Volume I, Issue 3 (April 2016)

“The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.” — C.S. Lewis

What’s in it for you?

See Opinion Page 3

THE

Students excel at district science fair See Elementary Page 4

Time to clean up your finances?

Jordan Wright among “best of the best” See High School Page 6

See Finances on Page 7

Longview Voice

Vol. 1 No. 3 March 2016

Coming events Friday, April 1 8 a.m. STAAR make-up tests.

8 a.m. UIL District Meet, Longview High School.

4:30 p.m. Lady Lobo junior varsity, varsity softball at Sulphur Springs.

4:30 p.m. Lobo junior varsity, varsity baseball hosts Sulphur Springs.

Saturday, April 2 8 a.m. UIL District Meet, Longview High School.

8 a.m. Lobo powerlifting Regional Meet at Abilene.

12 p.m. Lobo junior varsity, varsity baseball hosts Lindale.

Monday, April 4 8 a.m. Lobo varsity golf at District Tournament in Rockwall.

8 a.m. Lobo junior varsity tennis hosts District Tournament.

8 a.m. Lobo junior varsity golf hosts District Tournament.

4:30 p.m. Lobo junior varsity, varsity baseball at Hallsville.

Tuesday, April 5 8 a.m. Lobo varsity tennis at District Tournament at Texas High.

8 a.m. Lobo varsity golf at District Tournament in Rockwall.

4:30 p.m. Lady Lobo junior varsity, varsity softball hosts Hallsville.

6 p.m. Lobo Cheer Meeting (LHS Cafeteria).

7 p.m. Lobo varsity baseball at Hallsville.

Sharing the good news about LISD!

A publication of Longview Independent School District

Campuses unite for international amputee benefit program Students and staffers from across Longview ISD came together Monday, Feb. 29 to raise funds and awareness for an organization that provides affordable prosthetics to people in developing countries.

Festivities began at J.L. Everhart with a presentation about Limbs International and how the organization helps improve the quality of life for so many people.

Linda Buie, Dean of Instruction for Longview High School, said a group of her International Baccalaureate students provided information about “Learning for Limbs” to students during their P.E. period as they rotated through the gym.

“The students were challenged to go through an obstacle course with one limb bound to their bodies to show the hardships and struggles amputees face on a daily basis,” she said. “We also had all the stu- LHS staffers count proceeds from the Learning for Limbs “silent auction” fundraiser on Monday, Feb. See Limbs on Page 7 29; while Forest Park Middle School faculty members volunteer at the concession stand and students enjoy a soccer game fundraiser.

LHS leads area in dual credit enrollment KILGORE - Longview High School has the highest number of students enrolled in dual credit courses at Kilgore College, according to a report released Wednesday.

Terry Booker, Kilgore College Dual Credit Coordinator, provided area superintendents with an analysis for the Fall 2015 and Spring 2016 semesters compared to last year.

LHS remained the highest enrollment, with 285 students enrolled in the Spring 2016 term and 309 students enrolled in Fall 2015.

The campus also boasted the highest number of underclassmen enrolled in dual credit courses, as well as the highest level of total credit hours taken in each semester (1,262 credit hours in Spring 2016 and 1,430 credit hours in Fall 2015). “(Both terms) were record numbers over previous semesters,” Booker said of the overall enrollment figures, adding that he would be presenting these reports in April during the Kilgore College Board of

Wednesday, April 6 8 a.m. Lobo varsity tennis at District Tournament at Texas High.

Thursday, April 7 8 a.m. Middle School District Track at Tiger Stadium in Mount Pleasant.

8 a.m. UIL One-Act Play Area Meet.

6:30 p.m. LISD Foundation Lamplighter Awards Banquet at Pinecrest Country Club, 214 Club Drive Longview.

Friday, April 8 8 a.m. UIL One-Act Play Area Meet.

9 a.m. Child Abuse Prevention Proclamation Program at JohnstonMcQueen.

3:30 p.m. Lobo junior varsity, varsity Boys and Girls Track at Pine Tree Relay & Field Meet in Pirate Stadium, Pine Tree.

4:30 p.m. Lady Lobo junior varsity, varsity softball hosts Pine Tree.

4:30 p.m. Lobo junior varsity baseball hosts Pine Tree.

7 p.m. Lobo varsity baseball at Pine Tree.

Saturday, April 9 8 a.m. UIL One-Act Play Area Meet.

8 a.m. ACT Testing, Longview High School.

8 a.m. East Texas Shootout Basketball Tournament at Forest Park, Foster, and LHS gymnasiums.

12 p.m. Lobo varsity baseball hosts Whitehouse.

8 p.m. Longview High School Senior Prom.

Sunday, April 10 8 a.m. East Texas Shootout Basketball Tournament at Forest Park, Foster, and LHS gymnasiums.

Monday, April 11 8 a.m. Lobo varsity golf Regional Tournament at Rockwall.

7 p.m. Lobo junior varsity baseball at Carthage.

See Coming events on Page 2

Complimentary Copy

See Dual-Credit on Page 7

Career expo set for April 26 at admin building Longview ISD is set to host its annual Recruitment Expo from 4 to 7 p.m. April 26 at the Education Support Center, 1301 E. Young St. The city’s second-largest employer, Longview ISD has posted a steady increase in enrollment over the last few years and is looking to fill more than 30 positions.

LISD Human Resources Director Loretta Thompson Martin said the district is seeking certified and highly-qualified teachers in all subjects, including critical need areas like Math, Science, Spanish and Bilingual Education, as well as Career and Technical Education.

“Interested applicants are invited to share their resume with our various campus principals, with some principals possibly conducting interviews, checking references and offering jobs right on the spot,” she said. “We are hiring for elementary and secondary teachers, and professional positions across the district.”

Martin invited job seekers to fill out an application online at lisd.org and bring the appropriate materials to the career expo.

“We ask that they have copies of their resume, transcripts, teaching certificates,

and three letters of recommendation,” she said.

For more information, call the LISD Human Resources Department at (903) 381-2200.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

Page 2

Coming events

Continued from Page 1

March 2016

Tuesday, April 12 8 a.m. Lobo varsity golf Regional Tournament at Rockwall.

8:30 a.m. Johnston-McQueen PPCD/Deaf Ed. students go to EcoLand in Kilgore.

4:30 p.m. Lady Lobo junior varsity, varsity softball at Greenville.

4:30 p.m. Lobo junior varsity, varsity baseball hosts Greenville.

6 p.m. Lobo Band Pre-UIL Contest (Melton Center).

Wednesday, April 13 8 a.m. Lobo junior varsity, varsity track District Meet in Pirate Stadium, Pine Tree.

12 p.m. PTA Executive Meeting at Hudson PEP. Thursday, April 14 8 a.m. Lobo junior varsity, varsity track District Meet in Pirate Stadium, Pine Tree.

8 a.m. Lady Lobo softball junior varsity District Tournament.

8 a.m. Ware Spring Pictures (Pre-K through 1st Grade).

