortheAPSeminarandResearchCertificatebyearninga scoreof3orhigherinbothcourses.
LovejoyHighSchoolstudentscontinuetodemonstrateexcellentachievement,bothin classroomperformanceandthroughtheCollegeBoard’sexternalvalidation.
ClickhereforthefulllistofLovejoyAPScholarAwardsandstudentachievements.
LovejoyISDisremarkablyproudofthe2025APScholarAwardwinnersandwillhonor theirachievementsatarecognitionceremonyinearly2026.
FALL 2025 SIGNING DAY
OnWednesdayLovejoyHighSchoolhostedFallSigningDay,celebrating17LHS athleteswhohavesignedtocompeteatthecollegiatelevel!Congratulationsto ouroutstandingstudentathletesincluding:
CamrynBenson-TexasStateUniversity
EmersonBoyd-BucknellUniversity
LoganCorley-TCU
HelayneDechant-Davis&ElkinsCollege
AveryGray-UniversityofTexasatDallas
IzzyGuarriello-CreightonUniversity
BrettHill-WestPoint
SkylarJackson-YaleUniversity
JacobJanecek-StephenF.AustinUniversity
JacksonKinzig-LoyolaUniversity
AddieLloyd-GeorgetownUniversity
BellaLopez-RiceUniversity
BerkeleyMosel-LynnUniversity
CocoNatarajan-UniversityofMississippi
BaileeNeatherlin-MidlandUniversity
KenleaSwadener-SMU
DISTRICT RECOGNITIONS
FoundationforLovejoySchools
The Foundation for Lovejoy school presented a ceremonial check to Lovejoy ISDatFridaynight’sgame.TheFoundationhascontributed$7.2milliontodate tohelpenhancetheeducationalexperienceofourstudents.Thereisstilltime todonatingtothisyear’sAnnualAppealCampaignandcontributetoLovejoy’s legacyofexcellence!
FirstRespondersNight
Lovejoy ISD was extremely honored to have hosted our 2nd Annual First Responder's Night last Friday at our football game. Attendees from multiple organizations were represented, to include: Lucas Fire Department, City of Lucas Texas Fusio Allen, Feder . Our comm
DISTRICT RECOGNITIONS
TeachersofTheGame
NicoleMills, 4 Grade Math & Science Teacher, Hart Elementary th
ErinGoff , 4 Grade Math & Science Teacher, Hart Elementary th
MelanyPorter, Pre-K 3, LCDC
ValorieMiller, Administrative Assistant, LCDC
DaveCampbell’sAward
Lovejoy Sports Medicine was honored toberecognizedasa2025nomineefor the Dave Campbell’s Team Behind the Team presented by Relief Award. This nominationrecognizesthe10ofthetop sports medicine programs in the DFW area for their service, impact, and support of athletic success. As part of the nomination, captains Scarlet Cole and Katie Ryan were each awarded a $250scholarshiptosupporttheirfuture education.
Leopard Sports Medicine is incredibly proudofitsstudentsandlooksforward to the upcoming community voting period to determine the 2025 overall winner.Detailswillbesharedassoonas they’reavailable.
Dave Campbell’s Team behind the Team Nominee
DISTRICT RECOGNITIONS
Children’sHealth,AnchorSponsor
Lovejoy ISD was proud to introduce our Game Night Sponsor, Children's Health Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, a world-class program where athletes are supported by experts in orthopedics,rehabilitation,andperformance training.
Children's Health has been a proud Lovejoy ISDAnchorSponsorsince2020,exemplifying Lovejoy’s highest level of sponsorship. With thegoaltobringcareclosertohome,they’re excitedthatanewChildren’sHealthAndrews Institute location is now open in Fairview. Led by Dr. Stanford, this location offers treatment for sports injuries and musculoskeletal concerns, sports rehabilitation,andafracturecareclinic.
STUDENT NUTRITION: NOURISHING FOR SUCCESS
As part of our continued effort to spotlight the amazing teams who support our students each day, we’re proud to highlight our Student Nutrition Services department. Student Nutrition Services includes a team of 31 professionals who prepareandservemorethan1,500luncheseachdayacrossfivecampuses,totaling nearly246,000mealseachyear.Theteamiscommittedtoprovidingmealsthatare safe,nutritious,andenjoyable,allinsupportofstudentlearningandwell-being.
