Connect with Katie.11.15.2024.Issue16 by Lovejoy ISD

Connect with Katie

NOVEMBER 15, 2024

Lovejoy Lovejoy Leopards Leopards

from the Superintendent MESSAGE

LovejoyCommunity,

IthasbeenanotherwonderfulweekinLovejoyISD. This week, the Lovejoy High School Student Council, in collaboration with the Orchestra and Choir,hostedourannualVeteransDayDinner.This patriotic tradition brought together students, faculty, and community members to honor those who have served our country. Sitting with our veterans over dinner was an unforgettable experience, filled with stories that spoke to their courage, dedication, and resilience. Many veterans shared that serving in the militarywasalife-changingopportunitythathelpedshapewhotheyaretoday. Itwasinspiringtoseehowthevaluesofserviceandselflessnesstheyembraced during their time in the military have continued to positively influence their lives.

AspecialthankyougoesouttotheLovejoyHighSchoolStudentCouncil,Choir, andOrchestrastudentsfortheirhardworkanddedicationinmakingthisevent truly meaningful. Your commitment to honoring our veterans was evident in every detail of the evening. To the teachers and directors who guided our students in creating such a memorable experience. Ms. Kelsey, Ms. Dollinger, Mr. Harris, and Ms. Vanhook, your leadership and support are deeply appreciated. This event was a powerful reminder of the importance of community, gratitude,andthestoriesthatconnectusall.

On Wednesday, Lovejoy High School held Fall Signing Day for students that havesignedtocontinuetheirathleticcareerincollege.Thereisnodoubtthat our student athletes' commitment to excellence in academics and athletics during their time in Lovejoy has opened some very impressive doors. We are remarkably proud of the hard work, dedication, and perseverance that their accomplishment represents. Our student athletes are students first and foremost. Their commitment to academics and pursuit of excellence in their respective sport has shaped them into exemplary representatives of the Lovejoy Graduate Profile. Congratulations to these 18 students, their families, andcoaches.

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending Lovejoy ISD’s first Special Olympics Bocce Ball Tournament hosted on the Willow Springs Middle School football field. Our athletes were eager to show me the ribbons they earned and to celebrate the joy of competition. We are deeply appreciative of our Special Education Team and their commitment to providing opportunities for our studentstolearnnewskillsanddevelopfriendships.Aspecialthankyoutoour Peer Assistance and Leadership (PALs) students whose friendship and support make such a positive impact on our athletes. Your commitment to fostering relationships that promote an inclusive environment is a cherished part of the SpecialOlympicsexperience.

I hope this evening finds you in the stands cheering on Lovejoy High School FootballatLeopardStadiumoratHebronHighSchoolcheeringonLovejoyHigh School Volleyball. Tonight, both teams have playoff games. Lovejoy Varsity Volleyball plays in the Regional Finals Playoff versus Wakeland High School at Hebron High School at 6:30 p.m. and Lovejoy Varsity Football faces Mansfield TimberviewintheBi-DistrictChampionshipat7:30p.m.atLeopardStadium.

Wishing you a weekend filled with loveandjoy.

There is only ONE LOVEJOY, and we areALLLEOPARDS!

LovejoyProud, KatieKordel

Superintendent

SIGNING DAY

Lovejoy High School hosted it’s fall Signing Day Celebration on Wednesday, November13th. 18LHSathletessignedtocompeteatthecollegiatelevel. way to go Class of 2025! Congratulations to our outstanding student athletes including:

