Volume II, Issue 7 (August 2017)

“The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you.” — B.B. King

THE

ongview Voice

Sharing the good news about LISD!

A publication of Longview Independent School District

Vol. 2 No. 7 August 2017

Complimentary Copy

Summer ends soon...

District releases info on supplies, registration, and ‘back to school’ events

S

chool starts for Longview ISD on Aug. 28 and campuses have begun releasing information about supply lists, registration and “Meet The Teacher” nights.

While lists and some schedules are available on the district’s website at www.lisd.org, families are urged to contact their campus directly for more detailed information - as specifics can vary among the different sites.

Returning students may register online at any time via the Skyward Parent Access. For login information please contact your child’s campus. Students must also bring proof of residency, such as a recent utility bill or signed lease.

New students must provide a birth certificate, shot record and Social Security card, as well as proof of residence. Parent must have a state-issued photo ID.

Continued on page 3, see “Back”

‘BOLD’ summer program LISD trustees named inspires, educates ‘Outstanding School Board’

W

hile some Longview ISD students were starting their summer vacations, the pre-k and kindergarten students of the Bilingual Oral Language Development (BOLD) program were working on language and communication skills through creative application.

BOLD students were given opportunities to improve communication skills by collaborating, creating, and communicating through games, crafts, music and more.

LISD offers the program for 120 hours on an abbreviated daily schedule for 20 days, which culminated in a parent program at South Ward Elementary. The BOLD students sang, danced, and presented proud parents with the skills they learned in the program.

“It is wonderful to watch these students develop and see the pride in the parents’ faces,” said Ada Duarte de Ortiz, Supervisor of Elementary Bilingual.

Ortiz also explained the BOLD was much different than summer school.

“It is an enrichment program,” she said. “The goal is to develop oral language through many hands-on activities.”

Longview ISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox praised the work of Ortiz and her colleagues.

“Our district is a highly diverse one, and that is one of our greatest assets,” he said. “It’s important that initiatives like these continue to fulfil our mission of achieve excellence for all of Longview.”

Some of the daily activities for these students included problem solving and robotics, developing confidence using math building blocks, constructing simple machines to help with science Continued on page 3 see “Bold”

THE

Longview Voice

Opinion Coming Events

2 3-7

A

USTIN — For their outstanding commitment to students and to the community, the Longview Independent School District Board of Trustees is one of sixteen school districts in Texas to be named Region VII nominee for Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) 2017 Outstanding School Board Award.

The award covers board accomplishments and decisions over the last school year. Board members named in the honor are Place 1 trustee Dr. Mark Camp, former Place 2 trustee Jud Murray (who stepped down last month), Place 3 trustee Dr. Chris Mack, TASB Honors 5 Alumni & Staff Remembered 7 & 8

Place 4 trustee Ginia Northcutt, Place 5 trustee Shan Bauer, Place 6 trustee Ted Beard, and Place 7 trustee Dr. Troy Simmons.

“I think I can speak for all the board members in saying that we are humbled by this recognition,” said board president Dr. Mark Camp. “Personally it is very pleasing to work with a group of individuals who continually strive to make decisions that are in the best interest of students. Even though our Board of Trustees is very diverse, it is very obvious that members respect the experiences and ideas of each other” Camp added that those on the Continued on page 3, see “TASA” Student Registration Youth Football Camp

12 14

Page 2

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

August 2017

OPINION Be the kind of leader that you would follow

By Mayor Andy Mack What’s up Lobos?

Hope you are having a good summer and by the time you read this it will almost be over. While I would like for this to be a light hearted column, let me tell you right now that is not going to be. We are going to talk about a subject that is more on the serious side: Leadership.

Now, what does leadership mean to you? Second question, if you are not a leader – what does that make you? To answer the second question – it makes you a follower. Back to the first question: what does leadership mean to you?

Here is what it means to me, then we will get back to you. If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more – you are a leader. A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way. A man always has two reasons for doing anything – a good reason and the real reason. Leadership is not about a title or a designation. Leadership comes from within, but is spilled outward.

Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and actions.

Sometimes being a leader means going the course alone because others don’t have the ability to see the vision you are casting. When you can find the ability to translate vision into reality you are on the path of true leadership. Leadership, while sounding glamorous and alluring, oftentimes is anything but. You are scrutinized, criticized and even demonized.

Since becoming mayor two years ago I have experienced this multiple times.

Criticism after criticism, insult after insult, some warranted which strikes you at the core – some unwarranted and untrue. Which strikes even deeper. This brings me to the main point of this article: in my opinion, the true sign of a leader is one who absorbs anger and absorbs the pain – and doesn’t strike back.

In my business, as a husband, as a father, as a friend, there have been many times when criticism is evident – and once again warranted. That is really pretty easy to swallow in the big scheme of things because deep inside you know the truth. But in all these instances, when it is not deserved, that is when the true character of a man comes out. It is in those times I have learned to swallow hard.

Learned to accept. Learned to absorb. Learned to lead.

When you are in the position of leadership, picking the “time and place” is very important. When I say that leaders must “accept” and “absorb”, that does

not mean I feel leaders must “roll over”. Time and again when you are a leader, followers will try to thwart you from the path of your vision.

When you absorb their distractions rather than waste your energy fighting them or even acknowledging them, then you are conserving your best effort on your leadership. A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame and a little less of his share of the credit.

I have done a lot of living in my years. One thing I have noticed to be true over and over again: the leaders are rarely the ones complaining.

They are the ones “doing”. It is almost always the case when people are complaining – they are the followers! And the function of leadership is to produce more leaders; not more followers.

Now let’s talk about where your life is right now. In the classroom, on the football field, in the band, wherever you are, whatever your situation may be – you will be faced with a choice: to lead or to follow. And when I was your age and I was in your situation – the following part was tempting. It was easy, the path of least resistance and the path of anonymity.

It is also the path to nowhere. Make no doubt, the path to nowhere leads to nowhere. So it’s going to take some growing up, maturity, bumps and bruises along the way, but when you lay your head down at night – it feels better to be a leader rather than a follower. This includes all the peer pressures that you all experience in your daily life in 2017 in a school setting. I know that is not an easy thing. I have said it before – my generation did not face the distractions that you all face on a daily basis, but I will not accept that as an excuse.

Sometimes you have to stand alone, but when you stand alone and you stand for the right thing you won’t be alone for long.

Okay Lobos, I hope you have answered both questions in your words and in your mind. I hope my words have helped encourage you a little bit to lead even when it is difficult. Absorb the pain, absorb the anger and be a leader.

Study hard, have some fun, say your prayers,

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

‘It is the right thing to do’ Resist the reverse-Robin

By Suzanne Bardwell

carrying a bill for the special session that would deny I have spilled barrels of public school employees ink in columns on the joys the right to have their of being a teacher but now professional association some ink needs to be spilled dues subtracted from their to get educators the help we pensions and salaries. Talk need. Along with other school about a Gag Bill, this is it. employees and retirees we are This is a blatant attempt facing a nightmare. And that to strip associations of is why 800 educators packed membership and public the front lawn of the Gregg voice. By the way, the County Courthouse recently proposed bill would exempt in the “Use Your Teacher our public servant brother and sister Voice!” Rally.

During the regular state legislative firefighters and police.

Retirees have not had a cost of session it felt as if education and educators had been targeted. So now living raise in 16 years by the way. teachers and other school employees, And back to that health insurance, active and retired, are rising up like the prescription plan has been cut, the the proverbial ‘sleeping giant’. Here is benefits have been cut and yet we will pay one-third to one-half of our take why.

Our pension is at risk of being home to pay for it. For the average retiree who takes home a $2,000 changed when it is the sixth healthiest monthly pension it will eat their in the nation. Why would politicians check. And, even more heartbreaking want to mess with something that works? Probably so they can raid the is that 30 percent of public school retirees bring in $1,000 or less before treasure chest. insurance.