At the elementary and intermediate campuses, menus follow the National School Lunch Program and meet federal nutrition standards. Middle school and high schoolstudentsenjoymoreflexiblemenusthatfeaturefavoritessuchasbuildyour own Asian bowls, pasta bowls, and burritos or nachos. The department has also addedpartnershipswithlocalrestaurantstobringevengreatervarietytothehigh schoolcafeteria.
Across every campus, the goal remains consistent: to offer fresh, balanced meals thathelpfuelstudentsforsuccess.
NewLocalFoodOptionsattheHighSchool
High school students now have access to an expanded selection of local food offerings. Student Nutrition and the Procurement Team have collaborated with several community restaurants to provide fresh, high-quality options, including Subway,WagyunoArgue,Palio’sPizza,andK-CupKitchen.
These partnerships give students more variety while also supporting local businesses, including some owned by Lovejoy ISD parents. The expanded menu enhances the dining experience and strengthens the ti b t th schoolandtheLovejoycomm
COMMUNITY LISTENING CIRCLE
LOVEJOY 2030
Join Superintendent Kordel for a Community Listening Circle: Shaping the FutureofLOVEJOY2030
AsLovejoyISDentersyearfourofour LOVEJOY
2030 Strategic Plan, we are continuing our commitment to listening, learning, and growing together. Superintendent Kordel invites families, students, and community members to join her for an upcoming Community Listening Circle, an opportunity to share your perspectives and help guide the futureofourdistrict.
Listening circles provide a welcoming space for open and respectful dialogue. Each session is designed so that every voice can be heard, helping district leadership better understand the experiences, hopes, and concerns of our community. Superintendent Kordel and participating Trustees will be there to listen deeply and reflect on what’s shared.
Participants will be seated in small circles of 8-12 people to encourage meaningful conversation.Eachpersonwillhaveachancetospeakfromtheirownexperiencewhile otherslistenandlearn.Together,wewillexplorequestionssuchas:
WhatdoyouvaluemostaboutLovejoyISD?
Whatconcernsorchallengesdoyouseeinourschools?
Whathopesdoyouhaveforthefutureofourdistrict?
Insights gathered from these conversations will directly inform the LOVEJOY 2030 Strategic Planning Committee. Whether you are a parent, student, educator, business leader, or community partner, your perspective matters. We hope you all join Superintendent Kordel and help shape the next chapter of Lovejoy ISD’s legacy of excellence.
PleaseRSVPsowecanplanforyourparticipationinthisimportantevent!
Date:November18th
Time:5:30-7:00PM
Location:LovejoyChildDevelopmentCenter
Gifted and Talented
2025-2026 REFERRALS & TESTING
ONLINE REFERRAL WINDOW
November 3-28
TESTING DATES
Kindergarten
January 7-30 (during school day)
Grades 1-4
February 21 and February 28 at 8:00am Sloan Creek Intermediate
Grades 5-11
February 2-27 (during school day)
ATTENDANCE UPDATE
Strong school attendance is correlated with higher academic performance. Additionally,averageDailyAttendance(ADA)isametricthattheStateofTexas usestodeterminefundingforpublicschools.Eachweek,thisattendancedata willbeupdatedsoourcommunityisawareofourmostrecentADA.
SOARING THROUGH THE PAGES
Lovejoy Libraries are excited to announce the 2nd Annual Sora Reading Challenge! ThisNovemberandDecember,allLovejoystudentsandstaffareinvitedtosoarinto readingusingthedistrict’sreadingapp,Sora.
Thisyear’stheme,“ReadlikeaDragon:FuelYourImagination!”,encouragesreaders todiveintomagicaladventuresandignitetheircreativity.Thetop20readersfrom eachcampuswillearndragon-inspiredkeychainscreatedbytheLovejoylibrarians.
Thisyear’stheme,“ReadlikeaDragon:FuelYourImagination!”,encouragesreaders todiveintomagicaladventuresandignitetheircreativity.Thetop20readersfrom each campus will earn dragon-inspired keychains created by the Lovejoy librarians.total reading minutes will be crowned the Top Winner! Standout readers fromthewinningcampuswillreceiveanexclusive3D-printeddragon!
Tolearnmoreandgetstarted,visitt.ly/2mXWS.LovejoyLibrariescan’twaittosee whichcampusbringsthefireandsoarsthroughthepagesthisholidayseason!
DISTRICT CALENDAR
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
CELEBRATE OUR VETERANS
HartElementary
Students and staff at Hart Elementary gathered for a heartfelt Veterans Day assembly to honor the men and women who have served our nation. The program reflected the district’s commitment to fostering gratitude, respect, andcivicunderstandingamongstudents.
