Lovejoy Independent School District

 
Email Express
April 26, 2017
A Message from the Superintendent



Dear Lovejoy Community:
 
It's a great week to Love Where You Learn.  US News and World Report released their rankings yesterday of the best high schools in the nation.  Once again, Lovejoy High School is the top-ranked school in Collin County.  Ranked 49th in the State of Texas and 283rd in the nation, Lovejoy High School continues to be one of the highest performing high schools in the nation. We are #lovejoyproud.
 
I have enjoyed seeing many of you at the numerous spring banquets and the recent performance of the Majestics. It is great to recognize the numerous accomplishments and talents of our students.
 
The Rumor Mill
It seems like each Spring I am given the opportunity to clear up some misinformation being passed around the district. Since it is that time of the year, here you go:
 
Rumor: The district has no plan in the event the Texas Legislature passes a school funding bill which results in a loss of state funds.
Fact: Lovejoy ISD has taken the lead with other school districts at risk of losing funding and hired a lobbyist to represent our interests in the legislature. There are currently 3 bills pending which would provide relief for our funding concerns.
 
Rumor: In the event Lovejoy ISD loses state funds, the district's plan is to reduce the number of teachers and raise class size.
Fact: The district will not lay off any teachers, and our average class size will remain unchanged for the 2017-2018 school year.
 
Rumor: The district has no Plan B to increase the revenue stream in the event of a loss of state funding.
Fact: The district has multiple plans to increase revenue in the event of a loss of state funds. The district is currently working to increase transfers-with-tuition, and has utilized a multi-level marketing approach. Each transfer student brings in approximately $16,000; therefore, 100 transfer students paying tuition will net the district approximately $1.6 million. In addition, the district is currently registering students for our tuition-based Pre-K program, and our summer enrichment offerings has increased from 9 summer camps in 2016 to 81 camps in 2017.
 
Rumor: The district has not considered sponsors and/or naming rights for our facilities.
Fact: The district has had a study completed by a third party consultant which has assessed the potential value of all of our current athletic facilities for advertising purposes.


Lovejoy AP Studio Art Show:  May 13
The Lovejoy AP Studio Art Show will be held on May 13th from 6:00 - 9:00 PM at the Villages of Fairview.  This is always a great show and I hope to see you there.



LHS Track and Field
Lovejoy hosted the Area 15-16 5A Track and Field Championship last week. The Lovejoy Boys' team won the Area Championship, and the Lovejoy Girls' team placed 3rd overall.
 
Athletes qualifying for the Regional Championship to be held April 28th and 29th at the University of Texas - Arlington include the following:
 
Girls 4X100M Relay
JoJo McRae, Kassidy Litchenburg, Carsen McFadden, Grace Ridgeway
 
800M and 1600M
Carson Hockersmith
 
100M Hurdles
Juliet Franz
 
300M Hurdles and Pole Vault
Grace Ridgeway
 
Girls 4X400M Relay
Kassidy Litchenburg, Carsen McFadden, Emily Piccirillo, Carson Hockersmith
 
Shot Put
Katie Hale
 
3200M and 1600M
Ryan Brands
 
400M and 200M
Jake Chamberlin
 
3200M
Bradley Davis
 
Pole Vault
Colin Engbrock
 
Shot Put and Discus
James Rainey
 
Long Jump and 100M
Chase Van Wagoner
 
110M Hurdles
Tyler Van Wagoner
 
Pole Vault
Jeremy Young
 
Boys 4X100M Relay
Jake Chamberlin, Beau Iovinelli, Landon McDermott, Chase Van Wagoner
 
Boys 4X200M Relay
Ryan Gordon, Beau Iovinelli, Landon McDermott, Chase Van Wagoner





LHS Softball
Congratulations to the Lovejoy High School Softball team for making the playoffs for the 9th consecutive season.


LHS Choir
Congratulations to the LHS Choir on their accomplishments at the Region 25 UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest at Allen High School.  The Choir set a new school record, with all six choirs receiving the prestigious Sweepstakes (ratings of 1 - Superior in Concert and Sight-Reading). Some of the judges' comments included:  
  • Beautifully expressive and technically pristine.
  • You all gave me goosebumps...Thank you for letting me sit back and enjoy your incredibly musical and artistic sight-reading today.
  • Just a ton of fun! Thank you for showing us the versatility in your singing today. 
If you would like to read more judges' comments or listen to any of the performances, you may access them by clicking here .
 






WSMS Choir
Congratulations to the WSMS Choir members who performed with the All-Region Choir this past weekend.  The students are pictured below with their teacher, Mrs. Chapman.



