Week of Jan 2

We hope you have enjoyed our December to Remember.  How can it already be done??!!!  This year has been going by SO FAST!!   Have a GLORIOUS TWO WEEKS OFF, sweet staff.  We wish you nothing short of the most safe, memorable, and restful break and can't wait to hear about the FUN you have.  I plan to continue to rest and get well, but truthfully, I think some laughter in the lounge the last couple of days has been good for my soul and body!!  Thank you for that!

Fond farewell goes out to our Alex.  We wish you a beautiful start to married life in California.  You will be very missed by us all, and we know you will stay in touch.

Welcome to our newest famiLEE member, Mariah Wallace.  Congratulations as she graduates from UNT on Friday.  We hope you had a chance to meet her the last two days (though it might have been hard since she blended right into Whoville with her hair up!) 

Have the BEST last day of 2016 with our children.  They deserve it!

DID YOU KNOW

• that you already signed up for vertical teams at the beginning of the year?  I attached images from our sign up below.  If you do not see your name, please let me know where you will be heading on Tuesday.  You may wear jeans on Tuesday, and  I HAVE to say it...you represent our school at these meetings.  Please have a growth mindset and positive attitude.  If you are on technology, please use it intentionally.  Network and meet some of the talented staff on other campuses.  I KNOW they will be seeking YOU out!!

SPIRIT RALLY

We will call you down at 8:15 by house.  Please move with purpose and do your best to get seated quickly.  We are going to try putting our parent chairs along the cinderblock walls and push purple and yellow closer to center court.  I know it is HARD, but please TRY to have your LEEders of the week at a place that makes it easy for them to come up for their awards.   We will start with your Unity chants, so BE READY!

LUNCHES
We will have Duc get every classroom an extra trash bag to help with lunch waste.  As Shanna emailed, lunches will be ready after 9:00, so get them when your house is ready.

GRADES
Please follow Ashley's directions from her email regarding grades.  There is a FAST turnaround for her to print these when we get back.

LOUNGE AND SPACES
Please get any items form the fridge by 9:30.  Ashley and I will be tossing anything "suspect."  Please, also visit your mailbox by 11:00.  Empty it of all contents.  There are many thank you notes in there.  Please make sure these get in take home folders.  Custodial does a deep cleaning of the campus these next two weeks.  May I suggest a FRESH START and take everything down of your idea paint so that your room gets cleaned as much as possible.  Erase what you can on your glass- you may return to some shiny glass if you do!  I will talk to custodial about what they are using that is smearing the walls.  PLEASE take down and store any holiday displays and decorations before leaving.  If ALL learners are safely gone you can leave at 1:15.

STAFF MEETING
As you reflect for the new year, please come to our staff meeting with your one word.  We will practice using your creativity as we focus ourselves for the second semester.

THIS WEEK'S CURRICULUM COURIER

LEE LIFE PRINCIPLE:

Trustworthiness- keeping your word; doing what is right for yourself and others.

LESSON IN LEADERSHIP:

People trust in you when your attitudes, words, and motives align with what you actually choose to do.  This includes being honest about intakes, refusing to gossip and shift blame, and doing things the ethical way (even if it's quicker to do otherwise).

LEE QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

"Stand with anybody that stands right.  Stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong." -Abraham Lincoln

DATES TO REMEMBER:
December 19- Ayesha's Birthday
December 29- Ashley M's Birthday
January 3- District Staff Development
January 4- Day 7 on rotation schedule
                  Grades Due
                  Staff Meeting (3:30-5:00)
January 6- Social Spurs Luncheon
                  Send Home Report Cards
                  LEEdership Council Meeting (9:00)
                  Instrument Petting Zoo (1:00-2:45)
January 7- May's Birthday

Week of Dec 12

Thanks for your patience in waiting for this week's blog.  I'm sure you notice I am working at home. I hate missing school and not attending the CISD Holiday Open House, but I am being told to rest and I am going to listen. 

We hope you are looking forward to one more week of treats from Ashley and I.  It is SO MUCH FUN planning out ways to show you how much we care for you!  You are the BEST staff on the planet and deserve to be celebrated.

Thank you for the incredible coding opportunities for our kiddos this week.  We could feel the JOY in the building as the children (and you) were challenged learning new things and having fun while learning.  Your tweets were incredible!

Have the BEST final week of school for 2016.  We know there are so many exciting things happening all over the building.  Have an incredible two weeks off and take time to find the joy in your journey as you make memories with those you love.  We will miss you during the break, and be happy to catch up in the new year!  

DID YOU KNOW

• that the district has completed Math RtI interventions and and progress monitoring?  Here is the link one more time. 
• Stacey won a CISD Ed Foundation grant?  She will be ordering Bloxels for Kids.  
• that we have 
• Dad's Club has an event TOMORROW?  This is a family event at Urban Air, Coppell (next to Sprouts).  There is a Groupon 90 minutes here.
• that Mariah Wallace (our new 2nd grade famiLEE member) will start on Wednesday?  Please take time to welcome her to our school.  We know she will have LOTS of questions, so we are counting on everyone to bring her up to the warp speed of Lee.
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LEEDERSHIP COUNCIL

Our second LEEdership Council meeting will take place on Monday, December 12.  Leaders need to wear their council t-shirts and come to our meeting with 1 Big Idea (problem) generated from their class so we can narrow our focus for this year.  We will meet in the cafeteria.

