Thursday, March 7, 2024

Week of March 18, 2024

You made it to Spring Break!  WAHOO!  Please enjoy taking time for yourself over the week.  Travel.  Sleep in.  Read a book.  Binge watch some TV.  Do what makes YOU happy!  You have EARNED IT! Please leave when we make the announcement, tomorrow, that all learners have been picked up.  Your spaces and our school look AMAZING and I am so proud to show off our school tonight.  Our parents will be bragging about all of you to Admin- listen up tomorrow on morning broadcast.  


DID YOU KNOW:
  • the time clock at the cafeteria entrance has been repaired and you can use it to clock in/out?
  • we will clean out the lounge fridges at 11:00 on Friday?  Please make sure you get your items so they are not discarded.  
  • you will want to set your auto replies for Spring Break?  Don't forget!

OPEN HOUSE
We are excited to host Open House tonight.  Front and rear doors will be unlocked for entrance at 5:30 PM.  This is a "come and go" event, so parents can stay as long as they need to during this hour.  Don't forget to invite parents to stop by the cafeteria to see the beautiful artwork our learners have created.  FamiLEEs can purchase artwork and take it home.  All proceeds from the Art Show go back to our Art program.  Please plan to dress professionally for the Open House event.




RODEO GOAT SPIRIT NIGHT
Our next spirit night is coming up on Thursday, March 7th, at Rodeo Goat, right here in Cypress Waters.  Beginning at 4PM, if you mention you are with RJL, they will donate 20% of your order back to our PTO.  So come and grab a bite before or after Open House and the Art Show and support your Lee PTO. 



COLOR RUN
The rain should let up in time for our Color Run tomorrow.  Please feel free to wear warm ups.  Sonic drinks will be delivered from PTO (thank you Angel and Samira and PTO).  We will make an announcement when they are ready for you to pick up in the teacher's lounge.  PLEASE SHARE WITH PARENTS:  Our learners may have crossed the finish line on Friday, but there’s still time to donate!  The House Class competitions are open through Spring Break, closing on Sunday, March 17th!  Visit bit.ly/RJLColorRun to donate.  Proceeds directly fund Field Day, with all remaining funds going to our PE department!

NO SCHOOL
There will be no school March 11-15.  See you back safely on March 18.



YEARBOOK
Order your 2023-24 yearbook from Lifetouch today! Type in Richard J Lee Elementary. Yearbook ID: 13015824.



PTO MEETING MINUTES
Thank you to all who attended our latest PTO board meeting this past Tuesday. For those that missed and would like to stay up to date you can find a copy of the PTO meeting minutes here. Have a great Spring Break!


FAMILEE SPIRIT NIGHT

This sounds far away, but mark your calendars now since this is the Friday after we come back from spring break!  Please save the date to join us at Ground Control Las Colinas trampoline park the evening of March 22nd for glow night!  We hope this will be a great time for the kids to hang, but also for the adults to get to know each other!  


You can buy tickets for entry from 6-8pm on the hour or half hour onsite or online!  If you purchase online, when you arrive, make sure to mention our fundraiser and have them print out your receipt!

COACHES CORNER

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LEEDERSHIP TIP OF THE WEEK



DATES TO REMEMBER:
GREEN AND PURPLE HOUSE LOUNGE DUTY (March)
SPRING BREAK WEEK
TEXAS HISTORY MONTH
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

March 17- St. Patrick's Day
March 18- Tara's Birthday
     3-4 Yellow Design 1/2 Day
March 19- 4th Grade Field Trip to Stockyards
     Report Card Grades Due (8:00 AM)
March 20- Leadership Mtg. (3:15 Yellow House)
     International Day of Happiness
March 22- Report Card Day
     Chantel off

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Week of March 4, 2024

You made it!  One more week until Spring Break!!!  Thank you for all you are doing to get your learning spaces set up for Open House.  It is a HUGE deal to have parents in the building and there is so much learning to showcase.  Please make sure all extra furniture is moved out of your spaces and that collabs are as organized as your learning spaces.  We've GOT THIS!  Please leave once an announcement is made on Friday afternoon (once all kiddos are dismissed) and start your Spring Break off a few hours early.  LOVE YOU ALL!


