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DECEMBER 18 2025 FEBRUARY 6, 2026

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DECEMBER 18 2025 FEBRUARY 6, 2026





LovejoyCommunity,
The sweet faces on the cover of this newsletter aretoomuch.Absolutelyprecious!Wecelebrated the 100th Day of School this week! Our kindergarten students were absolutely precious dressed as centenarians. The 100th Day Parade served as a joyful reminder of how much our students have grown since August. Here’s to many more days of learning, fun and excellence ahead.
Last night, Lovejoy High School hosted our annual

annualAdvancedAcademicsCeremonyandBanquet.Werecognized469students that have earned 537 Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams. These amazing students took over 1700exams.Thisrepresents30%ofourhighschoolstudents,asignificantincrease from16.7%in2022.Aftertheceremonystudents,APteachers,parents,andcampus staff enjoyed dinner together. A big Lovejoy congratulations to these amazing students,theirremarkableteachers,andLovejoyHighSchoolforcreatingaculture ofacademicexcellence.
Weloveourschoolcounselorsandproudlyrecognizedtheirimportantroleduring NationalSchoolCounselingWeek.Ourcounselorssupportstudentsacademically, socially,andemotionally.Theirdedicationandcarehelpcreateasafeenvironment where students can learn, grow, and thrive. We are grateful for the difference LovejoySchoolCounselorsmakeinthelivesofourLeopards.
Student voice and leadership are deeply valued in Lovejoy ISD. This week, Mrs. EldredgeandIhadthepleasureofmeetingwiththeWillowSpringsMiddleSchool Student–SuperintendentConnectionCouncil.Studentsthoughtfullysharedtheir
feedback and perspectives on the school year so far and, in honor of Bump Up Day, offered meaningful advice to students in the grade below. Much of their guidancecenteredonmakingpositivechoicesalignedwiththeirgoals,ratherthan making decisions based on what others are doing. We concluded our time together with a reflective question: “What does leadership mean to you?” Their collective response was powerful: “Leadership means being the example of integrity,truth,andresponsibility.”
IhadtheprivilegeofattendingSeniorSigningDay,aspecialoccasionrecognizing student-athletesastheyformallycommittocontinuetheiracademicandathletic careers at the collegiate level. These exceptional students will pursue their education and compete in their sports at outstanding colleges and universities acrossthecountry.PleasejoinmeincongratulatingtheseLeopardsastheytake theirnextstepstowardbrightfutures.
Anna Koenig, Executive Director of Human Resources and Communications, will retirethisJuneafter35yearsofdedicatedservicetopubliceducation.Throughout her distinguished career, Mrs. Koenig has worked tirelessly to provide students with the best possible educational experience, whether serving as a classroom teacherorincampusanddistrictleadershiproles.Sheiswidelyrespectedforher unwavering belief that students deserve our professional best every single day. Mrs. Koenig’s leadership has left a lasting impact on students, educators, and familiesacrossourdistrict(seethefullarticleonpage13)

Superintendent






As part of School Board Recognition Month each Trustee is invited to spend time on a Lovejoy campus where they are celebrated for their leadership and service to Lovejoy ISD. This is a particularly special day for our students who enjoy meeting their Guests of Honor!! Thank you, Trustees, for your unwaveringdedicationtoLovejoy’sstudents,teachers,andstaff!







