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DECEMBER 18, 2025 APRIL 17, 2026

Lovejoy Lovejoy Leopards Leopards

LovejoyCommunity,

There was a quiet determination across our campuses this week, a kind of energy that comes with testing season, paired with the steady encouragementofteachersandstaffwhoshowup each day ready to support every student. I am grateful to our educators, campus leaders, and testing teams who work behind the scenes to ensureasmoothandpositiveexperience.

andfocuseddiscipline.

At the same time, Fine Arts is bringing their own vibrant rhythm to Lovejoy. The Majestics Spring Show, “Pulse,” islightingupthestagethisweekin the Lovejoy High School Auditorium. Their performanceisacelebrationoftalent,creativity, guest performances from our LHS theatre, a cappella, and drumline programs, the Spring Show is a powerful, high-energy celebration of our students’ artistry and skill. Two final performances remain, Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m.! Click here to purchasetickets!

Withdynamic

2026PTOOutstandingServiceAwards

WearefortunatetohaveanexceptionalPTOthatgraciouslyhostedthisweek’sannual PTOOutstandingServiceAwards,aneventthatcelebratestheverybestofLovejoy.This recognitionisthehighesthonorawardedbythePTO,honoringteachers,staff,parents, andcommunitymemberswhogiveselflesslyandgoaboveandbeyondinservicetoour schools.Congratulationstothe2026PTOOutstandingServiceAwardrecipients!

StrategicPlan: Lovejoy: Excellence by Design

Weareproudtointroduce Lovejoy: Excellence by Design StrategicPlan,astrategicplan thatbringsourmissiontolifethroughaclear,forward-lookingcommitmenttostudent success, strong teacher support, meaningful staff and parent engagement, and longtermdistrictsustainability.

Throughasix-month-long,deeplycollaborativeprocess,weworkedtogethertodefine our path forward. We listened intentionally to students, teachers, parents, and communitymembers,ensuringthateveryvoicehelpedshapethiswork.

The result is a thoughtful and future-focused plan designed to strengthen what mattersmost,supportingstudents,empoweringeducators,deepeningengagement, andsustainingexcellenceacrossLovejoyISDforyearstocome.

As we move ahead, this roadmap will guide our efforts to enrich student learning, support growth, and strengthen the connection between our schools and the communityweproudlyserve.Itis,atitsheart,areflectionofwhatwecanaccomplish together.

RecentLegacyofExcellenceHighlights

•LovejoyHighSchoolGirlsTrack&Field-3-peatDistrictChampions!

•LHSChoir-UILSweepstakeshonorees

•LHSBand-TopUILhonors(WindEnsemble&WindSymphony)

•LHSTennis-AdvancingtoRegionals

•LHSBoysTrack-DistrictRunner-Up

•LHSBaseball-Undefeatedindistrictplay,playoff-ready

•WSMSGirlsTrack-Area&DistrictChampions

•WSMS&SCISOrchestras-ExcellentSolo&Ensembleratings

We are incredibly proud of these student groups for representing Lovejoy with excellence,dedication,andheart!

WishingyouaweekendfilledwithLoveandJoy.

ThereisonlyONELovejoy,andweareALLLeopards!

LovejoyProud, KatieKordel Superintendent

ComeexperiencetheMajesticsDanceTeam’sSpringShow, Pulse,animmersiveshow exploring what it means to be human in a digital world, where imperfection is celebrated.TicketsarenowonsalethroughtheFineArtsBoxOffice.

Twoperformancesremain,FridayApril17 andSaturday,April18that7:00PMinthe LHS Auditorium. Tickets are on sale through the Fine Arts Box Office. $15 for adults and$10forstudents,seniors,andchildren.

The Outstanding Service Award is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon an individual by our PTO. Recipients of this award promoted students’well-beinganddemonstratedcareforchildrenaboveandbeyondwhat isexpectedorwrittenintheirjobdescription.Eachyearweaskthecommunity to nominate a parent, a volunteer, a teacher, administrator, or community leader that has given so much and done more than was expected. Some contributionstoourstudentsarebigandvisiblewhileothersgivequietlybehind thescenes,makingahugeimpactallthesame.Thatiswhywelovetohearfrom our community to learn about all the great things people are doing in this district. This year, we received almost 200 submissions, far above the average we’veseenpreviously!

