“We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief.” ― George W. Bush
Vol. V September 11, 2020
Sharing the good news about Longview Independent School District
McConaughey stars in scripted ‘Cowdog’ podcast By Wesley Coburn Matthew McConaughey stars in the title role in a new scripted podcast miniseries adaptation of the “Hank the Cowdog” middle-grade series from John R Erickson. “Hank the Cowdog” follows the adventures and tribulations MCCONAUGHEY (mostly self-inflicted) by a self-important Texas Panhandle hound dog named Hank, who imagines himself as “Head of Ranch Security” around the Place. There are somewhere over 70 books in the series, all written by Erickson, who also narrates the audiobook versions, and they are tremendously popular among the homeschool community. This “Hank the Cowdog” series will consist of five episodes and debut on
DEVELOPING A FUTURE
District teams up with Gearbox, Microsoft for new gaming program
O
n Tuesday, Sept. 1, LISD took one step closer to starting a brand new program on three campuses that would see students starting on a path towards making video games for a living. A conference was held between LISD, Texas-based video game developer Gearbox Soft-
ware, Texas Southern University and Microsoft. The program that has brought all of these different organizations is GBX Creative Computing Curriculum, from Gearbox. GBX|Continued to page 16
THIBAULT
McConaughey |Continued to page 9
Be sure to check our October print issue for our very first video game review! Also an article about the game for parents!
Trustees talk possible COVID-19 testing program The Longview Independent School District Board of Trustees approved pursuing a COVID-19 testing protocol for both students and staff, during a special meeting Wednesday, Aug. 26. Board members approved a preliminary agreement with U.S. MedTest Affirmative Solutions Group, a premier provider of testing, tracing, and tracking products and technologies supporting the
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global pandemic response. “This could be a big deal. Longview would be the only school district in the entire country undertaking something like this right now,” said Dr. James Wilcox, LISD Superintendent of Schools. Wilcox explained that the plan could include once- or twice-weekly testing of Board|Continued to page 17
Opinion In Case You Missed It
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Judson Spotlight 4 Sports 11
Foundation Social
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 11, 2020
OPINION
Back-to-school plan with connection By Jill Gurtner Education Week We know that there is much we won’t be able to control this coming school year. We also know that this is the world we are being called to help prepare our young people to enter. We should be equipping them to build a more sustainable future, one where the decisions we make now recognize the value of living beings for many generations to come. To do so, we must give our students the safety to connect with each other and their learning communities—even if they must do so online. At my community school, we have chosen to ground our back-to-school approach in deep, meaningful connections between students and staff and root our learning partnerships in the things that matter most to our learners in their communities. Our experiences with a learner-centered, community-grounded approach have demonstrated
that when students gency closing this spring develop a strong sense was a lifeline for many of of identity and agency in our learners—students one area, they are able and adults. to transfer the strategies Each student will also they develop to other conjoin a learning cohort texts. This strategy has based in one of two inproven effective even as terdisciplinary learning the pandemic has chalstrands that will intelenged it. grate English/language GURTNER arts, math, science, This fall, we will keep every student connected social studies, wellness, to a small and stable advisory and the arts. One cohort (Growgroup that serves a purpose well ing Our Futures) will utilize our beyond simply providing a “home school garden and a study of base” and a space for announcephilosophy; the other (Coming of ments. This structure gives Age) will be grounded in a study students a sense of belonging, of human relationships and validation, and a deeper underyouth agency. standing of themselves as learnEach strand will have an oners. It is the place where each line course to foster the predictindividual develops their sense of ability and flexibility necessary self, their strengths, their natuto learn, while ensuring that ral talents within a group, and students can successfully navitheir ability to collaborate. gate an online learning environOnly by accessing the support ment. Additionally, each strand of others can students master the will offer students the opportuskills to thrive within a diverse nity and support to connect— community. Maintaining this ad- either synchronously online or visory space through our emerface to face as we are able—to
their own identity, the experiences of others, and to a learning community. Together, our students become better readers, thinkers, designers, communicators, and problem-solvers. In the middle of the summer, I joined a few of my colleagues for a “weeding party” in our school garden. It was the first time I had seen and interacted with some of them in a nondigital format in months. What a joy it was to connect, even at a distance. As we each worked to cultivate the soil in our part of the garden, I learned of the extraordinary planning they were doing for the fall. Each educator had considered the likely constraints and challenges we all would face. But they had found purpose in what mattered most— preparing our students for the real issues they are facing—and had connected with others to realize this purpose. — Jill Gurtner is the principal of Clark Street Community School in Middleton, Wis.
Coranavirus may change college admissions forever By Frank Bruni The New York Times In the context of a pandemic that has killed about 190,000 Americans and economically devastated many millions more, getting into the college of your dreams is a boutique concern. But for many teenagers who have organized their school years around that goal, it’s everything. And it’s going to be different this admission season. It may well be different forevermore. That was what I concluded after a recent series of conversations with Jeffrey Selingo, whose widely anticipated new book, “Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions,” will be published on Sept. 15. Selingo was given extraordinary access to the selection process and the selectors at Emory University, Davidson College and the University of Washington. He uses it in his book to present one of the most nuanced, coolheaded examinations of the admission process that I’ve read. He explodes certain myths — for example, that SAT and ACT scores are absolutely pivotal —
and confirms other suspicommits to attending it if cions, such as the ridicuaccepted, will fill more of lous advantage conferred their slots that way than on middling students ever, meaning that these who play arcane sports. applications will have But his knowledge better odds of success and insights also put him than ones submitted latin an excellent position er. Schools leaned extra to speculate on mathard on early decision in ters beyond the book’s the shadow of the Great BRUNI bounds: specifically, the Recession, he said, and little, big, temporary and now face the same ecopermanent ways in which the nomic anxiety, the same moticoronavirus pandemic, which vation to figure out as soon as dawned after his research was possible which new students will done, will change the way colbe arriving and how much finanleges evaluate students and vice cial aid they’ll need. versa. But a more broadly conse“College admissions is never quential change involves stangoing to be the same,” he told me. dardized tests. Because the panHe was focusing on selective demic prevented students last schools, which educate a small spring from gathering to take minority of Americans in college the SAT and ACT exams, many but loom monstrously large in selective schools are not requirthe psyches of many high school ing them for the time being. That students, who intricately game will force them to focus more out how to breach these exclusive than ever on the toughness of the sanctums. Well, the rules of that high school courses that students game just changed. took and the grades they got. Selingo predicts that many Which students will benefit schools that allow “early decifrom that? It’s complicated. On sion” applications, with which one hand, affluent students who a student sets his or her sights are coached for these exams and on one preferred institution and usually take them repeatedly
won’t get to flaunt their high scores. On the other hand, less privileged students from high schools whose academic rigor is a question mark in screeners’ minds won’t have impressive scores to prove their mettle. While these exams have been blamed for perpetuating inequality, they in some cases play the opposite role. In fact, a special committee of educators in the University of California system produced an exhaustively detailed report this year that determined that the use of SAT’s in admissions had not lessened diversity and that SAT scores were useful predictors of college success. (University leaders elected to switch to test-optional admissions for a few years anyway.) The SAT’s downgrade won’t be fleeting, Selingo said. “We’re going to have a whole admissions year with scores of places going test-optional,” he said. “Once their world doesn’t come crashing down and they still recruit a class, those colleges are not going to flock back to the test. I think it’s been knocked off the pedestal permanently.” — Frank Bruni has been with The Times since 1995.
THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 11, 2020
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C I N ASEYOU MIS SED I T Simple Bare Necessities
Simple Bare Necessities is a nonprofit organization started by Longview High School student, Arya Germanwala. Simple Bare Necessities provides hygiene necessities to youth in our community to ensure dignity through self-care. They create hygiene packs to send home to any student of LISD that might need them for their household. LHS student help stuff the hygiene packs and each pack comes with toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, soap. Donations are accepted and can be dropped off at Hudson PEP Elementary via their donation box. For more information, please visit simplebarenecessities.org.
Primary Breakfast & Lunch
All elementary students eat breakfast and lunch free. Middle and High School cost is based on eligibility requirements. Free $0.00, Reduced $.30 breakfast/$.40 Lunch, and Paid $3.00. Also, for remote students, meals can be picked up between 9:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. from the campus the student is enrolled, unless there are multiple students in a family and then all meals can be picked up from one campus.
Meal pick up for remote learners
Did we miss your district news?
Did we miss district campus or organization news? Send us the pertinent information to ask@lisd.org and we’ll include it in our next issue!
COVID-19 screening at Christus
Christus Health Good Shepherd Emergency Center - North Park offers COVID screenings from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. through their drive through emergency services. The North Park emergency center is located at 323 N. Hawkins Pwky.
Longview ISD will be providing curbside pickup for those students that are remote learners. The meals can be picked up at the campus the student is enrolled between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. If you have multiple students on different campuses, you will be able to pick up all meals from one campus, please let us know if you will be picking up meals for multiple children. For elementary students, these meals will all be free; secondary students (middle and high school) will be by students eligibility. Secondary students will need to fill out a lunch application and eligibility will be determined from the application. When parents pick up the meals they will need to have student(s) ID #. Parents can order curbside pickup by emailing ask@lisd.org and providing the student name, ID, and if you will want to pick up meals everyday or the days meals will be picked up.
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 11, 2020
Amy Bruyere brings experience to Judson STEAM Academy Amy Bruyere is a 7th grade ELAR teacher at Judson STEAM Academy. This is her first year to be a part of the team at Judson, but she comes with past experiences in teaching self-contained and departmentalized 2nd grade, 6th grade ELAR, and 7th grade Texas History. Bruyere holds several teaching certifications with the State Board of Education, and they include: Generalist EC-4, Generalist EC-6, Social Studies 4-8, English Language Arts 4-8, Dance 8-12, GT, and ESL. This will be Bruyere’s eighth official year in public education, and she is so excited to be spending it with the Judson Blue Devils! Amy was born in Tyler and raised in Kilgore, so East Texas has always been “home.” She attended Kilgore ISD schools from kindergarten-twelfth grade, and graduated with honors in the top ten percent of her class, in 2006. After high school, Bruyere attended Kilgore College, where
she danced as a member of the 67th line of the world famous, Kilgore College Rangerettes. She graduated with honors, and an Associates of Arts BRUYERE degree from KC in 2008. Upon completion of junior college, Amy moved on to The University of Texas at Austin, where she completed 27 hours, and then concluded her undergrad studies by graduating with honors from The University of Texas at Tyler, with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. In 2010, Bruyere proudly finished her collegiate studies as a member of The President’s List, a member of Kappa Delta Phi (educational honors society), and Cum Laude honors, upon walking the stage at graduation.
In addition to teaching children at school, Bruyere is also the proud owner and lead instructor of her own dance studio, In-Step Dance Co., of Kilgore. At the studio, she teaches area youth who range from ages three, all the way to eighteen years old. In-Step Dance Co. is currently beginning its twelfth year of operation, and Bruyere says that she is looking forward to all of the excitement that a new year of instruction will bring. In 2019, Bruyere was the recipient of the “Rising Star Award’’ from the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce, for her concerted efforts of involvement with her dance studio, within the Kilgore community. Later that year, she and her studio were also awarded the People’s Choice Award for Best Small Business, by the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau. This last award was especially gratifying, because it
was voted on by the community. Although Bruyere did not know a dance studio would be part of her path in adulthood, she has known from a very young age that teaching was her calling. As a child, she spent lots of time “playing school” and looking up to several of her childhood teachers who set the standard of excellence for what an educator should be. Whether she is teaching in a classroom at a school, or teaching from a dance floor in a studio, being a teacher always feels “right”. Bruyere says that seeing student growth and achievement is totally rewarding, and makes all of the tough work that must happen in between, “worth it”! Bruyere is married to Bo and they have a beloved and spoiled dog, Harley. Bruyere is looking forward to all that this school year will bring, and she is honored and thrilled to be a part of Longview ISD and Judson STEAM Academy. Blue is Best!
Junior League of Longview donates clothes to LISD We would like to thank the Junior League of Longview! They held a uniform drive during the week of August 10th and collected a lot of clothes that will be distributed among several LISD campuses! Thank you so much for your hard work and commitment to our children! And thank you to everyone who donated! The Junior League of Longview, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
THANK YOU THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 11, 2020
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During this difficult time for our community, we are so thankful for the many local restaurants who are offering delivery, drive-thru, and carry-out service for the convenience and safety of our families. Longview ISD is glad to say ‘Thank You’ for being such wonderful community partners!
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Did we miss your restaurant? Send your business name, address and phone number to ask@lisd.org. 1
Bodacious BAR-B-Q
904 N 6th St 903-753-2714 1300 W Loop 281 903-759-3914 2227 S Mobberly Ave 903-753-8409
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Bubba’s 33
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The Butcher Shop
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The Cace Kitchen
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Cafe Barron’s
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Carter’s Bar-B-Que
200 E Loop 281 903-232-1606 102 Lehigh St 903-758-6066
415 N High St 903-212-7720
405 W Loop 281 F 903-663-4737 519 S Eastman 903-236-3271
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Casa Ole’
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The Catch
410 W Loop 281 903-236-3491 3312 N Fourth St 903-663-2940
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Chiangmai Thai Kitchen
103 W Loop 281 #430 903-663-6622
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Chick-fil-A
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Chipotle
507 E Loop 281 1740 W Loop 281 3500 McCann Rd
415 E Loop 281 903-663-7664 12 Chili’s Grill & Bar 2800 Judson Rd 903-663-2221 13 Cotton Patch 1228 McCann Rd 903-236-4009 14 Cowboy Chicken 3080 Eastman Ste 100 903-663-0777 15 Edible Art 504 W. South Street
903-234-2114 16 Fat Boyzzz
607 North Access Road 903-619-3301 17 Flying Burger & Seafood 322 E Hawkins Parkway 903-475-1537
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Fuji
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Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
3098 N Eastman 903-663-9888
310 E Hawkins Pkwy 903-663-7545
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Goung Zhou
2002 Judson Rd 903-247-8000 21 Hot Dog Express 106 E Marshall Ave 903-753-8081 22 Jason’s Deli 103 W Loop 281 903-663-5161 23 Jucy’s Hamburgers 2701 N Eastman 3356 Gilmer Rd 816 W Marshall Ave
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Little Mexico
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Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
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Mi Casita
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Papacita’s
3495 McCann Rd 903-758-2194 25 Lizzy’s Diner 2900 Tuttle Blvd 903-663-1154
310 E Hawkins Ste 100 430-625-8053 324 N Spur 63 903-758-8226 28 Newk’s Eatery 110 E Loop 281 903-753-7000 305 W Loop 281 903-663-1700
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Pizza King
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Posados
1100 E Marshall 903-753-0912 110 Triple Creek Cir 903-234-9115 32 Raising Cane’s 212 E Loop 281 903-238-8800 33 Roma’s Italian Kitchen 102 E Tyler St 403-625-7240 34 Rotolo’s Pizzeria 3407 N Fourth St 101 903-212-7448 35 Saltgrass Steak House 411 E Loop 281 903-232-1513 36 Schlotzsky’s 1429 W Loop 281 903-297-8030 37 Slim Chickens 204 E Loop 281 903-824-1735 38 Tuscan Pig Italian Kitchen 401 S High St 903-651-1833 39 Whataburger 105 TX-63 Spur 3123 Eastman 3308 Fourth St
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 11, 2020
DISTRICT WIDE • International Baccalaureate project partners with “We Help Two” and sells “funky socks” to help supply legs and feet to amputees all over the world. • LISD schools earned 40 total distinctions on state accountability ratings, an increase from 34 earned last year, and the highest in the region. • Each year HUNDREDS of out-of-district students transfer INTO Longview Independent School District, citing “education opportunities” as their reason.
