Thursday, December 20, 2018

Week of January 7, 2019

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 REMARKABLE 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.

Best wishes, Julie, as you start your new part time gig!  You have been with us since opening, and we will miss your helpful spirit, spunky humor and presence.  Please welcome Aparna Rao as our new media center aide.  She will start on January 7.

A fond farewell goes out to Ashley.  She has done an EXCEPTIONAL JOB of taking care of our campus (and me!) for the last two and a half years.  Ashley, we are grateful, beyond words, for the way you have led and grown our campus.  We wish you  the best on your new adventure with Canyon Ranch and can't wait for you to take care of some of our Spurs next year!!! 

I am excited to announce that Leigh Ann will be here FULL TIME, starting January 7.  It is going to be a treat for her to be on one campus and fully immersing her into the culture of one building.  

Congratulations to Meghan W. and Nikki!  These first year teachers have done an incredible job with their first class of their own.  Kudos to this year's new hires: Stormy, Misty, Kathy, Ameira, and Shelby.  You have made it to Christmas!  We are so proud of you and the journey you are on with us!  We can't forget to acknowledge our new support staff members, too: Delorise, Kristi, Christina, Susie- we can't do what we do without each of you!  Thank you, returning staff, for pouring into our newest FamiLEE members the first two nine weeks and helping them along the way!  THANK YOU, each of you, for choosing Lee!  

Have the BEST last day of 2018 with our children.  They deserve it!


DID YOU KNOW:
  • you only have a few more weeks to get your Go Red shirt?  Donate $20 and get a shirt to wear jeans with every Monday in February.
  • it is time for learners to sign up for their new Team Time?  Watch this video with them (same as what was on Lee Live on Thursday) and fill out the Google Form for them before leaving on Friday. 

BEFORE LEAVING ON FRIDAY       
  1. Please get any items form the fridge by 10:00.  The office will be tossing anything "suspect."
  2. 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.  
  3. Custodial does a deep cleaning of the campus these next two weeks.  May I suggest a FRESH START and take everything down off 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!  PLEASE take down and store any holiday displays and decorations before leaving.  
  4. If you have pets, please take them home with you or let Chantel know your plans for the two weeks. 
  5. Please change your computer password, before leaving campus, so you don't get locked out over the break. 
  6. Make sure all projectors, computers, digital signage and tv's are turned off before leaving.
  7. iPads and MacBooks should be plugged in for charging.  

SPIRIT ASSEMBLY
We will start at 8:15.  Purple and Yellow, please sit in front of the bleachers so your learners have a good view of Spirit Rally.


LUNCHES ON FRIDAY:
We will have lunches in your spaces on December 21.


EARLY RELEASE
Please assist us with any learners that are not picked up on time.  We will make an announcement when all learners are gone so that you may leave and start your holiday break.  Please wait for the announcement before leaving.


REMINDER
Don't forget!  Grades are due January 7th, the Monday we return from winter break.  Please go into e-school this week to make sure you are able to enter grades, have all of your learners, etc. so that if Leigh Ann needs to correct anything, it can be done before the holiday.  Also, if you enter grades over the break, please remember that they must be back-dated to a date before December 21st or they will not save.


iSTATION
As mentioned in last week's CISD Newsletter, please take time to send log in information to the parents/guardians of learners for use at home.  This link will give you directions for enabling the parent portal access to parent letters for accessing iStation at home. 


RESTORATIVE PRACTICES
Please make sure you participate in the Twitter Slow Chat so you can get flex credit for our Book Study.  Also, you should have your class Respect/Trust Agreements completed and posted before leaving for the Winter Break.






PTO MEETING

Don't forget to have someone prepared to give your house CBL Update on the Tuesday we get back from the break.  The meeting starts at 7:00.


FED EX
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 complete this form at the conclusion of your learning session on Wednesday.  The form will open at 4:30. 