Thisyear’sDenim&Diamondsmarkedaspecialmilestone,celebrating20years of supporting Lovejoy students, teachers, and campuses. Together, the communityraisedmorethan$520,000inasingleevening.

The foundation deeply grateful to everyone who participated, whether by attending,biddingonline,supportingFamilyFundedGrants,orcontributingto the Safety & Security initiative. This year also included a record-breaking $132,000dedicateddirectlytoenhancingstudentsafetyacrossLovejoyISD.

The evening provided an opportunity to honor the leaders who have helped shape Denim & Diamonds over the past two decades, including founding members,pastpresidents,andpreviouseventchairs.

More than the numbers, the event served as a powerful reminder of what makesLovejoyexceptional.Thegenerosityofthecommunityreflectsashared commitmenttoi ti i t iti th tbenefiteverystudent.

Thank you for e back, and make a meaningful differenceforev

Lovejoy ISD is excited to introduce summer care through AlphaBest. This new program is designed to provide an experience that blends structured enrichmentwiththejoyandflexibilityofsummer.Eachdaywillincludehandson activities, creative projects, outdoor play, and opportunities to build meaningful friendships. Whether your child attends for a few days or the full week,they’llbepartofsomethingspecialfromtheverybeginning.

Lovejoy Libraries recently received an incredible number of creative bookmark design entries from students across the district. Inspired by the theme “Wild About Reading,” students showcased their love of reading through imaginative andcolorfuldesigns.

Two winners from each grade level on every campus have been selected, highlightingthetalentandcreativityofLovejoystudents.Printedversionsofthe winning bookmarks will soon be available in the front office and foyer areas at eachschoolforthecommunitytoenjoy.

Families are encouraged to celebrate these student-created designs and continue fostering a love of reading at home. To view the full list of winners, pleasevisitt.ly/CaBmB.

The Lovejoy ISD Board of Trustees has opened the application process to fill the Position 3 vacancy by appointment, offering community members the opportunity to serve and support the district’s continued success. Applications are open now through May 2, 2026, and eligible residents who meet requirements under the Texas Election Code are encouraged to apply. The Board anticipates reviewing applications and conducting interviews in May, with the goal of completing the appointment process in June. The appointed trustee willservethroughthenextelectiononMay2,2027,asoutlinedbytheTexasSecretary ofStateElectionsDivision.

CallingallfutureLeopardsin1stthrough 6thgrade.LovejoyISDishostingayouth basketball camp focused on skill development,teamwork,andfun.

Students will build fundamentals, participate in games, and learn from experienced coaches in an engaging and supportiveenvironment.

Registration is now open: https://tinyurl.com/futureleopards2026

KINDERGARTEN ROUND-UP

ATTENDANCE UPDATE

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

DISTRICT CALENDAR

This past Saturday, Willow Springs Middle School hosted the Solo and Ensemble Contest, where Sloan Creek and Willow Springs orchestra students deliveredanoutstandingdayofperformances.With216entries,every6th–8th gradeorchestrastudentpreparedandperformedasoloforajudge,andmany alsochosetoparticipateinensembles.

AllentriesearnedeitheraSuperiororExcellentrating,reflectingthestudents’ dedication, preparation, and musical growth. Performing individually requires both courage and commitment, and students rose to the occasion in an impressiveway.

JudgesalsorecognizedaselectgroupofstudentsasExemplaryMusicians,an honorgiventothosewhostoodoutasthebestperformersintheirrooms:

Jett Adams, Thomas Casier, Ethan Chen, Samantha Dinesh, Nathan Ding, Ryland Eairheart, Kennedy Grosholz, Emma Hang, Angelina Huang, Matthew Keever,SidraKhan,ValentinaOlvera,TateOrtiz,JohnParsons,KennediPierce, Cara Pipe, Emerson Scoggins, Reagan Sobczak, Jeffrey Wang, Franklin Wang, SophiaWang,AubreyWu,AdamXu,SharonYin,andViolettaZhukovskiy.

EnsemblegroupsrecognizedincludeJeffreyWangandEvyJohnson,aswellas DelaneyCountryman,IslaRembold,NatalieZetterqvist,andDerekFast.

