Volume IV, Issue 9 (August 30, 2019)

V

“It is better to know how to learn than to know.” ― Dr. Seuss

ongview oice

THE Vol. IV August 30, 2019

Sharing the good news about Longview Independent School District

WELCOME BACK

Students, staff return ready for the best school year ever!

By Dr. James Wilcox, LISD Superintendent

B

y the time many of you read this newspaper the 2019-20 school year will already be well underway, and I would like to take this moment to welcome you all back.

First|Continued to page 18

THE

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ongview oice

Opinion Property Tax

2, 3 4

Coming Events Teacher Pay

5 6, 7

Sports LeTourneau

11—17 19

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 30, 2019

OPINION

Get ready for the best school year ever!

By Dr. James Wilcox

ith the start of a new W school year, and everything we hope to achieve and

accomplish for our students and staff, I cannot help but look back from where we’ve come.

There’s just so much to think of, I could fill up this entire newspaper. But I think I’ll just hit a few of the highlights...

PAY RAISES FOR TEACHERS

Our board of trustees approved an aggressive pay increase for teachers during their regular meeting Monday, August 12th. The measure includes sweeping revisions to the pay structure for district staff, totaling more than $8 million.

Once it receives final approval by the board, average teacher salary for Longview ISD will stand among the highest in the East Texas region.

You can get more into the details of this by reading the full story on Page 6.

SENATE BILL 1882 PARTNERSHIP

Back in May we were informed by the Texas Education Agency that Longview ISD has received Senate Bill 1882 certification to move forward with designating charter status for Forest Park Middle School, Bramlette, J.L. Everhart, Johnston-McQueen, and Ware elementary schools, as well as East Texas Montessori Prep Academy.

Why is this a big deal? It’s

a big question with an their next meal is comequally big answer, but ing from. to try to make it as simLISD = DISTRICT ple and straightforward OF DISTINCTIONS as possible, this program Longview ISD allows us to cut through schools earned 40 bureacracy and “red tape” total distinctions on in order to aggressively accountability ratings, and proactively improve according to the Texas schools, as well as create Education Agency. An new opportunities for increase from the 34 schools and communities WILCOX distinctions earned a across the state. year ago, and one of the Senate Bill 1882 alhighest number of distinctions lows districts like LISD to partfor any school in East Texas. ner with an open-enrollment Foster Middle School, Bramcharter school or other eligible lette Elementary, Hudson PEP entity to expand the diversity of Elementary, and Foster Midschool options, bring in targetdle all received perfect scores, ed expertise for innovation and which is excellent, but we also turnaround support, and emhad several campuses make power school leaders and partgreat strides! ners with greater autonomy.

Read more about this story FREE BREAKFAST, LUNCH on Page 5.

FOR ELEMENTARY

This school year all our elementary students will receive free breakfast and lunch from the cafeteria thanks to the federal Community Eligibility Provision [CEP] program.

Part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, the Community Eligibility Provision allows qualifying schools that serve populations with high poverty rates to provide free breakfast and lunch. The program is for an initial three years with a bonus fourth year if the board so chooses.

We can’t expect our students to focus on learning if they’re hungry and don’t know where

GOVERNOR PRAISES LISD INNOVATION

During his State of the State Address on Feb. 5th in Austin, Gov. Greg Abbott lauded Longview ISD for finding educational pathways for every student and multiple initiatives to reward educators.

Gov. Abbott mentioned Longview ISD among five school systems statewide in which “every student graduates with more than just a diploma.

They will graduate with the tools they need to excel in college or a career.”

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! There are still so many

things coming down the pike, things like districtwide charters and International Baccalaureate for every campus!

We’re waiting for word from the TEA about districtwide charters, but if everything goes through it could prove to be an amazing opportunity for all of our campuses to excel.

As for International Baccalaureate, the training of teachers has already begun and our administration staff is putting together the rest of the piece of the puzzle. Once we’ve got everything ready, we’ll put all that information out there. It’s going to be exciting!

Whew! That might seem like a lot, but it’s actually just a quick sampling of the many great things happening at Longview ISD. Most of which you might not hear about in our local media, but every single one of these stories have been promoted by our district Community Relations department.

Longview ISD continues to be the best school district east of Interstate 45, and it’s all because of our people: our students, our staff, our parents, and our many community partners.

Thank you all for letting me be just a small part of such an amazing district, and my prayers are with you all for another fantastic school year!

It’s a great time to be a Lobo!

— Dr. James Wilcox is Superintendent of Schools for Longview ISD.

Always try to make a difference, Lobos

By Mayor Andy Mack

Welcome back Lobos! Hope you had a great summer! I hope you did a lot of fun stuff: things that energized you and recharged your battery, so that you can be ready for the new school year ahead. Me: not so much. I pretty much worked every day of the summer, probably on a lot of y’all reading this article!!! But that’s what I signed up for 30 summers ago when I chose my profession. Enough about me, let’s get back to y’all.

What if I were to see you at the first football game, or walking around campus or hanging out at the mall, and I posed a question to you. I am curious as to what your response would be. I know you are dying to hear the question, so here it is: “What did you do this summer that made a difference?”

If you can’t immediately answer that question with “I did _____” then I would say you wasted an opportunity. How would you fill in your blank?

Back to me for a minute, here is how I filled in my blank: I hope I helped a lot of people who

needed my services, both making it easy for somethose that could afford it one to love you or hard? and those that couldn’t.