Friday, April 15 End of 5th Six Weeks 8 a.m. Ware Spring Pictures (2nd-5th Grade).

4:30 p.m. Lobo junior varsity baseball at Marshall.

7 p.m. Lobo varsity baseball hosts Marshall.

Saturday, April 16 7 a.m. Viewette Revue rehearsals, Melton Center.

8 a.m. Middle School 7-on-7 Tournament at Lobo Stadium.

8 a.m. Lady Lobo junior varsity softball District Tournament at Hallsville.

Monday, April 18 Start of 6th Six Weeks.

8 a.m. Lobo varsity tennis Regionals at Rockwall.

Tuesday, April 19 8 a.m. Lobo varsity tennis Regionals at Rockwall.

4:30 p.m. Lobo junior varsity baseball hosts Texas High.

6 p.m. Hudson Pep Parent Informational Meeting 6 p.m. Lady Lobo varsity softball hosts Texas High for SENIOR NIGHT. 7 p.m. Lobo varsity baseball at Texas High.

Wednesday, April 20 Report Cards go out.

8 a.m. Lobo varsity tennis Regionals at Rockwall.

11 a.m. Athletics Physicals at Lobo Coliseum.

Thursday, April 21 San Jacinto Day 9 a.m. Area Track Meet at Wildcat Stadium, Whitehouse.

6:30 p.m. Hudson PEP 2nd grade Wax Museum/PTA Meeting.

6:30 p.m. National Honor Society Induction (Melton Center).

Friday, April 22 Earth Day 4:30 p.m. junior varsity, varsity baseball hosts Mount Pleasant.

6 p.m. Lady Lobo varsity softball at Mount Pleasant.

Saturday, April 23 7 a.m. Viewette Revue rehearsals (Melton Center).

8 a.m. (if needed) Middle School 7-on-7 Tournament at Lobo Stadium.

Monday, April 25 4:30 p.m. First Day of Spring Football Practice (Lobo Stadium).

4:30 p.m. Lobo junior varsity baseball hosts Sulphur Springs.

Tuesday, April 26 4 p.m. Career Expo at the Education Support Center.

4 p.m. LISD Foundation Panera Bread Fundraiser, (481 E Loop 281 Longview).

7 p.m. Lobo varsity baseball at Sulphur Springs.

Thursday, April 28 7 p.m. Viewette Revue performance (Melton Center).

Friday, April 29 Arbor Day 9 a.m. Varsity Track Regional Meet at UT Arlington.

9 a.m. 9th Grade Honor Roll Program (LHS Little Theatre).

7 p.m. Viewette Revue performance (Melton Center).

7 p.m. Lobo varsity baseball hosts Hallsville.

Saturday, April 30 9 a.m. Lobo varsity track Regional Meet at UT Arlington.

7 p.m. Viewette Revue performance (Melton Center).

Longview Independent School District invites you to the

The Twenty-Sixth Annual Distinguished Alumni Recognition Events on May 13, 2016 9:00 a.m.

Brick Dedication LISD Foundation Plaza, Longview High School

11:15 a.m.

Distinguished Alumni Visitation Pinecrest Country Club

11:45 a.m.

Distinguished Alumni Luncheon Pinecrest Country Club 214 Club Drive

Honorees Martin R. Adams (Class of 1953) Dr. Shannon Mitchell Cohn (Class of 2001) Gatha Jimmerson Manns (Class of 1984) Tickets - $15 available at 1301 E. Young Street, Longview, TX 75602 For reservations - (903) 381-2235 until May 6th

Educators excited as Longview ISD Foundation awards education grants.

LISD Foundation grants total more than $50K During a March 16 breakfast the Longview ISD Foundation handed out more than $50,000 in grant funding for various education initiatives.

Foundation director Kay Ray awarded 24 Great Rewards for Great Ideas grants to teachers totaling $42,202, and $9,717 worth of Campus Initiative Grants to principals.

The programs fund items not included in the district’s operating budget.

“It’s a great and most wonderful feeling to be awarded,” said Pam Anthony, Longview Early Graduation High School teacher.

Debbie Kraus from Johnston-McQueen elementary school agreed.

“I am very excited because my students will get the iPads they need,” she said, adding that the technology is a great asset for her dyslexic students.

Sarah Sheppard, principal of Ware Elementary School, was awarded $2,490 to continue Ware Elementary School’s summer camps titled “Enriching Students in the ARTS – Achievers Ready To Soar.”

ARTS was conceived from the need to continue to expose Ware’s at-risk and low socio-economic students to the fine arts.

Summer 2015’s camp, which received partial funding from the Foundation, was very successful with students participating whole-heartedly in all areas. While area summer camps are available at an average cost of $150 per week of half-day sessions, many Ware students cannot afford them.

Ray said this campus initiative provides access to a variety of free fine arts programs with a multiplicity of benefits “as students boost their self-esteem and selfconfidence, enlighten themselves about community safety programs, gain access to city public services, and grow and achieve on state assessment.”

Cheri Lee, student support services

Longview Early graduation High School excited about Foundation grants Kay Ray, LISD Foundation executive director, and School Staff: Cheri Lee, Pam Anthony, Amanda Haney, and Kim Schumaker

Johnston McQueen Principal Denise Fredrick and her teachers: Jodi Stewart, Kristi Grimes and Debbie Kraus.

specialist at Longview Early Graduation High School received $3,350.00 to purchase the ACT Career Ready license for one year.

With the purchase of this software/site license, Ray said LEGHS can prepare its students for the workforce in whatever career path they choose.

“ACT Career Ready 101 is approved by TEA as a Career Tech course for which students can obtain credit prior to graduation,” she said. “Mrs. Lee, who will teach

See Foundation on Page 7

Lamplighter banquet set for April 7 At 6:30 p.m. April 7, the Longview ISD Foundation will host the 16th annual Lamplighter Awards banquet at Pinecrest Country Club, 201 Club Drive.

Inspired by the children’s book “My Great-Aunt Arizona” by Gloria Houston, the book inspires students to remember a special teacher or educational support member who holds a magical place in their hearts and minds.

Fifth graders, eighth graders, and seniors read the children’s book and write essays about their one special educator. Each campus then sends its best essays to the Longview ISD Foundation, and a committee of Foundation board members reads the essays and determines the educator and student honorees from each LISD. Campus.

LISD Foundation director Kay Ray said the Lamplighter Awards offers students an opportunity “to pay public tribute to that one special person on their campuses whom the students always carry with them in their hearts and minds just as Gloria Houston always carries her great-aunt Arizona in her mind.”

During the banquet retired Longview High School art teacher Ellen Herbert will be presented with the Cornerstone Award for her dedi-

cated service to her students and to the outstanding art program at Longview High School, Ray said.

“For sixteen years, Mrs. Herbert’s art students have provided original artwork for the Lamplighter Awards event program,” she said.

Last month the foundation announced 14 winners of Lamplighter Awards.

Bramlette: Gwen Jeffery, fifth-grade teacher, honored by Carson Smolko, fifth grader.