EmersynRunions-FencingatCornellUniversity

McKenzieQuigley-LacrosseattheUnitedStatesNavalAcademy

AvaPalazzolo-LacrosseattheUniversityofConnecticut

KevinMagee-LacrosseatOhioStateUniversity

OwenMagee-LacrosseatOhioStateUniversity

EmmaTomlin-StuntatDallasBaptistUniversity

ChloeMurphy-TrackandFieldatSoutheasternOklahomaStateUniversity

MiaReaugh-TrackandFieldatBrownUniversity

AnnaBarr-VolleyballatWestVirginiaUniversity

MariaFaoro-DivingatAuburnUniversity

AvaEasley-SwimmingatTrinityUniversity

SeanEasley-SwimmingatTrinityUniversity

ReeseOgden-BaseballattheUniversityofArkansasatMonticello

GarrettHutchins-BaseballattheAirForceAcademy

ParkerMcGrael-BaseballatCiscoCollege

NathanKinser-SocceratSouthernMeth

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

BOCCE BALL EVENT

Lovejoy Special Education Department hosted its first Bocce Ball Tournament on November5th,2024.BocceasaSpecialOlympicssportprovidestheopportunityto have social contact, develop physically and to gain self-confidence. Next to soccer andgolf,bocceisthethirdmostparticipatedsportintheworld.Sixdistricts(Lovejoy ISD,PrincetonISD,FarmersvilleISD,MelissaISD,CaddoMillsISD,andShermanISD) brought in a little over 200 athletes to participate. Thank you to all the Special Education Staff, PALS, PAWS, WSMS Cheerleaders, Bus Drivers, Parent Volunteers andWSMSAssistantPrincipalShawnLewiswhohelpedmakethiseventsospecial.A special thanks to our sponsor Dr. Nathan Dirks with Paramount Eye Care for their donationtowardseventdaysnacks.

LOVEJOY LETTER

CAMPAIGN

Lovejoy Community: Thank you for taking the time to write our Lovejoy teachers and staff members notes of appreciation‼ Our wonderful PTO will ensure these thoughtful messages are delivered in time for Thanksgiving, showingjusthowmuchwevalueoureducatorsandstaff.

Thereisstilltimetosignuptobringpiestoyourcampusforteachersandstaff. Sign-uplinksarebelow.

�� LCDCPieSign-UpGenius

�� HartPieSign-UpGenius

�� PusterPieSign-UpGenius

�� SCISPieSign-UpGenius

�� WSMSPieSign-UpGenius

�� LHSPieSign-UpGenius

ThankyouformakingthisThanksgiving extraspecialforourOneHeart,One Lovejoyfamily.

G/T REFERRAL WINDOW

The Lovejoy ISD G/T referral window is opening soon! Forms will be available in PowerSchool.

Kindergartenreferrals:January1-31 Grades1-11referrals:February1-28

Aninformatonalzoommeetingwillbeheldon December16th. Thezoomlinkwillbeshared incampusnewsletters.

Please email any questions to crystal gaddie@lovejoyisd.net.

DISTRICT

RECOGNITIONS

Lovejoy ISD is proud to recognize Children’s Health as a 2024-2025 Anchor Sponsor. Anchor Sponsors represent Lovejoy’s highest level of advertising sponsor. WearedeeplyappreciativetoChildren’sHealthfortheirsupportand contributiontothecommunity!

Children’sHealthAnchorSponsor

As our official sports medicine and orthopedic provider, the Children’s Health AndrewsInstituteforOrthopaedics&SportsMedicine–thefirstcomprehensive orthopedic institute in North Texas for children and adults – provides a full continuumofworld-classcaretostudentsparticipatinginourathleticandfine artsprograms.

Services range from sideline coverage at games and convenient access to sports medicine to nutrition counseling, rehabilitation and performance training. Care is provided by a dedicated team, including Willow Springs MiddleSchoolathletictrainerSydneeClark

.

SydneeClarkisalicensedandboard-certified

Athletic Trainer who is in her second year at WillowSpringsMiddleSchoolinLovejoyISD.A native of New Orleans, she studied at Southeastern Louisiana University, where she obtained her bachelor's in athletic training. She continued her education at LeTourneau University, where she received her Master of Business Administration while working with Men’sSoccer,Men’sandWomen’sTennisand Men’s and Women’s XC/Track and Field programs. Today, she covers sporting events for athletes ranging from youth to collegiate alongside alongside the Outreach and PRN teams at the Children’s Health Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. It is vital to Sydnee to continue buildingrelationshipsandprovidingsupporttostudentathletesonandoffthe fieldorcourtforoptimalcare.