The fact that Gov. Abbott placed Of course, even for those of us a former Enron executive to head who have earned enough quarters to a commission to study a possible change does not give me confidence draw social security in addition to our that public education retirees’ best pension, we CAN’T, by law. And the good Lord knows only how many of us interests are at the heart of this have worked multiple jobs to support ‘study’.

True, our retiree health insurance our families while we are denied drawing what we have EARNED! was in deep trouble because of I haven’t mentioned the hit Gov. underfunding. The House came out solidly with a plan to undergird the Abbott’s proposed $1,000 teacher failing system expecting the Senate to salary mandate which is a smokescreen add their part. The Senate chose not and NO raise from the state. If a district pays the state salary minimum they to help. Which translates, that as of Jan. 1, retirees will use one-third to will have to find the money for the one-half of their earned pension to raises from…where? Transportation?

Curriculum? Maintenance? if they pay pay for their health insurance.

The fact is that during the fund’s over the state minimum the teachers 30-year history the state funded will not be getting that unfunded raise only .5 percent of payroll instead from their district. At all.

After educators have rallied, called of the current 1 percent. The active employees and retirees paid and are and emailed, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is scrambling with what he calls propaying the rest.

To add insult to injury, Gov. Abbott education proposals and a way to has tasked Senator Bryan Hughes with Continued on page 4, see “Bardwell”

Hood approach to education

By Marv Knox Ironically, the world premiere of “Hood,” a swashbuckling musical retelling of the Robin Hood myth, opened in Dallas a little more than a week before the Texas Legislature opens its special session.

In case yo u’ ve forgotten your childhood folklore: In medieval England, greedy royals murdered Robin’s

father and burned down the family home.

Robin sought refuge in Sherwood Forest, where he gathered his “band of merry men”— similarly victimized s by ruthless power- f brokers. Enacting their own justice in a land of lawlessness, they robbed from the rich to support the poor.

In case you’ve missed your Continued on page 4, see “Knox”

Chef’s Corner Pepper and Chicken Nachos Turn up the heat on your summer meal plans with these healthy and delicious Pepper and Chicken Nachos!

INGREDIENTS 4 garlic cloves, pressed 1/4 cup cider vinegar 1/3 cup olive oil 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 4 medium-size bell peppers, cut into 2” pieces 2 cups chopped deli-roasted chicken 1 (15 1/2-oz.) can black-eyed peas, drained, rinsed 1 (7.5-oz.) package sliced sharp Cheddar cheese 1/3 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves INSTRUCTIONS

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

Preheat grill to 350° to 400° (medium-high) heat. Combine garlic and next 5 ingredients. Reserve 3 Tbsp. garlic mixture. Pour remaining garlic mixture into a large shallow dish; add peppers, turning to coat. Cover and chill 15 minutes, Ingredients turning once. Remove peppers from marinade, reserving marinade for basting.

Grill peppers, covered with grill lid, 8 to 10 minutes or until peppers blister and are tender, turning occasionally and basting with marinade.

Preheat broiler with oven rack 4 inches from heat. Combine chicken and peas with reserved 3 Tbsp. garlic mixture. Place peppers in a single layer on a lightly greased rack in an aluminum foil-lined broiler pan. Quarter cheese slices. Top each pepper with chicken mixture and one cheese quarter.

Broil 4 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Remove from oven, sprinkle with cilantro, and serve immediately.

Back |Continued from page 1

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

August 2017

REGISTRATION Registration times and days are as follows: Montessori Prep You can currently register online.

If you student was in the LISD system last year, please call your previous campus for a snapcode. If your student is new to LISD, please call (903) 803-5000 to register.

Bramlette Elementary 1st and 2nd Grades, 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Aug. 1 3rd - 5th Grades, 8 a.m. - 11:30 . a.m. & 1 p.m. - 5 p.m, Aug. 2nd Make Up All Grades, 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. - 5 p.m, Aug. 3rd Information: (903) 803-5600 J.L. Everhart Elementary All Grades Returning Students, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., July 24-27.

Information: (903) 803-5400 Johnston-McQueen Elementary All Grades Returning Students, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., July 31, Aug. 1-3 Information: (903) 803-5300 Ned E. Williams Elementary 1st and 2nd Grades, 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., July 26th 3rd and 4th, 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., July 27th 5th and All grades make up day, 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., July 31st Information: (903) 803-5500 South Ward Elementary All Grades Returning Students, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. July 24-27 Information: (903) 803-5200 Ware Elementary 1st and 2nd Grade, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., August 1 3rd and 4th Grade, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., August 2 MEET THE TEACHER 5th Grade, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., August 3 Various back to school events include: All Grades, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., August 10 Montessori Prep Academy Back To School Night Information: (903) 803-5700 Students with last name that begin with N-Z: 5 p.m. - 7 Forest Park Middle p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21 6th Grade, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., July 26 Students with last names that begin with A-M: 5 p.m.

7th Grade, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., July 27 - 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 23.

8th Grade & All Grades Make Up, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 1 Bramlette Elementary Back to School Night p.m. - 6 p.m, July 28 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24 Information: (903) 446-2500 JL Everhart Elementary Meet The Teacher Night Foster Middle Grades 1st-2nd: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22 Call campus for information: (903) 446-2710 Grades 3rd-5th: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24 Judson Middle Hudson PEP Elementary Back to School Nights 6th Grade, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Aug. 15 Grades 1st: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21 7th Grade, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m, Aug. 16 Grades 2nd-3rd: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22 8th Grade, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m, Aug. 17 Grades 4th: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23 Information: (903) 446-2610 Grades 5th: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24 Longview High Johnston-McQueen Elementary Back to School Nights

Registration will be at the high school, and Grades Pre K-2nd: 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22 students are requested to pick up schedules before the Grades 3rd-5th: 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m Thursday, Aug. 24 first day of school.

South Ward Elementary Meet the Teacher Night Call campus for more information: (903) 663-1301 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24 Ware Elementary Meet the Teacher Day 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 TASA |Continued from page 1 Foster Middle Meet the Teacher Night board who are “relatively new to the process” are 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31 fortunate to have the leadership of those with many Judson Middle Back to School Bash years of experience.

5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24 “I would be remiss not to point out that this award For other information about registration, supplies, or represents the year that was led by Dr. Chris Mack, back to school events, please contact your child’s campus and during my tenure the board has been lucky to or call the main line at (903) 381-2200. have the leadership of Dr. Troy Simmons and Mr.

Ted Beard,” he said. “I am proud to serve with these previous leaders and the other three members who Bold |Continued from page 1 have proven to place the goal of student education ahead of personal ideology.”

Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox said that board members are often the first to be called out when things go bad, “but seldom get the same recognition when things are going well.”

“Our board has worked diligently with district staff, principals and teachers in striving to make Longview ISD an exemplary school district,” he said. “Our trustees strive to make decisions with the vision and intention of impacting ALL students that we serve. And for that, I believe that the recognition is well-deserved.” skills, and developing a love for reading through literacy learning Criteria considered for selection was based on the centers. school board’s support for educational performance, BOLD students also had the opportunity to sing, dance, act support for educational improvement projects, and create original artwork. This artwork was on display at the commitment to a code of ethics and maintenance parent program. of harmonious and supportive relationships among board members.

TASA’s School Board Awards Committee will meet in late July to select up to five of the nominated boards to be recognized as Honor Boards. Those finalists will be interviewed at the TASA/TASB Convention in Dallas October 6-8, and one will be named Outstanding School Board of the Year during that event.

The School Board Awards Program was established in 1971 to recognize the dedication and service of school boards that make a positive impact on the school children of Texas.