PET PROJECT
We have another challenge that learners are trying to actualize.  Please share this flyer with your parents for the next couple of weeks.  We appreciate you "advertising" the learner designed projects.  They will deliver supplies collected to the Coppell Animal Shelter on 



LEE OUTLOOK
Do you have a 3rd - 5th grader interested in joining our student generated newspaper that will begin in Spring 2019?  Apply by January 18.  (The link is not live on the PDF flyer)




LEE LIFE PRINCIPLE:
Commitment- keeping a promise or pledge

LESSON IN LEADERSHIP:
Be committed to your family, friends, and your values.  Follow through with your responsibilities at school and at home.

LEE QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
"Go put your creed into deed." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

DATES TO REMEMBER:
Dec 21-Jan 6-  NO SCHOOL
Dec 29- Ashley's Birthday
Jan 1- Red House Lounge Responsibilities
Jan 7- May's Birthday
     MOY Assessment Window Opens
     Kids Heart Challenge Begins (Formally known as Jump Rope For Heart)
     Grades Due (8:00 am)
Jan 8- CISD Education Foundation Shirt w/ Jeans
     PTO Mtg. (7:00 Cafe)
Jan 9- College Shirt Day
     Karli's Birthday
     Priscilla's Birthday
     Rikki's Birthday
     Fed Ex Day / Lucy Calkins Cohort (3:30-4:30)
     Dad's Club Mtg. (7:00 pm)
Jan 10- Last Day to order Go Red Shirts
     Spurs Savings (7:20-7:40 Cafe)
Jan 11- Report Card Day

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Week of December 17, 2018

We want you to have the BEST final week of school for 2018 and to ENJOY an incredible two weeks off as you take time to celebrate the happiness of the giving season and make memories with those you love.  We will miss you during the break, and be happy to catch up in the new year!  Happy Holidays from your Lee Spurs (thank you Jessica!).





DID YOU KNOW:
  • we have TWO GEMS being recognized at Monday night's Board Meeting?  Congratulations to Samira and Rikki for being Great Educators that Matter!  Please come to the Board Room at  5:30 to cheer them on!
  • that Lee got a $500 donation for hosting the 40 person tour about a month ago?  THANKS, again, to those that participated and shared their spaces.  We will have to find something wonderful to get for our school!
  • Kasey has updated her Bulb?  Check out her resources page.  She has shared information on different tools for building digital portfolio content and publishing work in Bulb.
  • Purple 2 is heading up our Box Top collections?  Please share this collection form with your parents. 
  • we have extra long sleeve Spur shirts from last year's December to Remember?  If you would like one, they are on the chairs in Leigh Ann's office.  Please don't blame the Babe's luncheon if you have to go up a couple of sizes.  (I think they were made for toddlers.)  We suggest you try it on before you take one.
  • speaking of Babe's...there are some leftovers if you would like to have some for lunch?
  • we have learners who are collecting stuffed animals and cards for children at Shriner's Hospital as part of their "Spark a Movement" challenge?  Please share this flyer they created and encourage your learners to bring a stuffed animal to school, next week, that they can donate to a child having surgery.



HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Please plan on going to the CISD Open House during your conference time on Friday.  If you are an hourly employee, please work with your supervising teacher to arrange a time to go over.  You will NOT want to miss this fun event! 




LEEDERSHIP COUNCIL HOT COCOA SALE
Please remind learners to bring their dollars to recess time tomorrow so they can get their cup of hot cocoa from LEEdership Council.


DECEMBER TO REMEMBER
Congratulations, Bethany, for finding our Selfie Elfie on the first day and tweeting out.  Good luck!!! She has hidden it for day two.  I have to admit is was funny watching some of you competitive ones search and have fun this morning.




SECRET SANTA
Thank you to Social Spurs for organizing our Secret Santa gift exchange.  Drawing of names will happen on Friday, after school, and gift giving will occur December 17-21.  Click here to sign up to participate. 



ECONOMICS FAIR
Third grade will host their Economic's Fair on Wednesday.  Please let parents know that this is an entrepreneurial experience for our children that also supports their financial literacy objectives.  Check out the schedule they have designed for that morning.



STAFF HOLIDAY PARTY
You may remember how much FUN this was last year.  We hope everyone can join us for some time together outside of school.  This is NOT a school sponsored event, so you are free to have "tea."




