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DECEMBER 18, 2025 MAY 1, 2026

Lovejoy Lovejoy Leopards Leopards

LovejoyCommunity,

Rainorshine,themomentumacrossLovejoynever slows, and this week is a perfect example of the energy, creativity, and excellence that define our Leopards.

From our youngest learners to our accomplished educators, there is so much to celebrate. The 5th Annual Puster Art Show transformed the Lovejoy High School gallery into a dynamic, interactive showcase of nearly 200 K-4 artists, beautifully capturingthecreativityandskilldevelopmentthat anchorourvisualartsprogram.Inaddition,forthe seventh consecutive year, Lovejoy ISD has been named a Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation which is a testament to the dedication of our studentsandthecommitmentofourmusiceducators.

We are proud to recognize Lovejoy High School teacher Nielson Morgan, named the 2026TeacheroftheYearbytheAir&SpaceForcesAssociation,SamJohnsonChapter–Dallas 232. Mr. Morgan’s passion for STEM education and commitment to students exemplifytheexcellencefoundinclassroomsacrossourdistrict.

Thisweekalsobroughtmeaningful,real-worldlearningtoourstudents.WillowSprings Middle School hosted the My Community Credit Union (MCCU) Reality Fair, giving students a hands-on glimpse into financial decision-making and life beyond the classroom, an experience made possible through our strong partnership with MCCU. Students navigated real-life budgeting scenarios, making choices across stations focused on housing, transportation, technology, childcare, food, and entertainment. Theexperienceclearlyresonated,severalstudentssaidtheyweregoinghometothank theirparents,whichmightbethemostunexpectedoutcomeofabudgetinglesson.One 8thgradersummeditupperfectly:“Adultingishard.”

Celebrating student achievement, we applaud Lovejoy High School’s Olivia Guarriello, whosecustompatchdesignwasselectedbytheCityofLucastorepresenttheirfuture policedepartment,anincrediblehonorandareflectionofLovejoyISDstudentsmaking animpactbeyondourschools.

Today,whileourstudentswereenjoyingadayofffromschool,wehostedourStudent Nutrition Luncheon to thank and celebrate our dedicated nutrition staff. We are gratefulforourschoollunchheroeswhoensureourstudentsarenourishedeachday.

As we look ahead to next week, we will celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. Our teachers are the heartbeat of Lovejoy, their care, expertise, and commitment shape notonlyacademicsuccessbutthefutureofeverystudenttheyserve.

ThereisonlyONELovejoy,andweareALLLeopards!

LovejoyProud,

KatieKordel

LovejoyRoboticsteams1082E,1082J,and1082McompetedattheVexRobotics WorldsChampionshipinSt.Louis,MissourifromApril21throughApril24.

Forthe2025-2026season,therewere9565highschoolteamscompetingfrom over 50 countries. Only 867 teams were invited and scheduled to compete at thisprestigioustournament.Lovejoyhadthreeteamsthatwereinvited.

AttheRoboticsWorldstournament,therewere10divisionswithapproximately 86teamseachrunningtheirownindividualcompetition.After12qualification matches,only32teamsfromeachdivisionmovedontotheeliminationrounds. The winners of each division qualified to compete in The Dome. Teams who makeitthisfarareconsideredthetopteamsintheentireworld.

ButRoboticsdidn'tstopthere.1082ECarbonatedPotato(53rdrank)wasable tojointhe7thseedalliancewith9181CC-ChannelfromDelta,BritishColumbia, Canada. Together they shocked the competition making it all the way to the MathDivisionFinals,butlosttoaverystronginternationalalliance.

Together,EandMmadeschoolhistory-thefirsttimeateamfromLovejoyhas made the Semi-Final match, and the first time two teams made the divisional finalsmatchinthesameWorldChampionship.

Team1082JJumboShrimpwasawardedtheInspireAwardfortheOpportunity Division. This is a significant accomplishment as only 12% of teams at Worlds will earn a judged award. The VEX Inspire Award recognizes teams with a unique, creative, or uncommon robot design element or strategy, requiring thoroughdocumentationintheirengineeringnotebookandaclearexplanation duringtheinterviewprocess.