Page 3

Coming Events

August 1 8 a.m. Bramlette 1st & 2nd Grade Registration (Bramlette) 8 a.m. Ware 1st & 2nd Grade Registration (Ware) 9 a.m. Returning Student Registration (Johnston-McQueen)

August 2 8 a.m. Viewette Field Rehearsal (Lobo Stadium) 8 a.m. Bramlette 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade Registration (Bramlette) 8 a.m. Ware 3rd & 4th Grade Registration (Ware) 9 a.m. Returning Student Registration (Johnston-McQueen) August 3 8 a.m. Bramlette Registration All Grades (Bramlette) 8 a.m. Ware 5th Grade Registration (Ware) 9 a.m. New Student Registration (Johnston-McQueen) August 4 4:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. Lady Lobo Volleyball (all teams) at Pine Tree 7 p.m. LHS Band Snap Competition/ Band Booster Meeting August 5 8 a.m. Junior League School Supply Train (First Baptist Church) 9 a.m. Lady Lobo Volleyball JV & Varsity at Hallsville 6 p.m. Block Party (??)

August 7 7 a.m. John King Football Camp (Turf Room/Lobo Stadium) 8 a.m. Viewette Field Rehearsal (Lobo Stadium) 8 a.m Foundation Selling Green Out Shirts (LHS Athletic Office & High School) 8 a.m. LHS Senior Registration (Longview High School) 5 p.m. Lady Lobo Volleyball JV & Varsity at All Saints 6:30 p.m. LHS Band Rehearsal August 8 7 a.m. John King Football Camp (Turf Room/Lobo Stadium) 8 a.m. Viewette Field Rehearsal (Lobo Stadium) 8 a.m Foundation Selling Green Out Shirts (LHS Athletic Office & High School) 8 a.m. LHS Junior Registration (Longview High School) 4:30 p.m. Lady Lobo Volleyball 9th Grade at Lindale 5:30 p.m. Lady Lobo Volleyball JV at Lindale 6:30 p.m. Lady Lobo Volleyball Varsity at Lindale 6:30 p.m. LHS Band Rehearsal August 9 7 a.m. John King Football Camp (Turf Room/Lobo Stadium) 8 a.m Foundation Selling Green Out Shirts (LHS Athletic Office & High School) 8 a.m. Viewette Field Rehearsal (Lobo Stadium) 8 a.m. LHS Sophomore Registration (Longview High School) August 10 8 a.m. Viewette Field Rehearsal (Lobo Stadium) 8 a.m Foundation Selling Green Out Shirts (LHS Athletic Office & High School) 8 a.m. LHS Freshman Registration/ Fish Day (Longview High School) 8 a.m. Ware All Grades Make Up Registration (Ware) 6 p.m. John King Parent/Player Meeting (Lobo Coliseum) 6:30 p.m. LHS Band Rehearsal August 11 8 a.m. Viewette Field Rehearsal (Lobo Stadium) 8 a.m Foundation Selling Green Out Shirts (LHS Athletic Office) August 12 8 a.m. Lady Lobo LHS Volleyball Tournament (Lobo Coliseum)

Page 4 THE LONGVIEW VOICE — August 2017 Knox |Continued from page 2 political news lately: In 21st century Texas, our government leaders, demand increasing levels of technical expertise. most notably Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, are attempting Voucher advocates claim they will enable poor children to attend to inflict upon our state a reverse-Robin Hood—take from the poor private schools. Those who can say that with straight faces deserve a and give to the rich. Enmeshed in the governor’s legislative agenda is reward. An Oscar. Even if voucher funds completely cover private-school another run at providing private-school vouchers at the expense of public tuition, the related costs of attending those schools—such as uniforms, education. transportation, technology, etc.—are beyond the reach of most poor Torqued process, dead bills families.

During the regular session of the Legislature, the House, led by So, let’s call vouchers what they are: Educational subsidies for middleSpeaker Joe Straus, passed a $1.6 billion plan to overhaul the state’s class and rich families. They’re also a boon to private schools, which can public education finance system. Then the Senate, led by Lt. Gov. Patrick, recruit even more middle-class and rich kids to leave public schools for torqued the process, proposing a voucher plan that would result in education in their enclaves. transferring public education funds to private, mostly parochial, schools.

Violated principles When the chambers couldn’t reconcile their bills, both plans died.

Second, vouchers will violate reasonable principles of church-state But now Gov. Abbott has placed the issue on the agenda for the separation or bedrock fundamentals of good, responsible government.

Legislature’s special session, which begins July 18. Pray Straus and his If voucher funds are handled responsibly, then their provision will colleagues in the House will prevail against Patrick and his allies in the introduce new levels of government involvement in private/parochial Senate. education. If the government provides funds—either directly or, more Opponents of school vouchers can recite a litany of reasons why likely, as a pass-through from government to family to school—then it vouchers are a horrible idea. appropriately monitors and regulates those funds. On the other hand, if Let’s discuss two that should appeal to responsible people of faith. the government transfers voucher funds to schools without accountability, Protect the weak, vulnerable then it fails taxpayers and creates unprecedented opportunities for graft First, vouchers violate the mandates of Jesus—and similar admonitions and corruption. by the Hebrew prophets and teachings of other world religions—that call Either option should be reprehensible to Texans of both political upon both individuals and societies to care for and protect the weakest parties, who historically have championed both religious liberty and and most vulnerable among them. responsible government.

Aside from making certain poor people don’t starve, providing So, what’s a God-fearing, compassionate, responsible Texan to do? quality public education is the primary method by which a state cares Most importantly, contact your state senator and representative—infor its people. If a generation receives education, it becomes capable person or with a hand-written note, or at least with a phone call—and of caring for itself, strengthening its society, and passing on an even- urge them to oppose vouchers. better future for its children. Conversely, a failure to educate dooms If you want more background, the Texas Baptist Christian Life the rising generation, as well as the generations that follow, to poverty, Commission and Pastors for Texas Children, which was launched by the dependency and hopelessness.

CLC four years ago, can provide chapter and verse on why vouchers As a state, we should have no higher priority than giving our children violate these two biblical truths of moral justice and responsibility. a stellar education that prepares them for productivity and leadership Tell your senator and representative you’ll be watching the voucher across the coming decades. This makes sense morally; a bedrock Golden debate and votes. Tell them you’ll hold them responsible for their actions.

Rule principle is educating all children at the level we want our own Lawmakers who fail to act in the best interests of our state don’t deserve offspring educated. This makes sense economically; even the small to remain in office. proportion of Texas children who might receive the finest education will live in a backwater if their peers are not taught well enough to Marv Knox has been editor of The Baptist Standard since 1995. A native of Texas, he hold down good jobs and thrive in a 21st century marketplace that will is graduate of Hardin-Simmons University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Bardwell |Continued from page 2 fund the $1,000 raise. Look carefully, listen well and dig deep because there is also a great deal of posturing.

There isn’t enough space to discuss the impact of vouchers and small school funding and the exorbitant cost of testing (let’s talk billions!)

During the rally I asked the protestors present a series of questions that the vast majority raised their banners in acknowledgement of, let me share those questions the teachers answered yes to and you consider what it is like dealing daily with 22 to 150 students, depending on the level taught, along with state mandated testing, non-English speaking students, special needs students and more, while dealing with this list: How many of you: extended your work day to tutor students on your own time before or after school? paid for your own training and/ or attended workshops or classes on your own time so you could be a better teacher? have bought meals for your students? Supplies? Equipment? have paid for students to go on a school trip? have paid at least $500 to a $1,000 a year or more to outfit your classroom and supplement your curriculum? how many of you spent this amount every year you were in the classroom? handled the fallout of divorce on your students’ emotional and academic performance?

1442 MCCANNROAD 218 N. HENDERSON BLVD 704 W. MAIN ST LONGVIEW, TX 75601 KILGORE, TX 75662 HALLSVILLE, TX 75850 903.553.0050 903-981-0010 903-668-2636

have helped students deal with the death of a parent, sibling or grandparent? have had terminally ill students in your classroom? continued to teach while fighting a serious illness? tried to intervene with students with drug and alcohol problems? dealt with the trauma of serious accidents and even student suicides?