NO SCHOOL:

THANKSGIVING BREAK

ATTENDANCE

Leopard Reminder: No School Monday, November 25th - Friday, November 29th for a Student and Teacher Holiday. All campuses and districtofficeswillbeclosed.

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

DISTRICT CALENDAR

VOLLEYBALL

REGIONAL FINALISTS

Your Leopards defeated the Woodrow Wilson Wildcats in three sets Tuesday night!LovejoyVolleyballiscontinuingtheirplayoffruntonightwithabigmatch against the Wakeland Wolverines! They will play this Regional Final match at HebronHighSchool,gametimeis6:30pm!WehopetoseeyouthereinRED!We are#OnAMissiontobringLovejoyanotherstatechampionshipandyoursupport helpsusachievethosebiggoals!

PUSTER VETERANS

DAY EVENTS

VeteransDayatPusterElementary:AHeartfeltTribute

In honor of Veterans Day, students at Puster Elementary participated in a special read-aloud of America's White Table by Margot Raven. The story, paired with a thoughtfullyset-uptableinthefrontatrium,providedaspaceforstudentstoreflect onthesignificanceofthisimportantday.

Wecontinuedtocelebrateservice,sacrifice,andcommitmentwithappreciationby hosting our very own Veterans Day Luncheon for our heroes. The event was a heartwarming success, bringing together students, staff, and families to honor the bravemenandwomenwhohaveservedinourarmedforces.

AheartfeltthankyoutoArmorBrewingCo.,whogenerouslysponsoredandcatered the delicious meal for our Veterans. Your participation helped create an intimate experience for our families. What a memorable day filled with nothing but smiles andgratefulness.

Tuesdayevening,oursecond-gradersalsoheldaVeteransDayProgram. Theytook tothestage,fillingtheairwithbeautifulpatrioticsongsthattouchedtheheartsof everyone in attendance. The heartfelt tribute to our Veterans will remain in the mindsandheartsofallwhoattended.

HART VETERANS

DAY EVENTS

LOVEJOY HS VETERANS DINNER

This week, the Lovejoy High School Student Council, in collaboration with the OrchestraandChoir,hostedourannualVeteransDayDinner.Thispatriotictradition brought together students, faculty, and community members to honor those who have served our country. The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of community,gratitude,andthestoriesthatconnectusall.

LINCOLN LEWIS

1ST GRADE GOLFER

OnNovember8th,TheOfficeofCongressmanKeithSelfrecognizedtheremarkable accomplishments of Puster Elementary 1st Grader, Lincoln Lewis. Fairview Mayor LessnorandSuperintendentKordelalsoattendedtheceremony.

Lincoln started golfing at 20 months old when his grandma bought him little blue plasticclubs,andbeganplayinginPinseekerstournamentsat3yearsold. Heisnow 7yearsoldandisranked2ndintheworld(1stintheUS)forhisagegroup.Lincoln’s love for the game of golf continues to grow, as does is knowledge of the sport. He knowsjustabouteveryplayerontourbynameandisboundanddeterminedtoplay golfatUniversityofTexas(in2036!).

GolfAchievements:

2ndintheWorld(1stfortheUS)-Pinehurst,NCinAugust2024

TexasStateChampion-SanAntonio,TXinJune2024

4timeDallasLocalTourChampion-USKidsGolf

SeaviewOpenRegionalChampion-AtlanticCity,NJSeptember2024

PalmSpringsOpenChampion-PalmSpring,CAinSeptember2024

Lovejoy is remarkably proud of Lincoln’s accomplishments is eager to witness his continuedgrowthandsuccess.

