Puster Elementary Principal Message
February 13, 2020
Puster Families,

There’s still time to register early for Late Night Leopards! Early registrations will be entered in a drawing for fun family prizes to be announced at tomorrow’s Puster Pride! Visit www.pustercampout.com to reserve your family’s campsite and complete your registration. 

As a reminder, tomorrow is an Early Release at 12:00 p.m. Please be sure to update your child’s dismissal plan if they will be going home a different way. Puster Pride will take place at 8:15 in the cafeteria. Valentine parties will be held from 11:15-11:45.  You can find a fast pass to both events here.  

Tomorrow afternoon, LISD staff will take part in ongoing professional development that will directly impact instruction in the classroom. I am always so proud of our growth-minded teachers and they way they take on new learning and continually take next steps to better their practices!  

I hope your family enjoys the long weekend! 

Puster Proud,
Holly

Dates to Remember

February 13 - Early Release/Puster Pride Assembly
February 14 - School Holiday
February 17 - No School (Bad Weather Makeup Day)
February 21 - Puster Pride Choir at Allen American Hockey
February 27 - 3rd Grade Living Museum
Library News
Hello Parents!
This week our 1st-3rd graders have had the opportunity to experience the Construction Unit for the first time. We have had a lot of great towers, bridges, and dog houses constructed so far and I cannot wait to see what they come up with next!

4th grade is completing the Historical Fiction unit with the addition of a nonfiction pairing. We discussed the difference in reading nonfiction versus fiction as well as how these two can complement each other.

Thank you for all your support of the library program with your donations to the makerspace! Our Spring Book Fair is quickly approaching! More information will be sent home this week in your student's Thursday folders. As always, if you have any questions please let me know!

Have a great week!

Naomi Emory, L.M.S.
Puster Elementary
Counselor News
Puster News
Yearbook Sales

Buy your yearbook today!  For a limited time you can purchase the yearbook for $25 . After Feb 23rd the cost increases to $30, so the sooner you buy the better!  All sales end March 30th. 

You can purchase your yearbook here. 
Kindergarten Round - Up
Mark your calendars for March 23 - 27 for Kindergarten Round - Up. Please spread the word to family, neighbors and friends of any 2020 Lovejoy Kindergarten age students. Contact Kendra Card
[email protected] for any questions.
LISD STEM Festival

The district is excited to announce the 3rd Annual STEM Festival to be held on February 29th from 10:00-3:00 at Lovejoy High School. We hope you will mark this date on your calendar and make plans to attend this STEMtastic event with your family. The STEM Festival also offers extra opportunities, like the CANgineering Competition and T-Shirt Design Contest, in which students and families can participate. All information about the STEM Festival is linked below:
Puster Pride Choir and the Allen American Hockey Team - February 21st
The Puster Pride Choir will sing the National Anthem at the February 21st Allen American hockey game. Friends and family can purchase tickets in the "Puster section" here:   https://allenamericans.com/puster/ . We hope to see you there! Please contact  [email protected]  with any questions.
Puster Pride Choir at Allen American Hockey game Friday, February 21

Dear Puster Pride Choir Parents,

Happy New Year! I hope all of you enjoyed the holidays with family and friends. It's back to work/fun here in the music room. We've already made great progress in rehearsals on our spring music. Our singers are such quick learners :)

Here are some upcoming dates for you as you plan for the spring semester:

Rehearsals will go through April 20th with a party on April 27th.  Our final performance will be Thursday, April 23

SAVE THE DATE - National Anthem at Allen American hockey game Friday, February 21st
  • This is an optional event for our singers and their family and friends. All singers attending MUST have a parent or supervising adult present.
  • Singers' tickets are $5 and family/friends pay $16
  • Meet at 5:15pm for mic check, perform at 7pm, singers free to go after National Anthem
  • Order tickets online:  https://allenamericans.com/puster/ (be sure to scroll to the bottom of the screen)
  • Flyer to send family and friends: 
  •  Puster at Allen American Game.png
If you have any questions or concerns please let me know.