Special thanks go to Mrs. Eldredge and Mrs. Puckett for serving as administrators on duty, the Willow custodial team for ensuring each performancespacewasprepared,andLovejoyHighSchoolorchestrastudents whosupportedtheeventasroommonitors.

The Willow Springs Middle School Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble delivered outstanding performances at the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading EvaluationheldattheAllenHighSchoolPerformingArtsCenteronMarch27–28. Both ensembles earned Superior, first division ratings from all six judges, securingtheprestigiousSweepstakesAward,thehighestpossiblehonor.

During the evaluation, students performed three prepared pieces for the concert portion. In sight-reading, they were given a brand new piece of music with only seven to eight minutes to prepare before performing for judges, demonstratingtheirskill,focus,andmusicianship.

Theseresultsreflectthededicationandhardworkofeverystudentinvolved.

Willow Springs Girls Track and Field just wrapped up an impressive season which concluded with the 7th Grade Team being crowned both Area and District Champions out of 17 middle schools. 8th Grade Girls also had an impressive season culminating in multiple PR's, awards, and a WSMS 300M HurdleRecordbyBrynnCaudellwithatimeof50.26.Atotalof18girlsqualified for District and all 18 finished 6th or higher in their events earning points towardstheteamtotal.WePR'din15eventsoutofapossible20opportunities. BelowareindividualresultsfromtheDistrictMeet!Waytogogirls!

HighJump

7th-2ndPlace,SoleilSlaughter4'8 8th-6thPlace,KatieAhearn4'9PR

PoleVault

7th-1stPlace,CameronFox8'0PR

7th-3rdPlace,JacquelineGarnic7'6PR

2400M

7th-3rdPlace,CamillePettit9:23:62

7th-4thPlace,HannahRoberts9:49.56

8th-2ndPlace,BronwynVaughan9:04.69

800M

7th-1stPlace,JacquelineGarnic2:28.28PR

100H

7th 2ndPlace EliseOgana17.08PR rr16.24PR

4x200MRelay

7th-5thPlaceEliseOgana,SoleilSlaughter,ValentinaOlvera,AlizaStolk1:56.24

400M

7th-1stPlace,JacquelineGarnic1:03.4PR

300MHurdles

8th-2ndPlace,BrynnCaudell50.26PR&WSMSRecord

8th-5thPlace,EllaCarr52.18PR

200M

7th-2ndPlace,AlizaStolk27.58PR

1600M

7th-3rdPlace,CamillePettit5:50.62PR

7th-4thPlace,AnnaJohnson5:54.92PR

8th-3rdPlace,BronwynVaughan5:37.31PR

4x400MRelay

7th-3rdPlaceAmeliaWalters,ValentinaOlvera,AlizaStolk,JacquelineGarnic 4:31.18PR

8th-4thPlaceBrynnCaudell,ElizaAbraham,AubreyAnderton,EmmaLambert 4:25.11PR

Seventh-grade English language arts students engaged in student-driven book clubs, fostering both a love of reading and meaningful collaboration. Students selected from three different novels and were grouped with peers whochosethesamebooktoengagein purposefuldiscussions.

Eachweek,studentscomepreparedto shareinsights,askquestions,andbuild on one another’s thinking. Through these conversations, they are strengthening essential listening and speaking skills while practicing respectfulacademicdiscourse.

Book clubs also challenge students to apply critical thinking as they analyze characters, themes, and author’s craft. This ongoing work reinforces the reading strategies and skills they have developedthroughouttheyear.

Most importantly, students are experiencing the joy of choice and ownership in their learning, making readingbothrelevantandrewarding.

The Girls Track and Field Team competed in the District Championship last week.Itwas2longdaysofintensecompetition.Thegirlsfoughthardandwon their 3rd District Championship title in a row! Both the JV and the Varsity divisionsareDistrictChamps!

The following athletes have advanced to the Area meet to be held in Mount Pleasanttoday,April17th.

