“Change is the end result of all true learning.” ― Leo Buscaglia
Vol. V September 2020
Sharing the good news about Longview Independent School District
THE NEW NORMAL
Students, staff rise to challenges of COVID-19
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right and early on the morning of Aug. 17th, the 2020-21 school year began for LISD students, and our families expressed relief with how smooth everything went. “I cannot say enough about what a wonderful job the teachers and Find more student photos on Page 9.
leaders at (East Texas Montessori Prep Academy) did for my granddaughter!” said Olivia Carter. “After how things ended last year, we were worried about coming back.” Carter said it was the constant communication from her grandaugNew|Continued to page 19
Teachers get pay increase Board members approved an aggressive pay structure adjustment following the market value recommendations from the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Pay System Maintenance Review. Presented to the board by Dr. James Hockenberry, Assistant Superintendent of District Services, HOCKENBERRY the measure calls for an increase of 3 percent of midpoint. The increase amounts to over $1.8 million in total for teachers and staff. LISD trustees chose from three different models suggested by TASB, of various ranges. With this measure approved, Dr. Hockenberry said Longview ISD would maintain and likely increase its status as employing the highest-paid Board|Continued to page 15
McConaughey book explores his adventures Oscar winner and 1988 Longview High School graduate Matthew McConaughey didn’t want to write an ordinary celebrity book. “This is not a traditional memoir, or an advice book, but rather a playbook based on adventures in my life,” said McConaughey about “Greenlights,” which comes
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out Oct. 20. “Adventures that have been significant, enlightening, and funny, sometimes because they were meant to be but mostly because they didn’t try to be.” According to a press release from the award-winning actor’s Book|Continued to page 14
Opinion Remote Learning
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Farm-To-Table 4 Sports 11
Obituaries Social
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 1, 2020
OPINION
We are all in this together By Dr. James Wilcox Hello Lobo Nation! By the time many of you read this newspaper the 2020-21 school year will already be well underway, and I would like to take this moment to welcome you all back. I am proud to serve Longview Independent School District as your superintendent and grateful to be able to be just a small part of such an amazing and dynamic collection of students, staff, parents, and community members. It is truly a blessing. As many of you are no doubt still working to get back into the swing of things, I want to encourage you to take a moment each day to reflect on your vital role in our district. From the youngest elementary student to the longest-tenured employee, we want Longview ISD to be a place where our people know their importance and value to everything this district aspires to be. With the start of a new school year and everything we hope to achieve and accomplish for our students and staff, I cannot help but look back from where we’ve come. There’s just so much to think of, I could fill up this entire newspaper. But I think I’ll just hit a few of the highlights...
PAY RAISE
Our board approved an aggressive pay increase for teachers during their regular meeting Monday, August 10th. The measure calls for an in-
crease of 3 percent of $100 valuation for 2019midpoint. The measure in20 to $1.4394 per $100 cludes sweeping revisions valuation for the 2020-21 to the pay structure for school year. district teachers and staff, Since the implementotaling more than $1.8 tation of House Bill 3 the district has cut property million. Once it receives fitaxes from $1.513 per nal approval by the board, the average teacher salary $100 valuation (during for Longview ISD will the 2018-19 fiscal year) remain among the highest WILCOX to the 2020-21 proposed East Texas region. rate of $1.4394 per $100 in the Read more about this story on valuation. Page 1. Read more on Page 1.
EDUCATION TALK
State Rep. Jay Dean (R-Longview) was at Longview Independent School District’s administration building Wednesday, July 22, hosting an open forum with superintendents and board members from area school districts. I was pleased with the constructive dialogue and insightful perspectives that the meeting produced. We appreciate Rep. Dean for being such a tremendous supporter and advocate for public education in Texas by hearing and trying to address the various concerns and questions facing schools during this difficult time. As we continue to move forward, we hope to have more of these kinds of conversations with our state and local elected officials.
CUTTING TAXES
Board members approved the proposed 2020-21 property tax rate during their special meeting Wednesday, July 29th. The proposal would see the tax rate decrease from $1.443 per
HIGH MARKS
Respondents to a district survey gave high marks for the COVID-19 pandemic response, as well as for the quality of education students receive at Longview Independent School District. LISD Community Relations held an online survey from June 9th through July 10th, asking students, staff, and families to rate the district in a variety of categories on a “star scale,” from one to five stars. In response to the question about how well the district responded to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, with an average score of 4.1 stars (out of five stars) from parents, 4.2 stars from staff, and 4.0 stars from students.
CHILD NUTRITION
I presented LISD Director for Child Nutrition Phyllis Dozier with a Certificate of Recognition from the Texas Department of Agriculture for the district’s achievement in the 2020 Farm Fresh Challenge. In a statement from the office Texas Agriculture Commissioner
Sid Miller, the district was honored for utilizing locally-grown food. “Thank you for the outstanding dedication shown by you and your staff during the 2020 Farm Fresh Challenge,” said Texas Food and Nutrition Assistant Commissioner Angela Olige. “Your students have learned lifelong lessons about healthy Texas products and the farmers and ranchers who grow them. You are one of the greatest resources we have for ensuring we keep the Lone Star State on the path to a healthier future.” Read more about this on Page 4. Whew! That might seem like a lot, but it’s actually just a quick sampling of the many great things happening at Longview ISD. Most of which you might not hear about in our local media, but every single one of these stories has been promoted by our district Community Relations department. Longview ISD continues to be the best school district east of Interstate 45, and it’s all because of our people: our students, our staff, our parents, and our many community partners. Thank you all for letting me be just a small part of such an amazing district, and my prayers are with you all for another fantastic school year! It’s a great time to be a Lobo!
Dr. James Wilcox — Dr. James Wilcox has served as Superintendent of Schools for Longview ISD since 2007. During his tenure, student enrollment and test scores have continued an upward trend, while the district has continued to expand its academic and extracurricular offerings. LISD is widely recognized as one of the most innovative school districts in the state.
