Levelland ISD's
August 28th, 2023
Hello Levelland Lobos.
We have had such a great start to the school year. This week will be busy and packed with daily activities and student events. As you start your week, remember that choosing to make Monday morning the most positive time in your week will set the tone for the following days. We get to choose how our day and week will go, so I hope you choose positivity and feel blessed for the great things in your job and life.
As Colin Powell states, "Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier." I hope you are always optimistic and positive in your thoughts, words, and actions.
Go Lobos.
Becky McCutchen
Levelland ISD Superintendent of Schools
Expect Excellence
Leading Us To Excellence.....................
LISD & LHS are so proud to announce that LHS Principal Dr. Matthew Birdwell has been named as a new cohort of school district leaders into the SMU District Leadership Fellows program. This is a leadership training program for school district leaders run by the Institute for Leadership Impact at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. The 2023-2024 cohort includes leaders from school districts across Texas, as well as from Arkansas and Wisconsin. School districts ranging in size from two hundred students to fifty thousand students are included. Of the program, 2022-2023 participant Dr. Bryan Taulton, Superintendent, Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD, said “The SMU District Leadership Fellows Program has been of tremendous value as not only are you able to establish a student-centered Impact Goal, but also collaborate and network with other school leaders to openly discuss and work through present issues facing education.” The District Leadership Fellows program is a strengths-based leadership development program that enhances the leadership abilities of established and emerging school district leaders through an intensive year-long cohort. Through collaboration with peers and recognized education experts, Dr. Birdwell will be empowered to solve hard problems, build his leadership skills, and develop lasting educational leadership networks. We are so proud of Dr. Birdwell's leadership on campus, in LISD, and beyond! Congratulations to Dr. Birdwell! You're a leader among us!
Another Amazing Leader......
And the honors just keep coming! We are so proud to announce that Levelland High School Senior Anson McMahan received the Prestigious Billy Mitchell Award from the Lubbock Composite Squadron of Civil Air Patrol! Anson McMahan, a senior at Levelland High School, has achieved a significant milestone in his Civil Air Patrol (CAP) career by being awarded the highly esteemed Billy Mitchell Award. Presented by the Lubbock Composite Squadron, this prestigious recognition is a testament to McMahan's unwavering commitment, exceptional leadership qualities, and outstanding performance within the CAP. The Civil Air Patrol Air Force Auxiliary cadet program is a vital organization that instills values of integrity, volunteer service, and excellence in young individuals across the nation. It provides a unique platform for students to develop leadership skills, participate in aerospace education, and engage in emergency services. The Billy Mitchell Award is a significant milestone in the CAP cadet program, marking a cadet's transition from the enlisted ranks to the officer corps. Named after General Billy Mitchell, a pioneer of U.S. military aviation, the award is a symbol of exceptional leadership, academic excellence, and physical fitness. Cadets who receive the Billy Mitchell Award are also eligible for advanced placement to the grade of E-3 (Airman First Class) should they choose to enter the US Air Force. Notably, only 15% of Civil Air Patrol cadets will obtain the General Billy Mitchell Award. Throughout his time as a cadet, Anson has exhibited exemplary leadership qualities and a passion for aviation and aerospace education. He has actively participated in numerous activities, including an eight-day basic encampment at Kirtland AFB and orientation flights on the squadron’s plane as well as a USAF C-130. He is also responsible for training younger cadets in drill maneuvers and aerospace education. McMahan's commitment to serving his community and nation is truly commendable, reflecting the core values of the Civil Air Patrol. In addition to his outstanding achievements within the Civil Air Patrol, Anson has excelled academically at Levelland High School. His commitment to balancing academics and extracurricular activities demonstrates his ability to thrive in a demanding environment. McMahan is a varsity letterman in cross country and baseball, he has been a state qualifier in the National History Day program and has many accolades in FFA for leadership and entomology. In addition, he is a member of the LHS Chapter of the National Honor Society and American Mensa. He achieved his first solo flight at the Mid-Atlantic Region Colonel Roland Butler Powered Flight Academy this summer in Camden, South Carolina. According to the Civil Air Patrol, “The goal of the National Flight Academies is to give cadets an opportunity to fly approximately 10 hours and receive instruction from an FAA Certified Flight Instructor. Cadets are given appropriate ground and air instruction and opportunities to practice or perform assigned maneuvers.” Looking ahead, McMahan plans to pursue a career in aviation, building upon the foundation he has established within the Civil Air Patrol. Most recently, he spent a week in Annapolis, Maryland at the US Naval Academy Summer Seminar in preparation to begin the appointment process to one of the five service academies of the US Armed Forces. Congratulations, Anson! We are so proud of your accomplishments!
Tax Cut!
LISD is proud to announce to you that our Board of Trustees approved the tax rate for the 2023-2024 school year. Levelland ISD's tax rate is $.9742, which is a DECREASE of $.1504 from last year. The average decrease in taxes for homeowners is approximately $434.69. We appreciate the great leadership and time that our School Board puts in to make Levelland ISD a great place to learn!
Around LISD......
Mrs. Karen Torres' ABC students had a successful first three days back into the routine of school. They baked cupcakes on Friday and put frosting in them representing their favorite colors. They created friendship bracelets on Thursday that united them together as a family. The lesson was based on Our Class Is A Family a story by Shannon Olsen. The purpose of the lesson was to help students see the classroom as another home full of loved ones.
Rice Maps!
What Matters!
What matters to you? 4th-Grade Capitol students in Mrs. Clara Sanders' Science class were caught learning about how to investigate the physical properties of matter this week! Physical property is any property that can be observed using the five senses or can be measured without changing the matter. Common physical properties include mass, volume, weight, color, size, and texture. These young scientists will rely on physical properties as their starting point for learning about and describing matter. Way to go Mrs. Sanders! We love having a glimpse into your classroom!
SPORTS
Pete's Pigskin Preview!
Congratulations Coach Leong for making the Pete's Pigskin Previews! Our Lobos all love you so much and we wish our Lobos the best of luck! The Lobos' first home game was Friday night!
https://www.facebook.com/petechristykcbd/videos/967249971034087
Special Delivery!
LHS #ExpectsExcellence and what better way to bring in the game ball than with a helicopter? What fun! Coach Northcutt sends out a huge thank you to Derek Dunn for his continued support!
Adopt-A-Loboette!
LHS Coach Gibson shares that our Loboettes got to meet their little Loboettes last night and enjoyed getting to know them! There was lots of pizza, plenty of giggles and some dancing! Mrs. Gibson says, "We are so excited to have these future Loboettes supporting us!"
Big Splash!
LHS makes a big splash on Friday! Mr. Scott Lawson's Technology Career Prep students share this fun video from the pep rally last Friday!
LHS Volleyball Coach Whitney Gibson #ExpectsExcellence & shares that our Loboettes were the Denver City Volleyball Tournament Silver Bracket Champs! Coach Gibson states, "These girls worked extremely hard to win this championship and we are so proud of them!" Way to go ladies!
Cross-Country!
LHS Cross-Country Coach Nelda Munoz shares that our runners ran in their first race, the LCU Rust Buster over the weekend. Our girls placed 4th and the boys placed 3rd! Congratulations to these awesome kids!
Supporting our Lobos!
Educators were seen all over LISD making a big splash last Friday!
Bill's BackPacks
Peanut Butter or Cheese Crackers
is the food item of the month!
Donate!
You can donate at First Bank & Trust, City Bank, Levelland Chamber of Commerce, LISD Administration, and any LISD Campus. You can also donate at https://donorbox.org/bill-s-backpacks.
Next month's food item is...
pop-tarts!