• Local corporate partnerships with Eastman and Komatsu and Longview Manufacturing Academy. • Went totally ‘green’ on all building projects resulting in a $200,000 award from SWEPCO for energy conservation. • Raising Highly Capable Kids parenting class in partnership with Longview Chamber of Commerce. • Brand new partnership for innovation with East Texas Advanced Academies which will bring new funding and ideas to public education.
• LIFT program annually paying out close to $1 million in staff bonuses for improved testing scores. • Signing Santa to help deaf ed students communicate with “Santa.” • Hosted Adjunct Fair for SFA to help employ Adjunct staff in Longview and through Longview ISD. • Purchased multiple pieces of strategic real estate, without increased debt, for future expansion. • State and National Technical Student Association winners.
MONTESSORI
LONGVIEW HIGH • Longview High School celebrated a class of over 100 International Baccalaureate Diploma students for 201920. • The senior IB Diploma students have all completed at least 150 hours of service learning activities, culminating over 6500 hours of community service for 2019-20. • The IB students participated in the campus service learning project, We Help Two, and were able to sponsor 5 clients with prosthetic legs in developing countries. • Longview High School began the application process to become an IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) school and to offer the IB Career-Related Programme school.
• Longview High School graduated 51 seniors who will also graduate with Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degrees from Kilgore College for 2019-20. • Additionally, 80 seniors graduated with at least 24 hours of college credit. • For the 2019-2020 school year, 594 unduplicated LHS students took a total 7,950 credit hours. This averages slightly more than 12 hours each. These numbers are for hours taken at Kilgore College. Other students took hours through Stephen F. Austin University, University of Texas, and LeTourneau. • 251 members of 2020 Senior class took 3,617 hours. This averages slightly more
• Every year of Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox tenure the LISD budget has been “in the black.” • LISD farm-to-table program, partnering with local farmers for cafeteria produce. • Hosted “Axe”epted East Texas meet and greet for area students attending SFA in Fall 2019. • Partnerships in education with UT, SMU, Texas Tech, SFA, KC, Letourneau, and UT-Tyler. • Longview ISD middle school students earn “Duke Scholar” honors every year.
than 14 hours each. These numbers are for hours taken at Kilgore College. Other students took hours through Stephen F. Austin University, University of Texas, and LeTourneau. • 99 more of the 2020 LHS seniors qualified for the KC Connection Scholarship that allows them to complete their Kilgore College Degree or Certificate at the reduced tuition rate of 60% of regular tuition. These scholarships represent an average of $1,500 each year per student. • LHS opened the GO Lab for students to use as needed for course work. • Longview High School hosted it first Magnet Showcase Night.
• Largest FREE public Montessori school (for 3-to5 year-olds) in the nation, provided free of charge to Longview area children. • Eight-week Montessori training for other districts in Texas hosted by ETMPA.
Principals, did we miss your school’s achievements? Please send us your brags and we will include them!
ask@LISD.org
THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 11, 2020
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Lobo FFA wins big at Mineola Jackpot Show Congratulations to our students who placed at the Mineola Jackpot Show! Amazing job! Pigs: Madison — 2nd in class; Angela — 2nd in class; Matthew — 3rd in class Beefmaster Heifer: Kelly — 2nd in class Angus Steer: Kelly — 1st in class — 3rd in Show Goats: Cooper 6 — 1st in Class; Nancy 8 — 4th in Class; Yahir 10 — 2nd in Class; Maggie 11 — 4th in class; Landry 12 — 4th in Class; Isaiah 13 — 4th in Class; Parker 14 — 6th in Class Lambs: Yahir — 3rd in class
Entry now open for National Scholarship Program Each October the College Board offers the PSAT, the preliminary SAT used by the National Merit Corporation to determine National Merit and Commended Scholars in every state. High school juniors (grade 11) enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, better known as the PSAT. Approximately 1.6 million juniors take the test each year.
STUDENT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
To participate in the National Merit Scholarship Program a junior student must: • be enrolled as a high school student in the United States (traditional or homeschooled) and plan to accept admission to college no later than the fall following graduation from high school • take the PSAT in his or her junior year (grade 11) Longview High School strongly encourages its juniors to register for and take the PSAT. Not only does the PSAT offer students an opportunity to compete in the National Merit Scholarship competition, but it also offers students an opportunity to experience sitting for a college admission test because the PSAT is simply a slightly shorter version of the SAT, one of the college admissions tests students take in the spring of their junior year. Using the
detailed information students receive on their PSAT score report, students can learn their academic strengths and weaknesses and remediate as necessary before taking the SAT to earn the score they need for college admission. College bound sophomores and freshmen may test, but their scores DO NOT count. These students often want the experience of a college admission test prior to their junior year.
LHS TEST DATES
Because of COVID-19 restrictions and requirements for social distancing, the College Board has given schools two test dates. On Wednesday, Oct. 14, beginning at 8 a.m., Longview High School will test its 9th and 10th grade students who register and pay the $20 testing fee. Students will be notified of their testing location prior to the test date. Interested 9th grade students have been given the opportunity to get a registration form from their English teachers; 10th grade students received letters containing the registration form at their home addresses. Additional forms are available in the LHS College and Career Center. On Thursday, Oct. 29, beginning at 8 a.m., Longview High School will test its juniors (grade 11) who register and pay the $20 testing fee. Students
will be notified of their testing location prior to the test date. Junior students received letters containing the registration form at their home addresses. Additional forms are available in the LHS College and Career Center. Because the staff of Longview High School must prepare more carefully for social distancing, students MUST meet the registration deadline of Monday, September 28. Absolutely no late registrations will be accepted. These are the only PSAT dates; there are NO make-up dates. If students or parents have questions about the PSAT, they are welcome to call Kay Ray, scholarship coordinator at LHS, at 903-663-7129 on Mondays and Wednesdays or email her at gray@lisd.org. They may also call Linda Buie, Dean of Instruction at LHS, at 903-6637164 or email her at llbuie@ lisd.org. National Merit Program Recognition: Of the 1.6 million students who are juniors (grade 11), some 50,000 with the highest PSAT Selection Index scores (calculated by doubling the sum of the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math test scores from the test) qualify for recognition in the national Merit Scholarship Program. In September of the students’ senior year, these high scorers are no-
tified through their schools that they have qualified as either a Commended Student or a National Merit semifinalist. Approximately 34,000 students nationwide will be named Commended Students. Although Commended Students do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, some of these students will become candidates for special scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses and may be recruited by colleges for admission because of their high achievement. National Merit Semifinalists: In early September of the students’ senior year, about 16,000 seniors will be notified that they have qualified as Semifinalists. They are the highest scoring entrants in each state. Semifinalists then advance to Finalist standing in the competition by meeting high academic standards and all other requirements in the information provided to each Semifinalist (essay, letters of recommendation from high school faculty, etc.)
