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Connect with Katie

DECEMBER 18, 2025 APRIL 2, 2026

Lovejoy Lovejoy Leopards Leopards

LovejoyCommunity,

The joy of learning is strong in Lovejoy! We are proud to share just a few of the many highlights thatreflecttheheartoflearninginLovejoy.

OurannualSTEMFestwastrulyremarkable.Itwas inspiring to see increased student leadership throughout the event, with students not only showcasingtheirlearningbutalsotakinganactive role in guiding and engaging others. Their leadership and passion for STEM were on full display, making this year’s event especially meaningfulforourentirecommunity.

We also celebrated the incredible work of our students at our GT Showcases which follow the Invention Convention model. The creativity, innovation, and depth of thinkingdemonstratedinstudentinventionsandpresentationswerenothingshortof impressive. We are grateful for how our teachers support students in developing critical skills in problem identification, problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and creativity. Detailswillbesharedinnextweek’s Connect with Katie.

ThismorningattheLovejoyChildDevelopmentCenter,Ihadthejoyofparticipatingin a thoughtfully designed egg hunt that beautifully combined fun with learning. Our teacherscreatedmeaningfulexperiencesforeveryagegroup.Forourthree-year-olds, eggs were labeled with student names to support name recognition, while our fouryear-oldsengagedinnumberrecognitionandone-to-onecorrespondenceactivities.I had the pleasure of joining our three-year-olds on their hunt, and they did an outstanding job following directions, identifying their names, and showing kindness and respect to one another. They were especially proud to show me how many eggs theycollectedfortheirbaskets.

Momentsliketheseremindusthatlearninghappensinmanyformsandthatwhenjoy, purpose,andcreativitycometogether,incrediblethingshappenforourstudents.

These amazing learning opportunities do not happen without amazing teachers. We deeplyappreciatetheircommitmenttosupportinggrowthandlearningsothatevery LovejoyISDstudentcanthrive.

Wishingyouandyourfamilyalongweekendfilledwithloveandjoy.Welookforward towelcomingstudentsbacktoschoolonTuesday.

ThereisonlyONELovejoy,andweareALLLeopards!

LovejoyProud, KatieKordel Superintendent

STEMFest2026wasavibrantcelebrationofcuriosity,innovation,andcommunity. Theeventwasmadepossiblethroughthecollectiveeffortsofstudents,educators, and community partners. Students brought enthusiasm, educators created meaningfullearningexperiences,andSTEMsupportersprovidedawiderangeof opportunitiesforexploration.

AttendeesexperiencedSTEMinaction,fromliveanimalsandroboticstohands-on chemistry and biotechnology demonstrations. Visitors also explored real-world connections,includingapplicationsinsportsandpersonalwellness.Throughout the event, drones, planes, balloons, and rockets filled the sky, while inside, the Student STEM Showcase highlighted powerful learning across the district. Students confidently presented their work, shared engineering designs, and engagedwiththecommunity.

At its core, STEM Fest reflects three guiding ideas: fostering curiosity, inspiring innovation, and ensuring every student can see themselves in STEM. From the youngestlearnersexploringexhibitstosecondarystudentsservingasvolunteers andleaders,theeventcreatedauthentic,real-worldconnections.

In Lovejoy ISD, STEM is more than a program; it is a mindset that prepares studentsforafutureofevolvingchallengesandopportunities.

Last Friday, the varsity girls soccer team defeated Midlothian Heritage 2-0 to advancetotheregionalfinalforthesecondconsecutiveyear.EllaYorkopenedthe scoring late in the second half off a through ball from Annsley Dercks. The lead wasextendedwhenYorkchippedthegoalkeeperfromdistance,againassistedby Dercks.EmmaJarboesecuredthecleansheetwithstrongdefensivesupportfrom Chloe Reyna, Brenna Wallace, Cam Newhouse, Morgan Suder, and Josselyn Schuler.

OnTuesdaynight,theteam’sseasoncametoanendwitha2-1losstoWakeland intheregionalfinal.EllaYorkscoredfromthepenaltyspotinthematch.Theteam finishedanoutstanding,record-breakingseasonwitha26-1overallrecordanda 14-0 district record, earning its third consecutive undefeated district championshipandmakingback-to-backregionalfinalappearances.

The girls set numerous records this season, including goals in a game by Kinley Short with six, goals in a season by Ella York with 48, career assists by Ella York with 55, and clean sheets in a season with 24 by Emma Jarboe and Mickey Wideman.Additionalrecordsincludedistrictwinswith14,totalseasonwinswith 26

26, fewest losses with one, district goals with 104, total season goals with 146, district goals allowed with one, total season goals allowed with four, and a longestunbeatenstreakof26games.