Lovejoy Children's Choir Concert - Tuesday, February 18th 6PM
The Lovejoy Children's Choir invites you to their spring concert February 18th at 6PM on the SCIS stage. This auditioned choir of 4th, 5th, and 6th grade singers has prepared some challenging pieces in only 6 rehearsals. Our Puster LCC members are Andi Strickland and Christian Fiorello. Come out and support your Puster singers! Please contact  [email protected]  with any questions.

Puster Campout
If you are new to Puster this year and want to learn more about campout (or just want to reminisce on all the fun we had last year!) check out:   http://www.pustercampout.com  

Questions? Suggestions? Let us know! Email us at  [email protected]  or contact Christian Pruitt, 214-458-1449.  #WeCampWeCare 
Watch D.O.G.S. – Be Involved, be a Hero, be a Watchdog.
Watch D.O.G.S. is a program that helps bring dads and other male role models into our school. Dad's spend a day with their child at school and get to interact alongside the teachers, help with carpool, monitor hallways, help out in the classroom, help with specials...the possibilities are endless.

Spend a day or a ½ day to be a hero for your child. 

Add your picture to the Puster Watch D.O.G.S. Wall of Fame. 

In order to participate you will need to sign up, perform a background check, get a T-shirt!

Sign Up

Pick a date and time slot on the sign-up genius website, link below.


Background Check

Complete the districts background check for the new school year, link below.


Watchdog Shirt

Each Watch D.O.G. dad is encouraged to wear a Watch D.O.G.S. T-shirt on the day you are volunteering at the school. Your child may also want a "My Hero" shirt to wear that day too. Below is the link to purchase a t-shirt. Watch D.O.G. t-shirts are not required but are encouraged.


Questions

If you have any questions about Watchdogs, please contact fellow Puster dad, Kyle Smith, at [email protected]  or 903-456-9888. 
PowerSchool Parent Portal Access Tips
Here are some quick bullets about the PowerSchool Parent Portal:

PowerSchool Parent Portal Access Tips
Here are some quick bullets about the PowerSchool Parent Portal:

·          Unless you have changed your username after August 12, 2019, the username is the email address that is associated to the parent account. The log of invalid logins that we are seeing are typically parent accounts that are trying to use something other than an email address as the username.

·          Recently users have been denied access and it is determined that they are not using the correct URL. Please make sure that you are going to  http://powerschool.lovejoyisd.net . If you see Welcome to Unified Classroom, you are on the wrong site. This is another PowerSchool product that we do not have a subscription as it duplicates Google Classroom.

·          Remember that the mobile app is only a tool for updates on assignments, grades, and attendance. Typically to access the Enrollment Forms, Absence Reason Excuses, GPA Information, and the Random Drug Testing Forms you must use a tablet, laptop or desktop and the URL above. From a mobile phone, you can use your browser and go to the URL above; however, once logged in it is difficult to navigate.

All after school clubs are up and running . Please remember to set your “Weekday Defaults” in School Dismissal Manager. Let us know if you need help! Please note times and dismissal plans for each.

"Default" and "Weekday Defaults" = dismissal that will happen most of the time (choir, kids first, bus, spanish, etc.).

"Exception" = just for that day.

Once an exception has been made on your end, it can not be edited on our end. We can, however, adjust defaults on our end. Please let us know if we can help.

Teachers have been asked to follow only what is in Dismissal Manager. Please notify the front office if you have a change that cannot be made in the system. Thank you!
District News
Lovejoy HS Make-A-Wish

Lovejoy High School's annual philanthropic event is coming up this semester on May 8th!
LHS' National Honor Society has chosen to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that grants wishes to children with critical illnesses. Last year, Lovejoy students raised $16,000 for their cause. This year's goal is $20,000, or two wishes granted. 
Want to support Lovejoy Wish? 
Profits from the shirts will support Make-A-Wish.
Interested in sponsoring our Wish Night reveal? contact  [email protected]