VARSITYMEDALISTS/ADVANCERS:

CarsonFox-DistrictChamp!-polevault

SofiaDominguez-DistrictChamp!-1600meter

CamrynBenson-DistrictChamp!-3200meter,and2ndin1600meter

CaileeHorinek-DistrictChamp!800meterand2ndin400meter

EllaHang-DistrictChamp!400meter

EmilyArmstrong-DistrictRunner-up-3200meter,and3rdin1600meter

TeniSegun-DistrictRunner-up-discus

BridgetBernal-3rd-3200meter

KatieMitchell-3rdinpolevault

HarperJaynes-4th-800meter

MargaretMeehlhause-4thinpolevault

CailynNewhouse-4thin200meter

MichaelaMartin-4th-100meterhurdles

KateRoberts-4th-300meterhurdles

4x100relay-4th-MaliaLaw,AnnaAkinfolarin,KatieMitchell,Brenna Wallace

4x200relay-2nd-CailynNewhouse,AnnaAkinfolarin,BrennaWallace,Ella Hang

4x400relay-DISTRICTCHAMPS-KateRoberts,CailynNewhouse,Talia Orshalick,CaileeHorinek

Lovejoy High School tennis delivered an impressive performance at the 9-5A District Tournament, held April 9–10 at the Z-Plex in Melissa, earning top finishesandmultipleregionalqualifications.

Leadingtheway,NolanHummel(12)andMadyChi(10)capturedtheDistrict95A Mixed Doubles Championship, showcasing strong teamwork and consistencythroughoutthetournament.

Ingirlsdoubles,MorganHignite(11)andNataliaVizcaino(11)earnedasecondplace finish, securing their spot alongside Hummel and Chi in the upcoming Region2Tournament.

Additional standout performances included Adnan Dohadwala (11) and Vish Bathini(11),whoplacedthirdinboysdoubles.

Asateam,boththeboysandgirlssquadsfinishedsecondoverall,highlighting thedepthandstrengthoftheLovejoytennisprogram.

The qualifying teams will compete next at the Region 2 Tournament on April 17–18atProsperRichlandHighSchool.

The Lovejoy High School Varsity Mixed Choir, Varsity Treble Choir, and Junior Varsity Treble Choir delivered outstanding performances at the UIL Region 25 ConcertandSight-ReadingContest,heldMarch31andApril1attheAllenHigh SchoolPerformingArtsCenter.

Allthreeensemblesearnedsuperiorratings,thehighestpossiblescore,fromall six judges, securing Sweepstakes honors for excellence in both concert performanceandsight-reading.

Each choir performed three concert selections and was evaluated on tone, blend, technique, and musicianship. Featuring primarily a cappella programs, students showcased highly technical repertoire in German, Latin, Czech, and English. During the sight-reading portion, each ensemble demonstrated exceptionalskillbyperforminganewlycomposedchoralworkwithonlyafew minutesofpreparation.

Adjudicators commended the choirs’ vocal quality and artistry, highlighting their “mature approach” to challenging repertoire and strong musicality throughoutdifficultmelismaticpassages.

Lovejoy High School’s Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony delivered outstanding performances at the UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest on March31,earningtopratingsandhonors.

TheWindEnsemblereceivedSuperiorratingsintheirconcertperformanceand Excellent ratings in sight-reading, demonstrating strong musicianship and preparation.TheWindSymphonyachievedthehighestdistinction,earningthe UILSweepstakesAwardwithallSuperiorratingsacrossbothperformanceand sight-reading.

Despite challenging windy conditions, students remained focused and professional,showcasingtheirdedicationandcommitmenttoexcellence.

Lovejoyisproudofthesetalentedmusiciansandtheircontinuedsuccess!

Following their UIL success, Lovejoy High School band students set out early thenextmorningfortheirSpringBandTriptoBranson,enjoyingawell-earned experiencefilledwithfun,relaxation,andconnection.

During the trip, both the Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony delivered outstanding performances, continuing to represent the program with excellenceandpride.

Bandextendsitssincereappreciationtothededicatedchaperoneswhosetime, energy,andsupporthelpedmakethetripasuccess!

TheLovejoyBoysTrack&Fieldteamdeliveredanoutstandingperformanceat the UIL District 9-5A Championships, earning Runner-Up honors at both the VarsityandJVlevelsinahighlycompetitivefield.