The list is endless.

Let me say this clearly, Teachers Change Lives…often at the expense of their own pocketbook, their health, their time and their families.

The least the State of Texas can do is give educators what they have EARNED and what they were promised when they became teachers.

If you believe this as well, please call and email Governor Abbott and your senators and representatives NOW and tell them you expect them to do what is right by educators and education.

It is the right thing to do.

And, we need every single voice out there speaking with us and for us.

If I had it to do it all over again?

I would still be a teacher.

I just can’t afford to be a retired teacher.

— Suzanne Bardwell is a retired awardwinning Texas teacher for 33 years, and current co-publisher of the Gladewater Mirror

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

August 2017

Bauer, Williams to host Town Meeting on Aug. 22

For more information please call (903) 237-1021

District 3 City Councilwoman Kasha Williams has scheduled a Town Meeting in partnership with Shandreka “Shan” Bauer, Longview Independent School District Trustee for Place 5.

Set for 6 p.m., Tuesday, August 22, at Broughton Recreation Center, 801 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., the dual-purpose meeting will include opportunities to discuss issues related to the City of Longview or Longview ISD. Town Meetings are an excellent opportunity for citizens and council members to discuss issues facing the community within a casual setting.

All residents are encouraged to attend and share concerns, comments and ideas.

Rangu earns National Merit Scholarship Class of 2017 honors graduate Neal Rangu has been awarded a National Merit Scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

About 1.6 million students take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test each year, with 16,000 chosen each September as National Merit semifinalists. About 15,000 of those are named finalists.

Congratulations on all your hard work Neal!

District honored by TASB for student nutrition program

Longview ISD was one of just 10 districts statewide recently honored

by The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB).

The district was awarded a 2017 Annual TASB Risk Management Fund Excellence Award for the student nutrition program.

“We recognize the importance that nutrition plays in student success, academic performance, and behavior in the classroom,” said Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox. “The district developed a plan to try to control and mitigate poor student performance through better nutrition.”

Partnering with area farmers and ranchers, LISD has been recognized by the Texas Department of Agriculture for its commitment to providing locally raised and harvested products.

In addition to this, LISD expanded and renovated the food service facilities, made equipment upgrades, hired a full-time district chef, trained in culinary arts and nutrition, and began a weekend “backpack program” that regularly provides healthy food to community children.

“We understand that, for many underprivileged children, the most nutritious meals they might eat will be at school,” Wilcox added. “We believe strongly in serving all the needs of our students, and by mitigating hunger, we hope to help them grow into young people able to achieve their goals in life.”

We are looking for bus drivers

Longview ISD pays the most in East Texas!

Have you considered driving a school bus? Longview ISD has increased their bus driver pay to $17.50 per hour, making LISD the highest starting pay for school bus drivers in East Texas. We are currently looking for bus drivers.

Check out our Careers page at www.lisd.org for more info and openings.

Page 5 August 14 8 a.m. New Teacher Orientation 8 a.m. Fall Football Practice (Turf Room, Lobo Stadium, Grass Practice Fields) 8:30 a.m. Freshman Cheerleader Tryout Practice (P.E. Gym) Children’s Theater Camp (Melton Auditorium) 1 p.m. Middle School Cheerleader Tryout Practice (P.E. Gym) 1 p.m. Competitive Cheerleader Tryout Practice (P.E. Gym) 4 p.m. Fall Football Practice (Turf Room, Lobo Stadium, Grass Practice Fields) 6:30 p.m. LHS Band Rehearsal 7 p.m. Board of Trustees Regular Meeting (Education Support Center) August 15 Teacher Inservice Aug. 15-25 8 a.m. Fall Football Practice (Turf Room, Lobo Stadium, Grass Practice Fields) 8 a.m. Judson 6th Grade Orientation and Registration (Judson Middle School) 8:30 a.m. Freshman Cheerleader Tryout Practice (P.E. Gym) Children’s Theater Camp (Melton Auditorium) 9 a.m. 6th Grade Registration and Orientation (Judson Middle School) 1 p.m. Middle School Cheerleader Tryout Practice (P.E. Gym) 1 p.m. Competitive Cheerleader Tryout Practice (P.E. Gym) 4 p.m. Fall Football Practice (Turf Room, Lobo Stadium, Grass Practice Fields) 4:30 p.m. Lady Lobo Volleyball (all teams) at Arp 6:30 p.m. LHS Band Rehearsal August 16 8 a.m. Fall Football Practice (Turf Room, Lobo Stadium, Grass Practice Fields) 8 a.m. Judson 7th Grade Registration (Judson Middle School) 8:30 a.m. Freshman Cheerleader Tryout Practice (P.E. Gym) 8:30 a.m. Judson Middle School 7th Grade Registration (Judson Middle School) Children’s Theater Camp (Melton Auditorium) 1 p.m. Middle School Cheerleader Tryout Practice (P.E. Gym) 1 p.m. Competitive Cheerleader Tryout Practice (P.E. Gym) 4 p.m. Fall Football Practice (Turf Room, Lobo Stadium, Grass Practice Fields) August 17 8 a.m. Fall Football Practice (Turf Room, Lobo Stadium, Grass Practice Fields) 8 a.m. Judson 8th Grade Registration (Judson Middle School) Children’s Theater Camp (Melton Auditorium) 1 p.m. Competitive, Freshman, Middle School Cheerleader Tryout (P.E. Gym) 4 p.m. Fall Football Practice (Turf Room, Lobo Stadium, Grass Practice Fields) 5 p.m. Park, Paint & Tailgate (LHS Student Parking Lot) 6:30 p.m. LHS Band Rehearsal August 18 8 a.m. Fall Football Practice (Turf Room, Lobo Stadium, Grass Practice Fields) 8:30 a.m. Convocation (Lobo Coliseum) Children’s Theater Camp (Melton Auditorium) 4 p.m. Fall Football Practice (Turf Room, Lobo Stadium, Grass Practice Fields) August 19 8 a.m. Lobo Football Media Day (Turf Room and Lobo Stadium) 1 p.m. Lobo Football Luncheon (Lobo Cafeteria) August 21 8 a.m. Fall Football Practice (Turf Room, Lobo Stadium, Grass Practice Fields) 4 p.m. Fall Football Practice (Turf Room, Lobo Stadium, Grass Practice Fields) 5 p.m. ETX Montessori Prep

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

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August 2017

TSA students reflect on Nationals victory Longview High School technology and engineering students finished at or near the top last month during the Technology Student Association’s national competition, continuing a tradition of excellent while also setting the stage for future achievement.

The Technolog y Student Association is a national nonprofit organization of middle and high school students who engage and compete in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

About 32,000 students in Texas take part in TSA. More than 50 LISD students traveled to Nashville for nationals after finishing among the best at state meets last month.

Career Technology instructor Charles Mosley said t he accomplishment confirms that the students who attend Longview

ISD “are as bright, intelligent, and motivated as any students in the country.”

Rutvi Patel, graduating Senior This summer, I attended my last ever TSA National Conference in Orlando, Florida, and I have to say it was one of the best trips I have ever taken. I am grateful to have had a

chance to compete in three events at the national level for three years of high school; all the hard work that I put into creating my events during the school year and improving them in the summer was worth the experience of nationals. It is very rewarding to compete nationally against other student who were at the top of their respective states, and even more rewarding when we place in the top ten nationally. In addition to competition between other states, and even some other countries, I enjoyed meeting new people from around the country and catching up with friends from past years. I especially enjoyed the seniors only meeting, where I had the chance to meet other seniors in TSA who were heading to the same college as me. In a hotel where most of the faves are strangers, it is nice to have the backing and presence of other chapters from Texas. The nights when we had state only delegation meetings were also entertaining; it felt like I was back in Waco for our state conference, surrounded by people from all over Texas.

TSA has been a major part of my life throughout my high school career, and I am unfortunately done with this organization; the experience of this past national conference was a bittersweet one, but I will be forever grateful for the skills I have learned and the friends I have made.

