Volume III, Issue 12 (December 2018)

ongview Voice

“Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing, but of reflection.” ― Winston Churchill

THE

Sharing the good news about LISD!

SEASONS GREETINGS

Vol. 3 No. 12 December 2018

A publication of Longview Independent School District

Complimentary Copy

Holidays bring a host of local activities and celebrations It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around town and Longview ISD is no exception, as the pinnacle of the holiday season will soon be here.

As your student will likely be participating in various seasonal activities, please keep in touch with your campus and Longview ISD for more information about upcoming events. You can check our Coming Events section (see Page 3) or follow us on your preferred social media platform. You can find us on Facebook or Twitter by searching for “Longview ISD.” One of the first events coming up will be the annual Longview Christmas Parade set for Dec. 6th in downtown Longview. The official start time is 6:30 p.m. but you’ll want to get there early since parking fills up rather quickly downtown. The parade route runs

along Whaley and Methvin streets around the Gregg County Courthouse.

December will feature a number of Christmas programs and concerts at our various elementary and middle school campuses, as well as holiday musical events at the Melton Center on the Longview High School campus. For more information about these festivities, please call the campuses directly.

Christmas break begins Dec. 22nd and lasts through Jan. 6, 2019. During this time all district offices will be closed.

From all of our at Longview ISD, please have a safe and blessed holiday season.

We look forward to another fantastic year at “the best school district east of Interstate 45!”

A thankful Lobo Nation

District proudly inducts five alumni into Wall of Honor A group of true American heroes (and their families) were recognized by a grateful Lobo Nation last month, as Longview ISD inducted five American military veterans into its Wall of Honor.

Wall of Honor festivities were Nov. 9th during the Lobos final regular season home game.

D. Kristopher Briggs Accepting the Wall of Honor plaque for Mr. Briggs was his family, Zackary Mount, Stacy Dole, his mother Debbie Osborne and his wife Michel Briggs. Briggs served in the United States Army for

23 years. During his time in as a Staff Sergeant for Army 11B Infantry, he served two tours in Iraq and one tour in Korea. He received 17 honors some include; Army Commendation Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with 4 bronze stars, Global War on Terrorism Service medal, Expert Infantryman Badge and Korean Defense Service Medal. Kristopher Briggs past away in 2017.

Wiley B. Early Accepting the Wall of Honor plaque for Mr. Early was his family and friends, Mike Early, Chris Terry, and Ricardo Garcia. He graduated from Judson High School in 1965. Early fought bravely in his time with United States Marines. He received honors such at the National Defense Medal, a Purple Heart, Combat Action Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Military Ribbon. Wiley Early was killed in action in 1969 while South Vietnam.

Longview ISD Board of Trustees awarded $900,000 in incentive pay for high achieving teachers during Monday night’s regular meeting.

The board unanimously approved Longview Incentive for Teachers (LIFT) pay for performance during the 2017-18 school year, almost three times

the $350,000 paid out to staffers in 2014-15, the first year of the program.

Allotments by campus distinction • Longview High School: 6 Academic Distinction Designations at $200 per distinction would yield $1,200 per person (210 staff = $252,000) • Foster Middle: 6 Academic Distinction Designations at $200 per distinction

Thankful|Continued to page 3

Christmas Bonus? District staff awarded $900K in performance-based pay THE

Longview Voice

Coming Events Opinion

3 2

Bonus|Continued to page 3 South Ward Coats for Kids

6 8

District Champs Band

11 14

Page 2

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

December 2018

OPINION

Remember your blessings this holiday season

By Mayor Andy Mack

Dear Lobos, By the time you read this column, Veteran’s Day will have passed; Thanksgiving will be but a memory (other than the few pounds we gained from the food we ate) and we will all be looking forward to Christmas. What a great time of year this is! The weather is getting cooler, the leaves have turned colors, and we have turned the clocks back so that it gets dark earlier. Winter is fast approaching. What I like about this time of year is all the significance surrounding the holiday season.

Let’s first talk about what has already passed, Veteran’s Day. Veteran’s Day was on November 11th. This is the day in which we take time to honor those who have served and given everything for our country and asked for nothing in return. These are young men and women that have sacrificed beyond what we will ever be able to comprehend. They trudged through trenches, slogged through jungles and braved the desert heat all for us. Yet we sometimes have trouble honoring them in a way that shows them the respect that they deserve. As for me, I know I will always stand when the National Anthem is played. I will always put my hand over my heart in reverence to the bravery, patriotism, the courage, and the sacrifice that was shown for me. These men and women didn’t ask why

By Dr. David S. Knight, Dallas Morning News

or what or how; they just answered the call without question, hesitation or protest. So, my family and I will honor them without question, hesitation or protest because it is our duty.

Every generation that passes, we tend to get further and further away from that patriotism. Well Lobos, now is the time for your generation to stand up. It is time for you to step back up and take a stand. Stand up for what is right, stand up for what allows you to do what you do and to be where you are and the freedoms that you enjoy. That’s all because of someone else’s sacrifice, not your own. So, let’s get back to what brought us here and keep our country strong, which brings us to the holiday of gratitude, Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving this year was on November 22nd. If you are like me, then this is one of your favorite holidays because you are a “foodie.” I love food. I love Thanksgiving. I love turkey and dressing, cranberry sauce and giblet gravy. I love green beans wrapped in bacon and macaroni and cheese. There is not much about Thanksgiving I don’t love. I love the rolls, specifically homemade yeast rolls. I love it all. And boy do I love pecan pie. I’m not a big pumpkin pie eater, but I will eat it. My favorite of all time is sweet potato pie and

that is what Thanksgiving Day is about for me as far as the food goes. I love the big meal and I love watching some football. But let’s not get too wrapped up in the food and the football and all of that fun stuff. Let’s remember what we should be thankful for. I’m thankful for a lot of things in my life. I’m first and foremost thankful for God, my Savior Jesus, thankful for my family, for health and for friends and for having a job and for all the things that I have that I don’t deserve. I’m thankful for a lot of things.

