Connect with Katie.3.06.2026.Issue28 by Lovejoy ISD

Connect with Katie

DECEMBER 18, 2025 MARCH 6, 2026

Lovejoy Leopards Lovejoy Leopards

MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

LovejoyCommunity,

AtLovejoyISD,webelieveschoolsareattheirbest wheneverydecisionbeginswithasimplequestion: Whatisbestforkids?Thisbeliefshapeseverything wedo.

Ourworkisguidedbythreecorevaluesthatdefine whoweareandhowweserveourstudents:

KidsComeFirst. OneHeart.OneLovejoy. BestToday.BetterTomorrow.

These are more than words on a page. They are the commitments that guide our actions, shape our culture, and connect our community. Because when students are surrounded by people who care deeply, work together, and strive to improve every day,extraordinarythingshappen.

ThatiswhatmakesLovejoyunique.Wedon’tjusttalkaboutourvalues,welivethem. Andwhenwedo,ourstudentsaregiventheopportunitytolearn,grow,andachieveat thehighestlevels.

OurCoreValuesinAction

Both the Girls and Boys Soccer Teams recently took time to honor educators who supportstudentssucceedbothonandoffthefield.

This week we recognize the incredible maintenance team members who keep our campuses running smoothly every day. Their work often happens behind the scenes, butitplaysavitalroleinsupportingsafeandwelcominglearningenvironmentsforour students. A special thank you to Coach Gros and the Lovejoy Baseball program for showing their appreciation and living out One Heart. One Lovejoy by giving our maintenanceteamLovejoybaseballcaps.

At the elementary level, Puster and Hart Elementary celebrated Diversabilities Day. Students rotated through hands-on stations exploring physical disabilities, visual differences, communication needs, neurodiversity, and autism, helping build empathy and understanding of the diverse ways people learn and experience the world.

StudentandstaffsafetyisfundamentaltoeverythingwedoinLovejoyISD.Thisweek, theDistrictSafetyandSecurityCommitteemettoreviewcurrentsafetypracticesand identify opportunities to strengthen them further. This important work is supported by the collaboration of our Board of Trustees, parents, community members, staff, and local first responders who serve on the committee. Together, we remain committedtomaintainingthesafestpossibleenvironmentforourstudentsandstaff.

Eachweekinthisnewsletter,youwillseeexamplesofourstudentsandstaffbringing ourcorevaluestolifeandthisweekisnoexception.Ihopeyouenjoyreadingabout theaccomplishmentsofourstudentsandseeingourLegacyofExcellenceinaction.

Wishingyouaweekendfilledwithloveandjoy.

ThereisonlyONELovejoy,andweareALLLeopards!

LovejoyProud, KatieKord Superinte

THEATER TAKES 1 AT UIL ST ONE ACT ZONE COMPETITION

Lovejoy High School Theatre earned 1st place at the UIL One Act Play Zone Competition on March 2 with their performance of Jane Eyre by Polly Teale, advancingtothenextroundofcompetition.

Severalstudentswerealsorecognizedwithindividualhonors.

HonorableMentionAll-StarCast:LincolnMarsden(11),GabbyMauriello(9)

All-StarCast:JasmineGasser(12),DanielleCoad(10)

BestPerformer:ChayseHuhnke(11)

BestTechnicalCrew:LiamAllbritten(11),AmiliaCibroneKastner(10),Galilea CardenasRamirez(12),ElysePatterson(10)

BestTechnician:GalileaCardenasRamirez(12)

Congratulationstothecastandcrewonthisoutstandingachievement.

GIRLS SOCCER 3-PEAT DISTRICT CHAMPS

On Friday night, the varsity girls soccer team beat McKinney North 8-0. Goals werescoredbyKinleyShort,IzzyBrodelius,EllaYork(3),ChloeReyna,Harper Remington, and Julia Brunson. Assists were by Josselyn Schuler (2), Annsley Dercks (2), Harper Remington, Ella York, and Kinley Short. On Tuesday night, the girls beat Melissa 6-0. Goals were scored by Ella York (3), Annsley Dercks, Clair Beveridge, and Kenzie Lavender. Assists were by Kinley Short, Izzy Brodelius,AJSelf,andHarperRemington.MickeyWidemanandEmmaJarboe wereingoalfortheteam's19thand20thcleansheetsoftheseason.