DID YOU KNOW:
  • that it helps the front office when you thumbs up that you see learner messages when alerted parents are here to pick up their children?  Please thumbs up.  If you don't acknowledge, we will send someone to find them, but we don't want to loose office coverage if learners are on their way down.
  • learners for morning tutoring must be dropped off in the front entrance of the building? Please remind students.  It is about their safety. 
  • learners should only get snacks from the cafeteria before school or during their lunch time? Please remind your learners.
  • that the state of Texas requires you to have 150 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours from your last issued teaching license to the next in order to renew your teaching certificate?  The state says: Completion of each CPE activity shall be maintained by each educator and should be evidenced by documentation (e.g., transcripts, certificates of completion, attendance logs). Now, the state has never asked for proof before, but given the current state of affairs in Austin, do you want to take the chance? Suggestion: any training that you do that you submit for Flex credit, please also request SBEC credit. The SBEC credit might not work for staying late to plan an event, but it does count for any data review, learning or state required training. Many people go WAY over the required 150 hours, but it would be a shame to fall short just for not checking a box.  (Thanks for the info, Kat!)
  • Super Teacher nominations are due March 6, and GEM nominations are due March 22?  Please nominate some dedicated peers 


NATIONAL SCHOOL BREAKFAST WEEK

It’s no secret that eating a nutritious breakfast helps our learners start the school day off right!  Next week, March 4-8, is National School Breakfast Week.  All week long our cafeterias will be featuring a new menu items, along with lucky tray giveaways.  This year’s theme is “Surf's Up With School Breakfast."



MARCH MADNESS AT LEE ELEMENTARY
Join in the March Madness!  Stop by the lounge each day, starting tomorrow, and sample each chip flavor to vote on your favorite one.  We will see who is the winner at Lee Elementary.  Thank you, Social Spurs for sponsoring the taste test and to Linda for designing the bracket!




SCHOOL PICTURE DAY
Tuesday is staff and class picture day.  Please plan to be here by 7:05 for our staff photograph in the cafeteria at 7:10.  Immediately after arrival, we will start calling your classes down for class and individual pictures. Purple...that means hold off on your morning broadcast until after Specials, because your pictures will start right at 7:45.  It is imperative you drop what you are doing and hustle down to the cafe, so we can try to get learners through before PE or recess. Please line your learners up from shortest to tallest before coming down.  Lastly, remember that lunch is in your spaces, this day, as the photographers will need the entire cafeteria.



NWEA MAP TRAINING ON TUESDAY
Please remember to come down to the large conference room during your conference time on Tuesday.  You will have an NWEA Map Trainer available to answer questions and help you with this district resource.  SPED team has the trainer at 2:00.  Snacks??  We will provide some!


PTO MEETING
Our next Virtual PTO Meeting is coming up on Tuesday, March 5th, at 6PM, with a special guest from the CISD School Board.  Link to join will be emailed home that day.  We are looking forward to seeing you all there. 

COLLEGE SHIRT DAY
Wednesday is College Shirt Day.  Show your school spirit by participating.



OPEN HOUSE
We are excited to host Open House on Thursday.  Front and rear doors will be unlocked for entrance at 5:30 PM.  This is a "come and go" event, so parents can stay as long as they need to during this hour.  Don't forget to invite parents to stop by the cafeteria to see the beautiful artwork our learners have created.  FamiLEEs can purchase artwork and take it home.  All proceeds from the Art Show go back to our Art program.  Please plan to dress professionally for the Open House event.




RODEO GOAT SPIRIT NIGHT
Our next spirit night is coming up on Thursday, March 7th, at Rodeo Goat, right here in Cypress Waters.  Beginning at 4PM, if you mention you are with RJL, they will donate 20% of your order back to our PTO.  So come and grab a bite before or after Open House and the Art Show and support your Lee PTO. 



LEE COLOR RUN
Only one week left before the RJL Color Run!  Visit bit.ly/RJLColorRun for more details, to donate, and to register to run or throw color at your learner's race.  The deadline for parent registration and for the fundraising, prizes that will be awarded on race day is 8PM, on Thursday, March, 7.  Proceeds directly fund Field Day, with all remaining funds going to our PE Department.  Don't forget to stop by the campus house fundraising charts, in the cafeteria during Open House, to see how close your child's class is to earning their incentives. 

EARLY RELEASE


NO SCHOOL
There will be no school next week, March 11-15.  See you back safely on March 18.



YEARBOOK
Order your 2023-24 yearbook from Lifetouch today! Type in Richard J Lee Elementary. Yearbook ID: 13015824.



