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Lovejoy Independent School District
Celebrating 100 Years of Excellence in Education
Centennial Logo Designed by Hudson Samuels, LHS Student
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A Message from the Superintendent
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Congratulations to our Cross Country Teams. Our boys earned their 11th consecutive district championship while our girls' team took 2nd place. Both teams will now advance to the Regional Meet. There is a lot of winning going on around Lovejoy. The Fall Tennis team has advanced to the Area Round of play offs and our Volleyball team has clinched the District 15-5A championship. Our LHS Band will be competing in the first round of the UIL state marching contest this Friday. If you have not seen the show this year, it is very strong and I am anxious to see how we fare against our competition. Finally, be sure to read the Curriculum Express below if you have an elementary student in grades K-4, as Dennis Muizers offers some information on the Standards Based Report Card.
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WSMS Chess Takes 3rd Place
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Scott Watson Memorial Chess Tournament
On Saturday, October 14th, Hagio Pang and Emily Perry represented Willow Springs Middle School at the 8th Annual Scott Watson Memorial Chess Tournament in Irving, Texas. They played against other local schools, finishing in 3rd place in the Middle School Championship. Their trophy will be displayed at WSMS. Congratulations to Hagio and Emily.
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#STOPONRED
Held during the third full week of October each year, National School Bus Safety Week is a public education program designed to address the importance of school bus safety, and serves as a reminder for students, parents, teachers, and the community to keep school bus safety in the forefront. The theme this year is #STOPONRED.
Following are some important reminders regarding school bus safety:
- When you see a school bus, assume children will be in the area, and take extra care; leave lots of space around the bus.
- When the bus turns on its flashing yellow lights, the bus is either preparing to stop at a railroad crossing or preparing to stop to pick up or drop off children. Please slow down and prepare to stop.
- When the bus turns on its flashing red lights, traffic must stop in both directions. Never pass a school bus with flashing red lights. #STOPONRED
Thank you for your assistance in helping to keep our students safe.
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Foundation for Lovejoy Schools
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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
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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.
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A Message from the
Deputy Superintendent
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Standards-Based Report Cards in K-4
 Dear Lovejoy Community:
The last few editions of Curriculum Express have focused on the topics of grading or testing as it pertains to grades 5-12. The edition today is a topic of interest which is surfaced periodically by parents with children in grades K-4.
As you know, we utilize a Standards-Based Report Card (SBRC) in grades K-4. Although this is a grade reporting system which is different than what many of us experienced in school, Lovejoy is not unique to use this type of report card for elementary students.
Our SBRC was created for Kindergarten students who entered Lovejoy in the 2006-07 school year. The SBRC was "moved up" each year until 2010-11 when it reached full implementation in grades K-4. In order to help deepen understanding and clear up any potential confusion about the reporting system we use in grades K-4, I have answered the following frequently asked questions regarding the SBRC.
Do students in K-4 receive grades?
Yes. Although it is not a number grade for a subject area, students receive a grade or performance indicator which is specific to standards for the subject area. Standards-based report cards describe for parents the specific skill achievement as measured against state and grade level standards. For example, instead of a student earning an "86" in reading, he or she will be evaluated separately in areas like comprehension and decoding based on what they have learned.
Although I know how my child is performing academically on the SBRC, will student learning behaviors still be assessed?
Yes. Behavior and work habits which promote learning are important for students to acquire in order to be successful in school. These standards are often referred to as processing skills because they are skills which indicate how the student behaves as they are learning. Grades for behavior and work habits are considered separately from academic learning standards and reported in a separate area of the SBRC.
Does the SBRC help foster a culture in which effort doesn't matter?
The SBRC is actually a more specific system for reporting progress and feedback. Teachers in grades K-4 describe continually giving more specific student feedback based on specific grade level standards than they did in a more traditional number grade system. Teachers tell us they know their students' academic strengths and weaknesses much better with the SBRC, as they monitor each standard in the subject area rather than overall progress in a subject area.
As we have concluded the first grading period and parent conferences are scheduled for grades K-4, I thought answering these more frequently asked questions would be helpful. If there are questions you would like addressed about our standards-based report card, do not hesitate to contact your child's teacher, your campus principal, or I am always available as well.
We hope you continue to love where you learn. If you have feedback to help us improve, please do not hesitate to contact me on my cell at 214.385.1967.
