Volume VII, Issue 9 (August 1, 2022)

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” ― Henry Ford

Vol. VII August 2022

Sharing the good news about Longview Independent School District

SUMMER FUN Lobos take part in numerous camps

District to continue free lunches

By James Boyum KLTV With the U.S.D.A. ending their free school food program on June 30, many school districts may start charging students for lunches again. But Longview ISD will continue giving all students in the district free breakfast and lunch.

Lakeshia Givens and Diane Venson work in the Hudson Pep Elementary cafeteria preparing a whole bunch of food for a whole bunch of kids. It’s been free for all the last two years thanks to the U.S.D.A. But Longview ISD Superintendent James Wilcox says although the national program is over, breakfast and lunch will still be free at LISD. He says it helps the kids, and WILCOX their parents as well.

Find more photos on Page 6.

Lunch|Continued to page 8

Minimum wage raised for all hourly staff at Longview ISD. See Staff on Page 3

Longview ISD holds annual Draft Day for new district hir es.

See Draft on Page 4

Lobos take on Gilmer during annual 7v7 tournament at LHS. See Seven on Page 5

The little Lobos at Playing for Keeps were cheered on at their g raduation cer emony.

See Grads on Page 8

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 2022

OPINION

Students need 21st-century data-literacy skills

By Steven D. Levitt Education Next Most educators understand that school curricula must evolve as the world changes.

Refusing to adapt would do a terrible disservice to students, leaving them poorly prepared for their futures. Striking the right balance is difficult, but our schools usually find a way to forge ahead, teaching more Spanish and less Latin, more Angelou and less Shelley.

But math instruction seems to resist this needed evolution.

Math is viewed by some as an immutable revelation, as if Pythagoras himself chiseled the curriculum into stone tablets and brought them down from the mountaintop. Thou shalt teach synthetic division!

Thou shalt master factoring higher degree polynomials!

Why this perception persists is a mystery. High school math instruction has changed

before. The current changed in the world gauntlet of algebra since the 1960s. But through calculus was that would be an abset in the 1960s in surd position to take, response to Russia’s of course. Society has Sputnik. To win the been transformed over Space Race and the the past six decades, Cold War, the United and in ways that have States needed more dramatically affected scientists and engihow we use math in LEVITT neers, and a steady our lives. Nearly evdiet of quadratic equations ery one of us walks around and differentials was considwith a powerful computer in ered the best way to cultivate our pocket, capable of making them. Before this abrupt shift, billions of calculations per high school math had been second. Each day, we collecevolving slowly to include tively generate enough data to algebra and Euclidean geomfill five Libraries of Congress. etry, in response to changing And the Internet has disruptadmissions standards at selec- ed almost everything, includtive universities. In 1926, only ing our most trusted sources 10 of the 310 questions on the of information.

SAT were about math, and Our lives have been changed those questions were limited by this revolution in so many to arithmetic and basic algeways, including the way we bra. work. Seven of the 10 fastToday, we could be more est-growing jobs in America are confident in our current related to data. And while most math curriculum if little had of those roles are highly techni-

cal, computing and data have seeped into everyone’s workplace. Auto mechanics used to turn wrenches. Now they plug cars into computers and interpret the results. Teachers used to give lectures and write on chalkboards. Now they record their lessons on YouTube and analyze their students’ test scores with sophisticated software.

While we believe that students have much to gain by becoming data literate, we recognize the challenges inherent in curriculum change. Teachers will need extensive professional development to acquire the requisite skills. Reaching consensus on which topics to purge from the curriculum will not be easy. And unlike some who support this change, we are skeptical of the claim that a focus on data literacy will dramatically improve the equity problems we have in education.

— Steven D. Levitt is a professor of economics and social sciences at the University of Chicago.

Rethinking the ‘one teacher, one classroom’ model

By Irene Chen Education Week

scores have dropped.