PTO

PTO will be providing a luncheon from On the Border on Monday as well as hosting our Ugly Sweater Contest.  They will have a prize for the ugliest sweater of the day.  Jess won last year with one AWFUL ensemble from head to toe!  

Don't forget we have a PTO meeting at 6:30 on Tuesday night.  Please have at least one staff member and learner there to present for your house.

ECONOMICS FAIR

Join our third graders at the Economics Fair on Wednesday from 8:30-10:00.  Let your learners know about this shopping day so they can bring their money.  We will be on a minorly adjusted schedule on Wednesday.  Thank you for being flexible!

Blue- 10:00-10:45   (lunch and recess 12-1:00)

Green-10:45-11:30 (lunch and recess 11:30-12:30)

Specials Lunch 11:30-12:00

Purple- 12:00-12:45 (lunch and recess 10:30-11:30)

Red-12:45-1:30 (lunch and recess11:00-12:00)

Yellow-1:30-2:15 (lunch and recess 10:00-11:00)

GRINCH GREEN THURSDAY

Wear your green on Thursday (not Wednesday as our December to Remember calendar shows) as we celebrate that we are NOT Grinches this holiday season.  You have permission to watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas from 1:00-2:00 as Room Parents set up in your open spaces.

POLAR EXPRESS FRIDAY

Wear your pajamas to school on Friday as we celebrate Polar Express Day.   You have permission to watch the Polar Express movie with your classes after Spirit Rally on Friday.

SPIRIT RALLY

Join us at 8:15 for our 2nd 9 weeks Spirit Rally.  We will recognize Red and Black Superstars, our Yearbook Cover Winners, our Jump Ropers and MORE!  The CHS Madrigals will wrap up our gathering with a beautiful performance!

LUNCHES

Lunch will be eaten in your spaces on Friday.  Please let the cafeteria know how many sack lunches you need for Friday.

EARLY RELEASE 

Friday is a half day of school.  The elementary school early release time is 12:50.  Please communicate this to your parents.  You may leave once the office is clear of ALL learners.  We will need all hands on deck to make sure learners get home the proper way so EVERYONE can leave early.  

THIS WEEK'S CURRICULUM COURIER

LEE LIFE PRINCIPLE:

Cooperation- working together

LESSON IN LEADERSHIP:

Staying positive, being approachable, and expressing positive thoughts and feelings through both verbal and nonverbal communication help you build rapport with those around you.

LEE QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

"We must all live together as brothers or perish alone as fools."  -Martin Luther King Jr.

DATES TO REMEMBER:
December 10- April's Birthday
December 11- Julie B's Birthday
December 12- PTO Luncheon
                    Ugly Sweater Day/Contest
                    RtI Meetings
                    LEEdership Council 9:00-10:00
                    Ashley's Shower (3:30)
December 13- Spelling Bee (3:30 Media Center)
                    PTO Mtg. (6:30 Cafe)
December 14- Economics Fair (8:30-10:00)
                    Lee Learner Luncheon (10:30-1:00)
                    Staff Holiday Party
December 15- Grinch Day
                    Spurs Savings (7:30-7:50)
                    Grinch Movie (1:00-2:00)
                    Winter Parties (2:00-3:00)
December 16- Last Day of 2nd 9 Weeks
                    Polar Express Day
                    Spirit Rally (8:15-9:15)
                    Polar Express Movie
                    Early Release (12:50)
December 19- Ayesha's Birthday
December 29- Ashley M's Birthday

Week of Dec 5

Well folks, you can tell we are in the swing of holiday season.  Our dates to remember are INSANE, so please try to take care of yourselves and ENJOY these last two weeks with our kids.  Ashley and I have had so much fun and JOY planning your Caroling Treats for the next couple of weeks.  Look for them to continue each day as we make this a December to Remember.  We love you!

DID YOU KNOW:

• that our 4th and 5th graders will be performing at the CISD Holiday Open House?  They were invited along with only three other elementary schools.  Congratulations Ashley and learners!
• there is a plan for the January 3 Staff Development Day?  Here is information, hot off the press, from Laurie O'Neill:     Page 1     Page 2
• that it is time to nominate Red and Black Superstars?  Please take time to recognize a colleague or learner in your space that goes above and beyond here.  
• that there is an Elementary Facilities Committee that will meet over the next couple of months to determine what short and long term solutions to increased enrollment in CISD will be?  If you want to learn more ask: Chantel, Wendy, Courtney, or Stacey.  We are serving on this important and influential team that will make decisions that WILL IMPACT ALL OF US AT LEE!