Respectfully,
Dennis Muizers
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Lovejoy Cross Country
Boys Win 11th Consecutive
District Championship
On Thursday, October 12th, the Lovejoy Boys Cross Country team won the UIL 15-5A District Championship for the 11th consecutive year. The Varsity and JV Boys teams have won the district team title since 2007. This also marks the 11th consecutive year the Varsity Boys team has qualified for the Regional Championship.
The Varsity Boys race started at 9:00 AM with the team scoring 23 points. Mesquite Poteet finished second with 76 points, and Highland Park finished third with 81 points. Leading the Varsity Boys team was Brett Pedersen. Brett finished second overall with a personal best time of 15:44.3. Brady Laboret finished right on Pedersen's heels with third overall and a personal best time of 15:44.7. Ryan Brands finished fifth overall tying his personal best time of 16:09. Rounding out the varsity boys team included Will Muirhead (6th - 16:31), Ryan Spruell (7th - 16:34), Whitson Bedell (8th - 16:38), and
Bradley Davis
(11th - 16:49).
The Varsity Boys will compete at the Region II 5A Championship at Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie on Monday, October 23rd. The Varsity Boys are scheduled to start at 12:30 PM.
Girls Take 2nd Place in District
On Thursday, October 12th, the Lovejoy Girls Cross Country team finished second overall (43 Points) to Highland Park (24 points). Forney placed third overall with 101 points. This marked the 11th consecutive year the Varsity Girls team has qualified for the Regional Championship.
Leading the Varsity Girls team was Carson Hockersmith. Carson finished second overall tying her personal best time of 19:07. Amelia Carothers finished sixth overall with a time of 19:55. Sofia Estes finished 10th overall with a time of 20:19. Rounding out the Varsity Girls team included Avery Silliman (12th - 20:37), Zoe Bessa (13th - 20:39), Emily Gueller (17th - 21:11), and Andee Richardson (26th - 21:50).
The Varsity Girls will compete at the Region II 5A Championship at Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie on October 23rd. The Region II race is scheduled to start at 12:00 PM.
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The Leopards got on the winning track with a convincing win over the Forney Jackrabbits 63-15 on Homecoming night. Carson Collins threw for 194 yards and five touchdown passes. Jacob Terwiliger caught six passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns while also returning a kickoff for a touchdown. Jahi Rainey chipped in 134 yards and a touchdown.
The Leopards travel to Wylie to take on the Raiders of Wylie East this Friday, October 20th. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM. Tickets purchased at the gate are $8.00 for adults and students.
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Lovejoy Golf
The JV Boys and Girls finished second last week at the Leopard JV Fall Classic. Lovejoy hosted nine schools at Twin Creeks Golf Club. The Boys shot a total 409, led by Weston Ludlow, with an 86. The remaining boys all improved from their first tournament at Plantation. The girls shot a total 439, led by Chloe Jones with 102.
The Varsity Boys competed in the Tiger Classic, hosted by Texas High School, at the historic Texarkana Country Club. This tournament traditionally hosts the strongest field of teams the Leopards will see all year, and this year was no different. Some of the 16 teams included Highland Park, Southlake, Byron Nelson, McKinney Boyd, Trinity Christian, Argyle, Flower Mound Marcus, Jesuit and others. The Boys team score of 668 gave the Leopards a 14th place finish. The 54 hole event, started with 36 holes on Friday, October 13th. Freshman, Jay Pabin led the Leopards with 79-79/158 total, good for 30th overall.
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Lovejoy Tennis
The Leopards are on a six game winning streak after defeating the Greenville Lions yesterday in the Bi-District round of the UIL State Team Tennis playoffs 10-0. The Leopards will take on Frisco Heritage at the Allen Tennis Center for the Area Round of the State Playoffs. The matches will begin at 4:00 PM. We hope to see you there supporting the Leopard Tennis Program.
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Lovejoy Volleyball
The Lovejoy Varsity team fought hard against the Forney Jackrabbits on Friday night and came out with a 3-0 sweep. The Leopards started fast and never looked back. Senior
Rachel Lang
dominated the net with 19 kills on 26 attempts and no hitting errors in addition to 6 huge blocks.
Allie Moger
contributed in the middle with eight kills and two blocks. Junior
Madison Waters
dished out 11 kills, which contributed to the team kill count of 48 in 3 sets. Libero
Shanel Bramschreiber
defended the back row with constant reads and effort plays, giving the Leopards many opportunities to score.