VarsityTopFinishers:

SeleEhicheoya-4thPlace100M-AreaQualifier

CashDardano-4thPlacePoleVault-AreaQualifier

ArjunSharma–DistrictChampion3200m;3rdPlace1600m-AreaQualifier

TristanArceneau–2ndPlace3200m&1600m-AreaQualifier

JoeyReid–3rdPlace3200m;4thPlace1600M-AreaQualifier

ReefRevell–2ndPlace800m&400m-AreaQualifier

Ty Muaina – District Champion Triple Jump; 2nd Place High Jump - Area Qualifier

PrestonQuan–3rdPlaceShotPut-AreaQualifier

4x100 Relay – 3rd Place - Area Qualifier - Sele Ehicheoya, Luke Burton, BeyerToyooka,&ZachJones

4x200 Relay - 4th - Area Qualifier - Sele Ehicheoya, Luke Gahan, Beyer Toyooka,&TravisShegog

4x400 Relay 3rd Place Area Qualifier Beyer Toyooka Harrison Boyd

JVTopFinishers:

CarterEwing–DistrictChampion,1600m&3200m

WillMurphy–2ndPlace,1600m&3200m

KiptonDuBois–2ndPlace,1600m;3rdPlace,3200m

JaydenThompson–DistrictChampion,ShotPut

WilliamOnyegbunwa–2ndPlace,TripleJump

MichaelCaldwell–3rdPlace,LongJump

ConnerKaterberg–2ndPlace,800m

DanielMadison–2ndPlace,400m

JacksonWorthy–3rdPlace,200m

4x200Relay–3rdPlace- JacksonWorthy,BrodyHesson,HudsonBoyd,& DiCarloLaw

4x400 Relay – 3rd Place - Hudson Parker, Bentley Lopez, Reid Taylor, & DanielMadison

BraydonGills–3rdPlace,PoleVault

Atotalof15athletesadvancedtotheArea9-105AChampionships,continuing whathasbeenanexceptionalseasonforLovejoyTrack&Field.

ThecompetitionrunsApril21–24,and we cannot wait to see how these incredible teams perform on the global stage. Even more exciting, the eventwillconcludewiththerevealof nextyear’sgame,OVERRIDE.

Follow Team 1082E, Carbonated Potato Potato(MathDivision),Team1082J,JumboShrimp(OpportunityDivision),and Team1082M,Meltdown(DesignDivision)astheycompete.

You can watch the action live on VEXWorlds.tv and stay updated through LovejoyRoboticssocialmediaandLovejoyRobotics.com.Matchscheduleswill bereleasedsoon.Let’sgo,Leopards!

As the regular season enters its final stretch, Lovejoy Baseball continues to buildmomentumwithanimpressiverunofsuccessandmeaningfulmoments onandoffthefield.

TheVarsityLeopardsremainundefeatedindistrictplaywithjustoneweekleft in the regular season. Consistent performances on the mound paired with strong offensive production have positioned the team as a leading contender for the District Championship. With postseason play on the horizon, the focus remainsonfinishingstrong.

Last week, the program also had the opportunity to recognize Lovejoy ISD SchoolMarshalsduringaspecialeveningatLeopardField.Theeventhonored those who work diligently behind the scenes to ensure the safety and wellbeingofstudentsandstaffacrossthedistrict.

Theseasoncontinueswithoneofitsmostanticipatedtraditions.SeniorNight will be held on Friday, April 17, as the Leopards host Greenville. The on-field recognitionceremonyfortheClassof2026willbeginat7:00p.m.,followedby first pitch at 7:30 p.m. The evening will celebrate the dedication, leadership, and contributions of this senior class and provide an opportunity for the communitytoshowitssupport.

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.

Thisweek'sfeaturedflyersare:

CommunityNews

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

ROBOTICSWANTSYOU!

We’re looking for current 8th graders and high school students who want to design,build,program,andcompete,noRoboticsclassrequired.

RoboticsClubisopentoanyonewithinterestandcommitment.Whetheryou’re intocoding,building,strategy,orteamwork,there’saplaceforyouhere.

We meet before school, after school, andduringLeopardTimethroughout the week. Some students may be asked to complete a brief interview, and we’ll share those details directly withinterestedstudents.

Ifyou’recurious,competitive,orjust want to try something new, this is yourchancetogetinvolved.

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!