Principal Message:  October 27, 2017
D ear Parents,

We have had a great week of learning about making healthy choices and keeping our body and mind safe at Lovejoy Elementary.  I want to thank our awesome PTA for hosting a fabulous Family Fall Festival.  It was definitely a night filled with fun and laughter.  As a reminder, students are not allowed to wear their costumes to school on Halloween. 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me.
All My Best,
Wendy Craft
469-742-8077 (office)
214-551-4503 (cell)
LES News 

NEW!  Leopard Life Skill for November - Gratitude
As we approach the end of October, we are wrapping up our focus on self-control. All month long students have been working hard at practicing their self-control skills. Whether it's in the classroom, in the hallway, in the cafeteria, or on the playground, students have been presented with many opportunities to listen to their inner "brain voice" and practice using self-control to make positive choices. We will continue to work on using self-control for the remainder of the year, but will move into our next Leopard Life Skill for the month of November, "Gratitude." Students will learn that gratitude is "being thankful for the benefits we receive and showing appreciation to others." According to research, those who practice gratitude feel considerably happier and are more enthusiastic and determined. Studies also have found that children who are grateful are less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol, have more friends, and get higher grades than kids who are more materialistic. It can be difficult, however, to instill gratitude in children who are naturally self-centered and growing up in an entitlement-driven society. We want our students to learn that showing gratitude is more than just saying, "thank you." It also encompasses the mindfulness of appreciating and being content with what we have and helping and serving others. We will be focusing on these key elements to help our students develop authentic gratitude.

While we're teaching and practicing gratitude here at school, there are some simple ways you can reinforce it at home as well. You might enjoy reading a short article about the Five Ways to Instill Gratitude in Your Child at www.care.com . It describes some things you can do on a daily basis to make gratitude a habit in your household.

If you would like to know more about the nine character strengths, skills, and mindsets from the Character Lab organization, you can visit their website at www.characterlab.org . You can also contact me at any time. Thank you for helping us grow grateful hearts in our little leopards!

Mrs. Ruggeri ☺

NEW! Veterans Day Posters
To prepare for our Annual Veteran's Day Program on November 10th , we are encouraging students to make posters that honor family members or friends that are currently serving or have served in the Armed Forces.  The posters are DUE no later than November 3rd . Please see the included flyer for details.


NEW! Veterans Day Brunch & Assembly
We are extending an invitation to our veterans aswell as other community members, to join us on November 10th in the Lovejoy Elementary Gym at 10:15 am.  We will host a brunch for our heroes in the Gathering Spot at 9:15 am and would love to have the honor of serving those who protect us every day.  If attending the brunch and assembly, please complete the bottom portion of the invitation (included in your child's Thursday Folder) and return to the Front Office no later than Friday, November 3rd.
 
NEW ! Early Release & Leopard Live
Lovejoy Elementary will have EARLY RELEASE on Wednesday, November 1st at 12:00 pm.  Students can purchase or bring a sack lunch to eat before Leopard Live (10:30).  L eopard Live will begin at 11:00 am.  Please join us to recognize our Leopard Students who show exemplary character. Please note that the date and time have changed!



NEW! Operation Shade
This year we will continue to raise money to cover our playground with shade. We need to raise $25,000 this year!  In order to help us raise money, we are going to have a Boosterthon Fun Run. This is a fun event where students will run during their specials classes. We are encouraging each student to raise money to help us earn our shade. Since the shade is so expensive, this is our second year to raise money.  We will have our Kick Off Event on November 7th at 1:45 pm and our Fun Run will take place on November 17th.

NEW! 1st in Carpool Winner! 
Congratulations to Michael Miller's family for winning the 1st in carpool line.  Beginning on Monday, October 30th, the Miller family will be allowed to pass all of the cars in the carpool line and go to the very front.  We will have a cone with a reserved sign on top to serve as a reminder. We are asking that whoever is the first person who begins our carpool line to leave space for our lucky carpool winner.

 
NEW! Last Chance Auction
You still have a chance to bid on a teacher experience from the Fall Festival. The minimum bid is $25.  If you would like to bid on one of the experiences listed, please email Meredith Barnett at [email protected] . The auction will close on Friday, November 10th.

                        Mrs. Parker, 2nd Grade,  - Leopard Lunch Break
                        Jessica Ackerman,  Reading Intervention,  - Pretty Pumpkins
                        Sarajane Mueth, 2nd Grade, Leopard Lunch Break
                        Moriah Ahlfinger, 3rd Grade, Let's Go To The Movies
               Jamie Staats, 1st  Grade, Manicures/Munchies or Legos/Lunch



NEW! Thanksgiving Lunch
Our annual Lovejoy Thanksgiving luncheon will be held on Thursday, November 16th. Please mark your calendar so you will not miss this opportunity to feast with your child.  Please know that most parents come to this event and enjoy a yummy lunch with their child.