LovejoyISDisproudofourRoboticsstudents,teams,andteachersandweare

GRANT PATROL DAY!

There’snothingquitelikeGrantPatrolDayinLovejoy!Adayfilledwithsurprise, celebration, and the unmistakable joy of giving back to Lovejoy’s incredible teachers.

Yesterday,theFoundationforLovejoySchoolsawardedmorethan$270,000in classroomandprogramenhancinggrantsacrosseverycampusinthedistrict.

Thesegrantsaremadepossiblethroughthegenerosityofourcommunity.They will directly impact students in meaningful ways. From innovative classroom tools and hands-on learning experiences to programs that expand opportunities beyond the traditional curriculum, each grant represents a teacher’svisionbroughttolife.

While Grant Patrol highlights classroom innovation, it is just one part of the Foundation’s broader impact this year. Thanks to continued community support,theFoundationhasalsoinvestedincampussafetyinitiatives,teacher bonuses, and new teacher support, while continuing to grow a long-term endowment designed to sustain excellence in Lovejoy ISD for generations to come.

Lovejoy ISD has once again been named a Best Community for Music Education by theNAMMFoundation,markingthedistrict’sseventhconsecutiveyearreceivingthis prestigiousdistinction.

This national recognition highlights the exceptional quality of Lovejoy’s music programs and reflects the dedication, passion, and expertise of our students, educators,Lovejoyfamilies,andadministration.Thiscollectivecommitmentensures that music education remains a valued and thriving part of the student experience acrossallcampuses.

The Best Communities for Music Education designation honors school districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing access to comprehensive music education. The rigorous application process evaluates multiple factors, including funding,graduationrequirements,studentparticipation,instructionaltime,facilities, andcommunitysupportformusic-makingprograms.

Lovejoy ISD extends special appreciation to Marty Ball, Fine Arts Specialist and DirectorofBands,forleadingthedistrict’sextensiveapplicationprocess.Lovejoyis exceptionallyproudtoreceivethishonorfortheseventhyearinarow,reinforcingits ongoingcommitmenttoexcellenceinfineartseducation.

Willow Springs Middle School students participated in a Financial Literacy Reality Fair on Thursday morning, hosted in partnership with My Community Credit Union. The interactive event provided students with a hands-on opportunitytoexplorereal-worldfinancialdecision-making.

Duringthefair,studentswereassignedcareerswithcorrespondinghousehold incomesandusedbudgetsheetstomanagemonthlyexpensessuchashousing, transportation, childcare, and other essentials. The experience challenged studentstomakethoughtfulchoiceswhilebalancingtheirbudgets.

LovejoyISDisgratefulforitspartnershipwithMyCommunityCreditUnion,who faciliatedthismeaningful,real-worldlearningexperiencesforstudents.

LovejoyISDisproudtocelebrateanoutstandingachievementbyLovejoyHigh SchoolteacherNielsonMorgan,whohasbeennamedthefirst-placewinnerof the 2026 Teacher of the Year by the Air & Space Forces Association, Sam JohnsonChapter–Dallas232.

Selected from a highly competitive pool of exceptional educators across the Dallas area, this honor recognizes Mr. Morgan’s excellence in teaching and his ability to inspire and engage students in STEM disciplines. His dedication to studentsuccessandpassionforlearningcontinuetomakeameaningfulimpact intheclassroomandbeyond.

As the chapter winner, Mr. Morgan will receive a $1,250 award and has been advanced to the state level for consideration in the AFA-Texas Teacher of the Year competition. State-level honors include a $1,500 award, a personalized jacket,andaCivilAirPatrolAerospaceEducationmembership.

The Sam Johnson Chapter plans to formally recognize Mr. Morgan with a presentation at Lovejoy High School once materials are received from the nationalorganization.

April 28th was National School Bus DriverAppreciationDay!

Please join us in celebrating our amazing Lovejoy Bus Drivers who are dedicated to making sure our Leopards are safely transported to and from school each day! We appreciate their patience, commitmenttosafety,andpridein thedistrict!

