Email Express
April 25, 2019
The Lovejoy Independent School District
 
Welcome to Lovejoy ISD where Kids Come First.
 
Each day we are focused on doing our Best Today. Better Tomorrow .
 
We are One Heart. One Lovejoy.
News from Interim Superintendent
Dr. Dennis Womack

Dear Lovejoy Community:
  
We are asking for your support with the school funding reform in HB 3/SB 4. This legislation must expand the proposed transition funding to include districts like Lovejoy. If not, Lovejoy will receive less funding under this legislation than we receive today. Any additional cuts in state funding for Lovejoy will considerably harm student offerings and district programs. 
 
Please help protect what makes Lovejoy special.
 
Lovejoy ISD is one of four highest rated academic performing school districts in the State of Texas according to the Texas Education Agency District Report Card (the other three districts are Falls City ISD, Wall ISD, and a publicly funded magnet charter South Texas ISD). Additionally, 40% of the students in the last two graduating classes were designated AP Scholars by the College Board. This recognition is awarded to students who take and pass at least three AP exams while in high school. In 2018, 293 students received this designation. In order to maintain the high academic performance and amazing programs for our students, we will need the support of the Texas Legislature. 
 
When the legislators returned from the Easter break on Tuesday, they had exactly 25% of the 140 days remaining in the 86th Regular Session. Those of you that are sports fans, this is the 4th Quarter. Similar to a sporting event, the 4th Quarter can often determine the outcome.
 
For the first three quarters, Lovejoy ISD taxpayers should express sincere appreciation to the Texas House of Representatives for their efforts to pass House Bill 3 (HB 3) which would add $9 billion into property tax relief and school finance reform over the next biennium. This renewed dedication and action toward investing in our schools is a first step to building a bridge between the community’s expectations for school outcomes and the State’s initial investment to restore the funding required to reach those outcomes.
 
As a reminder, Lovejoy is still recovering from the loss of ~ $7 million annually from the last state mandated property tax compression from over a decade ago. Today, the Texas Senate Education Committee will consider the Senate Committee substitute for HB 3 and Senate Bill 4 (SB 4). If HB 3/SB 4, is made into law, Lovejoy will be ~ $2 million below our current year funding level. In short, this means Lovejoy would not have the funds necessary to meet the funding levels of the current year plus the $5,000 across-the-board pay raises required by the proposed bills.
 
We are now in the 4th Quarter. We have seen firsthand the difference that communication and strong advocacy can make in Austin. Part of the Lovejoy Way is stepping up and being involved on issues as vitally important as school funding. We ask that you make time today to call and email the following elected officials as we make the Lovejoy voice heard loud and clear in Austin.
 

The Honorable Angela Paxton
Texas State Senator
512.463.0108
 
The Honorable Jane Nelson
Texas State Senator
Chair, Senate Committee on Finance
512.463.0112
 
The Honorable Paul Bettencourt
Texas State Senator
Chair, Senate Committee on Property Tax
512.463.0107
 
The Honorable Larry Taylor
Texas State Senator
Chair, Senate Education Committee
512.463.0111
 
 
The Honorable Dan Patrick
Lieutenant Governor of Texas
512.463.0001
 
The Honorable Scott Sanford
Texas State Representative
512.463.0356
 
The Honorable John Zerwas
Texas State Representative
Chair, House Appropriations Committee
512.463.0657
 
The Honorable Greg Bonnen
Texas State Representative
512.463.0729
 
The Honorable Candy Noble
Texas State Representative
512.463.0186
 
The Honorable Dennis Bonnen
Speaker of the House
512.463.1000
 
Thank you, in advance, for your assistance as we work to ensure our programs remain intact for the 4,406 students in Lovejoy ISD.

With respect and admiration,
Dr. Dennis Womack
LISD Interim Superintendent

Campus Campouts

The Elementary Campouts are a fun and memorable experience for our kids and their families. They offer a wide variety of activities including bounce houses, glow parties, movies under the stars, and much more. The grand finale of each event is a campout on the playgrounds. Funds raised from the campouts provide revenue for the campus and the school district to help offset the loss of state funding. The upcoming event dates are as follows:
 
Puster Elementary School
April 26
 
Hart Elementary School
April 27
 
Please know that we anticipate all campers to be in their tents by 11:00 PM. We value our neighbors and are sharing this information to prepare you for the evening activities and tents on the playground. 