I’m thankful for our city, thankful for the citizens that elected me as the Mayor of this community, to allow me to do things that make this a better place to live. I’m thankful for a lot of things, too many to ever list in an article like this, but each day I wake up and each day I go to bed I give thanks for what I have and for what’s before me and what’s behind me and even the unknowns of what’s in front of me. Because we never know what tomorrow will bring, but I’m thankful for every day that I have.

Onward from Thanksgiving holiday, we move forward to the big one, Christmas. How much do you love the Christmas season? I love the decorations, I love the atmosphere, I love eggnog, I love people shopping and I love watching people shop. I’m not a huge shopper, but I enjoy getting out and being in the festive atmosphere. I love

the way the mall looks. I love driving around neighborhoods to see all the different Christmas decorations. There is so much about Christmas that I just love. I love the thought of Christmas morning and just waking up. My kids are too old now to have to worry about getting the presents put together and being under the tree, but I still love the thoughts of Christmas morning where we wake up and we enjoy time together. We open a few presents, we have fellowship, we have a great meal, but most of all we have to remember what Christmas is all about.

Christmas is about the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and that has to be the first and foremost in all of our celebration, because without that, there is really nothing else. So, I look forward to Christmas. I look forward to Christmas season, I look forward to a happy, healthy New Year ahead of us all.

So, for now Lobos, I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a safe, healthy, happy New Year.

Study hard, have some 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 currently owner-operator of East Texas Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Longview.

Texas is a prosperous state, but lawmakers are failing to adequately finance public education.

Communities and students are suffering the academic, physical and economic consequences.

The upcoming legislative session provides an opportunity for our state’s elected leaders to right the past wrongs, but a preliminary budget request from the Texas Education Agency projects a $3.5 billion decline in state funding over the next few years.

More of us need to understand the flaws in our state’s school finance system. We also must hold our elected leaders more accountable for making substantial improvements in the next legislative session. Inadequate and inequitable state funding does harm to schools.

Texas public schools receive both state general revenue and local property tax revenue.

State revenue is intended to help increase overall funding and addresses the inherently inequitable system that arises from funding schools based on local property taxes. But the state revenue has been declining. Ten years ago, the state contributed 48.5 percent of the cost of education, but in 2017 that number declined to 42.4 percent.

Put differently, in 2008, the state contributed

state and local funding per student than about $17.1 billion toward education wealthier, low-poverty districts. for about 4.7 million students.

With additional funding, lawmakers However, in 2017, Texas public could expand professional development schools enrolled more than 5.3 opportunities for principals and teachers, million students. The state’s which can improve student achievement contribution was only $19.3 billion. and lifetime outcomes for students in Despite the 13.7 percent growth in districts serving high-proportions of lowthe total student population, the and mid-incomes families. proportion of funding the state The state also has to remedy an contributes declined by 12.6 percent illegal cap that delayed or denied per pupil. special education to eligible students Advocates for the state’s current for a decade. This will require districts system naively suggest it is existing KNIGHT across the state to invest in identifying law that requires the state to use previously denied but eligible students the expected growth in property taxes to fund public education before factoring and hire additional special education teachers. in state funding. Legislators are elected to ensure With more money, districts could hire additional state laws benefit its citizens, and this law has special education teachers and ensure all students not protected public schools. At the very least, it with disabilities receive a high-quality education.

Gun violence in schools and increases in ought to be amended. youth suicide rates are more issues that must be Texas has a long history of inadequately funding public education and leaving undue addressed. The Texas Legislature must mandate burden on local districts. It is time voters that each school have at least one counselor and demand a new finance system that addresses that the state complies with the American School the significant disparities across districts and Counselor Association’s recommendation of at least regions. A study by the Center for Education one counselor for every 250 students.

These pressing issues cannot be adequately Research and Policy Studies at the University of Texas at El Paso found that the highest-poverty funded in the current system. And those saying districts in Texas receive about 11 percent less otherwise are not telling the truth if they are not

talking about dramatically changing Texas school finance.

In many states, a sizable proportion of school funding is generated through state income tax, which does not exist in Texas. Instead, lawmakers could find additional funding by increasing the sales tax or by reducing expenditures in other areas. During the last legislative session, a Republican state representative suggested increasing the motor fuel tax, of which 25 percent funds education in Texas. Meanwhile, a U.S. Department of Education study found that growth in expenditures on corrections outpaced expenditures on education in Texas by a factor of 8.5-to-1 since 1980, more than any other state in the country.

Public education is one of the state’s most important obligations. Lawmakers have a duty to uphold the Texas Constitution and ensure each student is provided with a “suitable education.” Educators and voters have a similar duty to be informed and to elect representatives who will ensure Texas youth are well-educated, safe, and provided with equal opportunities to be successful in life.

By Wade Barrow Every time a Texas politician tells you that they cut your taxes, the part they are leaving out is that they did it by cutting funding to public education. This chart shows how:

The amount the State of Texas has paid for public secondary fluctuated slightly up and down for the last 8 years and is currently down

out of pocket expenses. Also it has made schools more apt to apply limited funding to basic education principles tested on State mandated tests rather than emerging fields such as STEM and other applications that make the Texas workforce and its citizens more competitive in global economy.

This trend left uncorrected will lead to long term negative economic and societal impacts, not just in our communities but across our state and nation.

— A native of East Texas, and a 1994 graduate of White Oak High School, Wade Barrow is an attorney in Fort Worth.

— David S. Knight is the associate director of the Center for Education Research and Policy Studies and an assistant professor of educational leadership and foundations at the University of Texas at El Paso.

Lawmakers not telling the truth on taxes from a high point in 2016.