Last night, Lovejoy High School hosted a memorable Advanced Academic AwardsCelebrationrecognizingtheachievementsof469outstandingstudents and the educators who support them. Collectively, these students earned 537 AP Scholar Awards, completed over 1,700 AP exams, and achieved an impressiveaverageAPexamscoreof3.79,atruetestamenttotheirhardwork, dedication,andacademicexcellence.
ThefollowingCollegeBoardawardswererecognized:
209 students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earninganaveragescoreofatleast3.5onallAPExamstaken,andscoresof 3orhigheronfiveormoreoftheseexams.
67studentsqualifiedfortheAPScholarwithHonorAwardbyearningan average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higheronfourormoreoftheseexams.
191studentsqualifiedfortheAPScholarAwardbycompletingthreeor moreAPExamswithscoresof3orhigher.
58 students qualified for the AP Capstone Diploma by completing both APSeminarandResearchandearninga3orhigher.Diplomastudentsalso earna3orhigheronfouradditionalAPcoursesoftheirchoosing.
12 students qualified for the AP Seminar and Research Certificate by earningascoreof3orhigherinbothcourses.
109 students were recognized with the School Recognition Award by the College Board for their academic achievements in school and outstandingperformanceonthePSAT/NMSQTand/orAPexams.
Academicsuccessatthislevelismadepossiblethroughthestrongpartnership between dedicated educators who challenge, support, and inspire students each day, and supportive families who encourage learning, celebrate growth, andreinforcehighexpectationsbeyondtheclassroom. Thispowerfulalliance ispartofwhatmakesLovejoyuniquelyspecial.
The District extends sincere appreciation to the Lovejoy High School administrativeandcounselingteamswhohelpedbringthiscelebrationtolife.












Lovejoy High School hosted Spring Signing Day this week, celebrating 10 LHS athleteswhohavesignedtocompeteatthecollegiatelevel!Congratulationsto ouroutstandingstudentathletesincluding:
CaileeHorinek-CrossCountryatPointLoma
NatalieBreaux-GolfatSoutheasternOklahomaStateUniversity
TatumNovicke-BasketballatAustinCollege
PeytonNovicke-BasketballatAustinCollege
ColeWoodward-LacrosseatSUNYCortland
TravisScegogg-FootballatWashburnUniversity
JackMiller-FootballatSouthwesternUniversity
TySmith-FootballatTexasWesleyanUniversity
ZachJones-FootballatTexasWesleyanUniversity
MajorSmith-FootballatWashingtonUniversityinSt.Louis















Join us in celebrating National School Counseling Week! Our Lovejoy counselors are instrumental in supporting our students' daily activities. Their compassion, empathy, guidance, and patience have a tremendous impact on studentsuccessandwellbeing.Thankyou,LISDcounselors!






We would like to share an important leadership update regarding the upcoming retirement of Anna Koenig, Executive Director of Human Resources and Communications. After 35 years of dedicated service in public education, Mrs. Koenig will be concluding a remarkablecareerthathaspositivelyinfluencedcountless students,educators,andfamilies.

Mrs.Koenig’sprofessionaljourneyhasspannedIrvingISD, FriscoISD,andLovejoyISD,wheresheservedasateacher, administrator, and district leader. Throughout her tenure in Lovejoy, she has been instrumental in strengthening organizational organizational culture, supporting staff, and enhancing communication across the District. Her leadership and unwavering commitment have helped foster the collaborativeandstudent-centeredenvironment.
Mrs.KoenigleavesbehindastrongfoundationthatwillcontinuetosupporttheDistrict foryearstocome.Whilewewillgreatlymissherleadershipandpresence,wecelebrate this well-earned milestone and the lasting impact she has made on our schools and community.
The District is developing a thoughtful transition plan to ensure continuity within the Human Resources and Communications Department, and our commitment to supporting employees and maintaining operational excellence remains steadfast. Mrs. Koenig plans to retire in June. Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Koenig on an extraordinarycareerandwishinghertheverybestinthisexcitingnextchapter.
In anticipation of Mrs. Koenig’s retirement and as part of an organizational alignment, thefollowingtitlesarebeingupdatedfromexecutivedirector:
Dr.TravisZambiasi,ChiefStudentServicesOfficer
AnnaKoenig,ChiefHumanResourcesandCommunicationsOfficer
KylePursifull,ChiefOperationsOfficer
Responsibilities, reporting structures, and daily operations remain unchanged at this time.






