Volume II, Issue 10 (November 2017)

“He who opens a school door, closes a prison.” — Victor Hugo

THE

ongview Voice

Sharing the good news about LISD!

A publication of Longview Independent School District

Vol. 2 No. 10 November 2017

Complimentary Copy

THANKFUL TO BE LOBOS!

All across Longview ISD staff, students, and community are proud of their district

T

he falling leaves and crisp chill in the air heralds the coming holiday season, a time to count our many blessings and give thanks. For our students, staff, and community, their relationship to Longview ISD itself prompts grateful hearts and warm sentiments.

For our students, staff, and community, their relationship to Longview ISD itself prompts grateful hearts and warm sentiments.

“I’ve been a part of different school districts of varying sizes, I know a lot of education professionals across the state, and I can say that Longview ISD is a special place,” said Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox. “And it’s a special place because of the people.”

For student Mariah Brown of Johnston-McQueen Elementar y, it’s the relationships.

“I am thankful for my friends,” she said.

“Everyone is so sweet and loving and I love to come to school every day. I love my teacher

too, she makes everything so fun we don’t even know it’s work.”

Local artist and filmmaker Simeon Whit ten, an LHS graduate, said the many mentors and peers he encountered as a student of Longview schools helped set him on the path to success.

“It ’s something you kind of take for granted when you’re in it — while you’re a student — but when you get out into the real world you’re able to realize and appreciate how special it is,” he

said. “As I’ve grown older and got to know people who went to different schools in the area, I realize that my experience at Longview was unique, and that a lot of people didn’t have the same kind of resources and advantages that students who attend Longview do.”

Another alum, and committed community advocate, Kasha Williams echoed Whitten’s Continued on page 10, see “Thankful”

Twelve early graduates South Ward teacher, receive their diplomas

It may not have had the usual “pomp and circumstance” of the end of year graduation ceremony, but the diplomas presented to twelve Longview Early Graduation High School students are just as special.

During the Longview ISD trustees meeting Monday, Oct. 9, graduates were recognized by Principal Kristi Means.

Means praised the graduates for their achievement, challenging them to “not rest on these laurels, but continue to excel in life.”

“This year’s campus theme is ‘legends making history,’ and you graduates are indeed making history in your life,” she said. “In your family you may be continuing a tradition of excellence, or you may be the first in your family to graduate — creating a new tradition in your family — but I charge you not to stop there. Be a trendsetter! Be steadfast, unwavering, and buoyant in seeking your dreams.”

October 2017 graduates: • Brian Brown plans to major in Business at Kilgore College.

• Demeshanee Buford plans to major in Nursing at Kilgore College.

• Sharlie Christianson plans to become a certified phlebotomist.

• Brian Hathorn plans to major in Welding at Kilgore College.

Continued on page 10, see “Early Grads”

THE

Longview Voice

Opinion Coming Events

2 3-7

LHS student honored

by Rotary Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox told teachers it is them who change the world.

“What you do will change the life of a student,” he said.

Citing the continued impr ovement s in s t udent performance, facility upgrades, and staff retention, Dr. Wilcox said the LISD is second to none among schools of comparable size.

“We have reached a level of achievement to where now there are big city schools in Dallas and Houston, calling us for solutions and insight,” he said. “That is a testament to the caliber of people we have in this district.”

The most inspiring words of the day came from speaker, Rev. Charles Foster Johnson, of Pastors for Texas Children.

“You are not alone,” he said. “Let us help lift you when you feel low, Continued on page 10, see “Rotary Honors”

Football Stars Cheerleader Inspires

4 8

Lobo Band Wins LHS Helps Victims

13 16

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

Page 2

OPINION A peek behind the curtain of political rhetoric

By Scott Milder Couple things you should know related to your public schools, property taxes, and the politics surrounding it.

“School choice” sounds reasonable enough but it is nothing more than a happy, feel-good term serving as a cover for those behind the scheme to privatize your public schools.

Other terms for “choice” include vouchers, scholarships, grants, and tax rebates.

The premise is that Texans should receive publicly funded vouchers so they may enroll their children at any public, charter, private, online, or home school of their choice, with no accountability, oversight, or transparency of those dollars once they are gifted to the recipient. Proponents omit from this sales pitch that a voucher will not provide nearly enough money to cover enrollment costs, it would not include transportation from poor neighborhoods, and that most private schools oppose the concept of voucher programs.

There are only two possible motivations behind this privatization effort: the first is a pure desire to provide better options for students perceived to be attending underperforming public schools; and the second is greed. Those in the first camp are ignorant on this complex subject. They’ve been duped by those who fall into the second motivation, which is greed.

These deceitful privatizers and their political allies in our state legislature do not care about what’s best for every student in Texas public schools. They have choreographed

November 2017

an admittedly brilliant effort to put it in perspective, Texas to undermine and underfund ranks near the bottom of all our public schools to advance 50 states in per pupil funding. their agendas to privatize Click here for comparison of public education under the per-pupil funding by state. guise that they believe the Rising local property taxes private sector can do it has been a hot political topic better. Never mind that, by in 2017. Ironically, it is the every measure, our public most significant unintended schools have never been MILDER consequence of Lieutenant more successful than they Governor Dan Patrick’s are right now. (Click here for sourced refusal to adequately fund our public data.) A great read on this subject is schools. School property taxes are Good to Great for the Social Sector: rising because Patrick is stealing Why Business Thinking is Not the local dollars from local property Answer by Jim Collins. taxpayers.

The truth is, privatizers do not Here’s how that works: when want to pay taxes to fund public local property values rise, local schools when their own kids attend municipalities and counties have private schools. In their tiny little the option to reduce their tax rates wealth bubble, privatizers perceive to offset the impact of those rising no benefit from publicly funded values on resident tax bills. Many public schools. Also, many of our of these governments do just that, legislators do not want to properly adopting what is called the effective fund our public schools, not even tax rate, meaning their taxpayers do to cover costs of inf lation and not experience an increase in the 80,000+ statewide enrollment amount of taxes they pay to those growth annually, because it is local entities even though values not popular among their voter went up. base to allocate new money. I am School districts, however, are convinced the intent is even more handicapped by complex state devious than that; underfunding our funding laws and do not have this schools makes it more difficult for option. Most school districts rely on them to succeed, which fuels the state dollars to fund some portion privatization argument. of their operating budget. In the Further, many of these privatizers 1980’s, the state funded 68 percent want to get their hands on some of of school budgets statewide. It the $45 billion invested annually in funds just 38 percent today. When Texas public education. There are local property values rise, resulting profits to be made when our public in additional local school tax dollar schools are defunded and privatized. collections, the state reduces its That sounds like a bunch of money contribution to your school district and leads some to perceive that our by the exact same dollar amount, schools have plenty of money, but, thereby reducing the state’s share

and increasing the local taxpayers’ burden.

Your local school district receives NO NEW MONEY resulting from rising local property taxes.

The additional dollars you pay on your property tax bill each year resulting from rising values are deposited into the state’s general fund, which has been ruled and described many times as an unconstitutional state property tax.

Governor Abbott and the state legislature are shirking their constitutional obligation “to establish and make suitable provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools” and are robbing local taxpayers of their money to supplement its state budget. When we hear legislators cry for local property tax relief, as Senator Huffines did on Twitter following this summer’s special session, but vote routinely against appropriately funding your public schools, they are not only opposing property tax relief, but are in fact advocating for local property tax hikes.