The problem with that is they have increased funding burdens on local districts as well as not adjusted funding for normal population increases.

Thus they have reduced the overall funding by the state for public education by 10%.

Local school districts have had to make up the funding difference.

However, they are capped at how much BARROW they can raise local taxes. Thus the net effect has been to reduce actual education spending by 7 percent.

Teachers have borne an unfair portion of this decrease in spending by reduction of compensation and benefits as well as increased

Thankful |Continued from page 1 Bernie Goode Mr. Goode served in the United States Air Force for 31 years. During that time, Goode served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam War. Goode received Distinguished Flying Cross for his flying skills as a Navigator in the Korean War. During that mission, he was the first person to spot Chinese fighter planes and report it back to base and alert American services that China entered the Korean War. Before he retired in 1974, he held the position of Lieutenant Colonel. Goode also received an Air Medal (sixth Oak Leaf Cluster) and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Bernie was featured on KLTV’s Freedom Fighters and stays in Longview so he can support his favorite football program, the Longview Lobos.

Ulysses Harris, Sr. Mr. Harris served four years in the United States Air Force. During that time he served as a sergeant and completed one tour in Vietnam during wartime. In 1969 he was injured while saving a fellow serviceman. Today Harris and the serviceman are still friends. He believes and lives the motto of “no man left behind.”

Charles Mayo

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — Accepting the Wall of Honor plaque was his sister, Vicktoria Mayo, and his nieces, Nevaea and Niya Hawkins. Mr. Mayo could not be with the honorees Friday, he is en route overseas. Charles graduated from Longview High School in 1990 and was a proud member of the Lobo Big Green Marching Machine.

During his 25 years in the United States Navy, Mayo completed 9 tours of duty and received many honors. Some of those honors include; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, and Navy Pistol Marksman Ribbon. His acts of heroism include Operation Restore Hope, Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield, and Operation Tomodachi. He served in leadership positions as a Naval Aviator, Information Dominance Warfare Officer, and Lieutenant Commander.

Thank you, all veterans Longview ISD Wall of Honor began in 2015 and inducted more than 15 Veterans.

Honorees are nominated at-large and chosen by a committee of alumni, volunteer Wall of Honor Committee members, administrators and the district’s Community Relations office.

December 2018

Page 3

Coming Events December 1 12 p.m Lobos boys basketball at Tatum Tournament

District spokeswoman Liz Ross said the district “is honored to have these veterans on the Wall of Honor.”

Board member (and U.S. Army veteran) Ted Beard agreed.

“Longview ISD is a district that strongly believes in honoring the sacrifices of these great Americans,” he said. “Inducting these fine people into our Wall of Honor is just a small token of gratitude for those that defended the freedoms we take for granted.”

December 6 5 p.m. Foster girls basketball vs.

Judson 6 p.m. Cocoa with Santa at JMQ December 7 Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day December 10 6:30 p.m. Foster Winter Concert December 13 5 p.m. Foster girls basketball vs.

McMichael December 21 End of 3rd Six Weeks December 25 Christmas Day December 31 New Year’s Eve

Bonus |Continued from page 1 would yield $1,200 per person (70 staff = $84,000) • Hudson PEP Elementary: 6 Academic Distinction Designations at $200 per distinction would yield $1,200 per person (45 staff = $54,000) • Ned E. Williams Elementary: 6 Academic Distinction Designations at $200 per distinction would yield $1,200 per person (50 staff = $60,000) • Bramlette Elementary: 5 Academic Distinction Designations at $200 per distinction would yield $1,000 per person (65 staff = $65,000) • Forest Park Middle: 4 Academic Distinction Designations at $200 per distinction would yield $800 per person (60 staff = $48,000) • Johnston/McQueen Elementary: 1 Academic Distinction Designations at $200 per distinction would yield $200 per person (65 staff = $13,000) • Also included in the allotment is $287,000 (Growth Model), $29,000 (EVASS Contract), and $8,000 (EOC) in funds.

“We’re thrilled with the excellent progress all our teachers are making with students across the entire district,” said board president Ginia Northcutt.

“It’s also wonderful to be able to reward those campuses that achieve state distinctions in helping students meet and exceed goals.”

Board member Dr. Chris Mack agreed.

“Our students perform better, our teachers make more money,” he said. “It’s as simple as that.”

Dr. Jody Clements, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources/Community Relations, said the funds are scheduled to go out in December’s pay period.

“This program is 100 percent funded through local funds from the fund balance, as approved by the LISD Board of Trustees,” he added.

The Longview Incentive for Teachers Pay for Performance Award Model, the LIFT Campus Academic Distinction Designation Pay for Performance Payout and the EOC High Stakes Re-Testers Model Payout has seen a steady increase in teacher success since the program began.

“But that’s exactly what the board’s intention was for this program, to have more staff meeting the requirements,” said Longview ISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox. “The criteria is still the same; we’ve just had significantly more teachers qualify.”

LISD has been using the Education Value Added Assessment System to measures student progress based on statistical data submitted each year.

If a student shows an expected amount of progress, the teacher is not rewarded. But if the student shows greater than expected progress, the teacher is given an incentive based on the exceptional progress amount.

Based on a “value-added” system and “achievement,” core subject area teachers with economically disadvantaged students showing exceptional or more than expected progress in core subject areas could receive about a $69 incentive or $100 incentive per student, depending on the level of progress.

The campus distinction designation awards will give $200 per campus distinction to each full-time staff member at the school.

Qualifying staff must be full-time and have an attendance rate of 97 percent.

Trustees meet in the boardroom of t he L ISD Education Support Center, 1301 E. Young St. The next regular meeting is t en t a t i vel y scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 10th.

Page 4

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

Lobo Nation = FAMILY

There are so many special people that make up the Lobo Nation, and two of them are featured in this photo shared with us by local resident Heather Watson.