MATHURDAY
THANK YOU for your commitment to this school-wide event!  Please make sure to sign in on an extra duty pay form for two hours when you arrive so we do not have to stay late to collect the forms at the end of the event.  I will submit these to payroll for you.


HOUR OF CODE
Please tweet out your participation in #HourOfCode during coding activties this week.  You all are doing some INCREDIBLE things with our codeable resources that the world should see!!!

CHOIR AND BAND VISIT MONDAY
Please join us in the gym (sorry Julie and Julie!!) at approximately 1:30 for our annual visit from the CMSW Fine Arts Department.  The performance should last about 30-45 minutes as we will be excited to see our former fourth and fifth graders come back to perform.  Fifth grade may want to be packed up in case it leads into Team Time.


CHOIR AND INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE
We will get to hear our Lee fourth and fifth graders performing holiday tunes on Thursday morning.  We will call you down following morning broadcast.

CISD HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
For those of you new to CISD, the CISD Holiday Open House is a BIG DEAL.  It is our district's way of saying thank you for all that you do.  Please plan to carpool over to admin and stay for some snacks, photos, drawings, and FUN during your conference time.  Specials designers and Blue House, let's see if we can get coverage from CK, Ashley, Ayesha, Claudia, Jacque, Candace, and Deepa so that you can enjoy some time there.   Get with me if you have ideas.

INNOVATORS MINDSET REMINDER
Don't forget that by next Friday you need to review the "Things to Look for in Today's Classroom" on page 111 of Innovator's Mindset.  Visit peers' spaces on a learning walk, find 2 examples that relate to one of these "things to look for." Upload the pictures to the media album, and in the caption, describe how these examples inspire innovation.

THIS WEEK'S CURRICULUM COURIER

LEE LIFE PRINCIPLE:

Justice- being fair, right and upholding what is right

LESSON IN LEADERSHIP:

Never cut in line.  If someone cuts in front of you, do not say or do anything about it.  Let it happen, but let a teacher know about it.  They will handle the situation.

LEE QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

"In matters of style, swim with the current.  In matters of principle, stand like a rock." -Thomas Jefferson

DATES TO REMEMBER:
December 3- Mathurday (8:30-10:30)
December 5-9- Hour of Code Week
                         Maintenance and Grounds Appreciation Week
                         National Handwashing Awareness Week
                         HUGS Drive
December 5- CMSW Band and Choir Visit Lee
                      Mentor Meeting (Green House 3:30)
December 6-  Ed Foundation tshirt and Jeans
                       Purple House Field Trip (Perot)
                       Dana Center Science Training (3:30 Wilson)
                       1st Stop, Collaborate, and Listen (3:30 Austin)
                       Dad's Club Mtg. (7:00 Buffalo Wild Wings)
December 7-  Walk at School Wednesday
                       College Shirt Day
                       Staff Meeting (3:30-5:00)
December 8-  Blue House Field Trip (Dallas Heritage Village)
                       Buffalo Wild Wings Night
                       Choir and Instrumental Performance (8:15 and 6:30)
                       Campus Tour (1:00)
December 9-  CISD Holiday Open House (conference time)
                       Innovator's Mindset Post Due
                       Technology Support Staff Appreciation Day
                       Red and Black Superstar Nominations Due
December 10- Drama Club performance (MCL Grand Theater- 1:00)

Week of Nov 28

I don't even know WHERE to begin, because THANK YOU is not nearly enough...but THANK YOU for an incredible day of celebration.  I am humbled by the consideration, generosity, and kindness today.  I feel so surrounded by GOOD PEOPLE!  (I sense a reflective blog post about this over the break, so BEWARE!)

Please enjoy next week off.  You are such a talented and hardworking staff. ENJOY being away from school with your family, friends, and loved ones.  I am so very excited for our Brides to Be and wish you much happiness as you start this new chapter of your lives.   I can't wait to hear about Taylor and her first Thanksgiving as a momma and Jamie, Amanda, and Samira having their first Thanksgiving in their new homes.  MUCH LOVE FAMILEE!!!

DID YOU KNOW:

• that we have multiple houses and grades struggling to determine if we use the Lee Scope and Sequence, the District Splash Screens, or Heather and Mary's Scope and Sequence?  To clarify, you should be using the District Splash Screens as much as possible.  As soon as the Schoology Course is up and going, you will be the first to know.
• that some parents DO NOT REALIZE that we are off ALL of next week?  Please put a reminder in your weekly newsletter!
• that we have sent an invoice in for BrainPop, BrainPop Jr., and BrainPop ESL?  Stay tuned for our Lee login and password.  YAY!
• that we have received over $14,000 in funding for our ESL learners?  Claudia has done an amazing job of getting you some resources ordered!  We will be able to fund Science A-Z (online) for all, we will be getting math and science academic vocabulary cards,  and we will be adding some National Geographic leveled readers.  Ask her if you want to learn more or have ideas of other tools for our ESL friends! 
• there is a 360 degree view of our campus on our home webpage now?  Check it out! 