GRINCH MOVIE DATE
What FUN it will be to take our learners to the movie on Thursday.  If you have a learner not attending, please let Chantel know so we can work out supervision for the child.  We will plan on loading the buses between 11:00-11:15.  The movie start time is 11:45, and the movie should end at 1:15.  We will load the buses as we plan to be back for our parties right at 2:00.  Learners will eat lunches in your spaces from 10:30-11:00 and need to be packed up for the end of the day, before we leave for the movies.  If you are a Specialist or Support Staff member, we are excited to have you join your house for the movie.  Please get with your Leadership member to see if there are any learners in the house that they need extra help with.  Those staff members with children, please help in your child's house so you can enjoy the movie with them.  Our Admin Team is happy to lend a hand, too, if you have friends who need to sit next to one of us.



SPIRIT ASSEMBLY
Please invite parents to attend our event on Friday.  We will start at 8:15.  Red and Black Superstars (I am having the office email you, if you have a winner) and Yearbook winners (Jessica will inform you) will be announced.  We also have some festive games for you to join in- BE READY!


LUNCHES ON DECEMBER 21:
We will have lunches in your spaces on December 21.


EARLY RELEASE 
Friday is a half day of school.  The elementary school early release time is 12:15.  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.  



RESTORATIVE PRACTICES
Please make sure you participate in the Twitter Slow Chat so you can get flex credit for our Book Study.  Also, you should have your class Respect/Trust Agreements completed and posted before leaving for the Winter Break.


SMART WATCHES AND DEVICES
Please share this with your parents in this week's newsletter:  As stated in our Elementary Student Handbook:
Possession and Use of Personal Telecommunications Devices, Including Mobile Telephones.  For safety purposes, the district permits students to possess personal mobile telephones; however, these devices must remain turned off during the instructional day, including during all testing, unless they are being used for approved instructional purposes. A student must have approval to possess other telecommunications devices such as netbooks, laptops, tablets, or other portable computers.  

This includes smart watches with cameras, video recorders, texting and gaming capabilities.  We kindly request these stay home ore remain in your learner's backpack during the school day. 


REMINDER
Don't forget!  Grades are due January 7th, the Monday we return from winter break.  Please go into e-school this week to make sure you are able to enter grades, have all of your learners, etc. so that if Leigh Ann needs to correct anything, it can be done before the holiday.  Also, if you enter grades over the break, please remember that they must be back-dated to a date before December 21st or they will not save.


LEE LIFE PRINCIPLE:
Trustworthiness- keeping your word; doing what is right for yourself and others.

LESSON IN LEADERSHIP:
People trust you when your attitudes, words and motives align with what you actually choose to do.  This includes being honest about mistakes, refusing to gossip and shift blame, and doing things that 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 e goes wrong." -Abraham Lincoln

DATES TO REMEMBER:
Dec 13-Dec 19- Stuffed Animal Drive
Dec 15- #rjlcares Volunteer Opportunity (8:30)
Dec 17- Teddy Bear Drive Day (Purple Solution)
     Winter Choir Performance (8:10 Cafe)
     GEMS Recognized (5:30 Admin Bldg.)
     School Board Mtg (7:00 Admin Bldg.)
Dec 18- Breakfast from Yellow House Family
     "Toasty Tuesday" (wear your PJs)
     Winter Choir Performance (6:30 Cafe)
Dec 19- Ayesha's Birthday
     Economic's Fair
     New Learner Lunches
     PTO Holiday Luncheon!!!
     Staff Holiday Party (4:00-6:00)
Dec 20- Grinch Day (Wear your Grinch Green)
     Spurs Savings (7:10-7:40)
     Lee Learning Walk (8:00)
     Grinch Movie Date (12:00-2:00)
     Winter Parties (2:00-3:00)
Dec 21- Breakfast from IBC
     Spirit Rally (8:15 Gym)
     Early Release (12:15)
Dec 22-Jan 6- WINTER BREAK
Jan 7- Day 1

Sunday, December 9, 2018

Week of December 10, 2018

We hope you are looking forward to one more week of treats from Ashley, Leigh Ann, 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.  Your tweets were fantastic!  It was awesome being able to see the opportunities our kids had all the way from Allaso Ranch.