J. L. Everhart: Archie Jones, strings teacher, honored by Jordan Morgan, fifth grader.

Hudson PEP: Ashley McClanahan, second grade teacher, honored by Hannah McCrory, fifth grader.

Johnston-McQueen: Shawna Casey, Kindergarten teacher, honored by Lenore Martin, fifth grader.

South Ward: Israel Vazquez, third grade teacher, honored by Caroline Rodriguez, fifth grader.

Ware: Kiley Taylor, fifth grade teacher, honored by Karina Hernandez, fifth grader.

Ned E. Williams: Whitney Maglott, fourth grade teacher, honored by Vanesa Orona, fifth grader.

Forest Park: John Derr, math teacher, honored by Marissa Areliano, eighth grader.

Foster: Cindy Johnson, counselor and former lan-

guage arts teacher, honored

by Matthew Reed, eighth grader, and Helen Davis, retired math teacher, honored

by Carly Snyder, eighth grader.

Judson: Freddye O’Quinn, custodian, honored by Savannah Humphrey, eighth grader.

Longview High: Robert Stanley, welding teacher, honored by Armando Arroyo, senior, and Jaime Halcumb, second grade teacher at Hudson PEP Elementary School, honored posthumously by Addison Holcomb, senior.

Early Graduation: Pam Anthony, English teacher, honored by Claudia Mason, senior.

Ray said the LISD Foundation is planning for the Lamplighter Awards to be a memorable event for students and those they honor, “one that will surpass the overwhelming success of previous banquets.”

“Please join the Foundation and the event’s sponsors as we celebrate outstanding educators, the students they serve, and the admiration the students have for their special educators,” she said.

Tickets for this year’s Lamplighter Awards are available from Kay Ray, Foundation director, for $25 each. Please contact her at gray@lisd.org or at (903) 452-7015.

ADVERTISE WITH US!!!

Call Sarah at (903) 381-3236

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

Page 3

March 2016

OPINION What’s in it for you is up to you

By Dr. Andy Mack, Longview Mayor

Dear Lobos, At different times in my life I have heard people ask the question, “What’s in it for me?”

I would allege a more appropriate question to be “How can I make a difference?”

Looking at things through the lens of “What’s in it for me?” comes from a place of self-centeredness. By getting involved and looking at the situation in a different way, you position yourself to take ownership in the solution, rather than the problem. In your life, there are probably many people who you can identify as either “What’s in it for me?” or “How can I make a difference?” people. I like to refer to those “What’s in it for me?” people as Victims and “How can I make a difference?” people as Accountable.

I like to surround myself with people who are Accountable, and don’t always play the Victim. Don’t you tire of having to console someone because they feel sorry for themselves? Wouldn’t you love to

see that person pick themselves up by the bootstraps, shake it off and get on with life?

I try to surround myself with people who are Accountable and try to make a difference in the lives of others. I hope I am the kind of person that when I’m having a bad day, nobody knows it but me. I hope that I can carry on without making my problem the focus of my attitude. I find that when I focus on other people’s situations Mayor Andy Mack and challenges – my problems seem a lot less significant and trivial. I guess that is just part of the maturing process and getting older. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could master this at a young age?

It doesn’t matter if you are on the football

team in high school or on the spelling bee team in the first grade. Are you worried about what the guy next to you is going to do for you? Or are you worried about what you can do for the team? You may not realize it now, but as you progress through life, I think you will find that being with people who are accountable and team oriented are much more pleasant to being around. Plus, they end up being able to motivate others to get more things accomplished. As one of the greatest football coaches of all time, Vince Lombardi said, “The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have.” There are two types of people in this world – Givers and Takers. Which one are you? Because “Givers” seldom take, and “Takers” never give.

I am thankful for people in my life that hold me accountable and do not allow me to play the role of Victim. These people remind me that no matter the situation, we always have a choice in how we handle it. We can make

things happen for ourselves or wait for things to happen.

I have so many life lessons that I have learned that took me years to figure out, that I could only wish I would have learned in my youth. What a difference it would have made if I had not been so self-centered, stubborn, or bullish in my thinking? So what I am basically saying is, open up your mind, cleanse your attitude and look for opportunities to help other people. You are never too young to start and you are never too old, as well.

So, I ask the question again, “What’s in it for me?” That, my friends, is entirely up to you.

Study hard, have some fun and say your prayers Longview, Andy

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

Mississippi lawmakers wise to let vouchers bill die

By Sid Salter Mississippi lawmakers wise to let vouchers bill die In the wake of one of the most divisive and bitter political battles in recent state history over equity funding in K-12 education in Mississippi, legislative leaders were wise to allow bills that would h a ve alSid Salter lowed public funds vouchers to finance student transfers to private schools die in committee.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that the voucher debate has both a political component and a policy component. But in this instance, voucher legislation was a bad legislative bet on both counts - bad politics, bad policy.

The basic question to Mississippi lawmakers was this: After the Legislature’s very narrow “victory” in the battle over Initiative 42 - in

which voters made clear that they were passionate about the state improving its educational system - was the next major education initiative of the Legislature to be approval of a plan to take public funds away from the public school system to fund private schools?

Cooler legislative heads obviously prevailed. While the Initiative 42 fight made clear that Mississippians weren’t willing to improve our educational system by dismantling the appropriations authority of the Legislature, voters made equally clear that they are concerned about providing quality public schools for all Mississippi children.

So if the premise behind Initiative 42 and the Mississippi Adequate Education Program both are funding equity arguments that are fundamentally about a transfer of wealth from the state’s more affluent school districts to the more impoverished school districts - and that’s what it is - then the Legislature would be extremely hard pressed to respond to the near-success of Initiative 42 by enabling a

plan to make existing public education funding portable to private schools.

The fact is that Initiative 42 and the MAEP that the failed initiative sought to guarantee “full funding” of is a movement that had roots in education equity funding lawsuits that initially gained attention in the early 1970s and again in the 1980s.

Those lawsuits, principally Rodriguez v. San Antonio Independent School District in 1973 and later a series of related lawsuits that began with Edgewood Independent School District v. Kirby in the mid1980s, challenged the equity of the school finance system in the state of Texas.

The Edgewood plaintiffs argued that because Texas had a heavy reliance on property tax as an element of education finance and because there was such a wide variance in per-pupil property values, then it was necessarily so that there was a concomitant wide disparity in per-pupil spending between school districts. The plaintiffs argued even

Four ways the Texas Supreme Court could rule in school finance case

By Laura Isenee Some call it the most important case before the Texas Supreme Court. It’s about how Texas pays for public schools, and a final ruling could arrive soon.

There are four major scenarios how the justices could rule.

But, first, a quick recap. The justices heard the case back in September. On one Laura Isenee side, there were the state attorneys. They argued that “money isn’t pixie dust” and won’t fix all the problems in public education or guarantee better outcomes.

Solicitor General Scott Keller asked the court to leave any changes up to lawmakers.

“This court has recognized that it’s the Legislature – the Legislature has the sole right to decide how to meet the standards,” Keller said.