FAMILY FEAST

For every $10 donated online, you get 5 free jeans passes.  $10 equals 30 meals.  Donate here and your passes will be in your mailbox by the end of the day Friday.   Don't forget to scroll down to Richard J Lee Elementary and put your name in.  Congrats, so far, to Layne, Angela, and Rebekah!

CHOIR @ NORTHPARK

Our learners will be performing on Tuesday.  Please do not hold them responsible for the work they missed while they are gone. 

CIP

Please review the Campus Improvement Plan with your house before Wednesday's Leadership Meeting.  Write down any evidence of steps accomplished.

MATHURDAY
Don't forget to advertise this event to parents.  Your courses should be loaded in our Google Folder.  Thank you, Ashley for our flyer!

HUGS DRIVE
Please advertise our Community Action Club HUGS Drive with your parents.  Let's continue to share our good fortune with others.

WEEKLY WALKTHROUGH FOCUS
Ashley and I will continue with 2.4 Differentiation walkthroughs this week.  We have gotten behind with school business and our observations.  Please be aware that we are looking for choice in learner experiences and scaffolding to meet varied needs in your classroom.  Think about the Team Time question: How do you know they know it?  What do you do when they do?

THIS WEEK'S CURRICULUM COURIER

LEE LIFE PRINCIPLE:

Fairness- playing by the rules

LESSON IN LEADERSHIP:

Whenever you are offered food, whether it be a birthday treat or snack, never take more than your fair share.

LEE QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

"Fairness doesn't mean that everyone gets the same.  Fairness means that everyone gets what they need."  -Rick Riordan

DATES TO REMEMBER:
Nov 28- RtI Meetings
              CISD Board Meeting
Nov 29- Choir Performs at Northpark Mall (10:30-1:00)
               Stop, Collaborate and Listen (3rd and 5th- 3:30-5:00)
Nov 30- School Shirt w/ Jeans
              Lee Learner Luncheons (10:30-1:00)
              Leadership Team Meeting (3:30-5:00)
Dec 1- Spurs Savings (7:30-7:50 Cafe)
            Green House Field Trip (Perot)
Dec 2- National Intervention Services Day
Dec 3- Mathurday (9:00-10:30)

Week of Nov 14

One more week until your well-deserved week off.  Enjoy this week with our learners and take time to reflect about your many blessings- I JUST LOVE our life principle this week!  One of those blessings is being part of our school famiLEE and for the love you receive, each day, from our children and each other.  

DID YOU KNOW

• that many strategies that are good for ALL learners really help your ELL's?  Check out this Edutopia blog with Do's and Don't for Teaching English-Languge Learners.  
• that IBM/Watson folks will be back on Monday to get more feedback.  Please take time to drop in and give them continued feedback.  This is part of our obligation being a pilot campus.  THANK YOU to those of you really trying to use the app!
• George (we should be on a first name basis) wrote ANOTHER GREAT BLOG this week.  Check it out here and remember a positive attitude changes everything!

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART
We will kick off JRFH on Monday with a pep rally in the gym at 8:15.  Please come down to the gym as soon as your house finishes watching morning broadcast.


DESIGN DAYS
We are excited to be able to work in Design Days without Title I Funds this year.  We are being a little creative and hoping that you recognize that we scheduled in a way that you also still get your conference time.  Please start on time, be ready to observe in some classrooms, and come with your ideas for increasing the sharing of learners in your vertical houses.

PTO MEETING
Don't forget to have your sweet kiddos ready to share house updates in regards to CBL and house business on Tuesday.


INNOVATORS MINDSET
Thank you all for participating in the slow chat! We will be reading the next section Chapters 4-7 over the next few weeks. As you learn about the 8 things to look for in today's classroom on page 111, please find two examples around the campus that relate to one of these "things to look for". In our Schoology course, please upload the pictures to the media album and in the caption, describe how these example inspire innovation. This will be due by December 9th. 

STAFF MEETING
We have two visitors coming to staff meeting on Wednesday.  First, we will have MP2 Energy coming to give us an update on our data dashboard.  (New friends- you may be asking what a data dashboard even is!)  They have been working on an update and also want to show you how it can enhance curriculum.  In addition, we will have the technology department visiting.  They will be training us in "threat assessment."


FAMILY FEAST DRIVE
Family Feast Drive will take place both physically and virtually this year. NO MORE TURKEYS. Lee will collect canned/boxed food all week.  We will put donations in our bin on Friday.  We will label our bin with our school name so we can weigh the poundage of food was collected from each school. Wouldn’t it be great if LEE collected the MOST food?  Lee will also collect virtual food.  Go to this link so you can donate funds to provide meals for the food bank!  For example:  $10 = 30 meals!  Please scroll down on the home page to click on Richard J Lee Elementary to make a donation!  It will track how many meals our school provides.  Designers who participate will receive a jeans pass for every $10 donated.