In times of crisis, kindness is key By Matthew Prosser Last Sunday I was leaving church when a Longview ISD parent approached me. “I just want to say ‘thank you,’” she began, her voice filled with emotion. “Thank you so much for keeping us in the loop during all this. As a single mom, it really means a lot.” Of course, I quickly explained that everything and anything that comes from our department is 100 percent a team effort. LISD Community Relations consists of myself, Elizabeth Ross, Dustin Taylor, Kacy Swaim, Francisco Rojas, and our indefatigable leader Dr. James Hockenberry. As well as countless other
administrators and LISD school, we’ve all had staffers who help provide plenty of ups and downs. us with needed informaThings remain pretty tion. chaotic, and we’re all But then I thanked doing the best that we her profusely. I never can to maneuver through take praise for granted. some unprecedented It also really means a lot. times. It stands to reason Over the course of the that a little grace can go last six months, our civia long way. PROSSER lization has been rocked And that grace must by numerous issues that abide. have the potential of changing Our students, staff, and fampublic education forever. Our ilies must reciprocate that paentire staff has been working tire- tience and tolerance with each lessly to shift from what we have other. We’re all on the same known and practiced our entire team here. We all share the careers, to developing processes same goal: providing the best and procedures that are almost education for all the precious entirely different. children in our care. During this first week of Though the school year is
only just underway, I have been moved to see how our community is rallying together to uplift and support each other. I’ve had teachers and principals tell me about encouraging messages they’ve received from parents. As a Lobo parent, I’ve been blessed to see the love and support that is being lavished upon my children. It is as Plato wrote, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a difficult battle,” and so we are, Lobo Nation. It is a battle that we are all fighting together. So shines a good deed in a weary world. In times of crisis, kindness is key. — Matthew Prosser is an award-winning journalist and photographer. Matthew is a Communications Specialist for Longview ISD and a born-again Lobo.
THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 1, 2020
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REMOTE LEARNING District purchases over 4,000 laptops for students
Longview ISD compró más de 4,000 computadoras portátiles para sus estudiantes
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o ensure all district students continue to thrive not only during the Covid-19 pandemic but long into the future, Longview ISD has accelerated the district plan to provide 1:1 access to devices for students. The district is in the process of acquiring 4,600 Dell Chromebooks, in addition to the 4,000 already in place. Extra Chromebook chargers, and 1,000 T-Mobile hotspots were also obtained to facilitate this goal. Hotspots will be distributed to student families
on el fin de apoyar a sus estudiantes a que continúen prosperando en sus estudios mientras atravesamos la pandemia COVID-19, Longview ISD ha acelerado su plan para proveer a todos sus estudiantes acceso constante a computadoras portátiles. Este verano, Longview ISD adquirió 4,600 com-
For questions about how to obtain a laptop and hotspot for your child, please contact their campus.
————— Para preguntas acerca de cómo obtener una laptop y un hotspot para que su hijo(a) tenga acceso a internet, por favor contacte su campus.
Over 240,000 meals provided to students During the ongoing global pandemic, Longview ISD’s Child Nutrition Department has been ensuring that any student who needed a meal was provided with both breakfast and lunch. From late March through the month of July, a total of 247,047 meals have been provided to students in and around the Longview area. LISD Director for Child Nutrition Phyllis Dozier said these numbers include both curbside pick up and delivery. “Over the summer we had some families request meals and some ask to be removed from deliveries once their situations stabilized,” she said. “But we are continuing to remain in touch with our families for the rest of the summer, leading right up to the start of school.” Starting as a spring break extension
and turning into a completely new experience for students, staff, and parents, COVID-19 has offered many challenges to all. Ensuring that students could still receive two meals a day is one of the ways that LISD has worked to aid students during this unprecedented time. Dozier said since March, her department has worked with LISD Transportation and various other staffers “to provide meals for the children of Longview.” “We have so many amazing people who have consistently gone above and beyond to make this happen for our students and their families,” she said. “I could not be more proud of the job they have done during this difficult time, and how they continue to rise to the challenge of supporting our Longview community.” Delivery of meals originally started as
three days a week but increased to five. Thanks to the hard work of the LISD Transportation staff, district students have not had to worry about how to pick up their meals. If you are new to the meal deliveries and make a request for them, it will take Meals|Continued to page 4
LISD entrega más de 240 mil comidas a la comunidad Durante la pandemia existente, el Departamento de Nutrición Infantil de Longview ISD se ha asegurado que ninguno de sus estudiantes pasen hambre, e hicieron la gestión para proveer a cada alumno que necesitaba asistencia con alimentación, un desayuno y un almuerzo. Desde finales de Marzo hasta el mes de Julio, se entregaron un total de 247,047 comidas a los estudiantes del distrito escolar dentro de y fuera del área de Longview.
La Directora de Nutrición Infantil de Longview ISD, Phyllis Dozier, dijo que estos números incluyen comidas que fueron recogidas en los campus y las que fueron entregadas a domicilio.
“Durante el verano, tuvimos familias que solicitaron alimentos y algunas nos pidieron que los quitemos de la lista de entregas a domicilio una vez que sus situaciones se estabilizaron’’, dijo la Sra. Dozier. “Pero continuamos teniendo contacto con nuestras familias el resto del verano hasta el inicio de clases.” Esta experiencia nueva comenzó como una extensión de Spring Break y se convirtió Comidas|Continúa en la página 17
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 1, 2020
FARM-TO-TABLE District grows garden, feeds students
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ongview ISD has seen three years of growth with the district garden. On a total of three acres, 13 vegetables are currently cultivated by the district. These vegetables end up in district campus cafeterias for students to enjoy. “I am proud of our garden and the food that we are producing this year,” said LISD Child Nutrition Services Director Phyllis Dozier. Meals at all Longview ISD campuses enjoy vegetables that are grown in the garden (as long as the vegetables last) by LISD employees, LHS FFA help, and bees from nine beehives that pol-
lenate them. Over the recent summer, two high school students Cooper Mayes (FFA president) and Grant Hockenberry helped with the garden and Dozier hopes to expand on that number in the future. “They have learned a lot and have been a great help to us this summer,” Dozier said. “We would love to have more High School students work next summer.” Child Nutrition Services Chef Chardee’ Snoddy will be teaching twice a week at Montessori.
DOZIER
Food|Continued to page 17
Rebekkah Hernandez changed a student’s future By Jacklyn Lora CBS19 Teachers not only teach academic lessons, but sometimes they impact students’ lives more than they know. Each year, students at all Longview ISD campuses compete in the lamplighter essay competition — where students write about how someone has impacted their life. Maria Gonzalez was in the fourth grade when she came to the U.S. and seven years later thanks the teacher who taught her English in touching essay. In her essay, Maria talk about her journey coming to
a new country and having to learn a whole new language. She says her teacher, Rebekkah Hernandez’s dedication and passion to teach is something she will always remember. “She made me feel like I wasn’t alone,” Maria said. “Ms. Hernandez taught me almost everything I know, because as far as I remember, I didn’t know English. Not even a little, but with her help I was slowly learning.” Maria says every year she wrote about the influence Ms. Hernandez made one her, but this year was special because she wasn’t expecting to win a Lamplighter Award, “this
year, somehow I just kind of got lucky, but every year I added something to it,” she said. “I always try to get creative with you know, emotions
to it and everything.” Hernandez, a teacher at South Ward Elementary, says hearing these kind words makes teaching worthwhile.