On the other side were lawyers for more than 600 school districts across Texas. They argued that there isn’t enough money, and some students, especially poor children, are being left behind.

“The state systematically fails to provide an adequate education and it provides more advantages to students who already live in the most advantaged school districts,” said Marisa Bono, an attorney representing the Edgewood Independent School District and others.

So how could the justices rule?

Four major scenarios to watch for: 1.) The Texas Supreme Court could not rule at all. Instead, it could send the case back to the lower court to see if the latest $2.5 billion dollars to the education budget solves the problem. “And the court could say, you know, we need more fact-finding to determine what the actual impact of those changes were, this case isn’t’ ripe,” said Bono, southwest regional counsel of MALDEF, the Mexican American

Legal Defense and Education Fund. “We think that the likelihood of that is pretty small. But it’s a possibility.”

2.) The justices could make a major sweeping decision in favor of school districts. “And that would require the Legislature to come up with some way of either putting significantly more money in the system, or requiring local taxes to go up, or state taxes to go up or to require wealthy districts to share even more of their wealth with the poorer districts,” explained Al Kauffman, a veteran school finance attorney and also a professor at St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio.

3.) Or the court could rule the opposite.

That would be a win for the state, if the court overturns the trial judge’s entire decision that declared the school finance system unconstitutional. “I guess that’s an option that I don’t like to think about,” said Chandra Villanueva, a policy analyst with the Center for Public Policy Priorities, a left-leaning think tank in Austin. “But they can just completely dismiss the case and say it has no standing. But I feel that this is such a strong case that it would be really surprising if they threw out everything.”

4.) In fact, it’s the largest school finance case to ever reach the Texas Supreme Court.

It involves the most school districts, the most data and the most legal arguments. That brings the law scenario, which is a combination or piecemeal ruling. The justices could uphold one part of the case and overturn another. State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, said that’s what he expects. “We can use a good review from the Supreme Court to hit a generational reset button and take all of this into account in the next legislative session,” he said.

Depending on when it arrives, the ruling could force a special summer session or lawmakers could hash out school finance in the next regular session in 2017.

And when will the ruling come?

It could be any day. But Chief Justice Nathan Hecht said definitely by the end of June.

Laura Isenee is an award-winning education reporter for Houston Public Media.

if school districts with relatively poor property values levied high property tax rates, those districts would still be unable to raise sufficient revenues to finance education programs that met the state’s minimum education requirements.

The Texas lawsuits started a revolution of sorts. Lawsuits challenging state methods of funding public schools were brought in 45 of the 50 states. In addition to lawsuits, the Edgewood case set in motion a national series of state legislative attempts to avoid lawsuits similar to Edgewood by enacting equity funding formulas that headed off such litigation at the proverbial pass.

While it is disingenuous to say that the entirety of the Mississippi Legislature had no serious interest in true equity funding for public education in Mississippi when they adopted MAEP - many did and many fought to funnel more money into the state’s classrooms - it is also true that MAEP would have likely died on the legislative calendar had there not been a real fear

of such lawsuits like those in Texas gearing up in Mississippi.

Equity funding - equalizing the state per-pupil expenditures between poor districts and more affluent districts - is at the core of MAEP and hence was at the core of Initiative 42.

Fast forward to 2016. After legislative appropriations authority for public education survived a nearmiss in the referendum process, the answer isn’t to divert scarce K-12 public education resources from the public school system to private schools.

Vouchers don’t improve public education funding. Vouchers further dilute public education funding without holding the secure promise of actually improving educational outcomes - and more to the point, they does nothing to reduce the costs of adequately funding a necessary system of public education - which brought Initiative 42 to the ballot box in the first place.

- Sid Salter is a syndicated columnist for The Clarion Ledger newspaper in Jackson, Mississippi.

Chef’s Corner

The weather’s warming up and LISD Chef Chardee Snoddy has a springtime favorite for your picnic or cookout: Homemade Banana Pudding.

Ingredients 1 1/2 cups sugar 4-6 tablespoons flour (heaping) 1/4 teaspoon salt 4 eggs 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz.)

4 cups whole milk 4 tablespoons butter 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 12 oz box vanilla wafers 6 bananas, sliced Directions: In a large pot add sugar, flour, and salt.

Whisk together until completely blended.

In another small pot, add all milk and heat to a low simmer, or just until bubbles start sticking to the sides of the pot.

In a large bowl beat eggs until very runny in texture and add all the milk in slowly while whisking.

Add milk mixture to the flour mixture and stir until all is blended. With the large pot on the burner, start cooking the pudding on medium heat, stirring with a whisk constantly.

After 10-15 minutes and the pudding begins to thicken slightly, check to see if it is ready by dipping a tablespoon in it and running your finger down the back of it. If it leaves a clean strip, it is ready. If the pudding runs together after you run your finger down the back of the spoon, it needs to cook a little longer.

It does not take long to cook and you do not want the pudding to boil. You just want it to be slightly thickened. When the pudding is slightly thick, set it off the burner and add the butter and vanilla and mix well; set aside.

Chardee Snoddy

In a large serving bowl, arrange a layer of vanilla wafers evenly in the bottom. On top of the vanilla wafers arrange a layer of bananas.

Pour a third of the pudding mixture over the bananas and vanilla wafers.

Repeat the layers two more times.

Arrange another layer of vanilla wafers evenly on top of the pudding mixture.

Also, arrange vanilla wafers around the edge, pushing into the filling so only 1/2 the wafer is showing.

Refrigerate at least three hours or overnight before serving, or serve warm.

Depending on how thick or runny you like your pudding will depend on how much flour is added. Four tablespoons will give you medium consistency.

— Chardee Snoddy, a Longview High School graduate, is the Childhood Nutrition Chef for LISD.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

March 2016

Page 4

ELEMENTARY LISD is ‘going blue’ to help prevent child abuse April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and this year Longview ISD, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, East Texas CASA, and the Martin House Children’s Advocacy Center have partnered to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect in Gregg County. Denise Frederick, Principal of Johnston-McQueen Elementary School said a “Go Blue” event is set for 9 a.m. April 8 on her campus at at 422 Farm-to-Market 2751, just off of U.S. 259 near Bar K Ranch Road.

“The program is designed to inspire, uplift, and inform,” she said. “There will be words of hope, songs by some of our little ones in Pre-K, and a guest performer.”

Frederick said Gregg County Judge Bill

Stoudt will speak at the event and issue a proclamation.

“After his presentation, the children will release blue balloons in honor of all of the children in Gregg County who have experienced abuse and neglect, and white balloons for the children we have lost this year due to abuse,” she said. “Please come and join us as we share our hope for a safer childhood for the children of Gregg County. And don’t forget to show your support by wearing blue!”

National Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect, and to promote the social and emotional well-

For the love of science

being of children and families.

During the month of April and throughout the year, communities are encouraged to share child abuse and neglect prevention awareness strategies and activities and

Longview ISD hosted a district wide science fair event recently and the students came out with projects and innovations galore. The students made different scientific projects and had to speak as to what they made and what it does.

