Volume IV, Issue 3 (March 2019)

ongview Voice

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” ―Lucius Annaeus Seneca

THE

Sharing the good news about LISD!

Vol. 4 No. 3 March 2019

A publication of Longview Independent School District

Complimentary Copy

PRINCIPAL PROFILE

Mr. Joaquin Guerrero: ‘Mission is Mastery’

South Ward Elementary Principal Joaquin Guerrero is no stranger to Longview ISD, and he brings considerable experience and skills to his new role in the district. A veteran teacher, coach, and administrator, Mr. Guerrero shared how his military career helped shape his philosophy as a mentor as well as an education professional, and how he hopes to serve the students and families in his care.

Longview ISD spokeswoman Elizabeth Ross sat down with Mr. Guerrero last month to talk about his goals and vision for South Ward Elementary.

When did you decide you wanted to work in education?

My mother was a teacher, so education as a career was part of my life. I would help her with tutoring after school when I would come in from the military. I had made a decision the first time I left the Army to go into education but I really saw as an officer the need for good education.

As we compete in business, military, and other realms, it is critical that our young people have the knowledge, thinking, and abilities to compete in a more connected and continually advancing world.

What was your most challenging moment in education?

The emotional piece of education is the most challenging. Dealing with the frustrations and enjoying the moments of learning are the most exciting parts of the education process. I remember one experience when a student was cursing in class so I brought them outside to address it. They said they were going to continue to curse and they were not concerned about going to the office. They returned from the office still cursing. I learned that as long as I controlled my reaction and as long as I maintain my composure, it was a personal challenge of self-discipline. I also learned I had other levers of persuasion by collaborating directly with parents, who have high hopes and expectations of their children and more levers of influence.

What was your most rewarding moment in education?

I have learned much of life is like a roller coaster: there are ups and downs, and much of the time, one will follow the other. The sustaining piece is finding meaning and progress toward improvement. When I see students or staff do things they have never

done before it gives me joy. For example, in the Ninth Grade Initiative, we had to learn to work in cross-curricular teams to support student learning. It was a lot of planning, experimentation, and new learning which was challenging, but it was also fun and rewarding seeing teachers and students progress.

Who has been your role model/mentor through this journey, and how have they shaped this path?

I think that each person I have worked with has taught me something. There is no one way to do things, there are different approaches. The captains, colonels, superintendents, and principals I have worked with all have had their own strengths and styles. There is an art in leadership and each leader is their own person. Once one lets go of trying to be someone else and focus bringing out your own voice and vision, it is a model for others. We are studying

the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People as a campus. The 8th Habit: “Find Your Voice and Inspire Others Find Theirs” deserved its own book. That is empowering leadership.

What would you say to someone you were mentoring to become a campus administrator?

I believe it is said best in the proverb: “It is better to be patient than powerful. It is better to win control over yourself than whole cities.” There are many examples of leaders who made mistakes because they couldn’t control their emotions or their attention. We are in the business of learning and growing and that takes patience and persistence.

What would you say to someone who wants to become a teacher?

Do it. This is by far the most challenging and engaging job a person could ever have.

Most people are shaped most fundamentally by their earliest experiences, when they are

Principal Profile|Continued to page 3

Abbott praises From ‘Hiway 80’ LISD innovation to High School Graduate During his State of the State Address on Feb. 5th in Austin, Gov. Greg Abbott lauded Longview ISD for finding educational pathways for every student, as well as Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox’s initiative to reward educator’s for helping students grow and reach their full potential.

Gov. Abbott mentioned Longview ISD among five school systems statewide in which “every student graduates with more than just a diploma. They will graduate with the tools they need to excel in college or a career.”

“I think it was great,” said state Rep. Jay Dean, R-Longview. “People from education are very impressed with Longview ISD’s innovative approach to teaching our kids.”

Longview ISD Superintendent James Wilcox was invited to the address by Abbott and was in attendance. Wilcox said the district is honored.

“Sometimes you get so focused on

THE

Longview Voice

addressing the immediate needs and goals of the district that you don’t always consider the broader impact it has across state,” he said. “But to have elected officials across the state singling out our people and programs for praise, it just shows what a remarkable job Longview ISD is doing for our community.”

After the address, Gov. Abbott took the time to meeting with the superintendents he recognized. Longview ISD was one of four districts recognized and the only district from East Texas.

Gov. Abbott grew up in Longview during his elementary school years, attending school in Longview ISD, before moving to the Dallas area in middle school.

Thank you Gov. Abbott for the recognition, we hope to continue to be a district that helps lead the way!

Opinion Community Protector

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By Channing Curtis, CBS 19 Every high school student goes through their own struggles to reach the ultimate goal of graduation. However, Yoselin Sianez’s journey through high school was harder than most.

“It was just really stressful. The struggling and all that,” Sianez said. “I didn’t really want to go through all four years of high school just struggling.”

Sianez and her family were homeless when they moved into the Hiway 80 Rescue Mission in Longview. Though it was a comfort to have a roof over her head each night, she still struggled to get through each year.

Melissa Black, the Director of Women and Family Services at Hiway 80, told Sianez about some of the resources at Longview ISD to get her through early graduation.

“We want to make sure that they’re reaching those educational goals. We want to make sure that they get that diploma,” Black explained. “So when I found out she was struggling with it, I wanted her to be aware that there’s other options, that it doesn’t have to be you drop out.”

Yoselin didn’t drop out. On February 11th, Yoselin graduated from high school.

“To see Yoselin graduate and just to see the smile on her face that night was just

Steam Fair Sports

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wonderful,” Black said.

With high school now behind her, Yoselin is looking ahead towards a bright future.

“Now I can just go to college and become a nurse,” said Yoselin.

It is career that would provide the formerly homeless teen something she always wanted: A place to call home.

Hall of Honor 2019 Grant Winners

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

March 2019

OPINION

Try to live your life ‘outside the box’

By Mayor Andy Mack

Dear Lobos, Boy, oh boy, oh boy, am I getting old?

I came to realize this in a whole new way, this past weekend while I was sitting in the Mickey Melton Auditorium enjoying the Senior Celebration. It was a true joy to be there in the presence of all of you young people celebrating your accomplishments and watching you all walk across that stage with your classmates. It’s a night you should never forget and will stay with you for the rest of your life. You will probably look back in 20 or 30 years, and I promise you will laugh at yourselves—which is a good thing!

I look back at my pictures from prom and senior celebration, when I was your age and wonder what I was thinking! I look at those pictures and think, “What in the world am I wearing?”, “Look at that hair!”, or “Where were my friends’ opinions during these wardrobe choices?” I mean come on!

So my guess is, you are going to do the exact same thing! I know, because I have witnessed that with all three of my children who went through Longview High School’s Senior Celebration. They have each looked back at those pictures taken just a few short years ago, and we laugh and laugh; especially my oldest daughter, Spencer. We kid her about her hair. It looked ridiculous, and those are her own words. There was so much hair spray in her hair that it doesn’t even look like her. The expression, “The higher the hair, the closer to God,” totally defined that time in her life, except add a little more tease on top of that. It was too much. The same thing happened with my daughter, Madison. They were so

concerned with how they looked and changing their appearance you can’t even recognize who they are. I laugh and laugh at that, and so do they.

But back to the point... aside from the excitement of being with all of you young people, I was incredibly proud to listen to the accomplishments of each individual as they walked up on that stage with their escort.

Every single individual had an impressive list of things they had done throughout their high school career. I’m so proud of you. I’m so happy that you had a productive and fruitful high school journey.

Taking it back to my beginning thoughts though, throughout the celebration, I came to realize that I am either: a) very out of date with fashion, or, b) I just need to go shopping. I’m going to be honest—every girl that I saw just looked beautiful. Your dresses were beautiful, you all looked radiant, and the guys looked just as good.