PLAYGROUND UPDATE
Guess what?  I learned on Tuesday, that playground construction is set to begin at Lee Elementary on MONDAY!  Yes, next week they will begin prepping the site.  Below is an image of where the new playground will be constructed.  You will notice that this playground will be located where the fenced in gaga pit area is.  This location was decided by CISD and surveyors, and the new one will align with ADA guidelines.  All new CISD playgrounds will have K-5 next to each other in one area. This is new for us all.  We will work through what recess on the new playground looks like with our campus leadership team, but for now construction work and workers should pose minimum disruption at Lee.  The gaga pit will be moved by CISD to the other side of the garden, and for the remainder of this school year, CISD is leaving both of our current playgrounds to play on.  During the summer, CISD will demolish the 3-5 playground and sod over that area.  CISD is leaving the K-2 playground as an additional play structure due to having higher numbers of learners at Lee.  I will keep you informed as I learn more.  Any other questions?  Come ask me.



CISD JOB FAIR
Thank you to those that communicated they want to serve on our campus interview team this year!  It is a wonderful time to get to know new people and share about our school with future candidates.  If you are joining us, you need to attend annual training (about 15 mins) on April 1- this is not a joke! Babes lunch will be provided by CISD on the 6th.



RED AND BLACK SUPERSTARS
Help the Coppell ISD Education Foundation spotlight the dedicated and hardworking students, administrators and support staff in CISD by nominating them for a Super Star award. The deadline for Super Star nominations is April. Teachers, Staff, and parents, nominate a staff member today! www.coppellisdef.org/superstar/.



SAVE THE DATE
CEF run to fund

Mark your calendars and lace up your running shoes! The Coppell ISD Education Foundation will be hosting its Annual Run to Fund at Andy Brown East Park on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

This year’s Run will include a one-mile Fun Run perfect for adults and children of all ages followed by a 5K, timed and untimed. Be on the lookout for more information to come. CEF can't wait to see you and the CISD community at this fun event that benefits the teachers and students of CISD. If you are interested in hosting a vendor booth at this event, please email edfoundation@coppellisd.com.



COACH'S CORNER

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DLC UPDATES

  • NEW: Digital Content Connections! 

What is it? Content connections is a new way the elementary DLC’s are getting resources and digital integration ideas into your hands! We will send these with our weekly updates. When we get back from spring break, our goal is to send it two weeks prior to your units so you can use them when planning.

How to Use: Click on your grade level to find a digital learning lesson idea that directly ties to a student learning objective you a currently teaching, or explore all the ideas to get inspiration. Go to the “Try Something New” to find a new idea or creativity challenge to try out for yourself or with your learners!

👉View the Content Connections for next week here!👈


  • Learner iPad Backup

Communication on backing up iPads will be sent to learner families. Here are the steps for the back-up process, if you would like to check on learners backing up their important files or help them with the process: 

  • Upcoming Schedule Disruptions

In the next few weeks, I will be off campus several days for iPad roll-out.  You can always view my calendar here!


LESSON IN LEEDERSHIP




DATES TO REMEMBER:
GREEN AND PURPLE HOUSE LOUNGE DUTY (March)
COLOR RUN FUNDRAISING THROUGH MARCH 8
NATIONAL SCHOOL BREAKFAST WEEK
EDUCATIONAL DIAGNOSTICIAN WEEK

March 5- Laura's Birthday
     Staff Picture (7:05 AM)
     Spring Picture Day (cafeteria)
     Eat in Houses for lunch
     CISD NWEA Training during conference times
     SPED NWEA Training (2:00 PM)
     Day 2 Team Time NOT DAY 7
     Virtual PTO Meeting (6:00 PM)
March 6- 5th Grade Girl's Spinal Screening
     Day 1 Team Time
March 7- Keiko's Birthday
     Day 7 Team Time  NOT DAY 2
     Open House and Art Show (5:30-6:30)
     Rodeo Goat PTO Spirit Day (4PM-10PM)
March 8- Color Run Day (During Specials) Staff park in the back
     Early Release (12:30)
March 11-March 15- SPRING BREAK
March 13- Andrea's Birthday
     Ellison's Birthday
March 14- Brian's Birthday
      Maria's Birthday
March 15- Linda's Birthday

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Week of February 26, 2024

Hi team!  I will miss being on campus on Friday, as I'm taking a personal day.  Angel is also at Crucial Conversations training.  Please keep discipline issues until Monday for us to address.  If there are any emergencies, please reach out to Kat.  