WEEKLY WALKTHROUGH FOCUS
Please be aware that we are looking for choice in learner experiences and scaffolding to meet varied needs in your classroom.  Think about the Team Time question: How do you know they know it?  What do you do when they do?  Here is a blog post about 100 Tools for Differentiating Instruction Through Social Media.

THIS WEEK'S CURRICULUM COURIER

LEE LIFE PRINCIPLE:
Gratitude- the act of being grateful; thankfulness

LESSON IN LEADERSHIP:
Always say thank you when given something.  When given an assignment, there is no moaning or complaining.

LEE QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“The ones you should try to get even with are the ones who have helped you.” -Unknown

DATES TO REMEMBER:
Nov 13- Samira's Birthday
Nov 14- Dec 9- Jump Rope For Heart
Nov 14- Yellow and Green Design 1/2 Days
               JRFH Assembly (8:15-9:30 Gym)
               IBM/Watson in Conference Room (12:30-4:00)
Nov 15-  Red and Purple Design 1/2 Days
               Fall Picture Retakes (Please remind parents)
               PTO Mtg. (6:30 Cafe) Please remind parents
Nov 16-  Convocation Tshirt and Jeans
               Blue Design 1/2 Day
               Staff Mtg. (3:30-5:00)
Nov 17- Chantel's Birthday
               Spurs Savings (7:30-7:50)
               Purple House Music Performance (8:30 and 6:30)
               Thanksgiving Lunch in Cafe (Lunchtimes)  Please remind Parents
               Buffalo Wild Wings Night
Nov 18-  Family Feast Drive
Nov 20-  Courtney's Birthday
Nov 21-  Jacque's Birthday
Nov 22-  Alex's Wedding- CONGRATULATIONS!
Nov 21- 25- NO SCHOOL- HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Nov 26-  Jess' Wedding- CONGRATULATIONS!

Week of Nov 7

It has been another incredible week at Lee.  We are looking forward to the Designing Time you have scheduled for next week as we approach the halfway mark the second nine weeks.  Can you believe it is already here!?  Please head out as soon as all learners are safely dismissed on Friday.  

DID YOU KNOW

• CISD has a Parent University next Saturday?  Please share this information with parents and let them know they need to register online.
• that CISD is hosting Tour 360 on January 25 and 26?  I will be asking for some of you to help present on CBL and join me in presenting about vertical scheduling.  If you are interested in this leadership opportunity, please email me or drop by.  
• Tracie has daily offerings to keep your lunch options open?  Request through email by 10:00 to tthomas@coppellisd.com

LEEDERSHIP COUNCIL
Please submit the name and t-shirt size of your class LEEder by 1:00 pm on Tuesday.  We will announce these over the intercom at the end of the day.


STAFF MEETING
Wednesday's Staff Meeting time will be used to meet and design for Mathurday.  We are giving you this job embedded time to collaborate, create the catalog description, and any other preparations for December 3.  We will start in A120 and break out into groups from there.


TOURS
We have two tours coming through on Thursday.  Please make sure your digital signage is updated and your latest CBL is posted.

VETERAN'S DAY CEREMONY
Please make sure you share this link with your famiLEEs so that they can RSVP to Friday's Veteran's Day Ceremony.  They should plan to arrive at 7:50 and expect to stay until approximately 8:45.  We will be called down by grade to the cafe at 8:00.  Please remember to wear red, white, and blue this day!


FLEX CREDIT
Please remember to request flex and SBEC time in Euphoria if you have attended Stop, Collaborate, Listen; Science Training; completed Apple Teacher coursework; Night at the Arboretum, etc.  We want to make sure that you get your hours recorded in your Euphoria portfolio.

INNOVATORS MINDSET BOOK STUDY
Thank you to those of you that made sure to participate in our Slow Chat this week.  I also appreciate that you are discussing the chapter questions in your Team Time both as a house and grade.


WEEKLY WALKTHROUGH FOCUS
Please be aware that we are looking for choice in learner experiences and scaffolding to meet varied needs in your classroom.  Think about the Team Time question: How do you know they know it?  What do you do when they do?  Here is a blog post about 3 Ways to Plan for Diverse Learners.

THIS WEEK'S CURRICULUM COURIER

LEE LIFE PRINCIPLE:

Effort- doing your best in an endeavor.

LESSON IN LEADERSHIP:

It is rude to ask if you are getting something for good behavior. You should be good and try your best because you are trying to better yourself, not because you are anticipating a reward.

