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“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” ― Hamilton Wright Mabie

Vol. IV December 20, 2019

Sharing the good news about Longview Independent School District

SEASON’S GREETINGS

LISD wishes all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around town and Longview Independent School District is no exception, as the pinnacle of the holiday season will soon be here.

“We want to wish all our students, staff, and community members a very safe and blessed holiday season,” said Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox. Holidays|Continued to page 6

CHRISTMAS BONUS? Staff earns over $2 million in incentive pay Longview ISD is awarding more than $2.8 million in incentive pay for achieving teachers, with a few of the very highest-performing teachers receiving upwards of $12,000 in their December paychecks. During their regular meeting on Dec. 16th the LISD Board of Trustees approved a $2 million-plus budget amendment as part Longview Incentive for Teachers

THE

ongview oice

(LIFT) pay for performance, more than eight times the $350,000 total amount paid out to staffers in 2014-15, the first year of the program.

ALLOTMENTS BY CAMPUS DISTINCTION

• Longview High School: 5 Academic Distinction Designations at $500 per distinction would yield $2,500 per person Bonus|Continued to page 9

Opinion Coming Events

2 3

Choir zSpace

4 5

Sports Dragonettes

11 13

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — December 20, 2019

OPINION

Charlie Brown, and the true meaning of Christmas By Matthew Prosser A few nights ago my family watched the annual broadcast of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and it occurred to me how different characters in the show seem to represent different ways of participating in the holiday. You have lovable blockhead Charlie Brown, wary and weary of overcommercialism, contrasted with his little sister Sally, who seems to revel in the pure avarice of it all. Then you have Lucy, representing a sort of vicious and pragmatic capitalism, offset by Linus taking a more spiritual tack, that culminates in his solemn recitation of the Gospel of Luke 2:8–14. There were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them: “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

dreams (with visions of And suddenly there sugar plums dancing to was with the angel a multhe Vince Guaraldi Trio titude of the heavenly host soundtrack), I pondered praising God, and saying: the same question. “Glory to God in the Like Charlie Brown, highest, and on earth peace, I too cannot help but good will toward men!” feel a sense of melanAfter we watched the choly during this time program, I asked each of my five children which PROSSER of year. Like Lucy, I’m suspicious that “a big character they identified eastern syndicate” is behind it with most. all. Like Linus, I’m glad to set My elder two (ages 19 and someone straight on the “reason 16) felt a kinship with Charlie Brown that often comes with the for the season.” Like Snoopy, I love a good “lights and display relative maturity and sophiscontest.” And like the little tication of adulthood. After all, tree that Charlie Brown finds, it can be hard to act as though we all “just need a little bit of “all is merry and bright” when love.” you’re more aware of all the A Charlie Brown Christmas problems in the world. reminds us that sometimes The middle child (age 13) (oftentimes), we overthink this said Lucy was most like her, whole Christmas thing. since she wants everything to When “A Charlie Brown be done right in accordance with Christmas” debuted on Dec. 9, protocol and tradition. Though 1965, CBS executives were so I’m a trifle concerned that she sure it would fail they informed may expect to find “real estate” its executive producer, Lee under the tree on Christmas Mendelson, they were showing morning. it only because they had already My youngest children (ages announced it in TV Guide. 10 and 8), of course, said they “Maybe it’s better suited to the were like Snoopy. Because they comic page,” they told him after love the idea of flying in a dog an advance showing. Despite six house and shooting down the months working on the show, Red Baron. Lol, whatever. the animation director, Bill MeAs they each nodded off to sleep, dreaming their Christmas lendez, felt much the same.

But the American public disagreed. In fact, 45 percent of Americans with a television set watched “A Charlie Brown Christmas” that night, making it the second highest rated show of the week (behind “Bonanza”). The program would go on to win numerous awards, became part of the cultural lexicon of the holidays, and continues to be broadcast decades after its initial airing. The placement of a single red ornament causes Charlie Brown’s molting little tree to buckle, leading him to believe that he has failed once again. “Everything I touch gets ruined,” he says, abandoning the tree (and the TV screen). I know what he means. Sometimes in our zeal to have it all, we miss the things that matter most. Much more than what comes in packages, boxes or bags. My hope for you all is that you all have something to enjoy, something to ponder, and someone to love during the holidays.

MERRY CHRISTMAS HAPPY NEW YEAR!