There are only two possible explanations: these elected officials are either dumb or willfully dishonest.

necessary for us to atone education, and yet they for it. have been blamed for not Pastors for Texas Children achieving anyway. was formed in 2011 as You know the history. a mission and advocacy From slaver y to Jim organization to ensure Crow segregation, white that every child of God Americans have been afraid in Texas have access to a to be exposed as frauds quality public education. We in our assertion that we match churches with local have God-given intellectual superiority. We have clung MASON schools, creating mentoring and tutoring relationships with to a lie about ourselves; and it is students, and providing needed idolatry, not theology. We have material support to compensate to repent of the contrived notion for our state’s failure to fulfill its of whiteness as rightness that constitutional duty to fully fund has become operational policy these schools. We advocate for just in our approach to public school laws and adequate budgets. education. It’s not enough for us Currently in Texas, and to feel sorry for our history; it’s nationwide, we have a privatizing

movement underway that wants to peel off taxpayer dollars to private schools through voucher programs. As always, these educational entrepreneurs see themselves as messianic figures, saving disadvantaged students from educrats and bureaucrats who only want to keep their jobs at the expense of the kids. But that argument is bogus.

Voucher programs t ake our tax dollars and give them to private schools without public accountability. Charter schools do a similar runaround.

Vouchers are a ruse designed once again to privilege the privileged and underprivilege the underprivileged.

The people who cry for accountability all the time only want accountability when other people are in charge. And they employ all sorts of negative narratives to support their claims public schools can’t succeed. It’s either corruption of administrators or mismanagement of funds or the breakdown of the black family that makes education impossible. All these arguments are marshalled to undermine public education in favor of moving money and people toward charter schools and private schools.

— Scott Milder is the Founder of Friends of Texas Public Schools. You can email him at smilder@fotps. org.

‘School choice’ is just born-again segregation

By Rev. George Mason Racism is not the root of all problems of public education in America, but the problem of racism is rooted in public education in America. It should be the mission of the church of Jesus Christ to call it out and root it out.

Public education is under assault in this country. And whom do you think suffers most when it does?

Racism has always prevented black Americans and other people of color from fully grasping the promise of prosperity our country says is dangling just within reach of every child who studies and works hard. Black American children have never had equal access to quality

Mary Hagler

5200 Judson Rd. North Longview, TX 75605

We Support The Longview

Independent School District

Continued on page 3, see “Choice”

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

November 2017

Hey Teachers: WE SHOW UP! We do it because of those tiny bodies. Those Being in education is hard. children who show up It’s physically, emotionally, and every day with no other yes even spiritually draining. expectation than, “I hope Being an educator is more my teacher is here today”. than just showing up at work We show up for that to do a job. Every one of us little girl who comes to knows that. We work hours school smiling because well past what our contracts she knows it’s the only say. We put in more of our NESLONEY place she’s going to get own money than probably any a hug. other career. And we cry, laugh, We show up for that child get upset, have our hearts broken, whose only two meals a day are smile, and pray over these kids on the ones they get for breakfast a daily basis. and lunch (and the extra food And that can wear on you. It can someone may send home with make getting out of bed some days them). really tough. It can cause you to We show up for the little boy doubt your impact. It can take a who knows he has to get an toll. education so he can earn a living So why do we stay in a field that to help support those he loves. drains us? Why do we continue We show up for that 4th grader showing up day after day when it who is told how worthless and often feels like we’re doing nothing stupid she is, at home every day. except for spinning our wheels and How she shows up knowing that getting more added to our already teacher will tell her how worthy overflowing plates? and loved she is.

We show up to see the lightbulb moment when a child finally gets a concept they’ve been struggling with for weeks.

We show up because we know we have that little one who runs into school with yet another story to share from the magical book they’re reading.

We show up because we have colleagues who are fighting what feels like insurmountable battles, and we’re the only person they have in their life they can confide in and count on.

We show up because we’re educators. That’s just who we are.

And that’s what makes us different.

So today I say thank you. Thank you each and every member of our educational family for showing up.

— Todd Nesloney is an elementary principal for Navasota ISD and an award-winning author. He has received national honors for his innovation and public education advocacy.

Choice|Continued from page 2 The performance data, however, don’t back up the claims of failing public schools and thriving charter schools; nor do state experiments in voucher programs justify the upending of a public education system, which was created to strengthen democracy and reinforce our country’s high ideals of patriotism and citizenship.

Something else is going on, and we all know what it is. It’s what it’s always been.

After Brown vs. Board of Education, whites fled the public schools for the homogeneity of private schools. When public schools were forcibly integrated, every form of creativity was called upon to maintain white advantage.

Black kids and white kids now went to school together, but black teachers—who were invaluable role models in segregated schools—were let go all over the country. Schools were never ordered by the courts to integrate

neighbor. They work together and play together and want each other to succeed. It’s their parents and paid-for politicians who don’t know how to do this.

Faith and learning, churches and schools, preachers and teachers: all these are organically related. All of us are called to love God and love our neighbor. This is the perfect intersection to keep the Great Commandment.

Here’s the thing: 400 years is long enough, dear Lord! All children’s lives matter only if black children’s lives matter. And one way we can prove we believe that is to make sure the public in the public education system means all the public.

By Todd Nesloney

black teachers. Think of it.

Then consider the code language we use in educational reform. Local control, schoolbased decision making, and here’s the big one—choice.

Sounds good in principle, but so did the lofty notion of states’ rights that was used to justify slavery and segregation.

The outcome has hardly been different, because when the people in charge locally only answer to people like them, they choose in their own favor time and again, and nothing changes to equalize opportunity.

In Dallas, 95 percent of our school district is non-white.

90 percent of students are on partial or full food subsidy.

White flight is rooted in white fright. Yet the one thing proven to improve performance in public schools is real racial and economic integration. Know why? Because children haven’t yet learned how not to love their

Teachers...

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— Rev. George Mason is pastor of Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas.

He is a frequent op-ed contributor to the Dallas Morning News on religion, public education, race relations and predatory lending.

