This week, our Administration Team of Dr. Peddy, Dr. Saxton, Mr. Borden, and I spent two days at Learning Labs hosted by Weatherford ISD and Burleson ISD. Both districts opened their campuses and classrooms to us as part of the Texas Strategic Leadership Program through the Texas Education Agency.
The TSL Program helps districts like ours build strong systems for leadership, teaching, and continuous improvement. It is designed to help schools grow and create the best learning environment possible for students.
A big thank you to our partners at Region 7 for their continued support during this process, especially Dr. Drew Howard and Mr. Richard Nash. Thank you also to Joshua ISD and Granbury ISD for their presentations and for sharing their successes with us.
This experience was well worth the time and gave us great ideas and insight to bring back home to Leverett’s Chapel. I am proud to be a Lion and look forward to the continued and intentional work that lies ahead as we work to make Leverett’s Chapel the best small school in Texas.
Small School. Big Dreams. Bold Futures.
Go Lions!


Yesterday, our Juniors and Seniors visited LeTourneau University for a campus tour and attended the College and Career Expo at the Maude Cobb Convention Center.
At LeTourneau University, students walked through the campus, saw classrooms, and learned more about what college life is like. Visits like this help students see what is possible and begin thinking about their next steps after high school.
At the Maude Cobb Expo, students had the opportunity to meet with representatives from colleges, trade schools, the military, and local businesses. They learned about different paths they can take after graduation, whether that means going to college, learning a trade, joining the military, or starting a career.
Thank you to Mrs. Kaufman, Mrs. McClendon, and Mr. Borden for taking our students and helping them prepare for the future.
We are proud to support our students as they explore all the opportunities ahead of them.
Go Lions!










Congratulations to our top sellers in this year’s library fundraiser. Our students sold $2,593 (our goal was $2,000) with a profit of $987.60, for our school library. This is an outstanding accomplishment, and I could not be prouder of the effort our students have shown.
I would like to thank Ms. Julia for leading this fundraiser and every student who participated. The library is one of the most important places in our school. It opens the doors to reading, discovery, and imagination for our students. Strong libraries help create strong learners, and every dollar raised will help strengthen the resources we can provide.
Thank you again for supporting our library and for demonstrating the importance of reading to our students and the school.
Go Lions!










Congratulations to our new FFA Officers at Leverett’s Chapel!
President: Laina Hayes
Vice President: Brynleigh Seymore
Secretary: Lacie Hayes
We are excited about the leadership these young ladies will bring to our LC FFA program.
The FFA (Future Farmers of America) is a student organization that prepares members for leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. It helps students build teamwork, responsibility, and public speaking skills, while also providing opportunities for community service, competitions, and career development.
We are proud of these officers and know they will represent LC well.
Go Lions!
Shout out to our amazing cafeteria crew! The Rusk County Health Department came in for their inspection, and our staff scored a perfect 100 percent with zero findings.
Big congratulations to Debby and her team, Amanda, and Maureen. Their hard work and pride in their work are evident every day, and we could not be more thankful for them.
Great job, ladies, and thank you for taking such great care of our kiddos!!
Go Lions!

Last Friday night, a lady’s jewelry ring was lost, possibly around the concession stand area or in the parking lot. This ring means a great deal to the person who lost it, and we would love to see it returned.
If you have found it, please contact the school at 903-834-3181 or email me at meverett@leverettschapelisd.net
Thank you so much for your help and support.
Go Lions!

Prayers for Wells ISD
It is with a heavy heart that we share the tragic news that our colleague, Mr. Friday Wright, Superintendent of Wells ISD, lost his wife, Morgan, in a car accident in downtown Lufkin yesterday afternoon.
Morgan was a staff member in Lufkin ISD and the mother of two young girls. We ask our Leverett’s Chapel family and community to join us in lifting up Mr. Wright, his daughters, their family, friends, co-workers, and the staff of both Wells ISD and Lufkin ISD.
In times like these, we are reminded that life is fragile and time is fleeting. Please take a moment to value your loved ones, hug them tight, and let them know how much they mean to you.
Please continue to pray for strength, comfort, and peace for all who are mourning this heartbreaking loss.