DID YOU KNOW:
  • Bulb digital portfolio due dates is delayed for grades K-1 because the iPad app is not 100%?  The new due date is Spring Break. 
  • we have an adjusted schedule for Monday due to visits from CMSW Band and Choir and CHS Madrigals?  Please check out the schedule here (4th tab).  The events will happen in the gym. 
  • the SHAC Committee has created the 12 Days of Fitness?  Please share with your famiLEEs. 

DECEMBER TO REMEMBER
Don't forget that you can wear jeans the entire month of December.  Please tweet out what you enjoy with #DecemberToRemember and #rjlyear5


HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Please plan on going to the CISD Open House during your conference time on Friday.  If you are an hourly employee, please work with your supervising teacher to arrange a time to go over.  You will NOT want to miss this fun event!

LEEDERSHIP COUNCIL HOT COCOA SALE
Please let your parents know that LEEdership Council will be selling hot cocoa on Friday during recess time.  



ECONOMICS FAIR
Please encourage your learners to join in supporting our 3rd graders with their Economic's Fair on December 19.  There will be a modified schedule for this day.



REMINDER
Don't forget!  Grades are due January 7th, the Monday we return from winter break.  Please go into e-school this week to make sure you are able to enter grades, have all of your learners, etc. so that if Ashley or Leigh Ann need to correct anything, it can be done before the holiday.  Also, if you enter grades over the break, please remember that they must be back-dated to a date before December 21st or they will not save.


HOLIDY PARTY
Thank you to our Sunshine Spurs for planning our staff holiday party.  Please RSVP, by next Friday, here.



SECRET SANTA
Thank you to Social Spurs for organizing our Secret Santa gift exchange.  Drawing of names will happen on Friday, December 14, after school, and gift giving will occur December 17-21.  Click here to sign up to participate. 



CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations, Priscilla, for being awarded a CISD Education Foundation Grant for a 3D Printer for our school.  We are so excited for you!


HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE
Some of our local organizations have already been preparing for the holidays and would like to extend their help to families if they are in a time of need.  Please reach out to our school nurse, Ameira Olayan, or Angela Garvin, the school counselor,  by Monday, December 10th, if your family would like some assistance.


RESTORATIVE PRACTICES
Please make sure you participate in the Twitter Slow Chat so you can get flex credit for our Book Study.


LEE LIFE PRINCIPLE:
Generosity- freely giving of time or resource.

LESSON IN LEADERSHIP:
Surprise others by performing random acts of kindness.  Go out of your way to do something surprisingly kind and generous for someone at least once a month.

LEE QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
"We make a living by what we get and a life by what we give!" -Winston Churchill

DATES TO REMEMBER:
Dec 10- April's Birthday
     Day 7
     RtI Meetings
     CMSW Band and Choir Visit (1:30 Gym)
     Madrigal Visit (2:40 Gym)
Dec 11- Julie B's Birthday
     Day 6
Dec 12- Convocation t-shirt and Jeans
     Spelling Bee (3:30-4:30 Media Center Flex)
Dec 13- Spurs Savings (7:20-7:40 Cafe)
     Purple House Winter Music Program (8:10 and 6:30 Cafe)
Dec 14- LEEdership Council Hot Cocoa Sale (Recess Time)
     Lunch orders due for 12/20 and 12/21
     CISD Holiday Open House (during your conference time)
     Green House Field Trip (Perot Museum)
Dec 15- #rjlcares Volunteer Opportunity (8:30)