Page 3

Coming Events November 1 All Saints Day 7:30 a.m. Viewette Practice for Pep Rally (Lobo Coliseum) 4:30 p.m. Lobo Cheer Practice (Turf Room) November 2 3:30 p.m. Middle School Tennis hosts Texas Middle School (Lobo Tennis Courts) 5 p.m. Judson 7th Grade Volleyball at Boutler 5 p.m. Forest Park 7th Grade Volleyball hosts Dogan (Forest Park Gym) 5 p.m. Foster 7th Grade Volleyball at Hogg 5:30 p.m. Freshman Football hosts Rockwall Heath (Lobo Stadium) 5:30 p.m. JV Football at Rockwall Heath (Rockwall Heath High School) 5:30 p.m. LHS Lady Basketball Parent Meeting (Lobo Coliseum) 6 p.m. Judson 8th Grade Volleyball at Boutler 6 p.m. Forest Park 8th Grade Volleyball hosts Dogan (Forest Park Gym) 6 p.m. Foster 8th Grade Volleyball at Hogg 7 p.m. Bye Bye Birdie (Mickey Melton Auditorium) November 3 7:30 p.m. Varsity Football (Senior Night) hosts Rockwall Heath (Lobo Stadium) November 4 8 a.m. Middle School Volleyball District Tournament at Tyler ISD 8 a.m. Lobo Swim at Nacogdoches Dragon Invitational (Lehmann Swim Center) 8 a.m. SAT Testing (Longview High School) 9 a.m. Lady Lobo Basketball at Mt. Vernon (Mt. Vernon High School) 10 a.m. Boys’ Basketball (Freshman, JV, Varsity) at Lindale (Lindale High School) 2 p.m. Unity Walk (LHS Lower Parking Lot) 7 p.m. Bye Bye Birdie (Mickey Melton Auditorium) November 5 Daylight Saving Time ends 1:30 p.m. Lil’ Spikers Volleyball (Forest Park Gym) 7 p.m. Bye Bye Birdie (Mickey Melton Auditorium) November 6 4:15 p.m. Foster Majorettes Practice (Foster Gym) 5 p.m. Foster 7th Grade Football hosts Boulter (Judson Stadium) 5 p.m. Boys Basketball Scrimmage(Freshman, JV, and Varsity) at Lufkin (Lufkin High School) 6:15 p.m. Judson 7th Grade Football hosts Forest Park (Judson Stadium) November 7 Election Day 8 a.m. Lobo Boys’ Golf at Lindale Fall Invitational (Garden Valley Golf Club) 5 p.m. Judson 8th Grade Football hosts Foster (Judson Stadium) 5 p.m. Forest Park 8th Grade Football at Boulter (John Tyler High School) 7 p.m. Bye Bye Birdie (Mickey Melton Auditorium) November 8 9 a.m. JROTC Meeting (Turf Room) 4:30 p.m. Lobo Cheer Practice (Turf Room) November 9 8 a.m. Lobo Swimming hosts Mesquite (Lobo Swim Center) 5:30 p.m. Freshman Football at Mesquite (Mesquite High School) 5:30 p.m. JV Football hosts Mesquite (Lobo Stadium) 6 p.m. Lady Lobo Varsity Basketball hosts Van (Lobo Coliseum) November 10 8 a.m. Middle School Band Practice (Lobo Stadium) 11 a.m. Regional Volleyball Tournament 7:30 p.m. Varsity Football at Mesquite (Hanby Stadium)

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

November 2017

ELEMENTARY

Football stars bring message of hope and encouragement

Former New York Giant, Keith Davis, and former Florida State Seminole, Clarence Lee, spoke to Everhart, Foster, and Ware students on Oct. 19.

Davis and Lee spoke to students about how to “P.U.S.H.” through to greatness and make their dreams a reality.

P. U. S . H . stands for Perseverance Until Success Happens.

“I made it to where I am by making the right choices by listening to right voices,” Davis said.

Students were able to engage, have fun, and take away a great message.

Both Davis and Lee emphasized the value of hard work and education in addition to overcoming life’s obstacles.

“You create your path, not what is around you,” Lee said.

Longview author visits Ware students Spirit Week features ‘Wacky Sock’ and ‘Green Out’ events Penny Wiseman, local author of “Rescue at Wiseman’s Pond,” read to grades 1-4 on Oct. 5.

The story is about her dog, Cutter, and rhymes in the book to make it more like a song and fun for the children reading the story.

“This book shows how teamwork makes a project work well,” says Wiseman. “We need to treat our pets with care because they are our family and they get attached to us.”

This is Wiseman’s first children’s book but will not be her last. “Cutter has a lot of stories to tell and I am excited to share those with children everywhere.”

Longview ISD Maintenance Supervisor Mike Gipson and his colleagues are the Auxiliary Employees of the Month for October.

Mr. Gipson has been with the district for 30 years, and says he is proud to be a Lobo.

“We have a lot of great people and we all take a lot of pride in supporting our campuses and students,” he said.

Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox said the work of Mr. Gipson and his colleagues often goes unheralded, “but it is always appreciated.”

“Mike Gipson and our maintenance workers are an invaluable part of our district,” he said.

“We cannot thank them enough for their tireless efforts for our students and staffers.”

Mike Gipson

Would you like your business to sponsor this monthly honor? Call 903-758-6900 to find out how!

Casual visitors to Longview ISD elementary schools last month might have noticed elementary students wearing strange hats, shirts, or socks with the uniforms during Spirit Week.

Spirit Week is held the week of homecoming and features days with various themes, including “Wacky Sock,” Crazy Hat,” or “Green Out.”

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

November 2017

Farm-to-table gardening at Ned “Plant a seed... Grow a Child.” Ned E. Williams is doing just that as fourth grade students and their teachers begin an oasis of gardening.

Fourth grade teacher Gail Stephens says the students are overjoyed and “all hands on” as they embark on growing their very own food.

“We started with something seasonal, pumpkins, and the children have been working together preparing the garden beds,

Page 5 November 11 Veterans Day 1 p.m. Lady Lobos Varsity Basketball hosts Royce City (Lobo Coliseum) 2 p.m. Regional Volleyball Tournament November 12 1:30 p.m. Lil’ Spikers Volleyball (Forest Park Gym) November 13 6 p.m. Lady Lobo Soccer Kick-off Dinner (LHS Cafeteria)

November 14 5 p.m. Freshman Boys’ Basketball hosts Hallsville (Lobo Coliseum) 5:30 p.m. JV Boys’ Basketball hosts planting seeds and maintaining the garden as it grows,” she said. “They get Hallsville (Lobo Coliseum) 7 p.m. Varsity Boys’ Basketball hosts the opportunity to work on a real-world project.”

The students have been devoted to their garden for about 4 weeks and Hallsville (Lobo Coliseum) can’t wait for the pumpkins to harvest.

November 15 Right down the hallway the third grade students have started their 3rd 4:30 p.m. Lobo Cheer Practice (Turf Room) annual Cabbage Program, sponsored by Bonnie Plants.

Each student was given a plant to take home, with instructions on how to grow the plants. After 8-10 weeks, the cabbage will be ready to pick. Students are encouraged to take pictures and the school will select the “best” cabbage to submit to compete nationally.

“I believe this is a good way to teach students gardening and hopefully, they will develop an appetite for growing their own healthy food,” said Ned E. Williams Principal Dr. Cynthia Wise.

GLOBE honors LHS alum for service

Congrats to Kelly Kinsey Overby for being named the 2017 GLOBE Volunteer of the Year!

The Greater Longview Organization for Business and Education (GLOBE) works to improve the regional workforce by bolstering public education and encouraging students.

Kelly is the Business Retention/Expansion Director for Longview Economic Development Corp (LEDCO) and a proud former Lobo! CONGRATS KELLY!