Brady Miller, incoming Senior The Technolog y Student Association is an organization that has given me far more than I could begin to describe. It’s a place that I can really call home. Having been in TSA for 3 years now, I can honestly say that it’s changed my life.

When I started in TSA in 8th

grade at Foster Middle School, I didn’t expect it to be something I would cherish so much.

After going to the national competition in Dallas in June 2015, I was hooked. I didn’t place in the top 10 in any of my events, but I knew that this was the place for me.

Going back to Nationals last year in Nashville — after many months of long hard work with 25 other Longview High School students — was personally satisfying. With the help of my five teammates on the Chapter Team, using Robert’s Rules of Order and parliamentary procedure in general, we conducted practice business meeting after practice business meeting. At that National competition in Nashville, we reached the pinnacle: winning 1st place in the nation out of at least 200 teams. The joy of winning after all that work was simply amazing.

But winning last year doesn’t mean we could just sit back and expect to win this past year. I would actually say we worked harder this year because of the win last year.

Before, we were working hard trying to beat the previous year’s winner, just like almost every time at the competition. This year we were the

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team everyone was gunning for. We were the ones everyone was trying to top. I think the win last year has made all of our returning members just that much more anxious for this year. We’ve put in countless hours of work, and I think I speak for all of us when I say we wouldn’t trade for the world.

After more than a week of sheer pleasure, the 2017 National Competition has come to a close.

Even though our competitions didn’t go they way we wanted to, and we didn’t come home with any trophies, I think we took away more from this trip than any trip before. The friends we made at nationals, the memories that we’ll forever cherish, and the valuable life lessons made the 36 hour round trip worth it.

This competition has just fueled the fire for next year. Just speaking for Chapter Team, we got first in the nation last year. To go from 1st to 4th was surprising, but it has made us realize that no matter what you’ve done in your past, you can’t rely on that to propel you for the future. Just because we were best in the nation a year ago doesn’t mean we were or should have been this year. Last year there was no place to go but down, and this year, it’s going to be quite the opposite.

Payton Schaap, incoming Senior My third TSA National conference was indubitably a life changing experience that I will never forget.

There is nothing that can parallel to meeting members all across our nation from Washington to Florida to New York or even Germany, Turkey, and Japan. Having the opportunity to be surrounded by 8,000 other students with the same ambitions, initiative, and affinity for TSA allows you to feel like you are home. There’s a place for everyone here with our blue button up shirts,

Continued on page 7, see “TSA”

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

August 2017

LHS alumni dies while saving children from drowning A Longview native was laid to rest last month after passing away while performing a heroic act.

J a m e s Eldridge Gray, 57, of Seagoville, better known as “Jim,” died in Fort Morgan, Alabama, while on vacation with his family.

The drowning happened around 3:15 p.m. June 23 at a beach house. Double red flags were flying at area beaches because of the rough surf produced by Tropical Storm Cindy in the Gulf of Mexico.

A preliminary investigation revealed Gray was attempting to save children who were in distress while swimming, when he became distressed himself.

Gray grew up in Longview and graduated from Longview High School in 1978, where he was a member of the Lobo golf team. His lifelong passion for golf began at Pinecrest Country Club, where he remembered some of TSA|Continued from page 6

the best times of his youth. He attended Kilgore Junior College where he served as a manager for the world famous Kilgore College Rangerettes.

In 1982, he graduated from University of North Texas (then North Texas State University) in Denton with a BBA. He began his career as a pharmaceutical rep with Sandoz Nutrition in Nashville.

In 1984, he returned to Texas, where he met fellow Longview native, Charlinda Davis. They married February 9, 1985, and were soon the loving parents of Jacob, Tyler and Parker, whom they raised together in the community of Combine/Crandall.

He served as a middle school Sunday School teacher and Chairman of the Deacons at Central Baptist Church in Crandall.

He also served on the Crandall ISD School Board for two terms while his sons attended Crandall schools.

At the time of his passing, Gray was Director of Real Estate with Hospital Corporation of America, based in Nashville.

Those who knew Gray say they will remember him for his compassion, willingness to serve and a devotion to his family and

friends that spanned his entire lifetime. If help was ever needed, Gray was never more than a phone call away. It’s no surprise that his last act of service was heroic and compassionate.

He is survived by his three sons, Jacob Ryan Gray, of Lubbock, Tyler Jameson Gray (Tayler) and Parker Davis Gray, along with their mother Charlinda Davis Gray, all of Dallas.

He is also survived by his beloved mother Patsy Jane Henderson, of Longview, sisters Gloria Gray Gaddis (Stephen), of Canton, GA and Katie Gray Herrington (Joel), of Hallsville,. Gray will also be lovingly remembered by nieces Lindsey Gerdes (jason), of Canton, GA; Anna Lester (Russ), of Lake Jackson; Ellen Reid and nephew Logan Gaddis, of Midlothian; great niece, Natalie Gerdes; great nephews, Jackson Gerdes, Wynn Lester, Walker Lester; as well as his sons’ grandparents, Charles and Linda Davis, of Longview.

Gray was preceded in death by his father, Jack R. Gray, and his grandparents Mildred and Brents McPherson and Kathleen Gray; and by his sons’ uncle, Derek Todd Davis.

grey slacks, and navy Blazers; however, what I really took back from this trip was how to be a leader.

In April, at our state conference, I was elected as our 2017-2018 Texas TSA Vice President. So this June, I stood next to my friend, Brady Miller, and was sworn into office the second night of this National TSA conference.

From that moment on, my life had changed because I now represented 32,000 Texas TSA members. Throughout the rest of the trip, the new officer team learned what went on behind the scenes of nationals whether it was voting for amendments at our business meeting, discussing state affairs with different officers from GA, CO, NM, or PA, or simply smuggling snacks for the Texas delegation during meetings. The essence of the quote, “With great power, comes great responsibility’” was taken into account and executed.

Despite the disappointment I have for not placing in the top ten in my extemporaneous speaking and problem solving events, this national TSA conference was still transcendent.

TSA every year comprehensively takes my breath away with the memories, experiences, and lessons each that everyone of us leave with. TSA is a passion and so much more than an organization. I would love to thank our district for supporting us and allowing us to afford to go to nationals because TSA, for us, is home.

Page 7 Academy Back to School Night last name N-Z (Montessori Campus) 5:30 p.m. Hudson PEP 1st Grade Meet-the-Teacher (Hudson PEP) 5:30 p.m. Foundation Selling Green Out Shirts (Hudson PEP) 6:30 p.m. LHS Band Rehearsal

August 22 8 a.m. Fall Football Practice (Turf Room, Lobo Stadium, Grass Practice Fields) 4 p.m. Fall Football Practice (Turf Room, Lobo Stadium, Grass Practice Fields) J.L. Everhart Meet-the-Teacher Grades 1st & 2nd (J.L. Everhart) 5:30 p.m. Hudson PEP 2nd & 3rd Grade Meet-the-Teacher (Hudson Pep) 5:30 p.m. Foundation Selling Green Out Shirts (Hudson PEP) 6 p.m. Primary Meet-the-Teacher Grades Pre-K through 2nd (Johnston-McQueen) 6 p.m. Foundation Selling Green Out Shirts (Johnston-McQueen) 6 p.m. Town Meeting at Broughton (Kasha Williams/Shaun Bauer) 6:30 p.m. LHS Band Rehearsal

August 23 8 a.m. Fall Football Practice (Turf Room, Lobo Stadium, Grass Practice Fields) 4 p.m. Fall Football Practice (Turf Room, Lobo Stadium, Grass Practice Fields) 5 p.m. ETX Montessori Prep Academy Back to School Night last name A-M (Montessori Campus) 5:30 p.m. Hudson PEP 4th Grade Meet-the-Teacher (Hudson PEP) 5:30 p.m. Foundation Selling Green Out Shirts (Hudson PEP)