MEALS |Continued from page 3 48 hours to process and allow the addition to the daily route. Please send all meal delivery requests to ask@lisd.org with your student’s name, student ID, home campus, and delivery address. If for some reason a meal has not been delivered by 11:45 a.m., please contact transportation or nhawkins@lisd.org and we will be able to get a meal to you before the cafeterias close. Deliveries will stop on the first day of school, Aug. 17. Longview ISD will be providing curbside pickup for those students that will be as remote learners. The meals can be
picked up at the CAMPUS THE STUDENT IS ENROLLED between 9:30am and 10:30am. For elementary students these meals will all be free; for secondary students (middle and high school) will be by students eligibility. Secondary students will need to fill out a lunch application and eligibility will be determined from the application. When parents pick up the meals they will need to have the student(s) ID number. Parents can order curbside pickup by going to ask@LISD.org and providing the
student name, ID, and what days you will want to pick up meals. We want to provide the best for the students of LISD.
MEALS PROVIDED
March total = 50,740 meals (Breakfast: 18,933, Lunch: 31,807) April total = 53,598 meals (Breakfast: 26,799, Lunch: 26,799) May total = 37,164 meals (Breakfast: 18,582, Lunch: 18,582) June total = 49,236 meals (Breakfast: 24,618, Lunch: 24,618) July total = 56,309 meals (Breakfast: 28,204, Lunch: 28,105)
THANK YOU THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 1, 2020
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During this difficult time for our community, we are so thankful for the many local doctors, nurses and specialists who are continuing their work to keep the people of Longview healthy. Longview ISD is glad to say ‘Thank You’ for being such wonderful community partners!
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Ancor Health Center
818 Fourth St 903-236-8600
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Azalea Orthopedics
925 W Loop 281 903-939-7500
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Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint
725 Fourth St 903-758-8754
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Brenda Copeland DDS
723 Fourth St 903-753-7515
5 Brookridge Internal Medicine 300 N Third St 903-315-2907
6 CHRISTUS Good Shepherd
700 E Marshall Ave 903-315-2000
7 CHRISTUS Trinity OB/GYN
323 E Hawkins Pkwy 903-315-5733
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Dental Health Center
503 N Sixth St 903-753-7685
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Diagnostic Clinic of Longview OB/GYN
709 Hollybrook Dr 903-757-6042
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Did we miss your practice? Send your business name, address and phone number to ask@ lisd.org. 1
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COMMUNITY PARTNERS
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East Texas Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
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Fetal Care Center
Longview Orthopaedic 20 Clinic
Fields Chiropractic
323 E Hawkins Pkwy 903-758-2746
First Choice Pediatrics
1009 Fourth St 903-212-4330
3004 HG Mosley Pkwy 903-758-3444 1009 Fourth St 972-566-5600
12 2143 Gilmer Rd 903-234-2886
13 1205 N Sixth 903-230-0235
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HealthCARE Express Urgent Care
1509 W Loop 281 903-759-9355
15 Jim Meyer Memorial Clinic 410 Fourth St 903-234-8808
Longview Chiropractic 16 Center 300 E Loop 281 903-234-2225
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Longview Dental Care
2200 Horsehoe Ln 903-753-3673
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Longview Eye Associates
1821 Judson Rd 903-758-8832
Longview Occupational Medicine Clinic
3202 N Fourth St 903-757-0577
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700 E Marshall Ave 903-315-1100
29 Special Health Resources 410 Fourth St 903-234-8808
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Texas Oncology-Longview Cancer Center
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Texas Sedation Dental & Implant Center
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Wellness Pointe
25 Northeast Texas Family Medicine
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Woman & Child Health Center of Longview
26 Northcutt Chiropractic Clinic
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Vaca & Kirby Dental
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Vision Source Longview
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Zeid Women’s Health
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Longview Pediatrics
28 Select Specialty Hospital
Longview Regional
2901 N Fourth St 903-758-1818 Longview VA Clinic 23 1005 N Eastman Rd 903-247-8262
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Mack Dental
3008 HG Mosley Pkwy 903-236-4050
800 Padon St 903-315-5600
1201 N Sixth St 903-236-3202
27 QuickCare by Regional Clinics 2021 W Loop 281 903-295-1396
1300 Fourth St 903-757-2122
444 Forest Square 903-704-0154
1107 E Marshall Ave 903-758-2610
402 N Seventh St 903-212-7110
3121 HG Mosley Pkwy 903-206-3464 2304 Judson Rd 903-758-9090
705 E Marshall Ave 903-315-2700
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 1, 2020
JOHNSTON-MCQUEEN
WARE EAST TEXAS MONTESSORI ACADEMY
JUDSON
601 W Garfield Ave.
259
EAST TEXAS MONTESSORI PREP ACADEMY
LONGVIEW HS
400 N Eastman Rd.
J.L. EVERHART
281
JOHNSTONMCQUEEN ELEMENTARY
BRAMLETTE FOREST PARK
80
EARLY GRADUATION
BRAMLETTE STEAM ACADEMY
ETX MONTESSORI PREP S. WARD
WARE
422 FM 2751
FOSTER
111 Tupelo Dr.
HUDSON PEP
31 20
NED E. WILLIAMS ELEMENTARY 5230 Estes Pkwy. J.L. EVERHART ELEMENTARY
149
2919 Tryon Rd. NED E. WILLIAMS
HUDSON PEP ELEMENTARY 1311 Lilly St.
SOUTH WARD ELEMENTARY
1011 S Mobberly Ave. JUDSON STEAM ACADEMY 5745 Judson Rd.
FOREST PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL
1644 N Eastman Rd. FOSTER MIDDLE
1504 S Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. LONGVIEW HIGH SCHOOL
201 E Tomlinson Pkwy. EARLY GRADUATION HIGH SCHOOL 410 S Green St.
Registration Begins Soon Now, it’s your turn to learn more:
Visit ChooseLISD.org or call 903-381-2200. Paid for by the MSAP funds.
THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 1, 2020
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AMBUCS students build ‘Amtrykes’ Longview High School students that are a part of the AMBUCS organization met up recently to be constructive. On Saturday, Aug. 1, the Lobos built an Amtryke. According to the Amtryke website, “the Amtryke Adaptive Tricycle Program is about abilities, not disabilities. Our goal is to provide people who benefit from our trykes with all the classic advantages of riding a bike: mobility, strength, exercise, coordination, interaction with family and friends, and just pure fun!” We are proud of Lobo AMBUCS students! They show how truly giving their generation can be!
Parenting in a pandemic: Tips to keep calm at home By Rev. Lamar Jones Fear, uncertainty, and being holed up at home to slow the spread of COVID-19 can make it tough for families to keep a sense of calm. But it’s important to help children feel safe, keep healthy routines, manage their behavior, and build resilience. Here are some tips from the American Academy (AAP) to help your family through the outbreak. • Address children’s fears. • Children rely on their parents for safety, both physical and emotional. Reassure your children that you are there for them and that your family will get through this together. • Answer questions about the pandemic simply & honestly. Talk with children about any
frightening news they hear. It is OK to say people are getting sick, but say following rules like hand washing, wearing a mask, and practice social JONES distancing will help your family stay healthy. • Recognize your child’s feelings. Calmly say, for example, “I can see that you are upset because you can’t have your friends over.” Guiding questions can help older children and teens work through issues. (“I know it is disappointing not to be able to hang with your friends right now. How do you think you can stay in touch with them?”)