We support several They’re suffering from initiatives through our increased anxiety and respective foundations The last few years have takdepression. In one April that offer promising en a toll on our teachers. The survey conducted by The models for what this COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing New York Times, at least work can look like. The cultural divisions, and the Uval- three-quarters of counNext Education Workde, Texas, massacre all weigh selors said students are force at Arizona State heavily. Morale is at an all-time showing signs of anxiety University’s Mary Lou low. Now is the time to rethink or depression, having Fulton Teachers College, CHEN the teaching profession. trouble regulating emowhich is funded by the Perhaps unsurprisingly, some tions, or finding it diffiOverdeck Family Foundistricts are struggling to find cult to solve conflict with friends. dation, builds teams of educateachers. According to federal Let’s address this crisis by re- tors with distributed expertise, data collected in January, 44 envisioning the traditional school empowering them by developing percent of public schools reported staffing model, which has not better ways to enter and advance at least one teaching vacancy, changed in generations. We need in the profession. and 61 percent identified the innovative, differentiated staffThe initiative rethinks the pandemic as a cause. Rural and ing that creatively utilizes educa- “one teacher, one classroom” urban districts are having a tors and plays to their strengths. model by reconsidering educaparticularly tough time, especial- This means schools must deploy tors’ strengths and interests and ly finding special education and adults to work collaboratively in what those educators can offer bilingual teachers. Students of response to the needs of individfor a larger group of students color and those from underserved ual students, rather than asking and colleagues. This approach communities are more likely to one teacher to meet the needs extends the reach of excellent have uncertified teachers. of all students in one classroom. teachers and offers mentoring These shortages are playing This approach can address chiland coaching opportunities for out at the exact moment the nadren’s specific skills gaps, while novice ones. tion most needs excellent educa- also diversifying the workforce, In Mesa, Ariz., Stevenson Eltors. Students’ math and reading and extending great teaching. ementary School kicked off the

first year of implementing this Next Education Workforce model during the 2020–21 school year. Seventy-five 3rd grade students had a team of three certified educators (including one lead teacher), three residents from a teaching college, a specialist for Title I (federal funds geared toward disadvantaged students), two special educators, and three special-subject teachers.

The team saw immediate results: Students were more engaged, and educators were more satisfied than the previous year. Based on this initial success, the school opted to expand the model to all grade levels this past school year.

These models don’t always demand a higher school budget, as many of them utilize staff with different experience levels and skills, such as licensed teachers and paraprofessionals, in more creative ways.

— Irene Chen is an associate program officer for the Exceptional Educators grantmaking portfolio at Overdeck Family Foundation.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 2022

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Trustees raise minimum wage for hourly staff The Longview ISD Board of Trustees approved setting the minimum wage for hourly employees at $15 per hour during their July 11 regular meeting.

As a result of this new minimum, hourly wages for Longview ISD staff will be adjusted district-wide for all hourly workers.

Dr. James Hockenberry, Assistant Superintendent of District Services, explained that all hourly positions will be reviewed, HOCKENBERRY and “equity adjustments will be applied as necessary or as needed.”

“These adjustments are being put in place to recognize the value of all our employees, each and every one of them has

a profound impact on student learning in their own way,” he said. “We know the cost of living is increasing, yet we also see the importance of their service and the positive impact they have on all of us, especially the children in our care.”

Dr. Hockenberry said the

exact costs for the measure are still being worked out, but he expects the increase to be “somewhere in the neighborhood of $650,000.”

“Hourly employees will see the difference reflected in the September paychecks,” he added.

Funding for the pay raise will come from the district’s general budget.

Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox said this plan has been in the works for some time, as the administration has researched the ongoing upward trends in the cost of living and inflation.

“We recognize the rise WILCOX in costs has impacted us all, especially those staffers who are hourly, and this is one way in which we recognize the financial impact the current economic climate is having on our hourly staff,” said Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox. “Every single person BOARD|Continued to page 9

LHS, Foster TSA teams earn success at Nationals A huge congratulations to the LHS and Foster TSA teams! Both teams attended and earned huge success at Nationals!

“Nationals this year was a tremendous success! I am so incredibly proud of my students, both our finalists and non-placing students as well,” said Foster TSA advisor Melissa Swallow. “My students worked diligently through the year as well as through our summer break, which shows an extremely impressive amount of dedication.”

LHS

While there, high school student Shreemayi Undavali was elected as the 2022-23 National TSA Treasurer.