Thisweek,LovejoyISDwelcomedtheLeadershipLovejoyClassof2026fortheir February session, providing participants with a deeper look at teaching, learning,andleadershipacrossthedistrict.
The day began at Hart Elementary School, where campus leaders shared an overview of instruction and learning. Participants observed 1st grade structured literacy, 4th grade math problem-solving with MTSS supports, and the kindergarten reading block, highlighting how strong instructional foundationsarebuiltfromtheearliestgrades.Aspecialhighlightwaslearning about the Ambassador and Hart Buddy Leadership Program, where student leaders demonstrated how leadership and the Lovejoy Graduate Profile come tolifeattheelementarylevel.
Intheafternoon,theclasstraveledtoLovejoyHighSchooltotourtheRobotics program, Visual Arts Gallery, and Competition Gym. Participants also heard from student council members, Athletic Director and Head Football Coach ToddDodge,andK–12VisualArtsCoordinatorBriceMcCasland,gaininginsight into the opportunities, programs, and leadership that shape the secondary experienceinLovejoyISD.
Leadership Lovejoy continues to provide meaningful, firsthand learning experiences through our students and staff. The district looks forward to welcoming the Class of 2026 back for their final session in April before rec




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



PusterElementarycelebratedaspecialmilestonewithits100thDayofSchool Parades! Students marked the day by dressing as 100-year-olds or sporting festive 100th Day shirts, creating a joyful celebration filled with learning, laughter,andschoolspirit.













Sixth grade artists created Camouflaged Environment Dioramas, combining painting,texture,andsculpturetodesignimaginativehabitatswhereobjectsor creatures blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Students explored how artists use color, pattern, and contrast to make elements stand out or disappear, building small 3-D scenes paired with coordinated 2-D background paintingstocreatetheillusionofdepthandspace.
The unit fostered creativity, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of how art connects to nature and visual perception. To extend the learning, students participated in an after-school visit to Meow Wolf Grapevine, where they experienced large-scale immersive environments and connected classroomconceptstocontemporaryworkbylocalDFWartists.








The Sloan Creek Beginner Orchestra performed a wonderful concert on Monday,showcasingthehardwork,enthusiasm,anddedicationoftheseyoung musicians. Students confidently shared the music and skills they have been developingeachdayinclass,highlightingimpressivegrowthinashortamount oftime.Theirexcitementforlearningandperformingwasevidentthroughout the evening, making the concert a joyful celebration of their progress and a testamenttothestrongfoundationtheyarebuildingasmusicians.


On Saturday, January 31, Lovejoy High School competed at the Plano East Computer Science Competition,wheretheadvanced team earned an impressive 4thplace finish. Pictured from left to right are James Bognot, Carson Dykstra,andJustenMao.


Lovejoy High School’s Mock Trial team delivered an outstanding performance attheRegion10competitiononSaturday,January31st.
Competingagainst30teams,Lovejoyadvancedtothesemifinalsasoneofjust 16 teams to move forward. Notably, only two team members are returning veterans,whileeightstudentscompetedatthislevelforthefirsttime.
Congratulations to Arwyn Eairheart, Natasha Gittemeier, Katy Payne, Petra Pipinich,MakenaMount,CarolineHays,RutvikaRao,NatalieHsiao,andAbigail GeorgeforrepresentingLovejoywithexcellence.
The team will also learn next week whether courtroom artist Cora Craver advances to the State competition. A photo of her artwork from the event is included.
LovejoywillcompeteintheRegion10semifinalsonFebruary14attheGeorge Allen Courthouse. Special thanks to Jasen Eairheart, Christy Forte, and Dawn Gittemeierfortheirsupportanddedicationtotheprogram.