But the guys are what caused me to doubt my own fashion sense. Their sparkly jackets, the glittery shoes, and the pants that came up about mid shin. My daughters informed me these are “joggers” and are “in style,” but I’ve never seen that before that night. I’m not saying it looked bad, it’s just not what I’m accustomed to. I was commenting to my wife that my fashion sense has gone out the window because I just didn’t relate to it. She promptly let me know that style has became popular thanks to Pharrell Williams who wore it at the Oscars a few years back. He wore midshin pants one year and the next year wore

short pants. When she showed me a photo of Pharrell, I had to admit that you guys were right on target with that look.

Sometimes we can get off track with regard to what we think or how we react to things outside of our own comfort zones. I can tell you at my age that style will not work for me. However, that doesn’t mean I should close my mind to the idea of it because it was sure working for those seniors that night!

Senior Celebration taught me I can learn something from someone every day. I learned from you all on Saturday night that you have to adapt and adjust because if you live your whole life with just your thoughts and your perspectives and your ways, you will lead a very boring life. Everyone around you will have a different viewpoint—sometimes they align with what you believe and agree with, and sometimes they don’t. There is no right or wrong opinion, so don’t get hung up on always having the need for everyone to conform to you. Try opening your mind to those differing opinions around you for a change and see how that works out. I can guarantee you this will come to mind the next time I’m looking for a suit or an outfit to wear to an occasion. I’m going to reevaluate my situation because of what I learned from spending an evening with some high school students, and I really appreciate that.

In your next life chapter, you will find that life is going to come after you full force and from all directions. You are going to have some preconceived ideas and notions on what you think. Don’t be afraid to

look outside the box and get information and ideas from other people around you, especially people that you trust, that love you, that have taught you and have given you guidance throughout your lives. Learn from other people- you don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time a new idea comes up. It might even spur you to think in a different direction that gives your idea more credibility. There’s an old saying, “We don’t see the forest for the trees”, and it makes a lot of sense and is very true.

After Senior Celebration, my brothers and I were all sitting around at Sunday lunch discussing the previous evening. Of course, the topic of this new style that none of us old people understood came up, and Chris commented that if anyone was going to try it in our family, it would have been me! Well guys, you have nothing to worry about. You will probably never see me in that outfit. If I could pull it off, I certainly would, but at my age, I would get laughed out of whatever event I was attending.

However, I commend you for being individuals, for making statements, for having courage to get up there on that stage and express yourself.

With that being said, all I can say is, WOW I’m getting old... and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for prom.

Study hard, have some fun and 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.

Important bulletin about teacher retirement!

By Tim Lee, TRTA Director The major action earlier this year by the Texas Retired Teachers Association Board of Trustees to lower their investment rate of return assumption from 8 percent to 7.25 percent will shape our state’s public policy on the Teacher Retirement System for years to come.

Texas Retired Teachers Association is grateful to all the TRS Trustees for their long deliberation of this issue.

This decision did not come easy and it did not occur without serious thought given to its wide-ranging ramifications.

We will direct all our efforts to ensure adequate funding is achieved for the pension fund.

Ultimately, the real focus must now be on our legislative activity. We must educate our elected officials and encourage them to do the right thing.

Texas Retired Teachers Association believes: • TRS must be managed by sound actuarial principles as outlined in Article 16 Section 67 of the Texas

is NOT a doomsday moment, Constitution; but we must recognize the • The Legislature should next session will present an work with Texas Retired unparalleled challenge to Texas Teachers Association and Retired Teachers Association other stakeholders to ensure and its members. the fund is appropriately We will need to utilize all funded and able to meet our advocacy skill, educational the actuarial conditions experience and our never-givenecessary to amortize up determination to help the promised benefit increases; Legislature agree to public policy • Texas TRS retirees are supporting our Texas Retired struggling financially. Every Teachers Association members effort must be made to LEE and education retirees. provide a benefit increase We must advocate for a sound to TRS annuitants; • Texas Retired Teachers funding policy; a policy that keeps the Association will OPPOSE any effort to promise to our active school employees reduce promised benefits to future and provides a benefit increase for our TRS retirees. We will OPPOSE any current retirees.

Now is a time for action. The attempt to transition TRS from a traditional defined benefit plan to a Legislature will need to act on these new funding challenges. privatized defined contribution plan; For Texas Retired Teachers • TRS-Care needs additional Association members now is the time for appropriation to stabilize the health care plan and reduce out-of-pocket education, advocacy and outreach. We costs to those who depend on it for need to work with our elected officials and improve TRS funding. their health care needs.

Now is also a time to act and We believe in our members and participate in the electoral process and their ability to communicate with elected officials. The TRS decision vote for those who choose to do the right thing to help TRS and TRS retirees.

If you have any doubt about your elected official supporting TRS and our Texas Retired Teachers Association agenda, now is the time to ask them.

Here are some good questions to ask those running for the Legislature in your area: • Will you commit to more funding for the TRS pension fund?

• Will you support a funding policy that makes the TRS fund solvent and well funded?

• Will you exhaust every opportunity to find a way to pass a benefit increase next session for current TRS retirees?

• Will you support more permanent funding for TRSCare and help make the program sustainable and affordable?

• Will you oppose any effort to change the TRS benefit plan from a traditional defined benefit plan to a 401(k)-style defined contribution plan for ALL current and future TRS retirees?

Texas Retired Teachers Association is preparing a questionnaire for the candidates running for Governor and Lt. Governor. The questionnaire will address the changes to the Teacher Retirement System pension fund.

We will make that information public once we have responses.

The challenge will be steep and climb will be tough, but we have fought our way up these hills before and Texas Retired Teachers Association will not rest until we reach the top again.

You can count on Texas Retired Teachers Association to be your advocate. We need you and everyone you know to join in these efforts.

While some may feel the all was lost after this decision was made, I believe our members never quit and never give in.

— Tim Lee is Executive Director of the Texas Retired Teachers Association and an ardent advocate for protecting the post-employment benefits states provide retired public educators.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

March 2019

Principal Profile|Continued from page 1 first making sense of the world around them. understanding when they have to explain It is a power and a privilege to shape that it. Ask specific questions and keep asking until you are sure they understand it. That reality, to empower people with knowledge and a sense of possibility. People usually don’t helps with refining their learning and moving learning into long-term memory. remember many people outside their personal If you could have one speaker come to circle, but they remember their teachers.

What are your goals for your campus in your campus (famous or not), who would it be?

2018-19?

I would think Barack Obama would be an Our overarching goal is to learn as often as we can. “Our Mission is Mastery” is as much inspiration to my students. To come from his for the staff as it is for the students. Mastery background to win the Presidency and lead is comprehensive knowledge and ability in the free world a subject. Our subject is learning. All of our is a testament to hope, faith, planning, instruction, assessment, reflection, adaptation, and intervention is for learning and discipline. and improvement in learning. All of our other His experience in community goals stem from that. organizing to What is your advice for students (on your leading and all campus) to reach those goals in 2018-19? the challenges Do your best work. Mastery comes c om e from practice and there is no substitute for t h a t practice. Most people see a finished product with changing or performance, not the hours of work that c o m m u n i t ie s precede it. Working, talking about the work, are what young people need to and improving on the work leads to better know in order work and to better learning. to take action What advice do you have for parents to now for a better assist their student(s) this school year? tomorrow.

Talk to students about their schoolwork.

