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DECEMBER 18, 2025 FEBRUARY 27, 2026

Lovejoy Leopards Lovejoy Leopards

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MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

LovejoyCommunity,

This morning, we celebrated the heart of Lovejoy ISD,ourincredibleteachersandstaff.Eachmonth, we honor one teacher and one support staff member from every campus through our Heart of the Teacher and Heart of Support recognition program. There is truly nothing better than surprising these remarkable individuals and celebratingthedifferencetheymakeinthelivesof students every single day. We hope you enjoy readingtheirstoriesandseeingtheirphotosinthis newsletter.AspecialthankyoutoTonyaWalkerof Coldwell Banker Apex Realtors for generously sponsoringthegiftcardsthatmakethisrecognition

evenmoremeaningful.

Last Friday, Lovejoy High School hosted their Academic Pep Rally celebrating scholarship, leadership, and achievement. Students were recognized for Advanced Placement Scholar distinctions, National Merit honors, and outstanding academic performance,apowerfulreflectionofLovejoy’slegacyofexcellence.Performancesby the Majestics, cheerleaders, and A Cappella choir filled the gym with energy and Leopardpride.

Across the district, meaningful learning continues at every level. At the Lovejoy Child DevelopmentCenter,ouryoungestlearnerswrappeduptheirwildanimalstudieswith an exciting Bear Hunt that blended literacy, math, and outdoor exploration. Sloan CreekfifthgradersvisitedthehighschoolforaFineArtsshowcase,gainingafirsthand look at the exceptional opportunities awaiting them in band, choir, orchestra, and visual arts. Meanwhile, our high school engineering students reached new heights duringModelRocketLaunchDay,successfullylaunching19custom-designedrockets inanimpressivedemonstrationofinnovationandappliedlearning.

Our Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) students advanced at the Area competition, demonstrating exceptional knowledge, leadership, and commitment to the health sciences. The Majestics Dance Team earned top regional honors, showcasingtheirtalent,precision,anddedicationtoexcellence.

Theircountlesshoursofpracticeandcommitmenttoteamworkwereevidentinevery performance,makingLovejoyproudbothonandoffthestage.

It has been an outstanding season for Lovejoy Athletics. At the state level, Lovejoy Swim&DivecompetedamongTexas’topprogramsattheUILStateChampionships. LovejoyHighSchoolwomen’spowerlifterTeniSegunsecuredherbidtotheTHSWPA State Championship after winning her division at the 5A Region 6 meet. Boys BasketballadvancedtotheAreaRoundoftheplayoffs,theGirlsVarsitySoccerteamis undefeatedwithanimpressive19-0overalland10-0indistrictrecord,andbothBoys and Girls Varsity Golf teams placed third at their tournament in Pine Dunes after competing36holesinasingleday.

FromPreKclassroomstostatecompetitions,ithasbeenanotherproudweektobea LovejoyLeopard.

Thankyouforyourcontinuedpartnershipandsupport.Wishingyouandyourfamilya weekendfilledwithloveandjoy.

ThereisonlyONELovejoy,andweareALLLeopards!

LovejoyProud,

KatieKordel Superintendent

SWIM & DIVE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP

Lovejoy Swim & Dive competed at the UIL Swimming and Diving State Championships,representingthedistrictamongthetopprogramsinTexas.

The girls’ 200 medley relay advanced to the championship finals and finished 16th in the state. The girls’ team placed 41st overall, highlighted by a strong relayperformanceagainstelitestatewidecompetition.

Ontheboys’side,the400freestylerelayadvancedtofinalsandearneda15thplacefinishinTexas.JackKelleralsoadvancedtofinalsinthe100backstroke, finishing14thoverall.Theboys’teamplaced43rdstatewide.

Qualifying for and competing at the State Championships reflects years of dedication, discipline, and academic balance. Lovejoy’s state qualifiers demonstrated resilience, sportsmanship, and pride while representing the districtatthehighestlevelofTexashighschoolswimming.