Blaine Brewer from Judson Middle school created an Archimedes Screw which allows for water to be transferred uphill instead of having to use gravity to move it. The project was made out of pipes, tubing, Legos and metal knob used to turn.

“The idea is for the water to be moved this way (up) instead of that way (down), so that it can be taken to a different place,” stated Blaine. “This can be used to move the water more efficiently than by use of gravity alone. That would only work in some places, this could work almost anywhere.”

The projects ran the gambit from information to innovation. All the while, the students were able to see other projects to rate their own against what their fellow learners had accomplished. The judges were able to sort out winners and gave out awards to them.

Some of those winners even get to move on to a Regional Competition where they can win again and possibly move on to the state championship level.

Good luck to all of the winners!

6th through 8th grade winners from the Longview District Science Fair. Third place, Kylie Ortega, Hannah Greathouse, and Alejandra Montano (not pictured) from Judson Middle School, second place Brandon Nickel from Foster Middle School, and first place winners Kirk Jimmerson, Jacorey Valentine and Kyas Moore from Judson Middle School.

promote prevention across the country.

For more information, contact Michelle Navarrette, LISD Administrative Assistant for Administrative and Pupil Services, at (903) 381-2342.

Winners from the 5th Grade age group at the Longview District Science Fair. Third place, Havan Still (not pictured), second place Hank Danielson, and first place winner Hannah McCrary all from Hudson Pep.

Best in show winner Bethany Bledsoe from Foster Middle School at the Longview District Science Fair.

High School winners at the Longview District Science Fair. Third place Alejandro Martinez – Berrios (not pictured), second place Jimmie Martin and Jacob Powell, and first place winner Christina Adame.

Hudson PEP raises more than $15K for Jump Rope For Heart Winners of Hudson PEP’s Jump Rope For Heart event last month helped the campus raise more than $15,000 as part of its annual initiative.

Alec Germanwala finished in first place for the entire school, earning $1,251 followed by Addyson Hearron ($865), Parker Kelsey ($805), Addison

Hatchett ($650), and Avery Lambright ($616).

Top students for each grade level were 1st grader Carsey Wilson, 2nd grader Olivia Roel, 3rd grader Addison Hatchett, 4th grader Alec Germanwala, and 5th grader Kelsey Presley.

“We are so blessed to have students with such giving hearts!” said Hudson PEP Physical Education Teacher Natalie Ybarra.

“These students do not take for granted the active healthy lifestyle they have. They worked so hard to raise this phenomenal amount and we are proud to donate towards life-saving research.”

Jump Rope For Heart is a national education SPRING FALL and fundraising program April 9 November 12 jointly sponsored by SHAPE America and the American Heart Association.

Promoting physical Saturday, 8:00 a.m. until noonLear Park education, the program INFO AT: Recycle.LongviewTexas.gov provides students with Lunch provided from 11-noon by knowledge of heart disease and stroke while raising funds for cardiovascular disease research, stroke research Friday and SaturdayAll over Longview! and health education.

The event has taken place INFO AT: KeepLongviewBeautiful.org at the school for the last 10 years, annually placing at or near the top in East Texas. In 2015 Hudson PEP finished as the top-ranked school in the state and second nationwide.

2016

Top fundraisers for the campus Addyson Hearron, Alec Germanwala, Parker Kelsey, Avery Lambright, Addison Hatchett (not pictured), with American Heart Association Chair at Hudson PEP Natalie Ibarra.

Recycle Drop Off

Community Wide Clean Up

Top fundraiser for each grade are Kelsey Parker, Carsey Wilson, Olivia Roel, Alec Germanwala, Addison Hatchett (not pictured), with American Heart Association Chair at Hudson PEP Natalie Ibarra.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

Page 5

March 2016

MIDDLE SCHOOL

New program ‘capturing hearts’ of students Schools across Longview ISD are improving student performance with a non-traditional program called “Capturing Kids’ Hearts.”

Facilitated by the College Station-based Flippen Group, the program is receiving positive reviews across the country. Closer to home, LISD testing coordinator Catina Love said teachers and students are seeing solid results.

“The foundation of Capturing Kids’ Heart is the social contract,” she said. “Everyone is held accountable for the way they treat each other.”

Love said that Flip Flippen, the founder of the program, states that “relationships and trust are the key to building good people and good students.”

“It is about giving educators tools to be intentionally building relationships and high-performance teams,” said Ron Fox, education training coordinator for The Flippen Group.

The program is currently being implemented at Judson, Bramlette and Johnston-McQueen campuses.

Lee Killingsworth, Assistant Principal at Judson Middle School, said while strong relationships “have long been an important part of the educational process” Capturing Kids’ Hearts has helped instructors up hone in on ways to better form these relationships with students while not taking away from the educational process.

“In addition, the introduction of the social contract to several of our classrooms has been a great tool to help teachers develop a discipline management program in their classrooms that the students understand and have a personal connection to,” he said. “When students have a more personal connection to the discipline management plan in the classroom, they are much more likely to follow the plan with little to no pushback.”

Bramlette Elementary School Principal Nikita Mumphrey said Capturing Kids’ Hearts has helped her teachers work better as a team to help improve student achievement.

“Our students are impacted by creating social contracts in their classrooms, which are a set of guidelines for how to treat each other and staff members throughout the school,” she said. “Teachers greet students as they enter the classroom as another method of building relational capacity

ERS A N N IV

A RY

with the students. As relational capacity is built with the students, it transfers over to the parents as well. Each month, a grade level presents a program to show what the students have learned that six weeks.”

Mumphrey said, as a campus, Bramlette is taking it a bit further through the “Process Champions” training.

“We developed a program to mentor students that have behavioral issues, are academically low, or feel insecure about themselves,” she said. “Teachers, who are not the regular classroom teacher of that child, will become a mentor to each student. The teacher will build a personal relationship with that student to help encourage and motivate the child. Through this, the parents also will have a relationship with the mentor teacher. As this program continues at Bramlette, students that need a mentor will have that mentor teacher throughout their entire time at Bramlette.”

Love said Capturing Kids’ Heart is just one more way that Longview ISD “is striving to make each child be prepared to be productive citizens in our world.”

“As Flip Flippen states: ‘If you have a child’s heart, you have his head,’” she said.

Johnston-McQueen Elementary Principal Denise Frederick agreed, adding that unfortunately - some hearts have been hardened and “need a good dose of tenderizer.”

At the same time, “a foundation of trust is inherent in the system of strategies needed to develop responsible members of a classroom,” she said.

When a student misbehaves and falls short of the agreement he made in the social contract, he is asked four questions: 1.) What are you doing? 2.) What should you be doing? 3.) Were you doing it? 4.) What are you going to do about it?

But if the falling short is an issue of respect, different questions are asked: 1.)

Who are you talking to? 2.) How should you talk to them? 3.) Were you doing it? Is that how you are supposed to talk to them? 4.)

How are you going to talk to them?

Frederick said far too often conflict in a classroom becomes personal, whether it is student-student conflict or student-teacher conflict.

