Connect with Katie.2.13.2026.Issue25 by Lovejoy ISD

Connect with Katie

DECEMBER 18 2025

FEBRUARY 13, 2026

Lovejoy Leopards Lovejoy Leopards

MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

LovejoyCommunity,

I am incredibly proud of our students and educators. Throughout this newsletter you’ll see many examples of achievement, but even more meaningful is the heart, dedication, and perseverance behind that excellence. Thank you to every educator, parent, and community member who invests in our students and helps themgrowandthrive.

Ourelementarycampuseswerefilledwithsmiles (and a little sugar!) as LCDC and elementary students celebrated kindness and the joy of friendshipattheirValentine’sDayparties.

Robotics

Lovejoy Robotics continues a strong tradition of excellence, capturing the 5A VEX UIL State Championship for the third consecutive year! This remarkable accomplishment reflects the dedication, teamwork, and skill of our students and thesupportoftheircoaches. More information on page 6.

WrestlingandSwim&DiveAdvancetoUIL5AStateChampionships

Congratulations to the Lovejoy High School Wrestling and Swim & Dive teams on advancing to the upcoming UIL 5A State Championships! Congratulations, Leopards!

StrategicPlanning-Lovejoy:ExcellencebyDesign

Lovejoy ISD recently concluded its Strategic Planning Stakeholder Committee sessions. During the final meeting this week, participants reviewed feedback, analyzedacollectiveSWOT,andrefinedkeycomponentsofthestrategicplan.The TeacherConnectionCouncilalsoplayedanimportantroleintheprocess,providing directfeedbackandperspectivethathelpedshapeandstrengthenthedraftplan. Together,thesevoicesalignedaroundtheprioritiesandactionsthatwillhavethe greatestimpactonstudentsandstaff.

Wearegratefultothestudents,teachers,staff,parents,andcommunitymembers who contributed their time and insight. Your partnership reflects the strength of theLovejoycommunityandhelpsshapeafutureofexcellenceforeverylearner. More information on pages 8-9.

MathCounts

On January 31, the Willow Springs MathCounts team competed at the Preston Trail Regional Competition in Plano. Among 263 competitors and approximately 45 teams from across North Dallas, our 7th and 8th grade students represented Lovejoywithexcellence. More information on page 21.

UpdateonInclementWeatherMake-Up

OnMonday,February9ththeLISDBoardofTrusteesapprovedsubmittingastate waiver for missed school days on January 28 and 29, 2026 due to inclement weather.

Lovejoy ISD applied for and has been granted a missed school waiver from the state; therefore, at this time, we will not have to attend school on the March 23 and April 6, 2026 bad weather make-up days. We appreciate your patience while wecompletedtherequiredprocessestosecurethewaiver.

Wishingyouanextendedholidayweekendfilledwithloveandjoy.

ThereisonlyONELovejoy,andweareALLLeopards!

LovejoyProud,

KatieKordel Superintendent

ROBOTICS STATE CHAMPS

3RD CONSECUTIVE YEAR

LovejoyRoboticscontinuesitstraditionofexcellence,capturingthe5AVEXUIL StateChampionshipforthethirdyearinarow,anincredibleachievementthat reflectsthededication,teamwork,andtalentofourstudents.

Teams 1082E and 1082M formed an alliance to earn Tournament Champions, showcasing outstanding strategy and collaboration on the competition field. This marks the second consecutive year that Team 1082 has earned the Skills Award,highlightingtheirconsistenttechnicalexcellenceandprecisiondriving.

Team1082Mdeliveredadominantperformance,finishing1stinRankingsand Skills,whileTeam1082Efollowedcloselywithanimpressive3rdplacefinishin bothRankingsandSkills.

These results are the product of countless hours of design, testing, programming, and teamwork. We are incredibly proud of our students for representing Lovejoy with integrity, perseverance, and competitive spirit. Congratulations to all involved on another remarkable milestone for Lovejoy Robotics!

LOVEJOY: EXCELLENCE BY DESIGN!

Lovejoy: Excellence by Design! Lovejoy ISD recently concluded its Strategic PlanningStakeholderCommitteesessions.Duringthefinalmeetingthisweek, participants reviewed feedback, analyzed a collective SWOT, and refined key componentsofthestrategicplan.TheTeacherConnectionCouncilalsoplayed an important role in the process, providing direct feedback and perspective thathelpedshapeandstrengthenthedraftplan.Together,thesevoicesaligned aroundtheprioritiesandactionsthatwillhavethegreatestimpactonstudents andstaff.