Thewinssecureback-to-back-to-backdistrictchampionshipsfortheteamwith twogamesleftindistrict.

On Friday night, the junior varsity girls soccer team beat McKinney North 6-2. Goals were scored by Lily Stabile (2), Lily De Luna, Megan Kinser, Emory Paul, and Drew Chevalier. Assists were by Emory Paul, Reagan Streeter, Lily Stabile (2),andMeganKinser.OnTuesdaynight,thegirlsbeatMelissa5-1.Goalswere scoredbyLilyDeLuna(2),EmoryPaul(2),andAddyGreen.AssistswerebyLily Stabile,AddyGreen,McLeanSimpson,EmoryPaul,andLilyDeLuna.

LOVEJOY HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA PRESENTS:

The Lovejoy High School Symphony Orchestra will present a special showcaseonMonday,March9at6:30PM intheLHSAuditorium.

Featuring students from the LHS Chamber Orchestra and and LHS Band, performance will include masterworks byDmitriShostakovichandJeanSibelius andwilllastapproximately30minutes.

Join us in celebrating the incredible talentofourLovejoystudentmusicians!

MAINTENANCE & GROUNDS WORKER DAY

Friday, March 6th Lovejoy ISD celebrated Maintenance Worker AppreciationDay!

ThankyouJamesNix,JoseArce, Gary Hightower, Larry Ehart, Juan Gonzalez, Darcy Harris, Rigo Valdivia & Scott Fitzgerald formakingsureLISD’sbuildings andgroundsarefunctional,safe spacesforourstudentsandstaff tolearn,teachandthrive!

SOCIAL WORKER APPRECIATION WEEK!

Lovejoy ISD proudly recognized Ms. Anjie LindblomduringNationalSchoolSocialWorker Week. School social workers play an essential role in supporting students’ social, emotional, and academic success while helping connect families,schools,andcommunityresources.

Lovejoy is grateful for the care, expertise, and supportMs.Lindblomprovidestoourstudents, families, and staff each day. #TeamLovejoy

#OneHeartOneLovejoy

EDUCATIONAL DIAGNOSTICIAN

APPRECIATION WEEK!

LovejoyISDisfortunatetohaveoutstandingeducationaldiagnosticiansthatserve students across our district. Educational diagnosticians undergo specialized trainingtouseacademicandpsychologicalteststoassessstudentssuspectedof disabilities, isolate factors that could enhance students’ performance in the classroom, and prepare formal evaluation reports. Diagnosticians provide informationtoARDCommitteemeetingsandassistspecialandgeneraleducation teachersbydevelopingandrecommendingstrategiesandmaterials. Thankyou!

LOVEJOY BOOKMARK DESIGN CHALLENGE

Lovejoy ISD Libraries are excited to host the second annual Bookmark Design Challenge! Bookmarks should celebrate reading and center around the theme of "Wild About Reading"-think jungle, animal prints, nature, or other creative ways to express what Wild About Reading means to you. Use the theme to jumpstart your ideas; be creative!Twowinnersfromeachgrade level (PreK-12) will have their bookmark printed and available at every Lovejoy ISD school, admin building, and library. We can't wait to seeyourdesignsandsharetheloveofreadingonebookmarkatatime!Getstarted here--->t.ly/GR1Wo

SPRING BREAK REMINDER:

BLOOM & BELONG BREAKFAST

Lovejoy ISD invites our Silver Leopards and community membersage65andoldertojoin us for the Bloom & Belong Breakfast on April 1 from 9:00–10:00 AM at Sloan Creek Intermediate School. Enjoy breakfast, connect with friends, andcelebratethefriendshipsthat help our Lovejoy community flourish.

Please RSVP by March 24 using theQRcodeontheinvitation.

ATTENDANCE UPDATE

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

DISTRICT CALENDAR

READING WITH THE LEOPARDS AT HART

This morning, Lovejoy High School students visited Hart Elementary for a special Reading with the Leopards event. Members of the baseball team, golf team, cheer program, band, and the Ready-Set-Teach program spent time readingwithstudentsandsharingtheirloveoflearning.

It was a wonderful opportunity for our Leopards to connect with younger studentsandinspireapassionforreading.

