January is School Board Recognition Month
Submitted by Gregg Faith, Livingston ISD
Livingston ISD - They are alternately described as having the most important volunteer jobs in the country and facing the toughest challenge in elected American government. Yet school board members are just ordinary citizens with extraordinary dedication to our nation’s public schools.

Public education is the backbone of American society, and local school boards are deeply rooted in U.S. tradition. Their origins can be traced to colonial times when the Massachusetts Law of 1642 empowered town officers to compel parents to teach their children to read. Today local school boards continue to do the most important work in their communities—that of educating our youth.

Yet local trustees sometimes tackle an often thankless job devoid of any glory. It is time we thanked them for their untiring efforts.

Too often we forget about the personal sacrifices school board members routinely make.

Too often we forget about the important role school board members play in assuring local control over our public schools, control that is in the hands of people we know…people who are our neighbors.

Too often we forget that, in the tradition of a representative democracy, school board members are our connection to influencing how our public schools are governed.

Too often we are quick to criticize school board members without really knowing all the details that went into any given decision.

Too often the efforts of school board members go unrecognized and unrewarded.

January is School Board Recognition Month. This is a time to show our appreciation and begin to better understand how local trustees work together to provide a better future for our children.

The mission of the public schools is to educate each and every child to the fullest of his or her potential. School trustees serve as key advocates for students and are responsible for communicating the needs of the district to the public and the public’s expectations to the districts.

The school board works closely with parents, administrators, education professionals, and other local citizens to create the educational vision we want for our community. In a larger sense, the ultimate role of the local school board is to help preserve our nation’s liberty, prepare our economy for prosperity, and enrich the lives of our people.

It is in the schools of each local community that real teaching and learning happen. Consequently, it is the local school board that can best bring together in our democracy the entire community—parents, business and civic leaders, and all others concerned about the future of our children.

In January, we join with others from throughout our district to salute the men and women who serve on the school board of Livingston ISD.

Mini‑Academy to Prepare for the ESL TExES Exam
Submitted by Diana Kelm, LISD Administration
This training academy is designed to assist certified teachers seeking to take the English as a second language supplemental TExES exam.  During this intensive workshop, participants will receive an overview of the competencies to be tested, the test item formats and pertinent study resources. This session will address the domains of Language Concepts/Language Acquisition: ESL Instruction and Assessment, Foundations of ESL Education, Cultural Awareness, and Family and Community Involvement.  Participants planning on taking the exam need to be sure that they have met the registration deadline and registered for the correct test. (English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental exam #154).

PRESENTER:      Consuelo Malecek

THIS TRAINING IS BEING OFFERED ON:
February 12th and 13th 2008                

ESL Mini Academy for the TExES
Livingston Board Room                                   

TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THESE TRAINING DATES CONTACT:
Diana Kelm, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services

TExES Test Dates 2007-2008

February 23, 2008
April 19, 2008
June 21, 2008
August 2, 2008

To register for exam and view registration deadlines visit www.texes.ets.org

Grinch Goes Free!
Submitted by Janie Snyder, Pine Ridge Elementary
In Mrs. Snyder's 3rd grade class the students held a trial to determine whether the Grinch should be given a second chance or pay for his crimes. After  intense questioning and debate, the jury was hung. Therefore, the judge ruled that the Grinch could go free and all charges were dismissed!

Click Here to see the Photo Gallery!

Christmas Around the World
Submitted by Sue Ann McQueen, Pine Ridge Elementary
Christmas Around the World in 8 days!  First Graders at PRE traveled around the globe learning different Christmas traditions and celebrations in the countries of Mexico, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Australia, England, Africa, and Holland.  While in Mexico, students learned to say “Feliz Navidad” which is Spanish for “Merry Christmas” and made poinsettias.  In Italy students learned the art of quilling which involves the use of strips of paper that are rolled, shaped and glued to create decorative designs and that the first manager scene was founded in Italy.  As they passed through Germany, students learned that the tannenbaum or Christmas tree is a custom that comes from Germany.   In Sweden students made St. Lucia head wreaths and learned that tomte, the Christmas gnome, delivers gifts to children. 

While in England, students drank wassail and ate chocolate yule log cake, sang Christmas carols and made Christmas cards.  On their trip through Holland, students made an ornament for the Paradise Tree and placed a shoe outside the door in hopes that Sinterklaas would come and leave a treat.  In Africa students learned Kwanzaa traditions.  Kinara candles were lit and the meaning of each was discussed.  Upon entering Australia, students made aborigine Christmas cards and learned some of the unique dialect such as “vegging out” (relaxing), “to chew the fat” (to talk), “lolly” (money) and that a “barbie” is not a doll in the land down under.

Click Here to see the Photo Gallery!