Lovejoy Wrestling delivered a strong performance at the UIL District 9-5A Championships, bringing home multiple podium finishes and showcasing the depthoftheprogram.
Congratulationstothefollowingstudent-athletesforplacingatdistricts:
1stPlace
AroOgle-Garza
2ndPlace
LandonDavis EthanBates NicholasRowe
3rdPlace CorinneTiemann AlexMuns
BostonGills PaxtonFriesland CharltonKim ThadenBone AlexReed
5thPlace
ShounakGuduguntla
LovejoyWrestlingnowadvancestotheUILRegionalTournament,takingplace February 5–6 in Bryan, Texas. Congratulations to all competitors on an outstandingshowingandbestofluckatregionals.


Lovejoy Swim & Dive delivered an impressive performance at the District Championships, showcasing the program’s depth, competitiveness, and postseasonfocus.
Boththeboys’andgirls’teamsfinishedsecondoverallbehindWalnutGrovein ahighlycompetitivemeet.
The girls’ 200 freestyle relay captured a district championship, earning first place with a standout performance by Sarah Gable, Cayna Craver, Abigail Mayces, and Grace Hu. Individually, Cayna Craver also claimed a district title withafirst-placefinishinthe100backstroke.
At the district level, the top six finishers in each event advance to regionals. Lovejoy qualified 32 events for the Regional Championships, with 19 studentathletesadvancingtocontinuepostseasoncompetition.
Lovejoy Swim & Dive now turns its attention to regionals, carrying strong momentumandacontinuedcommitmenttoexcellence.





Every year, our visual art students submit work to compete in Scholastic Art and Writing; one of the oldest and most highly regarded high school art competitionsinthecountry.Studentsfromaroundthecountrysubmitworkto have it adjudicated and honored regionally (we are part of the Southern Region),beforeselectedworksmoveontothenationallevel,wheretheycanbe awardedscholarship,exhibition,andpublication.
We are proud to announce that 14 students and 27 artworks from LJVA were awarded at this multi state regional level! Of the 27 award-winning works, 4 pieces/portfolios received Gold Keys and will compete for recognition, scholarship,andawardsatthenationallevel.LJVAisbeyondproudofallofour students and the planning, intention, and work that went into this esteemed honor! If you know any of these artists please congratulate them on this prestigious award and recognition! We are so proud of all of our artists and excitedforthe4selectedworkstorepresenttheircreatorsandLovejoyatthe nationallevel!








Students in Aerospace Design I recently reached an exciting hands-on milestoneastheyexploredhowairplanesareabletoliftofftheground.During Unit 4: Aerodynamics, students moved beyond textbooks and computer screenstodesign,build,andtesttheirownaircraftcomponents justlikereal aerospaceengineers.
Working in teams, students began by designing several types of airfoils the curved shapes of airplane wings using professional engineering software. Thesedigitaldesignsarebasedonmathematicalmodelsusedbyengineersin theaerospaceindustry.
Once their designs were complete, students prepared them for 3-D printing, learning how digital data is transformed into physical objects. This step challengedstudentstothinkaboutsize,strength,andstructuretoensuretheir designscouldwithstandtesting.


Through these lessons, students experienced the full engineering process design, simulation, manufacturing, testing, and evaluation gaining authentic knowledge of aerospace engineering and critical thinking in real-world applications.
Along the way, students strengthened critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while gaining an authentic understanding of aerospace engineering.



Lovejoy Football went to "The Jungle". Both players and coaches dressed in camouflagegearasasignofunityforthefinaldayofLeopardMakerBootCamp whichisknownthroughouttheprogramas,"TheJungle."TheJungleisaseries of drills (speed weights, the thunderdome, mat drills and agility stations) focused on one, doing it the right way. It is designed to test the mental and physicallimitsofathletes,butthemaingoalofbootcampisfortheteamtogrow togetherandultimatelycheckthefiveboxesofPlayerPlacement(1.Knowledge ofAssignment2.HustleandEffort3.PhysicalandMentalToughness4.Caringfor theteam5.Production).ThefivetraitsarethepillarsofLovejoyFootballandthe finaldayof"TheJungle"isarightofpassageforallLeopardFootballPlayers.