It shows them that their learning is important when an important person to them is interested in what they are doing. Talking allows them to voice and strengthen their

First day of school is Aug. 19th

Important dates for next school year include: • Aug. 19 – First day for students

Coming Events March 1 Parent-Teacher Conference Day (no school) 5 p.m. Lady Lobo softball at Coppell tourney 5 p.m. Lobo JV baseball at Pine Tree tourney 5 p.m. Lobo JV baseball at Pittsburg tourney 5 p.m. Lobo soccer hosts Mesquite Horn 5 p.m. Lady Lobo soccer at Mesquite Horn 5 p.m. Lobo tennis at McKinney North 5 p.m. Lobo track at Parr Relays (Liberty-Eylau) 5 p.m. Lobo track at Pineywoods Relays (Pine Tree)

Board OKs new District Calendar The 2018-19 school year is far from over, but next year’s schedule is now in place. Classes will begin Aug. 19, 2019 and end May 27, 2020.

Longview ISD Board of Trustees approved the 2019-20 District Calendar during their Feb. 11th regular meeting.

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• Sept. 2 – Labor Day (observed) • Nov. 25-29 – Thanksgiving Break • Dec. 23-Jan. 3 – Winter Break • Jan. 20 – Dr. Martin Luther King Day (observed) • March 9-13 – Spring Break • April 10 – Good Friday (observed) • May 25 – Memorial Day (observed) • May 27 – Final day of school • May 28, 29 – Bad weather makeup days (if needed) Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox said state legislation prevents schools from starting prior to the fourth Monday in August, but thanks to LISD recently being approved as a District of Innovation, school will be able to start (and end) a bit earlier than previous years.

“We feel like this calendar provides the most accommodation for our students, staff, and their families,” he added.

Trustees meet in the boardroom of the LISD Education Support Center, 1301 E. Young St. The next regular meeting is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. March 4th.

For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees visit the website at www.LISD.org/ board or call (903) 3812200.

March 2 Texas Independence Day 8 a.m. TMSCA Math/Science Meet (Queen City) 8 a.m. Lady Lobo softball at Coppell tourney 8 a.m. Lobo JV baseball at Pine Tree tourney 8 a.m. Lobo JV baseball at Pittsburg tourney 8 a.m. Lobo soccer hosts Mesquite Horn 8 a.m. Lady Lobo soccer at Mesquite Horn 8 a.m. Lobo tennis at McKinney North 8 a.m. Lobo track at Parr Relays (Liberty-Eylau) 8 a.m. Lobo track at Pineywoods Relays (Pine Tree) March 4 8 a.m. TSA Regionals at The ROC (Longview) 5 p.m. Middle School Girls District Track Meet (Lobo Stadium) 5:30 p.m. LISD Board of Trustees Regular Meeting March 5 Mardi Gras 8 a.m. TSA Regionals at The ROC (Longview) 8 a.m. Spring Pictures (Foster Middle) 4 p.m. Lobo JV baseball hosts Hallsville 5 p.m. Lady Lobo soccer hosts Rockwall Heath 5 p.m. Lobo soccer at Rockwall Heath 5 p.m. Middle School Boys District Track Meet (Lobo Stadium) 5 p.m. Lobo JV tennis hosts Spring Hill 6 p.m. Lobo golf at Lindale tourney 7 p.m. Lobo baseball at Hallsville March 6 7 a.m. LISD Foundation Grants Giveaway Breakfast 8 a.m. Spring Pictures (Hudson PEP) 5 p.m. Lobo JV golf at Pine Tree tourney (Woodhollow) March 7 4 p.m. Lobo tennis hosts Longview tourney 5 p.m. Lobo JV baseball at LufkinHudson tourney 5 p.m. Lobo baseball at Hallsville tourney 5 p.m. Lobo powerlifting Regional Meet (Tyler Lee) March 8 5 p.m. Lady Lobo softball hosts Mesquite Horn 5 p.m. Lobo JV baseball hosts John Tyler

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

Early graduates receive diplomas

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

During the Longview ISD trustees meeting Monday, Feb. 11th, graduates were recognized by Principal Kristi Means. Means praised the graduates for their achievement, challenging them to ignore the skeptics and “never let anyone convince you that you cannot accomplish great things.”

February 2019 graduates: • Taylor Cline is a Globe Scholar graduating on the recommended plan. She will attend Kilgore College where she will study to become a dental hygienist.

• Taylor Green plans to study Nursing at Kilgore College.

• Aria Johnson plans to attend Tyler Junior College where she will study to become a dental hygienist.

• Robert Knapp will be graduating as a Globe Scholar on the recommended plan.

He received an academic scholarship to the University of North Texas. He plans to become a history teacher.

• Hollee Lehr plans to attend Tyler Junior college where she will study to become a veterinary technician.

• Yoselin Meraz Sianez is a Globe Scholar graduating on the recommended plan. She plans to study nursing at Kilgore College.

• Sonia Lizbeth Ramirez plans to study Early Childhood Development at Tyler Junior College.

• Tyona Stephonson is a Globe Scholar graduating on the recommended plan. She has received her tech and training license as a Pharmacy Technician. She plans to attend

March 2019

Austin Community College where she will study biology.

• Emily Sumners is a Globe Scholar graduating on the recommended plan. She plans to study criminal justice.

The Longview Early Graduation High School (formerly known as LEAD Academy) serves progressive students who wish to

graduate early. Providing dual-credit courses for students seeking higher education, it also features career and technology options, online/distance learning, and ACT/SAT preparation.

Congratulations to Foster Middle School One-Act Play for placing first in a theatre festival competition hosted by the Longview High Theatre Department.

Play Production: The Hundred Dresses, Director: Kayleigh Mayhall, All Star Cast: Mariana Saldana, Jayla Beecham, Honorable Mention: Brayden Revis, Cale Herber, Tech Award: Reyna Robles, Best Actress: Madalynn Maddox, Cast Wanda: Mariana Saldana

Jan/Old Man Svenson: Brayden Revis Maddie: Madalynn Maddox Peggy: Jayla Beecham Jack: Cale Herber Cecile: Trinkey Martinez Willie: Tya Venters Miss Mason: Jayla Robertson Crew Stage Manager: Reyna Robles, Sound: Jayda Alvarez, Lights: Olivia Chapparro, Props: Sophia Prosser

Foster Middle OAP earns Distinguished Alumni top prize at LHS festival

events set for May 10 Longview Independent School District on May 10 will honor three former students during the annual Distinguished Alumni ceremony and luncheon.

This year’s Distinguished Alumni are Ronald Cook (Class of 1965), Perry Langenstein (Class of 1959), Randy Peters (Class of 1971).

Events are set to begin at 9:00 a.m. with the Longview ISD Foundation commemorative brick presentation at the Lobo Foundation Plaza (near the home entrance to Lobo Stadium). This event is free and open to the public.

An 11:15 a.m. reception at Pinecrest Country Club will be followed by lunch at 11:45. Tickets for the luncheon are $20 and can be purchased at the Education Support Center, 1301 E. Young St. Honorees are nominated at-large and chosen by a committee of previous honorees, volunteer Distinguished Alumni Committee members and the district’s Community Relations office.

Distinguished alumni typically have excelled professionally, in addition to serving the communities in which they live.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

March 2019

Officer Bennie Cooks: Protector of the Community

By Dr. Joycelyne Fadojutimi, East Texas Review Name of Officer: Bennie Cooks Education: Longview High School (Class of 1991), Kilgore College Police Academy Hometown: Longview, Texas How do you feel when you put on your uniform each day?

Still excited most of the time and waiting to see what happens that day.

People don’t often understand how hard police officers work to keep citizens safe, what inspired, you to become a protector of the community and can you tell us if any daily risks you’ve seen or experienced?

I enjoy dealing with people. I had a good friend that was an officer and I figured I could do it too. It’s a daily risk just leaving home in uniform.

What is a misconception you have seen that the public have about the Police?

That you work for a “quota” of citations or arrests. That’s illegal.

As a Police officer, what do you want your legacy to be?

I don’t really worry about a legacy. I do this because this is what I chose to do and not be famous or a hero.

What was one of your toughest days on the job?