Lovejoy Swim & Dive celebrates the accomplishments of its student-athletes andthecommitmentrequiredtocompeteonthestatestage

ACADEMIC PEP RALLY CELEBRATES EXCELLENCE

Last Friday’s Academic Pep Rally at Lovejoy High School was a celebration of learning,leadership,andachievement.

Students were recognized for outstanding academic accomplishments, including Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar distinctions and National Merit honors. Their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to growth continue tosetahighstandardofexcellenceacrosscampus.

Springsportsteamswerealsohonoredastheyprepareforcompetitionseason, recognizingthehardworkandpreparationalreadyunderway.Performancesby theMajestics,cheerleaders,andthetalentedACappellagroupbroughtenergy andschoolspirittotheevent.

ItwasaproudmomentforLeopardNation,celebratingsuccessinacademics, athletics,andthearts.

REMINDER: NO SCHOOL REMINDER: NO SCHOOL

PERSONNEL UPDATE

Lovejoy ISD is proud to announce Chris Mueller as Senior DirectorofTechnology.

Mr.ChrisMuellerjoinsLovejoyfromProsperISD,wherehe currently serves as Director of Technology Support Services,overseeingtheadministrationofalargesupport servicesteamof38technicians,analysts,specialists,team leaders, and coordinators. In this role, he oversees enduser support and equipment maintenance for more than 30campusesandover36,000users.

During his 11 years in education, Mueller has also served as Director of Technology at Melissa ISD and as a CTE teacher at Melissa High School. His combinedexperienceasbothaclassroomteacherandadministratoruniquely qualifies him to thoughtfully balance classroom, campus, and districtwide technologyneedsandgoals.

PleasefindMr.Mueller’sfullpressreleasehere.

PERSONNEL UPDATE

Lovejoy ISD is proud to announce Casey Littlefield as DirectorofSafetyandSecurity.

Mr.LittlefieldrejoinsLovejoyISDfollowingabrieftenurein the private sector and will resume leadership of the District’s Safety and Security Department. He previously servedasDirectorofSafetyandSecurityfromJuly2022to Januv

January2026andhasbeenadedicatedSchoolMarshalsince2018.Duringhis time with Lovejoy ISD, Mr. Littlefield played a pivotal role in shaping the District’s proactive safety culture and strengthening the foundation of the Lovejoy ISD School Marshal program. His leadership and unwavering commitmenttoprotectingstudents,staff,andthebroaderschoolcommunity have been instrumental in building safe and secure learning environments acrossthedistrict.

PleasefindMr.Littlefield’sfullpressreleasehere.

PERSONNEL UPDATE

LovejoyISDisproudtoannounceEighmyDobbinsasHead VolleyballCoach.

Ms. Eighmy Dobbins joins Lovejoy ISD from Liberty High School in Frisco ISD, where she currently serves as Head Volleyball Coach and a Career and Technical Education (CTE)teacher.

SincebeingnamedHeadCoachatLibertyHighSchoolin2022,Ms.Dobbinshas built an impressive 123–35 overall record and a 51–3 district record. In 2025, CoachDobbinsledLibertytoitsfirst-everstatesemifinalappearance,ahistoric milestonefortheprogram.Underherleadership,theprogramalsoadvancedto the Regional Quarterfinals in 2022 and 2023 and secured four consecutive District Championships. Her leadership and impact on student-athletes have earned her multiple honors, including the 2025 Star Local Media Coach of the YearawardandDistrictCoachoftheYearrecognitionfouryearsinarow.

PleasefindCoachDobbins’sfullpressreleasehere.

ATTENDANCE UPDATE

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

DISTRICT CALENDAR

PRE-K 3 GOES ON A BEAR HUNT!