LEE QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“Don’t be content with being average.  It is as close to the bottom as it is to the top.” -Anonymous

DATES TO REMEMBER:
Nov 6-  Daylight Savings
Nov 7- Welcome Back Mrs. Holcomb
             Salvation Army picks up canned goods
             LEEdership Town Hall
             Allaso Ranch Chaperone Meeting (6:30-Cafe)
Nov 8-  Election Day
             LEEdership Council Elections (announcing winners at 3:00)
Nov 9-  House Shirt and Jeans
             5th Grade at Allaso Ranch
             Staff Mtg. (3:30-?)
Nov 10- Balanced Literacy Academy
              5th Grade at Allaso Ranch
              Tours (9:00 and 1:00)
Nov 11- 5th Grade at Allaso Ranch
              Grades Due (8:30)
              Veteran's Day Ceremony (8:00-8:45ish)  Wear Red, White, and Blue
Nov 13- Samira's Birthday

*Please be getting a learner ready for next week's PTO meeting on Nov 15

Week of Oct 31

It has been a busy but exciting week!  Red Ribbon Week always brings smiles to faces with theme days and a focus on great decision making.  Ashley and I are LOVING being in classrooms for walkthroughs and observations.  We see such greatness ALL over the building.  THANK YOU for that!  You continue to tell a beautiful story about #rjlyear3 on Twitter.  Your efforts and comments to others are appreciated and noticed!

DID YOU KNOW

• that we have reviewed grading practices at our last two Principal's meetings?  We continue to try to calibrate throughout the district.  Stay tuned!
• that George Couros has a great blog this week that speaks to passion driven learning?  Check it out here. 
• that PTO is going to leave the food donations from the dance for one week so you can use the items for authentic math activities?  We can't wait to see what learners create and share.  Perfect timing to reinforce that data collection we have been seeing in spaces!

BOOK CHARACTER PARADE
We will take the parade OUTDOORS this year.  At 8:00, we will make an announcement and ask everyone to head out to the track for 2 laps.  Please keep learners in an organized line and head out promptly.  Learners who do not dress up, and parents who come up to watch, can sit/stand on the inside perimeter and cheer on the participants.  THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU THAT PARTICIPATED and got learners involved.  I believe we are going to have even greater participation this year because of your excitement!!!

CARE OF THE BUILDING
Ashley and I walked the building with someone from custodial on Wednesday.  We were inspecting the exterior window washing.  Little did we know that the inside 2nd floor interior windows were cleaned after hours, too.  Imagine our surprise when we saw smeared handprints (we are talking wet and dripping) on windows that have already been professionally cleaned. First, we emphasize the importance of caring for our beautiful building. Second that you hold learners accountable for cleaning up when they make a mess.  Please be observant!  Third, that PAPER TOWELS are used to clean windows.  (NOT hands, NOT microfiber cloths, NOT socks, NOT spit)  We have seen all four of these.  We WANT learners designing on glass surfaces, but let's teach them proper cleaning and handling.  We will purchase window cleaner and have it in the office for you.  We also see windowsills where learners have PEELED the paint off of the walls, pencil writing on aluminum door frames, and paper towels all over bathroom floors.  We need to unify together and are asking for your help and diligence in these efforts.  We want to keep our new school looking new and teach these habits to learners.  THANK YOU!


LEEDERSHIP COUNCIL
Samira sent an email, today, with the specifics regarding LEEdership Council.  I also included the dates on the staff calendar.  Please remember that those who have already served on LEEdership Council are tasked with seeing the leadership capacity in others and should not run for a spot.  They may need reminding.  Please look for Google Form from Samira for declaration of candidacy to send home in your Friday communication.


INNOVATORS MINDSET BOOK STUDY
Just a friendly reminder that Chapters 1-3 should be read by Wednesday.  Ashely, Jessica, and Jacque will be hosting a *SLOW* Twitter chat, beginning Tuesday November 1st through Friday, November 4th.  Check out the directions for our Slow Twitter Chat here.  We can't wait to grow together, virtually, through the Innovator's Mindset book study!


ITEMS FOR BLOG
If you have items for my blog, please email them to me by Wednesday.  Short and concise is the rule to live by.  If you have items to go in Designer newsletters, type PUT IN WEEKLY NEWSLETTER in the subject line so designers can easily search their inbox for your blurbs.


FED EX DAY
Enjoy your one hour on Wednesday where you learn about a topic of YOUR choice related to YOUR goals, and earn Flex credit for it.  This is a time for learning.  Please post to Today's Meet after 4:30, but before 5:00, on Wednesday and share what you learned during your time in order to get credit for your hour.  You may choose to participate in the slow chat part of this time.  Alli will also be offering a technology session.  She will email that info to you. You may also be interested in this differentiation self-assessment.

WEEKLY WALKTHROUGH FOCUS
Please be aware that we are looking for choice in learner experiences and scaffolding to meet varied needs in your classroom.  Think about the Team Time question: How do you know they know it?  What do you do when they do?  This is a great video Ashley found on principles of differentiation from Carol Ann Tomlinson.

THIS WEEK'S CURRICULUM COURIER

(thank you fourth grade for your work on the ADI pilot!!)

LEE LIFE PRINCIPLE:

Perseverance- the ability to persist or continue to the end

LESSON IN LEADERSHIP:

Make every effort to be as organized as possible.