• Keep in touch with loved ones. Children may also worry about a grandparent who is living alone or a relative or friend with an increased risk of getting COVID-19. Video chats and calls can help ease their anxiety. • Model how to manage feelings. Talk through how you are managing your own feelings. (“I am worried about Grandma since I can’t go visit her. The best I can do is to check in with her more often by phone. I will put a reminder on my phone to call her in the morning and the afternoon until this outbreak ends.”) • Remind them that people that have COVID-19 are NOT bad people, they are just victims of a pandemic that has affected our nation, state, and city. But encourage to take the recommended precautions.
• Tell your child before you leave the house for work or essential errands, in a calm and reassuring voice, where you are going, how long you will be gone, when you will return, and that you are taking steps to stay safe. • Look forward. Tell them that scientists are working hard to figure out how to help people who get ill, and that things will get better. • Offer extra hugs and say “I love you” more often. More information will be forthcoming. You are welcome to share your summer activities with your community thoughts for us to share at our parent engagement corner. Information can be sent to us at lfjones@lisd.org. —Rev. Lamar Jones is the LISD parent liaison.
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 1, 2020
A moment with best selling author, Mark Gregston ‘Behavior is the visible expression of the invisible issues in the life of a child’ By Francisco Rojas For Mark Gregston, his calling started while he was in college, and a church offered him a job to work with children and teenagers. He never planned on working or serving with a church, but accepted after the church offered to pay for his school. Parents would come to him and ask him what they should do with their teenagers, and he would respond, “let them come live with my wife and I.” While in college, Mark realized that his heart was being pulled towards struggling kids and that’s when it hit him. Mark and his wife, Jan, founded Heartlight Ministries, with a campus in Hallsville where over 3,000 struggling teenagers from numerous countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, etc. have stayed in and experienced a change of life. Mark believes that the ways of communication and developing relationships have changed significantly. “Teens today don’t communicate, behave, respond, act, or have relationships the same way teens did in other years,” he said. Apparently, one of the biggest challenges that parents face today, is not knowing or understanding how teens are these days, and therefore how to develop a relationship that will build them into becoming the mature, independent, and responsible men and women they need to become. “A good proverb says iron sharpens iron, and these kids lack deep relationships with individuals that will guide them and set the example for them”, Mark added. According to Mark, kids today don’t have the same type of intensive relationships as before, where they can learn a value system, moral standards, etc. and they are bombarded with information every hour in today’s world. That is why he believes that parents will get shut down by their teenagers if they want to add more information to them. “What teenagers want is wisdom, and wisdom is gained by experience and observation with the guidance of someone who already has it,” Mark said. One of the biggest missteps that parents make when parenting a teenager is not switching from a teaching model, which according to Mark, works really well from ages 1-12, to a training model which is best for ages 13 -21. On top of that, parents remind themselves of the great job that they have done with their kids when they were little and believe that they will be great during the teenage years ignoring the fact that kids are completely different when they become teens. Mark said “Kids change, but parents don’t change, and therefore, they are giving them the old stuff, when their kids want something different. Instead of making decisions for them and being totally responsible, now they need to transfer some responsibilities to them, and teach them how to make decisions. Instead of talking all the time, I’m going to listen more.” He believes that by doing this, we are empowering and training our teens to be ready to launch and not ready to flop on their faces after graduating from High School. It is impossible to deny the fact that kids change when they transition from being
children to being teenagers. Our students need to see more examples of the values that we believe in, instead of listening to them. If they only hear about values, then most likely they won’t get to see them anymore. Lack of respect seems to be another issue when raising teens, and Mark believes that a lot of it has to do with the negative information that they get every hour which shows others being disrespected. Clearly, it is important for every individual that has kids or is in a profession that involves helping kids, learn and gain knowledge and that knowledge was available from August 23rd through August 27th. East Texas 2020 is a seminar project that Mark and his team has launched for FREE and for parents, teachers, coaches, and Youth Pastors in East Texas. Mark is a best-selling author that spends most of his time today traveling around the country and training parents to prevent teens from having to come
to their facility. Many parents, teachers, coaches, and Youth Pastors are concerned about discipline problems and “when you have a discipline problem, it’s because you have a relationship problem. Behavior is the visible expression of the invisible issues in the life of a child” Mark said. Our Superintendent, Dr. James Wilcox, and our Community Relations team had a great time with Mark, and we hope it’s not the last opportunity to have him as our guest. The full interview is available on our Youtube channel (Longview ISD), and we encourage you to subscribe for more content. For more information and parenting resources, you can follow Mark’s Facebook page “Parenting Today’s Teens with Mark Gregston”, download the “Parenting Today’s Teens” app or visit parentingtodaysteens.org. — Francisco Rojas is a communications specialist for the LISD Community Relations Department.
THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 1, 2020
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 1, 2020
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 1, 2020
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SPORTS
THROWING THE DISTANCE Haynes King to make his way at Texas A&M as an Aggie
By Cahil Murchison
A
s the Texas Longhorns reel in 5-star recruit Quinn Ewers, presumably their future starting quarterback, many peoples’ thoughts turn to the Aggies next QB. Kellen Mond has one more season with the Ags. Currently, at second string, Zach Calzada is the presumed heir to the position, having already spent one year learning the system. However, the Georgia native ought to not get too comfortable. As any athlete knows, there is always someone behind you gunning for your position. For Calzada, his immediate threat is Haynes King. King hails from Longview, where he reigned with an iron fist. Under King, the Longview Lobos were dominant, going 37-2 and winning the 2018 6A D-II Haynes|Continued to page 19
Online students able to participate in UIL activities With school districts working on how they plan on reopening at the start of the 2020-21 school year, University Interscholastic League has announced that eligibility requirements will be left up to districts themselves. Longview ISD students will be able to take part in UIL activities whether they are attending class on campus or are going online. The following UIL participation guidelines were posted to their website: As schools prepare for a variety of learning options for the coming school year, UIL is providing the following information related to those options and UIL student eligibility. Students participating in remote learning offered by their school district, whether synchronous or asynchronous
(as defined by TEA), may participate in UIL activities if they meet all other UIL eligibility requirements. Students must be enrolled in remote learning options through the school the student will represent. Schools may develop local policies with additional requirements for participation. You can find more information related to the full-time student rule in the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules. Schools should develop grading policies for remote learning options that outline the criteria for determining if a student is passing all courses at the end of grading and evaluation periods. Days, when school is not in session, should be treated as school holidays for purposes of determining academic eligibility for both UIL|Continued to page 19
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 1, 2020
CHOOSE
R LONGVIEW
SCHOOL
APPLY NOW
ChooseLISD.org
THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 1, 2020
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 1, 2020
District optimistic as school year starts By JJ Maldonado CBS19 Longview ISD is midway through its first week of school. The district began its first day of classes on Monday. “We have been blessed so far,” Dr. James WilWILCOX cox, superintendent of Longview Independent School District, said. “We got off to a great start our teachers, administrative staff have been working tirelessly.” Dr. Wilcox says about 30 percent of the Longview student population has opted for distance learning. The district is enforcing a mask re-
quirement in addition to social distancing. “We have a mask requirement,” Dr. Wilcox said. “Everything I heard, the students have been 100 percent cooperative. We have to give our young people credit. They know what’s going on. They know
something is wrong, they know it’s not business as usual.” The district has also added hand washing stations on every campus. “The one change that we made, that I’m getting the most positive responses about, is we have soap and water, hand towels, washing stations at every campus,” he said. Dr. Wilcox says the district has been working around the clock to make sure the school year is successful for every student despite how they choose to learn this academic year amid a pandemic. “We want our parents to feel safe with the education that their child is getting that they want virtual, we’re going to do the very best job that we can,” he said.