LHS Theatre Takes Fourth at State

The LHS One Act Play took fourth place at the State UIL One Act competition where they performed The Anatomy of Gray . Luke Wild received Honorable Mention All-Star Cast and Marcie Sawyers received All-Star Cast. We are Lovejoy proud of the cast and crew on their incredible accomplishments.

LHS Band Competes in UIL and Performs at Carnegie Hall
Both the Lovejoy High School Band and Wind Ensemble received unanimous first division ratings at UIL Concert and Sight Reading last week at McKinney North High School. This completes contest season for Lovejoy bands with all 7 - 12 grade band students in Lovejoy ISD receiving first division ratings. You may click here to enjoy the LHS band’s UIL performance.

The Lovejoy High School Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble performed this past week in New York City at the famed Carnegie Hall. The two ensembles were invited to the National Band and Orchestra Festival based on a submitted audition recording last spring. The concert at Carnegie Hall and the clinics at Columbia University both received high marks from all adjudicators and clinicians involved.
 
While in New York, the students had the opportunity to see Phantom of the Opera, tour Central Park and Times Square, and visit the Statue of Liberty. It's a great time to be in band in Lovejoy ISD.
Duke TIP Recognizes 23 Seventh Graders

Each year, 7th grade students who score at/or above the 96th percentile on the 6th grade STAAR test are invited to participate in the Duke University Talent Identification Program 7th Grade Talent Search. As part of the program, students take either the SAT or ACT college entrance exam. Students scoring exceptionally well on the SAT or ACT are invited to participate in recognition ceremonies.
 
Students qualify for the state ceremonies by earning scores that are approximately equal to the 50th national percentile rank for college-bound seniors taking the tests—about 35 percent of TIP students meet that criteria.
 
Myles Beard , Nathaniel Bognot , James Brunson , Alissa Chang , David David , Katelyn Helfand , Bridget Johnson , Jocelyn Kim , Hannah Mao , Helen Miller , Nolan Novotny , Sofia Rodas , Brielle Scholle , Ahmad Shaikh , Katherine Smith , Madeline Smith , Edward Sutton , Evelyn Tsai , Harry Wang , James Wilkins , Luke Winchester , John Witherspoon , and Bethanie Wu have been invited to participate in the State Recognition ceremony in May.
 
Each year Duke TIP hosts the grand ceremony at Duke University's Cameron Indoor Stadium to honor the 7th Grade Talent Search participants with the highest ACT or SAT scores. To qualify for the Grand Recognition Ceremony, students must earn scores that are approximately equal to the 90th national percentile rank for college-bound seniors taking the tests—that includes about 4 percent of TIP students.
 
In addition to earning state recognition, Alissa Chang , Katelyn Helfand , Hannah Mao , and Harry Wang also earned Grand Recognition.
 
Lovejoy ISD is proud to recognize the hard work and achievement of each of these young scholars.

WSMS Band Receives Awards

The Willow Springs Band received some outstanding musicianship awards for their Eisemann performance. The following students won the special honor of Outstanding Musicianship:
Emma Ball
Aliyah Book
Chris Dechant
Lauren Dumin
Mia Roepsch
Michelle Wang

Lovejoy Athletes NCAA Signing Day

Fourteen Lovejoy ISD Senior Athletes signed their NCAA Letters of Intent this past Wednesday afternoon at Leopard Gym. This is the largest signing class in school history. Congratulations to:
 
Michael Difiore
Baseball – Oklahoma Christian University
 
Luke Finn
Baseball – Trinidad State Junior College
 
Cameron Pool
Baseball – Clarendon College
 
Cade Smitherman
Baseball – LeTourneau University
 
Luke Stine
Baseball – Weatherford College
 
Jacob Terwilliger
Baseball – Bucknell University
 
Jordan Yoder
Baseball – LaFayette College
 
Alexandra Brungardt
Girls Basketball – Austin College
 
Solomon Aweke
Football – Stephen F. Austin State University
 
Nathaniel Finch
Football – Hardin Simmons University
 
Jackson Diamond
Boys Soccer – Whittier College
 
Ryan Gordon
Boys Track & Field – University of Arkansas
 
James Jahi Rainey
Boys Track & Field – University of Arkansas
 
Avery Silliman
Girls Track & Field – Abilene Christian University

Lovejoy Golf Competes at Region II Tournament

The Lovejoy Girls Golf team competed in the UIL 5A Region II Golf Tournament. The Girls shot 338 the first day for a new school record and followed with a Tuesday round of 356. The two-day 694 earned the Ladies a 5th place finish.
 