WSMS Band
Congratulations to the WSMS Band on their UIL accomplishments.  The Symphonic Band received straight superior ratings for both stage performance and sight-reading. 

The Wind Ensemble received superior ratings for stage, and an excellent rating in sight-reading.



LHS Computer Science
The Lovejoy High School Computer Science Team placed 2nd in the UIL State Team Programming competition last Friday. Four students earned the right to represent Lovejoy High School by consistently performing well in previous competitions throughout the year. They are:
 
Samuel Bell
Ben Buhse
Marcus Mao
Tommy Rousey
 
The students also competed in the State Computer Science individual competition. With the following results:
 
State Champion 5A
Samuel Bell
 
4th Place State 5A
Marcus Mao


LHS Red Ledger and Lovejoy News Network
The Red Ledger online student newspaper and the Lovejoy News Network broadcast program totaled more than 50 individual and staff awards at the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC) state convention this weekend at the University of Texas at Austin.  Please click here for full details regarding the tremendous accomplishments of the students.
 
Photo courtesy of LHS Carter Bryant.



WSMS LeopardLife and Rosette
For the second year in a row, the WSMS student newspaper, LeopardLife, received the prestigious Star Award, recognizing the top 10 percent of publications across Texas at the state journalism ILPC (UIL) spring convention April 21st - 23rd at the University of Texas at Austin.  Please click here for the full story and listing of the accomplishments of the talented students of LeopardLife and Rosette.







LHS Fishing
Lovejoy High School sent six qualifying teams to the THSBA Regional Championship last weekend on Lake Palestine. Out of the 259 teams competing, 4 Leopard teams were able to punch their ticket to the State Championship to be hosted on Lake Ray Roberts May 19th - 21st. 
 
  • Coale Barr and Trent Martelloni led the Leopards with a 4th place finish, taking home $2,000 in scholarship money.
  • Ian and Caleb Toomey make their first trip to the State Championship.
  • Daniel Helsley and Ethan Legare return to defend the title.
  • Hank and Sam Harrison return to defend back-to-back State Championships.
 
Town of Fairview Art Show
Congratulations to Puster Elementary School 1st grader, Catherine Pruitt who placed third for her painting "The Eevee" in the K-2 division of the Town of Fairview Art Show.

 
In Case You Missed It

This section of Email Express highlights news reports/articles in which Lovejoy has been featured over the previous week.

 
News

Denim and Diamonds - Last Chance Auction Now Open
The last chance auction is now open.  There are a few items still available from Denim and Diamonds. The auction will close on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at 10:00 PM. The auction may be found by clicking here.  Click on "Start Bidding" to create your account.


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..



Summer Enrichment Camps


The Summer Enrichment Camps have been finalized, and we are excited to offer opportunities for Pre-K through 12th grade.  You will find everything from dodge ball to robotics, and cooking to coding.
 
Summer Enrichment Camps will be offered in three sessions:
 
Session I:  June 12-16
Session II:  June 19-23
Session III:  July 10-14
 
Click here to see the exciting summer enrichment camp offerings.  Registration is open. 
 
With a few exceptions (athletic camps and Lovejoy theatre camp), information for all enrichment camps is available through this link.  If there is a need to register through the camp provider, the link will be provided with the session description for each session (e.g., PSAT Prep from Princeton Review).
 
Please review the enrichment camps and consider one or more of these excellent opportunities for your children this summer.


Kids 1st Summer Camp



Lovejoy ISD Athletic Summer Camps and Performance Course


Registration is now open for Lovejoy ISD Athletic Summer Camps.  Click here for details.
 
Lovejoy Athletics is pleased to announce its partnership with Geno Pierce's Performance Course for the 2017-2018 school year.  Performance Course brings with it a proven track record of championship success. Performance Course offers many different courses from high-intensity to foundational programs.  There is something for everyone.  Click here for details and registration links.


Lovejoy Musical Theatre Camp
Join Lovejoy's fifth annual Summer Musical Theatre Camp for two weeks of acting, choreography, theatre games, singing, costuming, and a lot of fun.  Camp dates are July 10 - 20, 2017.
 
Students will work together to produce and perform Disney's The Lion King Experience - Kids. Directed by Jessica Brewster, LHS Head Theatre Director, and musically directed by Bethany Stuard, SCIS Choral Director, this show is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Students who attend will develop confidence, sharpen their musical and theatrical skills, and create wonderful memories along the way. Spots are limited and will be a first-come-first-serve basis.  Click here for additional information.


April is Autism Awareness Month












Bus Drivers
Lovejoy ISD is currently accepting applications for full-time and part-time school bus drivers.  Click here for additional information.