Thedraftstrategicplanwillnowbesharedforadditionaldiscussionandinput with teachers and staff in early March to ensure continued alignment and clarity. Following that feedback, the plan will be presented to the Board of TrusteesinlateMarch,withconsiderationforBoardadoptioninApril.

We are grateful to the students, teachers, staff, parents, and community memberswhocontributedtheirtimeandinsight.Yourpartnershipreflectsthe strength of the Lovejoy community and reinforces our commitment to ExcellencebyDesign honoringourlegacywhileboldlypreparingeverylearner forthefuture.

3RD ANNUAL ELECTIVE SHOWCASE

TheLovejoyHighSchoolCounselorshostedthe3rdAnnualElectiveShowcase lastweek.Thiseventisdesignedto'showcase'theelectivesofferedforgrades 9th-12th so families can truly experience future choices for their child. LHS teachers and students did a fantastic job communicating and demonstrating highschoolcourseoptions,including:

AerospaceandAviationprovidedanauthenticmodelforstudentstotry. VisualArtsdisplayedapotterywheelinaction.

Fine Arts had an abundance of students excited to talk to students about Art,ColorGuard,Band,Orchestra,Dance,Choir,andTheater.

StudentsarticulateddetailsoftakingComputerScienceandRobotics.

AP Physics teachers provided authentic examples of learning in the classroom.

Businesscoursesdisplayedstudentworksamples.

Yearbook and Journalism teachers welcomed conversations about their programs.

Audio Video Production teacher and students proudly displayed camera technologyusedtoexcitelearning.

Collin College introduced programs such as HVAC, Welding, Automotive and CollisionTechnologythatstudentscouldhavethepossibilityoftakingasa12th grade student. Collin College also represented Health Science options for our studentssuchasDualCreditMedicalTerminology,Pathophysiology,CNA,PCT, EMT,andRehabAideprograms.

Lastly,Spike,ourSchoolMarshaldog,showedoffhisgroovymovestoshowthe endlesspossibilitiesofSTEMlearningatLovejoyHighSchool.Thankyoutoall f d d ntswhoparticipatedinth

BUMP UP DAY

LastFriday4th,6th,and8thgradersparticipatedinLovejoyISD’sAnnualBump UpDayatSloanCreekIntermediate,WillowSpringsMiddleSchool,andLovejoy High School. Bump Up Day is a unique Lovejoy tradition that assists students withtransitioningtotheirnextcampusandhelpsgenerateexcitementforthe new experiences they will have. Students traveled to the campus they will be attending for the 2026-2027 school year and had the opportunity to tour the campus,askquestions,andeatlunch!

CELEBRATING LISD SCHOOL MARSHALS

Join us as we celebrate School Marshal Appreciation Day! Lovejoy's School Marshals build relationships with students, protect our school communities, provide safety education, continuously lead by example, and promote a positive image of peace officers to students and community stakeholders. We aregratefulfortheirpresenceoncampuseachday.

ThankyouSchoolMarshals!

ChrisSmith-HartElementary

StevenEmory-PusterElementary

ShaunTomlinson-SloanCreekIntermediate

PhilAnderton-WillowSpringsMiddle

ReganAguirre-LovejoyHighSchool

JorgeJacquez-LovejoyHighSchool

PERSONNEL UPDATE

DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION

LovejoyISDisproudtoannounceAshleyKiesasDirectorofTransportation.

Ms. Kies brings 18 years of experience in education, most recently serving as AssistantDirectorofTransportationinAllenISD.ShehasalsoservedasInterim DirectorofTransportation,SpecialEducationTransportationCoordinator,Field Trip/WhiteFleetCoordinator,Dispatcher,andheldseveralcampus-basedroles.

Ms. Kies’ well-rounded professional background blends extensive transportationexpertisewithastrongfocusonstudentsupport.

AnactivememberoftheTexasAssociationofStudentTransportationandthe North Texas Association of Student Transportation, Kies has been recognized by her previous district multiple times as a Bellringer award recipient and Paraprofessional of the Year. She earned her degree from Texas A&M University–Commerce.

Ms. Kies and her husband, Marshall, have been married since 2010 and have oneson,Grayson,age21.

Lovejoy ISD looks forward to her leadership and focus on providing safe and reliabletransportationforstudents.

STATE WAIVER APPROVED

On Monday, February 9th the LISD Board of Trustees approved submitting a state waiver for missed school days on January 28 and 29, 2026 due to inclementweatherbasedonthefollowingfactors:

Firsttwomisseddayscoveredusing additionalinstructionalminutes

Waiverpreventslow-attendance makeupdays

Maintainsinstructionalcontinuityand calendarstability

SupportscompliancewithTexas EducationAgencyrequirementshool

After receiving Board approval, Lovejoy ISD applied for and has been granted a missed missedschoolstatewaiver;therefore,atthistime,wewillnothavetoattend schoolontheMarch23andApril6,2026badweathermake-updays.

