LISD Expect Excellence Newsletter

Find Your Place. Discover Your Purpose. Create Your Future.

Lobo Nation,

I want to start doing something a little different this week. There is so much good happening across Levelland ISD that I don't want us to get so busy that we forget to stop and celebrate it. So, this week, I'm going to share a few things that made me proud to be a Lobo. And this week was a GREAT one.

Our Lobo Band is something special. If you haven't seen our Lobo Band lately, you need to. The energy, the talent and the pride these students bring to their performance is something special. Our LHS team recently shared a video of the band and challenged our community to come see them in person.

Congratulations, Reese!

Senior Reese Payton just moved to #8 on the all-time individual wins list for Lobo Tennis after a huge three-set doubles victory in Plainview. But what I loved most was what his coaches said about him. "Reese has been grinding since he was a 7th grader." That's what we're talking about when we talk about finding your place. He found something he loved, worked at it, stayed with it—and now he's leaving his mark on Lobo history. Congratulations, Reese! Keep climbing!

Our students remembered. On September 11, members of the LHS Student Council placed American flags throughout campus to remember the lives lost and forever changed on September 11, 2001. Most of our students weren't even born when 9/11 happened. That's exactly why moments like this matter. They remind us that leadership isn't always about being in front. Sometimes leadership means remembering, honoring and making sure the next generation understands. I'm proud of our Student Council for showing what student leadership can look like.

LMS families are showing up. One of the things I love seeing is parents and families filling our campuses. LMS recently celebrated a tremendous turnout for Back-to-School Night, with students, parents and families filling the halls. That matters, parents...YOU MATTER! When schools and families work together, our students know they have a team behind them. And that's exactly what we want at Levelland ISD: every student knowing they belong.

Our community celebrates our kids. The Levelland Noon Lions Club continues to recognize outstanding LMS students through their Students of the Month program. These students aren't simply being recognized for grades. They're being recognized for character, leadership and the choices they make every day. That's the kind of partnership that makes a school district stronger. Thank you to the Noon Lions for investing in our kids and reminding them that their hard work is noticed.

And this is happening everywhere.

At Capitol, students are being challenged through GT presentations, reading initiatives and other enrichment opportunities. At South, students are building a love for reading, celebrating Teddy Bear Day and learning the importance of remembering September 11. At ABC, our youngest Lobos are building the foundation for becoming lifelong learners and discovering their place in our schools. And at LHS, students are finding their place through athletics, fine arts, FFA, academics, CTE, P-TECH, leadership organizations and so much more.

That's the part of Levelland ISD I want our community to see.

There isn't one way to be a Lobo.

You can be a Lobo on the football field.

On the tennis court.

In the band hall.

In an FFA barn.

In a classroom.

On a stage.

In the Student Council.

In the library.

In a CTE class or Lab space

Or sitting beside a teacher discovering something you didn't know you could do.

There is a place for every student.

And that's what we're building.

Find Your Place.

I am incredibly proud of our students and grateful for the teachers, coaches, administrators, parents and community members who make these moments possible. Thank you for continuing to show up for our kids.

Keep cheering.

Keep encouraging.

Keep telling the story of what is happening in Levelland ISD.

Because there is a LOT worth talking about every week and I could write a book about the great work that happens every day I had to take a minute and celebrate all the great things happening.

Blessed to be a Lobo,

Dr. Don Heseman, Superintendent

Mrs. Merribeth Henry-Gregory shares that LHS Student Council members placed American flags throughout campus in remembrance of the lives lost and forever changed on September 11, 2001. This simple act from students carries a powerful message. Each flag represents remembrance, respect, unity & gratitude. It reminds us to honor the innocent lives lost, the first responders who ran toward danger, the families who still carry the loss & the countless Americans who stepped forward to serve in the years that followed. Our students weren't even born in 2001, but taking the time to remember is especially meaningful. It helps ensure that the stories, sacrifices & lessons of that day are passed from one generation to the next. We all thank our LHS Student Council for showing that leadership isn't always about being out front. Sometimes, it's about stopping to remember those who came before us.

South Elementary students used art to honor and remember September 11, 2001. Their artwork features the Twin Towers, surrounded by red & blue handprints, a simple but meaningful way to show caring, unity & remembrance. We know it is important to help them understand the significance of this day and the way Americans came together with courage, compassion & love for one another. Through their little hands, our students are sharing a big message: We care. We remember. We stand together. Thank you, Mary Bara for helping your students understand and find their future!

Mrs. Covarrubias and Lawson’s and classes have been loving writing time! Last week first grade students wrote and drew simple illustrations. Putting their thoughts on paper helps these young learners build confidence, creativity & strong writing skills to find their place!

South Elementary students had a sweet time at their Candyland-themed Book Tasting with Mrs. Harkins to celebrate World Literacy Day. Students sampled a variety of fiction, nonfiction, biographies, poetry & graphic novels while discovering new books they can't wait to read! Just like a real tasting, students took time to “sample” each book by checking out the title & author and reading several pages before adding their favorites to their To-Be-Read lists. This fun library experience gave students a chance to explore different genres, discover award-winning titles, and, most importantly, find books that sparked their interest! Of course, no Candyland adventure would be complete without a sweet treat! Students celebrated the responsibility that comes with checking out and caring for their library books. At South, every new book is another opportunity for our students to Find Their Place, Discover Their Purpose & Create Their Future!

