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Connect with Katie

DECEMBER 18, 2025 APRIL 24, 2026

Lovejoy Lovejoy Leopards Leopards

LovejoyCommunity,

We are thrilled to celebrate our six Campus TeachersoftheYear,eachofwhomrepresentsthe very best of Lovejoy ISD. These outstanding educators exemplify excellence, dedication, and heart in all they do. They pour their passion into creating meaningful learning experiences, building strong relationships, and inspiring our students to grow and succeed. Their commitment reaches far beyond the classroom, shaping the culture of our campusesandmakingalastingimpactonthelives ofthosetheyserve.Weareincrediblyproudofeach Campus Teacher of the Year and grateful for their impact.

LovejoyHighSchoolStudent-SuperintendentConnectionCouncil

Each kindergartner received a special “Double L” leopard keychain, a meaningful symboloftheirplaceintheLovejoyLeopardcommunity.Morethanjustakeepsake,it representsthestrongconnectionourstudentsshareacrosscampusesandtheprideof belongingtosomethingbiggerthanthemselves.Fromtheirveryfirstday,theyarepart of a tradition of excellence, unity, and Leopard pride that will stay with them throughouttheirjourneyinLovejoy.

CongratulationstotheLovejoyHighSchoolStudentCouncilforbeingrecognizedbythe Texas Association of Student Councils (TASC) as an elite, comprehensive student leadership organization. This prestigious Sweepstakes Award is earned through extensive documentation of service, leadership, and dedication to both school and community. To achieve this distinction, councils must first be named an Outstanding StudentCouncilandearnsuperiorratingsacrossallprojectcategories:

Drugs, Alcohol, Safety and Health Awareness; Pride and Patriotism; Energy and Environment;andCommunityService.Onlyabout20%ofschoolsreachthislevelof excellence,anincredibleaccomplishmentforourstudents.

BondImplementationCommittee

The community-based Bond Implementation Committee met this week to review progress and discuss upcoming plans. Key focus areas included safety and security, transportation, technology, athletics, and targeted facility updates. The discussion reflected a strong commitment to alignment with identified priorities. Thank you to our committee members for their time, insight, and commitment to our students, staff,andthecontinuedstrengthandfutureofLovejoyISD.

SummerCampCatalog:Summer2026

TheSummerActivitiesGuideisnowavailableandwasfeaturedinlastweek’s Connect with Katie newsletter, as well as across district social media channels. The guide highlights a wide range of opportunities, including enrichment camps, athletic programs,andsummercareoptionsdesignedtokeepstudentsengaged,active,and learningthroughoutthesummer.

Wishingyouaweekendfilledwithloveandjoy.

ThereisonlyONELovejoy,andweareALLLeopards!

LovejoyProud, KatieKordel Superintendent

LovejoyISDisproudtoannouncethe2025-2026CampusTeachersoftheYear: Melany Porter (LCDC), Bree Berry-Dozier (HES), Shannon Price (PES), David Burger(SCIS),JennyPerez(WSMS),andElijahJefferson(LHS).

These outstanding educators were nominated by their peers for their exceptionalinstruction,strongrelationshipswithstudentsandcolleagues,and leadership within their schools. Please join us in celebrating their dedication andimpactonourLovejoyISDcommunity!

Mr Burger participating in staff, “Dress Like your Students Day”

A cherished Lovejoy tradition continued this week as members of the Lovejoy High School Student-Superintendent Connection Council visited kindergarten students at Hart and Puster Elementary. Council members read The Leopard Way, a book authored by the council, and shared meaningful insights about what it means to be a Lovejoy Leopard. Each kindergartner received a special “Double L” leopard keychain, symbolizing their connection to our district and thepridewecarrytogether.

ThisexperiencebeautifullyreflectsourcommitmenttotheLovejoy:Excellence byDesignStrategicPlan,Pillar02:People-Recognizingthatrelationshipsand connection are at the heart of a thriving school community. By engaging students across grade levels, we actively bring the Lovejoy Leopard Profile to life,reinforcingthecharacter,values,andexpectationsthatdefinetheLovejoy ISD student experience from Pre-K through graduation. Moments like these strengthen our culture of belonging, trust, and pride, ensuring every student feelsvalued,supported,andinspiredtogrow.

TheLovejoyHighSchoolStudentCouncilwasrecentlyrecognizedbytheTexas AssociationofStudentCouncilsasanelite,comprehensivestudentleadership body, earning the prestigious Sweepstakes Award. This distinction reflects an exceptional commitment to service, leadership, and meaningful engagement bothoncampusandthroughoutthecommunity.