Thursday, November 16th 2017
4th Grade:  10:45
2nd Grade: 11:15
3rd Grade: 11:45
1st Grade: 12:15
Kindergarten:  12:45  (program to follow)




NEW! Lost & Found
With the cold weather, we have had an increase in our lost & found. Please help us decrease the number of items in our lost and found by putting your child's names on all coats, lunchboxes, and water bottles.  If there is a name on it, then we can return it to the rightful owner.



Microwave
We are very excited to a nnounce that we now have a microwave in our cafeteria for our students to use during lunch. Therefore, if you want to send something to school that needs to be warmed up, your student can warm it in our new microwave.  Please help us by doing the following:

  • Put the item in a microwave safe container
  • Please write a note with how much time is needed for heating. We recommend that it does not take longer than 3 minutes.
  • Please do NOT send any foil
  • Also practice at home would be great! Don't worry, we will help our students with this.  



Guest Lunch Table
We have added another lunch table in our cafeteria.  This will allow us to have 2 guest lunch tables.  Therefore, we are going to ask all guests to eat at these designated tables.  This will ensure that students have the opportunity to visit with their guests while also protecting the privacy of our other students.  As a reminder, you may only have lunch with your child.  Thank you in advance for your help honoring this request.



Directory Cover Contest
PTA Is looking for students to design the "LES LOVES AMERICA" cover for the PTA Directory. The NEW deadline is Tuesday, October 31st .  For additional information, please see the flyer in your child's Thursday Folder. Please click here for additional information.




Rudolph Run
The 2017 Rudolph Run 5K and 1 mile Fun Run will be held on Saturday, December 2nd. Pre-register by November 11th for Lovejoy Elementary to receive credit. Please complete the Ruldoph Run Form and return to Lovejoy Elementary or click here to register.



 
DUE TODAY! Box Tops
Each unexpired Box Top is worth 10 cents for our school! Think of those little Box Tops as dimes just waiting to be collected! Simply clip the Box Tops from the items you already have (making sure that the product code and expiration date are visible), put them in a zip top baggie with your teacher's name on it , and drop them in either of the big BOX TOP collection boxes we have near the office or the library. Currently, Castine, McDonald, and Harper's classes are in the lead but there is still time. The homeroom with the most submissions gets a Popsicle party!

Jump Rope for Heart
It's time for Jump Rope for Heart or Hoops for Heart! The event will take place November 6th - 10th during specieals. This program teaches heart healthy habits and helps the American Heart Association raise money for research and education that saves lives. Please see included flyer for more information. To register please visit heart.org/jump or heart.org/hoops.  



PTA Reflections: Within Reach DUE NOVEMBER 3rd!
The National PTA Reflections program encourages students of all ages and abilities to explore and be involved in the arts. Through the program, National PTA, Lovejoy Elementary PTA, and PTAs across the country urge students in preschool through grade 12 to create and submit original works.  This years' contest theme is "Within Reach".  We hope all Leopards will submit an entry in one or more of the following categories: Dance Choreography, Literature, Film Production, Photography, Visual Arts, and Music Composition.  For rules and entry forms  click here.   The deadline has been extended until Friday, November 3rd. 
You may contact Christina Smith with questions at [email protected]. Please  click here for additional information.



4th Grade Program: "Texas, Our Texas!"
The LES 4th Grade will proudly present "Texas Our Texas!" on Thursday, November 2nd at 6:30 pm in the LES Gym.  Please join us for a brief, but meaningful program highlighting the great state of Texas through song, dance, and spoken word. Students will report to the music room at 6:15 pm. Please have your child wear their Red LES Spirit Shirt and dark or black jeans, long pants, or skirt.  If you have any questions, please email Wendy Hebert at [email protected].



Monday, October 30th 
Choir; 3:00 pm 
Watch Me Sculpt; 3:00 pm
Tuesday, October 31st
Happy Halloween! 
Wednesday, November 1st 
Reading with the Leopards - Fine Arts 
Leopard Live; 11:00 am 
Early Release; 12:00 pm 
Chess Club; 12:00 pm 
Thursday, November 2nd 
4th Grade Program; 6:30 pm 

Friday, November 3rd 
Reading with the Leopards - Basketball & Tennis
Engineering Club; 3:00 pm 
 

Foundation News 
Kendra Scott Gives Back     
Kendra Scott is hosting a "give back" event with 20% of the sales going to the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools. Kendra Scott will provide snacks and beverages. We hope you will join us for this special event.
Thursday, November 9
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Kendra Scott in Watters Creek
888 Watters Creek Boulevard


Give to the Foundation via AmazonSmile
If you plan on purchasing items from Amazon.com, please consider visiting Amazon Smile. Amazon established AmazonSmile to give back 0.5% of the price of eligible AmazonSmile purchases to charitable organizations. When you are ready to shop, log in to your Amazon account by visiting the AmazonSmile website for the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools. Once you have logged in, you will have access to the same products, same prices and same service you find at amazon.com. Thank you for your support of the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools.