May 1st is School Lunch Hero Day! Lovejoy ISD is proud to recognize our student nutrition professionals today and the difference they make every day!

Each day they prepare healthy meals forstudents,adheretostrictnutrition standards, build relationships with students, and offer service with a smile! Real heroes wear aprons not capes!

The Lovejoy ISD Board of Trustees has opened the application process to fill the Position 3 vacancy by appointment, offering community members the opportunity to serve and support the district’s continued success. Applications are open now through May 2, 2026, and eligible residents who meet requirements under the Texas Election Code are encouraged to apply. The Board anticipates reviewing applications and conducting interviews in May, with the goal of completing the appointment process in June. The appointed trustee willservethroughthenextelectiononMay2,2027,asoutlinedbytheTexasSecretary ofStateElectionsDivision.

Lovejoy ISD is excited to introduce summercarethroughAlphaBest.Thisnew program is designed to provide an experience that blends structured enrichment with the joy and flexibility of summer. Each day will include hands-on activities, creative projects, outdoor play, and opportunities to build meaningful friendships.Whetheryourchildattendsfor afewdaysorthefullweek,they’llbepart of something special from the very beginning.

Beginning Wednesday, May 6th, students will no longer be able to "charge" meals if there is no money in their lunch account. Thiswillhelpminimizenegativebalancesat theendoftheschoolyear.Householdswith students who currently have negative balances will receive reminders by email & phone. Federal regulations do not allow us to roll over negative balances to the next schoolyear.Anypositivebalanceattheend oftheschoolyearwillrollovertonextschool year. To request a refund, please complete the Refund Form located on our Student Nutrition webpage. Student Nutrition thanks you for your understanding and allowing us the opportunity to serve your student(s).

ATTENDANCE UPDATE

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

DISTRICT CALENDAR

Lovejoy ISD hosted its final Reading with the Leopards event of the year last Friday at Puster Elementary School. Lovejoy High School students from swim and dive, varsity cheer, volleyball, girls soccer, and the Ready Set Teach programspenttimereadingwithandencouragingyounglearners.

Thank you to all the student and parent volunteers that made this year’s ReadingwiththeLeopardeventsmeaningfulandmemorableforall!

The 5th Annual Puster Art Show exhibition in the Lovejoy High School gallery showcased artwork from approximately 200 Puster artists from grades K - 4 representingthepractice,process,workethic,personalvoice,andcarethatlie atthecoreofourvisualartprogram.Thisexhibitionisawonderfulcollectionof workfromourstudents'firstyearatPustertotheirlast;providingawonderful picture of the experience and journey our artists take while in the Puster Art Studio. This show was an interactive experience for the community, from the kindergarten planets hanging from the ceiling to the foam mountain of sewn flags,andtheincredibledisplayofceramicsvesselsandmasksoneverywall;it wasanincomparablecelebrationforourartists,parents,andfriends.

OnWednesday,April29,studentmusiciansfromWillowSpringsMiddleSchool and Sloan Creek Intermediate School came together for a spring orchestra concert, showcasing the incredible work taking place across the Lovejoy Orchestraprogram.

The performance highlighted the growth and dedication of students at all levels. Willow Springs intermediate and advanced ensembles demonstrated strongmusicianship,technicalskill,andmaturity,whilebeginnerstudentsfrom SloanCreekimpressedtheaudiencewithwhattheyhaveaccomplishedinjust eightmonthsofinstruction.

Lovejoyisproudofthesestudentsandtheircommitmentthroughouttheyear. ThefutureofLovejoyOrchestracontinuestoshinebrightly,andthereisgreat excitementforwhatliesaheadforthesetalentedmusicians.

Lovejoy ISD is proud to recognize students who demonstrated exceptional performanceinthe2026FrenchNationalContest.

Eachyear,approximately50,000studentsacrossthecountryparticipateinthis rigorous assessment of French language proficiency, with only about 25% earning a medal. The accomplishments of these students reflect their dedication,perseverance,andcommitmenttoexcellenceinlanguagelearning.

Thedistrictcelebratestheirhardworkandisproudofthewaytheyrepresent Lovejoythroughtheiracademicachievement.

