Issuu

“Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.” ― John Wooden

Vol. V February 14, 2020

Sharing the good news about Longview Independent School District

District ahead of state legislation with ‘bleed’ kits Longview ISD has been ahead of the curve when it comes to taking care of students and faculty in scenarios where bleeding may need to be stopped thanks to a commitment to putting a Stop the Bleed kit in every classroom in the district. Signed into law on June 15, 2019, by Governor Greg AbWILLIAMS bott, House Bill 496 requires all Texas schools to install bleeding control kits. Thanks to some donated Stop the Bleed kits from the Longview Fire Department during the 2018-19 school year, LISD has been moving towards putting a kit in every classroom. This commitment far outdoes H.B. 496 as the bill only requires campuses to have the kits but not in every classroom. “We’re ahead of the curb. We were

CAREER AHEAD GLOBE Expo draws record turnout

LOBE’s annual Career Expo saw another successful two days as over a thousand students were able to see what job opportunities are out there for them. With over 50 different careers on display for them, juniors from 11 different Greater Longview Orga-

nization of Business and Education schools in East Texas had lots to find out about. “We want to make sure that our existing employers have a group of students who are learning about GLOBE|Continued to page 16

Stop|Continued to page 14

Ali Worsham named ITS of the Year Longview ISD’s very own Ali Worsham received the Instructional Technology Specialist of the Year award! Congratulations! We here at LISD are very proud of her receiving this award! “I didn’t really think I would

THE

ongview oice

win, but it was an honor to be sociation Conference in Austin. nominated,” Worsham said. The ITSY award honors those “It’s nice to be recognized for who work in technology planthe work I’ve done for the disning and curriculum integration trict.” and recognizes the significant The award was given on Tues- contribution these educators day, Feb. 4, during the annual Texas Computer Education AsAward|Continued to page 19

Opinion Coming Events

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zSpace Charter

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Sports Black History Month

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — February 14, 2020

OPINION

Never forget how precious life is By Mayor Andy Mack

of this column – and Think about it – that is the tragedy that while you have been Dear Lobos, has taken place with reading this column Life…Never forget how prethe loss of Kobe Brysomeone in the world cious it really is. We go through ant, his daughter, and has lost a loved one, reeach day, usually in a routine, the other 7 people on ceived a diagnosis, lost doing the same thing over and that helicopter when it a job, or received crushover again mindlessly, expectcrashed on that fateful ing news that they did ing the next day to be the same. early Sunday morning. not see coming yesterWe get up, eat breakfast, show- Not a single one of them day or even 5 minutes MACK er, go to work or school, come woke up that day thinkago. I have to admit I home, eat dinner, watch TV, go ing it would be their last day or am guilty of assuming that toto bed, repeat. that they would get on a helimorrow will be much like today. Don’t get me wrong, I am not copter and meet their end. Not I take it for granted when setsaying this is a bad thing. What one of them expected this, nor ting my schedule that I will be I am saying is we tend not to did their families, nor did the healthy, available, alive or not appreciate the things that we American people. And while we otherwise detained by a crisis. take for granted. They can be mourn the loss of every one of I assume all will go well – and the smallest of things, like getthose lives, obviously with Kobe most of the time it does. I am ting to choose not only where Bryant being one of the best guilty of not even expressing you might eat lunch or dinner, basketball players in the game, gratitude or giving a thought as but what you eat for lunch or the attention is focused on him. to how blessed I am for it when dinner. We take little choices It doesn’t make any of those all goes without a hiccup. like that for granted. There are lives lost on the helicopter less When crises occur or loved places in this world where those valuable. I can unequivocally ones die, it has a tendency to choices are not only unavailable say that if given the chance, awaken us to the preciousness but not even an option. There every one of the passengers of life for a few days or so – and are places in our country – in on that helicopter would have then we settle back into the our city – where people don’t chosen a different path. I would routine and expect the earth have these options. But back also venture to say that those to keep on spinning just like it to the point, the point is how close to them would have said always has. How can we live a precious life is and how unexmore “I love yous” or “I forgive life more aware of how much pectedly things can change. yous” or let them know how each second is a blessing to us? Those unexpected curveballs precious they were as well. The most important way to life throws at you which you But unfortunately in life we appreciate things is to show have no control over are the never know what lies ahead of gratitude in your daily scenario ones that really get to you. us. Not day to day, not hour to in all things. Let me get down to the meat hour, not minute to minute. There are very few people

who wouldn’t like to have a better situation. No matter where you are in life, there is always someone who is much worse off. Be careful, because there is always someone who would trade places with you. Having the perspective to live and stay in gratitude is a choice that should be made each day. Tragedies like Kobe Bryant’s death happen every day, but it just tends to resonate more when it is a public figure with such a following as his. When things like this happen, it definitely makes me more aware and makes me think about how grateful we should be. Only You can change You – wherever “You” are. Wherever you are, be thankful. I promise that next month’s column will not be so somber, it will be more fun! But I thought this was an appropriate time to reflect on the preciousness of life and express gratitude for every blessing we have each day. Study hard, have fun and say your prayers,

Andy — Dr. Andy Mack is a 1978 graduate of Longview High School. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon for more than 25 years, he is owner-operator of East Texas Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Longview.

What’s local for sales tax in Texas towns? By Ross Ramsey Texas Tribune A sizable herd of people in business suits gathered in a government hearing room this week to talk about tax law. That herd was fighting about where some of your local sales taxes go — namely the sales tax from online purchases. That money doesn’t always go to the place where you live and work. The suits were assembled for a public hearing about city governments that pay businesses to locate in their cities — by effectively refunding sales taxes those companies have collected from their internet customers. Those refunds go not to the customers who paid them, but to the companies that collected them for the state. Some cities and businesses have figured out how to exploit the system — legally — by di-

recting all of their interand keep the company net sales to one locality and fewer than 100 jobs and levying the sales at its operations center taxes there, regardless of in the city. whether their customers And that’s how the are in El Paso or Texlaw was intended to arkana. It also doesn’t work, at least in part: as matter where an item a way for cities to attract that’s purchased online businesses. The idea is is picked up or delivered. that even if they refund RAMSEY some of the sales taxes, So if someone in Texas buys a computer online the cities are attracting from Dell, the sales taxes go to jobs and companies that will imthe city of Round Rock. prove their local economies. They To attract that kind of revekeep some, if not all, of the taxes. nue, the cities and companies Texas Comptroller Glenn take advantage of a state law Hegar wants to change the tax that allows the cities to pay rules in a way that would upend some of the sales taxes back to some of those economic developthe company collecting them. ment deals. His proposal says For instance, the contract besales taxes should go to the purtween San Marcos and Best Buy chaser’s city instead of the city returns up to 75% of the local where the seller says its online sales tax that the company colsales are made. lects from its online sales. That’s Our hypothetical El Pasoan’s part of the local tax package purchase, for instance, would go that San Marcos used to attract to the city of El Paso instead of

the city the retailer has chosen as the site of its internet sales. The public hearing on the comptroller’s rule change attracted both. The cities of Palestine and Lufkin sent officials to speak in favor, saying the sales taxes on their local residents’ purchases should stay at home. New Braunfels, Round Rock and others were there to oppose the change, saying it would upset their economies, their budgets and their bond ratings. Round Rock would lose $29 million in revenue, Mayor Craig Morgan said at the hearing. The city of Lewisville would lose $1.3 million from this change, officials testified. If the comptroller goes ahead, the suits will move two blocks south, to the Texas Capitol, to appeal to lawmakers to put things back the way they are.