August 24 8 a.m. Fall Football Practice (Turf Room, Lobo Stadium, Grass Practice Fields) 4 p.m. Fall Football Practice (Turf Room, Lobo Stadium, Grass Practice Fields) 5 p.m. Back to School Bash (Judson Middle School) 5 p.m. Foundation Selling Green Out Shirts (Judson Cafeteria) 5 p.m. South Ward Meet-the-Teacher 5 p.m. Foundation Selling Green Out Shirts (South Ward) 5 p.m. Bramlette Meet-the-Teacher (Bramlette) 5 p.m. Foundation Selling Green Out Shirts (Bramlette) J.L. Everhart Meet-the-Teacher Grades 3rd - 5th (J.L. Everhart) 5:30 p.m. Hudson Pep 5th Grade Meet-the-Teacher (Hudson PEP) 5:30 p.m. Foundation Selling Green Out Shirts (Hudson PEP) 6 p.m. Foundation Selling Green Out Shirts (Johnston-McQueen) 6:30 p.m. Intermediate Meet-theTeacher Grades 3rd-5th (JohnstonMcQueen) 6:30 p.m. LHS Band Rehearsal

August 25 8 a.m. Fall Football Practice (Turf Room, Lobo Stadium, Grass Practice Fields) 4 p.m. Fall Football Practice (Turf Room, Lobo Stadium, Grass Practice Fields) Freshman, JV, Varsity Football Scrimmage at Pine Tree August 26 SAT Testing 10 a.m. - Ware Meet-the-Teacher (Ware) 10 a.m. Foundation Selling Green Out Shirts (Ware) August 28 Start of First Six Weeks First Day of School August 31 5:30 p.m. Freshman Football hosts Lufkin 5:30 p.m. JV Football at Lufkin 5:30 p.m. Meet-the-Teacher (Foster Middle School) 5:30 p.m. Foundation Selling Green Out Shirts (Foster Middle School) September 1 7 p.m. Varsity Football hosts Lufkin

Page 8

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

August 2017

LISD mourns loss of beloved staffer Teachers and staff at Longview ISD are mourning a longtime coworker and friend. Kevin Payne was a maintenance man there, who unexpectedly died over the weekend on July 15.

In the decade he worked at Longview ISD, Kevin made quite an impact. Co-workers describe the 55-year-old as a man with an easy smile, who was always volunteered to lend a hand, to teachers and other people at Longview ISD in need.

“He was always willing to go unlock a file cabinet for a teacher who locked her keys in the cabinet,” says co-worker and friend, Mike Gipson.

The beloved locksmith and carpenter died in his Longview home, leaving behind a wife, three kids, and several grandchildren.

Teachers and coworkers say they can’t imagine Longview ISD without him.

Ray Miller, the Director of Operations at Longview ISD says, “You don’t replace a man like Kevin Payne. We’ll try to fill in the gaps best we can but you don’t replace a man like Kevin.”

Payne was originally from Shreveport, but worked at school districts in East Texas for much of his adult life. He worked for Henderson ISD and most recently, Longview ISD. “With Kevin Payne we hit a homerun,” adds Miller.

Co-workers say Payne quickly became family. He was the guy you’d call when you were having a bad day.

Gipson muses, “One of those kind of guys that uh everyone who met him he was their friend, and very seldom do I remember him being angry about anything”

Services for Kevin Payne were 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 18 at Grace Baptist Church with Rev. Scott Brown officiating. Burial followed at Harmony Hill Cemetery in Rusk County.

He was born August 2, 1961 in Shreveport, Louisiana to William Ronnie and Frances Carolyn Payne. Kevin was a 1979 graduate of Huntington High School in Shreveport and attended Centenary College of Louisiana. He married his beloved Carol Ann in 1994.

Kevin was a carpenter and locksmith for Longview Independent School District. He was a true lover of Lake Cherokee, where he could often be seen on his barge with their loyal lab, Nelli. Kevin was known by many as the “Social Mayor of Lake Cherokee.”

He loved playing golf and was the Treasurer of Lake Cherokee Golf Association. Kevin was a friend to everyone and he loved music. He was a fan of LSU, New Orleans Saints, and Washington Redskins football.

Kevin is survived by his wife of 23 years, Carol Ann Payne of Lake Cherokee; his children, Kristopher Michael Payne of Austin, Texas, Kristi Michelle Rice and her husband, Rusty of Shreveport, April Cox and her husband, Jonathan of Kilgore; grandchildren, Ashlynn Hope Rice, Landon Allen Rice, Cason Dudley Cox, Cade Blanton Cox; his parents, William Ronnie and Frances Carolyn Payne of Shreveport; his in-laws, Carolyn and Mart Freeman of Longview, Bob and Cheryl Garsee of Denton, Texas; his sister-in-law, and brother-in-law, Cindy and Ron Owen of Kilgore; his niece, Tiffany Smith and husband, Tate of Tatum, Neal Owen of Kilgore; a host of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Lazell Payne.

Please leave online condolences www.raderfuneralhome.com

School Supply Train rolls in on Aug. 5 The Junior League of Longview, Inc in partnership with First Baptist Church of Longview and Buckner CFS East Texas are hosting a “School Supply Train” 8 a.m. Aug. 5 at The ROC (212 E South Street).

The event will last until all backpacks are passed out, so make sure to preregister Tuesday and Wednesday! For more information call (903) 757-9383.

Students will be provided with a gradeappropriate backpack filled with school supplies, one uniform shirt, as well as a free haircut and vision screening.

What to bring: • ID for parent (driver’s license or government issued id) • proof of school enrollment for each child (report card of schedule) • proof of family income (current pay stub, benefit letter, medicaid card)

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

August 2017

On and off the court

Page 9

Healthy living helps trombonist and basketball ref find balance Little Elm Journal (Plano, Texas) PLANO — Longview High School alumni LeAndre Benton’s hands are constantly up in the air. Whether it’s making signals while officiating a basketball game or inspiring sound with a baton, Benton keeps his two passions in his life.

As associate director of bands at Little Elm High School (near Plano), the trombonist balances his time between playing in ensembles including the Metropolitan Winds, a civic wind ensemble in the Metroplex, and officiating basketball games with NCAA Women’s Basketball and Texas High School Basketball. He also teaches beginner classes at Lakeside Middle School and Prestwick STEM Academy. Benton discusses his time during the summer break from school and his two passions.

How long have you been playing the trombone? How long have you been teaching?

I have been playing the trombone for a total of 13 years now, and I’ll be starting my 2nd year as the Associate Director of Bands at Little Elm High.

Why did you decide to study music?

Well, I think the answer to this question is two-fold. When I was around 10 or 11 years old, I became very intrigued with the person standing in front of a performing ensemble, waving his hands with a stick. Little did I know, this person was called a conductor. After I realized how much authority this person exuded, I instantly wanted to do the same. My dad still remembers me standing in front of my boombox in my bedroom, waving a wire hanger, pretending to be a conductor. The only thing that’s changed—I don’t use a wire hanger. In addition to my conductor infatuation, I was also quite obsessed with Kenny G’s playing (saxophonist). In 6th grade, my aspirations were to play saxophone.

This did not happen—I became a trombone player, and have loved it ever sense.

I knew in high school, roughly around the 10th grade, that I wanted to be a band director. I enjoyed music and had a pretty definitive love for wind band literature (still do). All of my friends in high school always told me, “You’re going to be a band director one day.” I think it was pretty evident, too. I also had a great deal of respect for my high school director, Harvey Durham, and I thought he was a pretty great teacher. He always pushed the students in his band. We pretty much played collegiate-level literature in the wind ensemble. Between the love of music, the literature, and the instruction, I’d say it was an easy call for me what I planned on doing in the future.

You are involved in both musical and basketball organizations. What makes you want to continue involvement in both areas? Do these interests ever collide in some way?