Heather writes: Miss Ruby met LHS football star Kamden Perry and she is absolutely his biggest fan!

You should have seen her light up when he said “She has been there since I was little at the games.”

She hollered, “My Baby!”

What a wonderful moment!

Miss Ruby Floyd is a beloved Longview native and LHS alumna who inspires many with her zeal for life and loving nature. She loves creating art, riding her bike around town, and running in local 5K events. She is a devoted fan of the Lobos, and is always on the front row of every game.

LHS senior Kamden Perry is a record-breaking wideout for the Lobos, and a fan favorite for his uncanny ability to find holes in opposing defenses as well as his unfailing courage when fighting for extra yardage, especially in clutch situations and the game is on the line.

We love both of these very special Lobos!

Have a Safe & Happy Holiday Season

December 2018

Foundation honors Kristi Simmons

By Liz Ross, Longview ISD Spokeswoman The Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. awarded a $500 LISD Employee Scholarship to Kristi Simmons, JohnstonMcQueen Elementary LISD Pre-K teacher, so that she can pursue her Master’s Degree in Educational and Clinical Counseling.

Simmons would like to stay in the education field, but this degree would also allow her to counsel students in facilities that partner with schools. She says her heart is with “the little ones.” The mother of five said she has teens at home, so she loves being able to help her Pre-K students set the foundation.

“We get to mold them,” says Simmons. “What I love most is you can never go wrong with them. You can tell them to do their work, to get in line, or you are going to change their color and they will STILL come to school the next day with love and respect for you. You can do nothing wrong with them at this age.”

It was always a goal for Simmons to go back to school and get her masters, but the timing was just not right. That was, until this summer. This summer she received two very important emails that would put her goal into motion; a scholarship to Lamar University and the Longview ISD Foundation scholarship. “I was so excited, and I knew it was time.”

Grateful, this was the one word that could describe Kristi Simmons. I have interviewed a lot of people in Longview ISD, and she was blissful and truly grateful. She was grateful to everyone who encouraged her to apply for the Foundation scholarship. She was grateful to the Foundation for awarding her the scholarship. She was grateful for the board. She was grateful for her wonderful students. But most of all, she was grateful for JMQ and the job she has. She was grateful for the seven years she has spent there and that she has the opportunity to shape young lives.

Family Reading Night at Montessori East Texas Montessori Prep Academy hosted a family reading night last month.

Families enjoyed hot dogs and s’mores as staff spoke about the night’s theme: “Camp Read-O-Lot.” Students visited classrooms that had activities lead by Montessori teachers.

Sales • Parts • Service We are proud to support the Longview Independent School District and their continued growth in the community!

Family Owned for 102 Years

200 Spur 63, Longview, TX • (903) 758-6211 pegueshurstford.com

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

‘Sky Ranch’ delights Ned students

December 2018

Ned E. Williams 5th graders took a trip to Sky Ranch last month.

Located in Van, the students participated in the educational program at the facility. A few activities the students participated in included; horseback riding, zip lining, interact with animals.

The Outdoor Education program at Sky Ranch provides multiple leaning tracks including; science, history and team building. The curriculum is specifically designed to address the current TEKS, ensuring the full range of academic content aligns with the rigorous standards required in a formal classroom setting. Content is delivered in specially-designed outdoor classrooms by entertaining and high-trained instructors.

PEPsters honor Vets

In honor of our veterans, and in gratitude for our many freedoms, the 4th Grade students of Hudson PEP Elementary School performed a musical program on Nov. 9th.

D i s t r i c t maintenance and grounds crews are working hard on the new greenhouse at Ware Elementary.

Thank you Longview Chamber of Commerce and Longview Regional Hospital for making this a possibility!

Page 5

Page 6

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

South Ward encourages students to dream BIG

Career Day 2018 at South Ward Elementary School was held Tuesday, October 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Community partners inspired the students to dream about what they would like to be when they grow up.

Students learned about exciting careers/jobs from people who actually worked in those fields. Career Day allows students to connect education with career success.

Students dressed in their dream job attire. There were students dressed as school teachers, engineers, business men and women, nurses, doctors, chefs or cooks, entrepreneurs, f iref ighters, policemen and policewomen, and other careers. They thoroughly enjoyed Career Day and they wrote reflections of what they learned and experienced.

Some of the fall participants included Cristina Thomas, North Texas Poison Center, Dallas, Texas; John Preston, Master Salesman, Peters Chevrolet Car Dealership; Sgt. Major Walter Stephens-Photographer; Officer Nicole Goodman, Longview Animal Control; Earl Sibley, SalesmanMitsubishi Car Dealership; Longview Police Department: Officer Montalvo, Officer Nance, Officer Viliela, and others; Mrs. Sharon Marshall-Sharon’s Kids Korner Daycare Center; Danny Craig-Gregg County Constable; Meteorologist Mario Valverde-Shreveport Weather Service; Joshua Anderson-Midnight Express Limousine Service; Joycelyne Fadojutimi East Texas Review; Beverly Pruitt & Lateefa Pruitt-State Realty & Rental Agency; Beneva Mayo- Barber; Martha DeLuna- Outstanding Musician, Lufkin, Texas; Mike Tucker -Texas Eastman Chemical Company, etc.

Career Day is spearheaded by Susan Moon, South Ward School Counselor.

This is the 20th year for Career Day under her guidance and it continues to improve each year.

Special thanks to ALL of our community helpers!!

Flying pumpkin pies at PEP?

It was all about flying pumpkin... pies that is!

On Wednesday, October 31 Hudson PEP students sent pumpkin pies sailing through the air with their catapults.

Many of the 5th grade GT students at PEP have spent the last several weeks designing and building catapults to launch a pumpkin pies.

The idea started with a group in Mr. Finn’s GT class. They pitched the idea to their class and teacher to have a catapult contest. Once Ms. Massey’s GT class heard about, several more groups joined the competition. They took the catapult idea to the next level, beyond what their teachers envisioned!