— Ross Ramsey is executive editor and co-founder of The Texas Tribune.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — February 14, 2020

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Coming Events

LHS graduate has returned to assist her community For Judson Assistant Principal Faith Newhouse, embarking on her 21st year in education in her hometown of Longview — excited is an understatement. She is a 1995 graduate of Longview High School. Her undergraduate degrees are from Kilgore College and Stephen F. Austin State University. She began her teaching career in Rockwall ISD in 1999 and taught 6th grade Science, Social Studies and ELA. Upon completing her master’s degree from Texas A&M-Commerce, she obtained her princi-

pal certification and began her administrator’s journey in Plano ISD as a Dean of Students at a middle school. She ended her stay in PlaNEWHOUSE no with seven years as a high school assistant principal. Newhouse loves teaching and public education. When provided the opportunity to return home and encourage members of her community, there was no hesita-

tion — “I LOVE Longview!” Newhouse’s favorite quote is “Every child deserves a champion — an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” — Rita Pierson, author/ educator. She aims to be that champion for each and every student that she comes in contact with at Judson STEAM Academy! Judson has a huge legacy within the community and they will strive to keep the vision positive and supportive!

LISD campuses currently holding ‘Showcase’ events East Texas Montessori Prep Academy hosted a Magnet Showcase Night on Thursday, Jan. 23. The showcase included campus tours with their campus ambassadors, student and teacher presentations, Montessori Q&A, and Montessori demo lessons so the community could see what makes Montessori so

special. Thank you to everyone who turned up! Ned E. Williams Elementary will host their Magnet Showcase night on Thursday, Feb. 20 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Their showcase will include a tour of classroom to see how the campus applies a hands-on approach with STEAM in their curriculum.

Ware East Texas Montessori Academy will host their Magnet Showcase on Tuesday, Feb. 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Their showcase will include a general assembly, tours of their campus, Living History Museum, tech stations, Makerspace stations, robotics, STEAM Lab, and Montessori demo lessons.

February 14 8 a.m. Varsity Tennis at Tyler Lee 4:30 p.m. JV Softball Scrimmage vs Kilgore 5 p.m. Boys Basketball at Rockwall 5 p.m. Varsity Baseball vs Tatum 5:30 p.m. Boys Soccer vs Tyler Lee 5:30 p.m. Girls Soccer at Tyler Lee February 15 8 a.m. Lady Dragon District Tournament at Lufkin February 17 8 a.m. Ned E. Williams Winter Book Fair (Feb. 17-21) 8 a.m. Boys Golf at Bullard JV Invitational 8 a.m. JV Track & Field at Maverick Stadium February 18 4:30 p.m. Softball at Tatum 5:30 p.m. Girls Soccer at Mesquite February 20 8 a.m. JV Track & Field at Maverick Stadium 6 p.m. Viewette Parent Meeting February 21 4 p.m. Boys Soccer vs Rockwall 5:30 p.m. Girls Soccer at Rockwall 6 p.m. Varsity Baseball at Rusk

zSpace brings tech to district students, sees growth in state zSpace’s computer that offers altered and virtual reality to students will soon be available at seven LISD campuses. The technology these computers offer will allow the 6,000 students to learn in ways that have been purely science fiction in the past. zSpace is intended to support teachers’ efforts in the teaching of the students by piquing their interest and curiosity. “I see zSpace inspiring curiosity because it’s innova-

tive and different. Students are engaged with the product in ways that help them master content through new and creative learning,” said LISD Instructional Technology Specialist Ali Worsham. “zSpace allows my students to gain a deeper understanding of complex subjects because they can really pick apart all the layers. They can see how different things work. They can manipulate objects and really get in there and look at things

in a different way.” On Wednesday, Feb. 4, during the annual Texas Computer Education Association Conference, zSpace Inc. announced a record-breaking year due to an unprecedented demand for its augmented and virtual reality learning platform across Texas districts and schools. Longview ISD is one of the company’s largest customers. The company has seen over a 100% sales increase in the state. zSpace has shaken

up the education market – more than a million students have benefited from learning with their technology.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — February 14, 2020

zSpace brings ‘virtual reality’ to LISD Continuing the efforts of preparing and technology,” said zSpace Senior campus readiness for zSpace, many Director of Sales Kevin Dougherty. principals and zSpace trained teach- “Then some of the logistics, like how ers were at the ESC on Wednesday, will they house the devices, how will Jan. 22. zSpace was present to help they be checked out and how will schools to focus on how they would they monitor the level of usage and like to implement the new computers be able to then determine the level on their campuses. of impact that zSpace had on student “We focused on a general idea of learning.” the direction that they plan to take zSpace combines elements of AR with zSpace on their campus. Some and VR to create lifelike experiences are going to be focused on science, that are immersive and interactive. some will focus on the needs of special needs students, some on career zSpace|Continued to page 13

Longview FFA competes at Gregg County Youth Expo The Longview FFA took part in the Gregg County Youth Expo with several students placing in two different competitions on Thursday, Jan. 9. Floral Design: Angela Moyer — Grand Champion Design, Hien Tran — Reserve Champion Design Dessert Show: Angela Moyer — 3rd Place Cookies, Kadee WilkinsClark — 8th place Cookies We are extremely proud of these students’ hard work and representing Longview FFA and the Lobos so well. Successful day for Longview FFA at the Gregg County Youth Expo! The day started early, 5 a.m. at the

barn, but paid off with great placings and hardware. Cooper Mayes and his lambs started the day with two 1st place class winners and Grand Champion Lamb and added Sr. Lamb showmanship to his wins. Yahir Gaona followed suit by winning 1st place market goat class 2 and 5th place goat overall. Kacee Wilkins-Clark and her market hog won 1st place in class one and was the 3rd place overall. Daja Boyd was 1st place in her class with her beefmaster heifer. Also, Cooper Mayes market goat placed 2nd in his class.