The elementary choir opened the ceremony with a moving performance that set the tone for the morning. Their voices echoed through the auditorium, offeringamusicaltributetothecourageanddedicationofourveterans.
A highlight of the event included Major Michael Raths, a parent and veteran, whoaddressedtheschoolcommunityandsharedwhatVeteransDaymeansto him.Hiswordsofferedstudentsapersonalperspectiveonserviceandsacrifice, deepeningtheirunderstandingoftheday’ssignificance.
The assembly concluded with a meaningful collaboration between campuses as Ryan Lamping, a student from the Lovejoy High School High School Band, performed“Taps.”Hisperformanceprovidedapoignantandreflectiveclosing totheceremony.
TheVeteransDayassemblyservedasapowerfulreminderoftheimportanceof honoring those who have served, while also exemplifying the strength of communityandconnectionacrossourdistrict.
PusterElementary
On Tuesday, November 11, Puster Elementary proudly hosted the school’s annual Veterans Day Celebration, a heartfelt event honoring the courage, dedication,andserviceofournation’sveterans.
The program began with the playing of each military branch’s theme song as our honored guests were welcomed, setting a tone of pride and gratitude. DisplayssuchastheWallofFameandAmerica’sWhiteTablecreatedasolemn and moving atmosphere, while hallways were filled with artwork, personal photographs,andmilitarymemorabiliaofferinganinspiringtributecreatedby ourveryownstudentsandstaff.
GuestsenjoyedacateredlunchsponsoredbyArmorBrewery,aveteran-owned business, featuring their award winning Texas Red Chili and a variety of toppings. SpecialthanksgotoJenSternandourPusterPTOfortheirgenerous contributionsthatmadethecelebrationevenmoremeaningful.
The celebration concluded with a touching performance by Puster’s secondgrade students, directed by Lisa McKinley. Their songs filled the room with emotionandremindedeveryoneofthesignificanceofthisspecialday.
Puster Elementary would like to thank School Counselor, Susan Delarosa, for coordinatingthismeaningfuleventhonoringveteransandexpressingPuster’s deepestgratitudefortheirservice,sacrifice,andcommitmenttoourcountry.
EXPLORING EUROPE: A 6 GRADE SIMULATION
This week in 6th grade Social Studies, Mrs. Agee, Mrs. Grimes, and Ms. Habib craftedanimmersiveandcreativelearningexperiencecenteredaroundEurope andtheEuropeanUnion.Studentssteppedintotheshoesofworldleadersby designing their own fictional countries and preparing applications for EU membership.
Tobeconsideredforentry,eachcountryhadtomeettheofficialcriteriaofthe EuropeanUnion,including:
Ademocraticsystemofgovernment
Acommitmenttopeaceandprosperity
Astrongrecordofhumanrights
Aspartoftheproject,studentswroteaconstitution,designedanationalflag, andcomposedaformalentryletterrequestingadmittanceintotheEU.
Once applications were complete, students transformed into members of the EU Council. They reviewed each submission, debated its merits, and voted on whether the proposed country met the necessary standards. If a country was deniedentry,thecouncilprovidedconstructivefeedback,allowingstudentsto reviseandresubmittheirapplications.
This hands-on simulation not only deepened students’ understanding of European geography and politics, but also strengthened their skills in critical thinking,collaboration,andcivicengagement.Whatanincrediblewaytobring SocialStudiestolife!
READING WITH THE LEOPARDS
HartElementaryandLovejoyCDChadanexcitingmorningasMajestics, Cross Country, Football, and Fishing Club students stopped by for “Reading with the Leopards.” Our high school leaders visited classrooms,readstories,andencouragedyoungerstudentstodiscover thejoyofreading.Thankyoutotheseoutstandingprogramsformaking alastingimpactandspreadingLovejoyspiritacrosscampus!
READING MAGIC HAPPENING AT HART
Thisweekinreading,Mrs.Burkhart’sstudentsdeepenedtheircomprehension skillswithafocusonunderstandingplotelements.
Mrs. Burkhart’s classroom data identified that her students needed additional support in this area, and she addressed the gap by teaching a focused minilesson on plot mountain and the key elements of plot. After the lesson, students applied their learning by reading independently and jotting notes about the plot elements in their books. They used jotting paper to collect evidencethatwouldlatersupporttheirwrittenreaderresponses.
While students completed those activities, Mrs. Burkhart pulled small groups basedonstudents’needsandreadinglevelstoprovidetargetedinstructionon plot elements and how they are presented in assessments. Students were highly engaged in their reading and were able to successfully transfer their learningfromthelessonandsmall-groupinstructiontotheirindependenttexts ofchoice.