Friday, November 30, 2018

Week of December 3, 2018

I have ALL the feels tonight as I reflect about our week.  WHAT A WEEK OF LEARNING!  Thank you to Nelson, Kasey, Jacque, and ALL OF YOU for being the learners you are!  The conversations, lessons, collaboration and sharing that have taken place this week remind me of WHY I enjoy leading OUR SCHOOL and each of you.  One profound moment for me was listening in team time to someone lead their group in some new nano challenges.  This learner/leader was inspired by conversations from house and grade members that shared their learning experiences with her.  To me, THIS is what makes Lee special...the way you share learning with one another and stretch yourselves to live the guiding purpose of our school.  Another "principal proud" moment was having a learner as Principal of the Day today.  If you do not know Sandhya, you need to spend thirty seconds with her.  She has the most beautiful heart!  She lead our tour today with confidence- AND THIS IS HER FIRST YEAR AT LEE!  Then she visited classrooms and wrote the most authentic and true feedback to our designers.  Sorry we didn't make it to all classrooms, but WOW this child is amazing!   I was super excited to hear Leigh Ann brag about a teacher observation with one of our designers that implemented learning from Wednesday's staff meeting THE VERY NEXT DAY.  If that isn't awesome, I don't know what is.  Lastly, there are the digital projects that you all practiced, tried, and learned more about this week.  I don't think I have retweeted so much in three days as I have this week.  Ladies, I mean this to the core of my heart, I am so impressed by you!  THANK YOU for your hard work, THANK YOU for trying new things, THANK YOU for doing this all for the children!



DID YOU KNOW:
  • there is a name for the new elementary school? Canyon Ranch Elementary will open 2019-2020 and the Board is hoping to recommend and name the Principal at the December 17 Board Meeting.
  • that early dismissal time for December 21 is 12:15?  Start telling your parents, NOW!
  • the district will Go Red for staff wellness the month of February?  T-shirt ordering information is here and purchasing one will earn you jeans with the shirt every Monday in February, if you participate.
  • the district is having photographs taken of every classroom and space in our building in the next couple of weeks so that they can be used in a safety and security app that we will implement soon?  There may be a day in the next couple of weeks that you are asked to step outside your space, with your learners, for them to take a picture of your room.  Please know I TRY to protect you from interruptions, but this is one that is out of my control.  Thanks in advance for your flexibility!
  • Monday is Brooklyn's last day to student teach at Lee? What an exceptional student teacher she has been! She is out Friday taking her teacher certification test, so please get those positive vibes flowing. The office has a book circulating the building for you to write a sweet message in tomorrow, or Monday. We will present it to her before she leaves. Monday will not be the last time we see her, though- I would like to invite her back in Yellow House as Akta's long term sub during her maternity leave. Stay tuned!
  • this is the LAST day to submit GEMS? Have you nominated someone?
  • our staff Christmas party will be held at Lamberti’s Ristorante in Irving on Wednesday, Dec. 19 from 4-6 pm? Stay tuned for more information.
  • Courtney will be our guest administrator next Wednesday-Friday while Chantel is at Allaso Ranch with the fifth graders?
APPLE SITE VISIT
The head of Apple Distinguished Schools will be on campus, tomorrow, with two other representatives.  They will be here from start of the day until 11:00ish to walk our building.  They will be looking at integration of Apple products, how we use them to "create," and evidence of learning that is showcased in our campus iBook.  You always do a wonderful job,  but please be intentional with what you are doing during this time!  


CISD BOARD WALK
On Monday afternoon, we will have Mr. Hunt and other Board members (Bentley, Hill and Caviness) doing a learning walk on campus from 1:00 until dismissal.  Again, you do wonderful things all the time, but this is another important time frame that you may need to restructure your schedule to ensure you are showcasing learning at Lee.


HOUR OF CODE:
Computer Science Education Week and #HourOfCode are next week! This is a great time to use the coding and robotics resources located in your houses, while celebrating problem solving and deeper thinking. Please tweet out your participation in #HourOfCode during coding activities.  Check out some of the resources curated by the DLCs on the Hour of Code Website. Each grade range has a learn, do, and reflect portion learners can complete. The reflection piece will be done district-wide through FlipGrid! Not sure where to start? Let Kasey or Priscilla know if you need help!


YOU'RE A MEAN ONE
We have exciting news! We will be taking the ENTIRE school on a field trip to see the new Grinch movie on Thursday, December 20 (our class Winter Party day). Please share this information with your parents and begin collecting $6 per learner. Here is the form to document who has paid. We will either eat lunch on campus, or at a park, depending on our movie time and the weather. Please find out who will need a school sack lunch this day, as well.