PreK-3 students finished up a week of learning all about Wild Animals with a very exciting Bear Hunt! All week the students enjoyed fiction and nonfiction books about bears, practiced counting and rhyming skills with songs and fingerplaysandusedblocksforbuildingbearcavesanddens.Toendtheweek, studentsweregivenbinocularsandwentonaBearHuntinthegardenareaof ourschool.Theylovedlookingfor"clues"suchasberries,footprintsandeven animals a bear might eat. Good news... no bears were spotted at the Lovejoy ChildDevelopmentCenter,buttheysurehadfunlearningthroughintentional playandgettingachancetotakethelearningoutdoors!

BOOK FAIR ADVENTURE AT PUSTER

Ms.StewarttransformedthePusterlibraryintoapirateshipforthisyear’sBook Fair, creating an unforgettable experience for students. Her creativity and passionforliteracyturnedthespaceintoanimmersiveadventurethatinspired excitementforreading.

Thank you, Ms. Stewart, for bringing books to life and making the Book Fair suchaspecialexperienceforourstudents.

READING WITH THE LEOPARDS AT PUSTER

PusterElementaryhadanexcitingmorningasMajestics,golf,track&fieldand baseballstudentsstoppedbyfor“ReadingwiththeLeopards.”Ourhighschool leaders visited classrooms, read stories, answered questions and encouraged youngerstudentstodiscoverthejoyofreading.

Thank you to these outstanding programs for making a lasting impact and spreadingLovejoyspiritacrosscampus!

FIFTH GRADERS EXPLORE FINE ARTS

On February 18, Sloan Creek fifth graders visited Lovejoy High School for a special Fine Arts showcase featuring Art, Band, Choir, and Orchestra. High schoolstudentsprovidedimpressivedemonstrations,givingfutureLeopardsa glimpseintotheexcitingopportunitiesthatawaittheminsixthgrade.

Fifth graders showed great enthusiasm and curiosity as they explored each program. Selecting a Fine Arts elective is an important milestone, and the DistrictlooksforwardtowelcomingtheClassof2033intoitsoutstandingFine Artsfamily.

ThedeadlinetosubmittheFineArtsElectiveChoiceforthe2026–2027school year is Friday, February 27. Please complete selections by that date to assist withplanningfortheupcomingyear.

WOMEN’S POWERLIFTER ADVANCES TO STATE

Lovejoy High School Women’s Powerlifter Teni Segun secured her bid to the Texas High School Women's Powerlifting Association State Championship (THSWPA) by winning her division at the 5A Region 6 Powerlifting Meet in Prosper.

Segun recorded an impressive total of 1,040 pounds, highlighted by a 450pound deadlift that earned the top deadlift of the meet across all weight classes.

ShewillcompeteforastatechampionshipinherweightclassonMarch21at theBertOgdenArenainEdinburgh,Texas. Congratulations,Teni!

LOVEJOY HOSA ADVANCES AT AREA

Last weekend, Lovejoy High School students represented the district at the Area level of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) competition, showcasingtheirknowledge,leadership,andcompetitivespirit.

ClaireWuqualifiedtoattendtheHOSAStateConferenceinMedicalMath.Gavin Wagnerearnedafifth-placefinishinVeterinaryScience.

The Problem Solving Team, Matilda Updegraff, Avaneesh Sravajjala, Josh Mulatu, and Daniel Yarosh, advanced to the Area level. Lovejoy High School’s HealthEducationTeam,comprisedofShriBaidya,LayneDechant,MilaKamali, NoahKamali,andKatePeabody,alsoprogressedtoAreacompetition.

Nahida Aghayeva, Siddhi Pareek, and Lyanna Hatamu competed in the PreparedSpeakingcategory,whileAnsonPhan,LilyCorbitt,andVicheaTruoy presented their Medical Art Posters. Kavya Palani and Elina Choi represented LovejoyHighSchoolasVotingDelegates.