— Matthew Prosser is an award-winning journalist and photographer, currently he is Communications Specialist for Longview ISD

Make it a beautiful day in the neighborhood By Tamara Fyke The Learning Counsel I’m a child of the 70’s. I grew up watching Sesame Street, Captain Kangaroo, Krofft Supershow, and Schoolhouse Rock! But one of my favorite shows – even as an elementary school student – was Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. There was something about his calm demeanor and kind smile that made me feel like I was more than a television viewer. I was Mister Rogers’ friend. I remember when I was in second grade, my parents picked up my brother and me early from school and drove us downtown to a special theater. We were there for a live show of Mister Roger’s Neighborhood. I can’t recall much about that exciting day, but I do remember getting to meet Mister Rogers in person as we exited the theater. He stood outside the building greeting all of us as we left. As I walked by,

he shook my hand and ed the play space at the looked me in the eye as if local mall. And, of course, I were the most importwe were all delighted to ant person in the world. see the statue at RiverHe made me feel special. front Park. I recall linMister Rogers is from gering at the memorial, my hometown of Pittswith memories flooding burgh, Pennsylvania. my mind as I pledged He worked at our local myself to be an advocate public television station, for children like Mister FYKE WQED. As a child, I Rogers was. didn’t understand the efThe gift that Mister fect this man and his show were Rogers and his cast of characters having on millions of kids across — X the Owl, King Friday, Lady the country. He was my friend Elaine, Daniel Tiger, Mr. McFeefrom my town. ley and the others — offered us It wasn’t until I had children was a safe place to be kid. I could of my own, and we made trips use my imagination, explore my from Nashville to Pittsburgh to feelings, and ask questions withvisit their grandparents that I out being hushed. I was welcome began to understand the enorjust as I am. mous impact Mister Rogers had And isn’t that our goal as caron generations of children and ing adults. We want kids to come families. I proudly introduced my to us, laughing and crying. We three kids to the Land-of-Makewant to provide a safe place for Believe when we went to the them, as described in attachment Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh theory. and to the Trolley when we visitAs the movie A Beautiful Day

in the Neighborhood hits theaters across the U.S. on November 22, 2019, the news and talk shows are flooded with articles and interviews about this simple man who gave his life to help children through the vehicle of arts and media – television, music, and books. Once again, I am challenged and inspired to do all I can to serve. We don’t need to travel around the globe to do missions. We can start by being kind to the person who lives next door. — Tamara Fyke is an educator and editor of Building People: Social & Emotional Learning for Kids, Schools & Communities.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — December 20, 2019

PEP has ‘ginger baby’ stop by Hudson PEP third graders were given a gingery treat Tuesday, Dec. 2, as they learned the story of the “Gingerbread Baby.” Longview World of Wonders stopped by to read the story as the Gingerbread Baby jumped and played around on stage to the delight of the children. “This brings awareness that the WOW museum is (in Longview), but it also brings in our literature TEKS for third grade, like plot and story elements,” said Haley Sanford, a third grade teacher at Hudson. “So this gives the students a fun way to see the story elements.” Along with a story and character interaction, each student was given a ticket so they can visit LongviewWOW and get some hands on experience at a museum. Thank you LongviewWOW for all that you do for our children and for coming out to Hudson PEP today! For more information about LongviewWOW go to: www.LongviewWOW.org

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Coming Events December 20 End of 3rd Six Weeks 8:15 a.m. Sounds of Music (Hudson) 9:30 a.m. Christmas Parties (Hudson) 12 p.m. Hiway 80 Rescue Mission Toy Drop-Off (Longview Exhibit Building) December 21 8 a.m. LHS Boys Basketball vs Cedar Hill (Big D Classic) 8 a.m. Hiway 80 Rescue Mission Christmas Party (Longview Exhibit Building) December 23 10 a.m. Christmas Gift Wrapping Fundraiser (Longview Library) December 24 Christmas Eve December 25 Christmas Day December 30 10 a.m. LHS Soccer Girls vs Hallsville (LHS) 12 p.m. Lady Lobo Basketball vs Mt. Pleasant (Mt. Pleasant) December 31 New Year’s Eve January 1 New Year’s Day January 2 8 a.m. LHS Varsity Boys Soccer at Forney Tournament (Jan. 2-4) 8 a.m. LHS Boys Basketball at Lufkin Tournament 8 a.m. LHS Varsity Girls Soccer at Wylie Tournament January 3 12 p.m. Lady Lobo Basketball vs Mesquite Horn (Mesquite) 5 p.m. LHS Boys Basketball vs Mesquite Horn (LHS) January 7 5 p.m. LHS Boys Basketball vs Rockwall Heath (Rockwall) 5 p.m. LHS Girls Soccer vs Nacogdoches (Nacogdoches) 5:30 p.m. LHS Boys Soccer vs John Tyler (LHS)

Foster takes a trip to SFA campus Foster 8th grade takes SFA! Our students had a wonderful time visiting the planetarium at Stephen F. Austin State University.

January 9 8 a.m. LHS Boys Soccer Tournament (Jan. 9-11)

Public Notice All campuses and facilities will be closed for Winter Break from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE â€” December 20, 2019

Choir earns senior letterman jackets Congratulations to LHS Choir students; Kiyra Rose, Avione Davenport, Venecia Clayton, Shaâ€™Myria Love, and Scarlett Gauna! They received their LHS letter jackets on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

Foster Dragon Robotics competes in Longview The Foster Dragon Robotics team took part in a competition hosted by Pine Tree at Komatsuon in Longview on Wednesday, Dec. 4. Foster students Jacky Wang and Jonathan Lebanan won second place. Congratulations!