NO SCHOOL: REMINDER

ATTENDANCE UPDATE

Strong school attendance is correlated with higher academic performance. Additionally,averageDailyAttendance(ADA)isametricthattheStateofTexas usestodeterminefundingforpublicschools.Eachweek,thisattendancedata willbeupdatedsoourcommunityisawareofourmostrecentADA.

DISTRICT CALENDAR

VALENTINES PARTIES AT LCDC

OnWednesday,studentsatLovejoyChildhoodDevelopmentCentercelebrated Valentine’s Day with festive classroom parties filled with friendship and fun. Students exchanged valentines, created sweet crafts, and enjoyed special treats with their classmates. The day was filled with smiles as our youngest Leopardspracticedkindnessandcelebratedthejoyofcaringforothers.Itwas awonderfulcelebrationofloveandcommunityatLCDC.

BAND SIDE-BY-SIDE NIGHT!

Last Friday, February 6, Lovejoy ISD welcomed its talented 8th-grade band studentstoLovejoyHighSchoolfortheannualSide-by-Sideevent.Theevening was filled with energy, music, and meaningful mentorship as middle school musicians rehearsed and performed alongside high school band members. It was a special opportunity to build connections, experience the high school programfirsthand,andenjoyalittlepizzaalongtheway.

Eventslikethisreflectthestrongcollaborationacrosscampusesandthebright futureaheadforourLovejoymusicians.

MATH COUNTS RECAP

OnSaturday,January31st,theWillowSpringsMathCountsteamcompetedin the Preston Trail regional MathCounts Competition at the Plano ISD Sockwell Center. The MathCounts Competition Series is a national program that allows students to compete in live, in-person contests against and alongside their peers. Created in 1983, it is the longest-running MathCounts program and is opentoallsixth,seventh,andeighth-gradestudents.

Theregionalcompetitionconsistedof263individualcompetitorsandabout45 teams from the Northern Dallas area. The Willow Springs team consists of 10 seventh and eighth-grade students; six competed as individual competitors, and four competed both as individual and as team competitors. All of our students put forth outstanding efforts, and four of our students scored in the top 25% of all competitors: Ishaan Navulari, Adam Xu, Yiran Wang, and Ethan Chen.

During the team competition, our participants, consisting of Ishaan Navulari, Ethan Chen, Adam Xu, and Aubrey Wu, performed exceptionally, finishing 7th andearningaspotintheStateMathCountsCompetition.

STEPPING INTO 19TH CENTURY EUROPE

InarecentAPEuropeanHistoryclass,studentsparticipatedinanengagingand imaginative lesson titled “The Funeral for Napoleon.” Rather than studying NapoleonBonapartesolelythroughlectureortextbookanalysis,studentswere challengedtostepdirectlyintothe19th-centuryworldheshaped.

Each student adopted the perspective of a historical figure or social group impacted by Napoleon’s rule, such as peasants, nobles, soldiers, women, nationalists, or political leaders, and delivered a two-minute eulogy at Napoleon’s “funeral.” From these distinct viewpoints, students analyzed and evaluated how Napoleon’s policies, military campaigns, and long-term legacy affected political power, social structures, and economic conditions across Europe.

Through this role-based analysis, students demonstrated advanced historical thinkingskillscentraltotheAPcurriculum.Theypracticedcontextualizationby situatingNapoleonwithinthebroadersocialandpoliticalchangesofthe19th century, historical perspective by interpreting events through the lens of different groups, and causation by explaining how Napoleon’s actions producedbothimmediateandlong-termconsequences.

The lesson showcased a classroom environment where students actively constructed historical arguments, engaged in creative yet rigorous analysis, andcommunicatedtheirunderstandingwithclarityandconfidence.

LOVEJOY WRESTLING REGIONAL RESULTS

LovejoyWrestlingcompetedattheRegionalChampionshipsinBryanlastweek, representingRegion3-5Awithdeterminationandgrit.TheLeopardsdelivered animpressiveperformance,earningafourth-placeoverallteamfinishwith117 points.

