Dear Wonderful Lovejoy Community:
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Dale Carnegie once said, “If you are not automatically engaged in the process of becoming the person you want to be, you are engaged in the process of becoming the person you don't want to be."
How appropriate that we start the conversation about being aware and dealing with stress in a season filled with joy. Following are some strategies for recognizing, defining and dealing with stress in our lives and those we influence.
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Recognize when your plate is too full -
Learning to say NO is a gift. It is also the best way to avoid burnout and to be sure you are taking care of yourself. I was recently visiting with one of our very talented students who truly has a gift for the activity they are involved in. When I asked them what their thoughts were about continuing in their gifted area in college, this student responded, "I am just so burned out on it. I do it out of school and in school, I am just ready for a break." I thought what a tragedy for a young 16-year-old to already be burned out on something in which they are so very talented.
Be aware of how much you are taking on and make sure you are tending to your fire. In order to keep a great fire going, you must tend to it. If you don’t, the fire goes out.
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Live in the present rather than focus on past problems, mistakes, and/or grudges -
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift. Stop and smell the roses. Elber Hubbard wrote, "Stagnation is evident when the past seems bigger and more important than the present or future." Snap, Crackle and Make it Pop! Today is a gift to make a difference. Take it!
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Focus on solutions rather than grovel in problems –
Problem solving is becoming a lost art. Work to develop solutions rather than ways to avoid or complain. The difference between success and failure is rooted in a person’s ability to problem solve. Don’t just give the answer, help those you influence to solve the problem. Build leaders, not just followers.
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Look closely in the mirror first before judging others -
It takes so little effort to find error with others rather than examine our own existence. Begin to understand that we all have problems in life and no one truly understands another's until they have walked in that person’s shoes.
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Live by the List of Nevers –
- Never say anything to or treat a person in a hurtful or harmful manner.
- Never demand someone do something you wouldn't do yourself.
- Never put down or humiliate another student or colleague.
- Never stop learning and improving.
- Never let a day go by without living, loving, learning, and laughing.
- Never forget the list of Nevers. (Connors, 2000)
I am so thankful for the opportunity to work on strategies for dealing with stress. How boring would life be if everything was all easy? For example, when I was the Principal of Lovejoy High School, I rescued a small kitten from the back of the property. I placed the kitten in a small box and brought it into my office until animal control could arrive…don't worry…we already had a line of people ready to adopt the kitten! Everything was fine until the part kitten, part Tasmanian Devil escaped from the box. Exhibiting its’ superhero-like ability, the kitten jumped from the box to a lamp shade, completely destroying it, then leapt to my bookcase, throwing several pictures off, hit my desk at Mach 3, removing all pertinent materials, then leapt to my computer keyboard, erasing most of my emails. Following the keyboard mishap, this little bundle of fur sat innocently on my desk and smiled at me.
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Like I said....life would be boring without opportunities to use stress management strategies.
Now go make an Impact!!
I am so honored to be a partner in leadership with you! We are One Heart. One Lovejoy.
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Leopard Volleyball Wins Seventh State Championship
There is not much that brings a community together more than a collective exuberance of seeing success in our students.
The incredible performance of our Lovejoy Volleyball team led them to a 7th State Championship. This team not only dominated on the court, but more importantly represented everything we want in our kids as they grow in character, grit, tenacity, integrity and service.
Champions in every way…
District 6-5A Champions
Bi-District Champions
Area Champions
Regional Champions
State Champions
MVP of State Tournament
Cecily Bramschreiber
All State Tournament Team
Averi Carlson
All State Tournament Team
Lexie Collins
District Record
10-0
Overall Record
48-5
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Lovejoy High School Among
Newsweek
’s Top STEM High Schools
Newsweek announced its ranking of the top 5,000 STEM high schools, honoring excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Lovejoy High School was named 1,046 in the nation. You may find the full press release
here.
We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of our students, staff and parents. It is the combined efforts of our Lovejoy community which led to this prestigious ranking.
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Welcome Back
I hope you and your family enjoyed a great Thanksgiving! I sure did miss our Leopards during the break and was so excited to welcome them back to school on Monday!
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Lovejoy Elementary School returned to school with an exciting opportunity to read to these adorable visitors!
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I enjoyed the opportunity to be the surprise Super Reader at Hart Elementary School on Monday afternoon. We unleashed our inner superhero by using our super reading powers!
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State Funding
State funding is consistently a top priority area of focus for us.
On Tuesday I attended the Coalition for Education Funding’s Annual Conference. This was time very well spent with economists, state-wide business leaders, faith leaders and elected officials. This conference was a great reminder that our children must remain a top priority throughout the State of Texas in all areas and was an excellent opportunity to continue to strengthen our legislative relationships with our elected officials. Be looking for updates on how you may best support us in the days ahead.