BOOK |Continued from page 1 publisher, the book will draw upon a diary he has kept for 35 years. “Matthew McConaughey found not only stories, quesMCCONAUGHEY tions, truths, and affirmations, but also a reliable theme,” said Crown Publishing last week. “From growing up as an adventurous kid in a tough-love Texas home of rule-breakers, to revelatory journeys to Australia, Peru, and Mali, to his early days in Hollywood and meteoric rise to fame, McConaughey shares how his life experiences have instilled in him the importance of competent values, the power of new experiences, and, as he puts it, ‘either changing your reality or changing how you see it.’” McConaughey’s memoir, and its surface-level descriptions are full of the kind of Dazed and Confused-esque, poetic, beachy drawl that has come to define the actor’s creative voice. “Ever since I learned to write, I’ve been keeping a journal, writing down anything that turned me on, turned me off, made me laugh, made me cry, made me question, or kept me up at night,” he said. “Two years ago, I worked up the courage to take all of those journals off into solitary confinement just to see what I had, and I returned with a book.” That book is called Greenlights, because “it’s the story about how I have — and we all can — catch more of them in this life we’re liven,” McConaughey added. “You see, we don’t like the
red and yellow lights because they take up our time, right? But when we realize that they all eventually turn green, that’s when they reveal their rhyme. That’s when life’s a poem and we start getting what we want and what we need at the same time. And I call that the ‘honey hole,’ a little place called Heaven on earth.” The Lobo alumni also described the work as “an album, a record, a story of my life so far.” “Hopefully, it’s medicine that tastes good, a couple of aspirin instead of the infirmary, a spaceship to Mars without needing your pilot’s license, going to church without having to be born again, and laughing through the tears,” he said. Greenlights will be released on Oct. 20 and is available for preorder now. For more information please check the website greenlights.com.
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 1, 2020
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Community prays for safety over school districts Pastor Eric Love with Church on Purpose led a community wide prayer at Judson STEAM Academy on Saturday, Aug. 15, that started at 9 a.m. Pastor Love and several other local churches came together at Judson STEAM Academy to pray over the campus, students, and faculty. There were about 50 community members present that walked the campus covering it in prayer. Love asked each person to make a note of specific prayer requests that included prayers for protection, peace, patience, and faith, to name a few. The prayers didn’t stop at just Judson but extended to cover all of Longview ISD and surrounding area school districts. BOARD |Continued from page 1 teacher scale in the East Texas area. The district average is the highest of any public school system in the region. “These are extremely challenging times for everyone, and public schools in Texas are asking teachers to go above and beyond during these challenging times with many providing multiple instructional approaches simultaneously,” he said. “As a district, we feel it is critically important to show how highly Longview ISD values our teachers and staff.” Dr. Hockenberry said more details about the pay increases would be released by the Human Resources department in the coming days. New salaries go into effect in September. Go to LISD.org to download the resolution and related documentation.
BALANCED BUDGET
Longview Independent School District is projecting a balanced General Operating budget of $90.2 million for the 2020-21 fiscal year. During their regular meeting Monday, Aug. 10th the LISD Board of Trustees got their first look at a proposed district budget for the coming year, which calls for property tax cuts and significant state revenue from their public school charter partnerships. LISD Chief Financial Officer Joey Jones said if the proposal receives final approval at the Aug. 26th special meeting the total proposed budget revenue is about $90.2 million, which is about an $8.3 million increase from the 2019-20 budget. The total proposed expenses are about $90.2 million. The revenues are a mix of local, state, and federal funds for operations during the 2020-21 fiscal year. Jones told board members that “73 percent of the proposed budget is for the district’s instructional programs.” “The increase in the budget mostly allows for improved instructional services, not limited to salary increases, classroom technology, campus professional development, and International Baccalaureate certification,” he said. Jones said the budget as currently presented to the board “is a complete picture of next year” and that potential disruptions related to COVID-19 “will be handled as they present themselves”. The proposed maintenance and opera-
tions tax rate is $.9664 and the interest and sinking tax rate is .4730 cents for a total tax rate of $1.4394 per $100 valuation. The tax rate is a decrease from the current rate, which is $1.4431 per $100 valuation.
RESOLUTION
Board members also approved a resolution regarding racism and injustices from racism. The resolution strongly condemns any and all acts of racism, prejudice, persecution, and the wrongful prosecution of all people. “Longview ISD board members declare that the lives of Black and Brown WELGE students and community members matter and have value, that the Board is committed to continually addressing systemic racism towards ethnically diverse students, and the Board and will continue to prioritize and target the academic achievements of all students,” the resolution states. MILLER Citing the district’s intentional and proactive approach to ensure access for the best academic programs and offerings for all Longview area students, the resolution unequivocally states that LISD is committed to “relentlessly pursue improvements to policies, programs, and practices in order to eliminate systemic inequities, ensure educational success for every racial, ethnic, and demographically diverse group of students, and enrich the lives of all children in Longview ISD.” Dr. Wilcox thanked LISD Board President Ginia Northcutt and all the trustees for their work in developing the resolution. “It’s as simple as our district motto: ‘Believe in excellence for ALL,’ and that is exactly what we are trying to do here [...] provide the absolute best opportunities for every single one of our students,” he said. Go to LISD.org to download the complete resolution.