I responded to a double homicide of a young girl and her daughter. I knew the family personally.

How does your family feel about you being a police officer?

They are good with it. <laughs> I think they like it more than me!

Police officers work long hours and the work is very stressful, how do you like to relax?

I like fishing and just getting away from the “rat race.”

If you could go back in time and tell your younger self one thing what would it be?

I should have done this at an earlier age.

In a time when pop culture encourages not cooperating with police officers, can you expand on the dangers

5 p.m. Lobo JV baseball at Hudson tourney 5 p.m. Lobo baseball at Hallsville tourney 5 p.m. Lobo golf at Pine Tree tourney 5 p.m. Lobo soccer at North Mesquite 5 p.m. Lady Lobo soccer hosts North Mesquite 5 p.m. Lobo track hosts Longview meet March 9 8 a.m. Lobo golf at Pine Tree tourney 8 a.m. Lobo JV baseball at Hudson tourney March 10 Daylight Saving Day (Spring Forward)

this causes?

Some people have negative things about everything so we can only do the right thing and let God do the rest.

As a champion of the community and symbol of justice how can we as a community better support the police?

This community has been good to our department. I just want to say THANKS to the community and please continue to support the police department.

Do policemen really like donuts? <laughs> Well YEAH! Everybody likes donuts!

LHS, SFA host adjunct faculty night Longview High School hosted an adjunct faculty fair for dual credit partner Stephen F. Austin University last month.

LISD announced a new partnership with SFA in the Fall. The new partnership will allow Longview High School students to take dual credit courses for a heavily discounted price and allow community and Longview ISD staff to become adjunct instructors for the university.

“This is a great way to help our students, staff, and the community,” said Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox. “Longview ISD will now be able to offer our students more dual credit class options that are easily transferable to any university they choose.”

The night kicked off with a ribbon cutting to symbolize the partnership and Interim SFA President, Steve Westbrook told the crowd the goal of SFA this year was making and building connections. “That is what this event is doing for Lobos and Lumberjacks.

We are building a connection that will lead to a bright future.”

Hospitalit y ER was gracious enough to provide delicious snacks for everyone.

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March 11 Spring Break (March 11-15) 12 p.m. Lobo JV baseball at Rockwall March 12 12 p.m. Lady Lobo softball at Rockwall 5 p.m. Lobo baseball at Rockwall 6 p.m. Lobo Cheer Parent Meeting (LHS Cafeteria) March 13 12 p.m. Lobo baseball hosts New Diana March 14 5 p.m. Lady Lobo powerlifting State UIL meet (Waco) March 15 5 p.m. Lady Lobo powerlifting State UIL meet (Waco) 7 p.m. Lobo baseball hosts Rockwall March 16 12 p.m. Lady Lobo powerlifting State UIL meet (Waco) March 17 Saint Patrick’s Day

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March 18 5 p.m. Middle School Track at Lufkin meet 5 p.m. Lobo JV baseball at Kilgore 5 p.m. Lobo golf at Lindale tourney 6 p.m. Lobo baseball hosts Kilgore March 19 5 p.m. Lobo soccer hosts Tyler Lee 5 p.m. Lady Lobo soccer at Tyler Lee 5 p.m. Lady lobo softball hosts North Mesquite 5 p.m. Lobo JV track at Lufkin meet March 20 5 p.m. Lobo JV golf at Hallsville tourney March 21 5 p.m. Lobo track at Lufkin meet March 22 8 a.m. Hudson PEP Fun Run 4 p.m. Dragonette Tryouts 5 p.m. Lobo JV baseball hosts Nacogdoches 5 p.m. Lobo baseball at Center 5 p.m. Lobo soccer host Mesquite (Senior Night) 5 p.m. Lady Lobo soccer at Mesquite 5 p.m. Lady Lobo softball at Tyler Lee 5 p.m. Lobo tennis at Allen tourney

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

STEAM Fair another success

March 2019

Longview ISD hosted its 2019 District STEAM Fair Saturday, Feb. 9th at Lobo Coliseum.

Now in its third year, the STEAM Fair grew in projects, doubled the size of the exhibition hall and concessions.

They added Starbucks and food truck favorite: Street-Licious.

Health Science Award (Sponsored by Dr. Mack): 1st place: Addison Soape (Foster Middle) 2nd place: Sophia Gill & Juliana Rodriguez (Forest Park Middle) 3rd Place: Kaylah Foster & Leilani Mercier (Foster Middle) 5th Grade Winners: 1st Place: Steven Livingston (Hudson PEP) 2nd Place: Ashtyn McCray & Gabriela Acevedo (Hudson PEP) 3rd place: Simon Cooper (JMQ)

Junior Individual Projects: 1s t place: Mary Leak (Foster Middle) 2nd place: Carolyn Purdum (Foster Middle) 3rd place: Johnathan Lebanan (Foster Middle) 4th place: Elena Guevara (Forest Park Middle) Junior Team Projects: 1at place: Matthew K’hieu & Jasmine Perry (Foster Middle)

2nd place: Cole Stout & Jefferson Dunaway (Foster Middle) 3rd Place: Caroline Rodriguez, Adriana Pierce, & Grace Rucker (Foster Middle) Senior Projects: 1st place: Lin Harrison and Ayaan Khan 2nd place: Iniabasi Eskpenyong 3rd place: Dancella Gomez

LHS senior visits Jay Dean in Austin

Last month LHS senior Ejehi Ihionkhan stopped by the office of state Rep. Jay Dean (R-Longview) during a trip to Austin.

Rep. Dean praised Ejehi’s compelling advocacy for public education, specif ically such extraordinary academic programs like the Technology Student Association.

“Another bright, thoughtful, and eloquent constituent stopped by my Capitol office this week,” he said. “Thank you for being such a strong voice for the Technology Student Association, Ejehi!”

Head Start Round-Up coming March 27-28

It’s that time of year again! East Texas Montessori Prep Academy will host its annual Head Start Round Up from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 27-28.

ETMPA has supplied a great checklist for families to use.

Please bring the following with you to the round up: • Copy of child’s Medicaid or insurance form • Proof of Income (W2 forms or tax return)

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

Lobo Automotive team takes top honors The LHS Automotive Technology students competed in SkillsUSA District 5 last month, with the following students earning honors: Automotive Maint. and Light Repair; 2nd Isidro Montalvo 3rd Jonathan Cardona

March 2019

Calie Logan, Yahir Espinoza Automotive Tool ID; (First year students) 1st Isaac Steed 3rd Calie Logan Diesel Equipment Technology;

Page 7 March 23 8 a.m. Lobo tennis at Allen tourney 8 a.m. Lobo powerlifting State UIL meet (Abilene) 8 a.m. Lobo tennis at Allen tourney 8 a.m. Lobo track at Tatum meet March 25 5 p.m. Middle School Track at Tatum 5 p.m. Lobo golf at All Saints (Tyler) 5 p.m. Lady Lobo golf at Gladewater tourney 6 p.m. Lobo JV baseball at Nacogdoches March 26 5 p.m. Lobo baseball hosts Mesquite 5 p.m. Lady Lobo softball hosts Mesquite 5 p.m. Lobo JV tennis at Rockwall tourney 6 p.m. LHS Dual-Credit Parent Meeting (Little Theatre) March 27 8 a.m. Head Start Round Up East Texas Montessori Prep Academy) 6 p.m. LHS Dual-Credit Parent Meeting (Little Theatre) 11:30 a.m. LHS Cap & Gown Distribution (Melton Center)

4th Pedro Alvarado Automotive Quiz Bowl; 4th place, Team A I s i d r o Montalvo, Jonathan Cardona, Pedro Alvarado, Fernando Ruiz, Victor Soto,

3rd Daegan Carter Automotive Projects; 13 1st place; Jesus Cabrera, Mark sanchez, David Pascual, Pedro Alvarado, Victor Soto, Fernando Ruiz, Yahir Espinoza, Jonathan Cardona, Isaac Steed, Calie Logan, Daegan Carter, Isidro Montalvo, Jarrec Pitman, Asiyas Hall,

Applications for the 2019 Voice Scholarship are now available from the LISD Community Relations department.