District News
Lovejoy ISD Pre-Kindergarten
Lovejoy ISD is accepting applications for tuition-based Pre-Kindergarten. This comprehensive program will be staffed by credentialed teachers and housed on the Puster Elementary School campus.  This program will offer enhancements in music, fitness, art, library, science, technology, engineering, and math. We are enthusiastic to provide a Lovejoy education for community members looking for a rich learning experience which will provide a firm foundation for kindergarten and beyond. 
 
To apply, please click here.  To schedule a tour of the Pre-Kindergarten program, please contact Stacey Dillon at 469.742.8003.
 
Pictured above:  Kevin Parker, Principal of Puster Elementary School, "shoots hoops" with incoming Pre-Kindergarten student, Crew Thomas.

Outdoor Concert Series with Orchestra and Choir:  October 25 and 28
The Lovejoy Fine Arts Department is excited to premier the Outdoor Concert Series in the Lovejoy High School Courtyard.  You are invited to bring a lawn chair and blanket to share in this extraordinary music program delivered in an incredible outdoor experience.  Each concert offers a special atmosphere and delicious treats.

WSMS and LHS Orchestra Courtyard Concert: October 25  6:00 PM, Lovejoy High School Courtyard
The Lovejoy Orchestra will offer a sensational concert Wednesday, October 25th in the LHS Courtyard.  Two food trucks, Taylor's Pizza and Kona Ice, will be on location for dinner and treats, available for purchase, starting at 5:30 PM.  Wear your favorite costume and enjoy the sounds of the Lovejoy Strings.
Coffee House: October 28

5:00 PM, Lovejoy High School Courtyard
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and join us for the annual Coffee House outdoor concert, led by LHS students. Hear the beautiful voices of student solos and ensemble groups, and enjoy coffee, hot cocoa, drinks and pastries (available for purchase). Invite your neighbors and friends.  We hope to see you there.
  
LHS Band UIL Area Marching Contest: October 28
The LHS Band will compete at the UIL Area Marching Contest on Saturday, October 28th.  The band will perform at 11:00 AM at the Little Elm Sports Complex.  The results will be announced at 4:45 PM, and finals will follow for those bands advancing to State.  The LHS Band has been preparing the UIL Show, "Metalmorphosis 2017" since August.  This year, the 5A bands will have their rotation to compete for state. We hope to see our Lovejoy Fans in Wylie supporting our Marching Leopards.

School Store T-Shirt Sale
The school stores, located at Lovejoy High School and Willow Springs Middle School, are getting ready for the cooler weather.  Don't miss their special sales as they make room for the new season.

All Short-Sleeved T-Shirts - 50% off
Hurry, as the t-shirts will go quickly at this special price.

The LHS Store is open Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.  The WSMS Store is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 11:15 AM - 1:15 PM.
Madagascar Live Tickets on Sale Now!  
The animals are escaping from the Central Park Zoo.  Join the WSMS Musical Theatre Cast for an enjoyable evening of fun as they proudly present Madagascar Live on November 2nd, 3rd and 4th at the Lovejoy High School Auditorium.  All seats are reserved. Tickets may be purchased online at the Fine Arts Ticket Box.
If you like to Move It, Move It - we hope to see you at the show.

Mini Madagascar Live! VIP Party: November 2
Are you a VIP? Join us for a Mini Madagascar Live! VIP Party on Thursday, November 2nd, at 6:15 PM.  November 2nd is opening night of the Willow Springs Middle School musical, Madagascar Live!. The animals are escaping from the Central Park Zoo, and you are invited to experience it firsthand.  If you like to Move It, Move It, we hope to see you at this exclusive engagement to meet the zoo animals, and experience a Crack a Lackin good time.
This experience includes a special pre-show backstage tour with a Madagascar Live! character, signed show poster, t-shirt, 1 adult ticket and 1 child/student ticket, a goody bag and special reserved seating. Tickets are $50 and are available at  this link.  Tickets to this special event are limited to the first 50 students.  Tickets are available only online.
Girls Lacrosse Try-It Clinic: November 11  
Lovejoy Lacrosse will host a free try-it clinic and introduction to lacrosse for all Lovejoy girls in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade. The clinic will be held on Saturday, November 11th from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Willow Springs Middle School Football Field. No lacrosse experience is necessary and there is no need to register. This will be a fun, no pressure environment where Lovejoy girls can try lacrosse and parents can learn about the Lovejoy Lady Leopards Lacrosse program. Please click here for additional information.
Last year's inaugural season was a great success. Now, we're looking for more girls to join the fun. Come out and see why lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in the United States and in North Texas.
Questions? Click here to email Lovejoy Leopard Lacrosse.