DID YOU KNOW:
  • Super Teacher nominations are due March 6, and GEM nominations are due March 22?  Please nominate some dedicated peers.  
  • that only emergency copies should be made on the copier in the records room?  This machine should be used for your color copies.  It defaults to color and we get charged for every copy so make sure that you select printing in B/W if you are printing anything not in color.  Thanks for your help to keep the color printing costs to a minimum.  Please know, we recognize Open House is coming so our color copy count will be elevated.
  • that Kristi will be recognized at Monday night's Board Meeting?  If you plan on supporting Kristi, please join us in the lobby of the Admin Bldg. at 5:30 PM.  
  • our new custodian's name is Isinia?  Please welcome her on board and let her know if there is any way she can help keep our building clean.  If you want your windows cleaned (because they are foggy- I see them) please take your items off and let me know to add you to "the list."
  • our new security guard's name is Ryan?  He will be out Friday, Monday and Tuesday, but Officer Chase will be here on those days.
  • we have not had reminders for positive home communication lately?  I would encourage an email or picture or phone call home praising your learners.  Spend time after school on this or documenting it in Panorama????  Apply for flex!

FABULOUS FRIDAY
A fresh fruit tray will be put out in the teacher's lounge for you to enjoy on Friday.  Please stop by and treat yourself.  We appreciate you!  Thank you, Angel, for picking up the trays and to the front office for putting them out.



PARENT EVENT- DON'T MISS OUT!
Parents, Mrs. Kastrounis highly recommends you mark your calendars to attend this Parent University topic on February 28. She has heard this speaker before and you should be informed of current trends that are impacting our community.

ECONOMICS FAIR
Third grade will host their annual Economic's Fair on Friday.  Thank you for supporting them!  They will share communication with your house to send in your newsletters.


SAVE THE DATE!  LEE COLOR RUN COMING SOON
Fundraising is LIVE for our annual Color Run, with all proceeds going to the PE Department, and, of course, one of our learners' favorite events of the year, FIELD DAY!!  Visit bit.ly/RJLColorRun for more details, to donate, and to register to run or throw color at your learner's race.  Ask your learner about the awesome prize incentives their classes are working towards. 

Also, PTO will gift the top designer in each house $50 in classroom supplies (of their choice) from Amazon (PTO will order on your behalf). And PTO will provide Sonic drinks for the entire staff on March 8.


RED AND BLACK SUPERSTARS
Help the Coppell ISD Education Foundation spotlight the dedicated and hardworking students, administrators and support staff in CISD by nominating them for a Super Star award. The deadline for Super Star nominations is April. Teachers, Staff, and parents, nominate a staff member today! www.coppellisdef.org/superstar/.


YEARBOOK
Order your 2023-24 yearbook from Lifetouch today! Type in Richard J Lee Elementary. Yearbook ID: 13015824.


PTO MEETING MINUTES AND NEXT MEETING
Thank you to all that attended this past Tuesday.  For those unable to attend, you can find the meeting minutes here.  Our next virtual PTO Meeting is coming up on Tuesday March 5, at 6PM, with a special guest from the CISD School Board. 


SAVE THE DATE
Our next spirit night is coming up on Thursday, March 7th, at Rodeo Goat right here in Cypress Waters.  Beginning at 4PM, if you mention you are with RJL, they will donate 20% of your order back to our PTO.  So come and grab a bite before or after Open House and the Art Show and support your Lee PTO. 



COPPELL JOB FAIR COMING SOON
If you are interested in joining us on Saturday, April 6, let Chantel know.  It is a TON of fun and CISD will feed you Babes afterwards.  


COACH'S CORNER

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ESL STRATEGY OF THE WEEK

 


DATES TO REMEMBER:
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
NATIONAL DENTAL HEALTH MONTH
CTE APPRECIATION MONTH
TELPAS TESTING WINDOW
GREEN AND PURPLE HOUSE LOUNGE DUTY (March)
COLOR RUN FUNDRAISING THROUGH MARCH 8

February 25- Stormi's Birthday
February 26- Color Run Fundraising Begins
     TOY Reception (5:30 Admin Bldg.)
February 27- Reading Academy
February 28- Reading Academy
     Staff Meeting (3:15-4:45)
February 29- Literacy Content Academy
March 1- 3rd Grade Economics Fair (8:00)
     Texas History Month
     Woman's History Month
March 2- Texas Independence Day