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — December 20, 2019

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zSpace brings ‘virtual reality’ to LISD The technology of the future is arriving at LISD campuses soon and some educators were at ESC to learn how to handle it. During a training seminar on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 9-10, zSpace was on hand to show teachers how to use their computers. What makes them so different from a normal computer is that zSpace combines elements of AR and VR to create lifelike experiences that are immersive and interactive. Using glasses that are about the size and weight of regular sunglasses, five sensors on them work in conjunction to bring objects on the screen to life. “The experience itself (is unique). It doesn’t require large equipment that the students have to wear,” said zSpace Senior Director of Sales Kevin Dougherty. “Students can lift the human heart off the screen, beating, in perfect proportion and manipulate it right there in front of them.” In August, the district board approved spending $500,000 to purchase computers for some LISD campuses: LHS, South Ward, Ned E. Williams, Hud-

son PEP, Judson and Foster. By purchasing these computers, students will be able to get a more hands on experience than would normally be possible. Something that might be cost prohibitive, such as taking apart a vehicles engine, to the downright impossible, seeing the moon up close and being able to break it down into its various layers, can all be done with zSpace’s computers. “There should be joy and excitement in learning. Learning should absolutely be tied to standards and assessment, but it should also be exploratory in nature so that the kids learn for learning’s sake. Not because they have to achieve a certain arbitrary goal,” Dougherty said. “I have no doubt that what’s going to happen with zSpace here will be revolutionary. It’s going to be awesome for the kids.” Over 1,000 districts in the nation have rolled out zSpace to some extent with nearly 100 in Texas. No district in the nation though has seen as big of a rollout as LISD is seeing, according to Dougherty. The training that the teachers received is the first train-the-trainers seminar that was district specific.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — December 20, 2019

HOLIDAYS |Continued from page 1 “And we look forward to everyone returning in January 2020 ready for another amazing year at Longview ISD!” Christmas break begins Dec. 23rd and lasts through Jan. 3rd, 2020. During this time all district offices will be closed. LISD students and staff are all eager for the holiday break, with a variety of hopes and plans for the season. “I asked Santa for a Nintendo Switch and a new bike,” said first-grader Xavier Garcia. “My dad said Santa better bring the Switch.” Classroom teacher Lisa Taylor said the most important thing for her this Christmas season is “rest.” “We’ve already done all our Christmas shopping, so I’m looking forward to curling up with a book and some hot cocoa and just taking it easy over the break,” she said. “Recharge my batteries a bit.” For many parents the priority is “making memories” while their kids are home

from school. “We’re going to be doing a lot of traveling, but mostly just around East Texas to visit family,” said Greg Williams. “Of course we’ll also make time to drive around and look at Christmas lights.” There are a number of various seasonal activities in and around the Longview area, we’ve included some of them in our Coming Events section (see Page 3), but you’re welcome to follow us on your preferred social media platform. You can find us on Facebook or Twitter by searching for “Longview ISD.” From all of our at Longview ISD, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to another

THE LONGVIEW VOICE â€” December 20, 2019

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• LISD schools earned 40 total distinctions on state accountability ratings, an increase from 34 earned last year, and the highest in the region. • Each year HUNDREDS of out-of-district students transfer INTO into Longview Independent School District, citing “education opportunities” as their reason. • International Baccalaureate project partners with “We Help Two” and sells “funky socks” to help supply legs and feet to amputees all over the world. • Brand new partnership for innovation with East Texas Advanced Academies which will bring new funding and ideas to public education. • Three campuses with national STEM certifications (Judson STEAM Academy, Bramlette STEAM Academy, and Ned E. Williams). • Largest FREE public Montessori school (for 3-to-5 year-olds) in the Nation. Provided free of charge to Longview area children. • Partnership with Longview Chamber of Commerce to help foster community partnerships and mentors for Ware students. • Went totally ‘green’ on all building projects resulting in a $200,000 award from SWEPCO for energy conservation • Graduates matriculating to EMT, Cosmetology, welding, Culinary Arts, Meat and Butchering programs nationally. • Eight-week Montessori training for other districts in Texas hosted by East Texas Montessori Prep Academy • Award-winning Theater Arts program with a director who has been with the district for more than 50 years. • Raising Highly Capable Kids parenting class in partnership with Longview Chamber of Commerce. • Horticulture Program harvests own bee hives to sell honey, wax, and wax products at FFA shows. • LIFT program annually paying out close to $1 million in staff bonuses for improved testing scores.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — December 20, 2019