ELECTIONS
Board members also approved a revised order of election for the LISD Board of Trustees to Districts 2 and 4. Gregg County and Longview ISD will
conduct a joint election on Nov. 3rd. The regular date of May 2nd was postponed following the proclamation issued from Gov. Greg Abbott on March 18th. Early voting by personal appearance will be from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 1330 at the Longview Community Center, Greggton Community Center, Elderville Community Center, Stamper Park Resource Center, and Broughton Recreation Center. Terms for Place 2 trustee Ava Welge and Place 4 trustee Ginia Northcutt are expiring, with both members planning to run for re-election. Northcutt drew no opponent, but local attorney Brett Miller has filed to run against Welge in Place 2. Trustees are elected to serve three-year terms. Go to LISD.org to download the revised election order.
IN OTHER NEWS
During the course of the meeting, the LISD Board of Trustees also approved a 2020-21 Agreement with SeeSaw Children’s Place for after-school care; Property/Casualty Comprehensive Insurance Coverage for 2020-21; Board Time Use Tracker for the July 13th regular meeting; the 2020-21 Longview ISD Employee Handbook; an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Carrollton; official minutes of the July 29th special meeting; T-TESS Appraisers for 2020-21; Budget Amendment No. 12; and Board Policy Update 115. Board members also received information on the 2020-21 COVID-19 Backto-School Plan, and the 2019-2020 Exit Report.
FOR MORE INFO
Trustees usually meet in the boardroom of the LISD Education Support Center (1301 E. Young Street), but often set special-called meetings at various locations around the district. The next regular meeting is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 14th. Due to public health protocols currently in place, the public will not be admitted into the trustees’ boardroom. The meeting will be streamed online at LISD.org/ BoardroomLive. For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees please go to LISD.org.
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 1, 2020
OBITUARIES Longview ISD offers our most sincere condolences to our extended Lobo family BERNICE RENEE MONTGOMERY Bernice Renee Montgomery was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 7, 1962, to the parents of Johnnie Mae Montgomery-Johnson and Johnnie Frank Montgomery. She passed away on Aug. 9. Her father preceded her in death. While in Philadelphia, she MONTGOMERY attended Harriety Elementary and Turner Middle. In middle school, she was among two teenagers chosen to attend Philadelphia College of Arts Saturday School, which led her to enroll in Overbrook Art Magnet High School. The family moved to Dallas where she attended Kimball High School and soon after moved to Longview. Bernice completed her high school tenure at Longview High School in 1980. Bernice displayed a love and passion for art at an early age. She pursued her passion for art at North Texas State, where she received her Bachelors of Art in 1984. She then began her career as a Local Artist, and her talent was quickly recognized by businesses in the Dallas area. She contracted with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) to display a visual story depicting the relationship between DART and the surrounding neighbor-
hood. A total of 11 panels showcased the historical background of the community and the DART system. As her mural artistic abilities developed, she used her artistic talents to do murals for various hospitals and created graffiti walls that were showcased throughout the city. She also taught art appreciation to the youth and loved to incorporate them in her art projects while teaching at the Urban Alternative School under Pastor Tony Evans and in Dallas and Longview ISD respectively. Many displays of her artwork can be found on various internet sites as Bernice’s artistic ability was highly sought out by many. Bernice gave her life to Christ at a young age while attending Bethany Baptist Church in Philadelphia under Revered A. L. Bright where she was active in the youth ministry. Her love for Christ carried over into adulthood and was fervent in her desire to please God and to share His word with others. She was known for her sense of humor, her laughter, and her jovial spirit. She leaves to cherish in her memory her mother, Johnnie Mae Johnson; sister, Sheila Johnson (Michael); brothers, Johnny Montgomery, Jr., Willie Johnson (Gail), and John Johnson, Jr. (Ta Lesia); uncles Aaron “Tex” Thompson, Wadell Thompson (Ann), Robert Thompson (Rose), aunt, Helen Holmes (Clent), and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
ONLINE |Continued from page 3 with the greatest need at the highest grade levels first. Priority will be given to families with multiple Longview ISD students. Campuses will distribute their current inventory of Chromebooks and extra chargers to teachers and students of highest grade level and need first. Once the newly purchased Chromebooks arrive, they will be distributed to all remaining students in grades 1-12. Arrival of new devices is projected for early September. Students will be able to download textbooks, observe class lessons, research, and complete school assignments with these devices. While the T-Mobile Hotspots will provide unlimited internet access for LISD Chromebooks, they will not accept connections to any other devices such as personal phones or devices. At South Ward Elementary, Principal Joaquin Guerrero, already has a plan for the distribution of Chromebooks to his 315 students. Guerrero said the school will notify parents as soon as they have Chromebooks, hotspots,
and chargers available. Parents will fill out a receiving log for the equipment. Students will have what they need to work remotely or on-campus. “Our students will grow up learning how the real world works by meeting deadlines and organizing their work and time to complete projects, just like adults, when we wake up in the morning and look at our phones to plan each day’s work,” Guerrero said. At South Ward, parents that select the remote learning method for this upcoming school year will get the devices first. Then students electing in-person learning will receive devices beginning with fifth, fourth, and third graders, until every student has a device. Longview ISD continues to create new avenues to serve its community and families, while focusing on every student’s benefit, regardless of their household income. All students and families are valuable and that’s why Longview district’s staff continues to ensure that each student has the tools necessary to succeed.
PUBLIC NOTICES LISD Board meeting set for September 14
Trustees usually meet in the boardroom of the LISD Education Support Center, but often set special-called meetings at various locations around the district. The next regular meeting is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. on September 14. For more information about the Longview ISD Board of Trustees go to LISD.org.
SANDRA JUNE SHIPP
Sandra June Shipp, 80, of Longview passed away on August 8, after her battle with cancer. A celebration of life was held on August 11, in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Longview with Rev. Jay JackSHIPP son officiating. The service was also be webcast at raderfh.com on her obituary page for those unable to attend. She was born in Ft. Worth to Ernest and Mabel Long on August 22nd, 1939, and moved to Longview at the age of 2 where she lived until her death. She met her soul mate, Carroll Mack Shipp in the 3rd grade while both were attending Campus Ward. They started dating in their sophomore year at Longview High School and married in 1958, the year after their graduation and were happily married for 62 years. Sandra worked in the Longview ISD system and was an administrative assistant at First Methodist Church, Longview for 25 years, where she and Carroll were active members and members of the Waddell Sunday School class. Sandra had an unwavering love and dedication for her Lord, her husband, and family and friends. This was evident in everything she did. She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather Guy Nivens, in-laws, Les and Myrtle Shipp, and one brother, David Long. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Carroll; her son, Howard and wife Vickie of Kilgore; daughter Sheila Rogers and husband Danny of Kilgore; sister, JoAnn Malone of Longview. Her grandchildren: Kyle Shipp and fiancé Carrie Burns, Stephanie Collins and husband Chris, Lara Zahn and husband Dustin, Patrick Simmons and wife, Hannah, Branson and Nicole Rogers and Bailey Rogers. She was also survived by 3 great grandchildren, Bailee, Cullen and Cooper and numerous nephews and nieces. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Neeraj Sharma and Anita Steelman and staff of the Texas Oncology Center of Longview. Memorials can be made to the Newgate Mission, Longview if desired.
