During convocation ceremonies Aug. 18 at Lobo Coliseum more than 1,000 Longview ISD employees were in attendance and inspired by speakers from the board of trustees, administration, and LISD Foundation, as well as 2016 LISD Secondary Teacher Of the Year Lisa Mize offered words of advice to teachers.
'Get ready, they are coming,' Mize said. 'Take a moment to appreciate and enjoy the privilege you have as educators.'
Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox told teachers it is them who change the world.
'What you do will change the life of a student,' he said.
Citing the continued improvements in student performance, facility upgrades, and staff retention, Dr. Wilcox said the LISD is second to none among schools of comparable size.
'We have reached a level of achievement to where now there are big city schools in Dallas and Houston, calling us for solutions and insight,' he said. 'That is a testament to the caliber of people we have in this district.'
The most inspiring words of the day came from speaker, Rev. Charles Foster Johnson, of Pastors for Texas Children.
'You are not alone,' he said. 'Let us help lift you when you feel low, let us guide you when you do not see the path, let us help when you cannot. We are here for you, the great educators and staff of LISD.'
Johnson praised administration, teachers and staff hard work, reminded them to, “keep motivating, encouraging and pumping knowledge in the upcoming school year and the kids will fly.”
Wilcox agreed.
'Together, we will all help our young people do great things,' he added.