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NOVEMBER 22, 2024

Lovejoy Lovejoy Leopards Leopards

from the Superintendent MESSAGE

LovejoyCommunity,

HappyThanksgivingLovejoy!Wehavemuchto be grateful for in Lovejoy ISD. Our students, who inspire us each day with their boundless potentialandremindusofoursharedpurpose. Our exceptional teachers and staff, who dedicate their lives to nurturing and positively impacting every student, and parents and communitymemberswhoprovidetremendous support. It’s a collective commitment our combined combined efforts, hearts, and dedication that creates a culture that thrives whenweallcometogetherasone.

Thank you to each of you that wrote letters and generously provided pies to Lovejoy staff as part of the Lovejoy Letter Campaign. Our PTO invests considerable time into facilitating the Lovejoy Letter Campaign and we are extremelygrateful.

Ourstudentsmaybegintheirholidaybreakthisevening,buttheLeopardsare definitelynotpoweringdown.TheLovejoyHighSchoolVarsityFootballTeam wontheir1stroundplayoffgameagainstMansfieldTimberviewandnowplays ElPasoDelValleinthe2ndroundoftheplayoffsat7:00P.M.todayinMidland, TX.GoLeopards!

This week, the Lovejoy High School Student-Superintendent Connection Council facilitated a panel discussion with our local Mayors. We are grateful that Mayor Kuykendall, Mayor Lessner, and Mayor Brooks so generously gave theirtimetoimpactourstudents.Theirfocuswasonleadershipandservice.All threespokeaboutservantleadership.TheCouncilstudentswereoutstanding representativesofLovejoyISDandaskedextremelyinsightfulquestions.

Additionally, congratulations to Lovejoy A Cappella for being selected to competeintheICHSAQuarterfinals!TheywillshowcasetheirtalentonFebruary 22nd,vyingforachancetoadvancetotheSemifinals.

A one page summary of the 2nd Bond Planning Committee Meeting that took placethisweekisfoundonpage6.

We wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving and hope that next week is filled with quality time spent with those you love. If you are traveling, be safe and enjoy your adventures. We look forward to seeing you on December 2nd and hearing aboutyourbreak.

ThereisonlyONELOVEJOY,andweareALLLEOPARDS!

LovejoyProud,

KatieKordel Superintendent

Facility Planning

01

Meeting # 2 Fast Facts November 19, 2024

02 LONG RANGE FACILITY PLANNING 925,000 SQFT IN CAPITAL ASSETS

Lovejoy ISD has six campuses that serve approximately 4,000 students from grades Kindergarten through 12th grade. Lovejoy’s capital assets include over 925,000 sqft in campuses and facilities to maintain.

The recent Long Range Facility Planning process revealed that numerous LISD facilities need maintenance and updates to systems that are approaching or have reached end of life.

03 CAMPUS EDUCATIONAL ADEQUACY ASSESSMENTS

Student Opportunities

Academic, fine art, athletic, and CTE learning environments, equipment, and practice and performance spaces.

Learning-Centered Environments

Collaboration spaces, functional learning spaces, technology, and media.

Basic Facility Conditions

General maintenance, lighting, MEP systems (HVAC, plumbing, septic), and safety.

Lovejoy

Demographics

Lovejoy ISD currently yields 1.09 students per house (overall) and 1 30 students per house (new construction), compared to our neighboring counterparts which yield 0.61 and 0.80 students per house.

The primary goals would be to: Continue providing our current students with the best programs and opportunities for their overall educational development. Ensure our current facilities and capital assets are maintained at high levels. Capitalize allowable expenditures to free up M&O funds

GIVING THANKS

IN LOVEJOY

Acrossthedistrict,students,staff,andparentsdemonstratedwhatitmeansto #LiveLovejoy with letters of appreciation, pies, performances and classroom celebrations!ThankyouLovejoyCommunityandPTO’syourheartfeltgratitude andappreciation.WishingourallourLovejoyLeopardsaHappyThanksgiving!

SUBSTITUTE EDUCATOR DAY

Today is National Substitute Educator Day and we are honored to celebrate the incredibleGuestEducatorswhostepinandmakeadifferenceeverydayinLovejoy ISD. Thank you for your flexibility, dedication and commitment to our students’ success Wearetrulygratefulforyou!#Team

COLLEGE ADMISSION

PARENT PROGRAM

Approximately35LovejoyparentsandstudentscametogetheronTuesdaynightfor PTO’s session, College Admissions Questions Answered, presented by Andrea Paz Frost.AndreaisacurrentLovejoyparentwhoprofessionallyservesasanAdmissions Officer. She spent close to two hours with our parents giving them valuable informationandansweringtheirquestionsaboutcollegeadmissions.