New position filled by Hunka Longview FFA attended the Longview District Convention on Tuesday, Jan. 14. Congrats to Madison Hunka on being elected the 2020-2021 Longview District Secretary.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — February 14, 2020

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Talks approved with potential charter partners Longview Independent School District trustees approved beginning talks with four non-profit organizations, during a special-called meeting Wednesday, Jan. 29th. Board members unanimously authorized Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox to begin negotiations and possibly sign performance contracts with Texas Council for International Studies (TCIS), Lions Pride (Texas A&M-Commerce), Longview LEAP (City of Longview), and the International Center for Academics & Technology (iCAT). If approved by district trustees at a future date, Longview ISD will apply for benefits through Senate Bill 1882 that provides extra funding to traditional public school districts that contract with outside entities such as charter networks, non-profits, and universities to partner with their schools to help boost student achievement. LISD Chief Innovation Officer Dr. James Coleman said the Texas Education Agency must first approve the arrangements, including the proposed contracts between the partners, in order for district students and staff to receive extra benefits. “But even if approved by the TEA, and later by our board, Longview ISD students and staff will notice very little difference in the way of day-to-day operations as a result of the proposed partnerships,” Cole-

incentives for traditional public schools to partner with outside entities to improve student outcomes. Longview ISD received four applications for partners to run possible charter schools by the Jan. 6th deadline.

ABOUT THE PARTNERS

man said. “Many of the shifts that may occur will involve details behind the scenes, mostly on an administrative level.” “However, what teachers and students will notice,” Coleman explained, “is that the resources that have been desired in the past will actually be in the hands of teachers and students to improve the engagement of the instruction in the classroom.” “Campuses will also notice that they have more ability to make decisions that are in the best interest of their students,” he said. “One of the goals of the non-profit partnerships is to provide those who deal most directly with the students more autonomy to make decisions that are most beneficial for the students in their care.” Passed in 2017 by the 85th Texas Legislature, Senate Bill 1882 creates new

Texas Council for International Studies (TCIS) With a strong emphasis on International Baccalaureate education and elite academic excellence, TCIS’s proposal hopes to partner with district campuses to help shape the future of IB programs through program development, professional training, curriculum planning, marketing support and scholarship programs. Lions Pride (Texas A&M-Commerce) A partnership with the University of Texas A&M at Commerce, Lions Pride is proposing a partnership with those LISD campuses that have a STEAM-based education, with an aim toward the expansion upon project-based learning. Longview LEAP (City of Longview) A partnership with the City of Longview, LEAP’s proposal hopes to provide a collabCharter|Continued to page 7

Turning ‘trash’ into treasure in Longview These were the winners from Keep Longview Beautiful’s first Art Truck contest. We can’t wait to see the wonderful pieces from our Longview students! Open to Longview students from Kindergarten through 12th grades, the “Recycling in Longview” art contest began in October 2015, with 8 winners of the various age divisions to be selected. The winning illustrations are being enlarged to approximately 4-feet by 10-feet to appear on the side of a city of Longview sanitation truck.

Submissions are due Friday, March 6, to be delivered at Keep Longview Beautiful’s office at 410 South High Street before 5 p.m. Community judging will take place April 1 and 2 at City Hall at 300 West Cotton Street. The Unveiling celebrations will take place in May at the campuses of the winners. For more information email klb@longviewtexas.gov .

Big wins for Lobo FFA at Henderson contest Longview FFA had a great day at the Henderson Lions Club jackpot show on Saturday, Jan. 18. They had two lambs, one goat, a heifer and a pig all compete. Cooper Mayes and Cobra did it again and won grand champion lamb and senior showmanship! Cooper also won grand champion goat! Daja Boyd and her heifer Cherokee placed third in a large age break class and worked all the kinks out and were ready for Fort Worth the following weekend. Kacee Wilkins-Clark and her pig Trey placed seventh in a very tough cross class. To all of the parents that were there to help, we thank you.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — February 14, 2020

Trustees honored for School Board Appreciation Month Longview Independent School District joined 1,025 districts across the state celebrating January as School Board Recognition Month during the Board of Trustees regular meeting Thursday, Jan. 9th. Assistant Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry presented decorative garden bricks to board members, explaining that the theme this year is “Launching the Next Generation.” “Year after year, our goes above and beyond to bring the most innovative initiatives to our campuses across the district,” he said. “So we’re are placing garden bricks like these in each of our Learn, Grow, Eat, Go gardens on elementary campuses.” Hockenberry praised board members for so generously giving of their time and talents in serving as advocates for the students, staff, and entire community of Longview ISD. “Thank you for everything you do for the district, caring about our students, teachers, and staff, and launching the next generation,” he said. Serving as a link between the community

and classroom, school board members are elected to establish the policies that provide the framework for public schools. LISD trustees are responsible for an annual budget of more than $78 million, over 8,000 students and nearly 3,000 staffers.

The current Board of Trustees for Longview ISD is Mr. Michael Tubb (Place 1), Mrs. Ava Welge (Place 2), Dr. Chris Mack (Place 3), Mrs. Ginia Northcutt (Place 4), Mrs. Shan Bauer (Place 5), Mr. Ted Beard (Place 6), and Dr. Troy Simmons (Place 7).

District seeks applicants for $1,000 ‘Voice’ scholarship Applications for the 2020 Voice Scholarship are now available from the LISD Community Relations Department. The Longview Voice is a district-wide newspaper that covers student, staff, and local community news. The paper is produced by the LISD Community Relations department in partnership with the Thrifty Nickel, as well as campus staff and volunteers. Each year the Community Relations department selects a Longview High School

senior student who contributes work to The Longview Voice for a scholarship to the school of their choice. To qualify a student must submit a news article, op-ed column, or photo to be published in any edition of The Longview Voice newspaper, and fill out an application to be considered.