In competitions, the LHS won 2nd place in Chapter Team, with Shreemayi Undavalli, Hibah Khan, Evelyn Campos, Rachna Edalur, Gizela Terrones, Nadia Akila, and Omika Patel competing. In 1st place, for Prepared Presentation, Rachna Edalur beat everyone else in the nation. Well done to all of our high school TSA students!

FOSTER

Foster TSA students placed in numerous competitions, performing better than most students in the nation!

First place in Chapter Team: Jordan Nash, Evie Land, Ellie Oglesbee, Aidan Rahim, Ezequiel Pascual,

and Cohen Hardison Second place in Leadership Strategies: Jordan Nash, Jersson Trujillo, and Kiley Strong Second place in Prepared Speech: Kiley Strong Seventh place in System Control: Jamarion Hunter and Ishan Patel Ninth place in Challenging Tech Issues: Frances Wilson and Cohen Hardison Sixth place in Biotechnology: Jaslene Solis, Jordan Nash, and Jersson Trujillo “I always tell my students that if they put in the hard work and never give up, it will eventually bring them success, which in this year, is evident by our not only top 10 finalists, Jordan Nash inducted as our elected Texas TSA State Reporter, Cohen Hardi-

son elected as a Texas TSA State Leadership Member, but also top 3 placers as well,” Ms. Swallow said. “Congrat-

ulations to FMS TSA for the record-breaking awards this year! I can’t wait to see what this group accomplishes.”

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 2022

Longview ISD holds annual staff Draft Day

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SPORTS

7 versus 7

Annual Lobo game sees some hustle

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 2022

THE FUN NEVER STOPS

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 2022

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GOOD SUMMER TIMES

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 2022

Playing for Keeps holds graduation Help us congratulate the little Lobos who graduated from Playing for Keeps. Keep up the excellent work! Lobo Nation is proud of you!

LUNCH |Continued from page 1 “If they are relieved of the stress of having to have money for breakfast and lunch every day for their 1, 2, 3 kids, we’re glad that we’re in a financial position right now that we can continue to do that,” Wilcox said.

Free lunch doesn’t affect Diane, but it does affect her four daughters, and seven grandchildren.

“But financially it helps them out because they’d have to get up and fix lunches in the mornings, and it’s time consuming. Knowing that there’s lunches at school and kids like eating it, they feel safer; they eat at school instead of fixing lunches at home,” Diane said.

Lakeshia has two kids in school and

appreciates their free lunches, but seeing all the students get a free lunch seems to mean even more to her.

“I’m just glad when they come through.

We greet them, ‘good morning.’ They’re getting their food, they’re eating it, enjoying it. So, When I see them doing that it puts a smile on my face, too,” Lakeshia said.

“You greet them and feed them,” I said.

“Yes,” she smiled, “Greet them and feed them.”

Now Lakeshia does have a slightly different reason to be relieved about the ongoing free lunches. When food had to be purchased and students didn’t have

the money, she just couldn’t let them go hungry.

“So, I would pay for it so I wouldn’t have to take their meal from them. So, I don’t like to do that. So, I’m kind of glad that they’re considering, and doing the free lunch,” Lakeshia said.

So, for now, LISD is helping out families district wide, as well as parents who work for the district.

The Longview ISD free lunch program is also supplemented by the school district’s garden, which is located behind the administration building. Chapel Hill ISD along with Pine Tree ISD in Longview will also continue the free lunch program.

PUBLIC NOTICES LISD Board meeting set for August 8 Trustees usually meet in the boardroom of the LISD Education Support Center, but often set special-called meetings at

various locations around the district. The next regular meeting is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, August 8.

For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees go to LISD.org.

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BOARD |Continued from page 3 who works for Longview ISD is vital to the educational success of the students in our care.”

“Our hope in raising the minimum wage, and the cumulative effect it will have on our hourly staffers, demonstrates that the board and administration truly cares about the financial difficulties many are facing during these challenging economic times,” he added.

The board already approved salary increases for district teachers and salary staff during their May 9 regular meeting.

Included in the pay bump is a signing bonus of $1,550 to returning employees on the teacher scale, which will be paid out in the September and December pay periods.