DECEMBER TO REMEMBER:
IT IS HERE!  We request that you join us in the media flex space on Monday afternoon at 3:15 so we can deliver your December calendars to you before you head home.  We hope you tweet out what you enjoy with #decembertoremember and #rjlyear5.  It brings your Admin Team great joy to plan ways to celebrate you the entire month.  What is acknowledged gets repeated and we want to know what you enjoy.


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.  Unfortunately, this is not time for reading your Book Study book, because you get additional flex hours for that learning.  Please complete this form at the conclusion of your learning session today.  The form will open at 4:30.  Need an idea of something to learn about?  Have you checked out the Everyone Can Create iBook Collection?  There are four separate books focusing on drawing, video, photos, and music that are sure to show you something new.  Maybe you heard about or didn't get to complete the Apple Challenges Kasey created.  Whatever you choose during this time, ENJOY!


STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
We will have a campus visit by State Board of Education Representative, Donna Bahorich, Mr. Hunt, Mr. Grant, and Tracey Fisher on Thursday.  She visited our campus the first year we were open, so it should be cool for her to see how we have grown.  They will be here from 8:30-10:00.  Bahorich is now a member of the board's Committee on Instruction, which oversees issues such as curriculum standards, instructional materials, innovative courses and career and technical education



MACY'S BELIEVE LETTERS TO SANTA
Want an authentic writing experience for your learners?  For every letter to Santa received through Christmas Eve, Macy's will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1 million. Need inspiration for your letter to Santa? Let Violet's video explain how your letters make a difference.  If you'd like to participate, please have your kids bring their finished letters in the mailbox in the office by 3:05 Friday, December 14th. Layne will take all letters to Macy's after school. You can also have learners send letters digitally and/or you can print letterhead here.  Feel free to use the hashtag #MacysBelieve to promote this event. 

LUNCHES ON DECEMBER 21:
We will have lunches in your spaces on December 21.  Please take time to find out what your learners plan to eat so that our cafeteria can place an order that meets our needs and not have left over food for the break.  Please complete this form by December 14.  THANKS for your help on this!


CHESS CLUB
We have a free Chess Club open to the first 20 interested K-5 learners at Lee.  Please share this flyer that is also on PeachJar and this link for sign up with your parents.   The club will begin on Wednesday, December 12.



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 leat 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:
Week of Dec 3-7- Hour of Code Week
     Maintenance and Grounds Appreciation Week
     National Inclusive Schools Week
     National Handwashing Awareness Week
Dec 3- Brooklyn's last day of Student Teaching
     School Board Walk at Lee (1:00-3:00)
Dec 4- Education Foundation t-shirt and jeans
     NO PTO Meeting (enjoy the gift of time- next meeting in January!)
Dec 5- College Shirt Day
     Allaso Ranch Trip
     Fed Ex Day (3:30-4:30)
     Dad's Club Mtg (7:00)
Dec 6- Allaso Ranch Trip
     SBOE Site Visit (8:30-10:00)
Dec 7- Allaso Ranch Trip
Dec 8- Mariah's Birthday

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Week of November 26, 2018

They say it takes a village to raise a child.  It takes a village to be at Lee!  In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am reflecting about they many blessings at our school.  Every one of you are a blessing to me.  You are not taken for granted and appreciated beyond measure.  Each of you choose to come to Lee and work hard, daily, to bring our school building to life for our learners.  Your passion for learning, your flexibility and your heart shines in all you do.  May you come back ready to tackle the last week of November and prepare for a "December to Remember!" (New hires- ask someone what we mean by that!!)




DID YOU KNOW:
  • Stormy and Karli have notes from the Superintendent's Advisory Council?  If you have any questions, please see one of them.
  • that you can send work from Seesaw to Bulb? Click on this link to take you through and your learners through the steps! 
  • we are going to start dismissing from the gym at 7:35 in the morning now?  We talked about this at our Leadership Meeting. 
  • we have a new Spur arriving?  Guess who?