Lovejoy is proud of these students’ dedication, preparation, and commitment to excellence. Their experiences at titi fl t t l d i

BOYS BASKETBALL ADVANCES TO AREA ROUND

TheLovejoyLeopardsBoysBasketballteamtraveledtoCaddoMillsonTuesday night for a Bi-District Playoff showdown with the Mount Pleasant Tigers. The Leopardsstartedslowly,butfinishedthe1stquarteronan11-0run,andnever lookedbackastheyracedtoa62-44winovertheTigers.TheLeopardsmadean incredible 13 3-pointers in the game, coming from 7 different players, and alwayshadananswerwhentheTigerswouldmakearun.TheLeopardswere verystingydefensively,holdingtheTigerstojust34%shootingfromthefield.It wasagreatall-aroundteameffortwitheveryLeopardcontributingtothewin.

With the win, the Leopards advance to the Area Round of the playoffs where theywillfaceoffagainstaverytalentedTheColonyCougarssquad.

AreaRoundPlayoffDetails

Teams:LovejoyvsTheColony

Site:ProsperHighSchool

Date:Friday,February27

Tip-Off:7p.m.

MAJESTICS SHINE AT CROWD PLEASERS

This past Saturday the Majestics Dance Team attended Crowd Pleasers Regional Dance Competition hosted at Independence High School. 4 officer routines, 2 elite routines, 13 solos, and 3 duets later...the girls won many top awards,representingLovejoywithhighhonors!

OfficerAwards

*Diamond–1stplace–OfficerOpen

*HighPlatinum–1stplace–OfficerLyrical

*HighPlatinum–1stplace–OfficerContemporary Platinum–5thrunnerup–OfficerJazz

OutstandingChoreographyAwardinOpen,Lyrical,Contemporary,andJazz OutstandingPerformanceQualityAwardinOpen,Lyrical,andContemporary OutstandingExecutionAwardinOpenandLyrical

OutstandingTechniqueAwardinOpen

SpecialJudgesAwardforArtistryinOfficerOpen

*1 PLACEGRANDCHAMPIONOFFICEGROUP(intheselectlargeteamdivision) st

EliteAwards

HighPlatinum–1strunnerup–Imperials(SmallGroupJazz)

HighPlatinum–EliteHipHop(LargeGroupHipHop)

OutstandingAcademicAchievement

DuetAwards

*Diamond–4 runnerup–HighSchoolDuet–performedby:EmmaPierceand JaynieSanovich th

*Diamond–HighSchoolDuet–performedby:ChloeLongandAudreyMorgan

Pleasehelpusincongratulatingtheseoutstandingyoungladiesonasuccessful contest season! The Lovejoy community is invited to attend the Majestics SpringShowApril16 -18 toseealloftheseincredibledancesandmore! th th

LHS AEROSPACE LAUNCH DAY

TheskiesaboveLovejoywerefilledwithinnovationonThursday,February19, 2026,asLovejoyHighSchoolengineeringstudentsbroughttheirdesignstolife duringModelRocketLaunchDay.

Students in Aerospace Design I and Introduction to Aerospace & Aviation completed an intensive five-day design and build cycle, launching 19 teamdesigned rockets in an exciting showcase of creativity, precision, and applied engineering.

As part of their flagship rocket propulsion unit, Aerospace Design I students launched eight custom-built rockets, demonstrating their understanding of thrust, stability, and aerodynamics. The event was captured with impressive dronefootagebyMarshalJorgeJacquez,assistedbyScottBerenger,offeringa uniqueaerialviewofthestudents’work.

Later during Leopard Time, Introduction to Aerospace & Aviation students launched eleven rockets, highlighting their growing knowledge of flight dynamics, propulsion systems, and iterative design. Each launch reflected carefulplanning,collaboration,andproblem-solving.

More than a launch day, the event celebrated hands-on learning in action as fullengineeringcyclefromconcepttoconstructionto joyHighSchool,innovationdoesnotjusttakeshape.