Substitute Nursing
Lovejoy ISD is currently accepting applications for substitute nurses.  The application may be found by  clicking here .  Please contact Melissa Page with any questions at:  469.742.8013 or  melissa_page@lovejoyisd.net .
 
Upcoming Events  
 
WSMS Theatre Presents Who Hath Done It?: April 27-29
Here Ye! Here Ye!  WSMS Theatre proudly presents: Who Hath Done It? A Shakespeare Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre. To reserve your seats, email:

 
April 27, 28 & 29 at 7:00 PM
3-Course Dinner from Italian Villa
 
Join us for this interactive game and show all in one.


Lovejoy Country Run: May 6
Online Registration Ends:  April 28
Lovejoy Leopards, Inc. invites you to join them for a morning run or walk in the country surrounding Lovejoy High School. The 1K Fun Run will begin at 7:30 AM, followed by the 5K at 8:00 AM. The certified 5K course is a fast course or, if you prefer, you may choose the 1K Fun Run. Races will be chip-timed by Race Chip Timing.
 
After running, enjoy a pancake breakfast which is included in the race entry fee. Non-race participants may buy tickets at the door ($7 for adults, $5 children ages 6-12, and children 5 years and younger eat free) for breakfast.
 


Relay for Life:  April 28
The annual Relay for Life event will be held this Friday, April 28th from 6:00 PM - 12:00 PM at the Lovejoy High School Stadium.  The Relay for Life Committee will be cutting ponytails for Beautiful Lengths, an organization which, partnered with the American Cancer Society, uses donated hair to create free wigs for women losing their hair due to cancer treatment. The committee is looking for selfless donors to cut their hair onstage at the event to donate to making these wigs for cancer patients. Donors may donate as little as 8 inches, but more if they please. The hair cannot have been chemically treated, have more than 5% grays, or be dyed permanently. Anyone, any age may donate.    Click here to register to donate. 
 
All cancer survivors are invited to a Survivors' dinner catered by Dickey's Barbecue:
 
Friday, April 28, 2017
6:30 PM
Leopard Stadium
RSVP to:  wallaert_sarah@lovejoyisd.com by Thursday at 8:00 PM
 
Relay for Life will also feature the Mr. Relay contest. Similar to Mr. Lovejoy, Mr. Relay will have male participants from 9th through 12th grades who will compete in several rounds, such as talent and Q&A. A panel of judges (teachers from LHS) will determine the winner.  Students interested in participating may click here
 
Relay for Life Luminaries
The Relay for Life Committee is selling Luminaria, a commemorative item which will be on display during the 2017 LHS Relay for Life event.  The Luminaria honors all those who have had cancer, those who have survived, and those who have sadly passed away. Luminaria are $10 each and can be ordered by clicking here .  The order form and payment (made payable to the American Cancer Society) should be returned to the LHS School Store.
 
For questions, please contact:
 
Carolyn Murad:  murad_carolyn@lovejoyisd.com


Oxfam Hunger Banquet:  April 30
An Oxfam Hunger Banquet is a memorable, interactive event which brings hunger and poverty issues to life. After 40 years, this volunteer-led effort is still going strong and has changed hundreds of thousands of lives.
 
Draw a ticket and expand your world by attending Carrie Duke's Oxfam Hunger Banquet.   WSMS Independent Studies student, Carrie Duke, is planning this hunger banquet for her 2nd semester project.
 
Participants will choose an income card which will depict what they will have for dinner. Depending on the income card, attendees will receive either a more nutritious and a higher quantity of food, or a less nutritious meal.
 
Join Carrie on Sunday, April 30th, from 5:00 - 6:30 PM in the WSMS Cafeteria (1101 West Lucas Road, Lucas, TX, 75002) for a learning experience which will change your outlook on world hunger. See hunger in a whole new way.

For additional information, please visit Carrie's website by clicking here.


Puster Star Party
Puster Elementary School will host a Star Party on Tuesday, May 2nd, from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM on the playground east of Puster Elementary School. This event is open to the public.  We hope you will join us and bring your friends and family.

We'll be out observing stellar constellations, the Sun, the Moon, Jupiter and its Galilean moons, star clusters, and a few other interesting objects in the Milky Way.
 
Parking will be available in the lot on the west side of the school.  Please plan to enter through the front doors of the school.  


Spring Volleyball Meeting: May 3
If you have a daughter who is interested in trying out for Volleyball for the fall of 2017, your attendance is requested at the spring volleyball meeting. The meeting will cover important dates and details of the 2017 Volleyball season. We will also be covering booster club specifics regarding ad sales and support roles for all teams. If you have any questions or concerns regarding volleyball, please email Coach Nicholson .
 