Our LMS sixth-graders celebrated World Literacy Day with a fun day of discovering new books in the library! Students participated in a Book Tasting, sampling different titles by checking out the covers, reading summaries & first pages, then deciding whether the book left them wanting more. They also tried a Blind Date with a Book, using only a few clues to choose a wrapped book without seeing its title or cover! Activities like these encourage students to step outside their usual reading choices, explore new genres & discover stories they might never have picked up otherwise. Best of all, students left the library with books they were excited to read! A big thank you to LMS Librarian Mrs. Braziel for creating such a fun literacy experience and helping our students find their place in the pages of a great book!

Our Capitol 5th Grade Science students in Mrs. Wolverton’s class jumped into their very first lab of the year called “Saving Fred!” Working together, students had an important mission: rescue Fred (gummy worm), turn his capsized “boat” (cup) right side up & get his life preserver (life saver) on him, all without hurting Fred or dropping him into the “lake!” It may look like fun (and it definitely is!), but there’s some serious learning happening, too! Students are building teamwork, problem-solving, communication & fine motor skills while learning to think like scientists. This is what we love about learning at Levelland ISD! Students aren't just sitting in a classroom. They're working together, solving problems, experimenting & discovering what they can do. At Capitol, every student is finding their place to learn, grow & have a little fun along the way.

While in the library, 7th-grade RLA students compared the original story of The Three Little Pigs to The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! by Jon Scieszka as a fun way to explore author’s perspective. In the traditional Three Little Pigs, readers see the wolf as the villain who huffs, puffs & tries to blow down the pigs’ houses. But in The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!, the wolf tells his side of the story and according to him, everything has been one big misunderstanding! By comparing the two versions, students could see how an author’s point of view, choice of details & presentation of characters can completely change the way readers understand a story. This activity is preparing students for their upcoming classroom reading of The Untouchables by Gordon Korman, a story told through multiple perspectives that allows readers to see the same people and situations in different ways. It’s a great reminder that who tells the story matters! Sometimes, hearing a story from a different perspective can completely change the way you see it.

Teddy Bears took over South Elementary because they celebrated National Bring Your Teddy Bear to School Day. Not only was it fun, these cuddly classroom visitors brought along a little history & a lot of learning! Students discovered the story behind the teddy bear and its connection to President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt in library with Mrs. Harkins. (You can research this story if you don't know.) And at South, teachers know that the best learning opportunities can happen when you least expect them! Mrs. Robinson seized the moment and turned Teddy Bear Day into a hands-on math lesson, with her second graders, using bears to practice measurement. From history to math, a fun day became another opportunity to make learning meaningful and to help students find their place at South!

Ms. Baumgardner’s classes were busy this past week learning about Notice and Note. Notice and Note is a strategy that helps students learn what might be important in the story as they analyze it. The students had a terrific time searching for signpost in short stories such as The White Wolf and The Big Toe by Alvin Schwartz

All around LISD we caught kids being rewarded for perfect attendance. Levelland ISD is making a real focus on getting kids to school every day. ABC continues with their Lucky Lobo Limousine, Capitol students love their Caughtcha Cart, and South celebrated 9/11 with Red, White & Blue Bombs.

Mrs. Maddox’s students wrapped up their lesson the letter B with a delicious hands-on activity… making homemade salted "b"utter! Students watched the "b"utter change through each stage, then spread their homemade creation on toasted "b"read for a tasty snack! Learning the letter B has never tasted so good!

LMS class time practiced commonly confused words. Sometimes one word is confused for another, but not at LMS! These students had a great lesson on which word is witch, just kidding we know it's which.

Mrs. Sanders’ 5th grade scientists put the scientific method to the test with a Paper Towel Lab! Students made hypotheses, conducted their experiment, recorded measurements, and used evidence to determine which paper towel absorbed the most water. We love seeing our students question, investigate, and discover! Way to make learning hands-on and fun, Mrs. Sanders! You're helping our kids find their place!

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1112035744838386

You can see how amazing our Lobo Band is! We hope you get to see them in person soon! (Video courtesy Dr. Heseman)
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Come FIND YOUR PLACE in the conversation! Mark your calendar and join us for a Community Town Hall to learn, ask questions, and talk about where Levelland ISD is headed. Dr. Heseman will not leave the room until every single person has had an opportunity to ask their question!

Sept. 21 • Oct. 5

6:30 PM

Central Office, 704 11th - Door 3

We thank our Levelland High School FFA Officers for representing LHS today at the Levelland Chamber’s Annual Agricultural Appreciation Shrimp Boil! This longtime Levelland tradition is held each fall before harvest to recognize and thank the agricultural producers who play such an important role in Hockley County and our local economy. This event brings our community together, and these students represent the next generation of agricultural leaders. Opportunities like this allow them to connect with the farmers, ranchers, businesses & community leaders who keep agriculture strong in West Texas. We are proud of our FFA Officers for representing Levelland High School and proud to be part of a community that celebrates agriculture and invests in its future!

Thank you to our first responders for the support you give to our athletes! We appreciate you making Levelland be a great place to live, learn, and find our place!

Email: dheseman@levellandisd.net
Website: www.levellandisd.net
Location: 704 11th Street, Levelland, TX
Phone: 806-894-9628
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LevellandISD/
Instagram: levellandindschooldistrict