• Hosted Adjunct Fair for SFA to help employ Adjunct staff in Longview and through Longview ISD. • Purchased multiple pieces of strategic real estate, without increased debt, for future expansion. • Every year of Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox tenure the LISD budget has been “in the black.” • Local corporate partnerships with Eastman and Komatsu and Longview Manufacturing Academy. • Hosted “Axe”epted East Texas meet and greet for area students attending SFA in Fall 2019. • Lobo Band continuing their string of 69 consecutive first-level honors at State Sweepstakes. • Bramlette STEAM Academy as National Capturing Kids’ Hearts national recognition/award. • Partnerships in education with UT, SMU, Texas Tech, SFA, KC, Letourneau, and UT-Tyler. • “Playing for Keeps” childcare program for students with children, as well as LISD staffers. • May 2019 hosted first LHS CTE Signing Day for students going to college or workforce. • More than 100 teachers earned Project Based Learning certifications in Spring 2019. • Multiple graduates with offers to Ivy League and other prestigious universities. • Lobo University to help prepare students and parents for life after high school. • 36 students graduate with Associates Degrees (50 projected in class of 2020). • Longview ISD middle school students earn “Duke Scholar” honors every year • LISD farm-to-table program, partnering with local farmers for cafeteria produce. • Award-winning elementary, middle school, and high school choir programs • Perfect scores on PSAT as middle schoolers from Foster Middle School.

• Only free public K-12 International Baccalaureate program in the world. • Fall 2018 LHS donated more than 400 coats to KLTV’s Coats for Kids. • Summer backpack program to make sure kids get fed year-round. • Signing Santa to help deaf ed students communicate with “Santa.” • Culinary Arts CTE student-led catering program began Fall 2018. • Only International Baccalaureate program east of Interstate 45. • More than 500 LHS students were taking dual-credit last year. • 116 incoming Freshman applying for dual credit courses. • State and National Technical Student Association winners. • Orchestra offered at elementary, middle and high school. • Named 2018 School Board of the Year from Region VIII. • More than 30 teachers with national STEM certifications. • Wall of Honor honors Veteran alumni and their families. • LHS music students annually perform at Carnegie Hall. • Privatized custodial services to save taxpayer dollars. • Gold Standard Award yearly for financial transparency. • Less than 2 percent dropout rate at Longview High. • Class of 2019 earned $8.5 million in scholarships. • 236 unduplicated seniors with dual credit hours. • Over 6500 hours of college by 2019 graduates. • 6,531 semester credit hours for dual credit. • Award-winning high school art program. • 2018 UIL Academic District Champions. • Class 6A State Football Champion. • 2,601 Workforce hours earned. • National Welding Champions.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — December 20, 2019

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JMQ council ready to serve their peers Congratulations to our Johnston-McQueen’s Student Council representatives! These 3rd, 4th and 5th graders are ready to start planning and serving JMQ. We look forward to seeing their hard work in the near future. BONUS |Continued from page 1 (225 staff = $562,500) • Early Grad High School: 5 Academic Distinction Designations at $500 per distinction would yield $2,500 per person (18 staff = $45,000) • Forest Park Middle: 5 Academic Distinction Designations at $500 per distinction would yield $2,500 per person (65 staff = $162,500) • Judson Middle: 3 Academic Distinction Designations at $500 per distinction would yield $1,500 per person (70 staff = $105,000) • Foster Middle: 7 Academic Distinction Designations at $500 per distinction would yield $3,500 per person (80 staff = $280,000) • Bramlette Elementary: 6 Academic Distinction Designations at $500 per distinction would yield $3,000 per person (55 staff = $165,000) • JL Everhart Elementary: 1 Academic Distinction Designations at $500 per distinction would yield $500 per person (65 staff = $32,500) • Hudson PEP Elementary: 6 Academic Distinction Designations at $500 per distinction would yield $3,000 per person (45 staff = $135,000) • Ned E. Williams Elementary: 5 Academic Distinction Designations at $500 per distinction would yield $2,500 per person (50 staff = $125,000) • Included in the allotment is $3,000 per teacher at East Texas Montessori Prep Academy (120 staff = $360,000); $4,000 for Instructional Support staff; and $2,000 for non-campus support staff. (All figures are tentative as of Dec. 10, 2019 and subject to change before disbursement.) “We’re thrilled with the excellent progress all our teachers and staff are making with students across the entire district,” said board president Ginia Northcutt. “It’s also wonderful to be able to reward those campuses that achieve state distinctions in helping students meet and exceed goals.” Longtime LISD board member Dr. Chris Mack agreed. “Our students perform betBonus|Continued to page 19

Who: High School Juniors

When: Wednesday January 29 and Thursday January 30 Where: Maude Cobb Convention Center

Time: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Each Day

Greater Longview Organization for Business & Education

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — December 20, 2019

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — December 20, 2019

SPORTS

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SWIMMING TO SUCCESS

Swim team dominates at Lobo Invitational C

ongratulations to Lobo and Lady Lobo Swim! They took OVER the Lobo Invitational Tuesday evening. Lobos competed against Pine Tree, Lufkin, Chapel Hill, New Diana, and Hallsville high school swim teams. Lady Lobos took first place, Lobos came in fourth place, and the combined team took first place for the event.