In late January, the Lovejoy High School’s VEX Robotics teams delivered an outstanding performance at the VEX Robot Rodeo DFW Signature Event, a national VEX robotics competition. The event welcomed 92 teams from 10 states across the United States, showcasing some of the best student engineeringtalentinthecountry.
Team 1082E, competing alongside their alliance partner, captured the Tournament Championship, demonstrating exceptional strategy, teamwork, and on-field execution. Team 1082M earned the prestigious Design Award, recognizingexcellenceinengineeringdesign,documentation,andoverallrobot development. Team 1082J received the Think Award for outstanding programming and documentation, while 1082N achieved season-high scores, improvingtheirglobalskillsranking.
As a result of their success, 1082E and 1082M have both qualified for the VEX RoboticsWorldChampionship,tobeheldthisspringinSt.Louis,Missouri.This achievement places Lovejoy Robotics among an elite group of teams worldwide.



Congratulations to all Lovejo k, innovation, and competitive spi he worldstage!


Last weekned, Lovejoy Robotics teams delivered an outstanding performance at the VEX CFBISD Winter Challenge, showcasing dedication, innovation, and teamworkthroughoutthecompetition.
Team1082WearnedtheDesignAward
Team1082VreceivedtheCreateAward Team1082NadvancedtotheFinals
Team1082TfinishedTop5inSkillsRankings
Team1082UplacedTop10inQualifyingMatchRankings
These achievements reflect countless hours of preparation, strong problemsolvingskills,andexceptionalcollaboration.Congratulationstoallstudentsfor representingLovejoywithexcellencebothonandoffthecompetitionfield.






The varsity girls soccer team is 14-0 to start the season! Recently, the team traveled to Georgetown to play in the Governor's Cup, going 3-0 with wins vs. LASA,TimberCreek,andWeiss.
Last Friday the girls beat McKinney North 3-0. Goals were scored by Ella York andKyleeDziubinski(2).AssistswerebyKyleeDziubinski,andJosselynSchuler.
On Monday night, the girls beat Walnut Grove 4-1. Goals were scored by Ella York(3)andKinleyShort.AssistswerebyKenzieLavenderandJosselynSchuler (2).
OnTuesdaynight,thegirlsbeatMelissa9-0.GoalswerescoredbyEllaYork(4), Kinley Short, Chloe Reyna, Kenzie Lavender, Claire Beveridge, and Emily Armstrong. Assists were by Chloe Reyna (3), Lainey Pierce, Cam Newhouse, KenzieLavender,KyleeDziubinski(2),andEmilyArmstrong.EmmaJarboeand MickeyWidemanwereingoalfortheteam's13thcleansheetoftheseasonwith help from defenders Josselyn Schuler, Morgan Suder, Cam Newhouse, Chloe Reyna, AJ Self, Riley Pulley, Bailee Neatherlin, Brenna Wallace, and Addy Perkins.
NexthomegamesforthevarsityteamareonFriday,2/6,at4:30vs.Greenville andTuesday,2/10,at7:15vs.Sherman.


TheJVgirlssoccerteamis9-1tostarttheseason!OnTuesdaynight,thegirls beat Melissa 2-0. Goals were scored by Lily De Luna and Emory Paul. Assists werebyDrewChevalierandLilyDeLuna.
LastFridaynight,thegirlsbeatMcKinneyNorth8-0.GoalswerescoredbyLily DeLuna(3),MeganKinser(2),andEmilyArmstrong(3).AssistswerebyLilyDe Luna (2), Megan Kinser, Emily Armstrong (2), Julia Brunson, McLean Simpson, andAvaLowe.RachelWalshwasingoalfortheteam's7thand8thcleansheets of the season with help from defenders Addy Perkins, Lexie Lavender, Allison Counts,DrewChevalier,KateHobbs,HaylenHeck,EmmaVesanto,AlexaDavis, andMadisonSimpson.
NexthomegamefortheJVteamisonTuesday,2/10,at5:30vs.Sherman.


