Saturday, September 26, 2015

CIP stands Campus Improvement Plan

As defined by TEA: Each school year the principal of each school campus, with the assistance of the campus level committee, must develop, review and revise the campus improvement plan. The purpose of this plan is to improve student performance on the state’s student achievement indicators for all student populations, as well as improve performance on any other performance measures for special needs populations. The campus improvement plan must be supportive of the objectives of the district improvement plan and must, at a minimum, support the state goals and objectives for education.  

District and campus CIP's are mutually supportive, therefore, our CIP springboards off the the district's plan.

Our Campus Improvement Plan is posted on our campus website and was approved by the board during the first month of school.  Please read this plan and become familiar with it, because we ALL have responsibilities to work towards actualization this school year.

My expectation is that each house read and visit the document before Wednesday's Leadership Meeting.  Please bring any clarifying questions about action steps and responsibilities to our meeting. We want to make sure that everyone understands what is written.  Our CIP is a living/breathing document so we can make adjustment to language if needed.  We also need to document what we are doing, already, at Wednesday's meeting.

Thank you for coming prepared to Leadership Meeting.  Remember that ANYONE can attend and participate.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Week of September 28

Thank you for another FANTASTIC week at Lee.  When reflecting about our staff meeting, I am grateful we have a mutual understanding of our guiding purpose at our school.  This quote does a great job of reinforcing the power of each of you and that we are stronger working together.


OUR GUIDING PURPOSE: We empower learners to positively impact the world by designing learning experiences that promote positive relationships, risk taking, and collaboration in a flexible environment. 



DID YOU KNOW?
  • that as you teach about math and sustainability you can use our NEW data dashboard that is web based and can be accessed at home?  The password is: spurs  Kids can log in, take the quizzes, and the content will circulate.
  • you can purchase a CHS Volleyball t-shirt?  Learn more by clicking here
  • that Education Foundation Grant submissions are open?  Here is a link to directions and timelines.  These are for innovative tools like...throwing some ideas out...a 3D Printer, Coding Robots, Paper 52 digital pencils, drones....see me if you need help, ideas, or a thought partner.
  • the CAST conference for Science teachers is Nov 12-14.  If you are interested in attending, please let Chantel know.


FALL PICTURES
It is fine with us if you wear your school spirit shirt for pictures.  Friday is a jeans day and we all like our jeans!! Yellow house, please be ready immediately following announcements.  We will send runners to other houses when we are ready for your class.  Please come to the media center, IMMEDIATELY, when we send for you.


GOAL SETTING DOCUMENTATION
Please print off a copy of your goals from Eduphoria, sign it, and put them in Todd's mailbox.  We got an email on Thursday that the district would like to have a signed copy this year.  If we had known before hand, we would have had you sign at the conclusion of your goal setting.  Thank you for getting this task completed and for your flexibility.


DESIGN DAYS
Design Days start on Monday!  YAY!  Please make sure your sub plans are somewhere the sub can find them.  I request that your planning last from 7:30 to 3:30 and that you stay on campus for your 30 minute lunch. Feel free to order in, we have menus in the front office.  Please do not schedule a parent conference or other meeting on your design day.  This honors everyone's collaboration time.
We would like for you to to focus on the first two nine weeks in Sam's document.  If your group decides to transfer to another document, that is your call.

Please plan to take a 15 minute break in the AM and a 15 minute break in the PM to observe in other houses.  This will count as Teacher Observing Teacher time and more info will be emailed to you about this.


GRANDPARENTS and SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY
Leadership team, please email Todd and Chantel what your house has decided to do for this day.  We appreciate you pushing out this link to your parents to get visitors to RSVP beforehand.  Here is the link to see who has already signed up.   PLEASE ensure that all of our guests feel welcome on this day!


LIVE MORNING BROADCAST
Thank you for joining us live at 7:57 for our broadcast.  You are doing an exceptional job of morning meetings in your houses!  Megan has rocked out running it with and without Alli's help!