Lovejoy High School Honors Veterans  
On November 13th at 6:00 PM, Lovejoy High School will host its annual Veterans Day Banquet. The event, catered by Rudy's Barbecue, is open to all veterans and their families. Please share this information with friends and family members, and click here to RSVP.  




Gold Award: First Aid Donations for ACO
A message from Neha Kapur:          
"My name is Neha Kapur. I am a senior at Lovejoy High School and an ambassador in Girl Scouts. I am working on my Gold Award, which is the highest honor in Girl scouts.
For my service project, No Fear First Aid Is Here, I am creating awareness among kids regarding the importance of first aid in their lives. Knowing what to do when you or someone else is hurt can be very valuable information. I am going to have workshops for children to teach them about first aid, and also to let them practice skills. I feel every child should have at least a basic knowledge of First-Aid.


Lovejoy Letter Campaign
We need your help for an upcoming opportunity to let our teachers and staff know how much our Lovejoy ISD community values them and what an impact each one has on our children! The district provides an extra check for teachers the day before Thanksgiving break. In addition to those checks, again this year we would love to include a hand written letter from Lovejoy ISD families expressing gratitude and appreciation to each teacher and staff on your campus. Letters should simply be a #shortandsweet note of thanks that expresses how much #weloveourteachers.
We would be so grateful if you could write a letter or letter(s) to any teacher or teacher(s)/staff, either current or past, that have been valuable to your child(ren)'s educational experience. Please clearly label the envelope with the staff/teacher's name and LLC (Lovejoy Letter Campaign) and return the letter to the front office by Friday November 10th.
The letter campaign has become such a meaningful tradition. We really appreciate the time and effort your contributions will make again to this year's letter campaign.

Sincerely,
Anne Smith
Lovejoy Letter Campaign Coordinator 2017
#shortandsweet #weloveourteachers

Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas - Buddy Walk
This walk will be held on Sunday, October 29, 2017  at AT&T Plaza at Victory Park.  Activities will be from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm with the walk beginning at 1:00 p.m. Registration and giving now open by clicking here.

 
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Discount
Thomas Mears, Group Sales Education Specialist for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, has arranged for Lovejoy families and staff members to receive a 20% discount for all DSO Concerts, with the exception of Beethoven's 9th in May. When purchasing tickets online at www.mydso.com , type LOVEJOYISD20 at checkout to receive your 20% discount (you will be charged a $7 fee).  If you call the box office at 214.849.4376, you will receive the 20% discount, and will not be charged the $7 fee.  


Running Over Depression 5K and 1K Fun Run: November 11
Bradley Davis, James Ayers, and Jonah Barton are organizing the second annual Running Over Depression 5K and 1K event for their Senior Projects. Last year, this event had over 360 participants, and raised over $8,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). This year, the organizers are looking forward to increasing the number of participants and involvement from the Lovejoy Community. The event will be held on Saturday, November 11th. The entry fees are $20 for the 1K and $30 for the 5K, with all proceeds donated to the AFSP. You may register by clicking here .  Register early, as prices increase after November 3rd.



Safe!: November 8
Issues Affecting Today's Teens and How You Can Help
We all want to keep our teens safe.  Join Vanita Halliburton and Dr. Ray Levy on Wednesday, November 8th at 11:30 AM in the Lovejoy ISD Administration Building Board Room to learn how to:
  • Recognize signs of distress in teens
  • Promote brain health
  • Foster resiliency and positive coping skills
  • Know the warning signs of suicidal behavior
  • Find help for a struggling teen
  • Implement protective measures to keep teens SAFE!
Vanita Halliburton is president of the Grant Halliburton Foundation, a non-profit organization that works to raise awareness and understanding of adolescent mental health and suicide prevention.  She speaks from the heart about her son's battle with depression and bipolar disorder and his suicide at the age of 19.
 

ASA Winter Basketball
Registration for ASA Winter Basketball is now open for grades K-12.  For additional information, please click here 


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