And are you looking for I hope I lent a helping people to be kind to that hand when I saw people are like you or are you in need. I hope I made looking for people who myself available when just plain need kindasked to do things. And I ness? Do you think you hope I did it with a cheergo wrong by extending ful heart. Because, here a kindness or a smile to is the way I try to look someone? Rarely have MACK at things: the homeless I known anyone to go person on the street has wrong by doing that. the same value as the ruler of But let’s take this beyond just a nation – at least they should. being kind or smiling. You guys And both of those people have are in a unique position to recogneeds. How are we meeting the nize other students who might needs of others? Or are we even have needs beyond your own. recognizing them? No matter Open your eyes and your heart how perfect someone’s life may and you will see needs all around seem, they still have needs. you. But just don’t look at them And if we are not treating peoand look away – do something. ple in such a way that says they Step up and be that Lobo Nation matter, then what does that say that I know you are. By doing so, about ourselves? you will not only help someone And let me go ahead and who needs it, but you will inspire address the elephant in the room your classmates to do the same. that I am sure all of you are alAnd not to totally rock your ready thinking. Yep, some people world, but some of the staff are easier to be kind to or love members at your school who are than others. That is just a fact. working to make you smarter, We are all a little rough around don’t have an ideal life either. the edges at times, but are you Some of them have illnesses

that make life harder than it should be. Be kind to your teachers and staff people. We all are fighting a battle many know nothing about.

You have a whole new school year ahead of you. One where you get a fresh start and a chance to make a difference in your world. Make it a good one.

Make it a lasting one. Make it one that you will look back and think, “Yeah, I did _______ and made a difference.”

Study hard, have some fun, and say your prayers, — Dr. Andy Mack is a 1978 graduate of Longview High School, he is owner-operator of East Texas Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Longview.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 30, 2019

OPINION

Johnston-McQueen: The rest of the story

By Dr. Jennifer Bailey EDITOR’S NOTE: This column was written Aug. 18th

by Johnston-McQueen Elementary Principal Dr. Jennifer Bailey, in response to negative coverage of Longview ISD published the day before the first day of school.

T

omorrow is the first day of school. A day of new beginnings. A day of excitement. A day that marks the first step of a journey the students, educators, and school community will embark upon together. The day that we should rally around our students and educators to lift them in encouragement. Celebrate new beginnings. Celebrate excitement. Celebrate the journey of preparing and shaping our future.

Tomorrow is the first day of school, and instead my heart is heavy. It is heavy for my educators. It is heavy for my students. It is heavy for my school community.

Celebration is difficult when a local media outlet seems to forget the role it plays in lifting its’ schools in encouragement. There is no celebration of new beginnings. There is no celebration of excitement. There is no celebration in the first step of a journey that our students will take tomorrow, paving the way for their future: the path that will lead them to serving our community.

The very community who inadvertently shuns them the day before their journey begins.

I read an article in our local paper today that highlighted a large staff turnover in my district. Those who walk the administrative journey understand this well, and it’s something that we answer to in why it is difficult to retain teachers for a variety of reasons. Entering my ninth year as an administrator, retention is a topic that is consistently on my mind in creating support systems for my educators that build their expertise and invest in them to stay. As a principal, I firmly believe that if my teachers are prepared and supported, then my students will directly receive the same. However, as I began reading, I quickly discovered that this particular article was not interested in the vision of what we can do to help as a community, but instead used it as a platform to take a stab directly at one campus. My campus.

As I read through the article, the overarching theme of the turnover question pointed

to a toxic environment.

Interestingly, the reporter stated that she

BAILEY

my head uncertain of how to do better because their teacher is absent all the time or they don’t know how to read or their fear of being yelled at constantly over every little thing. Teachers have sat in front of me crying because other

“When we cite toxicity and point singularly in one direction without asking these voices, how do we create support systems and invest in our educators to stay?” obtained resignation letters and sought out teachers who had left due to their cited woes. Woes of toxicity or pointing the finger at who was to blame for those who left. I say “interestingly” because as an English major, who took several journalism classes, I was taught to examine all sides of the story. Call it ethical reporting, but I wondered where the rest of the story was for the voices of the teachers who stayed and are ready for our doors to open tomorrow?

Where were the voices of the children and parents who met their teachers last week and are excited to fill their rooms and our hallways this week?

When we cite toxicity and point singularly in one direction without asking these voices, how do we create support systems and invest in our educators to stay?

How do we build better schools when we try to find blame in others instead of ourselves? As I finished reading this story, I thought of the voices who were not asked, who were not included.

As an educator entering my sixteenth year, voices of my students and who I serve are always at the forefront of what I do. However, if we intentionally silence voices to serve the agenda we want, we walk a dangerous path. Allow me to fill the void of voices.

Students have sat in front of me crying because their teacher talks down to them every day.

They have stated that they can’t learn because of poor classroom management.

Their voices echo together in

teachers talk about them in the hallway in front of students.

They have shared concerns because students are coming to them with gaps because the curriculum has not been taught.

Their voices echo together in my head uncertain how to combat the inconsistencies they watch their colleagues doing or the high student failure rate of their partner teacher or their fear of our school being on the academically unacceptable list because of adult behaviors.

Parents have sat in front of me crying because that same teacher their older child had is treating their younger child the same way. They have questioned why the teacher has allowed bullying to happen without bringing it to their attention.

Their voices echo together in my head uncertain how to help their child fill in gaps when they cannot afford a tutor or not know

if their child is held to the same expectation or their fear of their child not being prepared for their future.

I have sat across the desk from teachers over the past year who looked me in the eye and told me it was okay for only half of their students to be passing a practice STAAR test. Teachers who were then angry that I questioned them because I was the fifth principal and no one had ever questioned them.

Teachers who were then even more angry when I planted myself in the middle of review sessions to ensure what we planned together was delivered, including helping teach. Students who had tears in their eyes but were smiling in spite because they said, “Dr. Bailey, no one has ever taught me that.”

A faculty who breathed a sigh of relief that we were not academically unacceptable and pulled out a “C” despite the toxicity that walked amongst us.

Finally, the most important voice that was left out. Celebration of a united team that is eager for a new year. Celebration of new beginnings. Celebration of excitement.

Celebration of the journey that begins tomorrow of preparing and shaping our future.

Tomorrow is the first day of school. Tomorrow is the first day for a new JMQ. As principal, I invite our parents and community to join us in building a better school. My door is always open for questions, comments, or concerns.