District staff and Lovejoy ISD PTO have collaborated on parent education opportunities to strengthen the school/parent/community partnership. Upcoming session topics include how to support your student with course selection in high school, keeping students safe in the digital world, addressing stress and anxiety, among others. Information for upcoming and past parent presentations can be foundhere.Welookforwardtohavingyoujoinusinthefuture.

K-12 ART EVOLUTION

OPENING DEC. 5TH

Lovejoy Visual Art would like to invite you to experience our students' journey throughartfromKindergartento12thgradeatthisyear'sK-12ArtEvolutionExhibit onDecember5thfrom5:00p.m.-7:30p.m.ThisannualexhibitintheLovejoyHigh SchoolgalleryisacollectionofworkfromgradesK-12thatrepresentsthepractice, process, work ethic, personal voice, and care that lies at the core of our visual art program. This beautifully-curated exhibition of selected student work showcases ourstudents'firstyearinthestudiototheirlast;providinganincrediblepictureof theintentionalexperienceourartiststakeonwhileinourLovejoystudios.Aspartof the celebration of the artistic journey through our K-12 studios, we will have live musicperformedbytheLovejoyOrchestraandahotchocolateandcookiebar.We hope that you can join us for this special exhibit of over 200 artists from all grade levels!

24-25K-12ArtEvolutionOpening

ShowcasingselectedartistsateachgradelevelK-12

LovejoyGalleryandCommons-LHS December5th,5-7:30p.m.

Please invite all of your family and friends to join us for the celebration! If you cannot attend the exhibit's official openingonthe5th,pleasefeel freetovisittheexhibitionfrom Dec.6-12thbetween5:00p.m.8:00 p.m. while you are at the LHS for all of the other wonderful Fine Arts Festival performances!

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.

NO SCHOOL:

ATTENDANCE

THANKSGIVING BREAK UPDATE

Leopard Reminder: No School Monday, November 25th - Friday, November 29th for a Student and Teacher Holiday. All campuses and district offices will be closed. We look forward to welcoming our studentsandstaffbackonMonday, December2nd!

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

DISTRICT CALENDAR

LOVEJOY CDC

THANKSGIVING FEAST

The Lovejoy Child Development Center hosted a Thanksgiving feast on Thursday.Guestswereinvitedtojoinchildrenintheclassroomsforavarietyof funactivitiesincludingcircletime,art,singing,andaThanksgivingplaybefore enjoying lunch. The Lovejoy CDC is so thankful for their wonderful families, children,andstaff!

LIBRARY EMPOWERS

FUTURE-READY SKILLS

EmpoweringFuture-ReadySkillsintheLibrarywith3rdGradeMath

InthePusterlibrary,theybelieveinmakinglearninginteractive,engaging,and relevant to the skills students need for the future. In Breakout: Operation Unlock the Oven 3rd graders dove into a digital activity that brought math, problem-solving,anddigitalliteracytolife!Designedspecificallyfortheirgrade level, this activity leveraged the library’s resources and technology to support criticalmathskills,STEMthinking,anddigitallearning allinanexcitingescape roomformat.

During the activity, students worked together to solve puzzles involving rounding,multiplication,anddatainterpretation.Notonlydoesthisstrengthen their math skills, but it also fosters teamwork, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving key components of the Texas Library Standards and TechnologyTEKS.ThePusterlibrarycontinuestoserveasahubforinquiryand collaboration, equipping students to grow into empowered, future-ready learners.

Highlightsinclude:

Math&STEMIntegration:Eachpuzzlereinforcesessentialmathconcepts, challengingstudentstoapplytheirknowledgeinnewandcreativeways.

Digital Literacy & Inquiry Skills: Students navigate clues using digital resources, enhancing their skills in digital navigation and inquiry-based problem-solving.

Future-ReadyFocus:Collaboration,communication,andperseveranceare encouraged throughout the activity, preparing students for real-world challenges.

Thelibrary’smissionistoinspirelifelonglearnerswhoarecurious,empowered, and ready to take on the future. By integrating fun, educational activities like this,wenotonlysupportacademicgrowthbutalsosparkaloveoflearningthat lastsalifetime.