FINALISTS
In February of the students’ senior year, some 15,000 Semifinalists will be notified by mail at their home addresses that they have advanced to Finalist standing, and their high school principals will be notified of their achievement. PSAT|Continued to page 17
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 11, 2020
Top teachers to receive big pay boost An elite group of Longview ISD educators are about to receive a significant increase to their paycheck, thanks to a new state program that rewards high-achieving teachers for classroom excellence. Longview ISD teachers can make up to $32,000 more per year under the new state program. House Bill 3 passed by the Texas Legislature created the Teacher Incentive Allotment program with the primary goal of ensuring that the state’s top teachers have a realistic pathway to a $100,000 annual salary. The official designations are Recognized, Exemplary, and Master. Once earned, these designations remain valid for a period of five years from issuance. Fifty-four Longview ISD teachers received designations, spanning eleven campuses, and earning allotments totaling over $650,000. Designees will receive the first round of bonus payments in their December paycheck. John York, LISD director of elementary education, explained that the Teacher Incentive Allotment is fully funded by the Texas Education Agency. “The exact amount of funding per teacher is determined by a formula that takes into account the level of socioeconomic need at the campus,” he said. “Funding for Recognized designations ranges from $3,000 to $9,000; Exemplary designations range from $6,000 to $18,000; and Master designations range from $12,000 to $32,000 per year.” York said the TEA sets performance and
validity standards for teacher designations to help ensure a possibility that all teachers could earn a designation, and they also approve the district designation systems while monitoring for quality and equity. Longview ISD joins the ranks of only twenty-six other districts across the state receiving system approvals in the first round of Cohort A applicants. York said one of the main purposes of this program is to help school districts across the state “attract and keep our most effective educators in the classrooms at our most challenging campuses.” “Recruiting and retaining highly effective teachers is a major commitment at
Longview ISD,” he added. LISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox agreed. “We have teachers who are going above and beyond to help our students overcome incredible challenges, so it only makes sense for us to find a way to help reward their abilities as educators,” he said. “We want our teachers to know that the board and administration is always going to do everything we can to show how much they are valued at Longview ISD.” For more information about the Teacher Incentive Allotment program at Longview ISD, please contact John York at 903-3812200.
THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 11, 2020
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District honors 2020 staff retirees On Friday, Aug. 28, we had the pleasure of honoring our 2020 Retirees. Thank you for your years of service in education. Your impact on our students is immeasurable. We cannot put into words the amount of appreciation we have for you and the hard work you put in on our campuses. Janet Adams — Ware East Texas Montessori Academy Seidah Muyhee — Hudson PEP Lois Scroggins — LHS Lori Sustaita — ESC Angela Whitaker — Hudson PEP Brian Kasper — Foster Not Photographed: Jerelyn Maxey — Judson STEAM Academy; Trevelyn Phillips — South Ward; Deborah Bruhn — Johnston-McQueen
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 11, 2020
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JOHNSTON-MCQUEEN
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APPLY ONLINE TODAY! Registration Begins Soon Be part of the extraordinary difference. Now, it’s your turn to learn more:
• www.ecu.org Visit ChooseLISD.org800.999.2328 or call 903-381-2200.
*APR is Annual Percentage Rate. Loan and payment deferral subject to credit Paid forapproval. by the MSAP funds.
THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 11, 2020
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SPORTS MAKING THE CUT
Lobo tennis ranks in the top 20, edged out by Tyler in season opener Longview vs Temple on Sept. 25 By Reagan Roy CBS19
C
ongratulations to Lobo tennis! They are ranked in the top 20 tennis teams in the state by the Texas Tennis Coaches Association! In the last 14 years, it is the second time Longview has been ranked in the top 20.
HEARTBREAK
Lobo Varsity tennis lost 9-10 in a heartbreaking season opener to 6A, number 22 ranked Tyler Legacy. Longview is ranked 18 in 5A. Standouts for Longview were Rachna Edalur, Gowri Rangu, Daniel Pelaia and Jake ChamberTennis|Continued to page 12
While Texas school districts 4A and below have already played two games, the Longview Lobos are just getting ready. The Lobos will kick off their 2020 football season against the Temple Wildcats on Friday, September 25, at 8 p.m. at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Lobo Nation will be able to start purchasing tickets on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. All tickets will be purchased online through AT&T Stadium’s ticket provider, Seat Geek. Tickets are $15 and parking will be $20 (credit card only). All attendees are to follow the stadium’s clear bag policy which can be found here. Longview vs Temple will be the second game of a doubleTickets|Continued to page 17
Former band director celebrates 90th The Big Green Marching Machine was proud to be a part of the birthday celebration for former band director Jimmy Yancey. Happy 90th birthday!
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 11, 2020
Viewettes kick off the school year strong! Kicks with 56! The first performance of the year for the Viewettes took place and the ladies did an excellent job and their hard work is paying off! The three focus words for this year are POSITIVE, FLEXIBLE, and RESILIENT. Stay focused ladies and have a wonderful year!