The Longview Voice is a district-wide newspaper that covers student, staff, and local community news. The paper is produced by the LISD Community Relations department in partnership with the Thrifty Nickel, as well as campus staff and volunteers.

Each year the Community Relations department selects a Longview High School senior student who contributes work to The Longview Voice for a scholarship to the school of their choice.

To qualify a student must submit a news article, op-ed column, or photo

to be published in any edition of The Longview Voice newspaper, and fill out an application to be considered.

Deadline to apply for The Longview Voice Scholarship is April 5th, so apply TODAY! Past Winners 2016 — Estrella Gonzales, Keyarro Hollins, Uwa Ihionkhan, Yosef Ibitayo 2017 — Gaylon Wiley 2018 — German Zelaya, Jose Velazquez, Michael Vera 2019 — It could be YOU! For more information please contact the Community Relations department via email at ask@lisd.org or call (903) 381-2200.

2nd place; Donovan Garcia BEST OF SHOW; David Pascual, Mark Sanchez and Jesus Cabrera All 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers advance to State Competition.

March 28 8 a.m. Head Start Round Up East Texas Montessori Prep Academy) 5 p.m. Lobo track at Carthage meet 6 p.m. LHS Dual-Credit Parent Meeting (Little Theatre) March 29 5 p.m. Lobo JV baseball at Mesquite 5 p.m. Lady Lobo softball hosts Rockwall 5 p.m. Lobo tennis at Waco tourney

District seeks applicants for $1,000 Everhart yearbook ‘Voice’ scholarship staff honored

Congratulations to Winifred Jackson and JL Everhart Elementary yearbook staff!

They received honorable mention in the 2018 LIfetouch Yearbook Showcase.

Yearbooks were evaluated on the following criteria: theme/theme development, design, continuity, photography, writing, creative content and coverage.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

Thank A Teacher: Safawna Dunn Safawna Dunn pulls double duty as a bus driver AND a teacher at East Texas Montessori Prep Academy, so she is the first person the sweet little ones see every morning as they load the bus and the last person they see when they leave. She also sees her little ones all day long, these are roles she takes VERY seriously. She also believes in the safety of those sweet little ones, they are the most important part of her morning and afternoon. We had the honor of hearing this and more as she was interviewed

by KETK 56.

Read the entire story:

She’s got what it takes

By Mye Owens, KETK 56 “Good morning, how are you? I’m glad to see you this morning,” that’s how Safawna Dunn greets each one of the student she picks up for school.

Dunn has been working with Longview ISD for 12 years.

It started as another job, while she was furthering her education. Now, seeing the children’s faces as she picks them up, is something she looks forward to.

“My favorite part about driving the bus are the children and typically everyday, a child’s day will go depending on how well they are on the bus,” says Dunn.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, more than 1 million and teens depend on a bus to get them to and from school.

Dunn drops the students off at school, but just a couple of steps away, you can see a railroad track serving as a reminder of safety.

“When you’re approaching a railroad crossing, the first thing is, we have a button on our control panel that has no noise. So first of all, you hit that button to where there’s absolutely no noise that you

can hear at all, other than children. You approach very cautiously, you pull your brake, and you look left, right and left again. You also have your emergency flashers on, you never ever in any circumstance proceed without pulling your break and looking left, right and left again,” says Dunn.

These are all things she learned during her training. State Law requires all paid bus drivers who are carrying passengers to stop at every railroad crossing, including those with active warning devices.

“You’re not just you pass a test and you start driving. You have to pass a test and then you have to start down at the department with on-road training,” explains Dunn.

The “on-road training” Dunn says, is where potential bus drivers practice anything that may go wrong.

“If you were to have a flat tire, what are you supposed to do, if your tire goes down, how to exit safely. If there’s something wrong, how to get the children off the bus safely,” this is just one of the examples Dunn gives.

Dunn says safety is the number one priority when driving a school bus.

ELA education at Foster Middle Mr. Joseph Ford has been working with his 6th grade #FosterMS ELA students on persuasive writing. In an effort to bring this ELA unit to life, each student was asked to prepare a

persuasive speech.

“The assignment was designed to give students a fun way to apply the rhetorical devices and techniques they learned in a real world way, said Ford. “The students practice speaking in public, developing an outline and thesis sentence, and

suppor ting an argument w ith fac t s based on research.”

March 2019

Best-selling author visits PEP New York Times Best-Selling author Jennifer Nielson visited Hudson PEP February 8th.

Nielson discussed her life and book series with students in an assembly and then had dessert with PEP’s top essay writers. After, she took the time to sign books and tell each student how amazing they were.

She commented on the talent buzzing in the hallways of Hudson PEP as students gave her drawings, mock books, and story ideas for her next series.

Celebrate CTE in LISD!

We’ve been celebrating our amazing Career Technology programs all month, and we’re loving seeing our Longview High CTE students paying their education forward!

Lobo FFA students spent the morning of Feb. 26th teaching 3- and 4-yearolds at our Playing For Keeps campus about the importance of getting all your dairy servings and the dairy industry.

Keep up the great work CTE students!

Great work!

WE ARE HIRING!

Mark your calendars and get those resumes ready. The 2019 Career Expo is 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 25 at the East Texas Montessori Prep Academy!

Applicants will have the opportunity to speak with admin regarding open job positions for the upcoming school year.

Job postings are updated weekly and can be found on the district website: www.LISD.org

THE LONGVIEW VOICE â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

March 2019

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

March 2019

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

March 2019

Page 11

SPORTS

Golfers take tourney title

Softball in full swing

Congratulations to Lobo Girls Golf! They took first place at the Canton Invitational last month!

Hoops teams Lobos celebrate show significant magical season improvement at annual banquet

While both boys and girls varsity squads have been eliminated from the State UIL playoffs, the teams showed significant progress this season.

Both squads had several athletes receive 11-6A All-District honors.

Great job Lobo hoopsters! Keep up the great work and come back even stronger next season!

Spring Signing Day The Spring 2019 signing class included six Lobos from football and three from Lobo soccer.

Jaylon Allen (Football): Tarleton State University Giovanni Enriquez (Soccer): Presbyterian College Marcus Harry (Football): Tyler Junior College Jacob Johnson (Football): Southeastern Oklahoma State University Jephaniah Lister (Football): Kilgore Junior College Kamden Perry (Football): University of Incarnate Word Jafet Rodriguez (Soccer): Paris Junior College

Tainique Taylor (Football): Southeastern Oklahoma State University Blaine Wright (Soccer): LeTourneau University “For you football boys, it has been an honor working with you, some of you I have worked with you since elementary school,” John King. “Football AND soccer, you have all worked hard and it is time to say thank you to those who have helped you get there. It’s also a testament to your support team; your parents or grandparents. Those who love you, who supported you, who drove you to practice, came to games, pushed you when you thought you couldn’t go anymore. They got you in that seat.”

Every team starts their football journey with a goal in mind, to be the best.

For the 2018 Longview Lobos, they are the unquestioned, undefeated, state champions.

“Last year we got close, but to be able to accomplish our goal this year, it really means a lot, we’ve been working for this since we were little kids and this is all we’ve dreamed, so it really feels good,” said wide receiver Kamden Perry.

On Jan. 28th in the Elevation building at Mobberly Baptist Church, hundreds of Lobo fans crowded in to say thank you, and celebrate a job well done.

“The love that they have for the Lobos, and how it united everybody and gave everybody, you know, just the feeling of being a winner, because we’ve been so close and now they have bragging rights and they’re state champions and they ought to be excited about it,” said head coach John King.