By working together, we will prepare our children for a bright future.

— Dr. Jennifer Bailey is the John-

ston-McQueen Elementary principal.

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© 2019 Southside Bank.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 30, 2019

Board approves proposed property tax decrease Longview ISD Board of Trustees approved a proposed decrease on the property tax rate for homeowners during a regular meeting on Monday, July 15.

The proposal would see the price will decrease from $1.513 per $100 valuation for 2018-19 to $1.443 per $100 valuation for the 2019-20 school year.

“One of the good things that the legislature did through House Bill 3 is they were able to compress the tax rate for homeowners (in Texas) and that they were able to increase the basic allotment so that the school district is able to actually receive more state revenue,” said Chief Financial Officer Joey Jones. “The teachers, counselors and librarians will also receive a higher wage.”

“Lower taxes for the LISD community and higher pay for LISD staff, that’s what you call a win-win,” said Superintendent

Dr. James Wilcox. “Jay Dean, our state rep, was extremely helpful and worked on getting [House Bill 3] passed. We’re extremely pleased that the state has seen fit to invest more in education, while providing relief to property owners.”

A special meeting is set for 12 p.m. Aug. 28, during which the public will get to voice their thoughts. The meeting will see the administration recommend that the board formally adopt the proposed 2019-20 budget as well as approve the budget. At that time, the board will make their final decision.

House Bill 3, which was passed by the 8th Texas Legislature this year, is a school finance bill which helped with the decrease in property tax rate. More money is intended to provide money for state classrooms, cut local property taxes and increase teacher compensation.

Bramlette hosts fine arts recital Bramlette STEAM Academy hosted the Summer Enrichment Fine Arts recital on Thursday, July 25.

Students and teachers played on pianos and string instruments that they practiced over the summer.

Family Owned for 104 Years We are proud to support the Longview Independent School District and their continued growth in the community!

GO LOBOS! Sales • Parts • Service | pegueshurstford.com 200 Spur 63, Longview, TX • (903) 758-6211

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 30, 2019

LISD wins big with distinctions Longview ISD schools earned 40 total distinctions on accountability ratings, according to the Texas Education Agency. An increase from the 34 distinctions earned a year ago, and one of the highest number of distinctions for any school in East Texas.

Board members were given a presentation on the preliminary TEA report from Latitia Wilson, LISD Director of Research, Planning, and Accountability during the Aug. 12 regular meeting. Longview ISD received the final numbers Aug. 15th.

Foster Middle School earned a perfect 7-out-of-7 possible distinctions, with Bramlette Elementary and Hudson PEP Elementary both earning a perfect 6-out-of-6 elementary distinctions. While going 6-for-6 is an annual feat for Hudson PEP, this is a marked increase for Bramlette, who was just 1 of 6 two years ago.

Bramlette principal Nikita Mumphrey was thrilled with the results, but not surprised, praising her students and staff “for making such great strides in such a short time.”

“I’m just so proud of our children, their families, and our wonderful teachers and staff,” she said. “I’m grateful and humbled to be a part of their continued achievement.”

While not every campus managed a perfect score, Wilson highlighted a number of campuses that showed exponential growth and improvement across various measures.

“Several years ago Forest Park was struggling with an IR (Improvement Required) designation from the state,” she said. “Over the last three years they’ve gone from one distinction (in 2017), to four distinctions (in 2018), and five distinctions this past year. So it’s exciting to see that campus continue to close the gap.”

Another campus that has shown improvement is South Ward Elementary. After going 0-for-6 the previous two years, South Ward immediately improved to 2-for-6 in Joaquin Guerrero’s first full year as campus principal.

Guerrero expressed appreciation to his campus parents and various local community organizations “for their faith and support of our common vision of student excellence.”

“I am proud of all of our staff for the discipline and extra work that went in to helping our students to be successful,” he said. “I also want to thank all of the district support in leadership, information sharing, and curriculum support as well as all of the elementary principals in their sharing to help each other learn. We are Eagles - we rise and soar!”

Wilson praised Mumphrey and Guerrero for the work they’ve done to improve their respective campuses, as well as Hudson PEP principal Sue Wilson and Foster Middle principal Ryan Carroll for continued and consistent success.

Coming Events August 30 7:30 p.m. Lobo Football against Lufkin (Abe Martin Stadium) August 31 8 a.m. Cross Country (Kaufman) September 3 4 p.m. Green Out Night at Chick-fil-A September 6 7:30 p.m. Green Out Football Game vs Marshall

“Overall, our district is trending upward, we’re seeing measurable growth,” Wilson told trustees. “We are glad to see the gains we’ve made this past year, but we are not where we want to be. There is still a long way to go, and we believe we can get there.”

None of LISD’s campuses scored

lower than a C on their overall rating, Wilson said, adding that “we know that we still have work to do.”

“We had two campuses that received an overall rating of A and one that just missed an A rating by .1 of a point,” she said. “Our future goal is for all of our campuses to receive an overall rating of A.”

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 30, 2019

Trustees approve $8M teacher, staff pay raise Longview ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved an aggressive pay increase for teachers during their regular meeting Monday, August 12 at the district administration building.

The measure includes sweeping revisions to the pay structure for district staff, totaling more than $8 million. Upon approval of the 2019-2020 budget on Aug. 28, average teacher salary for Longview ISD will stand among the highest in the East Texas region.

Chief Financial Officer Joey Jones said, if the proposal receives final approval at the Aug. 28th special meeting, LISD teacher salaries are expected to “increase by at least $6,700 on average.”

He added that part of the rationale for the plan is to “improve market competitiveness of salaries for existing staffers, as well as for potential employees who are being recruited to the district.”

Under the new plan, base salary for teachers with zero years of experience increases from $40,280 to $47,200. Base salary for teachers with five years of experience increases from $42,280 to $49,280. Base salary for teachers with ten years of experience increases from $44,680 to $51,680.