Girls soccer extends its sincere appreciation to their three seniors, Bailee Neatherlin, Lainey Pierce, and Ella York, for their leadership and dedication over the past six years; they will be greatly missed. Thank you soccer fans, parents, ad Administration,andstaffforthecontinuedsupport.Theteamislookingforward tobuildingonthissuccessnextseason.

The Lovejoy High School Majestics Dance Officers concluded their contest seasononFriday,March27,attheAmericanDance/DrillTeamNationalshosted attheUniversityofNorthTexasinDenton.

The officers delivered an outstanding perfor fi i hi th t two officer groups in the nation. Their succe season and reflected their dedication, talent whilerepresentingLovejoywithdistinction.

In the Medium High School Division, the officersearnedthefollowinghonors:

OfficerJazz–3rdRunner-Up

OfficerPop–NationalChampions

OfficerLyrical–1stRunner-Up

OfficerContemporary–1stRunner-Up

On Saturday, Lovejoy High School powerlifters Ty Smith and Ben Sussman competedattheTHSPAStatePowerliftingMeetheldattheTaylorExpoCenter inAbilene.

Ben Sussman recorded an impressive total of 1,495 pounds, highlighted by a 560-pound squat, 435-pound bench press, and 500-pound deadlift, finishing nearthetopofthe5A225-poundweightclass.

Ty Smith placed fourth overall in the state in the 5A 275-pound weight class witharemarkable1,710-poundtotal,includinga650-poundsquat,475-pound benchpress,and585-pounddeadlift.

Congratulations to these outstanding senior Leopards on their strong performancesatthestatelevel!

The Lovejoy High School Color Guard concluded its season on Saturday at Championships, with both teams competing at a high level in advanced classificationsanddemonstratingcontinuedgrowththroughouttheseason.

The junior varsity team performed in the Scholastic A division at The Colony HighSchool,earninga9thplacefinish.Notably,theJVteamwasmovedupinto Scholastic A just one week prior to Championships, placing them against primarily varsity-level programs. In previous years, the team had consistently placed in the top three at Championships, making this advancement a significantandcommendablechallenge.

The varsity team competed in the National A division at Coppell High School, placing7thagainststrongcompetition.Thisseasonmarkedtheiradvancement from Scholastic A to National A, reflecting the team’s continued progress and increasedcompetitiveexpectations.

Both teams showed resilience, dedication, and a strong commitment to excellencewhileperformingathigherlevelsthaninpreviousyears.Thedistrict is proud of the accomplishments of the Lovejoy Color Guard and the growth demonstratedbyeachstudentthroughouttheseason.

LovejoyISDwelcomedmembersoftheSilverLeopard65+communitytoaspecial “Bloom and Belong” Spring Social, bringing together residents for a morning of connection.

Held at Sloan Creek Intermediate School, guests enjoyed breakfast, fellowship, andmeaningfulengagementwithdistrictleaders.Attendeeshadtheopportunity tohearfromSuperintendentKatieKordelandenjoyaspecialperformancebythe Sloan Creek 6th Grade Girls Choir, whose talent shined during the morning’s celebration.

The “Bloom and Belong” event reflects the buildingstrongrelationships,connection,an L j it !

April4 isNationalSchoolLibrarianDayandweareproudtocelebrateKristin Dawson, Ariel Stewart, Rachel Brenner, Jordan Johnson, and Holly Green! School librarians support the literacy and learning of all students and partner withteacherstoenhanceinstructioninclassrooms.Thankyou!

Nextweek,April6-10isNationalAssistantPrincipalAppreciationWeek!Please takeamomenttothankJennaFreeman,DanielleNelson,KimberlyKane,Jacob Hunter, Shawn Lewis, Lindsey Radford, Fernando Ocampo, Chasity Lynch and SarahDeanfortheirremarkablededicationandimpactonstudentsandstaffin LovejoyISD!Thankyouforyourfearlessleadership!

TheLovejoyChildhoodDevelopmentCenterprogramisfeaturedinthismonth’s issue of The Magazine, highlighting the meaningful learning experiences and nurturing environment provided for our youngest learners. To read the full article,clickbelowandturntopage32.

THANK YOU JEFF WOOD

JeffWood,avaluedmemberoftheLovejoyBoardof Trustees, has resigned from Position 3 of the Board ofTrustees,ashemovedoutsideofthedistrict.Over the past five years, Jeff gave his time, leadership, and heart to the Lovejoy community, leaving a meaningful and lasting impact. His dedication and servicewillbesincerelymissed.