LADY LEOPARDS DOMINATE DISTRICT PLAY

On Friday night, the girls varsity soccer team beat Denison 9-0. Goals were scoredbyKinleyShort(3),AnnsleyDercks,KyleeDziubinski,HarperRemington, Julia Brunson (2), and Claire Beveridge. Assists were by Kylee Dziubinski (3), HarperRemington,EllaYork,EmilyArmstrong,andJuliaBrunson.OnTuesday night, the girls beat Walnut Grove 2-0. Goals were scored by Kenzie Lavender and Ella York. Assists were by Riley Pulley and Annsley Dercks. Emma Jarboe andMickeyWidemanwereingoalfortheteam's17thand18thcleansheetof theseason.Thevarsityteamis19-0overalland10-0indistrict.

On Friday night, the girls junior varsity soccer team beat Denison 12-0. Goals were scored by Lily De Luna (2), Lily Stabile (2), Alexa Davis (2), Haylen Heck, Lexie Lavender, McLean Simpson, Emory Paul, Kate Hobbs, and Reagan Streeter. Assists were by Megan Kinser (3), Lily Stabile (2), Hayle Heck, Kate Hobbs,andDrewChevalier.OnTuesdaynight,theteamtiedWalnutGrove2-2. GoalswerescoredbyEmilyArmstrongandJuliaBrunson.AssistswerebyLexie LavenderandAllisonCounts.Thejuniorvarsityteamis12-1-1overalland70-1indistrict.

BOYS SOCCER ENTERS KEY STRETCH OF DISTRICT PLAY

Lovejoy Boys Soccer wraps up this week on the road at McKinney North High SchoolbeforereturninghomenextweektohostMelissaandGreenville.JVwill kickoffat5:30p.m.,followedbyVarsityat7:15p.m.

TheLeopardsarecurrentlybattlingforatop-fourpositionindistrictplayafter facing early-season adversity with the loss of two key players. Despite the challenges,theteamcontinuestocompetewithdeterminationandresilience.

These next two weeks mark the final opportunities to catch the Leopards in local action this season. The community is encouraged to come out and supportourstudent-athletesastheymaketheirpushtowardthepostseason.

TRACK & FIELD PLANO ISD INVITATIONAL

TheLovejoyTrack&Fieldteamisofftoastrongstartthisseason.OurLeopards have been training hard, competing with focus, and building momentum as theyheadintoanotherexcitingweekendofcompetition.

Lovejoy will compete at the Plano ISD Ron McNeill Invitational on Saturday, February28,2026,atTomKimbroughStadium.

EventSchedule:

FieldEvents–9:00AM

3200M–9:30AM

RunningEvents–1:30PM

TheLeopardcommunityisencouragedtocomeoutandsupportourstudentathletesastheycontinuetheirstrongstarttotheseason.GoLeopards!

GOLF EARNS BRONZE AT EAST TEXAS CHALLENGE

Lovejoy’sBoysandGirlsVarsityGolfteamstraveledtoFrankstononFridayto compete in the East Texas Challenge at Pine Dunes Golf Course. Originally scheduled as a two-day tournament, the event was condensed to 36 holes in one day due to inclement weather. Both teams demonstrated endurance and focus,walkingthehillycoursefornearly10hourswhilemaintainingimpressive consistencythroughouttheday.

The Lady Leopards , Natalie Breaux, Abigail George, Kajsa Sikes, Olivia Kuhn, andCarolineEmerson,earnedathird-placeteamfinish,bringinghomebronze medals. On the boys’ side, David Ruggeri, Ayden Polonet, Reid York, Kaleb Orshalick,andVeerDevalsosecuredathird-placeoverallteamfinish.

Individually, sophomore Kaleb Orshalick delivered an outstanding performance,shooting5-underparwithascoreof139towintheboysdivision. SeniorNatalieBreauxshota152,finishingfifthoverallinthegirlsdivision.

Both teams proudly represented Lovejoy, returning home with hardware and momentumfortheremainderoftheseason.

BOARD MEETING 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.

HOME AWAY

LEOPARD FRIDAY

HOMECOMING

SENIOR NIGHT

2026 Football Schedule

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!