For teachers with 25 years of experience, the base salary increases from $51,120 to $58,520.

Jones said the new pay scale could go into effect as early as the September 2019 pay period.

The $11.6 billion House Bill 3, signed June 11th by Gov. Greg Abbott, included funding for teacher raises, but Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox said LISD is committed to “going above and beyond for our teachers.”

“It’s important to note that every dollar as allocated by House Bill 3 goes toward raises for our teachers, the minimum $2.6 million as required by the bill,” he said.

Charles Mosley gives his annual report on the national TSA competition on Monday, Aug. 12 during the monthly LISD Board of Trustees meeting at the district administration building.

“But we didn’t stop there. We actually tried to quadruple that amount, and then went into local funds to give raises to the many other hard-working staffers in our district.”

While the highest raises of more than $7,000 will go to the district’s experienced teachers with 20-plus years of experience, Wilcox said every other full-time employee can expect a nice bump of around $3,000.

“This is part of an ongoing effort to take care of the many amazing people who take such good care of Longview Independent School District,” he said.

3/19/2019 House Bill 3, which was passed by the 8th Texas Legislature this year, is a school finance bill which helped with the decrease in property tax rate. More money is intend-

Grads receive their early diplomas Five Longview students showed their commitment to excellence on Monday, Aug. 12th, as they received their diplomas, graduating from Longview Early Graduation High School.

During the Longview ISD trustees regular meeting Monday, Aug. 12th, the graduates were recognized by Principal Kristi Means. Means praised the graduates for their achievement, quoting the poem “Invictus,” and

inspiring her students to be the “captains” of their souls.

“Our graduates tonight are the epitome of the words: tenacious and resilience,” she said.

“Life happens and some things are out of our control, but you grabbed hold and you didn’t let anything stand in your way of achieving it.”

FEBRUARY 2019 GRADUATES • Trevor Brookins plans

Grads|Continued to page 7

ed to provide money for state classrooms, cut local property taxes and increase teacher compensation.

The board approved a proposed decrease on the property tax rate for homeowners during their July 15th meeting. The proposal would see the price will decrease from $1.513 per $100 valuation for 2018-19 to $1.443 per $100 valuation for the 2019-20 school year.

A special meeting is set for 12 p.m. Aug. 28, during which the public will get to voice their thoughts. The meeting will see the administration recommend that the board forLongview150LogoOrnate.png mally adopt the proposed 2019-20 budget as well as approve the budget. At that time, the board will make their final decision.

Pay|Continued to page 7

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 30, 2019

Page 7

ETAA kicks off new school year with opening ceremony ETAA hosted its Opening Ceremonies and official Ribbon Cutting Thursday, August 15, to kick off the 2019-2020 school year.

The event was held at Forest Park Middle School this morning for it’s six campuses; East Texas Montessori Prep Academy, Ware East Texas Montessori Academy, JL Everhart Elementary, Bramlette STEAM Academy, Johnston-McQueen Elementary, and Forest Park Middle School.

After Dr. Cynthia Wise introduced the ETAA Board and gave a welcome to the teachers, Dr. James Wilcox gave inspiring opening remarks reminding all teachers that they are the real “boots on the ground” and nothing in our district can be accomplished without their hard work.

ETAA Board Officers, Alan Amos and Judd Murray, spoke briefly to our teachers about what an exciting year it will be for them and their students.

The keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Dennis P. Kimbro.

Wise said, “As an educator, author, and professor, he is characterized as one of the most insightful and scholarly writers in the field today.” Kimbro gave a very moving and inspiring account of his educational journey and how his research through education has shaped him as a person, a scholar, and a speaker.

PAY Continued from page 6 IN OTHER BUSINESS

During the course of the meeting the LISD Board of Trustees also approved agenda items allowing the Boys & Girls Club to continue on district campuses, a 2019-20 agreement with SeeSaw Children’s Place, renewal of facility use contract with Child Evangelism Fellowship, as well as the 2019-20 LISD Student Code of Conduct, and various programs from Read 180 and System44 for LISD Students with reading difficulties (including Dyslexia).

The board later approved TASB unemployment compensation cover-

GRADS Continued from page 6 to attend Kilgore College. He plans to major in graphic design.

• Jaylin Ellis plans to attend Kilgore College. He will study diesel mechanics.

• Haleigh Farles plans to become a veterinarian technician.

• Kelvin Henderson plans to attend Kilgore College where he will major in graphic design.

• Neslie Ann-Vazquez-Negro looks forward to attending Kilgore College and majoring in cosmetology.

The Longview Early Graduation High School (formerly known as LEAD Academy) serves progressive students who wish to graduate early.

Providing dual-credit courses for students seeking higher education, it also features career and technology options, online/ distance learning, and ACT/ SAT preparation.

age, comprehensive insurance coverage, the 2019-20 LISD emergency operations plan, and the purchase of two trucks from Peters Chevrolet of Longview for $32,756 each. The vehicles will be allocated for use by the LISD Maintenance Department.

FOR MORE INFO

Trustees usually meet in the boardroom of the LISD Education Support Center, 1301 E. Young St. The next regular meeting is tentatively scheduled for 12 p.m. Aug. 28th.

For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees go to w3.lisd.org/board

Page 8

• Teachers and district staff to receive pay increase, totaling more than $8 million • LISD schools earned 40 total distinctions on accountability ratings, an increase from 34 earned last year • Less than 2 percent dropout rate at Longview High • Brand new partnership for innovation with East Texas Advanced Academies which will bring new funding and ideas to public education • Longview Early Graduation High School for student needing flexible hours • “Playing for Keeps” program: childcare for students with children • Summer backpack program to make sure kids get fed all year round • LISD farm-to-table program, partnering with local farmers for cafeteria produce • Meat Lab building and program- to teach kids where food comes from • Gold Standard Award yearly for financial transparency • On-staff Professionally trained Chef to watch over food prep • 2018 UIL Academic District Champions • Class 6A State Football Champion • Over 6500 hours of college by 2019 graduates • 36 students graduate with Associates Degrees (50 projected in class of 2020) • National Welding Champions • State and National Technical Student Assoc. winners • Graduates matriculating to EMT, Cosmetology, welding, Culinary Arts, Meat and Butchering programs nationally • Largest Public Montessori school for 3 to 5 year old program in the Nation.