NELSON VISIT
Thank you to all of you interested in learning more about technology integration and CBL next week.  We are going to have to be flexible with our training locations with such a large group of you we don't have one space to stay in.  Please come with charged iPads and MacBooks and bring your Apple Pencil. You will be able to help with your morning and afternoon duties as the morning session will be 8:00-11:00 and the afternoon session will be 12:00-3:00. 
  • 8:00-9:30 in the Cafe 
  • 9:30-11:00 in Yellow House
  • 12:00-1:00 Red House
  • 1:00-2:00 Blue House 
  • 2:00-3:00 Cafeteria 



CISD FOCUSED WALKTHROUGH
This week we will give feedback on Domain 2 Dimension 5:  Monitor and Adjust.  We will be looking for evidence of how you are managing and monitoring learner engagement.  Are you noticing when you need to adjust pacing?  Are you scaffolding your questioning?  How are you checking for understanding along the way?  



LEE LIFE PRINCIPLE:
Fairness- playing by the rules

LESSON IN LEADERSHIP:
Whenever you are offered food, whether it be a birthday treat or a 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 19-23- NO SCHOOL
Nov 20- Courtney's Birthday
Nov 22- Jacque's Birthday
Nov 24- Lisa's Birthday
Nov 26- RTI Meetings
Nov 27- Nelson Visits
     CISD Ed Foundation t-shirt and jeans
Nov 28- Nelson Visits
     House Shirt and jeans
     Staff Meeting (3:30-5:00) Media Center Steps
     Allaso Ranch Chaperone Meeting (6:00-7:00)
Nov 29- Nelson Visits
     Student Principal for 1/2 Day (am)
     Spur Savings (7:20-7:40)
     Lee Learning Walk (8:00)
     Tours (9:00 and 1:00)
Nov 30- GEM Nominations Due
     LEEdership Council Meeting (8:15 Cafe)
     Apple Site Visit (11:00-3:00)

CLICK HERE TO SEE WHO IS HAVING OUR NEWEST SPUR!  Text her congratulations!

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Week of November 12, 2018

Thank you for taking the time to spread some love to your peers.  If you need more #ThankfulThursday post its, they are in my mailbox.  We appreciate you taking the time to show gratitude and make Lee Our Happy Place!  Thank you for your House CIP documentation and for starting your work on your Respect Agreements.



DID YOU KNOW:
  • Hour of Code is coming up?  Please sign up to participate and mark your calendars for the week of December 2-7.  I'm sure Kasey would love to design with you! 
  • we have not forgotten to order your classroom bookshelves?  We have had to use a different vendor than IKEA.  We are VERY GRATEFUL for your patience!!
  • in order to use the Easi-Scopes that were ordered earlier in the year, you will need to go into Self Service and download the software for your computer? 
  • we have a LOT of activities happening at Lee next week?  I hope the graphics in this blog help you with communicating to our FamiLEEs.

RED AND BLACK SUPERSTARS
As of Wednesday morning, we only had 5 submissions to The Coppell Education Foundation for recognizing learners and staff members for their hard work.  The deadline is Friday, November 9, at 5:00pm.  2 learners per grade and 3 employees will be recognized, but ALL nominees will receive a certificate, so the more nominations, the better!  Click here to submit a nomination and here to learn more about the recognition program


MiCOCINA NIGHT
Please let parents know that the event is at the 635 and MacArthur location.  Campus Administration will be there after the Blue House music performance.


PICKLE SALE
Wednesday is #NationalPickleDay and LEEdership Council will be selling large dill pickles for $1.00 each during recess time.

FALL FARMERS MARKET AT LEE
Since our school garden has been so plentiful we will sell items from it during Wednesday's FamiLEE Feast.  There are items like beans, peppers, eggplant, herbs, and MORE!  Thank you Garden Gurus and volunteers for your hard work. 


FAMILEE FEAST @ LEE
All families are invited to join their learner for a traditional Thanksgiving Lunch on Thursday during their child’s lunch time.  The cost of a school lunch is $3.50, for guests, and will be easiest if guests use their learner's lunch account when purchasing.  If parents are planning to attend they can sign up here. 


COMPOST COLLECTION
Please help spread the word to our families that we will take their donations at our school garden.