Senior Allie Bianchi shot a two-day total 151 (75-76) to secure a 4th place finish and qualified for the State Girls Golf Tournament for the second straight year. Allie will travel to Georgetown to participate in the 2019 UIL State Girls Golf Tournament at the White Wing Golf Club.
 
The Boys team competed yesterday only to have Mother Nature spoil the first round of play with heavy rain. The Boys are competing today for the final 27 holes. Results will be in next week’s email express.

Lovejoy Track Qualifies 20 for Region 2 Track Meet

The Lovejoy Boys Track team qualified 12 members to the 2019 UIL Region 2 Track Meet being held on the campus of the University of Texas Arlington this Friday and Saturday. Will Muirhead started off with a 1st place finish in the 3200m with a time of 9:27.86, and the Leopards went on to finish runner-up scoring 137 points, 8 points behind McKinney North, at the UIL Districts 9/10-5A Area meet at Leopard Stadium. Muirhead claimed another 1st place medal in the 1600m, finishing with a time of 4:24.87. James Rainey added two more 1st place finishes for the Leopards in the Shot Put and Discus. Raine y broke his own school record in the Shot Put, with a mark of 55’7″ and took home a 1st place medal in the Discus with a throw of 165’10.” The Leopards 4x200m Relay team of Hunter Smith , Jake Chamberlin, Beau Iovinelli , and Ryan Gordon earned the teams other 1st place finish with a time of 1:27.29. Gordon also added two individual 2nd place finishes in the 100m (10.64) and 200m (21.58). Cade Smith and Nathaniel Finch each added a 2nd place finish. Cade Smith finished 2nd in the 300m Hurdles with a time of 40.15 and Finch finished 2nd in the Discus with a throw of 152’9.” Five Leopards added 3rd Place finishes. Michael O’Brien , 3rd Place in the 3200m (9:35.67), Finch , 3rd Place in the Shot Put (49’3.5″), Michael DesJardins , 3rd Place in the Pole Vault (13’0″), Chamberlin , 3rd Place in the 100m (10.69), Whitson Bedell , 3rd Place in the 800m (1:57.56). Two 4th Place finishers included Cade Smith , 4th Place in the High Jump (6’2″) and Grant Gueller , 4th Place in the 800m (1:58.07). Other Leopards adding to the point totals included: Cade Smith , 110m Hurdles (5th – 15.07), Brett Pedersen , 3200m (6th – 10:13.94), Trevor Malik , 800m (6th – 2:01.84), Gueller , 1600m (6th – 4:39.27), and Hunter Smith , Will Heath , Ryan Scott , and Iovinelli , 4x100m Relay (6th – 43.62).
   
The Lady Leopards qualified eight athletes to this week’s UIL Region 2 Track & Field Meet. The Following Female Athletes qualified.  Amelia Carothers (3200M & 1600M Run), Carson Hockersmith (800M Run & 4x400M Relay), Alaina Pierce (High Jump), Alexandra Brungardt (Long Jump), Audrey Bensmiller (Pole Vault), Carsen McFadden (4x400M Relay), Kassidy Litchenburg (4x400M Relay), Anna Iovenelli (4x400M Relay) and Janie Masterson (4x400M Relay)
  
Congratulations and best of luck to all our Leopard Athletes on reaching the Regional Meet.

Lovejoy Athletes Selected to Play in U.S. Lacrosse Women's National Tournament

Freshmen Catherine Evins (23) and Josie Young (66) were selected to the 22-player roster of Team North Texas, which will play in the U.S. Lacrosse Women’s National Tournament in Baltimore this Memorial Day weekend. Try-outs were held on April 14. The team will represent North Texas in this marquee annual event. The U.S. Lacrosse Women’s National Tournament is one of the largest recruiting events in women’s college lacrosse and features 60 teams from 27 states whose rosters include the nation’s top high school women’s lacrosse players. The two-day tournament begins May 25.  