‘Communities In Schools’ supports our needy students

November 16 8 a.m. Lady Lobo JV and Varsity Golf at Hallsville Fall Classic (Wood Hollow Golf Course) 8 a.m. Lady Lobo Basketball Freshman and JV at Queen City Tournament (Queen City High School) 3:30 p.m. Middle School Tennis at Texas Middle School (Texarkana, TX) 5 p.m. Judson 7th Grade Girls’ Basketball hosts Hubbard (Judson Gym) 5 p.m. Forest Park 7th Grade Girls’ Basketball hosts Three Lakes (Forest Park Gym) 5 p.m. Foster 7th Grade Girls’ Basketball at Lufkin (Lufkin Gym) 5 p.m. Judson 7th Grade Boys’ Basketball at Hubbard (Hubbard Gym) 5 p.m. Foster 7th Grade Boys’ Basketball hosts Lufkin Gold (Foster Gym) 6 p.m. Judson 7th Grade Girls’ Basketball hosts Hubbard (Judson Gym) 6 p.m. Forest Park 7th Grade Girls’ Basketball hosts Three Lakes (Forest Park Gym) 6 p.m. Foster 7th Grade Girls’ Basketball at Lufkin (Lufkin Gym) 6 p.m. Judson 8th Grade Boys’ Basketball at Hubbard (Hubbard Gym) 6 p.m. Foster 8th Grade Boys’ Basketball hosts Lufkin Gold (Foster Gym) November 17 8 a.m. Lady Lobo Basketball Freshman and JV at Queen City Tournament (Queen City High School) 8 a.m. Lobo Swim at North East TISCA Zone Meet (Texarkana College)

By W y ne t t a Jones, Site Coordinator/South Ward Elementary This is what used to be my office for two school years.

Last year, we s t ar ted ask ing staff and students, local churches etc for donations for our South Ward students. And God has abundantly blessed us. We don’t even have enough hangers for everything.

I’ve been fitting kids for shoes and uniforms since they stepped through those doors on Monday morning. It has been amazing. This is why I LOVE my job!

For information about how you can assist and support this great program, please contact Wynetta Jones at (903) 803-5200.

November 18 8 a.m. Lady Lobo Basketball Freshman and JV at Queen City Tournament (Queen City High School) 2 p.m. Varsity Boy’s Basketball at Henderson (Henderson High School) November 20 Thanksgiving Holiday Nov. 20-24 4:30 p.m. Lady Lobos JV Basketball hosts Winnsboro (Lobo Coliseum) 6 p.m. Lady Lobos Varsity Basketball hosts Winnsboro (Lobo Coliseum) November 21 12 p.m. Lady Lobos Freshman Basketball at Mt. Pleasant (Mt. Pleasant High School) 12 p.m. Lady Lobo JV Basketball at Mt. Pleasant (Mt. Pleasant High School) 1:30 p.m. Lady Lobo Varsity Basketball at Mt. Pleasant (Mt. Pleasant High School) November 22 4:30 p.m. Lobo Cheer Practice (Turf Room)

3&3 Plate, 3 tenders, 3 wings, & 2 dipping sauce, toast & fries

November 23 Thanksgiving Day November 24 7 p.m. Lobo Varsity Boys’ Basketball at Whitehouse (Whitehouse High School) 12 31

Hours 10:30am - 10pm, 7 days a week 204 East Loop 281 • Longview 903-236-2909

November 27 5:30 p.m. Lobo Soccer Kick-off Banquet (LHS Cafeteria)

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

November 2017

GT testing underway Everhart celebrates Hispanic heritage In accordance with the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/ Talented

Students, the Longview Independent School District will consider students in grades K-8 (who are not yet identified as gifted and talented) for nomination and screening for gifted and talented program services.

Anyone interested in the educational welfare of these students may nominate them for assessment.

Nomination and consent for assessment forms are available at all elementary and middle schools in the counselors’ offices.

The forms for students in grades 3-8 were due last month and assessment for grades K-2 will begin on Monday, Nov. 27.

For more information about the screening and identification process, parents may contact the school counselors at their children’s campuses or Catina Love, State Assessment Coordinator, at (903) 381-2245.

Everhart honors world-changing students J.L. Everhart Elementary is changing the world one student at a time.

Every Friday the campus starts the school day with a Recognition Assembly honoring good student choices.

“Our students are learning that, if they want to change the

world, it begins with them,” said Everhart Principal Arthur Brown.

“This program act as an incentive for students to pursue culture-changing behaviors, while rewarding those who already exemplify those character traits and behaviors.”

Longview ISD libraries have recently been the recipients of a generous donation of new books from patrons of BooksA-Million.

B o o k s - A - M i l l i o n ’s Long view store conducted a book fair during the month of August giving customers the oppor tunit y to donate books to the Longview ISD library of their choice.

The new Montessori Academy and South Ward received a large amount of books with South Ward the new owners of over 150 paper and hardback books.

“It’s the second year that Books-A-Million has offered this book fair opportunity to our libraries and the community,” said Linda Bailey, South Ward

Elementary Librarian.

Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox expressed appreciation for the program, and t he company’s willingness “to invest in our most prec ious resource, our children and their education.”

We love our parents!

The First Grade Team at South Ward Elementary hosted their first Parent Night on Sept. 26. “ T he foc us was on reading and students reading for comprehension,” said Dr. Rebeca Cooper, South Ward Principal. “The 1st grade teaching team’s goal was to build readers so they can be successful in life and READ independently on their state assessments.”

The parents participated in two 15 minute rotations lear ning comprehension strategies and word work tips.

Everyone participated playing “Sight Word” Bingo in English and Spanish to identify highfrequency words. Books were given as door prizes and all students were given new books to read. Chanomi from the Longview Public Library gave a brief presentation about the services that are available to parents as well as tutorial services.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

South Ward promotes Fire Prevention Week

November 2017

South Ward Elementary participated in many special activities d u r i n g National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 9-13.

Every day the library provided informational nonfiction books and entertaining fiction books dealing with fire prevention, fire safety and firefighting for the students in grades 1-5. The library was also able to borrow several Fire Prevention Week Activity Props from our local The Home Depot store.

The highlight of the week was when the Longview Fire Department brought a puppet show for the students reinforcing the fire safety rules the students had discussed during the week.

South Ward would like to thank the Longview Fire Department and Home Depot for an educational and fun Fire Prevention Week

Bramlette students model history

The great aspect of a wax museum is that you are educated in a larger-than-life way. It allows you to feel like you are part of the story. Last month, 22 third graders from Bramlette Elementary stood as still as they could to become “wax” stand-ins as they hosted the Famous American Wax Museum night.

“The kids were allowed to pick whatever famous American they wanted, with the help of a pre-selected biography selection that our librarian, Ms. Sherry Lewis, was kind enough to put together for us,” said Ashley Oden, Bramlette 3rd Grade teacher.

Then the teachers helped them take their biography and transpose it to first person so they could become the character. Some of the famous figures included; Michael Jackson, Benjamin Franklin, Rosa Parks, and Barack Obama.

Oden was also very thankful for all the parent involvement to make this night happen.

Parents helped with research and created costumes to help bring the characters to life. This was the first year Bramlette has hosted this type of event but it will certainly not be the last.

“It gives the 2nd graders something to look forward to,” Oden said.

“They all loved seeing their 3rd grade siblings and friends dressed up as Famous Americans.”