3RD GRADE

PHILHARMONIC

Hart 3rd graders took learning outside the classroom this week during their annual field trip. Students experienced an amazing performance at the Allen Philharmonic and concluded their day building memories with friends at CelebrationPark!

WSMS ALL-REGION

BAND AUDITIONS

On Saturday, November 16th and Tuesday, November 19th our region hosted thefirstandsecondphaseoftheTMEARegion25MiddleSchoolAll-RegionBand Auditions at Willow Springs Middle School. All-Region is an individual competition where students learn three contrasting etudes and perform their scalesfrommemoryforapanelofjudgesinhopesofearningapositioninthe All-RegionBand.Thismusicistechnicallydemandingandchallengesthemtobe better musicians throughout the whole preparation process. These students competed against over 1300 other 7th and 8th grade band students from our region(Lovejoy,Plano,Wylie,Sherman,Melissa,Anna,Princeton)tobepartof theonly20%ofstudentstoearnaspotinthisprestigiousensemble.Makingthe All-Regionbandisahugehonorandanaccomplishmentwhichshowsstudents diligenceanddedicationtotheirmusicianship.

Congratulations to the 12 WSMS band students for earning a spot or alternate spotintheTMEARegion25All-RegionBand!!Theywillbeperformingwiththeir ensembleonDecember16thatthePlanoISDRobinsonPerformingArtsCenter.

Fromlefttoright:

ElizabethKim(clarinet)

AditiKilambi(oboe)

JerryYin(bassclarinet)

ColtenCox(altosaxophone)

LukeRuss(clarinet)

MaxGarroni(euphonium)

DavisMair(tuba)

SamuelSmith(tuba)

HeatonAllen(bassoon)

AnnelyseGriffith(bassoon)

ThomasWu(percussion)

WilliamMurphy(percussion)

VOLLEYBALL

REGION FINALISTS

The 2024 Varsity season came to an end Friday night against a very talented Wakelandteam.Thesegirlshaveputincountlesshoursofmaximumeffortthis season,andwearesoproudoftheiraccomplishments.Tobeoneof8teamsleft inTexasisanincredibleaccomplishment.It’snottheoutcomewewereworking for,butthereisalwaysalessontobelearnedinmomentslikethis.Thesegirls trulyhavesomuchtobeproudofthisseasonbetweenplacingintournaments, defendingthedistrictchampionshipandfinishingasRegionfinalist!Toourfive seniors, we love you dearly and are so thankful for everything you’ve poured into this program for four years. Thank you for the impact you’ve had on your teammates, your coaches and your school. We know you five will be very successfulinthefuture!#OnAMission

Lovejoy ISD would like to recognize the training and leadership our coaches have poured into our volleyballathletesandprogramsthis season. Thank you Natalie Bates, Lauren Hayes, Ashtyn Richey, and Brooke Puckett. Your talent, time, andpassionaredeeplyappreciated!

A CAPPELLA

ICHSA COMPETITOR

Please join us in congratulating Lovejoy A Cappella for being selected to competeintheTheVarsityVocalsInternationalChampionshipofHighSchoolA Capella (ICHSA) Quarterfinals this year! They will compete on Saturday, February22ndforachancetoadvancetotheSemifinals.Thesemusicianshave beenworkinghardandthisiswelldeserved!

VARSITY FOOTBALL

BI-DISTRICT CHAMPS!

TheLovejoyLeopardfootballteamareBi-Districtchampionswitha45-19win over last week's first round opponent Mansfield Timberview. During Pre-Game Announments,LovejoyChildDevelopmentCenterteachers,CourtneyReidand LizRodriguezwerehonoredasTeachersoftheWeek.

After overcoming some adversity during the first series of the game, the Leopards played great complimentary football in all phases offense, defense andspecialteams.Itwasawonderfultohostafirstroundplayoffgameinour houseforthelasttimethisyearatLeopardStadium.

TheLeopardsgoontheroadtoMidland,TXtotakeon10-0ElPasoDelVallein the second round for an Area Championship. We need the entire community, friends and family to take the trip and cheer on the boys to victory. See you tonight!