PAST WINNERS

2016 — Estrella Gonzales, Keyarro Hol-

lins, Uwa Ihionkhan, Yosef Ibitayo 2017 — Gaylon Wiley 2018 — German Zelaya, Jose Velazquez, Michael Vera 2019 — Alyssa Shobert, Brady Miller, Payton Schaap 2020 — It could be YOU! For more information please contact the Community Relations department via email at ask@lisd.org or call (903) 381-2200.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — February 14, 2020

LOBOS ACTING OUT

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Middle schools take stage in UIL One-Act Play

ongview middle schools competed in the UIL One Act Play contest on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at Longview High School. Taking first place was Jud-

son STEAM Academy’s “Oh, What a Tangled Web,” second place play was Foster Middle School with their performance of “Pink Lemonade for UIL|Continued to page 9

CHARTER |Continued from page 5 orative program that prepares students in workforce readiness for high-demand careers in our region. iCAT The International Center for Academics & Technology is proposing a partnership with those LISD campuses that have a specialized focus on the Montessori Method of learning. “As a result of these partnerships, Longview students and staff stand to gain access to resources, professional development, and opportunities that have only been a dream in the past,” said Dr. Coleman. “In addition, the partnerships have the potential to attract business to the community and provide an economic benefit for the Longview community.” Dr. Wilcox added that the internships and apprenticeships available to Longview students “will give them a leg up on the competition when it comes to pursuing careers or furthering their education after graduation.” Longview ISD will work together in partnership to develop and maintain continuity of services for all district cam-

puses, but Senate Bill 1882 will allow additional innovation and training for educators. “We will collaborate with the various executive directors in order to continue the mission of providing the best services for the students of the greater Longview area,” said district CFO Joey Jones. If approved by the TEA, this will be the second time Longview ISD has moved in this direction since the passage of Senate Bill 1882. The first being the partnership with East Texas Advanced Academies prior to the 2019-2020 school year. LISD schools currently in the ETAA network include the Montessori Prep Academy, Bramlette, Everhart, Johnston-McQueen, Ware, and Forest Park campuses. Dr. Wilcox said Senate Bill 1882 incentivizes districts “to work collaboratively with new and existing partners to promote innovation and dramatically improve student outcomes.” “Innovative campuses are more expensive to run,” said Dr. Wilcox. “It requires the normal operating budget plus the addi-

tional S.B. 1882 funding benefiting to achieve the desired outcomes of an innovative campus.” Last month Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath proposed new rules to clarify the management control of outside partners operating under new Senate Bill 1882 partnerships that the TEA approves to start next school year. School districts must apply for that approval by March 31 and the agency will decide on the applications by May 1. “These partnerships offer districts the opportunity to expand the diversity of school options, bring in targeted expertise for innovation and turnaround support, and empower school leaders and partners

with greater autonomy,” added Dr. Wilcox. Under the proposed rules, contracts between school districts and their operating partners must give the partners authority over campus staffing, including the principal, as well as curriculum decisions, schedules, assessments not required by the state and the campus budget. The rules also require contracts to describe the funding structure of the partnership, but no longer would need them to include annual targets for student progress measured in the state’s annual campus ratings. For more information about the program please visit Tx Partnerships.org .

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• LISD schools earned 40 total distinctions on state accountability ratings, an increase from 34 earned last year, and the highest in the region. • Each year HUNDREDS of out-of-district students transfer INTO into Longview Independent School District, citing “education opportunities” as their reason. • International Baccalaureate project partners with “We Help Two” and sells “funky socks” to help supply legs and feet to amputees all over the world. • Brand new partnership for innovation with East Texas Advanced Academies which will bring new funding and ideas to public education. • Three campuses with national STEM certifications (Judson STEAM Academy, Bramlette STEAM Academy, and Ned E. Williams). • Largest FREE public Montessori school (for 3-to-5 year-olds) in the Nation. Provided free of charge to Longview area children. • Partnership with Longview Chamber of Commerce to help foster community partnerships and mentors for Ware students. • Went totally ‘green’ on all building projects resulting in a $200,000 award from SWEPCO for energy conservation • Graduates matriculating to EMT, Cosmetology, welding, Culinary Arts, Meat and Butchering programs nationally. • Eight-week Montessori training for other districts in Texas hosted by East Texas Montessori Prep Academy • Award-winning Theater Arts program with a director who has been with the district for more than 50 years. • Raising Highly Capable Kids parenting class in partnership with Longview Chamber of Commerce. • Horticulture Program harvests own bee hives to sell honey, wax, and wax products at FFA shows. • LIFT program annually paying out close to $1 million in staff bonuses for improved testing scores.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — February 14, 2020

• Hosted Adjunct Fair for SFA to help employ Adjunct staff in Longview and through Longview ISD. • Purchased multiple pieces of strategic real estate, without increased debt, for future expansion. • Every year of Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox tenure the LISD budget has been “in the black.” • Local corporate partnerships with Eastman and Komatsu and Longview Manufacturing Academy. • Hosted “Axe”epted East Texas meet and greet for area students attending SFA in Fall 2019. • Lobo Band continuing their string of 69 consecutive first-level honors at State Sweepstakes. • Bramlette STEAM Academy as National Capturing Kids’ Hearts national recognition/award. • Partnerships in education with UT, SMU, Texas Tech, SFA, KC, Letourneau, and UT-Tyler. • “Playing for Keeps” childcare program for students with children, as well as LISD staffers. • May 2019 hosted first LHS CTE Signing Day for students going to college or workforce. • More than 100 teachers earned Project Based Learning certifications in Spring 2019. • Multiple graduates with offers to Ivy League and other prestigious universities. • Lobo University to help prepare students and parents for life after high school. • 36 students graduate with Associates Degrees (50 projected in class of 2020). • Longview ISD middle school students earn “Duke Scholar” honors every year • LISD farm-to-table program, partnering with local farmers for cafeteria produce. • Award-winning elementary, middle school, and high school choir programs • Perfect scores on PSAT as middle schoolers from Foster Middle School.

• Only free public K-12 International Baccalaureate program in the world. • Fall 2018 LHS donated more than 400 coats to KLTV’s Coats for Kids. • Summer backpack program to make sure kids get fed year-round. • Signing Santa to help deaf ed students communicate with “Santa.” • Culinary Arts CTE student-led catering program began Fall 2018. • Only International Baccalaureate program east of Interstate 45. • More than 500 LHS students were taking dual-credit last year. • 116 incoming Freshman applying for dual credit courses. • State and National Technical Student Association winners. • Orchestra offered at elementary, middle and high school. • Named 2018 School Board of the Year from Region VIII. • More than 30 teachers with national STEM certifications. • Wall of Honor honors Veteran alumni and their families. • LHS music students annually perform at Carnegie Hall. • Privatized custodial services to save taxpayer dollars. • Gold Standard Award yearly for financial transparency. • Less than 2 percent dropout rate at Longview High. • Class of 2019 earned $8.5 million in scholarships. • 236 unduplicated seniors with dual credit hours. • Over 6500 hours of college by 2019 graduates. • 6,531 semester credit hours for dual credit. • Award-winning high school art program. • 2018 UIL Academic District Champions. • Class 6A State Football Champion. • 2,601 Workforce hours earned. • National Welding Champions.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — February 14, 2020