SCIS Accepting nominations for the 2020-2021 PTA Board

The PTA nominating committee will be taking nominations for all of the board positions at this time, as well as taking information on committee interests. As always, we encourage your involvement and welcome your input as we begin to create our board for next year. I have provided a list of positions and a brief description of the committees. If you have interest in a position, email Lety Salazar at  [email protected]  by February 20, 2020. The slate of officers will be announced and posted in early April. The slate will be presented for a vote at the membership meeting on April 15th at 10:30am.
Officers:
  • President: Presides over all meetings, coordinates efforts of the board, liaisons to school district.
  • 1st Vice President: Aid to the president and presides in his/her absence.
  • 2nd VP - Programs: Coordinates programs sponsored by the PTA. Researches, secures and facilitates the events.
  • 3rd VP - Membership: In charge of membership drive, soliciting new members, reporting to state.
  • 4th VP - Ways and Means: In charge of fundraising for the PTA.
  • Secretary: Takes minutes and maintains accurate records of board and general meetings.
  • Treasurer: Custodian of all funds and keeps books of receipts and expenses.
  • Parliamentarian: Advises president of parliamentary procedure for meetings.
Committee Chairs: 
  • Reflections chair: Responsible for promoting and implementing the Reflections art contest.
  • Art to Go chair: Responsible for the organization and implementation of ATG for 5th grade.
  • Council Rep: Represent SCIS on the Lovejoy ISD Council of PTAs.
  • Environmental chair: Plans and implements environmentally friendly projects.
  • Hospitality: Responsible for coordinating teacher hospitality activities.
  • Legislative: Keeps local unit informed and aware of current legislative actions.
  • Volunteer Coor: Coordinates and publishes volunteer opportunities.
  • Website: Maintains the WSMS PTA website.
  •  Technology: Maintains the database and sends email communications to membership
  •  Directory: Solicits ads, creates and distributes a membership directory.
LISD Community Safety Training Events
Lovejoy ISD is offering “Stop the Bleed” and “Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events” trainings during the month of February. You are invited to join us for this training which is applicable and practical for all community members

To register go to this link:

District Communications

One of our Board Priorities is to develop stronger community connections and confidence through effective communication. We are continuing to strengthen our communications and have shared best practices for communicating with the Board of Trustees and best practices for staff communications with parents. Today we are sharing the following information regarding how best to communicate and handle concerns with teachers, coaches, directors, etc. For future reference you may find this information on the Parent Resources page under District Communication.


Student and Parent Concerns/Grievances
The faculty and staff of Lovejoy ISD are committed to the service of our students and their parents by responding promptly and professionally to concerns or grievances which may arise.

Student and Parent Complaints/Grievances are governed by LISD Board Policies FNG (LEGAL) and FNG (LOCAL).

How Do You Resolve Parent Concerns?
If you, as the parent or guardian of a Lovejoy ISD student, have concerns regarding your child’s education or performance, we want to talk with you. Sitting down and talking with the people who interact most often with your child on a daily basis – his/her teacher, counselor, coach or director– can remedy the majority of concerns.

Most concerns can be and usually are resolved at the classroom/activity/sports or campus level. However, if your concerns are not addressed by visiting with the teacher, campus counselor, coach or director, you may choose to follow the three-level process listed below:

Level One:
Within 15 business days of the incident causing the concern/complaint, you may request a meeting with the next level supervisor which could be the Athletic Director, Fine Arts Director or Campus Principal. The Level One form may be found here.

Level Two:
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the Level One process, within 10 business days of receipt of the Level One decision letter, you may request a meeting with the Assistant Superintendent of Operations (Athletics, Safety, Operations) or Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction (Teachers, Administrators, Student Discipline). The Level Two form may be found here.

Level Three:
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the Level Two process, within 10 business days of receipt of the Level Two decision letter, you may appeal the decision to the  School Board by contacting the Superintendent. The Level Three form may be found here .