Provided free of charge to Longview area children • Totally new state-of-the-art school system • Partnerships in education with UT, SMU, Texas Tech, SFA, KC, Letorneau, and UT -Tyler • Hosted Adjunct Fair for SFA to help employ Adjunct staff in Longview and through Longview ISD • Hosted “Axe”epted East Texas meet

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 30, 2019

and greet for area students attending SFA in Fall 2019 • Only IB program east of Interstate 45 • Only free public K-12 International Baccalaureate program in the world • IB Case project partners with “We Help Two” and sells “funky socks” to help supply legs and feet to amputees all over the world • Multiple graduates with offers to Ivy League and other prestigious universities • Purchased multiple pieces of strategic real estate, without increased debt, for future expansion • Every year of Dr. Wilcox tenure school budget has been in the black • The Longview Voice! Only District-produced community newspaper in Texas • Partnership with Eastman and Komatsu and Longview Manufacturing Academy • Privatized Custodial services to save taxpayer dollars • Went totally ‘green’ on all building projects resulting in a $200,000 award from SWEPCO for energy conservation • Three campuses with national STEM certifications (Judson STEAM Academy, Bramlette STEAM Academy, and Ned E. Wiliams) • More than 30 teachers with national STEM certifications • Bramlette STEAM Academy as National Capturing Kids’ Hearts national recognition/award • Eightweek Montessori training for other districts in Texas hosted by East Texas Montessori Prep Academy • Duke TIPS scholars in double digits every year • Perfect scores on PSAT as middle schoolers from Foster Middle School • Elementary, Middle, and High School Robotics competition teams • Summer PSAT classes • Award-winning Theater Arts program with a director who has been with the district for more than 50 years • Award-winning elementary, middle school, and high school choir programs

• Award-winning high school art program • Lobo Band continuing their string of 69 consecutive first-level honors at State Sweepstakes • Lobo University to help prepare students and parents for life after high school • LIFT program paying out close to $1 million in bonuses for improved testing scores • Partnership with Longview Chamber of Commerce to help foster community partnerships and mentors for Ware students • 2018-2018 School Board of the Year from Region 7 • Orchestra offered at elementary, middle and high school • LHS students who performed at Carnegie Hall • 523 LHS students taking dual credit courses 2018-2019 • 116 incoming Freshman applying for dual credit courses • 236 unduplicated seniors with dual credit hours • 6,531 semester credit hours for dual credit • 2,601 Workforce hours earned • Culinary Arts CTE students start catering program in Fall 2018 • Horticulture Program harvests own bee hives to sell honey, wax, and wax products at FFA shows • Wall of Honor to honor Veteran graduates and their families • More than 100 teachers earned Project Based Learning certifications in Spring 2019 • May 2019 hosted first LHS CTE Signing Day for students going to college or workforce • Class of 2019 earned $8.5 million in scholarships • Raising Highly Capable Kids parenting class with Longview Chamber of Commerce • Fall 2018 LHS donated more than 400 coats to KLTV’s Coats for Kids • Signing Santa to help deaf ed students communicate with “Santa”

Page 9

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 30, 2019

McConaughey’s program comes to Longview

By Monica Ortiz, CBS 19

While students at Longview High School are busy preparing for the new school year, a new program conceived by Longview’s most famous alum is creating buzz on-campus.

The 2019-2020 school year will give kids the opportunity to sign up for an after school program called “Just Keep Living.”

The program, started by Longview alum Matthew McConaughey, is already at 33 schools across the country, including three in Texas.

Longview High School will be the first East Texas school to see the program.

“Matthew McConaughey, when he accepted to speak at graduation a couple weeks later, he was like, ‘Yes I’ll do that,’” Elizabeth Ross, program director for Just Keep Living, said. “Then, he was like, ‘You know what? I want to bring my foundation to Longview High School.’”

Just Keep Living aims to empower high school students by providing them with the tools to lead active lives and make healthy choices for a better future.

According to Ross, any student can sign up, but the program really focuses on students in the 9th and 10th grades.

“Matthew McConaughey really feels like if you can reach that students early on there’s nothing

that they can’t do,” Ross said.

The program meets twice a week for two hours after school. Student will focus on fitness, nutrition, community service and gratitude.

“It’s those communicative, those wonderful soft skills that they may not already be learning in the classroom,” Ross said.

Students will have the opportunity to listen to

different speakers, take fitness classes, travel to colleges, and learn from a chef.

Each month will offer a different focus based on a monthly quote. The month of September is “Do it with Pleasure.”

“Some of the activities, whether it’s the workout, maybe the speaker that will come in, that will evolve around that quote,” Ross said.

LISD Foundation offers educator scholarships The Longview ISD Foundation is again proud to offer educator scholarships. Employees who receive the scholarship must have completed one year of employment with the district and must be continuing their employment with LISD. The scholarships given out are $500.

The Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. Employee Scholarship Award was established to assist district staff who are pursuing classes and/or certifications related to classroom education in English, math, science, social studies, bilingual education, special education, STEAM, STEM, or counseling with the intent of improving classroom instruction and direct services to students in

Students tour STEMCO facility On Wednesday, July 16, 5th-grade students from Longview ISD toured Longview’s STEMCO facility and learned how algebra/calculations are used in everyday manufacturing!

LISD. The scholarship will not be awarded to employees seeking administrative certification with the intent of leaving the classroom.

The Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. will award two schol-

arships, one at the elementary level and one at the secondary level. However, depending on response and available funds, the Foundation will consider awarding more. The deadline to apply is Friday, Nov. 8.

SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS The employee must complete the scholarship application and include two letters of reference from individuals who represent different sources and who are not related to the applicant. Applications and letters of reference must be submitted to the Foundation by Friday, Nov. 8 to: Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. Att: Kay Ray, Director P.O. Box 2807 Longview, Texas 75606 MORE INFORMATION Contact: Kay Ray, (903) 452-7015 or email gray@lisd.org

Page 10

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 30, 2019

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 30, 2019

SPORTS

Page 11

THE LOBOS ARE BACK

Annual events kick off the start of the new football season for the Longview HS team T he defending State Champions of Texas wrapped up summer two-a-day practices Saturday, Aug. 17, with an all-day event, starting in the morning with their annual Lobo Media Day followed by their sub-varsity and varsity scrimmages then their pizza party kickoff party.

Coaches families took photos and families of senior players donned player jerseys to take photos before the players took the field. We got the chance to get Coach King and Jodie King in a jersey this year for Haynes’ senior year.

Each player got a multiple mug shots for websites, promotions, and media.

A fun side scrimmage took place by the Lobo Football ball boys in the turf room as the Lobos took to the field to battle it out.

At the Pizza Kickoff Party, the Lobo Store sold merchandise while fans mingled. After the sub-varsity and varsity teams made their way through the cafeteria, Coach King introduced the seniors and talked about the upcoming season. We also would like to thank Lobo Cheer for getting the crowd pumped up during the kickoff event.

More photos on Page 16

Page 12

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 30, 2019

Varsity volleyball puts up fight

Lobos to take on Carthage in Longview

The Longview High School volleyball team started strong against the Lindale Eagles during their first set on Tuesday, August 6, but ended with a loss at the Longview Tournament. The team came back strong on Thursday, Aug. 8, beating Ore City at 25-15, 27-25 and Henderson 25-11, 25-21.

“We are excited for the 2019 Lady Lobo Volleyball season. We are a young team with lots of growing to do,” said Volleyball Coach Chaka Jackson We have started the season with ups and downs but we are working to get better game in and out. We are learning one another on the court as well as outside the court.

The lady lobos have taken on the motto of RELENTLESS....it will take just that for the lady lobos to be successful this season. We are looking for big this for 2019!”

The Lady Lobo Varsity team will next be taking on Carthage in Longview on Friday, Aug. 30.

Future Lobos get taste of football Lobo Football Camp hosted more than 220 future Lobos.

Players grades 1-9 worked on an array of skills during the two day camp.

Lobo band goes to summer camp Lobo Band left for camp on Monday, July 29. Our Big Green Marching Machine traveled to Northwestern State University for a week.

The class of 2020 band members spent part of their Sunday, July 28, loading up the band trailers before heading off to Natchitoches, LA for their final band camp.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 30, 2019

Page 13

Page 14

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 30, 2019

Triniti Jackson selected for elite program Congratulations to Triniti Jackson! She has been selected to the USA future select volleyball team. Triniti trained and then compete in Franklin, TN from Wednesday, July 31 to Sunday, August 4.

The USA Girls Future Select National Training Program is an elite training program available to high potential young volleyball players as an opportunity to advance in the U.S. National Team Pipeline. The training received is modeled after the techniques, systems, and daily practices of our U.S.

Women’s National Team. This training program is a multi-day, commuter training program available to the youngest athletes in the High Performance pipeline.

Triniti was selected out of 55 tryouts held over the United States. She began her volleyball career with club volleyball in 2nd grade with an 11 and under league. She currently plays for The Wrecking Crew Volleyball team and will be entering 6th grade at Foster Middle School.

We know we will see great things from Triniti!

Asbury House gets some green support Some Lobos showed up to help the Asbury House Garage Sale.

Drew Beltran and the others helped out at the end of July.

Page 15

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 30, 2019

Lobos show their stuff during scrimmage Coach John King said the results were mixed, though he praised the defense for holding Texas High scoreless during the controlled portion.

The first team led Texas High 100, while the second team was up 14-0 during controlled portions.

“Pursuit to the football was great.

We did a good job of maintaining leverage and didn’t give up too many explosive plays,” he said. “We didn’t have any bad alignments and it was nice to run around against someone else. Texas High showed us a different look than what we’ve seen for two weeks and it was good to get it adjusted.

Defending champs to tackle Lufkin in first game of the season The defending Class 6A State Champions kick off the regular season Friday night against Lufkin at the Panthers home field.

Lufkin returns 11 starters from a 102, Class 5A playofff team in 2018. The Panthers have six returning on offensive, including Texas Tech wide receiver commit Ja’Lynn Polk and junior quarterback Jordan Moore, who got the start in Longview’s 35-28 win to open the 2018 season.

On defense, Texas safety commit Jerrin Thompson leads the way of five returning starters.

Despite losing all-state stars Kamden Perry Jephaniah Lister, and a host of other standouts to graduation, the Lobo cupboard isn’t exactly bare.

Sawyer Goram-Welch, Haynes King,

Kaden Meredith, Kaden Kearbey and Jhailon Braden, are just a few of the standouts expected to have a big season in 2019.

The Lobos have the advantage in recent history, winning four of hte last five matchuops KING between the squads, including back-to-back thrillers in 2017 and 2018. Longview will be looking for their first four-game winning streak over the Panthers since they recorded five consecutive wins over Lufkin from 1989 to 1993.

It will be a season of high expectations for both programs, one trying to keep their newly earned crown and

GORAMWELCH

another trying to reclaim old glory that has alluded them since they themselves won their crown. And while there won’t be any TV cameras showing the game live as there were to start the 2018 football season, Longview and Lufkin will no doubt put on another show for all of East

Texas to see.

Welcome to the 2019 Texas High School Football Season!

A fan bus will be available for Friday’s game in Lufkin. Cost is $20 (does not include game ticket).

For more information about the Lobo Fan Bus please call (903) 241-2305.