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Williams is a valuable asset for the school district Judson 2019-2020 One Act Play director, and English Teacher, Sylverlene Williams is truly a valuable asset in Longview ISD! She was the 2015 Secondary Teacher of the Year for Longview ISD, 2014 Longview ISD Lamplighter Award Winner,

and the 2020 UIL Act One Play 1st Place Award for Judson STEAM Academy. Williams has been a teacher for over two decades and her expertise spans English Language Arts, English as a Second Language, Music and Art. She is a skilled educator who fundamentally be-

lieves that all students are capable of learning; this is evident not only in her teaching praxis but also in how she engages her students and fosters life-long learning. She is one of those teachers who actively engages her students, fosters student success

both in and outside of the classroom and is respected by her colleagues for her commitment to guiding our future generations. Judson’s drama troupe won 1st place Tuesday, Jan. 14, at the UIL District One Act Play competition.

WILLIAMS

Judson mixes art with science Judson was getting some hands on experience on Wednesday, Jan. 29, while mixing art with science!

Thanking those who help our children We are so thankful that we have kind-hearted teachers, administrators, and staff to help our students get through the day. Judson STEAM Academy Principal Melanie Pondant took a few seconds to help Chinedu Obi with his shoes so he would not trip walking down the hallway. Thank you for all you do and for helping a student. How will you make someone’s day a little brighter? UIL |Continued from page 7 Tomorrow,” and Forest Park’s play “The Great Pandemonium” placed third.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Tech Award: Angie Aguirre — Judson, Lights; Gabbie Massey — Forest Park, Stage Manager; Jaquarius Thomas — Foster, Sound All Star Cast Honorable Mention: Cheney Still — Judson; Ashley Moreno – Judson; Devion Jackson — Judson; Dequaylon Hilburn — Forest Park; Dulce Escalante — Forest Park; Kamden Sanchez — Forest Park; Korian Brown — Foster; Tyreese Reece — Foster All Star Cast: Katelyn Marsh — Judson; Kevin Eddings — Judson; Josiel Orrosquieta — Judson; Alexa Sosa — Forest

Park; LaMyiah Henderson — Forest Park; Elizabeth Wingert — Forest Park; Lailah — Forest Park; Brayden Revis — Foster Best Actor — Kieran Moon — Forest Park Best Actress — Jayla Beecham — Foster Sylverlene Williams directed Judson, Emily Williams directed Forest Park and Sherry Jones directed Foster. Great work everyone! They were amazing performances!

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SPORTS WE ARE LOBOS

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Football team celebrates the year, looks forward to the coming season

ongview head coach John King’s message at the 2019 Lobo Booster Club football banquet was a farewell to all of the hard-working seniors and call to the rest of the team to get ready for the next season. King, speaking to the Class of 2020, praised the dedication and fight of the seniors on his team. “There has been more stress this year than there ever has been. Trying to repeat as state champions, all the buzz around the football team and all the opportunities we had. But I’ll take that stress any day of the week,” King said to the crowd at Mobberly’s Elevation building. “Not many teams come Lobos|Continued to page 12

Lobo soccer keeps up the pressure

Lobo boys JV soccer team took first place at the Pine Tree tournament on Saturday, Jan. 25! This marked six tournaments in two years with six first places!

Great job, guys! Days later on Tuesday, Jan. 28, Lady Lobos beat out Rockwall, 2-1. Awesome performance, ladies! Lobo boys will be playing against Tyler Lee on

Friday, Feb. 14, at LHS with the first game at 5:30 p.m. Lady Lobos will be playing against Tyler Lee on Friday, Feb. 14, in Tyler with the first game at 5:30 p.m.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — February 14, 2020

DIVING IN Lobo swim team finishes season strong

he Lobo swim team saw huge success at their district meet on Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Rockwall Aquatic Center. “When we started the season, we wanted to finish out with faster swim times. I think this year we’re going to do that,” said Coach Daniel Gonzalez. “The girls,

some are at the level where times are the best in years. So every time they’re breaking something or getting personal records in individual events or relays, they’re making some of the faster times since I’ve been here.” Swim|Continued to page 14

Dragonettes mandatory tryout meeting set If you’re interested in trying out for 2020-2021 FMS Dragonettes, a parent or guardian and the dancer must attend the parent tryout meeting on Thursday, Feb. 27, in the FMS cafeteria at 5:30 p.m.. Team requirements, tryout process and fees will be discussed. LOBOS |Continued from page 11 through Longview that can say they swept East Texas, not once, not twice, but three years in a row. We had a back-toback undefeated record season. That’s the third time that has happened in the program’s history.” The Longview Lobos graduating members have seen a lot of record breaking during their time on varsity.

King said that the Lobos qualified for the playoffs for the 19th consecutive year which is a school record. The senior class has a three-year varsity record of 40 wins, 3 loses, which is the most of any graduating class in the history of the Lobos. While King has been proud to coach them over these past years, he told them to not focus on the past but to look towards

the future. “I hope Lobo football is not the highlight of your lives. I want it to be a great memory, but we hope there’s more things that come down the road,” King said. “So when your days of playing football are over, you better have something to fall back on. I’m hoping that the discipline, the structure, time management skills and team-

work that you have learned during your time as Lobos will help carry your forward.” As part of the banquet, King and the Lobo staff announced the 2019 permanent team captains: Haynes King and Tyshawn Taylor. Other awards were also given out: Academic All-State Lobos|Continued to page 13

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — February 14, 2020

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Lobo basketball continues solid season Lobo boys basketball defeated North Mesquite on Tuesday, Feb. 4. This left them at third in the standings (22-8, 6-3), with Rockwall in first (18-11, 7-2) and Mesquite Horn in second (20-10, 6-2). Longview closed the season with a home game against Tyler Lee on Friday, Feb. 7, before traveling to Mesquite on Tuesday, Feb. 11, and Rockwall on Friday, Feb. 14. Lady Lobos basketball had a big night on Tuesday, Feb. 4, as they won their second game in a row for the first time since mid-December, beating North Mesquite. Adding to that, Rockwall Heath’s heavy loss to Mesquite Horn pushed the Lady Lobos into a playoff spot! After that win, that put the team at

fourth in the standings (13-16, 4-6), with Mesquite Horn in first (17-2, 9-1). Lady Lobos took on Tyler Lee on Friday, Feb. 7, then hosted Mesquite on Tuesday, Feb. 11. Great job everyone, keep it up!