This is an excellent example of how Lovejoy teachers use data to adapt instructionbasedonstudentneed!
VOLLEYBALL FINISHES STRONG AS REGIONAL FINALISTS
Lovejoy Volleyball’s varsity season came to an end Monday night against a very talented Frisco Liberty program. The team fought incredibly hard throughout the season,givingtheirheartandsoultotheirteammatesandtheprogram.Whilethe finalresultwasnotwhattheyhadhopedfor,Lovejoycouldnotbemoreproudof theirefforts.TheLeopardsconcludedtheirseasonas5ADIIRegionFinalistswithan overallrecordof32–14andadistrictrecordof10–4,finishingthird.Congratulations go out to the nine outstanding seniors on their Lovejoy Volleyball careers, six of whomwillcontinueplayingatthenextlevel.
CelebratingOurSeniors
AddieLloyd GeorgetownUniversity
AveryGray UniversityofTexasatDallas
BellaLopez RiceUniversity
CocoNatarajan UniversityofMississippi
EmersonBoyd—BucknellUniversity
SkylarJackson YaleUniversity
DistrictAwardHonorees District9-5AAwards
SkylarJackson Co-DefensiveMVP
BellaLopez FirstTeam
AddieLloyd FirstTeam
CeciliaFuente—SecondTeam
EmersonBoyd SecondTeam
AveryGray HonorableMention
CocoNatarajan HonorableMention
EmoryHoover HonorableMention
AcademicAll-District
EmoryHoover,SiennaFranks,CamrynPenn, AddieLloyd,CocoNatarajan,SkylarJackson, EmersonBoyd,CeciliaFuente,NatalieO'Donnell, BellaLopez,AvaPerrin,AveryGray,Kenzie Rogers,MyraNatarajan,SashaLukas
LOVEJOY BAND CELEBRATES THE CLASS OF 2025
The Lovejoy Band had a wonderful evening celebrating its incredible seniors on Friday, November 7! These outstanding students have given countless hours of dedication,leadership,andpassiontotheprogram,leavingbehindalastinglegacy ofexcellencebothonandoffthefield.
FromtheirfirststepsonthemarchingfieldtotheirfinalSeniorNightperformance, these musicians and guard members have helped shape the spirit and success of the Lovejoy Band. The entire Lovejoy community came together to honor their achievementsandcheerthemonduringthisspecialnight.
Theirlegacywillcarryonlongafterthefinalnote,oneofexcellence,teamwork,and spirit. On behalf of the directors, staff, and band family, thank you for everything youhavegiventothisprogram.TheLovejoyBandisimmenselyproudandgrateful forthemarkyou’vemade.
HereareafewphotosfromthefinalperformanceofCreaturesoftheNight. Congratulations,Classof2025,you
NOW ON PBS: LOVEJOY ORCHESTRA
We are excited to share the official PBS video featuring Lovejoy Orchestra’s performance in Young Musicians of the World. To watch the Lovejoy Orchestra segment,scrolltominute17:04.
Thisperformancewasrecordedduringtheorchestra’sremarkableJanuarytripto London,highlightedbytheircombinedconcertatSt.John’s,SmithSquare.
LOVEJOY REPRESENTED AT COLLEGE BOARD TOWN HALL
OnOctober21,2025,seniorBenSussman and AP Seminar and AP Research teacher CherylAndersonrepresentedLovejoyHigh School as panelists at College Board’s Third Quarter Town Hall, attended by more than 5,000 employees. They shared their experiences and insights on navigating the evolving role of artificial intelligence in education. Also pictured are panel leader Sophia Romee and Florida AP Seminar teacher Gonzalo Laverde.
BOARD MEETING 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.
November17,2025PublicNoticeWebsite
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
TheLovejoyISDBoardofTrustees
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.
Thisweek'sfeaturedflyersare:
HomerunHeroes(RegisterbyNov.30th)
ChoirCarol-o-Grams(Dec.11-12)
JuniorLeopardMiniCheerCamp(RegisterbyDec.12th)
CommunityNews
Please note: the information featured in the "Community News" section is submitted by local community members. Lovejoy ISD is not affiliated with the organizationsanddoesnotclaimtoendorsethem.
Don’t miss your chance to grab your All SZNS gear before the holidays! Orders placed before 11/19 will be available for pick-up at the Administration Building beforeWinterBreak.ClickHeretoOrder
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