CARLY LITTLEFIELD RECOGNITIONS

Congratulations to Lovejoy ISD’s Assistant Athletic Director and Head Girls CrossCountry and Track Coach, Carly LIttlefield on two recent recognitions. In October, Coach Littlefield has been honored with an induction into the Grove High School Athletic Hall of Fame! The class includes seven athletes ranging from the Class of 1960 to Class of 2009. Not only is this a remarkable achievement, this is also an honor to recognize Coach Littlefield and the phenomenal Cross-Country and Track programshehassignificantlymaximizedthatpoursintoourLegacyofExcellence.

“CarlyLittlefieldwasa1998graduatefromGroveHighSchoolanddominatedcrosscountryandtrackinOklahomaduringherhighschoolcareer.Shewoncombinedsix All-Statehonors-threeincross-country(‘94-96)andthreeintrack(‘95-97).Noone was more dominant in the long-distance during the late 90s than Carly as she wasa2-timestatechampion(1995and1997)inthe1600metersandamemberof the 1996 4X800 meter relay state championship team. Her efforts helped lead the Lady Ridgerunners (Grove High School in Grove, Oklahoma) to three consecutive state track championships from 1995-1997. Carly received a full cross-country and trackscholarshiptotheUniversityofLouisianaatMonroe.

Running remains in her blood as she is the Head Girls Cross-Country and Track CoachatLovejoyHighSchoolinLucas,Texas.Shehasexcelledasacoachjustasshe did as an athlete, winning three consecutive 5A State Championships in crosscountry (2021-2023) and earning three consecutive Texas State Coach of the Year honors for the same period. She has coached numerous state champions in crosscountryandtrackinhercoachingcareer.”- Grove Sun Newspaper

At the Cross Country State Championship in early November, Coach Littlefield was also named Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations(NFHS)!

This prominent award is well deservedafter22yearsofteaching and coaching numerous sports, such as volleyball, basketball, track and field and cross country. CoachLittlefieldhasbeenapartof 11 UIL podium finishes between girls and boys Cross Country and Track.

Additionally,shehascoached:

2StateRunner-UpTitlesinGirlsTrackandField-2023and2024

1StateRunner-UpTitleinGirlsCrossCountry-2024

3StateChampionshipsinGirlsCrossCountry-2021,2022,2023

Whenaskedabouthercoachingphilosophy,CoachLittlefieldshared,"Mygoalisto striveeverydaytohelpyoungpeoplesetrealisticgoals,developastrongworkethic to pursue those goals, and build the confidence to know they can and will achieve them. I always want to create an environment where every kid has the opportunitytobecomethebestversionofthemselvesinallaspectsoflife."

Herintentionalandcontinuousdedicationtothisgoalisreflectedinthemeaningful relationshipsshefosterswithherstudentsandintheirgrowth notonlyasathletes butaslearnersandyoungindividuals.

LovejoyISDisexceptionallygratefulfortheleadershipCoachLittlefieldbrings,both onthefieldandacrossourathleticprograms,wheresheservesasAssistantDirector of Athletics. Congratulations, Coach Littlefield, on these two well-deserved recognitions.Yourcommitmenttoexcellencecontinuestoinspireandelevatethose aroundyou.

OF TRUSTEES

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.

November18,2024PublicNoticeWebsite

(Public ntoice will be posted a minimum of 72 hours in advance)

You may find the full agenda with supporting documentation on our district's BoardBookPremierwebsiteHERE.

Sincerely,

Barrett Owens, President

Jeff Wood, Vice-President

Amy Smith, Secretary

Marvin Bobo, Trustee

Jason Jaynes, Trustee

Julie McLaughlin, Trustee

Mark Wheelis, Trustee

LEOPARD LIFE

TheLeopardLifewebsiteisanewadditiontoLovejoy’swaystostayengaged. SchoolrelatedflyersandcommunitynewswillbesharedontheLeopardLife.