Page 7 November 28 No5 p.m. Lady Lobo JV Basketball at All Saints (All Saints High School) 5 p.m. Lobo Freshman Boys’ Basketball hosts Lufkin (Lobo Coliseum) 5:30 p.m. Lobo JV Boy’s Basketball hosts Lufkin (Lobo Coliseum) 6:30 p.m. Lady Lobo Varsity Basketball at All Saints (All Saints High School) 7 p.m. Lobo Varsity Boys’ Basketball hosts Lufkin (Lobo Coliseum) November 29 4:30 p.m. Lobo Cheer Practice (Turf Room) November 30 8 a.m. Lobo Freshman and JV Boys’ Basketball at Tatum Tournament (Tatum High School) 8 a.m. Lady Lobo JV and Varsity at Royce City 5 p.m. Forest Park 7th Grade Girls’ Basketball at Moore (Moore Middle School) 5 p.m. Judson 7th Grade Girls’ Basketball at Three Lakes (Three Lakes Middle School) 5 p.m. Foster 7th Grade Girls’ Basketball hosts Lufkin (Foster Gym) 6 p.m. Forest Park 8th Grade Girls’ Basketball at Moore (Moore Middle School) 6 p.m. Judson 8th Grade Girls’ Basketball at Three Lakes (Three Lakes Middle School) 6 p.m. Foster 8th Grade Girls’ Basketball hosts Lufkin (Foster Gym)

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

Page 8

November 2017

MIDDLE SCHOOL

JMS cheerleader inspires, Innovative program overcomes hearing disability flourishes at Judson Close your eyes and think of something at school that you love. That activity that puts a smile on your face in the morning, makes the school day fly by, and gives you many memories to last a lifetime.

We all have this and for Dafne Garcia that something is cheerleading.

So many little girls dream of being a cheerleader, we get decked out in our mini cheer uniform, we go to as many cheer camps as possible, we may even join a competition squad to make that dream a closer reality.

But what if there was something standing in your way?

For Dafne, that obstacle was sound. You see, Dafne is hearing impaired.

But this amazing Judson Middle School 8th Grader did not let this stop her.

She works with her squad, Kristina Graegin (her cheer coach), and Longview High Cheer Coach Heather Gee to make her dream and favorite pastime a reality.

Practicing starts with a cheer journal and iPad video to help her remember the routines and cheers.

Gee has been a big help when it comes to practices and Graegin has worked with her before or after practice in her classroom.

“She is an extremely hard worker, she has an amazing work ethic,” says Graegin. “We video the cheers and we have them in a journal for her to practice at home. She has to work extra hard to learn routines, but she is a great cheerleader and we are lucky to have her in the classroom and on the field.”

Garcia has been cheering for two years and her favorite part of cheering are chants. She says the hardest part of cheering is “stunting,” and looks forward to trying out for cheer in high school.

Judson Middle School is the regional cluster site campus for hearing impaired students who are receiving specialized educational supports through the Regional Day School for the Hearing Impaired Program’s Shared Service Arrangement.

Middle school hearing impaired students from 11 surrounding counties attend specialized middle school classes on this campus.

In order to foster the communication and interpersonal skills between the hearing and hearing-impaired students, Kristina Graegin offers an after-school extra curricula Sign Language Club that meets on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The club has 35 students using interactive-based games to help them learn to sign.

“I am so proud of where they have come in a short time span,” she said.

Graegin was able to get the club started by winning a Longview ISD Foundation grant which has supplied the club with the interactive games, sets of books and binders for the students to work from.

Graegin adds to the binders each week to practice during club times and utilizes Google Classroom with videos so they can continue to practice at home.

The club is very excited about sign caroling with the Judson Middle School Choir before the Christmas holidays.

Con

Presents

Foster Middle School Student of the Month

Cesia Santacruz Foster Middle School 8th grade student Cesia Santacruz is the Hospitality ER Student of the Month!

Cesia is a Pre-AP student who is self-motivated, conscientious, and a willing participant in class. She is dependable and a model Pre-AP student in every class. It’s clear she has a plan for success and the drive to get there and beyond.

Cesia plans to attend Longview Early College High School so that she can get ahead with college credits. She wants to be a lawyer and continue with Art studies.

Congrats Cesia and keep up the great work!

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

November 2017

Page 9

Foster musicians earn Go Lady Eagles!

All-Region honors

Congratulations to Foster Middle School orchestra students for making the TMEA All-Region Orchestra: Matthew Guck (violin). Rachna Edular (violin), Gowri Rangu (violin), Nitya Jagarlamudi (violin), AJ Jagarlamudi (cello), Ashlynn Whately (cello), and Anthony Holy f ield (string bass).

They competed against more than 150 other string students from the East Texas area to qualify for this orchestra. Their concert will be December 1 in the Mickey Melton Auditorium at Longview High.

Johnny’s Pizza Pig Out monthly through May 2018 Johnny’s Pizza, 3052 N. Eastman Road, invites the community to a PIG OUT each month from September 2017 to May 2018 to benefit the Longview ISD Foundation!

The monthly Pig Out will be held starting at 3 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month except for December when the Pig Out will be held on the second Thursday.

Johnny’s Pizza will donate 20 percent of the receipts to the Longview ISD on both takeout and restaurant dining orders.

Invite your friends and family and enjoy Johnny’s Pizza delicious pizza, pasta, sandwiches and salad and raise “dough” for the Foundation.

The Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. will use the funds earned from the monthly Pig Outs to fund the annual Great Rewards for Great Ideas Grant Program and the Campus Initiative Grant Program. To date the Foundation has returned $730,000 to LISD classrooms and campuses so that educators can have all they need to maximize students’ educational opportunities.

2018 Campus Initiative Grant Program now open The Board of Directors of the Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. has proudly announced the eighth 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 Foundation’s annual Great Rewards for Great Ideas Program, now in its twenty-third year. Since the inception of this grant program, the Longview ISD Foundation has funded twenty-seven Campus Initiative Grants for a total of $70,735.52.

Campus Initiative Grant applications are due to Kay Ray, executive director,

by Monday, December 11, 2017.

The Foundation will announce the Campus Initiative Grant recipients in March 2018.

Forest Park Middle School Lady Eagles volleyball is on point this year! Keep up the great work ladies!

‘Remind’ groups available for students, parents, and teachers Kay Ray, scholarship coordinator at Longview High School, has created remind groups through Remind.com as another way to communicate effectively with students and their parents.

Last year was the first year she used the remind groups, but she found them to be very successful in communicating important information and opportunities to students and parents.

Through the remind groups, she can send messages up to 150 characters and add attachments to those messages.

Mrs. Ray encourages seniors and their parents to join the Longview High School Class of 2018 remind group by texting @3dh48 to the number 81010 and then following the directions.

Juniors and their parents can join the Longview High School Class of 2019 remind group by texting @g8kahac to the number 81010.

Students received this information at senior and junior class meetings during the second week of school.

This remind group information is also located on the LHS College and Career website.

All information about anything related to college, scholarships, financial aid, and other opportunities of interest to LHS juniors and seniors is announced at LHS during the daily announcements. Those announcements are available also to students and parents in written form on the LHS website. Parents are encouraged to read those announcements.

Mrs. Ray has also created a Longview High School College and Career Facebook page to connect with students and parents. There she posts the same information that she posts on the LHS College and Career website, the best source of information about for parents and students throughout the school year.

The goal of the College and Career Center is to help students navigate the road to college, and through these forms of communication, students and their parents can always be informed about all LHS offers it students.

Limit 1 per table, Expires 1/1/18

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Early Grads|Continued from page 1

November 2017

• Shatydria Kabita plans to major in Nursing at Kilgore College.

• Keenan Lister plans to enlist in Job Corps.

• Kymbriana Lister plans to major in Criminal Justice at Kilgore College.

• Grace Newton plans to major in Music at Kilgore College.

• Quinlin Nugent plans to major in Nursing at Kilgore College.

• Alejandro Navarette plans to major in Engineering at the University of Houston.