Pulling on the thread of invention at Foster Foster middle school were challenged to make themed pull toys using robotic gear mechanisms from a recent unit. First they had to learn how to build and understand each of the eleven mechanisms. Then the groups applied the lesson by creating a pull toy using at least one mechanism of their choice. The students that created the pull toys are in the Project Lead The Way program; it is Pre-Engineering classes at FMS. LOBOS |Continued from page 12 — 2nd team is Drew Beltran, Haynes King, Michael Mavhunga and Sawyer Goram-Welch, Honorary Mentions — Owen Kuenemann, Parker Cox, Raul Torrez and Syre Moore; Iron Man Award — Kaden Meredith; SPORTyler Chamber of Commerce — Parker Cox. The Frank Lebus Scholarship gave two scholarships, each worth $2,200. One went to Drew Beltran and the other to Kyas Moore. The Alvin Khoury Scholarship also gave away two scholarships, each worth $1,000 with one to Drew Beltran and the other to Parker Cox. Drew Beltran was also tabbed as the Defensive MVP while Kaden Meredith took offensive honors. Drew Beltran was selected as the Scholastic MVP. King’s message then shifted to the underclassmen, which includes 27 returning lettermen and 7 returning starters. “Our 2020 season will be here before you know it and there are a lot of unknowns surrounding this football team right now. With us going to be in a new classification, we

ZSPACE |Continued from page 4 don’t know who we’re going to play, where we’re going to play. But I can tell you where one game will be played,” King said. “August 28, AT&T Stadium, Longview versus Temple. But between now and August, it’s up to all of us. We need to concentrate on the things we can control and that’s be the best football team we can be. We do have a chance at being a good football team. How good, we will find out.” The 2016 freshman team went 8-2 and the junior varsity team went 9-1 with both squads picking up district titles. Eight Lobos are expected to sign on National Signing Day on Wednesday, Feb. 5. Spring football practice begins Monday, April 20, with the annual Green-White Game set for Monday, May 18.

Using glasses that are about the size and weight of regular sunglasses, five sensors on them work in conjunction to bring objects on the screen to life. “The experience itself (is unique). It doesn’t require large equipment that the students have to wear,” said zSpace Senior Director of Sales Kevin Dougherty. “Students can lift the human heart off the screen, beating, in perfect proportion and manipulate it right there in front of them.” In August, the district board approved spending $500,000 to purchase computers for some LISD campuses: LHS, South Ward, Ned E. Williams, Hudson PEP, Judson and Foster. By purchasing these computers, students will be able

to get a more hands on experience than would normally be possible. Something that might be cost prohibitive, such as taking apart a vehicles engine, to the downright impossible, seeing the moon up close and being able to break it down into its various layers, can all be done with zSpace’s computers. “I’ve been working with school district in a support capacity for 20 years and this is probably one of, if not the highest level of positive response that I’ve witnessed.” Dougherty said. Over 1,000 districts in the nation have rolled out zSpace to some extent with nearly 100 in Texas. No district in the nation though has seen as big of a rollout as LISD is seeing, according to Dougherty.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — February 14, 2020

Library launches ‘Longview 150 Stories’ podcast The City of Longview and The Longview Public Library have been hard at work getting the “Longview 150 Stories” Podcast ready, and they are happy to report that it is now live and online! As part of Longview’s 150 Year Sesquicentennial celebration, the City of Longview, and The Longview Public Library are partnering with their diverse community and recording memories and stories of the city’s rich history. These podcast memories will

be available online to everyone during the yearly celebration, and then saved to the Library’s digital archive and website for future enjoyment. Please access the current broadcast episodes for free, through Podbean.com . Mobile/tablet users can also download Podbean’s free app to search for and enjoy the episodes there. The Longview Public Library is still seeking submissions for Podcast|Continued to page 16

STOP |Continued from page 1 already training people and putting kits in classrooms before H.B. 469 came out,” said Assistant Superintendent of Administrative and Pupil Services Dennis Williams. “The whole premise behind Stop the Bleed is in school shootings and anything else…most of the challenges have come from injuries to the leg or arm and because they cannot get assistance immediately, they bleed to death.” Currently every nurses’ office and 1/3 of the classrooms have the bleed kits with the goal currently being getting the other 2/3 within the next two years. “We’re going above and beyond. Not only does it help if there is a mass catastrophe, but also for general classroom incidents,” said Longview High School Nurse Kimberlie Dans. “It’s a good thing that every classroom will have access to it. Some of our students are already trained to use them at our high school with the EMT program.” The bill also requires faculty to receive training with the kits as well as offer training for students in grades 7-12.

“I liked that the training was hands on. You can read a book but then if you end up in a situation and not know what’s going on,” said Foster Principal Ryan Carroll. “We have it planned for our students to be trained. May is national Stop the Bleed month. Once it gets past testing, we can teach the students those skills. I think it will be comforting for parents to know that their child has a lifesaving skill that can help them in life.” Stop the Bleed kits include: Tourniquet, gauss, wound packing gauss, gloves, blanket, Sharpie (to write the time that the tourniquet was applied), trauma dressing, scissors, chest wound seal and instructions for how to use the items in case a refresher is needed. “We hope that we will never have to use any of these Stop the Bleed kits, but if something does happen we have an understanding of how we can save lives until the situation is dealt with,” Williams said. “It is like insurance; we’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.”

Candidates file for May election A general election for City of Longview City Council Districts 3 and 4 will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2020. Candidates may file an application for a place on the ballot for District 3 and 4 by February 14. Candidates may file during normal office hours at City Hall, 300 W. Cotton St. As of January 15, 2020, the following candidates have filed to run in the May 2 Election.

FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 3

Name: Wray M. Wade Age: 51 Occupation: Business Owner Mailing Address: 1012 S. Green St. Telephone: (cell) 917-557-7834

WADE

FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 4

Name: Kristen Ishihara Age: 38 Occupation: Attorney Mailing Address: 1214 Hillcrest Drive Telephone: (cell) 903-399-1178 For more information about the City of Longview General Election, please visit LongviewTexas.gov or contact the City Secretary’s Office at 903-237-1081.