Catapults were built both in and out of class. Some students met together on the weekend to build parts and brought the rest to school to finish it. (Ms. Massey learned how to use power tools along the way!)

After a practice round earlier in the week, groups adjusted their catapults or launching technique. Some groups are leaving their catapult at school to make further improvements.

The winning group launched the pumpkin pie 21.5 feet! Second place launched their pie 17 feet!

Mr. Finn and Ms. Massey are proud of all of the hard work our students have put into these projects!

December 2018

Ware welcomes best-selling writer New York Times best-selling children’s author Patricia Polacco was the guest star at Ware East Texas Montessori Academy on Monday, November 5.

Palacco started the day with presentations to students. She discussed her journey as a writer and what it was like for her as a student with dyslexia.

Palacco was overjoyed to have lunch with Ware students who have dyslexia. Her message to them was failing does not mean failure. It is an opportunity to try things in a new way. She took the time to speak with each student and sign a book that was a gift to them.

The day was inspirational for the staff at Ware as well. At the conclusion of the school day, staff were invited to a “proper tea party” with Palacco.

Everyone donned a hat and given a history of tea time from retired teacher, Sally Van Sandt.

Thank you to the Longview Chamber of Commerce and Network Communications for providing the students, teachers, and staff of Ware East Texas Montessori Academy with such an inspirational day.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

CELEBRATE LITERACY!

Our elementary campuses brought words to life through a variety of activities and programs last month during Red Ribbon Week!

Thank you to all all the teachers, staff, and parents who helped make these events fun and educational!

Thank you Rotary Club!

A very special thanks to the Rotary Club of Longview for their generous donation of dictionaries for every 3rd grade student last month. We are so appreciative!

Let's Talk! is right at your fingertips!

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

December 2018

Fall Fest fun at Ned E. Williams

Ned E. Williams wins the creepiest Fall Fest award!

Thank you Longview Public Library for allowing them to borrow spoooooky decorations!

Page 7

Page 8

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

December 2018

Week of WOW at Judson LHS students can now ‘letter’ in academics The day five Week of WOW winner is Jada! Congrats Jada!!!

This has been such a great fundraiser, we want to thank everyone for their continued support on making it a successful one!

Thank also to Mr. Gibson and Mrs. Henninger for helping to encourage our kids to meet their goals.

By Elizabeth Ross, LISD spokeswoman If you have spent any time at Longview High, you are bound to have a favorite Mr. Brewer quote. Many Brewer quotes come to my mind, but as a parent, the one that stands out to me is “you are here (LHS) to get an education and you have EVERY reason to be successful.”

Brewer said this to freshman and freshman parents right before he introduced a new academic reward initiative. Starting this school year, students have the opportunity to earn an academic letterman jacket.

“Our academic letterman jackets will be a way to celebrate academia,” said Linda Buie.

“We already offer letterman jackets to those who excel in extracurriculars, but now we can celebrate what our students are doing inside the classroom.”

LHS students can earn their academic letterman jacket through IB enrollment, Early College hours, dual credit hours, AP scores, EOC scores, and CTE dual credit/certifications.

If a student already has a letterman jacket for any activities, then that student will receive an academic patch. Jackets and patches will be ordered in the Fall of students’ senior year.

Criteria for Academic Letterman Jackets: International Baccalaureate - Seniors enrolled in seven IB classes Early College - Seniors targeted for Associate’s Degrees Seniors either completed or enrolled in dual credit classes totaling 24 hours Dual Credit - Seniors targeted for Associate’s Degrees Seniors either completed or enrolled in dual credit classes totaling 24 hour Advanced Placement - Score 3 out of 3 AP exams Score 3 on 1 AP exam (Patch only) End of Course (EOC) - Scored at Commended or Masters on 5 EOC exams CTE - Earned 2 certifications in CTE dual credit programs.

Earned one certification and additional academic dual credit hours totaling 24 hours.

Lobos win ‘Coats For Kids’ trophy... again!

Thank you Mark Scirto for taking time out of your day to present Longview High School with the “Coats for Kids” trophy. The students were very excited to meet you and take photos with you.

Longview High School donated more than 400 coats to the initiative and this is their seventh time to win this honor.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

December 2018

Page 9

Partners In Prevention shares expertise teams up for local high with Auto Tech students schoolers

It was a great day Nov. 8th in the LHS Automotive class!

Staffers from Peters Chevrolet spoke about the internship programs that is available for accomplished Automotive students.

Representatives from the company told us, “We love reaching the younger generation and giving them opportunities to follow their dreams in the Automotive Industry. Thank you Longview ISD for inviting us, we truly enjoy it!”

Thank you, Peters Chevrolet, for being such a wonderful community partners and supporter of all LISD programs and activities!

Longview High School students had some great ideas to share with Partners in Prevention Coalition For A DrugFree Youth during last month’s event.

They also exchanged positive ideas and techniques with students from Pine Tree High.

Lobo band ‘Honors America’

“Honor America” is one event that no matter how many times you have been, it is always is a special event and gives any patriotic American a profound feeling of pride in our nation.

Giving back and honoring our Veterans, active Military and First Responders is a labor of love.

This event is also our opportunity to thank and create memories for our Seniors. For most, this was not the first Honor America program that they have participated in and this event has always embodied the spirit of the students of this extraordinary program.

To the Seniors, we hope the memories that you have made during your time with the program are something you take with you throughout your life and best of luck to each of you.

Thank you parents for sharing your children with the Lobo Band!!!

There are so many accolades that need to go out on this event. The Lobo Band Boosters sponsor the event, however, without the collective efforts of Mr. Tommy Moore and his staff, the students of the wonderful Longview ISD band program and yes, the Longview High School ROTC, this event would not be what it has become.