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Page 16

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 30, 2019

Ralph Bailey has been a Longview fan for 70 years There’s no doubt that there are a lot of Longview Lobo fans out there, especially after their state win last season. However, there is only one who has been buying season tickets for 70 consecutive years.

He’s got the mug to prove that he’s the number one Lobo fan, but Ralph Bailey’s history of season ticket purchases say much more than a coffee cup.

“I started going in ’48, and I bought season tickets since ’49,” Bailey said.

And the 95-year-old has had only two different seats over the years.

“The older I got the higher I got,” Bailey said with a laugh.

He explained why he been so faithful in attending the games.

“I love sports. I always loved sports,” Bailey stated.

Bailey said he’s thrilled to have been around for the big state win last season although there was a downside to the team’s victory.

“I was sick. I wasn’t able to go,” he said.

He has the ticket though, stashed in

son games.

“Some of the years in the past, I didn’t miss a practice game,” Bailey revealed.

He said he used to count the players to make sure they were all there, and back then he didn’t just go to home games.

He’d travel to …

“Killeen or, you name it; Houston, everywhere else,” Bailey said with a laugh.

Even so, he’s always feeling a certain emotion.

“Nervous as I can be, but I finally settle down,” Bailey admitted.

His wife was at the games with him until she passed away two years ago.

Oddly enough, Ralph wasn’t a Lobo. front of one of his pictures of himself with He graduated from Gary High School in Lobos Coach John King.

Panola County, making him a Bobcat.

“I may not be able to stay in there long “Don’t you think the Bobcats are mad enough to now at my age to make anothat you for liking a wolf?” I asked him. er one, but I’m going to try with Coach “Yes,” he said with a laugh.

King,” Bailey said.

During a game last season, Ralph BaiRalph is a big fan of King, too. ley was recognized mid-field during the “He’s my favorite coach,” Bailey said halftime of a Lobo game and presented with a smile. with a Lobo helmet. He says he can’t wait He doesn’t just attend the regular sea- for the season to get underway.

Let's Talk! is right at your fingertips!

Scan the QR code to download Let's Talk! for Apple or Android.

Page 17

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 30, 2019

Dallas Morning News predicts Lobos will repeat win

By Greg Riddle, Dallas Morning News Last year, Longview went 16-0 and won its first state championship since 1937. With four-star quarterback Haynes King returning after throwing for 3,877 yards and accounting for 50 touchdowns (42 passing), Longview is the preseason favorite to win a second straight title.

Perhaps the toughest competition for Longview could come from Denton Guyer in the state semifinals. Denton Guyer is looking to win its first title since claiming back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013 and welcomes back a four-star quarterback (Texas A&M pledge Eli Stowers), a 1,400-yard rusher (Kaedric Cobbs), leading receiver Seth Meador (committed to Air Force) and defensive lineman Grant Mahon (committed to Okla-

homa State).

It wouldn’t be surprising to see a rematch of last year’s state final, a game in which Longview beat Beaumont West Brook 35-34.

King threw for 423 yards and two touchdowns in that game.

DALLAS MORNING NEWS PREDICTS Class 6A (D-II) State Semifinal Longview over Denton Guyer Beaumont West Brook over Cibolo Steele Class 6A (D-II) State Championship Longview over West Brook

Kaden Meredith is a running back to keep an eye

By Gabe Brooks, 247Sports

The above video features highlights of emerging 2021 running back Kaden Meredith from Longview High School as the Lobos competed in Monday’s weekly 7-on-7 league.

The video shows Meredith, who played for Longview High’s A squad MEREDITH during this past week’s event, playing in contests against Gladewater (Texas) Sabine, Longview High’s B squad, and Longview (Texas) Pine Tree. Meredith showed encouraging pass-catching ability for a running back and provided Longview with some big-play punch.

The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Meredith enjoyed a strong sophomore breakout season this past fall as he helped Longview to a 16-0 record and the Texas Class 6A Division II state championship. Meredith ran 71 times for 792 yards and 12 touchdowns as he averaged an impressive 11.2 yards per carry. Meredith averaged one touchdown every 5.9 carries.

Longview ran for 5,100 yards and 80 touchdowns as a team in 2018. Meredith returns this fall to be the feature back as he will team with elite 2020 dual-threat quarterback Haynes King to give Longview a fearsome backfield duo. King returns after

throwing for almost 3,900 yards and 42 touchdowns, while rushing for 664 yards and eight TD’s.

In addition to playing football, Meredith runs the 100-meter dash and the 4x100-meter relay for Longview’s track team. His top 100-meter time this spring was 11.34 seconds.

Meredith, who recorded four sub-11.50 100-meter times, ran the third leg for Longview’s

regional-qualifying sprint relay team.

At The Opening Dallas regional camp March 3 from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, Meredith ran a

laser-timed 4.66-second 40-yard dash and a 4.34-second shuttle time. He also recorded a 36.9-inch vertical leap to further show off his athleticism. Meredith is definitely a running back to watch this fall.

Page 18

FIRST Continued from page 1 I am proud to serve Longview Independent School District as your superintendent, and grateful to be able to be just a small part of such an amazing and dynamic collection of students, staff, parents, and community members. It is truly a blessing.

As many of you are no doubt still working to get back into the swing of things, I want to encourage you to take a moment each day to reflect on your vital role in our district. From the youngest elementary student to the longest-tenured employee, we want Longview ISD to be a place where our people know their importance and value to everything this district aspires to be.

We’re now just at the beginning of another year’s journey, and I look forward to another year of accomplishment and progress.

Here’s just a few highlights from the first few days of school: ————————

CONVOCATION 2019, VENDOR FAIR

Longview ISD hosted its annual convocation Friday, Aug. 9th. Once again the district invited boosters, local non-profits, community partners, and local businesses to participate in a vendor fair before and after convocation.

Kay Ray, Longview ISD Foundation, gave the teachers and administration great information about the foundation grant program and read memorable essays from last year’s Lamplighter Banquet.