I feel that these two things really “complete” me as a person. I started refereeing basketball in the 11th grade while attending Longview High. I started working middle school games and lower-level high school games. I did it as a means of making a little money, or a part-time job, if you will, but little did I know, I absolutely fell in love with officiating. Being able to watch the players on the floor and in the classroom succeed gives me the “fuel” I need continue to do what I love. I’ve probably worked at being a great referee harder than anything else I’ve ever done. Because of this, I’ve had lots of big success in officiating. These two areas can become cumbersome and even collide, but I’ve learned how to find the balance in both. For instance, if I have an NCAA game on a Thursday night in Oklahoma in January, and I have a low brass rehearsal on the same

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evening, this could be really problematic.

This past year, I kept the majority of my officiating on the weekends and my teaching schedule during the week. This seemed to work very well, but I did miss officiating as much as I was accustomed to doing. Luckily, I can work my officiating around my teaching schedule.

Does involvement in the music world stop over the summer?

Great question! I like to think that it never stops, but it does slow down some.

Honestly, we, as music educators, never stop working. I just completed the second edition of my fundamentals book that I wrote for band. This took up a lot of my summer time, but I wanted to get it completed. Additionally, the head director and I have been in touch throughout the entire summer about the upcoming year.

We try not to stay as busy during the summer because we need this time to refuel and recharge, but there are times where we have to get some things completed.

This happens because we try to be proactive and not reactive during the year.

How do you avoid stress with your involvement as a teacher, performer and basketball officiator?

I try (as best as I can) to stay in the gym 3-4 times during the week, eat healthy, and find great books to read. There were a few times when I was a little stressed this past year. However, I’ve found that with a healthy mind, spirit, and body, these things can be avoided. I also make an attempt to talk to some of my best friends and family weekly.

What is your favorite type of music to listen to?

I guess you could say I have an eclectic choice of music. I really enjoy it all.

My favorite genres to listen to are classical, jazz, R&B, gospel, and funk.

What is your favorite piece you’ve played? (solo, in an orchestra, or conducted) This is difficult. I have so many pieces I really enjoy. One of the pieces that really sticks with me is in high school the Wind Ensemble brass played the third movement (Lento) from Philip Sparke’s “Dance Movements” at a performance venue to open the Longview Symphony Orchestra concert. This was probably one of the most beautiful pieces I’ve ever played.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I enjoy sitting at home and watching a new Netflix series.

Describe a normal day in the summer for you.

A regular summer day includes me hitting the gym, cooking a well-balanced meal, reading a good book (or watching Netflix), and sleeping.

Do you have any plans for the future?

My future plans include me going back to school, enrolling in a graduate degree program at (hopefully) Arizona State or Michigan State, and become a band director at the collegiate level. This has been a desire of mine for as long as I can remember. Also, I do have aspirations to referee basketball at the proleague level. I’ve thought heavily about the NBA and FIBA. Anything else we should know about you?

I have a twin brother named DeAndre (cool, right?). I’m the smarter, betterlooking twin. (LOL) He’s a basketball coach and teacher.

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August 2017

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

August 2017

Page 11

Board approves 2017 ‘Green Out’ pay increase for shirts on sale Aug. 7 teachers, tax rate

Longview ISD board members unanimously approved salary increases for district staff and adopted the 2017-18 tax rate during the July 17 regular meeting.

Recommended to the board by LISD Human Resources director Loretta Thompson Martin, the measure includes normal step increases for teachers, a 3 percent from the midpoint raise for other staff, and a $4-per-hour increase for bus drivers. Also approved is a new starting pay for bus drivers, increasing the rate from $13 an hour to $17.50 an hour, the highest starting pay for school bus drivers in East Texas.

The adopted tax rate is the same as the current rate: $1.04 for the maintenance and operations budget, 47.3 cents for the debt budget and $1.513 total. School districts are required to provide legal notice of its proposed tax rate ahead of voting on it officially.

Trustees will will formally adopt its 2017-18 budget and tax rate at a special meeting 11:30 a.m. Aug. 30.

TxDOT to add Montessori access Later, the board approved donating 0.119 acres of land and deceleration lane construction for the Texas Department of Transportation to provide access from Highway 80 into the East Texas Montessori Prep Academy.

Lynn Marshall, assistant superintendent for business, finance and facilities, said no funds will be utilized in the transaction, “since the district is paying construction costs for the deceleration lane.”

“Once completed, TxDOT will actually own the decel lane, which means they will be responsible for its maintenance and upkeep,” he said.

See-Saw to run Pre-K program In other action, the board approved agreement with See-Saw Children’s Place for afterschool care at the new East Texas Montessori Prep Academy.

See-Saw will also have the option to provide all-day school care on holidays, teacher inservice days, and summer break.

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 August 14.

The all new Green Out t-shirts will go on sale August 7-11 during the annual Lobo season ticket sale at the LISD Athletic Office on the corner of Hawkins Parkway and Airline Road.

Green Out shirts will be available in sizes Youth extra small through Adult 3XL. All shirts are $15 each.

The Longview ISD Foundation will accept cash, check, and credit card.

At the 16th annual Green Out Night at Lobo Stadium on Friday, Sept. 8, when the Lobos host their oldest rival, the Marshall Mavericks. Everyone wearing a 2017 Green Out t-shirt is invited on to the field before the game to form the Big Green Victory Line for the Lobos!

Green Out Night at Chick-fil-A will be from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, with the team arriving at 7 p.m. to meet the fans. KYKX will broadcast live from Chick-fil-A starting at 4:30 p.m. Mark your calendar now for the Lobo party of the year, and let’s show the Mavericks that the Lobo Nation owns East Texas!

Since 1995, the Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. has returned $ 720,000 to Longview ISD classrooms and campuses through the annual Great Reward for Great Ideas grant program and the Campus Initiative Grant Program to maximize the quality of education for students.

Green Out T-Shirts will also be on sale at the following locations and dates throughout August: Longview High: from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7-10, on students registration days LISD Convocation: 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 18, Lobo Coliseum Bramlette Elementary: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24 Hudson PEP Elementary: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21-24 Johnston-McQueen Elementary: 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Aug. 22-23 South Ward Elementary: 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24 Ware Elementary: 8:30 a.m.-Noon Saturday, Aug. 26 Judson Middle: Thursday, Aug. 24 at JMS Back to School Bash Foster Middle: 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31 Montessori Prep Academy Back To School Night Students with last name that begin with N-Z: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21 Students with last names that begin with A-M: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 23.

For more information contact the Longview ISD Foundation at (903) 452-7015 or (903) 663-4732.

Viewette now an Apache Belle!

Congratulations to 2016-17 Viewette Serenity Bolby, for being named a Tyler Junior College Freshman Apache Belle!

Would you like to help sponsor scholarships for our students?

Advertise with us!

903-758-6900

Page 12

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

August 2017

Student registration now underway With the current school year come and gone, online registration is now underway via InfoSnap on the Longview ISD website.

Once you have a snapcode for your student, you may begin the enrollment or verification process by creating an InfoSnap account. You will then need to fill out all of the required fields for your student and then complete all other relevant information on the rest of the online forms. If you are not given the option to submit the online form, you will need to go back and make sure that all required fields are complete.

If you are registering more than one student, begin the next child’s pre-registration after submitting the first registration so that you may share common information among those children, which will save you time. If you are not able to complete all of your children’s registrations at the same time, you may also log back into the site later on to began a new registration for addition students.

Remember to press the “save and submit” button before you leave the site. Note: You MUST complete all required fields before you are able to “save and submit.” At the end of the online process, parents are required to provide an electronic signature.

Parents must also provide updated immunization records (if necessary) before school begins and return proof of residency to the campus in August for all students.