Dr. Hockenberry said, prior to the measure, the district’s pay scale was “already among the highest in our region, and this new compensation structure ensures that Longview ISD remains a ‘destination district’ for the best of the best in East Texas.”

Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.

DAYS OFF

Board members approved an amendment to Board Policy DEC (LOCAL) allowing employees the ability to earn a local paid day off each semester in accordance with the District’s Health and Wellness guidelines.

Dr. Wayne Guidry, Assistant Superintendent of Finance, explained that staff members who participate in the district’s wellness program can, in effect “earn” extra paid days off.

Back in April the board approved partnering with Virgin Pulse to provide a GUIDRY wellness support system for Longview ISD employees. Beginning with the 2022-23 school year, the Longview ISD Wellness Program’s mission is to promote and improve employee wellness and reduce health risks through education and wellness activities, goal setting and outreach events.

Dr. Guidry said the goal of the LISD wellness program is to “engage and em-

power all individuals to strengthen and maintain their health to enhance their quality of life.”

“We’re excited to work with a company like Virgin Pulse to help deliver a total health and wellbeing solution for our employees that drives sustainable, long-term behavior change and in building a culture of health and fitness at Longview ISD,” he said.

Funding for the Virgin Pulse system will come from the ESSER III grant program, authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) signed into law in March 2021.

Please click here to download the resolution and related documentation.

2022-23 BUDGET

The board also approved setting a meeting and public hearing for 12 p.m. Aug. 31 to discuss, consider, and possibly approve the proposed 2022-23 budget and tax rate.

While the district has reduced the LISD property tax rate for the last three fiscal years, property taxes may increase due to an increase in the value of the property, which is determined by the county appraisal district.

In accordance with state law, the tax rate ultimately adopted at this meeting may not exceed the proposed rate, unless the district publishes a revised notice containing the same information and comparisons, in addition to holding another public meeting to discuss the revised notice.

Local residents are invited to attend and share comments on the proposed budget and tax rate for the coming fiscal year.

For questions about the budget and proposed tax rate please contact the district at ask@lisd.org or call 903-381-2200.

DONATIONS

Board members approved: a donation of $1,000,000 from Keith and Leslie Nance.

This donation will be used in the General Fund Balance; a donation of $9,450 from money collected from students for damaged or lost Chromebooks. This donation will be used to repair or replace the damaged devices; a donation of $5,000 from LHS Lobo Tennis Booster Club to offset travel expenses for the tennis teams; a donation of $3,470 from the LHS UIL Film

Club for the purchase of a MacBook Pro to use in student productions; a donation of $1,240 from Foster Middle School Athletics Booster Club to purchase new football uniforms; a donation of $400 from E. Well Educational Services to provide student scholarships for the Veterinary Medicine/Sciences Summer Camp; a donation of $150 from the Longview Animal Health & Hospital to provide student scholarships for the Veterinary Medicine/Sciences Summer Camp; a donation of $150 from Austin Bank for Judson Middle School teacher Ms. Amy Bruyere’s review cycle classroom incentives; and a donation of $50 from Parents of Student Ambassadors for the Student Ambassador fund at Foster Middle School.

OTHER BUSINESS

During the course of the meeting, the LISD Board of Trustees also: APPROVED Instructional Materials Allotment (IMA) and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Certification for 2022-23; APPROVED the Minutes and Board Time Use Tracker for the June 6 Regular Meeting and June 20 Special Meeting; APPROVED naming Mrs. Ginia Northcutt as TASB Delegate and Mrs. Shan Bauer as alternate to the State Convention; APPROVED the Student Code of Conduct for the 2022-23 School Year; APPROVED the 2021-22 3rd Quarter Investment Report; RECEIVED the financial report for May 2022; APPROVED Budget Amendment No. 10; and APPROVED Board Policy Update 119.

FOR MORE INFO

Trustees usually meet in the boardroom of the LISD Education Support Center (1301 E. Young Street), but often set special-called meetings at various locations around the district. The next regular meeting is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m.

Aug. 8, 2022.

For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees please click here.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 2022

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 2022

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 2022

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