DIVERSABILITIES DAY

PusterandHartElementarycelebratedthepowerofinclusionduringthisyear’s DiversabilitiesDay,aneventdesignedtohelpstudentsunderstand,appreciate, and celebrate the diverse ways people learn, communicate, and navigate the world. Students in grades 2–4 rotated through hands‑on stations highlighting physical disabilities, visual differences, communication needs, neurodiverse learners, and autism. Each station offered an age‑appropriate, empathy building experience that encouraged students to think about accessibility,problem‑solving,andtheimportanceofwelcomingeverylearner.

Younger students joined the celebration as well. Kindergarteners explored Friendship Superpowers,learninghowkindness,empathy,andteamworkmake classrooms stronger. First graders participated in lessons on inclusion, discoveringsimple,everydaywaystomakesureeveryonefeelstheybelong.

ThiseventwouldnothavebeenpossiblewithoutthegenerosityoftheSpecials teams at both campuses, who opened their spaces and helped facilitate stationsthroughouttheday.Parentvolunteers,PALS,andPAWSstudentsalso played a vital role, guiding groups, supporting activities, and ensuring every studentfeltencouragedandengaged.

Diversabilities Day continues to be a meaningful tradition one that helps students see the strengths in themselves and others, and reminds our school communitiesthatinclusionissomethingwepracticetogether.

WOMEN’S POWERLIFTER ADVANCES TO STATE

Lovejoy Women’s Powerlifter Harper Smith secured her bid for the THSWPA StateChampionshipbywinningherdivisionattheRegion6Unequippedmeet inSherman.

Harper lifted an impressive total of 715lbs highlighted by a 145lb bench press whichearnedherthetopbenchforthemeetacrossallweightclasses.

Additionally,Harperwasrecognizedasthe"BestOverallLifter"forherdivision.

She will compete for a State Championship in her weight class at the Bert OgdenArenainEdinburgh,TXonMarch19that6:00pm.

ADVANCED PHYSICS POWER MODEL HOMES

This week in Advanced Physics, students applied their knowledge of electric circuits to a real-world challenge. Using only a 9-volt battery as their power source, student teams were tasked with designing and wiring a model house capableofpoweringlightsthroughoutthehome.

Through testing, troubleshooting, and multiple rounds of iteration, students exploredhowtowirecircuitssothatalllightscouldturnonatoncewhilestill allowing each room’s lighting to function independently. As groups worked through the challenge, their creativity was on full display, from the layout of theirhomestothematerialstheyselectedforwiringandlighting.

Notwohomeslookedthesame,butthelearningforeachstudentwasevident. Students collaborated to solve problems, refined their designs, and practiced thekindofteamworkandcriticalthinkingthatareessentialfuture-readyskills.

This hands-on project served as a performance assessment for the unit on electricity. Students applied concepts such as Ohm’s Law, resistance, voltage, current,andseriesandparallelcircuitswhilebuildingtheirhomes,givingthem theopportunitytoseehowtheideasthey’vebeenstudyingconnectdirectlyto howelectricityworksinrealhouses.

LOVEJOY ROBOTICS TOURNAMENT CHAMPS

LovejoyRoboticshadanoutstandingshowingatthe2026VEXTexasRegion5 High School Championship, with multiple teams earning top honors and securingspotsattheVEXRoboticsWorldChampionship.

Team 1082E was crowned Tournament Champion and earned the Innovate Award, demonstrating exceptional performance, strategy, and teamwork throughouttheevent.

Team 1082M earned the prestigious Design Award, recognizing excellence in theengineeringdesignprocessandthestrengthoftheirengineeringnotebook androbotdesign.

Team 1082J had an impressive run as Tournament Finalist and also captured the Create Award, which recognizes innovative and creative engineering solutions. Their performance qualified them for the VEX Robotics World Championship.

Team 1082N also competed with determination going 4-4 in the qualification matches and represented Lovejoy well. They were able to make it to the eliminationroundscontributingtotheprogram’sstrongoverallperformanceat thechampionship.

Withtheseachievements,LovejoyRoboticsnowhasthreeteamsadvancingto theVEXRoboticsWorldChampionshipinSt.LouisthisApril.Weareincredibly proudofourstudents’hardwork,dedication,andcommitmenttoexcellencein STEM.

Congratulations to all of our competitors, coaches, and supporters on this remarkableaccomplishment!

Ifyouwouldliketobeapartoftheroboticsteamforthe26-27schoolyear,we willbestartingtheapplicationprocesssoon.Beonthelookoutforsomemore informationintheupcomingweeks.