The crowd was inspired by 2018-19 LISD Teacher of the Year presenters, Whitney Reardon (Johnston-McQueen) and Kenda Stuart (Judson STEAM Academy).

Our convocation audience was in awe and inspired by the message from Keith Davis, Germard Reed, and Ashutosh Chopra.

Davis talked about four different types of dreams for teachers ranging from a “little dream” to a “big ol’ dream.”

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 30, 2019 “We will not let our students settle; no matter what kind of poverty or past they are from, it’s not how we start, it’s how we finish,” he said. “It doesn’t matter the color of their skin, how much money their mama has, their grandmother has, it doesn’t matter. They were not born to be average; we’re Longview Texas.”

Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox told teachers it is them who change the world.

“What you do will change the life of a student,” he said. “Together, we will all help our young people do great things.”

Longview ISD would like to thank all the vendors who participated in our first convocation vendor event: LeTourneau University, Stephen F. Austin University, Kona Ice, Bubba’s 33, What-A-Burger, McDonald’s, Divine Catering, Lobo Football Booster Club, Lobo Cheer Booster Club, Viewette Booster Club, Lobo Band Booster Club, Dressin’ Gaudy/Gaudy Me, Paparazzi Jewelry, Precision Lasercraft, Velvet Pearl Boutique, Hospitality ER, Farmasi, Copper Tree Retreat Spa, Eyeglass World, Texas Bank & Trust, Compass Bank, Holiday Inn, Freedom Yoga, Mack & Hansen Dental, Vera Bank, Longview Chamber of Commerce, Buckner Family Services, Thrive 360, Junior Achievement of East Texas, Partners In Prevention Mentoring, Partners In Prevention Drug Coalition, Partners In Prevention Unity & Diversity Council, Alzheimer’s Association, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.A.D.), and East Texas Professional Credit Union.

MEET THE TEACHER NIGHTS

Starting the school year can be daunting, especially if you’re in the dark about who your teacher is and what your schedule might be. This is why Meet The Teacher nights are so important at Longview ISD. All of our campuses hosted these kind of events last month — with some campuses holding more than one event in order to prevent crowding — and the feedback we re-

ceived from students as well as parents was uniformly positive.

South Ward Elementary student Dora Estevez said she was “a little bit scared” about the start of school before she and her mother attended Meet The Teacher.

“But now I’m excited,” she said. “I can’t wait to have fun with my friends!”

Forest Park Middle parent Olivia Rosales said she appreciated all the helpful information she received during her campus’s event.

“I’m appreciative of all the helpful info that was presented, and the school leadership being available to answer all of my questions about the new school year,” she said.

Judson Middle School’s new principal Melanie Pondant stressed the importance of open and clear lines of communication from top to bottom.

“It’s important to me that all our students and families feel like they can reach out to me anytime about any issue regarding their students,” she said.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Bright and early on the morning of Aug. 19th, the 2019-20 school year began for LISD students, and district students and staff were excited by how (relatively) smooth everything went.

When asked if the first day could have gone any smoother, LISD Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Services Dennis Williams laughed and said, “Of course it could have!

But that’s part of our role in school administration: always aspiring to find better ways to achieve better outcomes, always trying to figure how we can do it better.”

Drop-off and pick-up traffic for campuses remains a common concern, but most parents were positive at how locations were prepared to accommodate the thousands of cars that arrived on the morning and afternoon.

“Obviously, you would rather not have to First|Continued to page 19

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 30, 2019

Page 19

LeTourneau offers theater class to students

By LeTourneau

LeTourneau University is the Christian polytechnic university, but that doesn’t mean that the university doesn’t value the fine arts.

This fall a class in theater will be taught on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 8:30 to 10 p.m. in the Speer Chapel on the LETU campus, 2100 S. Mobberly. The HUMA 1113 class is open to LETU students including those taking dual-credit courses, as well as any others who audit the course as a visiting student. Those interested can contact admissions@letu.edu.

LETU classes begin Monday, Aug. 26.

The deadline for registering for Fall 2019 is Friday, Aug. 30.

The theatre class will be taught by award-winning actor and theatre educator Micah Goodding.

Goodding earned his Master of Fine Arts with honors from the University of Essex East 15 Acting School in the United Kingdom with a residency at Shakespeare’s Globe

Theatre in London. His undergraduate degree is from Stephen F. Austin State University School of Fine Arts with an emphasis in acting and visual art. Goodding has taught theatre in high schools and colleges since 2007, including several workshops for actors, directors, artists and educators around the country and in China. He also earned the Foundation Stage Combat Certification with distinction from the British Academy of Dramatic Combat with Haruka Kuroda.

Classes are also being offered in drawing, painting, photography, jazz band, with individual lessons also offered in voice, piano,

FIRST Continued from page 18 wait at all,” said Johnston-McQueen Elementary grandmother Lynda Cooper. “But I understand that safety is the priority, so I’m willing to have a little wait if it helps ensure my grandbabies are safe.”

For the students, however, the first day of school is a time to build strong positive memories of childhood. A casual observer walking the halls on the first day saw students hugging friends they missed over the summer, and brighteyed teachers expressing hope and anticipation for the new year.

“It’s such a magical time to just visit each campus,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jody Clements. “Your heart just swells at seeing the loving, inspirational places that our campuses our for the students in our care. That is a huge testament to the quality of personnel that we have as teachers and administrators.”

Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox agreed, saying, “Longview ISD is the best school district east of Interstate 45, and I strongly believe that 2019-20 is going to be our best school year ever!”

guitar and other stringed instruments.

LeTourneau University is the Christian polytechnic university in the nation where educators engage students to nurture Christian virtue, develop competency and ingenuity in their professional fields, integrate faith and work, and serve the local and global community. LETU offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a range of disciplines and delivery models at LETU’s residential campus in Longview, hybrid options at centers in the Dallas and Houston areas and fully online programs. For additional information, visit www.letu.edu.

Page 20

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 30, 2019

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