ISHIHARA

SWIM |Continued from page 12 The Lobo girls advanced to Regionals 6A in the 200 Yard Medley Relay, 50 Yard Freestyle, 200 Yard Freestyle Relay and 400 Yard Freestyle Relay. The boys advance to Regionals 6A in the 200 Yard Medley Relay, 200 Yard Freestyle Relay and 400 Yard Freestyle Relay. Freshman Gracie Ponder tied for first place in the 50 Yard Freestyle. Along with Gracie Ponder, the Regionals meet will include: Freshmen Jenna Shireman and Elle Woods; Sophomores Zane Bunn, Joseph Egbe and Kaitlyn Stewart; Juniors Braden Nickel, Rachel Smith, Caroline Taylor and Richard Windom; Lilly Purdum will be there as

an alternate. Ponder has been swimming as a sport for four years now and plans on continuing it throughout her high school career and then at UT. “I would love to swim in college, I want to do it competitively as long as I can. UT is known for their swim team,” Ponder said. “It’s a really fun sport and is something that is so set, not having to worry about judges judging me. It’s based on times and I can only improve my times.” The Lobo swim team competed in the Regional meet on Friday, Jan. 31, at the Mansfield Natatorium.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — February 14, 2020

Ned’s fifth graders ROCK! Fifth grade students at Ned E. Williams had a rocking good time learning about sedimentary rock formations on Tuesday, Jan. 28!

Students strike a ‘pose’ at Ware Arvitta Scott has started teaching our Ware third-fifth graders yoga and stretching techniques! These moves

allow our students to release stress, pent up energy and to strengthen their muscles! Plus, it’s fun!

GLOBE |Continued from page 1 their types of careers so they can be employed when they finish their education as well as educate the students on the types of careers that are out there,” said Kelly Overby who is a chairman of the GLOBE board and oversees the Career Expo. “You don’t know what you don’t know. There’s a lot of different types of jobs that the students just don’t know about and we want to make sure they’re informed.” On January 29 and 30, students arrived at the Maude Cobb Activity Center during one of four sessions to learn. Longview High School has ten buses packed with students. “I really appreciate the event, most notably because of the wide variety of businesses for students to explore,” said LHS Junior Dagmawit Worke. “I want to go into communications, but I wouldn’t necessarily have thought about Dollar General and the corporate side of it. I think that any job you go to, networking is important and I feel like this is one of the first steps that a high school can do for that.” PODCAST |Continued from page 13

the project too! Submissions may be personally recorded and emailed to 150stories@longviewtexas. gov for consideration. The Library will also have dates reserved for those who don’t have the proper recording equipment to schedule an appointment where they can help assist you. Please find all the details, including a downloadable interview release form that must be included with all submissions, here. You may also contact Leah Shreves, at (903) 237-1350 for any inquiries.

The presenters that were on hand ranged greatly in career fields. From Eastman to the Marine Corps to Mobberly, there was a wide selection for the students. One such presenter was Albert Chatman, a crew leader for the city of Longview. “It’s pretty exciting to be here and see the future generation and some of their ambitions. Hopefully the city of Longview can really supply them the needs that they really need to move forward,” Chatman said. “We’re trying to give the students a snapshot of what Longview is all about.” The GLOBE organization exists to improve the regional workforce by helping parents and students understand the maximum value of the Kindergarten through 12th grade experience. “When GLOBE started in 1988, businesses and industries in our area were telling the schools that the children were not taking challenging enough courses and (the businesses) were having to do a lot of training. So GLOBE was formed,”

said LHS Dean of Instruction Linda Buie who is also co-chair of the GLOBE board. “The organization is a consortium of business people and educators. They came together to create a program that would encourage students to take more rigorous classes.” This goal led to the creation of the GLOBE Scholars program which has been adapted by the state as Texas Scholars. The program challenges students to apply themselves to a higher level and take more rigorous high school classes. Those who see it through to the end receive a GLOBE Scholar

medallion on their graduation day. A GLOBE Scholar and now co-chair of the board, Cody Bailey is proof that the organization’s goal has succeeded. “I was a Texas Scholar; I was a GLOBE Scholar. I went through the program as a Longview High School student,” Bailey said. “Not only did I participate in some of the events that they offer, but now I’m on the other end of it, providing the services to the students.” To learn more about the organization go to globe-texas scholars.org .

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — February 14, 2020

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Teaching tools to honor Black History Month By Geraldine Stevens HMHCO As any social studies teacher will tell you, you can’t mark Black History Month without shining a spotlight on Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Dr. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History) and organized Negro History Week, which was first celebrated in February 1926. The week expanded to a month during our country’s bicentennial in 1976. Dr. Woodson is considered to be the father of African American history for his creation of what is now Black History Month, as well as his work in making the study of African American history in the U.S. a serious academic field. We join with schools, parents, and our communities to spark important, impactful conversations as we observe Black History Month. So, allow me to share with you some teaching tools that can be used each and every day of the year—but especially this month—to promote lifelong learning.

I. GREAT READS

Predicted by Carol Jago last year during the HMH Lead the Way to Literacy webinar “When Children Read the World: Books That Lead the Way,” the 2020 Caldecott Medal was awarded to Kadir Nelson, illustrator of The Undefeated. Nelson also won the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, and author and poet Kwame Alexander won a Newbery Honor for this powerful book. This beautifully drawn and expertly crafted book of poetry presents the triumphs and tragedies of African Americans in the United States. It pulls no punches on the cruelty that Africans faced in their journey across the Atlantic and years in the U.S., but it is presented in a way that students can take in and begin to understand.

II. EQUITY AND SCHOOL CULTURE

At the 2020 LearnLaunch edtech conference, many of this year’s topics included equity. I heard from administrators, educators, and researchers about the power of

identity and acceptance. A student must feel welcome and included in his or her school and community in order to be successful. In the session “Data, Dashboards, and the Whole Child,” Elizabeth Homan, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for Waltham Public Schools, shared that in her district, students are polled twice a year about their school climate. Many questions about school climate Month|Continued to page 19

District provides language support for families Longview ISD Spanish speaking families were invited to attend “Conversational and Academic English.” This class introduced families to frequently used school and academic terms on Monday, Jan. 27. The class also focused on social vocabulary and allowed participants to interact with each other in social situations. Attendees were given assets to take home so they could continue to practice what they learned. Our families enjoyed the class so much, they requested additional sessions.