Upcoming Events
The elementary campouts are an opportunity for parents, students, teachers, and staff to come together with the community for a night of fun, fellowship, and service. Each elementary campus hosts its own event that provides a night of activities for the whole family and culminates with an overnight campout under the stars. In addition to building community, this event also serves as a primary fundraiser for each campus. Funds raised during the campout event ensure LISD can continue to provide our students with premier educational programs. This event truly is a great example of One Heart. One Lovejoy.

Campus Campout Dates -

Lovejoy Elementary  - April 24th - Registration Opens - February 14th

Hart Elementary  - April 25th - Registration Opens Soon

Puster Elementary  - May 1st - Registration Now Open

To learn more about the Late Night Leopards Campus Campouts click on the links for each campus, or visit -  http://bit.ly/LISDCampusCampouts2020
February 7th - March 16th
Gifted and Talented Spring Referral Window
February 14
Deadline to File for May 2, 2020 School Board Election
The Lovejoy Independent School District Board of Trustees consists of seven trustees, serving terms of three years, with elections held annually. The terms of one-third of the Trustees, or as near to one-third as possible, expire each year. The following positions will expire on Saturday, May 2, 2020 on which day a Trustee Election will be held:
 
Position 4, held by Anne Smith
Position 5, held by Matt Gournay
Position 7, held by Barrett Owens
 
The first date to file for a Position on the May 2, 2020 ballot is on January 15, 2020 and the last day to file is February 14, 2020 at 5:00 PM. The administration building office hours are 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
 
Additional information regarding the May election may be found here .
 
February 28
Java and Jazz
Mark your calendars for the annual Java and Jazz concert on Friday, February 28 at 7:00 PM. This is a great event you don't want to miss!


February 29
STEM Festival
Mark your calendars for the annual STEM Festival from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. You do not want to miss this fantastic event!
 

February 29th
CANgineering at the STEM Festival - Sign up today!

Can you design, engineer, and create? Then you can CANgineer. All cans used during creation will be donated to ACO. To learn more, visit -  https://www.lovejoyisd.net/apps/pages/STEMFest

March 4
SAT Testing for LHS Juniors
Lovejoy ISD has designated March 4 as a schoolwide testing day for all eleventh-grade students to take the SAT college entrance exam at no cost. Additional information may be found here
Community News


For the latest Athletic News, download the "Lovejoy Leopards Athletics" app.

For the latest Fine Arts News, follow  @LovejoyArts on Twitter, or like them on Facebook at Lovejoy Arts.


The  Lovejoy ISD Community News Page  includes news from our schools, programs, booster clubs, student organizations, Foundation for Lovejoy Schools, community, and more. Check back often for up-to-date news on events and activities.
 
This Week's News
Make-A-Wish Foundation
 
One Glove at A Time
 
Allen Spring Sports Leagues

New  -  Swim Lessons - Metroplex Aquatics

Gifted and Talented Spring Referral Window

Allen Americans Hockey Game
Benefiting the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools
  
Meet the Leopards Night with Lovejoy Softball

Community Safety and Training Events
  
Give Sight Globally

National League Junior Cotillions

Lovejoy ISD Gold Card Program

International Justice Mission of Lovejoy Clothing Drive
 
Inclement Weather
 
School Board Election
Filing Deadline – February 14
 
Toy Drive to Benefit the Children - Due February 15th
Of Little Lovejoy Scholars – Hart

New   - Raising Canes - Swim and Dive Spirit Night - February 19th

Java and Jazz 
 
STEM Festival
 
 Senior Project Judges Needed
 
Percussion Concert

New   - Hop into Spring Chess Tournament - April 4th
 
 Save the Date! April 18
Lovejoy Country Run
  
New  -  News from Collin College
 
Turn Lucas Green

For the latest Athletic News, download the "Lovejoy Leopards Athletics" app.

For the latest Fine Arts News, follow  @LovejoyArts  on Twitter, or like them on Facebook at Lovejoy Arts.





For the latest Athletic News, download the "Lovejoy Leopards Athletics" app.

For the latest Fine Arts News, follow  @LovejoyArts on Twitter, or like them on Facebook at Lovejoy Arts.