LADY LOBO SWIM RESULTS

Girls 200 Yard Medley Relay — 1st place Jenna Shireman, Kaitlyn Stewart, Gracie Ponder, and Rachael Smith Girls 200 Yard IM — 3rd place: Delia Fourie Girls 50 Yard Free: Rachael Smith (1st place), Ellie Woods (2nd place), Caroline Taylor (3rd place), Lilly Ginger Cannon/Shot By Cannons Photography

Swim|Continued to page 13

Jason Bush signs with Texas State Longview Lobo alum Jason Bush is headed to play at the next level! The TJC Apache signed to play with Texas State on Wednesday morning, Nov. 13.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — December 20, 2019

Lady Lobos start the season with giving Lady Lobo Basketball kicked off the holiday season with some community service. On Tuesday evening, Nov. 3, the ladies were ringing bells and gathering donations for Salvation Army. Thank you Lady Lobos for all you do!

Dick’s Sporting Goods donates $1,000 to Judson Terrance and Sally with Dick’s Sporting Goods dropped by Judson STEAM Academy to make a contribution of $1,000 to the athletic department on Friday, Dec. 6. The donation was a part of Dick’s Sports Matter program. The program is an initiative that supports keeping kids active and “teaching our children fundamental values.”

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — December 20, 2019

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Dragonettes compete at holiday classic Great job Dragonettes for scoring Supreme hip hop (highest hip hop score of the day — including high schools) at the Showtime International Holiday Classic on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Williams Middle School in Rockwall. 3rd place best of the best team (top overall score average for the entire competition- beating 14 schools including high schools and studios) Runner Up Winner Circle Sweepstakes and judges award Best in category Hip hop Best in category Lyrical Runner Up Pom Farah: 1st division solo Keva: 1st division solo

SWIM |Continued from page 11 Purdum (8th place), Ashlynn Whatley (9th place), Jasmine Cisneros (11th place), Lauren Caldwell (13th place), Madyson Melton (14th place) Girls 100 Yard Fly — 1st Place: Gracie Ponder Girls 100 Yard Free: Rachael Smith (2nd place), Kaitlyn Stewart (4th place), Caroline Taylor (5th place), Madyson Melton (12th place), Jasmine Cisneros (13th place), Lauren Caldwell (14th place) Girls 500 Yard Free — 1st place: Jenna Shireman Girl 200 Yard Free Relay: 1st place - Elle Woods, Kaitlyn Stewart, Caroline Taylor, and Gracie Ponder; 4th place - Athens Khieo, Ashlynn Whatley, Delia Fourie, Lilly Purdum Girls 100 Yard Back: 1st place - Jenna Shireman; 4th place - Ashlynn Whately Girls 100 Yard Breast: 2nd place — Kaitlyn Stewart; 3rd place — Lilly Purdum Girls 400 Yard Free Relay: 1st place — Jenna Shireman, Rachael Smith, Caroline Taylor, and Gracie Ponder; 3rd place — Athena Khieo, Ashlynn Whatley, Delia Fourie, and Elle Woods

BOYS LOBO SWIM RESULTS

Boys 200 Yard Medley Relay — 3rd place: Braden Nickel, Richard Windom, Joseph Egbe, and Zane Bunn Boys 200 Yard Free — 3rd place: Zane Bunn Boys 50 Yard Free: Brandon Nickel (4th place), Tavin Perino (15th place), Alex Keiss (17th place) Boys 100 Yard Free: Joseph Egbe (2nd place), Alex Keiss (7th place), Tavin Perino (8th place) Boys 200 yard Free Relay — 1st place: Joseph Egbe, Zane Bunn, Braden Nickel, and Richard Windom Boys 400 Yard Free Relay — 2nd place: Joseph Egbe, Zane Bunn, Braden Nickel, and Richard Windom

December 2019 Provided by LONGVIEW ISD

Tips for Sticking to Your Diet During the Holidays The holidays bring to mind thoughts of family, friends, fun and food. However, each year, millions of Americans struggle to maintain their waistlines during the holidays while surrounded by tempting holiday treats. With so many social gatherings during this time, it can be difficult to avoid treating yourself when you’re offered good food and drinks. Whether you’re dieting or just trying to maintain your healthy lifestyle, fear not—you can survive the holidays and wake up on Jan. 1 without feeling remorse or guilt. Consider the following tips: 

Don’t go to a party hungry—Eat before attending a party so you don’t arrive on an empty stomach and devour everything in sight.



Eat slowly—Be mindful of every chew. It takes your body 20 minutes to realize when it’s full.



Pace yourself when drinking—Alcohol can be dangerous at holiday parties, as overindulgence cannot only cause embarrassment, but also pack on the pounds.



Make socializing your top priority—If you’re distracted with conversation, you’ll be occupied and less likely to indulge in food or drinks.



Don’t feel pressured to eat leftovers—If you have an abundance of leftovers after hosting a party, don’t feel like you have to eat them just because you don’t want them to go to waste.