The Sweepstakes Award is one of the highest honors awarded by TASC and is earned through extensive documentation and evaluation of a council’s work over the course of the year. To qualify, schools must first be named an Outstanding Student Council and receive superior ratings across all major projectcategories,includingDrugs,Alcohol,SafetyandHealthawareness;Pride and Patriotism; Energy and Environment; and Community Service. Each categoryrepresentsasignificantareaofimpact,requiringthoughtfulplanning, studentinvolvement,andmeasurableoutcomes.

AchievingSweepstakesstatusplacesLovejoyHighSchoolamongaselectgroup ofstudentcouncilsacrossthestate,asonlyabout20percentofTASCmember schools earn this distinction each year. This recognition highlights the dedication, creativity, and leadership of Lovejoy’s student leaders, as well as theircommitmenttofosteringapositiveschoolcultureandservingothers.

This week, Lovejoy ISD celebrated National Administrative Professionals Day by recognizing the district’s incredibly knowledgeable and hardworking administrative professionals.Theseindividualsplaya vital role in keeping campuses and departments running efficiently while alwaysprioritizingstudents.

The dedication and support they provide to students, teachers, staff, parents,andthecommunityisdeeply appreciated. Thank you for all that you do to support the success of LovejoyISD.

This week, Lovejoy ISD celebrated Public School Volunteer Week by recognizing the parents and communitymemberswhogenerously give their time in support of our schools. Their contributions, both in andoutoftheclassroom,helpcreate a strong and connected learning environmentforallstudents.

Lovejoy ISD is grateful for the meaningfulroleourvolunteersplayin supporting students, staff, and the broaderschoolcommunity.

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.

THANK A TEACHER!

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4–8, and Lovejoy ISD is proud to celebrate our teachers.

Join us in #ThankATeacher by sharing a message: https://www.lovejoyisd.net/forms/33492

Recognize a teacher who has made a differenceandtelluswhytheystandout.

Messages may be featured on social media and in the district newsletter. Photos are welcome.

SubmissionscloseFriday,May1at5:00p.m.

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.

KINDERGARTEN ROUND-UP

ATTENDANCE UPDATE

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

DISTRICT CALENDAR

Willow Springs Middle School Band students showcased their hard work and musicalgrowthattheApril18SoloandEnsembleContest.All7thand8thgrade studentsperformedbothasoloandanensembleforadjudication.

OutstandingSoloists:

*Reyansh Baidya, Noelle Coughlin, Sophie Harris, Michael Jenkerson, Sydney Moyers,JonathanNewton,AnthonyOspina,VasilikiPeters,IanSwiere,JerryYin

OutstandingEnsembles:

*Wind Ensemble Clarinets: Noelle Coughlin, Graham Kowalski, Karey Pena, VasilikiPeters

*WindEnsembleLowBrass:AryanBasu,SeanBreaux,MichaelJenkerson,Beck Manders,JohnO’Brien,SamSoteres

*SymphonicBandFlutesandOboe:ShouryaGuduguntla,EmmaMoseley,Ziqin Yuan

*SymphonicBandClarinets:HenryKhublall,AnthonyOspina,GreysonRidgway, IanSwiere

Last week, the Willow Springs Middle School and Lovejoy High School orchestrascametogetherforajointsocialatTopgolf,providingstudentswith an opportunity to connect beyond the classroom. Students enjoyed time buildingrelationshipsacrosscampuseswhiletakingadvantageofthebeautiful weather and a fun, relaxed setting. Experiences like these continue to strengthenthesenseofcommunitywithintheLovejoyorchestraprogram,both onandoffthestage.

The Lovejoy High School varsity boys track and field team delivered an outstandingperformanceattheArea9-105AMeetonApril17,earningtheteam championshipandshowcasingstrongdepthacrossevents.

Atotalof11athletesadvancedtotheRegionII5AChampionship,setforMay1–2attheUniversityofTexasatArlington.

Leading the way, Ty Muaina earned an Area title in the triple jump and a second-place finish in the high jump, qualifying for regionals in both events. Additional regional qualifiers include Preston Quan (shot put), Arjun Sharma (1600m,3200m),TristanArceneau(1600m,3200m),JoeyReid(1600m,3200m), ReefRevell(800m),andSeleEhicheoya(100m).

The4x100relayteamofSeleEhicheoya,LukeBurton,BeyerToyooka,andZack Jonesplacedfourthtoadvance,whilethe4x400relayteamofBeyerToyooka, Sele Ehicheoya, Reef Revell, and Travis Shegog earned second place and a regionalberth.