Spirit of Giving through the Eyes of a Child
Submitted by Paula Franklin, Livingston GT Program
      

Gifted & Talented students had the opportunity to participate in a Christmas Community Service Project. Students collected money for needy families and were able to provide many items for those that are less fortunate. The students then wrote what having this experience meant to them. Please read how this touched the hearts of our youth.

Click Here to read Student Essays on Giving!

Click Here to see the Photo Gallery!

Senior Cap and Gown Retakes
Submitted by Marci Dickens, Livingston High School
Senior cap & gown and retakes on casuals and formal portraits will be taken on Tuesday, January 15th in the auditorium. All seniors and graduating juniors need to come by the journalism room, S-102, to schedule a time by Friday, January 11th. The cap & gown and formal portraits will be used in the yearbook and the Enterprise graduation edition in May.

Those who did not have their portraits made in the summer or do not have them made on the 15th will not appear in the 2008 yearbook. Call 328-2267 or email Mrs. Dickens at mdickens@livingstonisd.com for more information.

Little Belles Dance Clinic
Submitted by Jami Alexander, Livingston High School
Date: Saturday Feb. 2, 2008
Livingston Intermediate School Gym
Grades K-5

Time: Registration will be from 8:30 to 9:00
Clinic from 9:00 to 11:30
Peformance for parents/guests at 11:45

Cost: $40 per participant. This includes a t-shirt, drinks & snacks, picture with Belles and dance music CD.

Participants from this clinic will have the chance to perform the dance they learned with the Belles at the Lion's Varsity basketball game on Tuesday Feb. 5.

Registration packets will be sent home through the schools. For more information contact Jami Alexander at the high school 328-2240.

Registration forms may be brought/mailed to the school prior to the clinic or participants can register that morning.

LHS Students Learn Banking Skills
Submitted by Janie Prather, Livingston High School
Students in Mrs. Prather's high school class work every afternoon in the Jobsite Training Program. Their training sites include Baskins, Hampton Inn, Livingston Physical Therapy, H.E.B., and the campuses of LHS and LJHS. When the students are paid they cash their checks at First State Bank. They learn about what is involved in cashing a check and then shop at Wal-Mart. This experience teaches them about the role of the banking system and gives them an opportunity to do some independent shopping.

FAFSA Assistance Meeting - Jan. 22, 2008
Submitted by Sandy Gilbert, Livingston High School
If you have a child who will be attending college or a vocational school after graduation and you have need of financial aid, it is important that you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you would like help completing your FAFSA, I have arranged for a financial aid advisor, Rebecca Daughtry, from Angelina College to be at Livingston High School on January 22, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the high school library.

She will take appointments every 15 minutes during this time, (except from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.) to give individual assistance to parents and/or students in completing their FAFSA. To schedule an appointment, contact Sandra Gilbert, LHS senior counselor, at 936-328-2250 and I will schedule a time for you to meet individually with Ms. Daughtry.

Please bring any of the following documents that apply to your situation:
*2007 tax information
*W-2 Form
*Social Security Statement
*State/Federal Benefits Statement
*Parent Social Security Number
*E-mail address

Ms. Daughtry is prepared to assist parents who need a Spanish-speaking interpreter if needed. Please let me know if you need this service when you call to schedule your appointment. Your child does not have to be planning to attend Angelina College for you to take advantage of her assistance.

Hamburger/
cheeseburger
on bun
Burger salad or
Beef stew w/crackers
French fries
Fresh fruit
Milk

Girls Soccer - 2007 Season
Boys Soccer - 2007 Season
Junior High Basketball - 2007 Season
Boys Basketball Schedule 2007 Season
Girls JH Basketball Schedule 2007 Season
Girls Basketball Schedule 2007 Season

Lady Lions - Livingston Tournament

Friday, December 28, 2007
Livingston          71        
Scarborough      32

Livingston          62
Shepherd          27

Saturday, December 29, 2007
Livingston          33        
Channelview      31

Livingston          42        
Beaumont Ozen             47

We placed Second!!!
The varsity girls overall record is 18-5       district 2-1

LIVINGSTON LADY LIONS vs. Warren
The Lady Lion Basketball teams traveled to Warren and the results are below.

Livingston          69
Warren              38

Courte Gordon               19 points
Daylyn Harris                 16 points
TraNiqua Dishmon          13 points

JV
Livingston          35
Warren              28

Morgan Lantrip               14 points
Valencia White              10 points

9th
Livingston          17
Warren              28

Low-Fat Mocha Angel Cake Cooking with the LISD family! - January 7, 2008 Click Here to print this recipe...and cook it for your co-workers, family, or Communications Office!

Cake

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving: Calories 170 (Calories from Fat 10 ); Total Fat 1 g (Saturated Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 260 mg; Total Carbohydrate 36 g (Dietary Fiber 0g); Protein 4 g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 0%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 2 %; Iron 4 % Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1 1/2 Fruit  - *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.