Practice self-control—For example, allow yourself one plate of food at a party, and promise yourself that you won’t go back for seconds.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. Readers should contact a health professional for appropriate advice. © 2019 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — December 20, 2019

Report: Millions of gifted children aren’t known By Danielle Dreilinger Mind/Shift ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — As many as 3.6 million gifted children are being overlooked in school — more than the 3.3 million U.S. public school children already labeled as gifted. That’s according to a report from Purdue University’s Gifted Education Research and Resource Institute, GER2I, released this month at the annual convention of the National Association for Gifted Children, or NAGC. Four of 10 children attended public schools where not a single student was identified as gifted, even though most states legally require schools to find and serve gifted children and provide money to do so. There’s “untapped potential around the country,” the report’s co-author Gilman Whiting of Vanderbilt University said. The report comes at a time when New York City and Seattle are arguing over proposals to eliminate gifted education altogether due to racial discrimination and inequality in gifted programs.

Research has shown for many years that Asian, white and higher-income students are disproportionately likely to be classified as gifted. The GER2I report paints a dismal picture of ongoing inequality in gifted education despite efforts to find more gifted children of color and gifted children from low-income families. After analyzing public school civil rights data from the federal Education Department for the 2015-16 school year, the most recent available, researchers were startled to find very few bright spots. “Nothing has actually changed,” GER2I director Marcia Gentry said to a room of educators at the conference. “You came here to be depressed, right?” On average, in the six of 10 schools that have identified gifted children, 10 percent of students were classified as gifted. However, there was a wealth gap: Low-income schools identified 8 percent of their students as gifted, compared to 13 percent of students at wealthier schools, according to the report. Gentry estimated that two- thirds Gifted|Continued to page 16

Local officials look to children for help over census By Troy Closson The Texas Tribune Teresa Flores knows the costs of a census undercount as well as anyone. As the executive director of the Hidalgo County Head Start Program, one of the area’s most underfunded services, she watched low funding after a 2010 undercount cap the program’s maximum enrollment around 3,600 students. More than 14,000 other children could qualify for the program, Flores estimates, but she barely has enough money to maintain the current level of enrollment — even with additional state grants. Many of her students come from immigrant and non-English speaking households, two groups that are among the hardest to count in Texas. Though the efforts to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census form failed, she’s spoken with families who still fear inquires into their citizenship. But as someone with a long-established role in the community, Flores said she’s been able to

relieve anxieties about sending information to the government and correct misinformation. By herself though, she can’t do that for everyone. In looking for new approaches to census engagement — ones that residents can trust — the Hidalgo County committee focused on getting a complete count of the area’s population is increasingly targeting its outreach toward an unconventional group of residents: children and teenagers. “When parents come and sign their children in and out, we’re able to speak with them about their participation,” Flores said. “Children could be the best people to continue those conversations all night long once they get home, and ease those concerns on a long-term basis.” Hidalgo County leaders aren’t alone. With billions in federal funding

at stake and a possible undercount of the state’s Hispanic and black population looming, other counties and community groups across Texas are making schools and students a cornerstone of their attempts to cut through a lack of engagement in the census and boost participation among communities that are historically missed in the count. Erika Reyna-Velazquez is among those who believe children can be the ones to both break down the ingrained fear and mistrust of govern-

ment some families cite as the reason they don’t participate and educate them about the effects of non-participation. After the last legislative session closed with lawmakers spending no money on census efforts, Texas became one of fewer than 15 states without a statewide plan for the decennial count. But she agreed with Flores that damage to residents’ perception of the census had already been done by the failed citizenship Census|Continued to page 16

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — December 20, 2019

EPISD board considers no homework policy By Hannah Jones NBCDFW El Pado’s biggest school district is looking at the possibility of eliminating homework at all of its elementary schools. According to a report from KTSM, the El Paso Independent School District board of trustees received research and data Tuesday morning. The research includes recommendations and suggestions for the elementary schools to consider regarding the appropriate amount of homework students should be given. One of these suggestions is the “10-minute rule”,

which would mean that a student’s daily homework assignments should only require 10 minutes multiplied by the student’s grade level, KTSM reports. Some school board members said the “No Homework” policy would benefit elementary school students because they could instead dedicate more time to reading after school. Right now, only two of 43 campuses in El Paso Independent School District have “No Homework” policy, KTSM reports. KTSM reported that the school district board of trustees is expected to revisit the discussion later this month or January.

GIFTED |Continued from page 14 to three-quarters of gifted African American students are overlooked. “We’re losing talent,” she said. Gifted students typically get to jump ahead in lessons, take more challenging classes or participate in enrichment activities, such as engineering or drama. As with special education students, gifted children may attend separate programs, or they may receive services in an ordinary classroom. Some bright students who don’t get extra resources do fine on their own but lose the opportunity to, say, take college math in high school, experts at the conference said. However, some get bored, disengage, underperform and even drop out, or are simply never noticed or encouraged. A majority of states required schools to find gifted children at the time the data was collected. Most, Gentry said, based their definition of giftedness on federal guidelines: “Students, children, or youth who give evidence of high achievement capability in areas such as intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership capacity, or in specific academic fields, and who need

services and activities not ordinarily provided by the school in order to fully develop those capabilities.” And yet, a child considered gifted at one school might not make the cut in the state next door, or even in a nearby district. State rules and oversight for identifying gifted students vary widely, and education departments generally don’t do a good job of communicating the parameters. This year, Ohio approved 27 different tests for identifying gifted students. The GER2I report measured access to special gifted services, not the quality of those services. In some states, racial disparities are vast. In Virginia, black students make up one-quarter of public school students, but 11 percent of gifted students. Idaho, Montana, New Hampshire and Wyoming each identified fewer than 35 black children — statewide — as gifted. South Dakota has no state mandate to find or specially educate gifted students. The number of identified gifted students of color there is vanishingly small: Just 31 of the state’s almost 4,000 African American students and 56 of its 15,000