TENNIS |Continued from page 11 lain; who won both their matches securing two points each for Longview. Lobo Tennis faces off against Rockwall Heath Friday, Aug. 11, in Rockwall at 4 p.m. Boys Doubles: Jake chamberlain/Daniel Pelaia vs Z. Gaston/Beaulieu — 4-6, 6-2, 10-3; Elliot Murphy/Harrison Lin vs Bennett/Bains — 2-6, 1-6; Erick Van/Luke Archer vs Brown/D. Gaston — 7-6, 6-7, 8-10 Girls Doubles: Kelsey Quiett/Delia Acuña vs Deatherage/Von Eschenbach — 4-6, 4-6; Rachna Edalur/Dylan Gonzalez vs Zips/Fry — 6-3, 6-1; Sofia Massare/Gowri Rangu vs David/Wegener — 6-2, 6-2 Mixed Doubles: Gabe/Namita vs Rajesh/Helier — 6-2, 7-5; Gabbi/Will vs Collins/Guy — 1-8 Girls Singles: Kelsey Quiett vs Audrey Deatherage — 0-6, 2-6; Gowri Rangu vs Grace Von Eschenbach — 3-6, 7-5, 10-2; Rachna Edalur vs Marla David — 5-7, 6-0, 10-7; Delia Acuña vs Sara Fry — 2-6, 4-6; Sofia Massare vs Isabella Wegener — 4-6, 2-6; Dylan Gonzalez vs Aniston Guy — 5-7, 3-6; Namita Reddy vs Carleigh Zips — 4-8; Gabbi Nguyen vs Adina Hekier — 1-8 Boys Singles: Jake Chamberlain vs Brett Bennett — 4-6, 6-4, 10-4; Elliot Murphy vs Zakk Gaston — 6-4, 2-6, 10-7; Erick Van zyl vs Simar Bains — 6-2, 1-6, 6-10; Daniel Pelaia vs Dylan Brown — 6-3, 6-4; Luke Archer vs Daniel Gaston — 0-6, 0-6; Gabe Montoya vs Eli Beaulieu — 2-6, 6-4, 14-16; Harrison Lin vs Dylan Brown — 1-6; Will Lenhart vs Micheal Collins — 5-8; Alec Germanwala vs Argun Rajesh — 9-8(3)
THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 11, 2020
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District nurses prepare for busy school year By JJ Maldonado CBS19 School nurses stand ready to help care for students and staff members as confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to increase within schools around East Texas. “We’ve been doing Zoom meetings and trying to brainstorm with other nurses in the district,” Kimberlie Dans, lead nurse at Longview ISD, said. “There are questions and answers on how we’re going to proceed with the next year. “ Dans admits the new school year amid the novel coronavirus comes with challenges. “My concern, and I’m sure everybody kind of feels the same way, my concern is for the special needs students, the faculty and the staff,” she said. Dans says district nurses are working with special needs students on how to properly wear masks and proper hand washing techniques. According to the district, there are currently more than
two dozen confirmed cases of the virus. Twelve on-campus students have tested positive while two are remote-learners. The district also confirms there are 14 staff members who have also tested positive. Meanwhile, Dans says
currently there are 19 nurses employed in the district, including floating nurses. “In the event that we have a nurse [that] does get COVID or has symptoms of COVID, then those float nurses will fill in for them,” she said.
As part of the new protocols, nurses at Longview ISD have to be diligent in the tracking process of COVID-19. “We’re having to be very dedicated to the documentation and following up with each nurse,” she said. “If we have someone we sent home at the high school we have to ask ‘do you have any other siblings?’ and follow up with a phone call.” Dans says while this school year is unlike any other, one thing remains the same: the well-being of the students and staff. “As nurses go, we have a strong bond here at LISD and I’m really proud of our nurses,” she said. “I feel like we go the extra mile for our students. We have a caring attitude towards each other as well as our students.”
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 11, 2020
FOUNDATION ‘Great Reward for Great Ideas’ offered by Foundation By Kay Ray
room teachers, counselors, librarians, and campus nurses In 1994, a cross-section across Longview, will of community members who fund creative support the Longview Inteaching apdependent School District proaches and created the Longview ISD innovative Foundation, Inc. to enrich projects and maximize the quality of with the classroom education in the hope that Longview Independent School the best District. The Foundation’s ones will serve Board of Directors, businessas pilot projects for es, corporations, community broader implementamembers and LISD employees tion. Funding not otherwho support the Foundation wise available for such projects believe that creative and inno- will be funded from $100 up to vative approaches to teaching $2,500. can benefit our students and The Longview ISD Foundaincrease student achievetion has now announced the ment. Because of this belief, 26th annual Great Rewards for the Foundation has created a Great Ideas and is accepting permanent endowment fund to applications through Tuesprovide annual funding for the day, December 1, 2020. Grant Great Rewards for Great Ideas recipients will be announced in Grant Program. March 2021. The 2021 Great Rewards for Applicants may submit a Great Ideas Grant Program, paper application or submit an specifically designed for classonline application at lisd
Campus Initiative grant announced By Kay Ray The Board of Directors of the Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. proudly announces the fourteenth annual Campus Initiative Grant Program. Working with campus educators, LISD principals can apply for funding up to $5,000 for initiatives unique to the individual campuses. These initiatives must complement and align with Campus Improvement Plans and the LISD District Improvement Plan. The Longview ISD Foundation is proud to offer this grant initiative that will provide additional funding to maximize educational opportunity in Longview ISD for all students. The Foundation believes that this grant program, targeting overall campus improvement, complements the Foun-
dation’s annual Great Rewards for Great Ideas Program, now in its twenty-sixth year. To date, the Longview ISD Foundation has funded forty-six Campus Initiative Grants for a total of $136,673.08. Campus Initiative Grant applications are due to Kay Ray, executive director, by Tuesday, December 1, 2020. The Foundation will announce the Campus Initiative Grant recipients in March 2021.
foundation.org. The Foundation’s grants committee will consider how compatible the applicant’s project/ program is with the district’s goals, the school’s or department’s mission or philosophy, campus improvement plan, or district improvement plan when making grant funding decisions. The grants committee’s goal is to fund innovative programs which stimulate thought and student achievement or address needs, challenges, and concerns unique to the applicant’s campus. If LISD applicants have any questions, they may contact Kay Ray, the Foundation’s executive director, at 903-452-7015 or by email at gray@lisd.org. The Foundation looks for-
ward to receiving many grant applications from across the district and is proud to provide funding for the twenty-sixth annual Great Rewards for Great Ideas Grant Program. Since May 1996, the Foundation has funded 716 grants through the Great Rewards for Great Ideas Program, returning $780,885.75 to Longview ISD classrooms, enabling innovative teachers, counselors, librarians, and nurses to create new educational programs or to enhance existing ones so that they can provide the best instruction possible to all students. These grants have funded programs and projects for students of all ability levels and in a variety of disciplines. In addition to strengthening academics, the grants have also funded projects in music, art, technology, character education, health and physical education, guidance and counseling, and STEAM education.
Employee Scholarship Award returns By Kay Ray For the fifth year, the Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. is proud to announce it is offering the Employee Scholarship Award to assist district staff who are pursuing classes and/ or certifications related to classroom education in English, math, science, social studies, bilingual education, special education, STEAM, or counseling with the intent of improving classroom instruction and direct services to students in LISD. The scholarship will not be awarded to employees seeking administrative certification with the intent of leaving the classroom. The Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. will award two $500 scholarships, one at the elementary level and one at the secondary level. The employee must have completed one (1) year of employment with the district and must be continuing his/her employment with the Longview Independent School District. The employee must have demonstrated the following: • Outstanding work ethic and teaching ability • Participation in school and community organizations and activities • Leadership ability The employee must complete the
scholarship application and include two letters of reference from individuals who represent different sources and who are not related to the applicant (example: principal, instructional supervisor/coordinator, pastor, member of a community organization). Reference letters do not need to be in a sealed envelope. Scholarship recipients will be announced by Friday, December 11, 2020. Completed application and letters of reference must be submitted to the Foundation by Monday, November 9, 2020. Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. Attn: Kay Ray, Director P. O. Box 2807 Longview, Texas 75606 or by email at gray@lisd.org Questions? Contact Kay Ray at 903-452-7015 or at gray@lisd.org.
THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 11, 2020
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‘Green Out’ shirts are selling fast! Get yours now! Despite COVID-19 limiting the opportunities of selling Green Out shirts, some sizes are already sold out! Adult sizes M through 4XL are sold out! Act quickly to get your own shirts before they too are no longer available! The shirts can be bought at varying locations at random, but to ensure that you can get a shirt you can go to LISDFoundation. org and order online! And yes, students can wear the shirts to schools on spirit days and every day at Longview High School.