Joining the Board in 2020, Jeff was a steadfast leader who helped guide our District through many successes and challenges, always keeping our students’bestinterestsatheart.Duringhistenureas a aTrustee,JeffservedasVice-PresidentandSecretaryoftheBoard,amemberof theDistrictSafety&SecurityCommittee,theLegislativesubcommittee,andasan exofficioboardmemberoftheFoundationforLovejoySchools.

The district extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Wood for his distinguished service, leadership, and commitment to students, staff, and the community. His contributionshavemadealastingdifference.

TheBoardofTrustees,SuperintendentKordel,andAdministrationrecognizedMr. WoodattheMarch30BoardofTrusteesMeeting.Wethankhimsincerelyforhis impactandwishhimwellinhisnextchapter.

PERSONNEL UPDATE

Lovejoy ISD is proud to announce the Lovejoy ISD Board of Trustees has approved Ms. Heather Cox as the District’s next Chief Human Resources and CommunicationsOfficer.

Ms.CoxjoinedLovejoyISDinJune2023andhassince served the District with distinction as Director of Human Resources. She brings 23 years of experience ineducation,withabackgroundthatincludesrolesas a director, principal, assistant principal, and classroomteacher.

In the seven years Ms. Cox served as an elementary school principal, she demonstratedstronginstructionalleadershipandadeepcommitmenttostudent success.

“Ms.Coxisanexceptionalleaderwhobringsbothdeepexperienceandagenuine commitmenttopeople.Herfocusonbuildingstrongteams,supportingourstaff, andkeepingstudentsatthecenterofeverydecisionmakeshertheidealchoice for this role. We are confident she will continue to strengthen our district and serveLovejoyISDwithexcellence,”statesSuperintendentKordel.

Complementingherextensiveexperienceineducation,Ms.CoxholdsaBachelor ofSciencedegreefromtheUniversityofTexasatTylerandaMaster’sdegreefrom LamarUniversity.Sheismarriedtoherhusband,Chris,andtheyshareonegrown son,Tyler,andlovetospendtimewiththeirgranddaughter,Kinley.

Highly respected for her dedication to recruiting, supporting, and retaining exceptional educators and staff, Ms. Cox remains focused on creating a positive and impactful student experience. Her ability to build strong, trusting relationshipswithallstakeholdersisadefiningstrength.

Ms. Cox will assume the responsibilities of Chief Human Resources and CommunicationsOfficerinMay2026.

SAVETHEDATE!!!!Youdonotwanttomiss this year's highly anticipated Majestics SpringShow–“Pulse”onApril16,17,&18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the LHS Auditorium. Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning on Tuesday, April 7th. We invite you to step into a world where emotion meetsinnovation,andeveryfeelingtellsa story. Pulse…where the future comes alive.

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.

REMINDER: NO SCHOOL

KINDERGARTEN ROUND-UP

ATTENDANCE UPDATE

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

DISTRICT CALENDAR

StudentsatLovejoyChildhoodDevelopmentCentercelebratedtheseasonwith a fun and educational Easter egg hunt, complete with a special visit from the EasterBunny.

Each grade level incorporated learning into the activity. Two-year-old classes practicedsharing,PreK-3studentsworkedonnamerecognitionbyfindingeggs labeledwiththeirnames,andPreK-4studentsfocusedonnumberrecognition andcounting.

SuperintendentKatieKordeljoinedthecelebration,helpingsomeofLovejoy’s littlestlearnersduringthehunt.

The event blended fun and learning, creating a memorable experience for students.

CalculatorApplications (CoachJosephRasca)

2ndPlaceTeam

JamesBognot-1st(RegionalQualifier)

CharltonKim-3rd(RegionalQualifier)

ComputerScience (CoachCrystalGaddie)

3rdPlaceTeam

JoelDykstra-3rd(RegionalQualifier)

CurrentIssues&Events (CoachCyndiAnderson)

2ndPlaceTeam

SimonKim-1st(RegionalQualifier)

ReadyWriting (CoachCherylAnderson)

EmilyJames-1st(RegionalQualifier)

EllaSnyder-2nd(RegionalQualifier) PrabhnoorPannu-4th

Journalism

(CoachElliotParkman)

4thPlaceTeam

CopyEditing

CharltonKim-2nd(RegionalQualifier)

ChristinaSrambickal-6th

FeatureWriting

ScarletCole-4th(RegionalQualifier)

HaleyBina-6th

HeadlineWriting

ChristinaSrambickal-5th

Mathematics (CoachJosephRasca)

1stPlaceTeam

JamesBognot-1st(RegionalQualifier)