Spring Volleyball Meeting
Wednesday, May 3rd
6:00 Pm
Lovejoy High School Cafeteria


Camp Invention: June 19-23
Camp Invention will be held at Sloan Creek Intermediate School from June 19th through 23rd for children entering K - 6th grades.  Click here for additional information. 


Sports Physicals and Cardiac Screenings:  July 22


Saturday, July 22, 2017
Willow Springs Middle School
$20 for physicals, payable to Lovejoy Athletics
$15 for cardiac screen, payable to Who We Play For
 
The Lovejoy Sports Medicine Department is offering sports physicals, and hosting Who We Play For for cardiac screenings. Physicals and cardiac screens are open to all 2017-18 incoming 7th - 12th grade student-athletes. A parent or guardian should attend with the student to sign permission forms.

The physical examination consists of the parent or guardian completing a medical history, followed by a thorough medical and orthopedic assessment by a host of qualified nurses, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and physicians.

Please RSVP for each student attending physicals and/or cardiac screenings by
clicking here.   Payment is due at WSMS on July 22nd. Payment must be made by check or cash, as no credit cards will be accepted. 

Lovejoy ISD requires every 7th - 12th grade student-athlete to receive an annual physical prior to participation in sports.

The cardiac screen is not required for participation in athletics at Lovejoy ISD but it is highly recommended. Who We Play For recommends testing at least once during high school.

This is a fundraising event for our Sports Medicine Department.  We appreciate your support.

Additional information regarding sports physicals may be found by
clicking here.

 
Where Are They Now?

If you would like to provide us with accomplishments of a Lovejoy graduate, please click here .   We will share this information in the "Where Are They Now?" section of Email Express.  It is a pleasure to report the successes of Lovejoy graduates during their college years and beyond.


Brittany Lewis - Class of 2013
Brittany Lewis is a four-year letterman with Stephen F. Austin Softball, appearing in over 200 games and starting 199 of them. She has carried the team-high batting average since her sophomore year, after 604 at-bats. She has broken the four program records for her 53 RBI within a single season in 2016, her 154 career RBI, her 208 career hits, 34 career home runs, and 42 career doubles. She swung her first walk-off home run this season in the 4-2 verdict over Lamar. Brittany holds more records in SFA softball than any other player, surpassing Stella Castro from the 1984 to 1987 team. The sure-handed righty has tallied 536 putouts and 38 assists. Lewis started out her SFA campaign as a pitcher, tossing 50 games for 177.1 innings. She had a 10-15 record with a 6.08 ERA, scattering 266 hits and striking out 66. Lewis recorded her first collegiate shut-out on April 26th, 2014 against Lamar. In 2016, Lewis found herself ranked 9th in the nation for only allowing 0.87 walks per inning. The three-time, All-conference senior boasts a team-high slugging and on-base percentage, which helped the team reach the championship round of the Southland Conference Tournament in 2016 by pulling the amazing 11 run, seventh inning rally to pass into the Semifinals, and assisted the Ladyjacks to a third place finish in the Southland in 2014. Lewis was chosen as the 2016 Southland Runner-Up Hitter of the Year, and claimed SLC Hitter of the Week Honors on April 4th, 2016. She also excelled in the classroom, earning a spot on the Academic All-American Second Team, the Southland All-Academic First Team, and as the State Farm Academic Player of the Week in 2016. She also was SFA's first regional honoree since 2010 for making the NFCA Division I All-Central Regional Team. Lewis has made the Commissioner's Honor Roll in both 2015 and 2016, registering a perfect 4.0 during her junior season. The two-time Sadie Allison MVP Award winner also made it amongst the Top 30 softball players in the nation as a nominee for the 2017 Senior CLASS award.
 
Brittany is graduating magna cum laude with a degree in Education, and has already started work on her Master's as a Reading Specialist. 



 
Stay Connected  

Inclement Weather
School closures will be determined based on safety.  In the event of a school closure, notifications will be announced on the district's website, Facebook, and Twitter pages.  We will also announce any closure through the media and by phone.  Links to our social media accounts are shown below.   


Lovejoy ISD App
The Lovejoy ISD App is available for download on both Apple and Android devices. To download the app for Apple devices, please  click here . To download the app for Android devices, please  click here .  



Twitter and Facebook
Are you following the district on Twitter ?  Have you liked us on Facebook ?  Join us on social media for news and announcements.
 
Love Where You Learn

As always, please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns. 
 
With Respect,
 
Ted Moore
Superintendent
Lovejoy ISD
972.415.8129 (mobile)
469.742.8011 (office)