LEADERSHIP COUNCIL:
LEEdership Council meetings have been added to the staff calendar.  Between now and October 8, please determine your class LEEder for the year.  This learner will spend sixteen hours with me as we develop their leadership skills and voice on campus.  The dates are already on the Faculty Calendar.  This person must be a strong communicator, respected by their peers, and be voted on.  Please let me know who your LEEder is, by October 8, on this form.  Please ensure that the democratic process is practiced; it aligns beautifully with your curriculum.  As your candidates "run" for this position the guidelines are:
  1. They can spend no more than $5 on their campaign
  2. They must present a brief presentation in front of the class and be dressed professionally (age approp)
  3. They may pass out marketing, but it cannot be food (ex: self created buttons on construction paper, little notes: Vote for Diana, etc.)


SUPER TEACHERS
We have an incredibly talented staff.  Nominate someone from LEE for district recognition by filling out this Google form.



THURSDAYS ARE TOUR DAYS

While I know ALL of YOU are doing your best to keep your spaces orderly, please keep in mind that our tour day is Thursday.  We have a minimum of two tours each Thursday.  One at 9:00 and another at 1:00.  Here is what our visitors are looking to learn about and observe at Lee:


  • digital learning environment
  • Challenge Based Learning
  • flexible learning environments
  • School as a Learning Tool
  • Sustainability


"LEE"DERSHIP QUALITY OF THE WEEK

Patience- the ability to wait calmly.


QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Consider the chicken; you get them by hatching the eggs not smashing them” -Arnold H. Glasow


LESSON IN "LEE"DERSHIP

When a designer is assisting another learner, wait calmly until he or she can help you.


DATES TO REMEMBER:

Sept 28 - Oct 2:  Book Fair Week
Sept 28: 1st Grade Design Day
              Spurs Savings Training (5th grade)
Sept 29: 2nd Grade Design Day
              Spurs Savings Training (5th grade)
              Dr. Waldrip Campus Visit
Sept 30:  Sara's Birthday
               Walk AT School Wednesday
               3rd Grade Design Day
               Special Friends Day (10:00-1:30)
               Leadership Mtg. (3:30-5:00)
Oct 1:  4th Grade Design Day
            Grand Opening of Spurs Savings
            Tour Thursday (9:00 and 1:00)
Oct 2:  5th Grade Design Day
            BOY Data Due in AWARE
            National Custodian's Appreciation Day

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Week of September 21

I try to remind each of you that we are here for a PURPOSE.  While in Austin at the Texas Principal's Visioning Institute, I was reminded how instrumental we are in transforming education.  It is not easy work, but it is IMPORTANT work.  THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the hours, commitment, and passion you give to our school and learners EVERYday.  You are blazing trails and you have to "go slow to go fast!"



DID YOU KNOW?
  • morning broadcast will be LIVE starting Monday?  See details below!
  • that you can use Schoology for your grade level or house "brain dumping?"  Think about it...create a grade level or house course and drop your ideas/links there.
  • that we have a picture schedule for Friday?  Go to the last tab titled: Picture Schedule
  • propping the doors open with rocks causes a MAJOR safety issue.  DO NOT prop open doors, EVER!  Please remind learners that all guests go to the front office and not to let ANYONE in the back doors.
  • iStation can be accessed at HOME, too?  Why not challenge your learners to go on outside of school?  The district monitors usage, so let's show them what LEE is made of.
  • that Education Foundation Grant submissions are open?  Here is a link to directions and timelines.  These are for innovative tools like...throwing some ideas out...a 3D Printer, Coding Robots, Paper 52 digital pencils, drones....see me if you need help, ideas, or a thought partner.


FLIPPING THE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK
Please view these two videos that go along with our CISD Employee Handbook.  They ensure that we are compliant with district expectations to cover highlights of the 92 pages.  After watching these, please sign off in Todd's office.  This needs to be completed by Tuesday

PARKING LOTS
Please make adjustments, immediately, to where you are parking in the morning.  Due to the increase in learners, we have more parents coming to lunch.  We also have more staff members, so our front parking lot is full at lunch time.  Visitors don't have room to park, so they try to come in the back doors.  This creates a safety concern.  Starting Friday, unless you bought a spot (Samira), please park in the back parking lot.  Thanks!