King took over the program in 2004 and watched his son Haynes grow up to become the team’s starting quarterback, and the two were able share this title together.

“It’s a special moment just from growing up, just knowing we’ve always played in the backyard, talking about it, we’re gonna win state championship one day we’re gonna it, and to finally do it, it’s heartwarming,” said Haynes, who was a junior this season.

“It’s like a dream and you know, it’s just an unreal feeling, I’ve never had, and with the exception, I guess, of the day he and my daughter were born, I mean, winning a state championship, it’s hard to beat that,” said Coach King.

And for seniors such as Perry, he’ll never forget nights such as this, or being a part of a team, which will go down in Lobo history.

“The brotherhood, that’s the main thing everybody over here, just, played with them for a long time, so that’s the main thing I’m gonna take away from this,” said Perry.

“These banquets are always emotional, and tonight’s going to be even more so with 39 seniors who have their last football banquet here at Longview High School, and just saying goodbye to them, and thanking them for the great ride they gave us all,” said King.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

March 2019

Lobo football receives national recognition

The Longview Lobos state championship v ic tor y tour continued last month... this time, with some national recognition.

Along with the Army National Guard, MaxPreps honors the Lobos as a nationally-ranked football team as Longview finishes the 2018 campaign at No. 24.

Coach John King and his guys celebrating the nod with a small ceremony at halftime of the Lobos boys basketball game.

The players did a victory lap with their latest piece of hardware.

“It feels great you know being that we’re nationally recognized now we’re finally getting noticed for the stuff we been doing, you know and I’m glad we could finally put our city on the map,” said Longview running back and Abilene Christian signee Jessie Anderson.

“It’s kind of special you know we’ve had some pretty good football teams that weren’t able to get this kind of recognition but to be ranked in the top 25 in the nation I think that speaks a lot about your program it wasn’t easy the kids earned it on the field and they’re getting to celebrate it tonight,” said King.

In a statement released last month, MaxPreps announced that the Longview High School football team finished No. 24 nationally for the 2018 season.

“The MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard honors the very best high school teams in the nation. To qualify, you must be highly ranked nationally by MaxPreps; and you must also win a state championship. Those are tough qualifications considering there are nearly seventeen thousand teams competing in high school varsity football,” said Andy Beal, president and founder of MaxPreps. “Congratulations to the Longview Lobos on their amazing achievement. MaxPreps and the Army National Guard are honored to recognize you for your hard work

and amazing work on the field. “ Having fielded a varsity football team for more than 100 years, Longview completed its f irst perfect season when the Lobos (16-0) slipped past West Brook of Beaumont, 35-34, on Dec. 22 to capture the Texas 6A Division II championship. It was the Lobos second state title and their first since the 1937 season. Longview is one of 50 football schools being honored on the MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard.

“This is a tremendous honor for our football program and community. To be ranked in the top twenty-five in the country is welldeserved for this group of kids,” King added.

“This was a very mature group of kids that always played well together and seemed to have each other’s back,” King said of his squad.

“They hated losing more than they liked winning.”

Texas Army National Guard Sergeant Daniel Mendez presented Coach King and the team with the Army National Guard national ranking trophy last month during

halftime of a Lobo varsity basketball game. The team also received a banner for their accomplishment.

“The Army National Guard embodies teamwork and a commitment to community and country. Just as your team joins together to defeat adversity and claim the victory, the Army National Guard stands in solidarity to protect our local communities and the United States of America as a whole,” said Capt. Charlton Grant.

“On behalf of the Army National Guard, I am honored to recognize this nationally ranked championship team for their dedication, perseverance and teamwork.”

MaxPreps Computer Rankings are used to determine team rank for the Tour of Champions. The system utilizes the huge number of game results stored in the MaxPreps database. Generally, the more a team wins the higher the ranking, but the system takes into account quality wins (against other highly ranked opponents), margin of victory, and strength of schedule.

Playoff games are weighted 2.1 times a regular season game.

Texas legislature honors Lobo football An East Texas legislator has filed a resolution congratulating the Longview Lobos following their state championship win.

The team defeated Beaumont West Brook 35-34 in December to claim the Class 6A State Championship, the first state championship since 1937.

The resolution was filed by State Rep. Jay Dean. Dean represents District 7, which encompasses Gregg and Upshur counties. He is also the former mayor of Longview.

The game was played in front of 48,000 fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on December 22, 2018.

The resolution describes the Lobos’ efforts to secure a win and gives a nod to standout players and the coaching staff.

“WHEREAS, Through countless hours of hard work and an unwavering commitment to excellence, the Longview Lobos proved themselves one of the top teams in Texas high school football in 2018, and they are a source of great pride to their school and community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the Longview High School football team on winning the 2018 UIL 6A Division 2 state championship ...” the resolution reads.

An official copy of the document will be sent to the team “as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

March 2019

Thank A Teacher: Heather Gee Don’t mess with Texas K-12 Art Contest Teaching is not just what you do IN the classroom, it is the example you set outside the classroom. Our latest Thank A Teacher honor goes to a lady who does it all. She is a mom, a teacher, a coach, and a volunteer. She goes to bat for her students at every turn and

sets a wonderful example for each one of them. She and her squad are always available for anyone in #LoboNation and never asks for anything in return.

So THANK YOU to Lobo Cheer Coach Heather Gee!

The 2019 Don’t mess with Texas® K-12 Art Contest is open and will close on April 18, 2019.

Keep Texas Beautiful and the Texas Department of Transportation invite Texas students in kindergarten through twelfth grade to submit their best litter prevention-inspired artwork to be considered for the “Don’t mess with Texas!”

Calendar.

Students with the top 13 designs will have their work featured in the calendar. One winner will be selected

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from each grade.

For more information please check the website at KTB.org

Ware visits Capitol!

Ware Montessori 5th grade students left bright and early Friday, February 15 to take a charter bus to Austin.

The students were amazed and inspired during the tour of the Texas Capitol building.

Happy 100th Day of School!

It’s going by so fast! Happy 100th day of school Lobos!

Here’s a few photos from Johnston-McQueen’s events last month.

Lobo Football History Book

Going, Going, Almost Gone!

F R I D AY

FRIDAY WL O H T H G I N

OWL N IGH T H

ISBN

301933 9 781532

90000>

Take a journey through the Longview (Texas) High School football program – all the way back to the beginning in 1909.

otham

By Jeremy C

-3

3-0193 978-1-532

H SCHOOL

NGVIEW HIG

Y OF LO THE HISTOR

Jeremy Cotham’s dream of publishing a complete history of Longview High School Lobo Football is a reality. In 2009 the Lobos helped him battle leukemia and eventually helped inspire him to create this book.

Jeremy lost his battle with cancer in 2015, but his legacy remains alive with this publication.

am

By Jeremy Coth

This one-of-a-kind 180-page, hard-cover yearbook-style collector’s item features each season (all 107 of them), including the scores of each game, season summaries, information on coaches, players, photographs, rosters and more!

Cost $40 Top-Quality Yearbook-Style Book Published by Herff Jones ®

Perfect Book for All Lobos – Past & Present – And for Every Lobo Fan! LIMITED NUMBER OF BOOKS REMAIN BUY YOUR COPY BEFORE THEY SELL OUT email: Cotham75605@yahoo.com • Call David Cotham: 903-736-4637 NOTE: Books will be sold at the LISD Athletic Office during season ticket renewals.

Books also on sale at Louis Morgan Drug No. 4 during regular business hours.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

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Communities In Schools celebrates with Bramlette

Communities in Schools at Bramlette Elementary celebrated Valentines week with CIS week- a week where we say thank you to everyone on campus who makes Communities in Schools possible.