Native students were labeled as gifted. Alaska found only 241 of its almost 31,000 Native students to be gifted. The research team is currently calculating gifted identification among English language learners. Across the board, the share of white and Asian students in gifted education was about the same as, or higher than, their presence in their overall student body. Gentry told the conference attendees that she preferred not to call them “overrepresented” in gifted education but instead to say “well-represented,” because “I don’t want to un-identify kids.” To calculate the number of 3.6 million overlooked students, the researchers first applied the 10 percent average to the roughly 4 of 10 schools that had identified no gifted students at all, Gentry said. Then they adjusted that number for the thousands of Latinx, African American, Native American/Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander students who would have been included if they were found to be gifted at the same rate as their white and Asian peers.

Census |Continued from page 14 question debate. The lack of state funding only exacerbated the need to brainstorm new forms of engagement, said Reyna-Velazquez, who is leading the county’s census efforts. As traditional neighborhood canvassing became a less viable option for residents too afraid to even open up their doors, Reyna-Velazquez said working through children across the county became a greater priority. “We realized they could be an incredible way to get families engaged,” Reyna-Velazquez said. “They’re the ones who can remind their parents why they should care about the census and need to respond. Who can say, as

children, this is why my siblings and I need to be counted.”

UNORTHODOX APPROACH

Victoria Le isn’t sure whether her parents filled out census forms in 2010. But after working on a complete count campaign at her school, the 18-year-old said she’s making sure they do this time. Le is a recent graduate of Alief Early College High School in southwest Houston, where she and 15 other students spent months researching new approaches to fighting an undercount and marketing those plans to hard to count residents. Their work was initially regarded by other students as nothing more than a minor passion project, Le said. Then the group threw its first major event last spring, where students competed for prizes as they learned more about the census and ways to get their families engaged. “It was just an insane success,” said Jordan Carswell, the program’s director. “When people see half the student body showing up and

going completely crazy over census games, they start asking questions. They knew how to get their peers energized, and when you see how passionate they are about it, it’s hard to not to feel the same way.” Carswell said the campaign came together when Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner asked him to get students involved with census engagement. Alief ISD is part of Houston and Harris County’s joint $4 million effort to achieve an accurate count. There’s also a coalition of more than 50 local nonprofits and organizations working

with them to mobilize communities. Like in other major cities, many of Houston’s 2.3 million residents fall into the categories of people that are often the hardest to count. But local officials say they’re anticipating the added challenge of widespread displacement after Hurricane Harvey. While more than 13 million people throughout the region were affected, surveys showed Hispanic and black residents reported the highest rates of property loss and slowest recovery times.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE â€” December 20, 2019

Health|Continued to page 19

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE â€” December 20, 2019

Longview ISD School Menus Montessori Breakfast 6

Morning Sausage Honey Graham Crackers Milk Syrup Fruit Choice

Scrambled Eggs Sausage Patty Toast Honey Graham Crackers Milk Syrup Fruit Choice

French Toast Sticks Honey Graham Crackers Milk Syrup Fruit Choice

Biscuit Sausage Patty Honey Graham Crackers Milk Syrup Fruit Choice

10 Breakfast Sausage Pizza Honey Graham Crackers Milk Syrup Fruit Choice

Montessori Lunch

6 Drumsticks Applesauce Whole Baby Carrots Mashed Potatoes Milk

Beef Tacos, Soft Spanish Rice Charro Beans Milk Cheese

9 Hot Dog Applesauce Baked Beans Colossal Crisp Potatoes Milk

Chicken Rings Honey Wheat Roll Applesauce Green Beans Mashed Potatoes Milk

10 Turkey, Cheese Sandwich Applesauce Whole Baby Carrots Broccoli with Cheese Sauce Milk

Elementary Breakfast 6 Mini Cinnamon Roll Honey Graham Crackers Milk

7 Morning Sausage Kolache Honey Graham Crackers Milk

8 Honey Graham Crackers Toast Milk Scrambled Eggs Sausage Patty

9 Breakfast Sausage Pizza Honey Graham Crackers Milk

10 Honey Graham Crackers Milk

Elementary Lunch 6

7 Italian Spaghetti Garlic Toast Cheese Pizza Carrots Broccoli Florets Tossed Salad Ranch Dressing Milk Fruit Choice

Beef Rotel Dip Chicken Rotel Dip Charro Beans Spanish Rice Salsa Milk Fruit Choice