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COMIDAS |Continúa desde la página 3
ONLINE |Continúa desde la página 3
en algo totalmente nuevo para alumnos, empleados y familias, cuando COVID-19 trajo muchos retos a todos. Asegurarse de que cada estudiante tenga por lo menos un desayuno y un almuerzo cada día es tan solo una de las muchas maneras en que el distrito escolar ha trabajado para ayudar a sus familias en este tiempo difícil. La Sra. Dozier mencionó que desde Marzo, su departamento ha trabajado con el departamento de transporte de Longview ISD y con otros empleados del distrito escolar para proveer los alimentos a los niños que los necesitaron. “Tenemos un equipo de trabajo en este distrito escolar realmente increíble. Siempre van una milla extra para ayudar hacer este tipo de cosas por nuestras familias. No podría estar más orgullosa del trabajo que han realizado durante este tiempo de incertidumbre , y cómo continúan levantándose para enfrentar cada reto en el camino con el fin de ayudar a la comunidad de Longview.” Las entregas a domicilio originalmente empezaron con tres días a la semana, pero luego se incrementaron a 5 veces a la semana. Gracias al gran trabajo del departamento de Transporte muchos estudiantes y padres no se han tenido que preocupar por cómo van a recoger los alimentos. Si usted es nuevo(a) al programa de entrega de alimentos y le gustaría solicitar alimentación, la solicitud tardará alrededor de 48 horas en ser procesada y agregada a la lista de entregas diarias. Por favor enviar todas las solicitudes a ask@lisd.org con el nombre de su estudiante, el número de identificación del estudiante, el nombre del campus al que asiste y la dirección de su domicilio. Si por algún motivo su comida no ha sido entregada hasta las 11:45 am, por favor contáctese con el departamento de Trans-
putadoras portátiles marca DELL adicionalmente a las 4000 que ya tenían en su posesión, cargadores adicionales y 1000 hotspots de T-Mobile que permitirán a los alumnos tener acceso a internet en sus hogares Los Hotspots, los cuales proveen internet, serán distribuídos a las familias con la necesidad más urgente empezando con los grados más altos. La prioridad la tendrán las familias que tengan multiples estudiantes del distrito escolar de Longview dentro del mismo hogar. Los campus entregarán su inventario actual de dispositivos y cargadores adicionales a los maestros y estudiantes de los grades más altos y con mayor necesidad primero. Una vez que lleguen las nuevas computadoras portátiles, serán distribuídas a todos los estudiantes restantes de los grados 1-12. Está previsto que lleguen los dispositivos los primeros días de Septiembre. Los alumnos podrán descargarse sus libros, observer lecciones dadas por sus maestros en las clases, investigar y completer asignaturas y tareas con estos dispositivos. Aunque los Hotspots de T-Mobile pueden brindar acceso ilimitado a internet por medio de estas computadoras portátiles, no aceptarán conexiones a otros dispositivos personales en la casa como teléfonos celulares, otras computadoras o televisores inteligentes. En South Ward Elementary, el Rector Joaquin Guerrero, ya tiene un plan listo para la distribución de las computadoras portátiles a sus 315 estudiantes. Guerrero dijo que la escuela informará a los padres de familia apenas tengan disponibles los dispositivos junto con los Hotspots y los cargadores.
porte o envíe un correo electrónico a nhawkins@lisd.org y podremos conseguir una comida para usted antes de que cierren las cafeterías. Las entregas a domicilio se detendrán el primer día de clases , 17 de Agosto. Longview ISD estará proveyendo comidas para los estudiantes que optaron por el modelo de aprendizaje de forma remota (en casa). La forma en que podrán obtener estas comidas es que los representantes los puedan recoger en el campus donde fue inscrito el estudiante entre las 9:30am - 10:30am. Para estudiantes de elementaria, todas las comidas serán gratis; para estudiantes de secundaria (middle y high school), dependerá si son elegibles o no. Los estudiantes de secundaria tendrán que llenar una aplicación para comidas y la elegibilidad será determinada en base a la aplicación. Cuando los padres recojan las comidas, tendrán que tener los números de identificación del estudiante. Los padres de familia podrán solicitar que se les agregue en la lista escribiendo un correo electrónico a ask@lisd. org y dando el nombre del estudiante, su número de identificación y mencionar si desea recoger alimentos todos los días o ciertos días específicamente. Queremos siempre servir a nuestros estudiantes de la mejor manera.
ALIMENTOS ENTREGADOS Marzo total = 50,740 comidas (Desayuno: 18,933, Almuerzo: 31,807) Abril total = 53,598 comidas (Desayuno: 26,799, Almuerzo: 26,799) Mayo total = 37,164 comidas (Desayuno: 18,582, Almuerzo: 18,582) Junio total = 49,236 comidas (Desayuno: 24,618, Almuerzo: 24,618) Julio total = 56,309 comidas (Desayuno: 28,204, Almuerzo: 28,105)
Los padres de familia llenarán un formulario de entrega para la recepción del dispositivo. De esta manera los estudiantes tendrán lo que necesitan para estudiar desde casa o en el campus. “Nuestros estudiantes crecerán aprendiendo como funciona el mundo real al tener que organizer su trabajo cada día, completar proyectos y hacerlo dentro de las fechas límites. Así como lo hacemos nosotros los adultos cada mañana al despertar y revisar nuestro celular para ver que tenemos que hacer ese día” dijo el Rector Guerrero. En South Ward, los padres que elijan educación a distancia (remota) para este nuevo año escolar recibirán los dispositivos primero. Luego, los alumnos que elijan estudiar presencialmente recibirán los dispositivos empezando con quinto grado, seguido por cuarto y tercero, hasta que cada alumno(a) tenga uno. Longview ISD continúa creando nuevas avenidas para servir a su comunidad y a sus familias, mientras se enfoca en el beneficio de cada estudiante sin importar su nivel socio-económico. En Longview ISD, todas las familias son valiosas y es por eso que su empleados continúan trabajando arduamente para que sus estudiantes tengan las herramientas necesarias para ser exitosos.
FOOD |Continued from page 4 She will then have the students taste food that is grown in the garden, then in the spring help, the students plant their own seed and watch it grow, eventually planting it in the raised gardens at Montessori. Recently, Dozier sent a video of the garden and the workers maintaining the land to the Texas Department of Agriculture. They were quite amazed at what the district has done. “They responded back about how proud they were of the district and the support that we have from the superintendent and the board with what we’ve done with the
garden,” Dozier said. Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox presented LISD Director for Child Nutrition Phyllis Dozier with a Certificate of Recognition from the Texas Department of Agriculture for the district’s achievement in the 2020 Farm Fresh Challenge. The Longview district board members were proud of the hard work of the employees and the FFA students. “(The garden) is something I have envisioned for this district since the day I moved here 22 years ago,” said Board President Virginia Northcutt.