• Rosemary Rodriguez plans to attend Kilgore College for her basics and later transfer to Texas A&M to major in veterinary medicine.

• Nicole Wallen plans to major in Nursing at Kilgore College.

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.

Rotary Honors|Continued from page 1

let us guide you when you do not see the path, let us help when you cannot. We are here for you, the great educators and staff of LISD.” Johnson praised administration, teachers and staff hard work, reminded them to, “keep motivating, encouraging and pumping knowledge in the upcoming school year and the kids will fly.”

Wilcox agreed.

“Together, we will all help our young people do great things,” he added.

Thankful|Continued from page 1 sentiment, expressing her passion for the idea that one does not simply receive from one’s community, but returns the investment.

“Having received much, much is expected,” she added.

For district transportation worker Jim Carter, it’s the general feeling of support and appreciation he receives from colleagues.

“It’s a fun place to work and you feel like a valued member of the organization,” he said.

“The recent pay increase for bus drivers also shows that (the administration and board of trustees) values the people that work for them.”

Retired teacher Brenda Hamilton no longer works fulltime but often substitutes teaches when not traveling to visit

her children and grandchildren.

She says, of all the districts in the area, Longview ISD campuses are her favorite.

“No matter which school I’m working at that day, I know that it’s going to be fun,” she said laughing.

Forest Park MIddle School student Dante Ross said his family recently returned to Longview after living in Houston and then San Antonio. He said it was never like home at any of the other schools.

“I mean, you had some nice teachers and kids and stuff, but it wasn’t the same,” he said, adding that he’s looking forward to being part of a winning athletic program next year at Longview High.

“I’m definitely thankful to be a Lobo,” he said.

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Page 11

Bridges Out of Poverty launches ‘Fill the Box’ campaign

The City of Longview, Partners in Prevention’s Longview Bridges Out of Poverty Committee has launched the “Fill the Box” campaign.

The committee is seeking individual sized, non perishable food items and socks to be distributed to those in need.

Suggested items include: bottled water, snack crackers, dried fruit, granola or cereal bars, nuts, pull top canned food, and juice.

Donations may be dropped off through Nov. 10 at Partners in Prevention, 140 E. Tyler St., 4th Floor and Longview City Hall, 300 W. Cotton St.; or at the Longview Public Library, 222 W. Cotton St. Items will be distributed to individuals along with resource information of where to seek help for food, shelter, or other basic need services.

For more information, please call Partners in Prevention at (903) 237-1019.

History of the Longview ISD Foundation In 1994, a cross-section of community members who support the Longview Independent School District created the Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. to enrich and maximize the quality of classroom education in the Longview Independent School District. The Foundation’s Board of Directors, businesses, corporations, community members and LISD employees who support the Foundation believe that creative and innovative approaches to teaching can benefit our students and increase student achievement. Because of this belief, the Foundation has created a permanent endowment fund to provide annual funding for the Great Rewards for Great Ideas Grant Program.

The 2018 Great Rewards for Great Ideas Grant Program, specifically designed for classroom teachers, counselors, librarians, and campus nurses across Longview, will fund creative teaching approaches and innovative projects

with the hope that the best ones will serve as pilot projects for broader implementation.

Funding not otherwise available for such projects will be funded from $100 up to $2,500.

The Longview ISD Foundation announced the 23rd annual Great Rewards for Great Ideas Grant Program at the Longview ISD convocation in August. The Foundation is now accepting applications through December 11, 2017.

Applicants may submit a paper application or submit an online application at www.lisdfoundation.org.

The Foundation’s grants committee chaired by Foundation members Rebecca Melton and Karen Reed will consider how compatible the applicant’s project/ program is with the district’s goals, the

Continued on page 15, see “History”

Page 12

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November 2017

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

SPORTS November 2017

Page 13

DECADES OF EXCELLENCE

Lobo Band wins 68th consecutive UIL top marching honor The Longview High School Lobo Band earned a first division rating from the entire judging panel to bring home its 68th consecutive SUPERIOR University Interscholastic League marching contest rating.

With the top honor, the Big Green Marching Machine maintains the state record for consecutive superior ratings in a state contest.

Director of Bands Louis Robinett said LHS has been ranked first division since the inception of the UIL.

“Our band continues to grow each year, and our students are rising to keep the tradition of excellence that comes with this marching band,” he said.

Superintendent Dr. James WIlcox praised Robinett, his staff, the students, and their families.

“To continue this level of excellence for this span of time is nothing less than a dynasty,” he said.

“This is a winning-streak to rival any in competitive extracurriculars, and the entire Lobo Band family is to

be congratulated for this incredible achievement.”

The Longview High School Lobo Band specializes in military style marching that has distinguished them from other bands and has been a local tradition for more than 80 years. The 2017-18 band has more than 300 members and is the largest band in school history.

In addition to the various group events Longview High School band members compete at UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest and also audition

for The Texas Music Educators Region, Area and State bands.

Tommy Moore, Tim Drayton, Jessica Philippus, and Arrie Moore also direct the Longview High School Lobo Band.

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November 2017

New shopping app helps support Lobo teams

HEY! Want to support Lobo athletics? Visit ShopLoboNation.com to download our free shop and save app for products and discounts at retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

Retailers will pay us a 3 percent referral fee for all purchases, so get your app at ShopLoboNation.com today!

For online phone instructions, open your browser and click the upload symbol, then click “Add to Home Screen.”

Click add when the web address is shown and then create your user and password. This will add the quick app to the Home Screen on your phone to make it even easier to shop.

For more information about the app, please call the Athletic Department at (903) 381-3950.

Lobo Superfan!

Longtime Lobo season ticket holder Mr. Ralph Bailey was honored during last month’s game against North Mesquite with a game ball and free admission for life by the athletic department.

“Mr. Bailey is the kind of supporter that any athletic program would feel fortunate to have,” said Athletic Director John King. “This is just a small token of appreciation for his many, many years of faithful support.”

Ralph Bailey has been a season ticket holder for the Lobos since 1949, shortly after he returned from World War II. “I’ve been a fan for more than 70 years,” Bailey said. “It’s just a wonderful program, and I’m proud to be a part of the Lobo Nation.”

Bailey is not a graduate of Longview High School, although his wife and four children are.

“I’ve seen some great players over the years,” Bailey said. “We used to go to every game, but now I’m pretty much limited to just the home ones. I listen to the away games on the radio nowadays.”

Would you like to help sponsor scholarships for our students?

Advertise with us!

903-758-6900

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

November 2017

Page 15

Why all the fuss over State’s new grading system?

The Longview ISD Foundation’s Lobo Memorial Scholarship Fund is now in its third year, having awarded $14,500 in scholarship funds over the past two years to deserving Longview High School seniors.

The Lobo Memorial Scholarship Fund cont In 1983, HB 72 created state curriculum standards, a state assessment system and a state accountability system for public schools. The original intent was to ensure all students were achieving basic skills in reading and math. The original intent has evolved into a current system that is rating and ranking students and schools based on college readiness/advanced standards measured by the state assessment STAAR. Neither higher education nor the workforce consider the STAAR assessments as a valid indicator for post-secondary success.

Last month, the newest accountability system results were released based on an A-F rating system. There are four domains that will receive a letter grade, then an overall campus and district letter grade. This new system was slated to go into effect for the 201718 school year; however, the Legislature requested a trial run based on the 2015-16 school data. The complexities of determining the letter grade for each domain far surpass any grading system used in our public schools for reporting student progress. There is no simple explanation for how the ratings were determined; therefore, this article shares the explanation for determining the ratings that was provided by the Texas Education Agency.