CIS students made slime this week as a special treat. A big thank you to all our donors who helped us thank our faculty and staff.

The Coffee Mill donated gift cards for our office staff, Copper Tree Retreat donated a facial gift card for our principal, Panera donated goodies for our teachers, and Chick fil-A donated tea and cookies for our custodial and cafeteria staff.

Communities in Schools had a great week showing why “CIS loves Bramlette”!

Go Lobo Ladies!

Congratulations to Lobo alum, Kasha Williams!

Kasha received the 2019 Unity Honors Award. Lobo Nation is proud of you and appreciates everything you have done for the families and city of Longview.

Lobo Nation would also like to say “thank you” to another faithful Lobo alumna: Ms. Jasmine Stoker for working with the city on this event and spearheading the Unity & Diversity committee.

GO LADIES! YOU MAKE US PROUD!

March 2019

Partners in Prevention shares power of positivity A simple compliment can really change the course of your day.

Last month the group set-up a compliment booth at Longview Independent School District with Communities In Schools of East Texas.

Each student was given a compliment and asked to pay that compliment

forward by sharing it with someone else.

Dunking on the STAAR at JMQ Thank you parents for joining us Feb. 4th for 3rd-5th grade STAAR Dunk Night!

District IT Daddystaffers attend Daughter conference Dance at JMQ Daddy Daughter Dance 2019 was a great success! Thank you to all the great volunteers who helped make it happen, Mama Tee’s Catering for the great food, and John Hamblen for his DJ services!

Instructional Technology Specialists and Diana Hallinquist from the technology department are getting “Fully Charged” by attending the TCEA conference last month in San Antonio.

T h e y are looking forward to bringing you exciting new ideas for the classroom!

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

March 2019

Culinary Artists delight Distinguished Alumni Committee

Get Your Badges On!

Instructional Technology continues to encourage the use of technology in the classroom with their “Get Your Badges On” program.

Congratulations to Mrs. Holleman from Johnston-McQueen Elementary LISD! She is the Instructional Technology Chromebook winner for January!

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

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Winter Formal at Foster Middle

March 2019

JMQ learning fun

Students in Mrs. Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kindergarten class are learning about picture graphs to organize and interpret data, extending on their focus of bar graphs from the previous week.

Horticulture classes design Valentine bouquets

Let's Talk! is right at your fingertips!

Scan the QR code to download Let's Talk! for Apple or Android.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

Bramlette hosts engineering exhibit

Each grade worked on a STEM engineering project in their class. One class was chosen to represent the grade on exhibition day. Community representatives, parents, and school administration were invited to view the projects and ask the students questions to test their knowledge.

March 2019

Page 17

South Ward hosts Prince & Princess Ball The annual Prince & Princess Ball returned to South Ward Elementary last month.

Families enjoyed the photo booth, music, and games throughout the evening.

Ned E. Williams welcomes Lobos to Book Fair The book fair was not the only exciting event at Ned E Williams last month. Several standout Lobo football stars started the day reading to students.

Students were able to take photos with the Lobos, ask them questions, and get a few autographs.

A few of the questions the Lobos were asked included, “Do you work hard? How old are you? Do you have a plan when you play? Have you ever hurt anyone? Who was your hardest team?”

The team toured the campus and visited each classroom to wish students good luck on their Common Assessment tests.

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Malcolm Kelly hired at TCU

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

TCU has hired former Lobo wideout Malcolm Kelly on to join the Frogs’ coaching staff sources confirmed last month.

Kelly has had quite a whirlwind of opportunities in his coaching career since the start of 2019. After accepting a position as receivers coach for SFA, Kelly was hired by Arkansas State just a week after in mid-January. He had yet to go through spring camp with Arkansas State.

A native of Longview, Kelly was a graduate assistant at Houston last season. During his two seasons on Houston’s coaching staff, the Cougars compiled a combined 15-10 record while appearing in the 2018 Armed Forces Bowl and 2017 Hawai’i Bowl. He was part of the 2018 staff that helped lead the program to the American Athletic Conference West Division title as well.

The Cougars ranked seventh in the nation in total offense in 2018, averaging 513 yards per game. Kelly helped coach a wide receivers corps that was part of an offense averaging 296 yards through the air, which was the 16th highest mark in the nation. He tutored First Team All-American Athletic Conference selection Marquez Stevenson, who ranked among the top 31 players in the nation in receptions per game (5.8), receiving yards (1,019) and receiving touchdowns (9).

His first year in Houston saw the team average 428.2 yards total offense, including 261.3 passing yards per game. Working with the wide receivers, the position group saw Steve Bonner earn honorable mention all-conference recognition after ranking among the top four players in the league in receptions.

In 2016 he was on Texas A&MCommerce’s staff under now SFA head coach Colby Carthel.

A four-star receiver coming out Longview High, Kelly had a great career at Oklahoma as he earned freshman All-American honors and was named All-Big 12 twice in his career. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the second round with the 51st overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft.

During his career for the Sooners he totaled 144 career receptions for 2,285 yards and 21 touchdowns between 2005-07. The Longview, Texas, native declared early for the NFL Draft, but later earned his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma in 2016.

Sources have told HFB that Kelly will replace Rusty Burns as the outside receivers coach for the Frogs. Burns spent the past four seasons at the position and has been at TCU since 2009. Sources told HFB that Burns will be used in an offensive analyst role, a position that was opened up when Jake Brown departed the staff to take on the offensive coordinator role at West Texas A&M.

Longview Voice is seeking Sales Associates for the Longview Area

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March 2019

King selected for ETCA Hall of Honor

TEXARK ANA — The East Texas Coaches Association has selected its 2019 class of the Hall of Honor.

The honorees include: John King: Head football coach and athletic director at Longview High School. King was also recognized for winning the 2018 UIL 6A Division II State Championship.

Jeff Traylor: Assistant head football coach at the University of Arkansas; Former assistant football coach at the University of Texas and Southern Methodist University; Former head football coach and athletic director at Gilmer High School Scott Surratt: Head football coach and athletic director at Carthage High

School The ETCA Hall of Honor Banquet was last month at the Texarkana Country Club.

King said the coaching profession can sometimes be a thankless one, “so you quickly become appreciative of any kind words you receive.”

“But what makes this honor so special is that it’s from my peers,” he said. “To be recognized by those in your field is a high honor indeed.”

Get your Lobo tumblers TODAY With the approval of Coach John King, the Longview ISD Foundation, in conjunction with Blackhawk Hydrographics owned by Phillip Milam, husband of Sharon Milam who works at LHS, is selling Lobo Football Championship Powder Coated Laser Engraved 30-ounce stainless steel double-wall copperlined tumblers!

The commemorative tumblers come in Lobo green or black with a silver design and inscription and can be purchased with personalization up to fifteen characters or without personalization.

Information about ordering is available on the Foundation’s website at LISDfoundation.org.

The Milams are graciously returning a portion of this sale’s proceeds to the Longview ISD Foundation so that it can continue to fund its three grant programs.

The Foundation appreciates your support and Coach King’s support as it works on behalf of LISD’s students and teachers!

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

March 2019

Page 19

FOUNDATION

Lamplighter banquet set for April 4

Lamplighter Awards, the nineteenth annual fundraising educator tribute dinner event, to be held on Thursday, April 4, 2019, at 6:30 PM at Pinecrest Country Club, 201 Club Drive, Longview, Texas.

Reservations for the event are $25 each. Call Kay Ray, Executive Director of the Foundation, at 903452-7015 to make reservations or contact her at gray@lisd.org or gloriakayray@gmail.com. There will be no tickets to the banquet.

Instead, all paid guests will check in at the banquet for assigned table seating.