LADY LEOPARDS SWEEP PLANO INVITATIONAL

TheLovejoyGirlsTrackandFieldTeamhadagreatperformancelastSaturday atthePlanoInvitational.TheLadyLeopardsdefeatedmanyteamstakingaway the1stplacetrophiesforbothVarsityandJV!ThegirlsrepresentLovejoywith strength and confidence when they compete. We are so proud of their efforts andcommitmenttoexcellence!

INDIVIDUALMEETCHAMPS!

VARSITY

EllaHang-400

CaileeHorinek-800

CamrynBenson-3200

4x4Relay-TaliaOrshalick,EllaHang,CaileeHorinek,CailynNewhouse

JV

AmelieCasier-200

MunaOsuagwu-400

HarperJaynes-800and1600

LeilaBailey-3200

4x400Relay-KateRoberts,KennedyJohns,CamrynBarney,ChloeLong

Photos by Layne Dechant

LOVEJOY COLOR GUARD SHINES AT NTCA

The Lovejoy Color Guard had a fantastic showing this weekend at the Wylie NTCAContest!

Our Willow Guard earned an outstanding 2nd place, continuing to show remarkable growth, confidence, and performance quality. We are so proud of theprogressandpoisetheybringtotheflooreachweek!

Our JV Guard captured 3rd place in their division, delivering a strong and expressive performance. Their consistency, teamwork, and attention to detail aretrulypayingoffastheseasonprogresses.

OurVarsityGuardfinished4thplaceinanextremelycompetitivedivision.The scoreswereincrediblyclose,justanarrowmarginseparatedthemfrom3rdand even 2nd place. Despite performing with two members out, which created some unavoidable challenges in spacing and drill clarity, they competed with resilience, focus, and professionalism. Their ability to push through adversity and still deliver an impactful performance speaks volumes about their characterandpreparation.

Wearesoproudofallthreegroupsfortheirhardwork,determination,andthe waytheyrepresentLovejoywithexcellence.Thegrowthfromweektoweekis evident,andthebestisstillahead!Thankyou,Ms.Garcia!

LOVEJOY PERCUSSION TAKES STAGE AT FORNEY

The Lovejoy Percussion Ensemble had a fantastic and growth-filled experience at the Forney Percussion EnsembleContestthisweekend!

One of the true highlights of the day was the opportunity to receive a clinic fromDr.Zatorandadditionalfeedback fromMichaelBurritt,twooftheleading percussion ensemble educators in the country. Learning directly from master teachers of this caliber is an incredible opportunity, and our students represented Lovejoy with professionalism, focus, and a genuine desiretoimprove.

This contest featured 27 ensembles, including many large and highly competitive schools. While ratings were not assigned, ensembles were scored,andourgroupearned320out

ofapossible400points.Thestudentsgavea

solidperformanceinacontestfilledwithexperiencedprograms.

Most importantly, the day was about growth. Our percussionists performed with intensity and commitment, embraced detailed feedback from world-class clinicians,andleftbettermusiciansthanwhentheyarrived.Weareproudoftheir preparation,theirresilience,andthewaytheycontinuestrivingforexcellence.

Congratulations to our Lovejoy percussion students on a meaningful and successfuldayofmusic-making!Thankyou,Mr.Joslin,foryourleadership!

LOVEJOY SOCCER HONORS TEACHERS!

Lovejoy Soccer took time last week to recognize the educators who make a difference far beyond the classroom. After school, both the boys and girls soccerprogramshonoredtheteacherswhosupporttheirstudent-athletesand contributetothesuccessoftheprogrambothonandoffthefield.

Those recognized included Deborah Adams, Parker Tuason, Elliot Parkman, Jason Eairheart, Jessica Markovich, Kelly English, Robert Burke, Cheryl Westgard,JakeMayfield,CynthiaAnderson,DavidMuller,AshleySmith,Nielson Mogan,ConradRodriguez,KellyYoung,DebbieDiMarco,MistyWright,Theresa Dollinger, Graciela Bolanos, Michelle McClelland, Kathryn Barnett, Amanda Beller, Traci Benson, Tommy Bowden, Drew Cunningham, Kendyl Ford, Jared Glaze, Nesrine Hajji, Ryan Gros, Brandon Jackson, Billiejean Kelsey, Brice McCasland, Santiago Noyola, Brooke Puckett, Lauren Rivera, Bryan Sparrow, ChristieWaldrip,andVinceWilliams.