The political justification for moving to this system was to provide a performance grade for campuses comparable to the grades received on student report cards. The letter grades would be simple to understand!

We will let you be the judge!

2016 Explanation of the A-F Accountability System: Domains 1-3: • Based on the STAAR/EOC tests only • Points earned are based on number of tests administered on a campus, not the number of students taking the test • Points earned are based on percentages of tests meeting the indicator criteria Domain I — Student Performance Construction: All tests administered, all subjects tested, all grades tested, minimum size 40 — tests administered, not number of students Indicators: Total points for this domain are based on a weighted formula: • 1/3 of the total — passing the STAAR, • 1/3 of the total — postsecondary readiness scores on the STAAR, • 1/3 of the total — advanced scores on the STAAR. Calculation: 1 point for each percentage passing the test, 1 point for each percentage of tests meeting postsecondary readiness, 1 point for each percentage of tests meeting advanced standard.

• Add the percentages (equivalent points) for each of the three areas and divide by 300 (highest possible points), which equals the points for Domain 1.

Domain 2 — Student Progress Construction: Evaluates 10 student groups (all tests, seven racial/ethnic groups, special education and English-language learners), tests are combined across English language arts and math, minimum size for all is 10, minimum size for each subgroup is 25 Indicators: Progress measure expectations (one year’s progress on current tests compared to prior year tests) and English-language learner expectations Calculation: 1 point for each percentage of test results making one-year progress from prior year test results, 1 point for each percentage of test results exceeding one-year progress from prior year test results.

Total points divided by maximum total points of 200 per student group meeting minimum size requirements. (Maximum groups that could be assessed — 10) Add percentages (equivalent points) and divide by 200 X the number of subgroups that met minimum-size requirements, which equals the points for Domain 2.

Translation — you receive no points for students/tests that did not make a full year’s progress on the test compared to the prior year. A student that made 87 in math in the fourth grade and 85 in math in the fifth grade would not earn a point for this domain!

Domain 3 — Closing Performance Gaps Construction: All tests, all subjects tested, all grades, economically disadvantaged students only, minimum size — 40 tests Indicators: Total points are based on a weighted formula: • 1/3 passing the STAAR, • 1/3 postsecondary readiness scores on the STAAR, • 1/3 advanced scores on the STAAR. Calculation: Use Domain 1 assessment results for economically disadvantaged students only: 1 point for each percentage passing the test, 1 point for percentage of tests meeting postsecondary readiness, 1 point for tests meeting advanced standard.

Add the percentages (equivalent points) for each of the three areas and divide by 300 (highest possible points), calculate predicted score using formulas created by TEA for campus type, the difference between the actual Domain 1 score and predicted Domain 1 score is the Domain III score.

Formulas: • Based on slope-intercept form: y = mx+b • Specific formula is set up using statewide data from 2015-2016 for each district/campus type • Two variables: y = predicted Domain I score, X = percentage of

students who are economically disadvantaged (example: elementary campus: y = -.10992X + 47.31887, middle school: y = -.18288X + 47.49244) Grade: Calculate the predicted Domain 1 score using percentage of economically disadvantaged and the appropriate formula, calculate the actual Domain 1 score based on results of economically disadvantaged subgroup, subtract the predicted Domain 1 score from the actual Domain 1 score to get the Domain 3 score.

Domain 4 — Postsecondary readiness Construction: All students, seven racial/ethnic groups, special education, Englishlanguage learners Indicators: Elementary — chronic absenteeism rate only, middle school — chronic absenteeism rate and grades 7-8 dropout rate High school: Four-, five, six-year longitudinal graduation rate, grades 9-12 dropout rate, graduates who completed a coherent sequence of career and technology courses, 12 or more hours of postsecondary credit, one or more AP/IB courses, met the TSI Benchmark on TSI, SAT or ACT, graduated under the recommended, distinguished or foundation plans.

Methodology: Absenteeism — days of membership divided by days taught — determine which students are at or above 83 percent, determine percentage who were absent at least 10 percent of the days eligible to attend, subtract this percentage from 100 to determine the score, which is actually the percentage of students who are not chronically absent.

Calculation: • Elementary school — Domain 4 score is based on attendance only • Middle school — Domain 4 score is based on attendance and dropout only • High school: • Graduation rate is 10 percent of the 35 percent that Domain 4 score contributes to the overall grade • 2014-15 annual graduates who accomplished at least one of the following (20 percent of the 35 percent for the Domain 4 score): • Completed CTE sequence of courses • Complete 12 or more dual credit/postsecondary credit courses • Completed one or more AP/IB courses • Met the TSI benchmark on TSI, SAT or ACT • Graduation Plan Rate is 5 percent of the 35 percent of the Domain 4 score.

It appears from the data released by the Texas Education Agency that the preliminary ratings do not include the completion data for CTE, dual credit, AP/IB or college readiness exams.

The newly developed A-F State Accountability System is not an accurate reflection of quality education, dedicated staff, supportive parents and students with a vast array of talents, interests and opportunities. This system does not take into consideration the vast diversity of our state or the available resources for meeting the high expectations required to achieve the desired outcomes. inues to seek donations and award scholarships to deserving Longview High School seniors. Scholarship recipients are chosen by a committee within the Foundation on the basis of scholarship (grade point average), test scores (ACT/SAT), a personal essay, teacher recommendations, school activities, community activities, and need. Emily Erisman Myers, LHS alumnus and former Longview High School teacher, chairs the scholarship committee.

Financial support is greatly needed and appreciated to help sustain these most sought after scholarships. Memorials and honoraria can be made to the Lobo Memorial Scholarship Fund throughout the year. Checks can be made payable to the Longview ISD Foundation, Inc., but please note “LMSF” in the memo line of a check.

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November 2017

HIGH SCHOOL

LHS alum helps Puerto Rico hurricane victims

It’s been nearly a month since Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico but thousands of people are still sleeping in shelters and most of the island still doesn’t have power.

23-year-old Jahcorrian Burkes, a Longview High School graduate, is currently in Puerto Rico helping with relief efforts. He said the situation on the island is dire.

“There’s people that for 27 or 28 days, they haven’t even been contacted by FEMA yet and their house is just basically four walls with no roof,” said Burkes.

Burkes currently lives in Houston and is a Hurricane Harvey victim himself. He left for Puerto Rico on Sunday, October 15.

“They have families sleeping inside cars because they don’t want to go inside their house because the roof has caved in and it’s basically a mosquito nest now,” said Burkes.

He said the devastation left behind by Hurricane Maria is incomparable.

“If you can see the stuff here, how devastating it is here, you would say that Houston made it ok,” said Burkes.

His goal is to raise $5,000 to help five families rebuild. He said he’s using social media to gather the funds.

“Posting on Facebook and Instagram heavily, letting people know, this is where your money is going,” said Burkes. “Letting people see the devastation of Puerto Rico.”

Back in Longview, his mother Stephanie Howard is also helping raise money.

“We are all raising money to send to him to help people in Puerto Rico,” said Howard.

With the money, Burkes is helping people buy building supplies and other necessities, including drinkable water.