MCCONAUGHEY |Continued from page 1 Monday, Septown of Uvaltember 14, on de, graduating all podcasting from Longview platforms. High School It will be proin East Texas duced by audio and attending drama publisher the UniversiQCODE along ty of Texas in with Tri-State Austin. Pictures and Erickson is MCCONAUGHEY HTC Producprobably the tions, and acsecond-most facording to a press remous author from West lease, include original Texas after fellow Westmusical numbers. ern writer Larry McMatthew McCoMurtry. He will also be naughey has a long part of the cast, which history as a dog dad, features Jesse Plemons so this makes a lot of (Friday Night Lights, sense that he would Breaking Bad, Fargo) want to do a project as Hank’s cowardly but like this. common-sense-filled Some of McCodeputy Drover. naughey’s best-known Plemons’ Fargo roles include starring co-star and real-life in Dallas Buyers Club, fiancee Kirsten Dunst How to Lose a Guy in (Interview with the 10 Days, and InterVampire, Bring It stellar,though he’s On, Sam Raimi Spialso appeared in the der-Man trilogy) will musical Sing, the war also be part of the spoof Tropic Thunder cast. Though her role and the sports movies is currently unknown, Angels in the Outfield it seems likely she will and We Are Marshall. either be playing kindHe has deep roots in hearted human Sally the Lone Star State, May or Hank’s crush according to his WikiBeulah the Collie or pedia page, being born his girlfriend Missy in the South Texas Coyote.
Page 16 GBX |Continued from page 1 The program will see video game design and production come to Foster, Judson and Longview High. “We are teaching students the ins and outs of working with The Unreal Engine, the same software that powers ‘Fortnite’. This program introduces students to the core creative computing skills that are employed in the videogame industry to design and develop the most popular games in the world,” said Aaron Thibault, Gearbox Software Vice President of Strategic Operations. “These same skills are important to many other modern industries that use computer visualization and simulation, from automotive design to artificial intelligence engineering. Students who complete this project-based curriculum will be capable of making their own functioning game software, and they will explore specializations that are in high demand by videogame, animation, architecture, civil engineering, special effects, and many other employers around the world.”
WHERE IT BEGAN
In 2012, Joe Manns, who is the Foster video game instructor and founder of Thirsty Minds, reached out to Gearbox with a request for assistance to guide the development of a videogame program at the college level in Longview, focused on digital art, animation, and game design. “After several years of working with Joe in his after-school digital art program, meeting wonderful LISD staff like Shalona McCray and Elizabeth Ross, and having speaking opportunities at Longview area schools, we felt that Longview ISD may be a good partner to pilot our new ‘worldbuilding’ computing curriculum,” Thibault said. “Last year, we had an exploratory meeting with Horace Williams about opportunities for Longview students in the game industry, important challenges that we face as top tier employers, and how
THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 11, 2020 a closer relationship between Gearbox and Longview can both benefit students and support our future hiring goals. “It was clear that Gearbox and Longview share beliefs in high standards for student performance, the need for industry assisted teacher training, entrepreneurial thinking, and career exploration as part of technology education that supports ambitious students’ career goals. We discussed our extreme need for hiring talented individuals with
healthy teamwork mindsets who are skilled in art, technology, engineering, math, and design. We also dis-
cussed the need for more diversity in the industry; as Randy Pitchford, CEO of Gearbox Entertainment, is fond of saying: ‘Our mission is to entertain the world.’ To achieve our mission, we need our development team to be more representative of all the kinds of people who are in the world. Longview’s diverse population is a perfect location to reach lots of different kinds of people, and we will hopefully inspire students to consider future careers in games and creative technology.”
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
Texas Southern University and LISD faculty are working together, engaging in teacher training as a cohort, and managing the growth and implementation of this program. Students from LISD middle schools, high schools, and TSU college students, will be working together and helping each other with motivation, peer mentoring, critique, and developing a community of creative thinkers. TSU faculty and students will be developing technical underpinnings and code for Unreal Engine applications that will enable LISD students to have custom learning experiences in their videogame courses.
MICROSOFT
Microsoft is working with TSU and Longview to provide resources for students to compete in The Imagine Cup and to support this new program as we discover what we need to help students be successful.
THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 11, 2020 BOARD |Continued from page 1 district students and staff, as well as any campus visitors, with results available “in minutes or hours, instead of days and weeks.” “This could enable Longview ISD to take action almost immediately to ensure that our campuses and district facilities are as safe from COVID-19 as possible,” he said. “That includes the possibility of pregame testing for extracurricular competitions.” Wilcox told trustees that more details would be available in the coming days, as the district leadership continues to discuss various aspects of the program with company officials, as well as government authorities. “One of the main goals [of this program] is to provide customized, end-to-end protocols through a multi-system approach that allows us to balance the medical, ethical, legal, and financial scales as we continue to battle this pandemic,” he said. “We are focused on applying every available resource at our disposal to ensure a consistently safe environment and comprehensive plan for our students, our staff, our parents, and our entire community.”
BALANCED BUDGET Board members also held a
TICKETS |Continued from page 11 header and AT&T Stadium will not be clearing the stadium between games. All tickets are reserved seats and are good for both games. Longview Athletics will not have tickets available for sale.
PSAT |Continued from page 7 Winners of Merit Scholarship awards will then be chosen from the Finalist group based on their abilities, skills, and accomplishments without regard to gender, race, ethnic original, or religious preference. Students might be offered National Merit $2,500 Scholarships, corporate sponsored Merit Scholarship awards, college sponsored Merit Scholarship awards.
public hearing before unanimously voting to approve the Proposed 2020-2021 Budget and Tax Rate. LISD Chief Financial Officer Joey Jones is projecting a balanced General Operating budget of $90.2 million for the 2020-21 fiscal year, which calls for property tax cuts JONES and significant state revenue from their public school charter partnerships. Jones said the total proposed budget revenue is about $90.2 million, which is about an $8.3 million increase from the 201920 budget. The total proposed expenses are about $90.2 million. The revenues are a mix of local, state, and federal funds for operations during the 202021 fiscal year. Jones said the budget as currently presented to the board “is a complete picture of next year” and that potential disruptions related to COVID-19 “will be handled as they present themselves”. The proposed maintenance and operations tax rate is $.9664 and the interest and sinking tax rate is .4730 cents
for a total tax rate of $1.4394 per $100 valuation. The tax rate is a decrease from the current rate, which is $1.4431 per $100 valuation. Jones explained that the district is adopting a tax rate that will raise more taxes for Maintenance & Operations than last year’s rate. “The tax rate will effectively be raised by .478 percent, and will raise taxes on a $100,000 home by approximately negative -$4,” he said.
SSC CONTRACT
The board approved a contract extension for custodial services with SSC Services. The cost for the district is $2,951,131, with a 1.7 percent Consumer Price Index increase. Jones told board members that the partnership “provides us with additional resources in our changing environment and together we address the needs of the district.” The Dallas-based company handles janitorial services throughout the district.
IN OTHER BUSINESS
During the course of the meeting, the LISD Board of Trustees also approved Career and Technology Courses and Pathways for the 2020-21 Longview High School Course Selection Guide; funding for the
Page 17 administration of the Iowa and CogAT Assessments; Communities in Schools contracts for 2020-21; Local At-Risk Criterion for 2020-21; and official minutes of the Aug. 10th Regular Meeting.