Here comes the Junior High!
Today, Friday the 26th, every Junior High student showed up. Perfect attendance.
Great job, JH. Way to wrap up the week strong.
The entire district had a solid day as well, with only 6 students absent across all campuses.
Proud of the effort. Let us keep showing up and supporting one another.
Go Lions!

I want to thank my Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Brigdette Hughes, for being awesome and setting up the refreshments in the conference room for the Exes!
Thank you for all that you do!
Go Lions!



LC Community-
Alumni Spotlight: The Story of Leverett’s Chapel
This Homecoming Week, I want to do something a little different. Instead of highlighting just one graduate, I want to spotlight the history of Leverett’s Chapel itself, and the family whose name we carry with pride.
Captain Marshall Duncan Leverett and his wife, Eliza Ann Patterson, were among the earliest leaders of our community. In the 1850s, they traveled by ox wagon from Savannah, Georgia, and built one of the first homes in northwest Rusk County. The Patterson family name was already well known in the region, and the Leveretts quickly became one of the founding families of what would become Leverett’s Chapel.
Before 1890, Mrs. Leverett donated one acre of land for a simple log building that served as both a church and a school. That one gift became the foundation of education in our community, and it set the tone for what would later become Leverett’s Chapel ISD.
By the early 1930s, the school had grown quickly. During the 1933- 1934 school year, about 600 students were enrolled, and in 1936, the school officially became Leverett’s Chapel Independent School District.
Like many towns in East Texas at that time, there were separate schools for Black and white students. The Starr Bailey School served Black students until 1966, when the community came together as one. That step reflected both the challenges and the progress of the Civil Rights era.
The fundamental foundation of the school, as we know it today, came from the life and work of Donald and Roseanneli Leverett. In 1933, they made their home in Leverett’s Chapel and dedicated their lives to education and community.
Donald and Roseanneli welcomed students into their home, encouraged young people to pursue college, and gave their time and resources to help families. Donald also preserved the story of our community by creating a historical notebook that collected records, clippings, and memories of the Leverett family and the school. Because of their work, we can look back today and see how our story was built, piece by piece.
Their contribution was not only in words, but also in action. They lived out the belief that education mattered, that community mattered, and that the next generation mattered.
From one acre of land and a small log building, Leverett’s Chapel has grown into a proud district that today serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade. The spirit of community, the sacrifice, and the commitment to education that began with the Leverett family, and continued through Donald and Roseanneli, still guides us.
Every pep rally, every lesson in the classroom, and every Friday night under the lights can be traced back to those early gifts and to the people who chose to invest in children.
This Homecoming, as alumni and families return, I want us to remember that Leverett’s Chapel is more than a school district. It is the story of pioneers who believed in building something lasting. It is proof that from small beginnings come bold futures.
LION PRIDE NEVER DIES!
GO LIONS!









If you are interested in ordering pictures and forgot to send the payment today, they must be purchased online.
Lifetouch is not allowing schools to collect late payments and mail them in.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Thank you,
Dietra Portley
Yearbook Sponsor

As we complete the first six weeks of the 2025–2026 school year, I am proud to share that our students have achieved an outstanding 97.18 percent attendance rate districtwide. This strong start reflects the commitment of our families, our staff, and most importantly, our students.
Breaking it down by campus, Leverett’s Chapel High School (9-12) recorded a 97.74 percent attendance rate. The 9th grade had a 95.70 percent, grade 10 held steady at 97.23 percent, grade 11 reached 98.67 percent, and grade 12 came in at 98.51 percent! Great job, Seniors!
The Junior High (6-8) posted a 97.4 percent attendance rate across grades 6 through 8. Grade 6 came in at 96.8 percent, grade 7 at 98.2 percent, and grade 8 at 97.2 percent.
Leverett’s Chapel Elementary (K-5), the largest student group, maintained a 96.8 percent attendance rate across kindergarten through fifth grade. Within those grade levels, kindergarten and grade 1 both achieved 97.47 percent, grade 2 came in at 95.2 percent, grade 3 at 97.58 percent, grade 4 at 96.0 percent, and grade 5 at 97.7 percent.
Leverett’s Chapel Elementary (PK) had a 97.16 percent attendance rate.
Attendance matters. Every day in class is an opportunity to learn, grow, and prepare for the future. Consistent attendance is directly linked to academic success, graduation rates, and readiness for college and career. When students are present, they are building the skills and confidence they need to pursue bold futures.
Thank you to our parents, guardians, and community members for prioritizing attendance!
Together, we are proving that a small school can achieve big dreams.
Go Lions!