The Lovejoy High School girls track and field team delivered an outstanding performanceattheAreaMeetonFriday,advancingastronggroupofathletes to the Regional Championships. The team will compete at the University of TexasatArlingtononMay1and2.

Lovejoy earned multiple top finishes, including an Area Championship in the 4x400 meter relay, with Kate Roberts, Cailyn Newhouse, Cailee Horinek, andEllaHangsecuringthetitle.

AdditionalAreamedalistsandRegionalqualifiersinclude:

4x200MeterRelay–4thPlace

MaliaLaw,AnnaAkinfolarin,BrennaWallace,CailynNewhouse

100MeterHurdles

MichaelaMartin–3rd

300MeterHurdles

KateRoberts–4th

400Meter

EllaHang–2nd

CaileeHorinek–3rd

800Meter

CaileeHorinek–3rd

1600Meter

CamrynBenson–AreaChampion

EmilyArmstrong–3rd

SofiaDominguez–4th

3200Meter

CamrynBenson–AreaChampion

EmilyArmstrong–2nd

BridgetBernal–3rd

PoleVault

CarsonFox–2nd

KatieMitchell–4th

Discus

TeniSegun–AreaChampion

With multiple Area Champions and a deep roster of Regional qualifiers, the Leopardswilllooktocarrythismomentumintothenextroundofcompetition inArlington.

SophomoreReidYorktraveledtoLakeTexomatorepresentLovejoyatthe5AD2 Regional Tournament as an individual. Reid made an impressive showing and consistently climbed up the ranks for 2 days. He finished the tournament with an overall score of 160. We are extremely proud of his hardwork and dedication!

Lovejoy Softball is entering the postseason with strong momentum after finishing second in District 9-5A and showing steady growth throughout the season.

A major highlight this year has been senior pitcher Izzy Guarriello reaching an incredible career milestone of 600 strikeouts, a testament to her consistency, leadership,andimpactinthecircle.

The Leopards opened the Bi-District series with a 3-0 win over Whitehouse. Guarriello and Gisela Boitmann were dominant, combining for a two-hit shutout and 15 strikeouts. Guarriello earned the win, throwing four scoreless innings with seven strikeouts, while Boitmann closed with three shutout inningsandeightstrikeouts.

Offensively,Lovejoycapitalizedonkeyopportunities.ToriiJohannesdelivered asolohomerun,andtheLeopardsappliedpressureonthebaseswithmultiple stolenbases.Withthewin,Lovejoytakesa1-0leadintheseriesandwilllookto advanceinGame2.

e(RockwallHS): cessary) ragedtocomeoutandsupp run.

The Lovejoy High School baseball team has officially concluded district play, earningtheDistrictChampionshipandsecuringaberthinthepostseason.This accomplishment reflects the team’s consistent performance, discipline, and commitmentthroughouttheseason,aswellastheleadershipofthecoaching staff.

Thisyear’ssuccesshasbeenfueledinlargepartbytheClassof2026.Thisgroup has demonstrated strong leadership and a team-first mindset, setting a high standardfortheprogram.TherecentSeniorNightprovidedanopportunityto recognizethesestudent-athletesandtheirfamilies,celebratingthededication andcontributionstheyhavemadeoverthepastfouryears.

Withthepostseasonsettobeginnextweek,theLeopardsarepreparingforthe first round of playoff competition. Game details, including opponent and schedule, will be announced soon. The Lovejoy community is encouraged to continueitsstrongsupportastheteambeginsitsplayoffrun.

The girls soccer team had four players receive Texas Association of Soccer Coaches(TASCO)All-StateandAll-Regionhonors.Theseawardsaremeaningful because they are voted on by the coaches in our region. This individual recognition is a direct result of the hard work and collective success the girls soccerteamachievedthroughouttheseason.

CamNewhouse-2ndTeamAll-State,Defender

HarperRemington-2ndTeamAll-State,Midfielder

KinleyShort-1stTeamAll-Region,Forward

EllaYork-HonorableMentionAll-State,Forward

DearLovejoyCommunity,

As a Board, we are committed to strong and proactive communication with our community. Part of this commitment is sending an email invitation to our community prior to Board Meetings with a sincere desire for you to be involved andfullyaware,sowecancometogetherasacommunityforourchildren.

April27,2026PublicNoticeWebsite

You may find the full agenda with supporting documentation on our district's BoardBookPremierwebsiteHERE.

Sincerely,

Julie McLaughlin, President Marvin Bobo, Secretary

TheLovejoyISDBoardofTrustees

Aubrey Stock, Trustee

Mark Wheelis, Trustee

Barrett Owens, Trustee

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!