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. Sept. 14. Due to public health protocols currently in place, the public will not be admitted into the trustees’ boardroom. The meeting will be streamed online at LISD.org/BoardroomLive. For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees please go to LISD. org.
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 11, 2020
OBITUARIES Longview ISD offers our most sincere condolences to our extended Lobo family Margaret Ann Taylor Roebuck Margaret Ann Taylor Roebuck, of Blossom, died peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 27, at Baylor Hospital in Plano, after a hard fought battle with heart failure. She was a devout Christian, mother, grandmother “Gammy” and great-grandmother. Margaret was proudly ROEBUCK married to her lifelong “sweetheart” for 58 years and two days. She was a retired nurse and lifelong care giver, often helping other families with dying loved ones. She was loved fiercely and will be missed greatly, but we rest in the gift of knowing she is now at peace. It is a sad day but not a bad day. Margaret was born on Feb. 25, 1944, in McAlester, Oklahoma, to Sidney and Frances Roquemore Taylor. She was a 1962 graduate of Longview High School and was a member of His Place Fellow-
Rosa Rodriguez Nací el 5 de Octubre del 1991 mis padres Fermín Rodriguez Barrios + y Cristina Correa Mata, tuve una infancia feliz, perdí a mi Padre a los 13 años a partir de ahí aprendí a ser fuerte, vi la vida muy diferente, fui feliz compartiendo alegrías y tristezas con mi familia y amiRODRIGUEZ gas nunca tuve tiempo de estar enojada o triste, ahora me voy; sé que dejo triste a mi madre; me sobrevivirán mis hermanos, Lirio S. Rodriguez y José A. Rodriguez, mis medios hermanos Savannah Corona y Fermín Rodriguez, mis abuelos Esteban Rodriguez, Amparo Barrios y Nicolasa Mata viuda de Correa, mis tíos Tranquilino, Ma. Alberta, Daniel y Luis Antonio Correa Mata y mi tía Elena Hidalgo de Correa. Mis tíos por parte de mi padre Marcelino, Juan J., Julio Rodriguez Barrios y María Ana Garcia y de mas primos y sobrinos. Las personas que me ayudaron en todo sentimental y moralmente, Mario Esparza Martínez, Gabino Gomez, Velia Guevara, Lety Urbina, y Tere Jiménez especialmente a mis amigas de corazón, Chantol Smith, Alyssa Taylor y Destiny Darden, me voy en paz y dando Gracias al Señor por permitirme vivir 28 años con alegría estuve muy agradecida con Dios ahora, Msgr. Xavier Pappu y Padre Mark Dunne oficiaran una misa para mi eterno descanso Amen. I, Rosa Isela Rodriguez Correa, was born on October 5, 1991, my parents Fermin Rodriguez
ship Church in Paris. Her parents; son, Pat Roebuck; brother, Sidney Taylor Jr.; and sister, Patricia Rogers, preceded her in death. Margaret was 76 years old. Survivors include her husband, Duane Roebuck, of Blossom; three daughters, Deborah Roebuck, of Blossom, Karen Powell and husband, Carroll, of Wylie and Anna Worster and husband, Lance, of Tyler; daughter in law, Dianne Roebuck, of Floresville; two sisters, Paula Gregg, of Dallas and Mildred Pataki, of Sherman; two grandchildren, Jordan Powell and Megan Barbosa and husband, Travis; one great-grandchild, Gage Barbosa; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020, at His Place Fellowship Church, with the Rev. Mike Fortenberry officiating. Local arrangements being handled by Clarksville Funeral Home. Memories and condolences may be added at clarksvillefuneralhome.com. + and Cristina Correa Mata, I had a wonderful childhood, my father passed away when I was 13 years old, I looked at life differently I lived my life to the fullest, always smiling and having the time of my life, there were times of sadness but I never had time to be sad or upset. I leave this world in peace, but I leave my mother sad; I am survived by my siblings, Lirio S. Rodriguez and Jose A. Rodriguez, Savannah Corona, Fermin Rodriguez, my grandparents Esteban Rodriguez, Amparo Barrios and Nicolasa Mata viuda de Correa, my uncles, Tranquilino, Ma. Alberta, Daniel y Luis Antonio Correa Mata and my aunt Elena Hidalgo de Correa. My uncles from my father’s side, Marcelino, Juan J., Julio Rodriguez Barrios and Maria Ana Garcia and cousin and nieces and nephews. To the people who helped me physically and emotionally, Mario Esparza Martinez, Gabino Gomez, Velia Guevara, Lety Urbina, and Tere Jimenez especially my friends and sisters at heart, Chantol Smith, Alyssa Taylor y Destiny Darden, I leave in peace and thanking the Lord for letting me live 28 wonderful years with love, Msgr. Xavier Pappu y Padre Mark Dunne will officiate my services for eternal peace. Amen
PUBLIC NOTICES LISD Board meeting set for September 14
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 September 14. For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees go to LISD.org.
Maryetta Reese We are sad to announce that on Aug. 25, at the age of 72, Maryetta Reese passed away. Family and friends can send flowers and condolences in memory of the loved one. REESE Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Maryetta Reese to pay them a last tribute. She was preceaded by: her parents, Emanuel Deckard and Rosie Deckard; her brother J. B. Deckard; and her nephew Roderick Ward. She is survived by : her husband James Reese; her children, LaShon Reese (Hollie Reese) of Longview, LaKembia Reese (Indinnia LaTrice Reese) and Garri Ward of Terrell; her grandchildren, Dexter Ward, Marcus Ward, Van Jackson, James Reese, La Trell Kindle, Jeremiah Kindle and Shay Ward; her great grandchildren, Karsyn Reese and Ethan Jackson; and her siblings, Leroy Deckard (Gwen) of Henderson, Melvis Deckard of Tatum, Mildred Henderson of Henderson, and Fannie Moore (Ronald) of Tatum. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Viewing was held on Friday, Aug. 28, at the Craig Funeral Home. A graveside service was held on Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Smith Chapel Cemetery.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” — MATTHEW 5:4
THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 11, 2020
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OBITUARIES Longview ISD offers our most sincere condolences to our extended Lobo family Vera Louise Berney
of the First United Methodist Church for almost seventy years. She was devoted to the Thelma Morgan Sunday School class, being one of the origVera Louise Litton Berney inal members. For many years she served on the passed away peacefully at flower committee at the church, regularly deliverhome on Monday, August 24, surrounded by her family. Vera ing flowers to the sick and infirm. She also taught children’s Sunday School for many years at the was born on September 19, church. Vera had a strong faith in the Lord, which 1924, in Dryden, Virginia, to was so evident in the way she lived her life. Mabel and Earl Litton. Early Vera’s great love was her grandchildren who in her life her family moved could do no wrong! Mammaw and Pappaw took to Pennington Gap, Virginia, the four grandchildren on many trips throughwhere she later graduated high BERNEY out the years and had great adventures with school. As a station manager them. As the grandchildren grew older, Vera for the L & N Railroad, her father frequently and Lynn became great soccer and tennis suphad Vera riding on trains to various locations porters, traveling to out of town games and all over Virginia, which she thoroughly enjoyed. matches as often as they could. They became It was also from her father that Vera developed the official grandparents of the Longview High her great love of baseball, especially the Texas Rangers! Upon graduation from high school, Vera School tennis team. She has continued to love and support the grandchildren and great grandattended Radford College, the sister school to Virginia Polytechnic Institute, where she majored children throughout their