Engaged Learning in Mrs. Batie’s Classroom
At LC, we believe students learn best when they are actively engaged and making meaningful connections across subjects. Mrs. Batie’s class has demonstrated this through a series of creative, hands-on projects that combine history, science, and critical thinking.
As part of the Bluebonnet curriculum, students recently studied the famous works of Michelangelo. To better understand the effort behind the masterpieces of the Renaissance, students taped paper under their desks and drew while lying on their backs, just as Michelangelo would have done while painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. This creative activity brought the lesson to life and quickly became a class favorite.
In science, one of our fourth-grade students brought in a live Anole lizard, along with a mini habitat he created. The class conducted a full observation and recorded their findings in science journals. Just a few days later, he returned with tree frogs and a skink, giving students another opportunity to explore living creatures from our own community. This type of hands-on experience helps build a lasting interest in biology and the natural world.
In another project, students rotated through seven science lab stations to explore the different properties of matter. Understanding matter is a key foundation in science. It allows students to better comprehend the world around them while developing essential skills in observation, communication, and problem-solving.
In a final experiment, students tested the absorbency of different brands of paper towels. After careful testing and even viewing fibers under a microscope, the class determined that Sam’s Club Member’s Mark was the most absorbent, thanks to its thicker and denser fiber structure.
To Mrs. Batie and her students, thank you for your creativity and commitment to learning.
Go Lions!
Small school. Big dreams. Bold futures.










Celebrating Real-World Learning and Student Leadership at Leverett’s Chapel
At Leverett’s Chapel ISD, we are committed to providing students with experiences that build real-world skills and ignite curiosity. I want to recognize the outstanding work happening in Mrs. Greenberg’s Forensic Science class. Students are currently studying entomology and recently participated in a hands-on body farm lab. This activity gives students practical insight into how insects are used in crime scene investigations to determine the time of death. It is a powerful example of how our teachers are preparing students for college, career, and life through innovative instruction.
I also want to commend our High School Student Council for their leadership and effort in preparing for this week’s Homecoming celebration. On Friday, they began decorating the campus and setting the tone for a week full of school spirit and pride. Their dedication reflects the strong character and energy of our student body.
To Mrs. Greenberg’s class and our Student Council, thank you for representing Leverett’s Chapel with excellence.
Great Job, and Go Lions!
Small school. Big dreams. Bold futures.






We have just completed the first six weeks of the 2025-2026 school year. It feels like yesterday we were hosting Meet the Teacher, and already our students and staff have settled into a strong routine. Thank you to every family and community member who supports our school and our children.
Building a foundation for student success requires steady work and partnership. Our students need adults who lead by example, who model hard work, consistency, and a positive attitude. Success is not a moment. It is a routine built one deliberate step at a time. Please work with us, encourage your children, and support the habits that lead to growth. Your partnership matters.
Next Friday will be a busy and exciting day as we celebrate Homecoming. The schedule is as follows: the Homecoming pep rally will begin at 1:05 p.m.; varsity volleyball will host Union Hill at 4:30 p.m.; junior high football will take on Apple Springs at 5:00 p.m.; and the varsity football game will follow at approximately 7:00 p.m. The Homecoming ceremony, where the king and queen will be announced, will take place at halftime of the varsity game. We hope to see you there to cheer on our Lions!
Thank you for your continued support. Enjoy the weekend, and let us finish these first six weeks strong, TOGETHER!
Go Lions!

(Please remember that you still have to be in dress code!!)

I know it feels like you have been receiving a lot of surveys from us lately, but please know it is all part of a larger effort to improve our district for your children. Your voice matters, and we truly value your input.
As part of this process, we are asking you to complete one more short survey. It has 19 "Yes" or "No" questions and should take less than five minutes to finish.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdej6Ca-5g-FcWNa0bIpZJTfqBGzuw1hZQVDDwu2g6cxkOGwg/viewform
This survey is an important step in helping us understand what is working well and where we need to grow. Your honest answers will help guide our decisions moving forward.
Thank you for your time and support. We are working hard to make Leverett’s Chapel ISD the best it can be for every student and every family.
The survey will close on Friday, September 26, 2025.