LIVE MORNING BROADCAST
Please join us, LIVE, from our studio on Monday morning promptly at 7:57.  (NOT 7:55, as we did last year.)  This gives everyone seven minutes to get into their house groups.  Although we archive the show, each house should watch the show LIVE.  Please revisit Alli's email with how to connect on Livestream.


LEADERSHIP COUNCIL:
LEEdership Council meetings have been added to the staff calendar.  Between now and October 8, please determine your class LEEder for the year.  This learner will spend sixteen hours with me as we develop their leadership skills and voice on campus.  The dates are already on the Faculty Calendar.  This person must be a strong communicator, respected by their peers, and be voted on.  Please let me know who your LEEder is, by October 8, on this form.  Please ensure that the democratic process is practiced; it aligns beautifully with your curriculum.  As your candidates "run" for this position the guidelines are:
  1. They can spend no more than $5 on their campaign
  2. They must present a brief presentation in front of the class and be dressed professionally (age approp)
  3. They may pass out marketing, but it cannot be food (ex: self created buttons on construction paper, little notes: Vote for Diana, etc.)

GOAL SETTING MEETINGS
Thank you for signing up for your BOY Goal Setting Meeting with Todd and I.  Your document, in Eduphoria, should be completed before our meeting.  We will be in meetings all day Friday, Monday, and Tuesday.

SUPER TEACHERS
We have an incredibly talented staff.  Nominate someone from LEE for district recognition by filling out this Google form.


WELCOME

Please take time on Monday to welcome our new PPCD aide, Rikki, to our famiLEE.  She is going to be a wonderful addition to our special education program and campus.  Just like each of you, she was hand picked to be here.  Viana will be sliding back into Wendy's Active Learning classroom.


BRIDAL SHOWER

Please join us to CELEBRATE Taylor's upcoming wedding after school on Tuesday.  


THURSDAYS ARE TOUR DAYS

While I know ALL of YOU are doing your best to keep your spaces orderly, please keep in mind that our tour day is Thursday.  We have a minimum of two tours each Thursday.  One at 9:00 and another at 1:00.  On the last Thursday of the month (like this Thursday) we have Learning Walks with parents, too.  Here is what our visitors are looking to learn about and observe at Lee:


  • digital learning environment
  • Challenge Based Learning
  • flexible learning environments
  • School as a Learning Tool
  • Sustainability


FALL PICTURES

Friday is Fall picture day.  These photos go in our school yearbook.  Designers, please be here, early, for your photographs.  They will start at 7:00.  Please make sure to inform parents that they can order online at mylifetouch.com.  Our Picture Day ID is: DO205088Q0


DLC @ RJL
Join our DLC's, next Saturday, for learning about iPads and Schoology.  Sign up through Euphoria.


"LEE"DERSHIP QUALITY OF THE WEEK

Encourage- to inspire with courage and hope.


QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"When someone does something good, applaud. You make two people happy."


LESSON IN "LEE"DERSHIP

If someone in the class wins a game or does something well, congratulate that person.


DATES TO REMEMBER:

Sept 21: Goal Setting Meetings
Sept 22: Goal Setting Meetings
              Taylor's Bridal Shower (3:30)
Sept 23:  Layne's Birthday
               Walk AT School Wednesday
               House shirt with Jeans 
               New Learner Luncheon with Counselor (lunch times)
               Staff Mtg. (3:30-5:00)
Sept 24:  Learning Walks @ Lee (following morning broadcast)
               Tour Thursday (9:00 and 1:00)
               Buffalo Wild Wings Night
Sept 25:  Book Fair Preview for Teachers
               Fall Picture Day (Staff- 7:00)
               Social Spurs (3:30- On the Border)
Sept 26: DLC Training @ RJL

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Week of September 14

It has been a fast and furious four day week.  Evidence of learning is ALL OVER the building as we see anchor charts, challenge language, and learner work displayed.  Thank you for your designing and efforts-they are NOTICED!  We have two visits on Friday.  Our fist visit will be from Anthony Hill.  He will bring Tracy Eubanks from Metrocrest Services (remember Sack Out Hunger?).  Our second visit will be with be Dr. Waldrip.  He will be bringing architects and the Broken Arrow Superintendent with him (they play CISD in Homecoming).  Please continue with business as usual, you are ROCK STARS!