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 1, 2020
SPOTTED ON SOCI AL
THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 1, 2020 HAYNES |Continued from page 11 State Championship. Last summer, there was a nationwide buzz and excitement, as people awaited his commitment. After a long, tense wait, he finally chose the Texas A&M Aggies over the Tennessee Volunteers. Fast forward a year later, and King has already been on campus for seven months, working out and learning Coach Fisher’s playbook. Even though he was a highly sought-after recruit, King’s future in Aggieland is anything but certain. The Aggies have also earned a 2021 commitment from Eli Stowers, Denton-Guyer’s star quarterback who, unlike King, received offers from Clemson, Georgia, and LSU. There are three career outlooks for Haynes King that are most likely to take place. Each is possible, but which one will come to fruition? That’s for the football gods to decide.
THREE OUTLOOKS
SIT FOR 2, START FOR 2 — Barring catastrophic events, (par for the course in 2020), King will sit out his freshman year. Mond is on many Heisman watch lists, and has by far the most experience
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than any other quarterback on the roster. If the current trend continues, Calzada will take the reigns as quarterback after Mond is gone. KING Having sat for two years, it will naturally be his turn to start. This will put King on the sidelines for one more year. By then, he will have learned the playbook and developed physically. Going into his junior year, it will be a battle with Calzada for the QB1 position. Athleticism and wow-factor can often be the determining factor in position battles. King has the advantage in those categories, so a dethroning of Calzada would not be surprising. Of course, King will still have to fend off Eli Stowers who will be vying for his chance under center. If King is successful, don’t be surprised if Stowers transfers. It would make sense, for the Denton, Texas native, and he would surely be welcomed to any program across the nation. SIT FOR 1, START FOR 3 — As stated, athleticism can play a massive role in deter-
mining a starter. King was a four-star athlete, with football not being his only focus. Now at Texas A&M, he is able to focus entirely on the gridiron without any other sports getting in his way. This may allow him to cover more ground than is expected. Heading into the fall of 2021, a quarterback battle may take place in College Station, something Aggie fans haven’t seen since the Kevin Sumlin administration. Stability is nice, but having two great players for one position isn’t a bad problem to have. King just might beat out the older Calzada for the starting quarterback spot in 2021. Fans would not be surprised either way. The elder player is polished and has shown promise, garnering lots of excitement. The younger is lightning in a bottle, showing the ability to make difficult throws and extend plays with his feet. Plus, Jimbo may think long-term and work in King as soon as possible. If King does claim the starting spot from his sophomore year and on, again, expect Eli Stowers to transfer. He is simply too good of a player to sit for more than two years. If King reigns for three years in College Station, Stowers won’t start until his redshirt junior year at
the earliest. SIT FOR 2, LOSE TO STOWERS, TRANSFER — Anything can happen in the world of football, and a player’s path might not turn out the way most are expecting (i.e. Tate Martell). There is always the possibility that King gets hurt or doesn’t perform as well as most are expecting, and is surpassed by another player. That’s the risk athletes take every day; they know it. That’s why they work so hard all year long: so their spot isn’t taken by the next guy. If Calzada is able to fend off King for more than a year, things could get interesting in the quarterback room. What happens if Stowers comes in and takes to the offense like a fish to water? What if someone gets hurt? A plethora of things can happen between now and then. The highly desired Haynes King could decide his time would be better spent elsewhere. He only took an official visit to three schools: Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Auburn. In two seasons, Bo Nix will likely be in the NFL. King can run just as well as Nix and throws a more accurate football. While it may not be probable at the moment, it’s certainly possible. As is anything, really.
six weeks if they accumulated at least two and a half credits since the start of the 2019-2020 school year. Schools may impose additional requirements. The district statement regarding students taking part in UIL said that, “we do not want anyone to feel pressure to choose an on-campus or remote option because of an activity they love or the technology they may need. Families should feel comfortable
with their education options and activities should not stand in the way of that decision. Extracurriculars enhance the education experience and it is our job to figure out how to make that work for our students who love to participate in them. “With that being said, students may have to be on campus to participate in practices for their chosen activity and we are working with our coaches and
organization sponsors to figure out how to best accommodate students who are learning remotely.” Tyler ISD is following the same path as Longview, while Whitehouse is not allowing remote students to participate unless they have extenuating circumstances and fill out a waiver. Lufkin ISD and other districts have yet to make a final decision.
UIL |Continued from page 11 remote and in-person learning. All students are academically eligible when school is not in session for a full calendar week or more. More information related to no pass-no play can be found in the TEA-UIL Side by Side Manual. For the 2020-2021 school year, UIL eligibility requirements for the first six weeks of school have been modified to allow a student to be eligible for the first NEW |Continued from page 1 hter’s teachers and campus leaders — as well as the district administration — that helped her family feel encouraged about returning to school. “We’re still nervous about how it’s all going to shake out, but I feel very confident {the school] is going to do everything they can,” she added. It was a sentiment shared by many parents when asked about students going back to school. LISD parent Greg Williams posted on the district’s social media that his family was sure teachers and principals “are going to err on the side of caution” “Regardless of your politics or what you think [about COVID-19], at the end of the day it’s all about doing what’s best for the children in their care,” he said. “That’s something we can all agree on.” Dennis Williams, LISD Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Services, said “safety has been and will continue to be the absolute top
priority as this school year continues.” “Obviously we are thankful for the smooth start to the school year, but we are not going to rest on our laurels,” he said. “We are going to continue to be in contact with authorities and our campus to ensure that the threat of COVID-19 is as minimal as humanly possible.” For the students, however, the first day of school is a time to build strong positive memories of childhood. A casual observer walking the halls on the first day saw students greeting each other (while social distancing) and bright-eyed teachers expressing hope and anticipation for the new year. “It’s such a magical time to just visit each campus,” said Dr. James Hockenberry, Assistant Superintendent of District Services. “Your heart just swells at seeing the loving, inspirational places that our campuses for the students in our care. That is a huge testament to the quality of personnel that we have as
teachers and administrators.” Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox agreed. “Longview ISD remains the most innovative and progressive school district east of Interstate 45, and I could not be more proud of the excellent job our staff, students, and families are doing to overcome unprecedented adversity,” he said. Staff members displaying COVID-19 symptoms will follow district protocols; including isolation from students and other staff members. Any Longview ISD staffers with questions can contact district COVID-19 coordinator Mae Johnson Lewis via email or call 903-381-2292. Longview ISD will continue to re-evaluate the state of the district on a daily basis, and any information released is subject to change. We will be sure to keep you informed through all-calls/emails, social media, and on our district website here: LISD.org/COVID
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — September 1, 2020
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