LEE QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

"The man who moves mountains begins by carrying away small stones." -Chinese Proverb

DATES TO REMEMBER:
Oct 30- Jessica's Birthday
Oct 31- Nov 4- Last week for Write a Check Fundraising
Oct 31-  Learners Declare Candidacy for LEEdership Council
              Healthy Mind, Healthy Body Assembly (1:45-2:30 Gym- we will sit like Spirit Rally)
Nov 1- Education Foundation t-shirt and Jeans
            K-2 Math Educator Academy
            Alex's Bridal Shower (3:30 Media Center)
Nov 2-  College Shirt with Jeans
             Digital LEEdership Council Campaign Posters Due
             Chapters 1-3 of Innovator's Mindset Read
             IBM Feedback (Small conference room 8:30-12:00)
             Fed Ex Day (3:30-4:30)
             Padlet Webinar (7:00-8:00pm)
Nov 3- 3-5 Math Educator Academy
            Claudia visits houses during Specials to review TELPAS & Years in School
Nov 4- LEEdership Speeches and Primary Elections
            Chris Barton Author Visit (see schedule here)
Nov 5- Dads Club Event (Main Event)

Week of Oct 24

Thank you for your FIERCEness this week!  You did a wonderful job of representing our school with our many visitors and continue to impress.  Our guests leave Lee feeling inspired and hopeful with new ideas to take back to their schools.  This is because of each and every one of YOU!  Please remember you are "Here for a Reason" and that YOU make a difference in education and at Lee.

Thank you for celebrating us on Bosses' Day and making Monday a special day for us.

We also thank you for staying late for Watson training and moving full steam ahead with our pilot.

DID YOU KNOW

• that Dodi Casper has a SS Newsletter for you to view? There are some voting and Veteran's Day ideas.  Be thinking about how you will incorporate the election and Veteran's Day in your lesson designs the next couple of weeks.  LEEdership Council info will be coming your way from fifth grade, soon!
• the cafeteria may be short handed on Friday.  If they are, we may have to use only one line.  We MIGHT also have a guest server (trying to move things on my calendar and secure a hairnet- ha)  THANK YOU for your flexibility!
• thanks to PTO Reflex Math should be back up and running?  Please write a card of thanks for this pricey support from them.  If you have new learners that need added, please email Ashley.

WRITE A CHECK
Please make sure the Write a Check letters go home in report card envelopes on Friday.  These were copied and placed in your mailboxes.  It is imperative that the letter makes it home.  The letter is also posted on Peach Jar for any parents that need another copy.  WAC is our BIGGEST fundraiser of the year and we need you to pump your learners up about it.  Please read the letter so you are informed what our funds go toward.


CLARITY SURVEY
If you have not taken the survey (or had your learners complete it) PLEASE get this done this week so that it is off of all of our "to do" lists.  Participation is crucial for making campus technology decisions.  THANK YOU!


RED RIBBON WEEK
You may wear jeans if you participate in Red Ribbon Week theme days.

STORYBOOK CHARACTER PARADE and SCHOOL DANCE
Please encourage learners and plan to participate in Friday's parade.  A book should accompany "costumes" and learners are allowed to wear their costume to the dance on Friday night.  Entrance into the event is free with a food donation that will be donated to Metrocrest.  PTO will communicate what each grade/house is bringing.  Please plan to attend the dance and engage with the learners and their famiLEEs.  We love it when you bring your family, too!   It is a great opportunity to build relationships and have FUN!


DYSLEXIA AWARENESS MONTH

Target the Problem! is a tool to help parents and Designers understand the specific problems a child may be having with reading. You'll find practical suggestions on what you (and kids themselves) can do to help learners overcome or deal with their reading difficulties.

WEEKLY WALKTHROUGH FOCUS
Ashley and I have started our observations this week.  It is SO WONDERFUL being in your space for 45 minutes.  Remember we are to see the entire lesson cycle, so you need to plan a lesson that encompasses the full lesson cycle.  If you did not get a calendar invite for an observation, please email your evaluator.  This week we start a new domain focus during our walkthroughs.  We will focus on:  2.4 Differentiation.  Be aware, if you have your observation in the next four weeks, you will not receive a walkthrough in this domain.  We will address it in your TTESS observation.  THANK YOU!

THIS WEEK'S CURRICULUM COURIER

LEE LIFE PRINCIPLE:

Problem Solving- creating solutions; finding answers

LESSON IN LEADERSHIP:

You should never complain if the line is too long, the food isn't good, or there is a wait.  You don't want to be negative to the point where you spoil the enjoyment of the event for others.