The Lovejoy Varsity team fought hard against the Scots of Highland Park in a tough 3 to 1 set victory which clinched the district 15-5A title. The Leopards got off to a bit of a slow start in set one, losing 23-25. The Leopards fought to pull off a 29-27 win in the second set which seemed to turn the momentum for Lovejoy in sets 3 and 4. Senior Rachel Langs dominated the net with 15 kills on 26 attempts and no hitting errors in addition to 5 huge blocks. Junior outside hitter Madison Waters added 9 kills and senior middle Allie Moger added 7 kills. Senior setter Annabelle Archer led the team in assists with 39 and senior libero Shanel Bramschreiber was a rock on the back row extending multiple rallies keeping the Leopards in the game.
The Lady Leopards travel to Wylie
this Friday to take on the Lady Raiders of Wylie East. The game is scheduled for 5:30 PM.
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A New Tradition
Cheer of the Week
The Lovejoy High Cheer Team is pleased to announce the new tradition of "Chant of the Week."
Watch the Lovejoy Varsity cheerleaders' video and be ready to cheer our Leopards to victory at the game this Friday. The Leopards had a great game last week and need our continued support for a Play-Off spot. We hope to see you at the game as we cheer on the Leopards.
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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.
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Leopards in the News
This section of Email Express highlights news reports/articles featuring Lovejoy over the previous week.
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PTA Reflections: Within Reach
 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 Local and Council PTAs, and PTAs across the country urge students in preschool through grade 12 to create and submit original works. This year's 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 - reflecting on the specific theme.
There is a special artist division option for students with disabilities to ensure all students have the opportunity to participate in the program. Students are recognized each year for their artistic ingenuity to bring the theme to life in a way which is personal and meaningful. For rules and entry forms,
click here
. The deadline is Friday, October 27th.
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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.
Additionally, I am holding donation drives at all Lovejoy schools to create first aid kits to donate to Allen Community Outreach (ACO). Items requested for donation are band aids, antiseptic wipes, crepe bandages, cotton balls, gloves, gauze, and any other supplies you would typically find in a first aid kit. All donations are appreciated and will be accepted through Friday, October 27th.
"
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Eagle Project: Hurricane Harvey Relief
A Message from Hunter Kight
 "My name is Hunter Kight, I am an 8th grader at Willow Springs, and I've just started my eagle project. I have chosen to help the Hurricane Harvey victims for my project. Many of the victims did not have flood insurance, and this looks to be the most costly natural disaster in U.S. history. The clean-up and rebuild effort will take more than a year. There is a time during disasters like this that charities experience donor fatigue. This is where donations drop to their lowest. Through my project, I am trying to reduce donor fatigue by collecting basic essential items. I have partnered with the Salvation Army to collect supplies like canned goods, baby food/formula, hygiene items, diapers, and cases of water. Large donation boxes are located at each school to collect these items. I will leave these boxes out until November 3, 2017. Please consider supporting this effort by filling the boxes and helping the victims."
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Lovejoy ISD Pre-Kindergarten
Space Available
Our district has offered a Pre-K program as a part of our employee daycare program for the past 11 years. On the suggestion of parents, we decided to expand that program and offer a tuition-based program open to our community. We currently have two Pre-K classrooms open at Puster Elementary. This program offers enhancements in music, fitness, art, library, science, technology, engineering, and math. We are enthusiastic about providing a Lovejoy education for community members looking for a rich learning experience which will provide a firm foundation for kindergarten and beyond. The first week of school we received an email from a parent with a child in the program and this is what she said:
"My daughter loves her new school and runs to get dressed every morning (used to throw a fit). Her teachers are great."
If you are interested in applying, please
click here
. To schedule a tour of the Pre-Kindergarten program, please contact
Stacey Dillon
at 469.742.8003.
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Dallas Symphony Orchestra Discount
Thomas Mears, Group Sales Education Specialist, 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.
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The Lovejoy Running Club
The Lovejoy Running Club will be meeting every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 6:00 PM near the Duck Pond at Celebration Park. All ages and ability levels are welcome to attend, from novice walkers looking to shed a few pounds, to elite runners gearing up for the next race. If you have questions regarding the running program, you may contact:
[email protected]
. P.S. Dogs are welcome.
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 ASA Winter Basketball Registration Now Open
Registration for ASA Winter Basketball is now open for grades K - 12.
Click here
for additional information.