“The social contract takes personalities out of the process,” she said. “Conflict

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Johnston-McQueen students perform scientific experiments earlier this month while Ron Fox, education training coordinator for The Flippen Group, meets with faculty and staff about the progress of the “Capturing Kids’ Hearts” program.

resolution in a Capturing Kids’ Hearts classroom is a beautiful thing to watch unfold. Students are given nonverbal cues to help keep others on track. It is a community effort, not a top-down authoritarian delivery of discipline. In today’s educational environment that champions student voice and student-centered learning, Capturing Kids’ Hearts is a trailblazer.

Even as the program is making significant observable improvements “one relationship at a time,” Frederick said her campus is still a work in progress.

“As a leader, I look at my own constraints and focus on growing my capacity to mitigate them,” she said. “Our team of process champions - a group of dedicated teachers - focuses on relationship building and making connections among staff.”

Capturing Kids’ Hearts has made Bramlette “stronger and more focused,” Mumphrey

said.

“It has helped to build a positive and teambuilding work environment that had not always been there with staff and parents,” she said. “It has also improved our discipline and student academic success. Throughout the implementation of this program, we have had input from trainers and mentors within the program to help guide us and keep us on track. Without the help of this program, Bramlette would not be the tightknit family that we are today and we are thankful for the opportunity to have it on our campus.”

Mumphrey said Capturing Kids’ Hearts has shaped the culture of her campus and “has empowered our students, teachers, and staff to embrace the belief that we can accomplish any goal that is set before us.”

“We are truly destined for greatness,” she said.

LISD offering free physicals to middle, high school athletes Longview middle and high school students are eligible for a free physical examination.

Athletic Director John King said the physicals will be held Wednesday, April 20 at Longview High School, and the only “cost” for admission is their completed paperwork.

“Please complete the paperwork that was given your son or daughter and return it to their coach or the athletic trainers

by Wednesday, April 6th,” he said. “This completed paperwork will be your child’s admission for a free physical examination.”

Middle school students will be provided transportation to and from the high school

on April 20, King said, but this is one-time opportunity. In addition, several Longviewarea doctors are donating their time in order to provide this service to LISD students free of charge. “(April 20) will be the only free physical examination provided to our students so we urge you to take advantage of this opportunity,” he said.

For more information, parents of high school students can contact Lobo athletic trainers Deirdre Scotter (903) 803-5869 and Jeff Derrick (903) 663-7160. Parents of middle school students can contact their campus coaching staff.

FAFSA help available to LISD students The Texas Association of Developing Colleges’ Educational Opportunity Center is open Saturday, April 2 to help prospective college students prepare for fall enrollment with FAFSA assistance.

Open the first Thursday of each month until 7 p.m., assistance is offered on

first-come, first-serve basis.

Other upcoming Saturday openings are May 21, June 25, July 9 and August 6.

The office is across the street from LeTourneau University at 2009-C S. Mobberly Ave., between Manly’s Furniture Store and Tex-Mex Restaurant, and All services are provided

free of charge to residents of Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Panola, Rusk, Smith, Upshur and Wood counties.

Those interested can call (903) 757-9660 to find out what income documents are needed to fill out the FAFSA or to apply for admission to the college of interest.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

Page 6

March 2016

HIGH SCHOOL

Welding: Igniting A Career Monica Porras: Longview High School Senior Breaks The Mold Student Talks Family, Plans To Choose Welding For Her Career Voice Staff Reports

Demand For Welders Soars.

With an aging population, the welding industry is coming up short of welders.

More welders are needed to take up old and new positions in the industry. It is important to note, welding jobs are very diverse. They range from manufacturing, construction, military to underwater welding. Most important of all, welding does not require a college degree though someone can go to a junior college and improve on the skill. Even more, a welder can get specialized certifications in junior college.

Just like in any other field, the more a welder knows, the better and bigger the earnings.

Career Technology Studies Pays The attraction in welding is growing.

The starting pay for students who take the career technology classes serious in high school can range from $17 to $25 an hour.

But that is not all. A welder can increase earnings with under water welding, supervising other employees or have a specialized certificate according to American Welding Society. This is a huge difference when compared to high school graduates who work in fast food places and other type jobs.

Best of all, welding jobs are not hard to find. Texas ranks the number 1 state that hires the most welders. For example, Houston, the Gulf States, North Dakota

and Coastal Virginia are hot spots for welders. However, a student in Longview does not have to go that far. Welding jobs abound in the local industries.

Excitement and Adventure Welding is not limited to the welding or machine shop. According to the American Association of America, “Welders work everywhere…deep beneath the ocean surface to the top of our universe…and many exciting spaces in-between.”

In addition, globalization is good for welders. They can work in oil and non-oil producing countries, in large manufacturing organizations across the border like Canada. The choices are numerous. It depends on the life goals of the welder.

Welding and High Tech The basics of welding remains the same.

However like everything else, technology has greatly influenced the sparks in welding. It is easy to find welding worksites with lasers, robotics, computer programming and other multiplex technologies.

Furthermore, the welding industry continues to grow and be relevant in industries. This is the why Longview high school {LHS}encourages their students to go to take welding a step further and go to Kilgore College. Furthering welding in college pay great dividends. Students can learn more, get one or two certifications and climb the welding ladder of success.

Monica Porras Monica Porras is heeding that advice. She was born and raised in Longview. Monica attended Ware Elementary and Forest Park Middle School. Her sister who was in Art at LHS did some art welding in her class.

Though her sister did not like it, Monica knew it was for her.

Welding requires patience, artistic and spatial skills to conceptualize ideas. Besides, Math and science is also needed. Monica has all of the above. She is also physically strong.

When she first talked about going into welding, her father said no because he thought it was about the boys. Monica loves her dad very much. In fact, he is the wind beneath her sails.

“My dad had done a lot for me and my siblings,” she said. She even remembers his hard work and providing for them when they were younger. “When we were little, my Dad will sacrifice to get all we needed so we will not lack anything,” she said. “That is the kind of Dad he is.”

LHS senior a National Merit Scholarship finalist

Longview High School senior and National Merit Scholarship semifinalist Jordan Wright was honored last month by the Daughters of American Revolution with its Good Citizen Award.

Being ranked at the top of the class is an honor for any high school student, but an even greater honor when that “class” includes the entire rest of the country.

Longview High School senior Jordan Wright has been named a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist, the first from Longview ISD since 2012.

“It is a great honor and a good reflection of the education I have received here at Longview High School,” he said. “It traces back from the very beginning, going from Hudson PEP with my first grade teacher Mrs. Melton, to my experience at Foster Middle School and continues to Longview High School.”

Jordan, who’s considering a career in chemical engineering, is the only high school student in East Texas to reach such high honors. The best of the best, National Merit Scholarship

semifinalists represent .5 percent of the top 1 percent of the nation’s graduating class. But even among this elite Jordan is near the top, ranked No. 4 out of 465 students.

To become a finalist, semi-finalists and their high schools must submit a detailed scholarship application in which they provide information about the semi-finalist’s academic record, participating in school and community activities, demonstration of leadership abilities and honors and awards received.

A semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record as well as be endorsed/recommended by a high school official, then the student must write an essay and earn SAT scores that confirm their academic performance.

“I put every grade in every course he has made since the 9th grade,” said LHS Dean of

Instruction Linda Buie. “I also mentioned that he was an International Baccalaureate student, and had taken the highest rigor courses during his high school career.”

LHS Principal James Brewer said he was pleased, but not surprised, by Jordan’s achievement.

“This young man deserves every accolade he receives,” he said. “This just shows the high caliber of students we have at Longview. We are all exceedingly proud of what Jordan has accomplished, and will continue to accomplish.”

LISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox echoed Brewer’s sentiment, praising Jordan’s hard work as well as that of the instructors and mentors he has had along the way.

“It’s yet another wonderful example of the excellent opportunities afforded by our education professionals,” he added.

Longview Early Graduation HS sends five students towards their futures It may not have had the usual “pomp and circumstance” of the end of year graduation ceremony, but the diplomas present-

ed to five Longview Early Graduation High School students are just as special.

March 14 during the Longview ISD trust-

ees meeting, students D’Marcus Acles, Darren Bowens, Dockeyonna Colbert, Alyce Nicole Sellers, and Decorian Ke’Shun Latrez Stewart were recognized by Principal Kimberly Shumaker, and Counselor Oslyn Williams.

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

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

In addition to the Campus Initiative and a Great Rewards for Great Ideas grants the campus received earlier this month from the LISD Education Foundation, it has just been awarded a $5,000 grant from Toshiba

America Foundation for the purchase of robotic kits.

Shumaker said the science department of Longview Early Graduation High School will be partnering with the Letourneau University Engineering Department to assemble the kits in a weekly physics science lab.

“At the end of the project, students will do a campus presentation of their knowledge and skills learned from the project,” she said. “We are very appreciative of the Toshiba America Foundation.”

But that’s not all, Shumaker said the school has also received a Target Field Trip grant to attend a Fine Arts program in Dallas.

“Our students will be attending a performance at the Dallas Black Dance Theater on April 8,” she added.

PAGE 7 Limbs|Continued from front page dents and staffers spend an hour using only one arm to perform all their tasks.”

Other activities included a baked potato fundraiser for LISD Education Support Center staff, $5 jean passes for students and teachers at Hudson PEP, and a soccer game at Forest Park with concessions. As a result of these and other efforts throughtout the district, Buie said LISD’s program will be able to fully fund a prosthetic limb.

Trevor Bergman, Director of Learning for Limbs International, praised the district’s efforts adding that Longview ISD “was the birthplace of Learning for Limbs.”

Bergman said the organization was founded in Longview and is now located in El Paso. It is the

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

only global nonprofit providing prosthetic devices for amputees in the developing world.

“LISD paved the way for other students around the world who are now making a difference in the lives of amputees worldwide,” he said.

Bergman said the most affordable leg system in the U.S. is about $2,500 and the organization can provide a leg for $300, or “less than the cost of a smartphone .”

“The goal for LISD this year is to provide 30 legs,” he said.

What’s more, Bergman said, the Learning for Limbs program has been adopted as the statewide service learning project for International Baccalaureate schools statewide.

“Since the program started in Longview, over

Foundation|Continued from front the class, has applied for a Career Tech teaching permit and has completed the necessary training to administer the Work Keys test on site.

Students completing the course will take the Work Keys test to receive a National Career Ready Certificate.”

Ray said these resources will provide students with a career tech credit and give them greater leverage when they enter the workforce locally and beyond.

“Longview has over 100 companies who hire based upon the Work Keys test,” she said. “Thus, LEGHS students will be ready to enter the Longview workforce upon graduation.”

Denise Frederick, principal of Johnston-McQueen Elementary School, received partial funding of $853.95 to purchase a Smith Victor Light Kit, an iPad tripod mount, a tripod, and one iPad mini.

“Mrs. Frederick explained in her grant that many of her students do not have BYOD (bring your own devices) for personal school use,” Ray said. “She also explained that her school is lagging behind with the ELA media literacy TEKS primarily from a lack of equipment and vision for media literacy, the ability to decode, access, analyze, evaluate, and produce communication in a variety of forms.”

With this grant, Johnston-McQueen students will be able to broadcast morning announcements and produce other media content.

This student-produced media can be shared within the walls of the school and across grade levels.

Ray added that Johnston-McQueen staffers will also be able to use the video production as a means for involving parents in their students’ learning at the

school, in addition to being the first elementary school with a “green room.”

Dr. Carl Briley, principal of South Ward Elementary School, received partial funding to purchase innovative science technology equipment that will result in improved Science STAAR test scores, benchmark test scores, assimilation test scores, and successful performance in the science classroom while creating a deeper understanding of science concepts for students.

South Ward Elementary School will purchase Labdisc equipment and train teachers to use the wireless, compact data logger with multiple scientific capabilities for investigating the environment and general science.

The foundation has awarded $626,468 in grants to Longview ISD classrooms since 1996.

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March 2016

500 legs have been provided to amputees in more than a dozen countries,” he added.

The World Health Organization estimates there are more than 40 million amputees throughout the developing world and that only about 5 percent have access to any kind of prosthetic.

Bergman said the Learning for Limbs program partners with teachers and schools K-12 to educate students about the needs of amputees in

the developing world while empowering them to become global citizens via community service.

“This combination of connecting academics with authentic community needs has resulted in students truly grasping what it means to be internationally-minded,” he said.

For information about how you can help visit LimbsInternational.org or contact Linda Buie at (903) 663-1301.

Dual-credit|Continued from front page Trustees meeting.

“The leadership of your principals and counselors is what makes this possible,” he added.

Dual credit courses are college-level classes that colleges and high schools team up to offer. They are offered at a fraction of the normal cost of college tuition, and students can earn credits from high school and college.

Kilgore College’s dual credit courses are $35 per

semester credit hour for students in the taxing district and $70 per semester credit hour for students outside of the taxing district.

Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox said the report illustrates how the district continues to prepare Longview students for higher education, citing the high number of students taking workforce training and multiple courses.

“It’s a testament to the

initiative shown by our excellent faculty in steering our students towards these classes, as well as the hard work our students are putting in with this kind of course load,” he said.

“The numbers prove that Longview ISD is second to none in providing our students with a superior education experience to help them take the next step in their academic and career goals.”

Spring cleaning for your personal finances

By Aaron May, Texas Bank and Trust

Flowers are blooming. Pollen is falling.

Spring is in the air. And with the nicer weather comes the annual tradition of spring cleaning. Ah yes, the smell of pinescented cleaners and the sounds of buzzing vacuums will soon fill the air as parents begin tackling the messes left behind by tiny hands with lots of energy in an attempt to return a sense of order to the chaos.

Just as we take time to occasionally declutter our Aaron May homes, our finances also need to be reevaluated periodically to make sure we stay on track with our financial goals. Since April is Financial Literacy Month, we decided to take some time to examine steps you can take to declutter your financial house this season.