And without the Lobo Band Sponsors we would not be able to do what we do. Thank You!!

October Chromebook winner

Congrat ulations to Beck y Swanner, LISD Dyslexia Specialist, who was awarded a set of Chromebooks from the Instructional Technology Department.

Each month our Instructional Technology team holds a drawing for six Chromebooks to to incentivize using technology in the classroom through the badge program.

When a teacher uses one of the 15 technology tools and documents three lessons using the tech tool with their ITS, they earn a badge and an entry into the monthly Chromebook drawings. Teachers may gain one entry per tool.

Longview luminaries

Mayor Mack Announced two more of his 2019 Go-Givers last month during the regular Longview City Council meeting.

Congratulations to Chick-fil-a’s Chuck King and Boys & Girls Club director Joyce Williams.

They will be recognized during the GoGiver Gala in January. Get your tickets now!

LongviewTexas.gov/GGG

Happy 49th Mr. McConnaughey!

Lobo Nation hopes this famous alumni’s birthday last month was “alright, alright, alright.” #OnceALoboAlwaysALobo

Page 10

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

December 2018

Wherever life takes you,

YOUR HAPPY FUTURE is also ours!

Be part of the extraordinary difference.

www.ecu.org 800.999.2328 Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency.

NEWLongviewVoiceHappyFutureFull.indd 1

6/27/18 8:08 AM

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

December 2018

Page 11

SPORTS

DISTRICT CHAMPS!

Lobos undefeated, roar into playoffs Led by a record-breaking offense and an opportunistic defense, the stateranked Longview Lobos have continued their winning ways through the month of November. With dominant wins over district opponents Tyler Lee and Mesquite High to finish the regular season undefeated, the Lobos kickstarted the post-season with a 70-22 rout over Copperas Cove in bi-district action.

Here is a round-up of the games Longview has played this month, provided to us by the excellent staff of ETSN.fm and their talented photographers, as well as our own proud Lobo alumna Ginger Elder Cannon/Shot By Cannons Photography!

LOBOS 63, Tyler Lee 14 TYLER – Another banner night from the Longview Lobo offense led to yet another big win for the Lobos on Nov. 3rd in District 11-6A action.

Jessie Anderson scored three times to pace a big night offensively for the Lobos in a 63-14 win over the Robert E. Lee Red Raiders at Rose Stadium.

Anderson’s three touchdown runs of two, four and 12 yards punctuated a night where the Lobos could do no wrong. Anderson finished with a team-best 138 yards.

Haynes King and Kamden Perry connected for touchdown strikes twice for the Lobos, who jumped out to a 28-0 lead after the first quarter and a 35-14 lead at halftime.

Perry finished with 198 yards receiving and King passed for 230 in the win. Perry now has 1,145 yards this season and passed Eric Hawkins for the most yards by any Lobo receiver in a single season.

Keilyn Williams tacked on a pair of rushing scores and Longview got touchdowns from JD Williams and Kaden Meredith as well in the romp to move to 9-0 on the season and 5-0 in league play.

Lee got on the board on a double pass from receiver Sebastian Grady to Jamar Arceneaux. The Raiders also added another second-quarter touchdown on a two-yard scamper from two-way standout Jordan Printers.

LOBOS 55, Mesquite 24 Jessie Anderson and Keilyn Williams combined for five touchdowns as Longview broke open a close secondquarter game with a 55-24 win over Mesquite on Nov. 10th to close the books on an undefeated regular season.

Mesquite took a 24-20 lead midway through the second quarter before the Lobos, who will host Copperas Cove in the first round of the state playoffs, exploded for 35 unanswered points.

Williams toted for 105 yards including scoring scampers of 37 and five yards and Anderson had touchdown runs of 13 and two yards for the Lobos, who went 6-0 through the 11-6A gauntlet.

Kamden Perry hauled in 86 yards, including touchdowns catches of nine and 29 yards, from quarterback Haynes King, who tallied 189 yards in the win for Longview.

Kaden Meredith had a 27-yard touchdown run and the Lobos got a 76-yard kickoff return touchdown from Jacob Johnson.

LOBOS 70, Copperas Cove 22 It may not be possible for a team to execute any better than the Longview Lobos did during the first quarter Friday night.

Whether it was offense, defense, or specials teams, Longview was flawless.

The fourth-ranked Lobos made quick work of Copperas Cove, 70-22, behind a 35-point first quarter in their Class 6A Division II bi-district playoff.

“It was pretty impressive, almost shocking how well we played in the first quarter both offensively and defensively,” Longview coach John King said.

Longview (11-0) will play Prosper (9-2) in the area round at the Ford Center in Frisco.

The Lobos scored four touchdowns on their first 13 offensive plays, returned a punt for a touchdown, forced and recovered a fumble, and limited Copperas Cove (7-4) to three yards in the first quarter.

“It’s gotta give you confidence to come out against an uncommon opponent to have a dominant performance like that in the first half,” King said. “There were just so many unknowns: the physicality, the speed, all those things. We wanted to be ready for the speed of the game in what they did.”

Longview junior quarterback Haynes King threw four touchdown passes, and Keilyn Williams totaled 190 yards of offense and scored four times. He had seven carries for 90 yards, including a 20-yard scoring run, and caught three touchdowns covering 24, 48, and 34 yards.

The Lobos rolled to a 56-0 lead by halftime, then substituted most of its starters in the third and fourth quarters.

“I think Copperas Cove definitely jumped off the tape at you, watching what they did offensively and the style of defense that they played in that district,” King said. “They’re a good football team. We just got on them early and got them down, and made them do some things they really didn’t want to do.”

Longview marched 60 yards in seven plays on its opening drive of the night, scoring on a Jessie Anderson 2-yard run for a 7-0 lead less than three minutes into the game.