DID YOU KNOW?
  • that labels should not go through the copier?  We learned this the hard way with a $200 bill that is not part of our service contract.  Please do not put labels through our copier moving forward!
  • that you can/should be editing the Lee Vertical Scope and Sequence?  Sam made sure that anyone with the link has editing rights. This is a living document and will require your contributions and analysis to make sure you are covering all TEKS.
  • that we purchased break-away lanyards in your house colors for you?  Once these arrive, we will deliver them to you with nametag covers.  
  • that PTO found a Coordinator for Room Moms.  Please email leePTOcoppell@gmail.com your room mom information (House, grade, name of parent, email, and phone number).  If you do not have any parents expressing interest, please email that information to PTO.
  • that Education Foundation Grant submissions open on September 14?  Here is a link to directions and timelines.  These are for innovative tools like...throwing some ideas out...a 3D Printer, Coding Robots, Paper 52 digital pencils....see me if you need help, ideas, or a thought partner.


FLIPPING THE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK
Please view these two videos that go along with our CISD Employee Handbook.  They ensure that we are compliant with district expectations to cover highlights of the 92 pages.  After watching these, please sign off in Todd's office.  This needs to be completed by September 22.  THANK YOU, Todd!


FED EX DAY- WHAT IS IT?
If you are wondering what Fed Ex Day is, it is time, built into your contract day, that you can have professional development of your choice.  This is one hour a month where you learn about a topic of YOUR choice related to YOUR goals, and we give you flex credit for it.  This is not a time to get tasks done, it is for learning.  Please post to this Today's Meet after 4:30, but by 5:00, on Wednesday.  Please share what you learned during your time to get credit for your hour.  Those who post will automatically be enrolled through Eduphoria.  If you need ideas, Fed Ex time is a great opportunity to get our PLC chapter read, explore Schoology, or completing your goal sheet in Eduphoria.


GOAL SETTING MEETINGS
Thank you for signing up for your BOY Goal Setting Meeting with Todd and I.  Your document, in Eduphoria, should be completed before our meeting.

SUPER TEACHERS
We have an incredibly talented staff.  Nominate yourself or another for district recognition by filling out this Google form.


DOT DAY
Tuesday is International Dot Day.  Wear your polka dots to join in the global celebration of creativity, courage, and collaboration.  You can sign your class up here.


AUTHOR VISIT
We will have author Don Tate visiting with 3-5 learners on Wednesday.  Look for a schedule from Meghan.  We will still have media in the Specials rotation that day, just with a substitute.


CHESS CLUB

All 3-5 learners interested in joining our RJL Chess Club should meet in Shelley Lincoln's room after school on Thursday.  The flier is on Peach Jar.


TEACHER WEBSITES
By next Friday, please post your Curriculum Night presentation (add a page and save as a PDF).


CHUCK E CHEESE NIGHT
PTO will be hosting a fundraising night at the location by Grapevine Mills Mall.  The Mouse will be here at dismissal to hype up the children to attend.  


"LEE"DERSHIP QUALITY OF THE WEEK

Courtesy- consideration, cooperation and generosity


QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Manners are like the zero in arithmetic; they may not be much in themselves, but they are capable of adding a great deal of value to everything else” -Freya Stark


LESSON IN "LEE"DERSHIP

If you approach a door and someone is following you, hold the door and allow the other person to pass through it first, then you can walk through.


DATES TO REMEMBER:

Sept 14: Choir Tryouts (after school)
Sept 15: 2/3 Stop, Collaborate, and Listen
              Dot Day
Sept 16:  Walk AT School Wednesday
             Red and Black t-shirt with Jeans (if it arrives)
             Author Visit (8:00-12:00)
Sept 17:  Chess Club Meeting (3:15 Purple House)
               K/1 Stop, Collaborate, and Listen
Sept 18:  Chuck E Cheese Night (Grapevine Mills Location)

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Week of Sept 7

Another INCREDIBLE WEEK FamiLEE!  Thank you for your hard work!  Our visitors this week GUSHED about YOU ALL.  They noticed how our designers interacted with learners and said that our school "feels good for children."  They could not believe what you all are doing with them and the utilization of all of the spaces around our school.  They also were impressed with the manners of our learners.  THANK YOU for using our School As A Tool! Please enjoy your three day weekend and do something FUN for yourself!