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February 27, 7:00 PM

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE â€” February 14, 2020

Longview ISD School Menus Montessori Breakfast 17

Morning Sausage Honey Graham Crackers Milk Syrup Fruit Choice

Scrambled Eggs Sausage Patty Toast Honey Graham Crackers Milk Syrup Fruit Choice

19 French Toast Sticks Honey Graham Crackers Milk Syrup Fruit Choice

20 Biscuit Sausage Patty Honey Graham Crackers Milk Syrup Fruit Choice

21 Breakfast Sausage Pizza Honey Graham Crackers Milk Syrup Fruit Choice

Montessori Lunch

Drumsticks Applesauce Whole Baby Carrots Mashed Potatoes Milk

19 Beef Tacos, Soft Spanish Rice Charro Beans Milk Cheese

20 Hot Dog Applesauce Baked Beans Colossal Crisp Potatoes Milk

Chicken Rings Honey Wheat Roll Applesauce Green Beans Mashed Potatoes Milk

21 Turkey, Cheese Sandwich Applesauce Whole Baby Carrots Broccoli with Cheese Sauce Milk

Elementary Breakfast 17 Mini Cinnamon Roll Honey Graham Crackers Milk

18 Morning Sausage Kolache Honey Graham Crackers Milk

19 Honey Graham Crackers Toast Milk Scrambled Eggs Sausage Patty

20 Breakfast Sausage Pizza Honey Graham Crackers Milk

19 Sub Sandwich Turkey Hoagie Milk Mayonnaise Fruit Choice

21 Honey Graham Crackers Milk

Elementary Lunch 17

18 Italian Spaghetti Garlic Toast Cheese Pizza Carrots Broccoli Florets Tossed Salad Ranch Dressing Milk Fruit Choice

Beef Rotel Dip Chicken Rotel Dip Charro Beans Spanish Rice Salsa Milk Fruit Choice

21 Chicken Rings Mashed Potatoes Brown Gravy Green Beans Honey Wheat Roll Milk Fruit Choice

Hot Dog Colossal Crisp Potatoes Baked Beans Milk Mayonnaise Fruit Choice

Middle School Breakfast 17 Mini Cinnamon Roll Honey Graham Crackers Milk

18 Morning Sausage Kolache Honey Graham Crackers Milk

19 Honey Graham Crackers Toast Milk Scrambled Eggs Sausage Patty

20 Breakfast Sausage Pizza Honey Graham Crackers Milk

21 Honey Graham Crackers Milk

Middle School Lunch 17 Chicken Fried Steak Honey Wheat Roll Broccoli Casserole Carrots Roasted Potatoes Milk

19 Taco Salad Milk

20 Chicken Rings Honey Wheat Roll Mashed Potatoes Green Beans Milk

21 Hot Dog Hot Dog with Chili Baked Beans Season Fries Milk

Beef Rotel Dip Chicken Rotel Dip Spanish Rice Shredded Romaine Lettuce Charro Beans Pico de Gallo Milk

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — February 14, 2020

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Johnson, Gossett-Barron Named as the 2020 Unity Honorees Johnnie Johnson and Sally Gossett-Barron have been selected to receive 2020 Unity Honors from the City of Longview Partners in Prevention’s Unity and Diversity Committee. The Unity Honors is a lifetime achievement award that recognizes residents who have demonstrated leadership in promoting unity, mutual understanding, and social justice. The Unity and Diversity Committee, formerly known as the Longview Race Relations Committee, will honor the two women at the annual Unity Honors Luncheon. The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 19 at the Maude Cobb Convention Center. Longview Community Ministries and Newgate Mission will also receive special recognition awards for their outstanding commitment to the community as they foster diverse relationships and provide services to all residents. Tickets for the luncheon

are $20 and on sale online at LongviewTexas.gov/Unity Honors or at any of three locations — Broughton Recreation Center, 801 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.; Longview Public Library, 222 W. Cotton St.; or Partners in Prevention, fourth floor of the Glover-Crim Building, 140 E. Tyler St. No tickets will be available on the day of the luncheon.

JOHNNIE JOHNSON

Johnnie Johnson contributed significantly to the community by starting a civic organization named ONEKOP that furnished part of a hospital and organizing voter registration drives. She also served as the governor’s hostess for Black Political forums. Upon returning to Longview, she co-founded Longview Outreach Mission JOHNSON where she serves

AWARD |Continued from page 1 made toward successful technology use in schools. Worsham earned her award for her work with her change to the PD delivery to Tech Fest. Teachers have enjoyed the new format. With the new format, it was made possible to secure a day of training for each level- Elem, MS, and HS, where the ITS staff along with exceptional teacher tech integrators offered numerous sessions for teachers to choose their own PD interest sessions throughout the day. Breakfast was catered and then food trucks available at lunch time, as well as a prize drawing at the end of the day. The Badging Program was also re-launched, where teach-

ers are rewarded for using technology with students. Each badge earns an entry into monthly drawings for prizes (gold and silver level). Teachers really enjoyed having choice in their PD learning and the opportunity to see multiple tools that were successful for current LISD teachers.. Fellow LISD ITS Emily Young nominated Worsham for the award. Worsham has been in education for ten years, five with LISD and the last two as ITS. “I was a struggling student and I like to create opportunities for our students,” Worsham said. “I really like the resources that LISD has to offer our students.”

MONTH |Continued from page 17 center around issues of representation and inclusion. Homan noted that the schools with the highest school climate scores are also those that have the highest achievement. These same schools are very diverse in socioeconomic status and race. They are not among the most affluent. Thus, equity in culture has great outcomes on achievement. How to achieve this in schools? Examine the content.

the past to life by connecting it to today’s issues. While the medium may differ—Twitter, online news, news shows, and so on—integrating current events into your curriculum is a critical way to spark important conversations and help students connect their lives to the history lesson. The sudden and tragic death of Los Angeles Lakers basketball star Kobe Bryant reopens public debate of the legacy of a famous and talentIII. CURRENT ed athlete. One cannot help EVENTS but think of other athletes in Sometimes, history can seem the spotlight and how they are far away and remote for chilportrayed to—and judged by— dren. Teaching current events the public. can be a powerful way to bring

as the Executive Director. Johnnie has empowered hundreds of people in the community as a result of her servant’s heart, mentorship, and counseling that she offers wherever she goes. She is a healing agent for this community. While serving in many leadership roles, experiencing injustice, and inequality, she lives with no apologies or excuses for doing what needs to be done for the sake of human rights.

SALLY GOSSETT-BARRON

Sally Gossett-Barron, a charter member of the Race Relations Committee (now known as the Unity and Diversity Committee), was a key representative in helping organize the Partner in Prevention retreat for Community Mobilization in the early 1990s and addressing Race Relations GOSSETTBARRON in Longview.

Sally is intentional for modeling what is best for the community through her servant leadership. Throughout her early career as an educator at Longview I.S.D. and now as a Licensed Professional Counselor at Eastman, she has worked with diverse populations. Dedicating her service and being a trailblazer for the prevention of drugs and alcohol among the youth in the community is one of Sally’s passion. She lives by a personal creed that “silence is consent,” meaning she is willing to be the voice for the voiceless and a champion for the underserved.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE â€” February 14, 2020

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