Based on an idea inspired by the children’s book My Great-Aunt Arizona by Gloria Houston, this fundraising event honors students and campus personnel (teachers, principals, counselors, librarians, teachers’ aides, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, or nurses) who have touched the lives of these students. Students read My Great-Aunt Arizona and wrote essays about a person from their LISD campus or a person who has retired from their LISD campus who has been special to them like Great-Aunt Arizona, a teacher, was special to Gloria Houston, the book’s author.

At the banquet, Nell Ward and Brian Shobert, Foundation members and this year’s emcees, will read portions of the students’ essays about the honorees while both student and educator are presented.

Each student and honoree will receive a Lamplighter Award.

The Foundation will also award the seventeenth annual Cornerstone Award to Chuck King, owner of Chick-fil-A and ardent supporter of the Longview ISD Foundation, Inc., for his dedication to the students and educators of Longview ISD and for his support of the Foundation’s annual Green Out and Green Out Night at Chick-fil-A. With the Lamplighter Awards, the Longview ISD Foundation pays tribute to students and those who are special to them in their school lives and invites the community to celebrate Longview ISD and the people who make it a success. Through this event, the Longview ISD Foundation also raises funds for the annual Great Rewards for Great Ideas Grant Program, the Campus Initiative Grant, and the John W. Harrison, Jr. Academic Field Trip Grant through the generosity of Heart of the Community, Champion, Sustainer, Advocate, Benefactor and Friend sponsors.

To learn how to become a sponsor of this year’s event, go to www.lisdfoundation.org and click on “Ways to Invest” on the menu bar and scroll down to find a 2019 sponsorship form.

The Longview ISD Foundation is proud to present the 2019 honorees: Bramlette Elementary School—Mable King honored by Jamaya Smith East Texas Montessori Prep Academy—Dr. Nora Diaz honored by Dariana Aguilar J. L. Everhart Elementary School—Priscilla Johnson honored by Jasmine Carter Hudson Elementary School—Alison Campbell honored by Mary Claire Hilton Johnston-McQueen Elementary School—Patty Daniel honored by Mixie Gallant South Ward Elementary School—Susan Moon honored by Oscar Olivares Ware Elementary School—Vanessa Pipkin honored by Kierra Freeman Ned E. Williams Elementary School—Latanya Garlon honored by Mercia Otahhe Forest Park Middle School—Arri Moore honored Yudiel Aguirre Foster Middle School—Kayleigh Mayhall honored by Madalynn Maddox Judson Middle School—Brandis Jamerson honored by Kenia Otero Longview Early Graduation High School—Kristi Means honored by KyJuan Elam Longview High School—Alan Raith honored by Jose D. Tenorio III and Helen Davis, retired Foster Middle School teacher, honored by Zach Fasang Please join the Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. in making this event a memorable one that will allow students to honor the employees of Longview ISD who have touched their hearts and minds during their school lives.

By attending the banquet, you will show your support for Longview ISD students and educators.

Foundation selects 2019 grant winners

On Wednesday, March 6, Dr. James Wilcox and Longview ISD hosted a breakfast for the Longview ISD Foundation’s 2019 Great Rewards for Great Ideas recipients and the Campus Initiative Grant recipients. At the breakfast, the Foundation awarded funding for this year’s grant cycle.

Great Rewards for Great Ideas Grant Program Grant winners received funding from the Longview ISD Foundation ranging from $100 to $2,500 for innovative classroom projects and programs that will enhance the quality of education for all students in Longview ISD. This year, the twenty-fourth anniversary of the Great Rewards for Great Ideas Program, $74,896.28 was requested through 41 grant applications.

The Foundation funded 22 grants totaling $38,952.08. The Foundation funded 17 elementary grants for a total of $30,153.33 and 5 secondary grants for a total of $8,798.75.

Since the beginning of the Great Rewards for Great Ideas Program in 1996, the Foundation has funded 690 grants totaling $740,375.98. These grants have enhanced Longview ISD’s academic programs as well as music, art, technology, counseling and guidance, career education, health and physical education, character education programs, and STEAM and STEM projects.

Campus Initiative Grant Program The Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. received nine Campus Initiative Grants, the most ever received, requesting a total of $38,968.99. To make all these requests possible, the Foundation partially funded all nine grants and requested that the grant applicants apply for additional funding in 2020.

The Foundation awarded funding for a total of $26,395.64 to the following campuses: Steve Hambrick, physical education teacher at Hudson PEP Elementary, and Sue Wilson, principal, received $2,500 for a climbing wall.

Rebecka Jenkins, Erica Smith, and Virginia Bell, Forest Park Middle School special education teachers, and Dr. Cynthia Wise, principal, received $3,184.15 to purchase five special desks and five Chromebooks.

Michael Woodson and Jone’ Robinson Heflin, Foster Middle School special education teachers, and Ryan Carroll, principal, received $3,693.99 to purchase twelve Chromebooks and one Chromebook cart.

Kristina Ford, Judson STEAM Academy special education teacher, and James Gibson, principal, received $2,300.00 to purchase materials for a sensory room for their students.

Shameika Allen and Carla Williams, assistant principals at Longview High School, and James Brewer, principal, received $3,000.00 for two units of furniture to transform the school library into a learning commons area.

Kristi Maldonado, Longview High School special education teacher, and Sarah Sheppard, special education supervisor, received $3,600 to purchase to purchase twelve touch screen Chromebooks.

Cheri Lee, Longview Early Graduation High School student support specialist, and Kristi Means, principal, received $3,517.50 to purchase fifteen Chromebooks.

Nona Snoddy, Dade Center special education teacher, and Isiah Gates, principal, received $2,600.00 to purchase twelve sit and stand manual student desks.

Brittany Johnson, instructor at the Playing for Keeps Early Childhood Center, and Leisha Fluellen, principal, received $2,000.00 to purchase educational toys for the district’s youngest learners.

Since 2008, the Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. has funded 41 campus grants for a total of $116,455.76.

Through the Great Rewards for Great Ideas Grant Program, the Campus Initiative Grant Program, and the first annual John W. Harrison, Jr. Academic Field Trip Grant, the Longview ISD Foundation has returned $868,831.74 to LISD educators to enhance the quality of education for all students.

For a list of this year’s grant recipients, visit the Longview ISD Foundation’s website at www.lisdfoundation.org and click on Great Rewards for Great Ideas on the menu bar at the top of the page.

Page 20

THE LONGVIEW VOICE —

March 2019

LISD Foundation announces raffle items

The Longview ISD Foundation has announced its raffle held annually in conjunction with the Lamplighter Awards.

This year the Foundation is offering five items. Tickets are one (1) for $5.00 or three (3) for $10.00. When buying a ticket, one can check the item he or she hopes to win, spreading tickets among the items or putting all tickets on one item. The Foundation will hold five separate drawings on Thursday, April 4, at the 2019 Lamplighter Awards banquet at Pinecrest Country Club. Winners needs not be present to win.

Information about the raffle is also on the Foundation’s website at www. lisdfoundation.org.

The raffle items are: Vahan 14K gold, sterling, and diamond bracelet donated by Henry and Moore Jewelry. Retail value is $1,725.00 Large Neon Lobo Commemorative 2018 State Championship Rocking L Sign—Perfect for any Lobo fan. Donated by Kay and John Ray, Retail value is $675.00. (The price began at $475 when the raffle tickets were printed, but the Rays added to the sign, making the price higher. The sign is 2 and 1/2 feet wide and 2 feet high. It looks fabulous when lit!)

You could be a big winner! Two Lobo season football tickets donated by Coach John King and lottery scratch off tickets and Lobo fan gear donated by the Foundation. Value is priceless!

Lunch or dinner for ten people prepared and served by Chef Kevin Hill and the accomplished Longview High School culinary arts students in the Lobo Bistro on the LHS campus. Retail value is $200.

One large pizza of your choice per month for a year donated by Pizza King.

Expires 4/4/20. Retail value is $180.