Board Approves Update to 2019-2020 Calendar

The Board of Trustees approved the following update to the 2019-2020 calendar:
 
Friday, October 25, 2019 was originally scheduled as a professional development/student holiday. This day has been moved to November 1, 2019.


Timeline For Superintendent Search

Chad Collins, Board President, announced the timeline for the Superintendent search at the February 20 Board Meeting.
 
Friday, February 22, 2019 - Completed
Request for Proposal was submitted for interested search firms to apply.
 
March 8, 2019 - Completed
Deadline for interested search firms to submit their proposal.
 
March 18, 2019 - Completed
8:00 AM - Lovejoy ISD Administration Building
Special Board Meeting to select top three search firm candidates.
 
The following search firm candidates were selected to present proposals:
 
Texas Association of School Boards
JG Consulting
Bob E. Griggs & Associates
 
March 20, 2019 - Completed
2:30 PM – Lovejoy ISD Administration Building
Special Board Meeting to hear proposals from top three search firms.
 
3:00 PM – Texas Association of School Boards
4:00 PM – JG Consulting
5:00 PM - Bob E. Griggs & Associates
 
March 20, 2019 - Completed
7:30 PM – Lovejoy Elementary School Gymnasium
Board action will be taken during the regular Board Meeting to select a search firm.
 
The Board selected JG Consulting to lead the search for the next Superintendent of the Lovejoy Independent School District. Please click here to access the JG Consulting website for additional information regarding their firm.
 
March 28, 2019 - Completed
8:00 AM – Lovejoy ISD Administration Building
Special Board Meeting to meet with JG Consulting regarding the search for the next Superintendent of the Lovejoy Independent School District.
 
April 2, 2019 – Completed
An anonymous survey regarding the search for the next superintendent will be shared with the community for JG consulting to receive community input.
 
April 9, 2019 - Completed
6:30 PM – Lovejoy High School Lecture Hall
A Community meeting will be held on April 9 at 6:30 PM in the Lovejoy High School to gather community feedback regarding the search for the next Superintendent of Lovejoy ISD.
 
April 17, 2019 - Completed
5:30 PM – Lovejoy ISD Administration Building
The Board of Trustees will meet in Executive Session with JG Consulting to review the Superintendent Search Profile.
 
Summer 2019
The new Superintendent will be in place in preparation for the 2019-2020 school year.
 
We will continue to keep the community informed regarding the search for a new Superintendent.


Student Cell Phones in Schools

There has been a healthy discussion in the community with a variety of opinions for each of the campus levels regarding student use of cell phones at school. The district’s student cell phone use policy may be found in the Student Code of Conduct .
 
For safety purposes, the District permits students to possess cell phones. All cellular telephones or devices should remain turned off during instructional time. Use of cell phones is permitted before and after school, during lunch and other non-instructional periods. Students shall not use a telecommunications device, including a cellular telephone, or other electronic device in violation of district and campus rules.
 
Below is a timeline of next steps that will be taken to ensure all stakeholders have an opportunity to weigh in on this topic. Providing your feedback will assist the district to revise practices to better reflect the community which we serve.

Timeline:
 
Friday, March 29 – Completed
A survey will be sent to Lovejoy educators regarding the existing cell phone policy, barriers to implementation, student discipline, recommendations, etc. The survey responses will be due by April 5.
 
Friday, April 12 - Completed
Based on the information collected from Lovejoy educators, a survey will be sent to parents of elementary, intermediate, middle and high school students regarding student use of cell phones, data plans, parental expectations for their student(s), the district’s existing policy, and recommendations.
 
Tuesday, April 30
Complete district analysis of the data collected from the parent surveys to determine where there is not alignment with the existing policy and consider parent recommendations for improvement.
 
Depending on how far apart the existing policy is from the survey results, there may be a need to hold a parent information/feedback meeting on proposed changes; with the goal of reaching consensus prior to the end of the school year.
 
July/August
The Lovejoy ISD Administration team will take the Student Code of Conduct to the Board of Trustees for review and adoption. Because 2019 is a legislative year, there will likely be several updates based on legislative session that may require an August Board adoption. 
Stay Connected
 
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.

Fine Arts News


LHS Majestics Dance Team Announces Officers
Congratulations to the Majestics 2019-2020 Leadership team.
 