Following a Copperas Cove three-andout, Jephaniah Lister returned a punt 41 yards to the Bulldawgs’ 19-yard line. And on thirdand-17, Haynes King connected with Kamden Perry on a 26-yard touchdown, giving the Lobos a 14-0 lead.

“The kicking game was huge for us,” King said. “We pinned them deep on a lot of kickoffs, and they shanked a few punts. I think a key play for us was Kamden’s touchdown on third down after a big punt return. We kinda stalled a drive out, and he caught a big pass play.”

Jaylon Allen forced and recovered a fumble at the Copperas Cove 25 on the ensuing series, and Williams’ 24-yard touchdown reception pushed the Lobos’ lead to three scores.

Another Copperas Cove three-and-out and a 19-yard punt set Longview up the Bulldawgs’ 20, and Williams’ 20-yard touchdown run on the first play of the drive gave the Lobos a 28-0 lead with 3:23 to play in the first quarter.

Lister’s 43-yard punt return for a score made it 35-0 with 1:35 showing on the firstquarter clock.

“That couldn’t happen for a better kid, I’m so fired up for him to get a touchdown,” Coach King said of Lister. “He’s definitely a team favorite of a lot of kids and coaches.”

Williams caught two more touchdowns in the second quarter and Anderson added another 2-yard scoring run before the half.

Kaden Meredith and Shannon Jackson ran for Longview touchdowns in the second half.

Copperas Cove quarterback Easton Simpson passed for 145 yards and three touchdowns, two of which went to Trevor Troy. The Bulldawgs, which came into Friday averaging 265 rushing yards per game, was limited to 145 on 29 attempts.

The Lobos’ defense also came away with four sacks.

“They did a good job of getting FOOTBALL|Continued to page 12

Page 12

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

FOOTBALL|Continued from page 11 penetration but not running up the field,” Coach King said of his defensive line. “That could get us gashed with traps and buck-sweep stuff, so they did a good job of penetration but being disciplined with it.

“I thought our linebackers did an excellent job of fitting, and our safeties, I thought Jephaniah Lister and Jacob Johnson did an excellent job of fitting the run.”

GAME STATISTICS Copperas Cove 0 0 14 8 – 22 Longview 35 21 7 7 – 70 First Quarter LOBOS—Jessie Anderson 2 run (J.K. Martin kick), 9:11.

LOBOS—Kamden Perry 26 pass from Haynes King (Martin kick), 6:24.

LOBOS—Keilyn Williams 24 pass from King (Martin kick), 5:04.

LOBOS—Williams 20 run (Martin kick), 3:23.

LOBOS—Jephaniah Lister 43 punt return (Martin kick), 1:35.

Second Quarter LOBOS—Williams 48 pass from King (Martin kick), 8:42.

LOBOS—Anderson 2 run (Martin kick), 3:01.

LOBOS—Williams 34 pass from King (Martin kick), :47.

Third Quarter COVE—Trevor Troy 36 pass from Easton Simpson (Cameron Ryan kick), 8:59.

LOBOS—Kaden Meredith 10 run (Spencer Powell kick), 5:08.

COVE—Troy 15 pass from Simpson (Ryan kick), 1:50.

Fourth Quarter LOBOS—Shannon Jackson 2 run (Powell kick), 6:57.

COVE—Jahmeel Rice 45 pass from Simpson (Micah Cox run), 4:00.

CC LON First Downs 12 17 Total Yards 306 444 Rushes-Yards 29-145 36-253 Passing Yards 161 191 Comp.-Att.-Int. 11-25-0 9-13-0 Punts-Avg. 5-29.6 0-0 Fumbles-Lost 2-1 0-0 Penalties-Yards 7-61 5-35 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING—Copperas Cove, Micah Cox 7-84, Shontez Simmons 12-43, Quinton Lewis 2-21, Kameron Spruill 1-15, Brandon Ortega 1-5, Russell Cochran 1-2, Easton Simpson 5-(-25).

Longview, Keilyn Williams 7-90, Kaden Meredith 9-74, Jessie Anderson 7-37, Shannon Jackson 5-32, JD Williams 4-15, Haynes King 1-3, Harvey Boyd 1-2, Corey Evans 1-2, Team 1-(-2).

PASSING—Copperas Cove, Simpson 11-24-0—161, Lewis 0-1-0—0. Longview, King 9-130—191.

RECEIVING—Copperas Cove, Jahmeel Rice 4-74, Trevor Troy 3-53, Jaylin Smith 2-21, Lewis 1-8, Cox 1-5. Longview,Kamden Perry 5-75, Keilyn Williams 3-106, Kyas Moore 1-10.

NEXT MAN UP!

Congrats also to the Lobo junior varsity football team! They beat Mesquite in their last game of the season to finish as District Champs!

Looks like the future of Lobo football is in good hands! Keep up the good work!

December 2018

VOLLEYBALL SUPERSTARS!

Congratulations to our Lady Lobo Volleyball team on their season! The team and coaches hosted the annual Lady Lobo Volleyball banquet last month.

Check out these amazing honors...

1st team all-district: Malaika Pencheon and Morgan Vance 2nd team all-district: Miah Colbert Honorable Mention: Rynie Barnes, Alexius Allen, Mara Cooks, Saunti Darden, Ashley Davis Academic All District: Rynie Barnes, Alexius Allen, Angell Evans, Mara Cooks, Saunti Darden, Laci Lewis, Morgan Vance, Malaika Pencheon, Peja Mathis, Miah Colbert, Makayla Washington

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

December 2018

Page 13

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

Page 14

Way to go BAND!

Obviously the entire Lobo Nation is proud of the Big Green Marching Machine, but when a band parent from another school speaks out with compliments, it’s a big deal!

We received this message following the Nov. 3rd game against Robert E. Lee, and we are so proud of our band being such wonderful representatives of our school and community. Great job, y’all!

December 2018

Are you ready for some fútbol?