Region3-5AIndividualResults:

1stPlace

AroOgle-Garza

2ndPlace LandonDavis

4thPlace PaxtonFriesland

EthanBates AlexReed NicolasRowe

5thPlace ThadenBone

Withmultiplepodiumfinishesandastrongteamshowing,thesehard-working athletesnowturntheirfocustotheStateChampionshipsastheywrapupthe season. The Lovejoy community is proud of their accomplishments and looks forward to cheering them on at STATE! The championship will be held this weeke r High Schoo

ACADEMIC TEAMS EARN TOP FINISHES

Lovejoy High School students delivered outstanding performances at the PrincetonInvitationalonJanuary7andtheMelissaInvitationalonFebruary7, earningtopteamandindividualhonorsacrossmultipleacademicevents.

AtthePrincetonInvitational,Lovejoyearnedstrongteamfinishes,including: 2nd Place Team – Literary Criticism, with Rachel Akinfolarin placing 5th individually

3rdPlaceTeam–Mathematics

3rdPlaceTeam–NumberSense,withJamesBognotearning2ndplace 2ndPlaceTeam–Science,withClaireWuplacing5thoverall

3rdPlaceTeam–SocialStudies,withAlexSimpsonplacing4th

At the Melissa Invitational, Lovejoy students continued their success with severalindividualandteamhonors:

1stPlace–CopyEditing,CharltonKim

1stPlace–CurrentEvents,NickFiorello

2ndPlaceTeam–LiteraryCriticism,withPrabhnoorPannuplacing5th

5thPlace–NumberSense,CharltonKim

3rdPlace–ReadyWriting,EllaSnyder

6thPlace–ReadyWriting,PariGupta

2ndPlaceOverall–Science,ClaireWu(Alsoearned1stPlaceinChemistry) 2nd Place Team – Social Studies, with Marcos Simpson earning 2nd and GavinWagnerplacing5th

LOVEJOY SWIM & DIVE REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Lovejoy Swim & Dive delivered a strong performance at the Regional Championships, continuing to build momentum through the postseason with depthandresilienceonboththegirlsandboyssides.

Thegirlsteamfinished4thoverall,theboysteamplaced5th,andthecombined team score earned Lovejoy a 4th place overall finish in a highly competitive regionalfield.

Inindividualperformances,CaynaCraverqualifiedfortheStateChampionships inthe100backstrokethroughcall-ups,continuingheroutstandingpostseason campaign.

Thegirls200medleyrelayand200freestylerelaywerebothcalleduptoState, showcasingtheteam’sstrengthanddepthacrossrelayevents.

On the boys side, Jack Keller qualified for State in the 200 IM and was also calledupinthe100backstroke.Theboys400freestylerelayearnedacall-upto Stateaswell,addingtoLovejoy’srepresentationatthenextlevel.

Lovejoy Swim & Dive now prepares for the State Championships, carrying

MAJESTICS CONTEST SUCCESS

ThispastSaturday,theLovejoyMajesticsDanceTeamcompetedattheCrowd PleasersRegionalDanceCompetitionheldatLebanonTrailHighSchool.After performing four officer routines, two elite routines, 13 solos, and three duets, theteamearnednumeroustophonorswhileproudlyrepresentingLovejoywith excellence.

TheOfficersreceivedHighPlatinumdistinctionsacrossmultipleroutines,along with Outstanding Choreography Awards in Contemporary and Jazz and Outstanding Performance Quality in Open. They also earned 3rd Runner-Up GrandChampionOfficerGroupintheSelectLargeTeamcategory.

The Elite teams also delivered an impressive performance, earning High Platinum and Platinum honors, as well as recognition for Outstanding AcademicAchievement.

Congratulations to these talented dancers on a successful first contest of the season. The Majestics will compete again on Saturday February 21 at on M

GIRLS SOCCER DOMINATES THE PITCH

LastFridaythevarsitygirlssoccerteambeatGreenville11-0.Goalswerescored byAnnsleyDercks,EllaYork(2),KinleyShort,KenzieLavender,EmilyArmstrong (2),ClaireBeveridge,AJSelf,HarperRemington,andMickeyWideman.Assists were by Annsley Dercks, AJ Self, Harper Remington (2), Chloe Reyna, Addy Perkins(2),andMorganSuder(3).MickeyWidemanandEmmaJarboewerein goalforthecleansheet.

On Tuesday, the girls beat Sherman 8-0. Goals were scored by Harper Remington,KinleyShort(2),EllaYork(3),AJSelf,andKenzieLavender.Assists were by Kinley Short, Chloe Reyna, Annsley Dercks (2), Ella York, and Harper Remington. Emma Jarboe and Mickey Wideman were in goal for the clean sheet.