Congratulations to Harper Remington, Kinley Short, and Ella York on being namedTexasGirlsCoachesAssociation(TGCA)All-State!

Lovejoy Band students delivered an outstanding performance at the Solo & Ensemble Contest on Saturday, April 25, showcasing exceptional talent and dedicationacrosstheprogram.

Atotalof97studentsearned1stDivisionSuperiorratingsontheirsolos,while 20 ensembles also achieved 1st Division Superior ratings, an impressive reflectionofthestudents’hardworkandtheguidanceoftheirdirectors.

Special recognition goes to the following students who were named OutstandingSoloists:RachelAkinfolarin(Trombone),ShriBaidya(Flute),Cora Coughlin (Alto Sax), Luke David (Tenor Sax), Kermit Dominguez (Flute), Aristo Edwin (Flute), Seleme Ehicheoya (Flute), Devin Goins (Percussion), Adam Kent (Trumpet), Andrew Lamping (Trumpet), Emily Lopez (Flute), Megan Lyons (Horn),JoshMulatu(Clarinet),GeorgePaulraj(Flute),AudreyOesterling(Flute), Ian Marshall (Bass Clarinet), Landon Matacale (Euphonium), Anson Phan (Alto Sax), Max Rattleff (Percussion), Belinda Sloan (Flute & Piccolo), Neha Somagattu(Clarinet),andGavinWagner(BaritoneSax).

Each students’ commitment to excellence continues to elevate the Lovejoy Band program and reflect the high standard of musical achievement across LovejoyISD.

Lovejoy Baseball is in the midst of postseason play following a dominant regular season, earning the title of Undefeated District Champions after a perfectrunthroughdistrictplay.

The Leopards opened the 2026 UIL 5A Bi-District Playoffs against the Whitehouse Wildcats and now look to carry that momentum forward as the seriescontinues.

Game 2 will take place tonight, Friday, May 1 at Lovejoy High School at 7:00 p.m.AGame3,ifnecessary,isscheduledforSaturday,May2atNorthForney HighSchoolat1:00p.m.

Thecommunityisencouragedtocomeout,packthestands,andsupportthese student-athletesastheycontinuetheirroadtostate.

Lookingahead,LovejoyBaseballwillhostitssummercampsMay26–28.Camp sessionsareavailableforrisingkindergartenthrough6thgradefrom9:00–11:00 a.m.,andforrising7th–9thgradefrom12:30–2:30p.m.Registerhere.

The Lovejoy community is invited to cheer them on throughout their

LOVEJOYISD BOARDOFTRUSTEES

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 viewed by clickingtheimageontheleft.

Trustee

Barrett Owens

MarkWheelis Trustee

MarvinBobo Secretary

JasonJaynes Trustee

AubreyStock Trustee

JulieMcLaughlin

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.

May04,2026PublicNoticeWebsite

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

Sincerely,

Julie McLaughlin, President

Marvin Bobo, Secretary

Aubrey Stock, Trustee

TheLovejoyISDBoardofTrustees

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:

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.

TheLovejoyHighSchoolGolfteamwill be hosting tryouts for incoming 9th graders and new members. Tryouts will be held on May 11, 12, & 13th at Watters Creek Golf Course in Allen, from 5:00-7:00pm. Please use the followinglinktoregisteryourathlete: LHSGolfTryoutRegistration

Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early on the first day to get signed in and warmup.

Ifyouhaveanyquestionscontact BrentMoseley (brent moseley@lovejoyisd.net)or KendylFord (kendyl ford@lovejoyisd.net).

ROBOTICSWANTSYOU!

We’re looking for current 8th graders and high school students who want to design,build,program,andcompete,noRoboticsclassrequired.

RoboticsClubisopentoanyonewithinterestandcommitment.Whetheryou’re intocoding,building,strategy,orteamwork,there’saplaceforyouhere.

We meet before school, after school, andduringLeopardTimethroughout the week. Some students may be asked to complete a brief interview, and we’ll share those details directly withinterestedstudents.

Ifyou’recurious,competitive,orjust want to try something new, this is yourchancetogetinvolved.

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!