MehmetErol-2nd(RegionalQualifier)

CharltonKim-3rd(RegionalQualifier)

CatiePruitt(RegionalQualifier)

NumberSense

(CoachJosephRasca)

1stPlaceTeam

JamesBognot-1st(RegionalQualifier)

MehmetErol-3rd(RegionalQualifier)

JustenMao-4th(RegionalQualifier)

CharltonKim(RegionalQualifier)

LiteraryCriticism

(CoachJasenEairheart)

1stPlaceTeam

CarolineWilkins-1st(RegionalQualifier)

PrabhnoorPannu-2nd(RegionalQualifier)

RachelAkinfolarin-3rd(RegionalQualifier)

ChrisLeininger-4th(RegionalQualifier)

Science(CoachZacharyHevron)

1stPlaceTeam

ClaireWu-1st(RegionalQualifier)

AmeenaChowdhury-3rd(RegionalQualifier)

HarperSmith-4th(RegionalQualifier)

TuckMcGoldrick-6th(RegionalQualifier)

Biology

ClaireWu-2nd

HarperSmith-5th

Chemistry

ClaireWu-1st(RegionalQualifier)

HarperSmith-3rd

SocialStudies(CoachDavidMuller)

1stPlaceTeam

LucasOspina-1st(RegionalQualifier)

SimonKim-2nd(RegionalQualifier)

KateFillmore-3rd(RegionalQualifier)

GavinWagner-4th

AlexSimpson-6th(RegionalQualifier)

AmeenaChowdhury-4th

TuckMcGoldrick-5th

Physics

ClaireWu-1st(RegionalQualifier)

AmeenaChowdhury-2nd

HarperSmith-3rd

TuckMcGoldrick-6h

This past weekend the Lovejoy Boys Track and Field team captured the 5A Division Championship at the prestigious Jesuit Sheaner Relays. Competing against some of the top programs in the state, the Leopards rose to the occasion and showcased their depth, determination, and talent across all events.

Severalstandoutperformanceshelpedleadtheteamtovictory:

TristanArceneau-3rdinthe3200M

JoeyReid-4thinthe3200M

DistanceMedleyRelay:TristanArceneau,TravisShegog,ArjunSharma,and

JoeyReid-1st

4X400M Relay: Beyer Toyooka, Sele Ehicheoya, Reef Revell, and Travis Shegog-4th

TyMuaina-1stinHighJumpand2ndinTripleJump.

LexingtonHarper-2ndinShotPut.

PrestonQuann-3rdinShotPut.

MacHorton-6thinShotPut

CashDardano-4thinPoleVault

TheLovejoyHighSchoolgirlstrackandfieldteamhashadastandoutseason, earning multiple team honors. The junior varsity team remains undefeated, whilethevarsityteamhasclaimedfivemeetvictoriesandfinishedrunner-upat another.

Since January, the team has trained through a wide range of Texas weather conditions, demonstrating strength, speed, and resilience as they prepare for championshipcompetition.

TheLeopardswillcompeteintheDistrictChampionshipsonThursday,April8, andFriday,April9.Thismeetwilldeterminewhichathletesadvancetothenext roundattheArealevel.

Lovejoy High School baseball has opened district play with an undefeated record through the first three weeks, building strong momentumastheseasonprogresses.

TheteamrecentlyhostedasuccessfulTeacher AppreciationNight,recognizingtheeducators who make a lasting impact on students each day.TheLeopardshavealsowelcomedHome Run Heroes to the field, creating memorable experiencesandaddingenergytoeachgame.

Looking ahead, Lovejoy will continue district competition with an upcoming series against return McKinney North and Melissa. The Leopards return home on April 8 for School Marshal Appreciation Night, and the community is invited to attend and wear camouflageinhonorofthosewhohelpkeepLovejoycampusessafe.

LOVEJOYISD 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.

Trustee

Barrett Owens

MarkWheelis Trustee

MarvinBobo Secretary

JasonJaynes Trustee

AubreyStock Trustee

JulieMcLaughlin

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:

Flats4Bats

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.

Lovejoy ISD Libraries are excited to host the second annual Bookmark Design Challenge! Bookmarks should celebrate reading and center around the theme of "Wild About Reading"-think jungle, animal prints, nature, or other creative ways to express what Wild About Reading means to you. Use the theme to jumpstart your ideas; be creative!Twowinnersfromeachgrade level (PreK-12) will have their bookmark printed and available at every Lovejoy ISD school, admin building, and library. We can't wait to seeyourdesignsandsharetheloveofreadingonebookmarkatatime!Getstarted here--->t.ly/GR1Wo

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!