ThejuniorvarsitygirlssoccerteambeatSherman9-0onTuesdaynight.Goals were scored by Emory Paul (2), Lexie Lavender, Lily Stabile, Lily De Luna (3), Reagan Streeter, and Drew Chevalier. Assists were by Lily De Luna (3), Lily Stabile,MeganKinser(3),andAlexaDavis(2).RachelWalshwasingoalforthe cleansheet.

BASEBALL TOURNAMENT KICKOFF

LeopardBaseballhasmadethemostofpreseasonplay,showingsteadygrowth and determination on the diamond. As the team enters the final stretch of scrimmages,thefocusnowturnstotournamentcompetition. ThefinalscrimmageswilltakeplaceonMonday,February16,againstMcKinney Boyd:

JVRed:5:00p.m.atLovejoy(Home)

JVBlack:4:30p.m.atMcKinneyBoyd(Away)

Varsity:7:00p.m.atMcKinneyBoyd(Away)

Tournament season begins Thursday, February 19. With competition ahead against strong programs, the Leopards are ready to take the next step as the seasongainsmomentum.

BOARD WORKSHOP SUMMARY

BOARDOFTRUSTEES

Lovejoy ISD is committed to providing consistent, transparent communication with ourcommunityandemployees.Wehopethis meeting summary will support you in staying connected and informed. Click the image on thelefttoopenthesummaryinGoogleDocs.

Regular Board Meetings and Workshops are nowrecordedandarchivedontheLovejoyISD website. You can access Regular Board Meeting and Workshop recordings by clicking theimageontheright.

The full Regular Board Meeting agenda with supporting documents may be viewed by clickingtheimageontheleft.

LEOPARD LIFE WEBSITE

LovejoyISDhasanunparalleledsenseofcommunityandconnectioncenteredon student opportunity. In support of this collective commitment, the Leopard Life websiteshowcasesawiderangeofevents,activities,andfundraisersorganizedby boosterclubs,PTOs,athletics,finearts,individualcampuses,andmore! Leopard Lifeisprominentlyfeaturedacrosscampusanddistrictwebsites,highlightedinall newsletters,andeasilyaccessiblethroughtheLovejoyISDmobileapp.

Please note: the information featured in the "Community News" section is submitted by local community members. Lovejoy ISD is not affiliated with the organizationsanddoesnotclaimtoendorsethem.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LOVEJOY PTO

Want to get Connected, Enrich our District and Serve?

LovejoyISDisauniquelyspecialdistrictinpartbecauseofour community partnerships. We want to take an opportunity to highlighttheimportanceoftheLovejoyPTOs,andtheircritical roleaswestriveforexcellenceineducation.

OurcampusParentTeacherOrganizationsarethecornerstone of our district, providing essential resources that support our students, teachers and staff. Through student and parent educational programs, family engagement activities and events,

providingteachersupportandappreciation,theirefforts directlyimpactourschoolsinsomanymeaningfulways.

AllofourLovejoyPTOsadheretothefollowingmissionandgoals:

Mission: The mission of this PTO is to encourage a thriving partnership between parents, teachers,andadministrationtoenhancetheeducationofeverystudent,whileaidingthemin achievingtheirhighestpotential.

Goals:ThespecificgoalsofthisPTOare:

To connect and promote collaboration among parents, students, educators, and the community

Toenrichallstudents’Lovejoyeducationalexperience

Toserveinvolunteerroleswhichbenefitstudents,teachers,staffandparents

The success of our PTO and, ultimately, the success of our students depends on the involvement and support of parents, guardians, and community members like you. When families and schools work together, we create a stronger, more connected learning environmentwherestudentscanthrive.

We encourage our community to consider joining one of our PTO’s in any way that fits your timeandinterests Whetheryoucangivealittleoralot,everycontributionhelpsbuildamore enriching and supportive educational experience for our children. If you’re interested in learningmoreabouthowtogetinvolved,pleasefeelfreetofilloutoneofourboardinterest formsandsomeoneinPTOleadershipwillreachouttoyou.Youcanalsoaccessthedistricts websitetoseeeachindividualPTOwebsiteformoreinformation.

FLA PTO Board Interest Form Hart PTO Board Interest Form

Board Interest Form

Sloan Creek PTO Board Interest Form

Willow Springs PTO Board Interest Form

Lovejoy High School Board Interest Form

Together, we can continue to make Lovejoy ISD a place where students feel supported, engaged, and empowered to achieve their best. Thank you for your partnership and commitmenttoourschools

DISTRICT & CAMPUS NEWSLETTERS

Lovejoy ISD is committed to creating strong connections and providing clear communicationwithourLovejoyparentsandfamilies.Belowyouwillfindlinksto the most recent newsletters from each campus. Sign up for weekly Principal Newslettersheretostayinformed!