Thisweek'sfeaturedflyersare:

LovejoyBandSpiritwearSale(OrderbyNov.15th)

LovejoySoccerUpper90BoosterClub(Nov.20th)

LovejoyBandHolidayRaffle(PurchasebyDec.12th)

ChoirCarol-O-GramFundraiser(StudentCarolersDec.12-13)

JuniorLeopardsMiniCheerCamp(RegisterbyDec.13th)

CommunityNews

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!

LOVEJOY ISD

Fine Arts Festival

December 3rd - 12th, 2024

Tuesday, Dec 3, - Dance & Color Guard Showcase

6:30 pm, Lovejoy High School Auditorium

Thursday, Dec 5th - Visual Arts K12 Evolution Gallery Opening

5:00 - 7:30 pm, Lovejoy High School Gallery

Dec 6th - 12th - Visual Art K12 Evolution Gallery Exhibition

5:00 - 7:30 pm, Lovejoy High School Gallery

Dec 5th, 6th, & 7th - LHS Theatre Charlotte’s Web

7:00 pm, Lovejoy High School Auditorium

Saturday, Dec 7th - LJVA K12 Holiday Art Fair

8:00 am - 2:00 pm, Lovejoy High School Courtyard

Monday, Dec. 9 - Lovejoy Choir Program Lovejoy High School Auditorium

5:30 pm Hart & Puster Elementary Combined Choirs

6:15 pm Sloan Creek Choir Concert

7:00 pm Willow Springs & Lovejoy HS Choir Concert

Tuesday, Dec. 10 - Lovejoy Orchestra Concert

Lovejoy High School Auditorium

5:30 pm Sloan Creek Orchestra

6:00 pm Willow Springs & LHS Orchestras

Thursday, Dec 12 - Lovejoy Band Concert

Lovejoy High School Auditorium

6:00 pm SCIS Band

6:30 pm WSMS

7:30 pm LHS Band

Join us for the 1st Annual K-12 LJVA Holiday Art Fair on December 7th from 8 AM - 2 PM, where the creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship of Lovejoyartistswillbeonfulldisplay!

Featuring artwork and bespoke goods from students across every campus, this exciting new tradition offers a unique opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind gifts for the holiday season. Enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, and light breakfast fare as you you explore an inspiring collection of art and handcrafted items, all while supportingtheincredibletalentwithinourLovejoycommunity.

Don’tmissthisfestivecelebrationofstudentartistry!Ifyouare a student artist interested in participating, use the QR code belowtoapplyforabooth!

Join district staff as we review the suicide prevention program utilized in the district with students at WSMS and LHS.

We will review general information on suicide prevention as well as specific information on the program so you knowhowtosupportyourstudent.

This is a Brown Bag session, so connect fromyourPCviathelinkbelow.

ThisNovemberandDecember,we invite all Lovejoy students and teachers to dive into the world of reading with our exciting Sora challenge!

The top 20 readers from each campus will earn exclusive keychain designs crafted by your Lovejoylibrarians!

But that’s not all! The campus with the highest total reading minutes minutes will be crowned the Top Winner! The standout readers from that campuswillreceiveaspecialprizedesignedbyourtalentedLovejoylibrarians. Learnmore--->t.ly/k6Gsc

Let’s soar through these pages together and make this a reading challenge to remember!Happyreading!

Lovejoy Theatre would like to invite you to an enchanting evening featuring a beautiful, knowing play about friendship, "Charlotte's Web."

Lovejoy Theatre will perform "Charlotte's Web" on Dec. 5th, 6th, and7that7:00pmintheLovejoyHigh School auditorium. Bring the whole family! Tickets are $5.00 for students, seniors,andstaffand$10.00foradults and will be available starting November13thhere.

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 kindergarten through 6th grade. Choose from one of the links below formoreinformation.

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!