LEE QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

"We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations." -Charles Swindoll

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Oct 23: Britt's Birthday
Oct 24- Nov 4: Write a Check Fundraising
Oct 24- Oct 31: Red Ribbon Week
Oct 24:  Wear pajamas
Oct 25:  Wear boots
              Mentor Meeting (3:30 Green House)
Oct 26:  Wear hats or have crazy hair
              Lee Learner Luncheons (10:30-1:00)
              Leadership Meeting (3:30)
Oct 27:  Spurs Savings (7:30-7:50 Cafe)
              Learn About Lee Learning Walk (8:00-9:00)
Oct 28:  TOY Nominations Due to District
              Storybook Character Parade (8:00-8:30ish)
              5th Grade Bully Program (1:00-2:30 CMSW)
              So You Think You CAN Dance (6:30-8:30)

Week of Oct 17

This "short" week sure has gone by in a FLASH!  THANK YOU for going with the flow with our IBM guests and tours this week.  Shanna and Chantel will be out on Friday.  There is no doubt you can all hold down the fort.  Please leave as soon as learners are safely dismissed.  Have a super weekend!

DID YOU KNOW:

• that with the new budget system, our approved vendors list is KAPUT?  Please contact Nikki (X6026) if you need to know if a vendor is approved before completing your POs.  We need your help on POs.  Make sure you include shipping costs and print out your shopping bag if your order was made online.
• interior and exterior window washing will start happening the next couple weeks?  Please put a sign on any glass surface you do not want washed.
• that we will be getting a new nighttime custodian?  I will continue to keep you posted, but sadly, Tina has gone to Grand Prairie.
• some folks have already completed their Clarity surveys and their classes, too?

TEAM TIME AND HOUSE TIME
You all have been doing an excellent job using our Team Time agendas, and I am proud of the work that you have accomplished as both houses and grades.  I recognize that "planning/designing" has to be done outside that time for your grades, and I want to acknowledge the commitment that many of you have made to stay late or come early to plan with your peers.  THANK YOU! Your extra time to learn from one another SHOWS!


SPIRIT RALLY
Please wear jeans and a house shirt on Monday.  We will call you down at 8:00 to sit where your houses were for our Unity Rally.  Come prepared with one adult house representative (could even be your Specials person if they like) and one learner to participate in our teacher/learner event at the end.  We will be on a normal schedule on Monday.


NOTE FROM JACQUE
Please fill out this Needs Assessment Survey for the new 9 weeks.  In addition, Jacque created a  document for House and Team Time agenda topics.  I added this resource under the IC tab on our Faculty Website.

DYSLEXIA AWARENESS MONTH
AD/HD and dyslexia are distinct conditions that frequently overlap, thereby causing some confusion about the nature of these two conditions. It is estimated that 30% of those with dyslexia have coexisting AD/HD. Coexisting means the two conditions, AD/HD and dyslexia, can occur together, but they do not cause each other. Take a look at this quick “fact sheet” for more information!  (Thanks, Mary!)


TRANSFORMATION IN ACTION VISITS
We will have visitors from high performing school districts visiting from 9-11 and 1-3 on Tuesday.   This visit is a big deal and aligned with the Visioning Document that spearheaded our CISD Learning Framework. Guests are coming to watch lesson design and digital learning.  Please have your digital signage up, please use ALL areas of the building, showcase any Schoology you are using, and ramp up the SAMR.


NTVI VISIT ON THURSDAY
Penny and Deana will be bringing a group of 25 APs from the North Texas Regional Consortium to our school on Thursday afternoon.   The goal of their visit is to learn more about our school because it is modeled after the Visioning Document.  Much like our TIA visits, they are looking for transformative practices, authentic assessment, digital learning anytime/anywhere, and accountability for learning.

WATSON TRAINING
Don't forget we have our training on Wednesday and Thursday from 4-6.  If you get a chance, ask May, Cassie, or Jacque about their preview time.  I have no doubt you are going to be excited to finally learn more about this tool!


WEEKLY WALKTHROUGH FOCUS
This is our final week focusing on 3.2 Managing Student Behavior.  Our goal is for you to have two walkthroughs in this domain.  We are impressed with some of the management tools that we see in place like: CHAMPS, self-paced learning in Schoology, assigned jobs during collaborative work, self- reflection, goal setting and more.  Nothing helps manage student behavior more than ENGAGEMENT, wait time, and consistency!

THIS WEEK'S CURRICULUM COURIER

LEE LIFE PRINCIPLE:

Accountability-being responsible for one's actions

LESSON IN LEADERSHIP:

If you are asked a questions in conversation, you should ask a question in return.  It is only polite to show others that you are just as interested in them as they are in you.

LEE QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

"I am NOT a product of my circumstances.  I AM a product of my decisions." -Stephen Covey

DATES TO REMEMBER:

National School bus Safety Week
Oct 17- RtI Meetings
             Spirit Rally (8:15 Gym)
             CISD Ed Foundation Grants Due (4:30)
Oct 18- Deepa's Birthday
             Grades Due (8:30)
             Transformation in Action Site Visits
Oct 19- Convocation Shirt and Jeans
             Watson Training (4:00-6:00 Lee Yellow House)
Oct 20- NTVI Group Visits Lee (12:30-3:30- A120)
             Watson Training (4:00-6:00 Lee Yellow House)

Oct 21- Report cards go home

             Great Expectations training at Lee (A120-A122)

             Flu Clinic (1:00)