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Health Science Educator
Are you a licensed nurse? Have you ever considered helping develop the next generation of healthcare providers? Come work as a Health Science Educator in Lovejoy ISD and help make a difference in our growing program. We are seeking a dedicated individual with the following qualifications:
- Licensed nurse
- Minimum of two years of nursing experience in a facility
- Experience teaching students or supervising nurse aides
- High interest in teaching high school age students
- Strong communication skills
Interested candidates may
click here
to apply. Please contact Stephani Kranz at 469.742.8033
with questions.
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Bus Drivers
Lovejoy ISD is currently accepting applications for full-time and part-time school bus drivers.
Click here
for additional information.
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LHS Band Marching Contest: October 21
The LHS Band will be competing at the UIL Marching Contest on Saturday, October 21st. The band will perform at 2:15 PM at the Wylie ISD Stadium. The results will be announced at 4:45 PM. 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.
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LHS Varsity Choir Masterworks Concert:
October 21
Dr. Andrew Crane, Associate Professor of Choral Conducting and Director of the BYU Singers, will conduct the Lovejoy High School Varsity Mixed Choir and Muses, the McKinney Boyd Varsity Choir, and the Plano West Varsity Choir in a concert of choral masterworks on Saturday, October 21st at 1:00 PM at Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church. We hope you will make plans to join us for this exciting performance.
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WSMS Madagascar Live!: October 21
The Willow Springs Middle School cast and crew of Madagascar Live! invite you to attend:
Madagascar Live!
Family Fun Night
Saturday, October 21st
6:00 PM
WSMS Courtyard and Cafeteria
Join the characters of Madagascar Live! for this family fun night. Sing the songs, play some games, and eat treats. Enjoy a mini carnival-like atmosphere. The night will conclude with an outdoor movie watching party of Madagascar (weather permitting). Bring a blanket and enjoy this great evening with the cast of Madagascar Live!. This is a great event for children and families in support of the middle school musical theatre program. Tickets will be $20 per person. Tickets can be purchased at
this link
.
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Friends of Fairview Firefighters Association/ Community Pancake Breakfast: October 21
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Drug Awareness Parent Presentation:
October 24
Our Unexpected Journey - Helping Parents Be Prepared
Susa'n Hoemke will be sharing her son Hayden's story and their dark journey through his downward spiral into drug use, addiction and legal issues. Their seemingly perfect family life came to an abrupt end when they found themselves uneducated about - and unprepared for - managing these issues. They lost their sweet, beloved son Hayden in 2014 just before his 23rd birthday. The Hoemke's experience was tragic, and one they wish no parent would have to experience. Sadly, many will and are today.
Mrs. Hoemke will bring some light to this darkness by sharing her experience in hopes of providing some information about how drug abuse can start, what to watch for, and tools to handle these situations, if they do occur. All parents in the district are encouraged to attend the presentation at Willow Springs Middle School on Tuesday, October 24th, at 10:30 AM.
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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.
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Lovejoy High School Student Council
Pink Out Football Game: October 27
Every year, Lovejoy Student Council makes a donation to help beat breast cancer. The LHS Student Council members invite you to purchase Pink Out t-shirts to raise money and spread awareness for the cause. The t-shirts are $16 and may be purchased through the
Online Payment Center
.
This year's fundraiser will benefit a local non-profit organization. Check out
www.breastcancercanstickit.org
, and the organization April Samuels has built to help fight breast cancer. Her story is amazing and her family lives in the Lovejoy district. Orders will be delivered to campuses October 25th and 26th.
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College Admission and GPA/Rank Forum:
October 30
Unequivocally, our goal is to implement the best system possible which will support our students in their quest for admittance to the college/university of his/her choosing. The idea of ranking or not ranking our graduates has been a discussion item for several years. Under Texas law, we are required to rank the Top 10%, but beyond that, it is a local district decision. We have done a thorough review of this issue at least twice in the past, and have not found a compelling reason to drop the ranking policy beyond the Top 10%. Our college counselors have put together a panel of college/university admissions professionals to provide additional information for our community. Please plan to join us on October 30th from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM in the LHS gym. Currently, we have commitments from staff at these institutions:
The University of Texas - Austin
The University of Texas - Dallas
The University of North Texas
Texas Tech University
Save the date for October 30th at 6:30 PM.
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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
.
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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.
Ray Levy, Ph.D., LSSP is in private practice in Dallas, Texas and works extensively with high risk children, children with ADHD and strong-willed behaviors. He has appeared on numerous radio and television shows discussing various psychological issues. Dr. Levy travels throughout the country giving workshops and talks on therapy, and child and adolescent issues.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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)
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