ThefilingperiodfortheMay2,2026schoolboardelectionisJanuary14,2026February13,2026.
BoardofTrusteeApplicationPacketswillbeavailableforpick-upfromRodricka Taylor,CoordinatorfortheSuperintendentandBoardServices,attheLovejoy ISD Administration Building (259 Country Club Rd., Allen, TX 75002) beginning Monday,January12,2026at8:00AM.AnElectronicApplicationPacketcanbe downloadedHERE.
ThefollowingpositionswillbeontheMay2,2026ballot
Place4-MarkWheelis
Place5-MarvinBobo
First day to file for a place on the General Election Ballot - Wednesday, January14,2026
LastdaytofileforaPlaceontheGeneralElectionBallot-Friday,February 13,2026
LastDaytoRegistertoVote-Thursday,April2,2026
Earlyvoting-Monday,April20,2026-Tuesday,April28,2026
ElectionDay-Saturday,May2,2026

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.







As we gear up for the start of the regular season, the Leopards are taking the field for their final scrimmages next week. This is your last chance to see the teamsharpentheirskillsandfinalizetheirrotationsbeforethegamescountfor real.Thesefinaltune-upsaretheperfectopportunitytocomeoutandgetafirst lookatthetalentandgritofthisyear’ssquad.
Whetheryouarealongtimefanornewtotheballpark,weinviteyoutocome out,findaseatinthestands,andshowyourLeopardPride.Theseplayershave putintheworkalloff-season,andtheyarereadytoshowthecommunitywhat LovejoyBaseballisallabout.


LovejoyISDisauniquelyspecialdistrictinpartbecauseofour community partnerships. We want to take an opportunity to highlighttheimportanceoftheLovejoyPTOs,andtheircritical roleaswestriveforexcellenceineducation.
OurcampusParentTeacherOrganizationsarethecornerstone of our district, providing essential resources that support our students, teachers and staff. Through student and parent educational programs, family engagement activities and events,
providingteachersupportandappreciation,theirefforts directlyimpactourschoolsinsomanymeaningfulways.
AllofourLovejoyPTOsadheretothefollowingmissionandgoals:

Mission: The mission of this PTO is to encourage a thriving partnership between parents, teachers,andadministrationtoenhancetheeducationofeverystudent,whileaidingthemin achievingtheirhighestpotential.
Goals:ThespecificgoalsofthisPTOare:
To connect and promote collaboration among parents, students, educators, and the community
Toenrichallstudents’Lovejoyeducationalexperience
Toserveinvolunteerroleswhichbenefitstudents,teachers,staffandparents
The success of our PTO and, ultimately, the success of our students depends on the involvement and support of parents, guardians, and community members like you. When families and schools work together, we create a stronger, more connected learning environmentwherestudentscanthrive.
We encourage our community to consider joining one of our PTO’s in any way that fits your timeandinterests Whetheryoucangivealittleoralot,everycontributionhelpsbuildamore enriching and supportive educational experience for our children. If you’re interested in learningmoreabouthowtogetinvolved,pleasefeelfreetofilloutoneofourboardinterest formsandsomeoneinPTOleadershipwillreachouttoyou.Youcanalsoaccessthedistricts websitetoseeeachindividualPTOwebsiteformoreinformation.
FLA PTO Board Interest Form Hart PTO Board Interest Form
Board Interest Form
Sloan Creek PTO Board Interest Form
Willow Springs PTO Board Interest Form
Lovejoy High School Board Interest Form
Together, we can continue to make Lovejoy ISD a place where students feel supported, engaged, and empowered to achieve their best. Thank you for your partnership and commitmenttoourschools


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
Campus Newsletter
HART ELEMENTARY
Principal Newsletter
PUSTER ELEMENTARY
Principal Newsletter
SLOAN CREEK INTERMEDIATE
Principal Newsletter
Principal Newsletter
LOVEJOY HIGH SCHOOL
Principal Newsletter

Connect with Katie. February 06, 2026. Issue 24