While the gridiron action is still in full swing, our soccer teams are gearing up for another big year on the green!

Here’s are this year’s boys and girls teams, best of luck to all our Lobo athletes!

Queens of the court

Look out Lobo Nation, basketball season is here again!

Check out our girls in action last month, dominating John Tyler with a 78-39 win.

Five Lady Lobos scored in double figures, with McKenze Brown (12 points, 10 rebounds), Miyah Colbert (12 points, 11 rebounds) and Kei’Azia Brice (12 points, 10 rebounds) all recording double-doubles.

Heavunli Reese led the way in the scoring department with 15 points, and Jordan McLain just missed a double-double with 14 points and eight steals. Madison Pippins had five points, Taleiah Wright and Gia Carter three apiece and Cheyanne Starkey two.

Lobo Football History Book

Going, Going, Almost Gone!

F R I D AY

FRIDAY L W O H T H G NI

OWL N IGH T H 90000>

301933

Take a journey through the Longview (Texas) High School football program – all the way back to the beginning in 1909.

ot h am B y Je re m y C

0193-3 8-1-5323-

H SCHOOL

NGVIEW HIG

Y OF LO THE HISTOR

Jeremy Cotham’s dream of publishing a complete history of Longview High School Lobo Football is a reality. In 2009 the Lobos helped him battle leukemia and eventually helped inspire him to create this book.

Jeremy lost his battle with cancer in 2015, but his legacy remains alive with this publication.

am

By Jeremy Coth

This one-of-a-kind 180-page, hard-cover yearbook-style collector’s item features each season (all 107 of them), including the scores of each game, season summaries, information on coaches, players, photographs, rosters and more!

Cost $40 Top-Quality Yearbook-Style Book Published by Herff Jones ®

Perfect Book for All Lobos – Past & Present – And for Every Lobo Fan! LIMITED NUMBER OF BOOKS REMAIN BUY YOUR COPY BEFORE THEY SELL OUT email: Cotham75605@yahoo.com • Call David Cotham: 903-736-4637 NOTE: Books will be sold at the LISD Athletic Office during season ticket renewals.

Books also on sale at Louis Morgan Drug No. 4 during regular business hours.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

Page 15

December 2018

Lobo University LISD seeking events coming ‘Distinguished in January Alumni’ nominees

It’s never too early for high school students to start preparing for college and the LHS College and Career Center is hosting a series of events to help spur students to consider their options now that the school year is underway: Session 5: Wednesday, January 16, 2019, 6:30 PM, outside the LHS College and Career Center on the second floor of the main building Topic: “The PSAT, SAT, ACT and Getting Juniors Ready to Apply to College” Target Audience: 9th-11th Grade Parents First, Kay Ray and Linda Buie will explain the components of the October 2018 PSAT score report.

All freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who took the October 2018 PSAT and their parents are encouraged to attend.

Next, Kay Ray, scholarship coordinator, and Tieraney Beall, academic advisor, will explain all that juniors need to do during the spring semester so that they are ready to apply to college in fall 2019 of their senior year. Information will include taking college admission exams, writing college admission essays, and meeting college deadlines.

Session 6: Wednesday, January 23, 2019, 6:30 PM, outside the LHS College and Career Center on the second floor of the main building Topic: “Earning College Scholarships” Target Audience: 12th Grade Parents Kay Ray, scholarship coordinator, will explain how students can earn thousands in scholarships from local community organizations, businesses, churches, and school organizations. Mrs. Ray will also explain the importance of the student resumé, giving examples to follow so students can create an outstanding resumé, and the importance of letters of recommendation. She will have a list of all the local scholarships LHS students won by the Class of 2019.

Visit the Longview High School Counseling and Guidance Website for information about college, college visits, college recruiters visiting LHS, college admission testing, and scholarship resources and available applications for LHS students.

Please check the daily announcements for the latest information.

Personalized Parties

Invitations • T-Shirts Cupcake Toppers • Goodie Bags & More! references available

The Longview ISD Alumni Association is accepting nominations for distinguished alumni to be honored by the district next spring.

The deadline for nominations is 4 p.m. Dec. 7th, 2018.

Nomination applications can be picked up at the district’s administration building at 1301 E. Young St. or by downloading them from the district website: www.LISD.org

All nominees must be alumni of Longview High School, and they must have graduated at least 10 years ago.

For more information, please contact LISD Community Relations at (903) 3812200.

Longview Voice is seeking Sales Associates for the Longview Area

Commission Based • Established Accounts

Work Your Own Hours!

Please Send Resume to sskinner101@gmail.com

CLEAR BAG POLICY Beginning in August 2018, clear bag policy will be in place for all Longview ISD athletic events.

Approved and non-approved types of bags are shown below.

LARGE To bring bags to a home athletic event, bags must be clear and not exceed 12 in. (by 6 in. by 12 in.) or be a clear one gallon resealable plastic freezer storage bag.

One per person. Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl or 12” PVC and have a maximum of one logo imprint not exceeding 4.5 in. tall x 3.4 in. wide.

12”

12”

Backpack

Printed Pattern Plastic Bag

Large Tote Bag

Fanny Pack

6” One Gallon Clear Resealable Plastic Storage Bags

Branded

Color Logo

All non-clear and/or larger than those shown on the left.

Clear

12”

12”

NOT APPROVED

APPROVED

OR

Solid Color Cinch Bag

6”

12”

Logo must not exceed 4.5”x3.4”

Purse

Call for more info!

430-200-8612 903-244-7571

SMALL BAGS The only non-clear bags permitted are small clutch bags (with or without a strap) that are the size of a hand.

Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at designated areas.

3.5”

4.5” 6.5”

Reusable Grocery Tote

Camera Case

Colored Plastic Storage Bag

Diaper Bag

Mesh or Straw Bag

4.5” 4”

4”

Page 16

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

December 2018