Sub Sandwich Turkey Hoagie Milk Mayonnaise Fruit Choice

10 Chicken Rings Mashed Potatoes Brown Gravy Green Beans Honey Wheat Roll Milk Fruit Choice

Hot Dog Colossal Crisp Potatoes Baked Beans Milk Mayonnaise Fruit Choice

Middle School Breakfast 6 Mini Cinnamon Roll Honey Graham Crackers Milk

7 Morning Sausage Kolache Honey Graham Crackers Milk

8 Honey Graham Crackers Toast Milk Scrambled Eggs Sausage Patty

9 Breakfast Sausage Pizza Honey Graham Crackers Milk

10 Honey Graham Crackers Milk

Middle School Lunch 6

7 Chicken Fried Steak Honey Wheat Roll Broccoli Casserole Carrots Roasted Potatoes Milk

8 Taco Salad Milk

9 Chicken Rings Honey Wheat Roll Mashed Potatoes Green Beans Milk

10 Hot Dog Hot Dog with Chili Baked Beans Season Fries Milk

Beef Rotel Dip Chicken Rotel Dip Spanish Rice Shredded Romaine Lettuce Charro Beans Pico de Gallo Milk

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — December 20, 2019

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Study: Facebook destroys emotional health By Minda Zetlin Want to stay healthy, both emotionally and physically? Researchers from UC San Diego and Yale have some simple advice for you: Limit the amount of time you spend on Facebook. While this may sound like typical anti-social media crankiness from academia, this time they have some impressive research to back up their case. Holly Shakya, assistant professor at UC San Diego, and Yale professor Nicholas Christakis spent two years following 5,208 adults who are part of a Gallup long-term study. After asking permission, they monitored these subjects’ Facebook use directly from Facebook, rather than asking subjects to report their own use. (People often don’t realize how much time they spend on the social network.) And they checked in with subjects on their emotional and physical well-being, as well as their body-mass index (BMI), three times over the course of two years. “Overall, our results showed that, while real-world social networks were positively associated with overall well-being, the use of Facebook was negatively associated with overall well-being,” the researchers wrote in a Harvard Business Review article. “These results

were particularly strong for mental health; most measures of Facebook use in one year predicted a decrease in mental health in a later year.” Yikes. Why is too much Facebook bad for your emotional health? Previous research has shown that the social network creates a sort of false peer pressure. Since most people are cautious about posting negative or upsetting experiences on Facebook, the social network creates a misleading environment where everyone seems to be doing better and having more fun than you are. As the researchers put it, “Exposure to the carefully curated images from others’ lives leads to negative self-comparison.”

checking out your friends’ latest posts. So what should you do? I’m not going to tell you to stop using Facebook. You wouldn’t listen to me anyway, and with so many people the world over using the network, it’s impossible to just ignore it. But limit your use to no more than the hour or so each day that the average Facebook user spends on the site. And try to put down your phone more often, look up at the people around you, and join the conversation that’s happening in the real world.

NO SUBSTITUTE FOR THE REAL THING

But what of Facebook’s magical ability to connect you to friends and family even when they’re far away? To help you find long-lost friends and relatives? To help you keep up on what’s going on with all the important people in your life? There’s lots of research to show that having a social circle and an active social life and community leads to better health and greater longevity. The researchers wondered if a virtual social life and community would create the same benefits.

BONUS |Continued from page 9 ter, our teachers make more money,” he said. “It’s as simple as that.” Dr. Jody Clements, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources/Community Relations, said the funds are scheduled to go out in December’s pay period. “This program is 100 percent funded through local funds from the fund balance, as approved by the LISD Board of Trustees,” he added. The Longview Incentive for Teachers Pay for Performance Award Model, the LIFT Campus Academic Distinction Designation Pay for Performance Payout and the EOC High Stakes Re-Testers Model Payout has seen a steady increase in teacher success since the program began. “But that’s exactly what the board’s intention was for this program, to have more staff meeting the requirements,” said Longview ISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox. “The criteria is still the same; we’ve just had significantly more

No, they don’t, as these results make clear--in fact they have the opposite effect. In addition to negative self-comparison, the researchers note, increased use of Facebook and other social media tends to take up a lot of people’s time and can create an illusion of closeness. To the extent that time spent on Facebook takes you away from real-world social gatherings, you lose the benefit of being in a community, the researchers say. The same is likely true if you’re at a gathering in body, but your eyes and mind are locked on your smartphone,

teachers qualify.” LISD has been using the Education Value Added Assessment System to measure student progress based on statistical data submitted each year. If a student shows an expected amount of progress, the teacher is not rewarded. But if the student shows greater than expected progress, the teacher is given an incentive based on the exceptional progress amount. Based on a “value-added” system and “achievement,” core subject area teachers with economically disadvantaged students showing exceptional or more than expected progress in core subject areas could receive about a $140 incentive or $200 incentive per student, depending on the level of progress. The campus distinction designation awards will give $500 per campus distinction to each full-time staff member at the school. Qualifying staff must be fulltime and have an attendance rate of 97 percent.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE â€” December 20, 2019

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