To register your student online please go here: http://w3.lisd.org/online-registration.html For more information, please contact your campus principal or the LISD Education Support Center at (903) 381-2200

Silent Auction deadline Aug. 2 The LHS Majorettes are currently accepting donations for our annual Silent Auction to be held before the Lobo Band SNAP competition, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4th at Lobo Stadium. Donations ideas include gift cards for goods and services, movie tickets, gift baskets, decorating items, electronics, outdoor sports items, Lobo spirit items, just to name a few.

If you would like to make a donation (deadline Aug. 2nd), please contact a Majorette or Drum Major, or email us at lobomajorettes@gmail.com. Your support is greatly appreciated!

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August 2017

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Lobo season tickets on sale Aug. 7-11 Season tickets will be on sale at the LISD Athletic Office for last year’s season ticket holders from Aug. 7-11.

Those who wish to relocate from their previous seats should purchase tickets they have now and exchange them on “swap days” set for Aug. 15-16.

The general public will have the opportunity to purchase season tickets Aug 21-25.

Season tickets are $48 apiece for home games against Lufkin, Marshall, Dallas South Oak Cliff, Tyler Lee, North Mesquite and Rockwall-Heath.

Reserve seating or general admission tickets for away games will be available only during the week of the game on a first-come, first-served basis.

Season tickets will not be mailed and must be picked up at the LISD Athletic Office.

Tickets are sold in the athletic office the week of the game for home and away games from 8 a.m.4:30 p.m. (including the lunch hour) and until noon each Friday.

For more information please call the Athletic Office at (903) 381-3950.

Retired educators STRONGview concerned about Lobos pensions, vouchers Long view Lobos quarterback Haynes King, left, and tight end Logan Peters stopped by Peters Chevrolet recently to check out the latest inventory and give a little “gun show” to the fans. We’re all expecting a big season out of these two, and the rest of their teammates.

GO LOBOS!

Youth football camp signing up Aug. 7

Several retired East Texas educators met with other state educators in Austin, to rally against any changes to their retirement pensions and voucher program.

“This is an attack on public education and disrespect to the people who educate our children.” said Longview ISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox.

Many teachers say State Legislators have not funded their pensions, causing their healthcare premiums to significantly increase.

“My husband and I have gone from a $100 to $550 dollars for healthcare.”

Retired educator Beth Bassett said. “I was promised a pension and deserve to be honored for my work.”

I spoke with District 1 State Senator Bryan Hughes about his constituents concerns. “There will be no changes to any teacher pensions, we will add funding to the system.” Senator Bryan Hughes said. “I want to ensure everyone that their pensions are safe.”

With the current concerns over pensions and the voucher program, teachers tell me it is becoming difficult to attract high quality teachers.

The voucher program would take away public school money. “Parents would be able to send their children to a private school or church school, taking away the limited money we receive. Superintendent Wilcox said. “There would be no separation of church and state.

Senator Hughes encourages anyone with concerns to contact him.

Lobo Football Camp is set for 8:30-11:30 a.m. Aug. 7-9 at Lobo Stadium.

Camp is for students entering grades 1-9 in the fall of 2017.

Registration fee is $30, and registration is set for 7:30-8:30 a.m. on Aug. 7 at the high school turf room.

Campers will be provided breakfast and lunch each day.

Lobo Football will offer FREE EKG testing to all incoming 9th graders who attend the 2017 Lobo Youth Football Camp on August 7th-9th.

Testing will be conducted on 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9th in the Lobo Den Training Room.

For more information please call (903) 381-3950.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

Is your house safe from tigers?

By Brian Pitts, Technology Director Back in 1960, author and comedic storyteller, Alexander King, recounted how a particular friend always left King’s house with the benediction, “May this house be safe from tigers.” Upon questioning, his friend pointed out that in all the time he had been doing this, King had never once had a problem with tigers. In King’s own words, “Perfectly correct!”

In my K-12 internet house, various devices provide me with daily benedictions letting me know how keenly they want my house to be safe from viruses, spyware, hacking, bots and phishing (just to name a few!). I have artificially intelligent bouncers to keep things out that I don’t want in, and I have virtual parents that insist on knowing where everyone is going and what they will be doing and are perfectly willing to give opinions on whether that seems to be a good idea or not.

“I thought you were going to the library, young man! Your father did not give you the keys to the car so that you could go cruise the drive-in!” Each of these devices is an insufferable tattletale. They blab all day long about what everyone is doing to a virtual older sibling with a very long memory.

In our district, we do our best to train our students and staff about online safety issues and teach them their roles as good digital citizens. As users, they agree to our acceptable use policies and acknowledge their training as well as the risks inherent to the digital world. Internet safety: Check?

As it turns out, while I find all of this somewhat reassuring, ultimately I feel that it is, by itself, inadequate. I am not ready to give up my internet-watching virtual minions, but they don’t make me feel that things are particularly safe. And while we strive to find more effective ways to teach our students and staff about internet safety, I am not convinced that training alone is enough to mitigate the dangers. But what am I worried about? Which internet threat that we are not prepared for do I expect to be knocking on my door tomorrow? And that is just it. I don’t know! It will be unexpected!

Our school playgrounds are safe places, right? We buy products that are properly load-rated, snag-proof, pinch-proof, burn-proof and anti-microbial. We install them on surfaces that help prevent scraped knees, splinters and twisted ankles. We make sure the equipment is well-placed and spaced to prevent bumps, knocks and falls. We establish rules for the children to follow and teach them our expectations. We put signs at the doors so that they are reminded of the rules every time they go outside. So then we just open the doors and tell them to have at it, knowing that everything will be in perfect order in 30 minutes time. Well, no, we don’t do that! We keep our children under close human supervision. We watch and wait for the things to happen that we expect might happen, as well as things that we never thought we would see. “Sally, even if a cricket DOES just crawl into your mouth, you shouldn’t EAT it! Spit it out!”

For me, this then is the answer to the online threat I can’t name: vigilance.

Preferably of the human kind. We don’t let our students onto the playground unsupervised and the digital playground should be no different. Supervision itself provides students with a feeling of safety and allows them to be comfortable in their tasks. In larger school venues, physical supervision of students’ internet use is not likely to be enough or to be practical. Software tools can help teachers to be in more than one place at a time.

Often enough, the students themselves are aware of problems when teachers and staff are not. Providing a means for anonymous communication between students and designated staff can make students feel secure enough to let staff know about their concerns. Modern software packages can provide some automated help with

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the vigilance by helping to look for symptoms and indicators of online safety concerns that should be reviewed. This more selective approach of drawing our attention to indicators can prove invaluable because the log files that are part of the minions’ long memory are collected at a rate of tens of millions of entries per day in our schools and we aren’t a particularly large district. It would be impossible for us to pick out issues on our own. I should mention that the vigilance should probably come from someone as close to the students as is practical. While a substitute teacher might be better than having nobody on the playground, the student’s’ own teacher will know which ones have acquired a taste for munching bugs.

If your internet house isn’t safe from tigers, I do suggest that you address that right away. Watch out for

lions and bears too. You really can’t be too careful. Once you have secured yourself against the zoo, you can start to focus on the really dangerous things. The threat of online bullying and harassment is much more likely and more hazardous for students than elaborate phishing frauds meant to separate adults from their money. And while a rampant virus can ruin your tech department’s day and disrupt instruction, threats to our students’ well-being can have a life-long impact.

— Brian Pitts has been in charge of technology at LISD since 1998. He oversees computing, networking, communications and physical security for the district.

IN S IS TAN SU T E!

Texas Bank and Trust will donate $4.00 to your school for every new “Rockin‘L” card issued!

MEMBER FDIC TBT LISD Voice FAN.indd 1

7/24/17 2:08 PM

J S.T.A.R. Ministries 2017 Youth Explosion!

Back to School Safety Fair Saturday, Aug 12 10am – 12 noon LifeBridge Christian Center Montrae Holland Ex Dallas Cowboys Guard Motivational Speaker

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FREE School Supplies, Backpacks & More!

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For More Information Call Patrick 903-424-1757 or Linda 903-331-0911

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

August 2017