LJVA FIELD STUDY

LJVA'sAPStudioartistsandGalleryManagersspentlastFridayonafieldstudy exploringthreeamazingcollectionsofworktoinspiretheirpersonalbodiesof workandthepresentationofstudentworksintheLovejoyGallery.Theystarted the day with an incredible tour of the Rachofsky Warehouse to experience an incredible collection of contemporary works that stirred questions about connectingmateriality,process,andpersonalideas.Fromtheretheytraveledto the Fort Worth Modern where they explored an immersive installation and reflected on the ideas and approaches shared between Modern and contemporary works. Our students completed their tour of museums at the Kimbellwheretheyhadawonderfultouranddiscussionoftwostilllives,ledby Lovejoy Alumni ('17) Abby Bryant who works as a Museum Educator. This fantastic time together learning from works in these three fabulous locations serveasacatalystforourAPStudioArtiststopursuetheirpersonalinquiryand creationoftheirAPStudioArtportfolios.

HANNAH SCHNURR: EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT

Lovejoy High School Senior, Hannah Schnurr, recently completed her Eagle Scout project, through an act of service for our Lovejoy High School Robotics program. Hannah, identified a need for storage in the Robotics lab - she then designed and built2backpackcabinets.Thebottomofthecabinetholdstherollingtoolboxesthat theteamsuse,andthetoppartofthecabinetistoprovideaplaceforstudentsto storetheirbackpackswhileinthelab.

Hannah’s hard work and dedication have paid off; this week she earned her Eagle Scout rank! Thank you for helping improve the LHS Robotics lab, Hannah. Congratulations!

SWIM & DIVE

CELEBRATIONS

Overtheweekend,Swim&Divedemonstratedaseriousworkethicattheirfirst mid-season championship meet! Kennadie Hummel had an impressive performance,earning6thplaceinthe1-meterdive,thenadvancedtotake2nd inthe3-meterdive!

In the Finals on day two our swimmers truly shined. Swim recorded multiple personal bests, including Ava Easley, who set a new team record in the 100 butterfly with an incredible time of 57.97! The boys 400 Free relay also had a standoutperformancegoingaseasonbestbynearly6seconds!

Overall, Lovejoy finished 8th out of nearly 30 teams, with a small but mighty groupofathletes.Injustthreeweeks,SwimandDivewillcompeteattheDual MeetChampionships.Let’skeepthemomentumgoing!GoLeopards!

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

Pledges

The pledges were led by Willow Springs Middle School 7thgraderViolettaZhukoskiy.

Community Recognitions: The City of Lucas Mayor Dusty Kuykendall and FireChiefTedStephens

LovejoyISDwashonoredtorecognizeMayorDustyKuykendall,CityLucasand FireChiefTedStephensfortheiroutstandingcollaborationontheJointDrone Project.Throughthispartnership,wehaveestablishedasignificantconnection that enhances safety and security initiatives, supporting the well-being and safety of Lovejoy ISD students and staff. This cooperative effort has laid a strongfoundationforcontinuedprogressinmaintainingastrongandeffective safetyandsecurityprogramintheDistrictandourcommunity.

StaffRecognitions:HeadCoachesCarlyLittlefieldandLoganKelly

Head Coaches Carly Littlefield and Logan Kelly were recognized for their contributions to Lovejoy ISD Athletics. Coach Littlefield and Coach Kelly contributeheavilytotheLegacyofExcellencesetforthwithinLovejoyISDand theirnumerousaccomplishmentswerehighlighted.

StudentRecognitions:BoysandGirlsCrossCountryTeams

TheLovejoyHighSchoolBoysandGirlsCrossCountryTeamswererecognized fortheirrecentaccomplishmentsattheUILStateCrossCountryMeet.TheLHS Boys Cross Country Team won the UIL State Championship and the LHS Girls CrossCountryTeamfinishedastheStateRunner-Up.Congratulationstoboth BoysandGirlsCrossCountryTeams.

Presentation:CelebrationofLearning

ThisisanopportunityforLovejoyISDteachersandadministratorstoshareand celebrate learning that is occurring in LISD schools and classrooms each day. For the month of November, we spotlighted the Lovejoy ISD Transition Program. The LISD Transition Program is designed to assist students with disabilities prepare for adulthood. The classes are designed to help students become independent by providing training and support in the areas of education,employment,andindependentliving.

LEOPARD LIFE

TheLeopardLifewebsiteisanewadditiontoLovejoy’swaystostayengaged. SchoolrelatedflyersandcommunitynewswillbesharedontheLeopardLife. Thisweek'sfeaturedflyersare:

LeopardFishingPortillo'sSpiritNight(Dec.3rd)

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!

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!

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.

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 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.

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!