LovejoySoccerisgratefulforthededicationtheseoutstandingeducatorsshow each day in supporting student-athletes and helping shape champions in the classroomandonthefield.

LADY LEOPARDS READY FOR DISTRICT PLAY

Lovejoy Softball has officially wrapped up a competitive tournament season andisreadytoopendistrictplaythisweek.

Throughout tournament play, the Leopards continued to show depth and growth on both sides of the ball. In the circle, Izzy Guarriello and Gisela Boitmann combined for 130 strikeouts, anchoring a strong defensive effort. Offensively, the squad was led by Izzy Guarriello with 8 home runs (setting a new LHS career home-run record with 40 home-runs and counting!), followed byToriiJohannes(3),AubreyStruthers(2),AddisonSeely(2),AveriBear(1),and TatumVitek(1).

The Leopards open district competition tonight on the road against the Anna CoyotesinAnna.

Softball’sHomeDistrictOpeneristhisFriday,March6that5:00PMasLovejoy hostsDenisonforMiddleSchoolNight. Theylookforwardtoastrongstartto district play and invite the Lovejoy community to come out and support your Leopards!

BASEBALL OPENS DISTRICT PLAY THIS WEEK

Afterastrongrunthroughtournamentplay,theLovejoyLeopardbaseballteam isreadytobegindistrictcompetitionwithmomentumontheirside.Theteam delivered impressive performances during tournament action, showcasing powerfuloffenseattheplateandstrongpitchingonthemoundastheyprepare forthegamesthatmattermostindistrictplay.

LovejoywillopenthedistrictscheduleontheroadonWednesday,March11at 7:30 p.m. against Anna High School. The Leopards will then return home for theirdistricthomeopeneronFriday,March13at7:30p.m.,alsoagainstAnna HighSchool.

Fridaynight’sgamewillfeatureTeacherAppreciationNight,whereeachplayer will recognize a teacher who has made a meaningful impact on their life. The evening will also include a Black Out theme, with fans encouraged to wear black and fill the stands with Leopard pride to help create an energetic atmosphereforthestartofdistrictplay.

With the regular season entering an important stretch, the Leopards look forward to the support of the Lovejoy community as they begin district competition

LOVEJOY FISHING EARNS TOP TEAM HONORS!

The Leopard Fishing Team made an impressive showing at Cedar Creek Lake this past weekend, bringing home top honors at the Texas High School Bass Association (THSBA) tournament. With 183 boats competing, Lovejoy had 15 teamsrepresentedonthewater.Elevenofthoseteamssuccessfullyweighedin fishatthetrailer,highlightingastrongdayforLeopardanglers.

UsingthethreeheaviestbagsfromLovejoyteams,theLeopardssecuredTeam oftheTournamentwithacombinedtotalof55.33pounds.Lovejoyanglersalso earneda1stplaceteamfinishandcapturedtheBigBassChallenge. Overall,Lovejoyteamsweighedin33fishtotaling94.68pounds.

Topfinishesincluded:

OwenQuinlanandNickRowe–26.23lbs(5fish),1stplace

AndyTurnbowandEvanWyatt–15.93lbs(5fish),9thplace

GusCurryandFinnMonda–13.17lbs(5fish),20thplace

MacCurryandCohenMonda–8.76lbs(4fish)

JoelKnightandEvanWheeler–6.55lbs(3fish)

SuttonGriffinandPriceRiggins–6.04lbs(2fish)

PatrickAhearn–5.44lbs(3fish)

AidanGoshert–4.29lbs(2fish)

LandonDavisandDiegoNguyen–3.94lbs(2fish)

CharlieDelaney–2.21lbs(1fish)

TeddyTaylorandTannerWammack–2.12lbs(1fish)

TheBigBassofthetournamentwascaughtbyNickRowe,whosesharelunker bassweighedanimpressive9.52pounds.

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:

Please note: the information featured in the "Community News" section is submitted by local community members. Lovejoy ISD is not affiliated with the organizationsanddoesnotclaimtoendorsethem.

HOME AWAY

LEOPARD FRIDAY

HOMECOMING

SENIOR NIGHT

2026 Football Schedule

LEARN MORE ABOUT LOVEJOY PTO

Want to get Connected, Enrich our District and Serve?

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

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!