ORGANIZE The goal of spring cleaning is to create a clutter-free environment, where everything is properly stored in the right place.

We should have a similar goal with our finances. But before we can effectively tell our money where to go, we need to identify where it is going. This means taking some time to sit down and write out everything you spend money on, including all major bills and debt payments as well as small transactions like coffee and snacks.

Online banking tools and apps, like Texas Bank and Trust’s myOFM, help streamline this process by allowing you to view transactions from all of your financial institutions in one, easy to read location.

You can even categorize your transactions to help you determine where you are spending the most money each month.

OPTIMIZE Have you ever looked under a bed or behind a couch and found items that have been missing so long you forgot you lost them? Depending on the item, you may wonder how you lived without it for so long, or you may wonder why you even bought it in the first place. Items that we decide we do not need are often donated

or discarded.

Financially speaking, many of us have become so used to paying for certain items or services that we do not even use or need. Once we have identified where our money is going, we next need to determine if those items are needed, not used, or overpriced.

Whether it is a magazine subscription we bought from a fundraiser, a high-priced cable movie package, or a cell phone contract, there are often ways to reduce or remove expenses from our budget. If you do not read every issue of a magazine, it may be cheaper to just buy the issues you want at the store. Low-cost cell phone plans are becoming more readily available and still offer the same call quality as the larger service providers.

PRIORITIZE – ON PAPER, ON PURPOSE Once we know where our money is being spent, and we have optimized our spending, our next task is to write out a plan for our monthly spending to make sure the most important items are paid first. This step is especially vital if money is tight. Make sure you plan to pay for groceries, housing costs, and vehicle expenses before anything else.

Then, with money that is left over, plan to pay your unsecured debts and other bills. If you run out of money before everything is paid in one paycheck, place it at the top of your list to pay on the next payday. Having a written plan that is built on your actual spending patterns will provide you the key to success in your financial future.

Once you are comfortable living on your monthly budgets, you can use the myOFM tool to create a digital assistant that will notify you when your money is spent and alert you when you are close to reaching your limits. This should not replace your written budget, but it can be a great resource when you are on the go.

Spring cleaning may be tough, but we all enjoy that feeling of relief once the house is cleaned and orderly. With these tips, we hope you take the time to organize your finances so that you can enjoy the relief that comes from financial freedom.

- Aaron May is Advertising Coordinator for Texas Bank and Trust in Longview.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

Page 8

March 2016

SPORTS

Lobos finalize 2016 football schedule

Last month’s realignment by the University Interscholastic League may have bumped Longview up to a larger classification, but the non-district slate still features some traditional Lobo rivals.

Athletic Director/Head Football Coach John King released the official 2016 schedule Wednesday, March 2, adding that the increase in travel caused by being moved to District 11-6A with some Dallasarea schools will be somewhat offset by staying a bit closer to home prior to league play.

The Lobos join John Tyler, Robert E. Lee, Mesquite, Mesquite-Horn, North Mesquite, Rockwall and Rockwall-Heath for 2016 through 2018.

After hosting a scrimmage with Pine Tree on Aug. 19 at Lobo Stadium, the season

starts Aug. 26 in Lufkin, then to Marshall on Sept. 2, before the homecoming “Green Out” game Sept. 9 against South Oak Cliff ends non-district competition.

The Lobos begin league play Sept. 16 by hosting Mesquite Horn, then traveling Sept. 23 to Tyler’s Rose Stadium to face Robert E. Lee. Longview then hosts Rockwall for Little League Night on Sept.

30 before their bye week.

District action continues Oct. 14 when the Lobos head to North Mesquite, hosting John Tyler the next week on Oct. 21. A trip to Rockwall-Heath Oct. 28 leads up to the final regular season game Nov. 4 against Mesquite at home for Senior Night.

Kickoff for all regular season games is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Longview High School’s Viewettes are rehearsing “Kick At Nite,” the theme of the 2016 Viewette Revue, slated for 7 p.m. April 28, 29, 30 at the Mickey Melton Center for Performing Arts.

Tickets are $5 for Thursday and will be sold from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every weekday at Longview High School.

Admission will be $10 at the door for the Friday and Saturday night shows.

Media is welcome to attend rehearsals for photos and interviews.

Please call Viewettes Director Debbie McGowan to make arrangements.

Prior to the revue the Viewettes are

hosting a spring dance clinic from 9 a.m. to noon April 16 at the Melton Center.

Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. the same day, there is not an early registration. Cost is $30 per child, $25 for a second sibling and$20 for a third sibling. The cost includes instruction as well as a snack and a T-shirt will be provided at the first rehearsal for the show.

A “Show-Off ” for family and friends will be held at 11:45 a.m.

April 16 in the Mickey Melton Center.

Participants will have the opportunity to dance in the revue. Those who opt to perform in the show will be required to attend dress rehearsal on April 27th.

Viewette Revue and ‘dance clinic’ coming in April

Lady Lobos take third-straight district title

Those performing in the revue will not need a ticket for admission, however parents wanting to watch the performance will need one.

Participants will be divided into the following groups: Age 4 to kindergarten; first and second grades; third through fifth

grades; sixth through eighth grades; and ninth through 12th grades. All students should wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

For more information about the revue or the dance clinic please email dmcgowan@ lisd.org or call (903) 663-7165.

LHS VIEWETTES DANCE CLINIC *There is not an early registration for this clinic.

When: Saturday, April 16th Time: Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Clinic is from 9:00 -11:45 a.m.

What: Dance clinic - open to kids from 4yrs-12th grade.

Where: Registration is in the lobby of the Mickey Melton Center Performance: Viewette Revue April 28th-30th *Show-Offs for family and friends will be held at 11:45 a.m. in the Mickey Melton Center Fee:

$30.00 per child

$25.00 for second sibling

$20.00 for third sibling

**CASH, MONEY ORDER, OR CREDIT CARD ARE DUE UPON ARRIVAL **T-SHIRTS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT DRESS REHEARSAL APRIL 27th . *******************************************************************************

VIEWETTE DANCE CLINIC – April 16th, 2016

REGISTRATION FORM

(must write legible) Dancer’s Name:____________________________Parent’s Name:___________________________ Address: _________________________________________ State_____________ Zip____________ Emergency Contact Name_________________________ Phone #___________________________ Parent Email Address:______________________________________________________________ DANCER’S SHIRT SIZE (please circle):

YS

YM

YL

AS

AM

AL

AXL

PARENTS CAN PURCHASE ADDITIONAL SHIRTS FOR $15.00. PLEASE INDICATE YOUR SIZE:_______

***Please circle your child’s age bracket. *** 4 years-K

The Lady Lobos dominance on the soccer field continues, with the varsity squad claiming its third consecutive district championship on March 15 and the junior varsity team finishing the season undefeated.

1st- 2nd grade

FORM OF PAYMENT: Cash $________

3rd-5th grade

Money Order $_________

6th-8th grade

9th-12th grade

Credit Card $___________

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

March 2016

Page 9

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

March 2016

Page 10