lives. Vera was preceded in death by her husband, in business. While at Radford, she was selected a Lynn Berney, her parents, Mabel and Earl LitRadford Beauty for two straight years. ton, and her two brothers, Jack and Harry Litton. Upon completion of her studies at Radford, Vera went to work at Tennessee Eastman and was She leaves behind her three daughters, Linda Buie and husband Jim, Mary Berney, and Jane immediately assigned to their site in Oak Ridge, Gullette and husband Bill. She also is survived Tennessee, to work on the Manhattan Project, by four grandchildren, Jed Buie and wife Susan, which produced the atomic bomb. Vera always said, “We were all so shocked to find out at the end Melinda Buie, Will and Peter Gullette, and four great grandchildren, Ella, Jack, Max and Bobby. of the war what we had really been working on!” The family would like to extend great gratWith her return to the main headquarters of Tennessee Eastman in Kingsport, Vera renewed itude and love to Vera’s wonderful caregivers: Khadijah Brown, Barbara Wright, Desiree Belew, her acquaintance with her brother’s friend, Nita Hutchins, Tara Eignor, Geneva Johnson, Lynn Berney. The two were married for almost Kami Whitworth, Angela Singleton, and Patti sixty years at the time of Lynn’s death. Shortly Wright. The family also extends heartfelt thanks after their marriage, Lynn was transferred to and gratitude to HeartsWay Hospice for the love help with the formation of the newly founded and care provided to Vera. A special thanks to Texas Eastman in Longview. The two happily Sheryl Alligood, Mom’s HeartsWay nurse. made their home in Longview for the rest of If one desires, donations may be made to their lives and reared their three daughters, HeartsWay Hospice, 4351 McCann Road, Linda, Mary, and Jane. Lynn and Vera were Longview, 75605 or the First United Methodist avid travelers with the trip to the Holy Land Church, 400 N. Fredonia Street, Longview, 75601. being one of their favorites. She was extremeA celebration of life was held Monday, Aug. ly devoted to her husband Lynn and faithfully 31, in the First United Methodist Church Faith helped with his care in later years. An active homemaker, Vera’s very first priority Center under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview. was taking care of her family. She was also very A memorial guestbook may be signed online involved with Bluebirds, Campfire Girls, and the at raderfh.com. various school PTAs. Vera was an active member
Jo Anne Johnson Jo Anne Johnson was born Jo Anne Kennedy to Dr. Harvey H. and Charlotte Kennedy in Big Spring, TX on February 6th, 1934. Jo Anne passed away September 8, 2020 in a local hospital. Jo Anne was a life-long resident of Longview and a faithful member of First JOHNSON Christian Church. She graduated from Longview High School and Kilgore Jr. College, where she was a proud Rangerette. She married Harold Ray Johnson Sr. in 1952 and was preceded in death by Harold in 1970. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Harvey H. Kennedy Jr. She retired from Texas Eastman Chemical Company after many years of employment. She is survived by her brother, Richard Kennedy, and children, Harold Johnson Jr and wife Sherrie, Cindy Romere and husband Keith,
Kathy Barrett and husband Kyle, Scott Johnson and wife Sharon, and grandchildren, Lyndsay, Benjamin, Lauren, Brandon, Blake, Andrew, Matthew, Alexandra, Sara, Allison, and many great and great-great grandchildren, who lovingly called her Grammy. Jo Anne had many friends in Longview and beyond. Her unwavering Christian faith was evident by her love and affection for all. The family is grateful for those who made her life so enjoyable, and to Buckner Ministries and Dr. Robert Cary for the wonderful care to allow the family more time to share her loving and generous light. A private family graveside service will be held at Lakeview Memorial Gardens where she will be laid to rest beside her husband, Harold. A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at First Christian Church in Longview under direction of Rader Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the chapel of Rader Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Buckner Ministries or First Christian Church of Longview.
Catherine Akins Hunt
Catherine Hunt, 69, of Denver, Colorado passed away peacefully in her slumber Saturday, August 15, 2020. Services are scheduled for 2pm, Saturday, August 29, 2020 at Lakeview Funeral Home in HUNT Longview, Texas. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service at Lakeview. Catherine was the firstborn of Frank Earl and Anna Marie (Wernet) Akins on April 16, 1951 in Houston. Catherine is survived by her beloved daughter Katie Marie Hunt Leonard, son-in-law Ted and “the best, smartest grandboys” Jackson, Taylor and Cash; siblings: William “Bill” Akins (Dovena), Patricia Akins Leslie (Tony), Charlene Akins Montana (John Daniel); nephews: Tyler Akins, Joshua Poertner (Sayward), great nephews: Ethan and Noah John Poertner and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Catherine spent most of her childhood and school years in Waco and Woodway (Texas) and attended Reicher Catholic (Waco) and Robert E. Lee (Houston) high schools, and graduated Longview High class of 1970. She began work at age 14 at the local Dairy Cream and began her insurance career right after graduation. She excelled in all facets of the insurance industry with major firms as a Marketing Underwriter and belonged to several professional organizations. She was recognized by Who’s Who American Women and was owner/operator of ”Catherines Benefits L.L.C.” in Houston. Catherine’s catholic upbringing was her faith foundation that had blossomed in recent years to a strong reliance on Jesus Christ and prayer, especially the Lord’s Prayer. Catherine enjoyed sharing her gourmet cooking talents and playing cards and board games with family and friends, and as a member of social clubs. She was preceded in death by her parents and special friend Dayne Smith.
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 11, 2020
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 11, 2020
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Hwy 80 median project to be discussed Sept. 16 The City of Longview Public Works will hold the following public meeting to gather citizen input on median improvements to US 80/East Marshall Avenue, between Eastman Road and Nansemond Way. The meeting will be conducted utilizing a video conferencing tool. Public Works staff and citizen will participate via audio only. Instructions and direct links to view the
meeting or speak during the meeting can be found at LongviewTexas.gov/Tele. The public is invited to virtually attend and will be given an opportunity to provide comments during the meeting and for 14 days following the meeting. The meeting will be streamed on CityView Municipal Television, Facebook Live, and Longview Cable TV. After the meeting, citizens may
view the recorded meeting online in the CityView Video Library.
PUBLIC MEETING
The public meeting is set for 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 16. For additional information please contact our engineering consultant at ecasta neda@halff.com or 903-617-5368.
LONGVIEW POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICE AREA REPRESENTATIVES & POLICE OUTREACH SERVICES TEAM
Beat 20
Ofc. Misty Ryan 903-331-2541 PAR 20
Ofc. Chris Clayton 903-424-6212 PAR 10
Beat 10
Ofc. Luke Altman 903-431-5369 PAR 40
Beat 30
Ofc. Maira Villela 903-720-6656 PAR 30
Beat 60 Ofc. Jeff Hall 903-424-7725 PAR 50
Beat 50
Ofc. LaDarian Brown 903-431-1307 PAR 60
Sgt. Kendric Montgomery 903-619-0124 PAR SUPERVISOR
POST
Ofc. Allan Whitlock 903-331-1979
Ofc. Ronald Duncan 903-331-1870
Beat 40
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 11, 2020
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