Leadership Lovejoy
Speaking of state funding, Leadership Lovejoy met on Wednesday, for a session focused on school finance. Shay Adams, Lovejoy’s Chief Financial Officer, shared the manner in which we receive state funding, how that state funding may or may not be used, and the difficulties we face with adequate funding. Special thanks to Shay for a most informative presentation.
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Basketball Season
It’s basketball season! You may find the boys website
here and the girls website
here for schedules, rosters and additional information.
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WSMS National Junior Honor Society
On Wednesday afternoon I had the opportunity to visit with the leaders in the Willow Springs Middle School National Junior Honor Society. What a great group of young men and ladies! We spent our time together learning about Leading in Lovejoy. We talked about One Heart. One Lovejoy. and expanded on the LOVE in Lovejoy:
L – Little Things Matter
O – Others Need You
V – Value Those Around
E – Encourage
I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this great group of students!
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Lovejoy High School Pep Rally
Yesterday Lovejoy High School celebrated the AP Scholars, the State Volleyball Champions, and Lovejoy Hoops!
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And…when Coach Mitchell finds ways to connect with students, he connects in unforgettable ways. He told the guys in his leadership class that if they came to every volleyball game and if the team won the State Championship, he would shave his head. Well…
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The Why
I love these smiles! They serve as an excellent reminder for all of us of our “why”.
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Senior Project in the News
Lovejoy High School student,
Carsen McFadden
, was recently featured in the
Allen American
for her Senior Project which focused on working with the Samaritan Inn, Geico Insurance and Service King to provide a car to a family in need. This extraordinary Senior Project truly exemplifies the pillars of the Graduate Profile:
Intellectually Equipped
Open to the Challenges of Learning
Well-Rounded
Engaged in a Healthy Lifestyle
Fair and Respectful of Others
Works for Justice in the Community
Congratulations, Carsen, we are #LovejoyProud of you! You may read the article
here
.
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Lovejoy High School Choir
Congratulations to this year’s Choir Area candidates! After a grueling audition on November 19th at Pre-Area, they have one more audition on the road to the Texas All-State Choir - an honor that only 1% of Texas music students achieve - and we wish them the very best!
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(pictured from left to right)
Andrew Mao
Bass 1
Marissa Liebl
Alto 1
Colette Brooks
Alto 2
Claire McLaren
Soprano 2
Luke Wild
Bass 2
Nathan York
Tenor 2
Aidan Abramson
Tenor 2
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Fine Arts Festival
The Lovejoy ISD K - 12 Fine Arts Festival will begin this evening and continue throughout the day tomorrow at Lovejoy High School…I can’t wait! Our performing arts programs have created winter concerts and performances with a mix of your holiday favorites, while our Visual Arts teams are designing pieces that will awe you with their talents! Please support the arts in Lovejoy ISD by stopping by and enjoying the sights and sounds of the holidays while celebrating the work our students and staff engage in for this amazing Festival. The LHS Fine Arts Booster clubs will sponsor a delicious chili luncheon, a bake sale full of yummy treats, as well as hot and cold beverages. In addition, the children's craft area and a visit from Santa Claus will round out a merry and bright weekend at Lovejoy High School. Here’s the complete schedule:
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The
Lovejoy ISD Community News Page
includes news from our schools, programs, booster clubs, student organizations, Foundation for Lovejoy Schools, community, and more. Check back often for up-to-date news on events and activities.
This Week's News:
Fine Arts Festival
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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 through a special edition of Message from Mike. Links to our social media accounts are listed at the end of this communication.
Senior Judges Needed!
Now Enrolling! SAT Prep Classes
Senior Project!
School Supply Drive
Light the World Community Event
Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run
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December 23 - Lovejoy Alumni Association Social
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Pre-Registration Ends December 24 for BYOP Volleyball Spring Program
Save the Date! Lovejoy Country Run: April 18
Turn Lucas Green
News from Collin College
For the latest Athletic News, download the "Lovejoy Leopards Athletics" app.
For the latest Fine Arts News, follow
@LovejoyArts on Twitter, or like them on Facebook at Lovejoy Arts.
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The excitement of the Fine Arts Festival begins this evening at 6:00 PM at Lovejoy High School. I can’t wait to see our students showcase their talents in visual and performing arts – it’s going to be awesome! I am looking forward to seeing our Lovejoy community there!
Lovejoy Hockey will play Flower Mound at 7:30 PM on Sunday at the STARS practice facility in McKinney. We invite you to join us in supporting the team!
We hope you and your family enjoy a safe and happy weekend. We can’t wait to welcome our students and staff back to school on Monday!
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Michael Goddard, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Lovejoy Independent School District
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Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
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