DID YOU KNOW?

  • that in order to net-zero at year's end, we are going to need your help?  Please make sure you turn off lights, televisions, and projectors when you leave your space.  Dim or turn off lights if they do not need to be on during the day.
  • that you can join the Coppell Gifted Association for FREE?  Click here to join and prove to CISD our passion for staying connected!  They also provide grants for professional learning.
  • that Safeshare is no longer working?  That's okay...try Purify.  It is another way to safely watch a YouTube video without advertisements.
  • that CISD has an Autism Google Site to help you with your autistic learners?



NEWSLETTERS
You "might" be having issues with the newsletter you are supposed to be sending home tomorrow by 4:00.  Kristen is remaking it so that it is in an editable form.  We learned in PLC today it is not user friendly.  Here is a short video that shows you HOW you can send a delayed email.  


GtI CURRICULUM NIGHTS
Please share the following information with your parents so that they can attend or learn more about GtI services in Coppell ISD.  I also tweeted it out, so you can retweet.  THANK YOU!




HOMECOMING PARADE
Thank you for turning in your LEEders of the Week.  We will have a paper permission slip in your mailbox on Friday morning for you to send home with your learner.  Here is an electronic copy to send home, too.  Feel free to use this message to send in an email to parents:  Congratulations!  Because your learner has been recognized for their LEEdership, they have nominated to ride on our Homecoming Float.  Please sign and return the attached form on Monday.  A paper copy was also sent home in your child's take home folder.  We are proud of them for earning this honor!


GOING TO BE OUT?
Don't forget that you must call/text Chantel if you are going to be out for an unplanned reason.  

Please submit planned absences (this means for professional development, too) through Euphoria Formspace for my approval.  These will be approved on a first come first served basis.  Unfortunately, on days we have too many people out, I will have to deny requests.  New staff, please ask your teammates how to submit your request through Eduphoria Formspace.


If you become sick, you need to put your absence into SmartFind as soon as possible so that a sub can be found.  If you have arranged a specific sub beforehand (which is advised), please submit their name.  To put in an absence, go to SmartFind.


ART SUPPLIES
Please turn in your art supplies to Jessica before the weekend.  Don't know what to send down?  Here is what was included on the school supply list for Art:

  • Kindergarten: all sent down
  • 1st:  2 sharpies per learner
  • 2nd:  1 box Crayola Markers
  • 3rd:  1 box of Crayola colored pencils
  • 4th:  1 bottle of Elmer's glue
  • 5th:  1 pack of 50 count white construction paper

MAILBOXES
Please make sure that you empty your mailboxes each day.  


STAFF MEETING WEDNESDAY
We have done our best not to hold Wednesday meetings the first two weeks of school.  Please plan to stay until 5:00 on Wednesday.  We will be going over Goal Setting, PLCs, and Schoology.   All are very important topics!


iOS9 UPDATE
Apple is slated to announce iOS 9 on September 9.  Your Apple devices will show that there is an update available.  It will be blocked from school, but not your house.  PLEASE DO NOT update ANY CISD device to iOS 9 until we give you the green light.  THANK YOU!


"LEE"DERSHIP QUALITY OF THE WEEK

Patriotism- Love for or devotion to one's country


QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"I only regret that I have one life to lose for my country" - Nathan Hale


LESSON IN "LEE"DERSHIP

Stand up for what you believe in.   You shouldn't take no for an answer if your heart and mind are leading you in a direction that you feel strongly about.



DATES TO REMEMBER:

Sept 7:  NO SCHOOL
             Julie L's Birthday
Sept 8: 4/5 Stop, Collaborate, and Listen
            PTO Mtg. (6:30 Cafe)
Sept 9:  Walk AT School Wednesday
             Convocation t-shirt with Jeans
             Title I Parent Information Meeting (8:00 Media Center)
             Staff Meeting (3:30-5:00)
             Homecoming Parade
Sept 11:  Social Spurs Luncheon (Green House)