 
Lovejoy Visual Arts
April 23 – April 30
Puster, Hart and Lovejoy Elementary Visual Arts Department invite you to attend the Annual LJVA Elementary Crossover Exhibition on display in the Lovejoy High School Art Gallery from April 23 through April 30. This exhibition will feature selected works to showcase each grade level (K-4) from Puster, Hart and Lovejoy Elementary



WSMS Theatre Presents Murder Mystery Dinner
April 25 - 27
Join WSMS for a murder mystery dinner:
 
Who Hath Done It?
Shakespeare Murder a mystery Dinner Theatre Experience
 
Tickets are available for purchase at Willow Springs.
 

LHS Jazz Ensemble
May 6 – Save the Date!
The LHS Jazz Ensemble will perform with the Texas Instruments Jazz Band and Sal Lozano on Monday, May 6. Additional details will be shared in a future addition of Email Express.


WSMS & LHS Dance Department
May 7
You are invited to join the WSMS and LHS Dance departments as they present their final showcase on Tuesday, May 7 at 7:00 PM in the LHS auditorium. From contemporary, hip hop, and jazz - these students have been working hard putting together choreography and perfecting dance pieces. Admission is free.  
 

Lovejoy Orchestra Spirit Night
May 7
The Lovejoy Orchestra will have a Spirit Night at Chipotle on May 7. Click here for more information.


Lovejoy Summer Musical Theatre Camps
July 9-20
We are excited to announce our 2019 musical: Seussical KIDS! 
 
Acting, choreography, lighting, costuming, set building, and painting are just some of the fun activities taking place in Lovejoy’s Summer Musical Theatre Camps: Musical Theatre, Technical Theatre, and Intern Camp.
 
Athletic News
Click here for detailed information regarding summer athletic camps and Performance Course.

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Lovejoy Baseball


Lovejoy Softball


Lovejoy Tennis


Upcoming Events

 

LHS Relay for Life
April 26
LHS will host the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life event on April 26 in celebration of survivors, in remembrance of loved ones lost, and in an effort to fight back against cancer.
 

Lovejoy Gifted Association Presents
iCode Event
May 5


WSMS Presents Parents Night Out
May 10, 2019
Are you interested in a night out? On May 10, WSMS will host its first Parents Night Out, from 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM. This is for students in grades 1-4. WSMS National Junior Honor's Society students are hosting this event and will provide childcare (WSMS Staff will also be involved). 


Lovejoy High School Recycling Event
May 11
Lovejoy High School, in partnership with Renewed Solutions, invites you to clean out your closets and file cabinets to participate in an electronics recycling and paper shredding event on Saturday, May 11 from 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM in the front parking lot of the high school. Click here for more details.


Lovejoy Country Run
May 11
Join us for the 13th Annual Lovejoy Country Run on Saturday, May 11 at Lovejoy High School. This event benefits the Lovejoy athletic teams of LLI (Lovejoy Leopards, Inc.). Go to :


to register to participate in “Running with the Leopards” and to support your Lovejoy Leopard Athletes.


Summer Enrichment Camps
Enrollment Now Open!
Click here to register now!


Kids 1st Summer Camp
Enroll Now!


Camp Invention
June 10 – 14


Summer Sewing Camp
June and July Offerings
Join the 12th year of summer sewing fun at a new location: Lovejoy High School! Click  SEWING  for details about the camp as well as details about a special project option: T-shirt quilt.

District-Wide News

 


Lovejoy Students Seeking Assistance With
Birthday Party Project


Hart Elementary School
Silent Auction

Share the News!
Lovejoy Scholars
Lovejoy Scholars, our K – 12 tuition-based enrollment program, is a great opportunity for families who live outside of our district boundaries, but want their children to experience a Lovejoy education. Will you help us share the news?
 
 
Pre-K Now Enrolling
Excellence Begins Early
Call Today!
Little Lovejoy Scholars is accepting applications for tuition-based Pre-Kindergarten.
SafeSchools App
SafeSchools has launched their new mobile application for anonymous reporting. You may click here for the SafeSchools Alert Mobile Application Download Instructions.
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.


Mayra Ixchel Yundt-Pacheco
Class of 2016
Congratulations to Mayra as she graduates from Texas A&M with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. She has been accepted to the LBJ School of Policy, UT Austin (Graduate Studies) with a research focus on immigration and refugee policy.

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