“There’s a whole supermarket, a whole community that doesn’t have access to water at all,” said Burkes. “I was just going through the line and handing out three or four waters to each individual.”

Howard told CBS19 her son is making her very proud.

“Oh I’m very proud, he’s only 23 years old and in today’s time, he could be doing some of anything but he has chosen to help someone less fortunate,” said Howard.

Howard said Burkes is scheduled to come back on November 11. If you would like to donate to Burkes’ cause you can follow the link to his Go Fund Me account.

FFA teams win at State Fair

Congratulations to our FFA competition teams who stood out at the East Texas State Fair.

The landscape design team of of Will Brown, Natalie Green, Addy Todd, and Gregorio Alvarez placed second at the first ETSF landscape design contest.

Kristin Morgan placed first in the Functional Table Designs individual

youth division, and Alicia Cerda Nino placed second in the Functional Table Designs individual youth division.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

Board honors TSA students for Nationals Trustees honored members of the Longview H ig h School Tec hnolog y S t u d e n t Association during t heir reg ular meeting Oct. 9.

Longview ISD technology and engineering students finished in the top 10 of three different categories during the Technology Student Association’s national competition in Orlando. Students advanced to Nationals after finishing among the best during State competition in May 2017.

Finishing in 4th place was the LHS Chapter Team: Ejehi Ihionkhan, Carly Snyder, Stephanie Guck, Hyndavi Jatavallabhula, Brady Miller, Levi Grant, Bobby Hough, and Payton

Schaap, with the Digit al V ideo Production team of Naomi Darbell, Chris Guck, Rutvi Patel, and Anthony Castillo taking 6th place.

Stephanie Guck also finished 9th Place in

Extemporaneous Speech.

Other results include the Foster Middle School Leadership Strategies team of Meagan McGuire, Gowri Rangu, and Otibhor Ihionkhan who won 1st Place in junior high competition.

Foster Middle students took 5th Place in Chapter Team Presentation (Caroline Taylor, Meagan McGuire, Gowri Rangu, Matthew Guck, Otibhor Ihionkhan, and Neha Nirmal), with Gowri Rangu earning 5th Place in Written

Yamboree fun!

Longview High School Duchess Sophia Steelman, Lobo Varsity Cheer, and LHS Senior Viewettes showing class in the Yamboree school parade!

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November 2017

Presentation and 6th Place in Prepared Speech.

Catapult Design (Ayaan Khan, Harrison Lin, and Jonas Lansford) won 6th place, with Biotechnology Designs (Harrison Lin, Caroline Taylor, and Matthew Guck) finishing in 8th Place and the Medical Technology team of Ayaan Khan, Harrison Lin, and Jonas Lansford reaching the semifinals.

“I am beyond ecstatic and so proud of these students and all of their hard work,” said Melissa Swallow, Foster 8th grade GT/Pre-AP Science teacher.

Career Technology instructor Charles Mosley praised his students’ long hours and hard work.

Board members and LISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox all echoed Mosley’s sentiment, adding that such accomplishments would be impossible without “the support of education professionals like Mr. Mosley,

and the many parents of our community who passionately support these exceptional young people.”

Trustees meet each month in the boardroom of the LISD Education Support Center, 1301 E. Young St. The next regular meeting is tentatively scheduled for November 13.

Buddy Walk 2017

Longview High School cheerleader Alex Mack (and her uncle, Longview mayor Dr. Andy Mack) were among the many area residents who participated in the annual Buddy Walk to support the East Texas Down Syndrome Group.

Shop to support your Lobo athletes!

LHS NEEDS CARS!

L o ng v ie w H ig h School Automotive Technology program is seeking donations for trucks/ cars or car parts, 1996 or newer, to enable students to have hands on experience in repair and rebuilding.

Donations help to prepare students for a highly competitive technological work environment with real world knowledge and proficiency.

For more information please contact LHS automotive instructor Mr. Paul Bouis via email rbouis@ lisd.org or call (903) 663-7317.

The weather’s cooling off so now’s the time to upgrade your winter wardrobe with the latest team styles at the booster club’s Lobo Shop!

Stop by the Athletic Office or call (903) 381-3950 for more information!

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Page 19

‘Lobo University’ to last through school year It’s never too early for high school students to start preparing for college and the LHS College and Career Center is hosting a series of events to help spur students to consider their options now that the school year is underway.

• Session 3: Monday, November 13, 2017, Greater East Texas College Night at Maude Cobb Activity Center sponsored by the Greater Longview Organization for Business and Education (GLOBE) 6:30 p.m. Free admission.

Target Audience: 9th through 12th grade parents and students Representatives from over one hundred colleges, universities, and technical schools and the military will be present to answer questions about admission, financial aid, and academic programs. This is a great opportunity to be added to the schools’ mailing lists and to visit with college recruiters.

• Session 5: Tuesday, January 10, 6:30 p.m., outside the LHS College and Career Center on the second floor of the main building Topic: “The PSAT, SAT, ACT and Getting Juniors Ready to Apply to College” Target Audience: 9th-11th Grade Parents First, Kay Ray and Linda Buie will distribute the official College Board PSAT score reports that are set to arrive in early January 2018 and then explain the components of the score report. All freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who took the October 2017 PSAT and their parents are encouraged to attend.

Next, Kay Ray, scholarship coordinator, and Tieraney Beall, academic advisor, will explain all that juniors need to do during the spring semester so that they are ready to apply to college in fall 2018 of their senior year. Information will include taking college admission exams,

Instructional Technology awards new Chromebook

Longview High School teacher Talesha Roberts is this month’s “Get Your Badges On” winner!

Each month the Longview ISD Instructional Technology team will hold drawings for six Chromebooks to incentivize u s i n g technology in the classroom through the

badge program.

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

Teachers may gain one entry per tool.

writing college admission essays, and meeting college deadlines.

• Session 6: Tuesday, January 16, 2018, 6:30 p.m., outside the LHS College and Career Center on the second floor of the main building Topic: “Earning College Scholarships” Target Audience: 12th Grade Parents Kay Ray, scholarship coordinator, will explain how students can earn thousands in scholarships from local community organizations, businesses, churches, and school organizations. Mrs. Ray will also explain the importance of the student resumé, giving examples to follow so students can create an outstanding resumé, and the importance of letters of recommendation.

She will have a list of all the local scholarships LHS students won by the Class of 2017.

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

For more information please contact Longview High School at (903) 663-1301.

History|Continued from page 11 school’s or department’s across the district and is proud to mission or philosophy, provide funding for the twenty-third campus improvement annual Great Rewards for Great Ideas plan, or district Grant Program. improvement plan Since May 1996, the Foundation when making grant has funded 644 grants through the funding decisions. Great Rewards for Great Ideas Program, The grants committee’s returning $656,613.20 to Longview goal is to fund innovative ISD classrooms, enabling innovative programs which stimulate teachers, counselors, librarians, and thought and student achievement or nurses to create new educational address needs, challenges, and concerns programs or to enhance existing ones so unique to the applicant’s campus. that they can provide the best instruction If LISD applicants have any questions, possible to all students. In addition to they may contact Kay Ray, Foundation strengthening academics, the grants Executive Director, at 903-452-7015 or have also funded projects in music, art, email her at gray@lisd.org. technology, character education, health The Foundation looks forward to and physical education, and guidance receiving many grant applications from and counseling.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

November 2017