District receives highest rating by Texas Education Agency

Benjamin Nopper, Section Editor • August 31, 2018

Lovejoy was one of four districts to receive a score of 97, the highest score awarded by Texas Education Agency.

The district announced last week that it has received a Texas School Report Card “A” rating. Lovejoy is one of the only four districts to receive the highest rating of 97.

Seventy percent of the report card issued from the Texas Education Agency is based on STAAR test percentages, and the other 30 percent of the rating is based on how well a district targets growth for students who score lower on STAAR, also known as “Closing the Gaps.”

“In order to receive an A, districts had to have a scaled score of 90 or above,” assistant superintendent Dennis Muizers said. “Seventy percent of the scaled score is determined from the higher percentage of students passing the STAAR tests or the percentage of students who made growth from one year to the next on their STAAR scores.”

The district received a score of 96 in STAAR performance, and a score of 100 in “Closing the Gaps.” This led to an overall score of 97, putting Lovejoy, along with three other districts, at the top of 1,200 other districts that were evaluated.

Muizers admitted that a letter score based on test performances is not entirely reflective of the experience of a student at school, but he also expressed gratitude towards the people who made the high rating possible.

“Even though the new grading system does not incorporate many vitally important factors that make Lovejoy an ‘A’ district,” Muizers said. “We do believe that our overall grade is only possible because of the hard work of our teachers, principals, bus drivers, custodians, food service staff, students, parents, and community members who strive to make Lovejoy a school district that is second to none in every program we offer.”

High school principal Chris Mayfield said he is happy to see the students and faculty of the district receiving worthy recognition.

“I think [the report card rating] is great because as a district, our kids and community are being recognized for the great work they’re doing,” Mayfield said.

Muizers said there were 121 districts and 32 charters who had a grade of A on the new accountability system.

“Excellence is not an accident,” Muizers said, “and we remain steadfastly focused on meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of each Lovejoy student.”

About the Contributors

Benjamin Nopper, Section Editor

After joining staff and becoming an editor his sophomore year, Benjamin Nopper is enthusiastic to spend his senior year in the newsroom he considers to be his home away from home. Benjamin walked into room E103 two years ago feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of the unknown‒writing for an award-winning publication without much previous experience. Hundreds of articles and dozens of close relationships later, he now understands that writing enables an individual to have a meaningful impact in his community. A disciple of his former boss, Nick Smith, Nopper retains his position as sports editor for the third consecutive year while also contributing as an opinion writer. However, if it were up to him, he would run his own satire department. Outside of the newsroom, Nopper plays baseball and serves as an FCA leader. Nopper is also a member of Student Council, NHS and Spanish Club. He enjoys embarking adventures with his three dogs, spending afternoons on the golf course, and feeding his unhealthy coffee obsession. Nopper also loves to watch Impractical Jokers, the show that admittedly inspires some of his lighthearted interactions with his friends. Upon graduating, Nopper intends to study business and eventually attend law school.

Grace Nguyen, Section Editor

Fueled daily by three iced vanilla coffees, standing at 5’2”, Grace Nguyen will walk into the E103 door with no problem. Grace is entering senior year, and the only reason she is believed to have survived high school is because of the napping couch in the photography studio. During her time on staff, Grace has been to almost every football game, win or loss, and wouldn’t have changed a thing. Yes, Grace has been tackled by football players, run over by coaches, and body slammed by referees. Nonetheless, Grace will confidently walk on the field this year, bruises and all, alongside her sideline media team. Stepping outside the newsroom, which is rare, Grace enjoys playing softball, hanging out with family and friends, and finding excuses to go to every $3 Pazookie Tuesdays at BJ’s. After high school, Grace hopes to pursue a career in sports photojournalism, so watch out for her still getting run over by athletes on ESPN in the years to come. Although it’s bittersweet to leave newspaper upon graduation, Grace is thankful for all the opportunities that she’s had on staff. Through The Red Ledger, Grace created long-lasting friendships and won a lot of awards that she never imagined was possible. Grace hopes that current and future staffers will think of this national-award-winning publication the same way as she did–a second family and their home away from home.