BIG TIME TOURS AT LEE THIS WEEK
We have some very large and very important tours on Tuesday and Thursday next week.  I have included as many details as I can in our calendar notes.  I'm asking for you to each help in these ways:
  • Make sure your space is organized
  • Make sure you are using your collabs the way they were designed and they are clean, too.
  • Please ensure you have these posted (Evidence of CBL work, current learner work, learning standards) 
  • Make sure your digital signage is on and updated
Tuesday's Tour will last from 10:00-12:00 with 40 guests.  They will be having a comprehensive tour through the entire building.  Our guests will be looking for Challenge Based Learning during both tours on Thursday.


NELSON AT LEE
Nelson will be back November 27-29.   Those of you that signed up for Apple Learning (AM) and CBL Learning (PM) received calendar invites.  If you are interested in Nelson visiting your space on Wednesday or Thursday, please sign up here.


CISD FOCUSED WALKTHROUGH
This week we will give feedback on Domain 2 Dimension 5:  Monitor and Adjust.  We will be looking for evidence of how you are managing and monitoring learner engagement.  Are you noticing when you need to adjust pacing?  Are you scaffolding your questioning?  How are you checking for understanding along the way?  





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 12- Progress Report Grades Due
     Meghan W's Birthday
     Veteran's Day Performance (8:10 and 6:30 Cafe)
     MiCocina Night (5:00-9:00)
Nov 13- Samira's Birthday
     Delores' Birthday
     Tour (9:00-2:00)
Nov 14- LEEdership Council Pickle Sale
     Leadership Meeting (April's Space)
Nov 15- Spurs Savings (7:10-7:40)
     Tours (9:00 and 1:00)
Nov 16- Send Progress Reports Home
Nov 17- Chantel's Birthday
Nov 18- Hannah's Wedding
Nov 19-23- NO SCHOOL
Nov 20- Courtney's Birthday
Nov 22- Jacque's Birthday
Nov 24- Lisa's Birthday

Thursday, November 1, 2018

Week of November 5, 2018

Thank you for a fun and memorable Book Character Parade this week!


DID YOU KNOW:
  • elementary learners have the option to publish their work to the public in their Bulb portfolios?  Kasey wrote a blog post for educators to use as a resource. 
  • that the Coppell Gifted Association is looking for 1-2 parents interested in serving as a campus representative for the CGA?  They are also looking for volunteers to judge the Creative Writing Competition.  If you are interested or have interested parents, they can contact Carrie Clark


CLARITY SURVEY
3rd-5th grade designers, PLEASE make sure your learners have completed the clarity survey before leaving school today.


#RJLRESTORATIVEPRACTICES
We had two great days of training on Restorative Practices, in Arlington, this week.  Don't forget to have your chapters read and respond to the slow chat questions before Wednesday's staff meeting.  Your participation will determine if you get flex credit for our book study, so please keep those responses coming so we can learn from one another.  


RED AND BLACK SUPERSTARS
The Coppell Education Foundation recognizes learners and staff members for their hard work.  Anyone can nominate, including your parents, so please share this with them.  The deadline is Friday, November 9, at 5:00pm.  2 learners per grade and 3 employees will be recognized, but ALL nominees will receive a certificate, so the more nominations, the better!  Click here to submit a nomination and here to learn more about the recognition program



TOUR
We have a group of >30 from Frisco this week.  They are high school students in their teacher preparation program.  It is a good time to "wall walk" your classroom.  Invite a housemate in for their opinion.  Maybe it is time to move the furniture around?  Are your anchor charts current?  Do you have current (not older than a month) learner work posted in your space?  Is your LEEdership quality chart current?  Do you have evidence of CBL?  Are your learning targets posted?  Thanks for your attention to these topics!


PTO MEETING
Don't forget to have learners ready to present for each house at 7:00 on Tuesday night.  


CIP
Please send your house documentation to our Admin Team by Friday.   Thank you, Purple House, for already sending us your feedback.


VETERANS DAY
Please share this Veteran's sign up for parents and guests to attend for our Veteran's Day event on Monday, November 12.


CISD APP
Please remind your parents that they should download the CISD Mobile App.  They may not know that they can view items like grades, assignments, attendance, and lunch balances.  They can set up alerts to notify them when grades drop below a certain threshold, too. 


CISD FOCUSED WALKTHROUGH
This week we will give feedback on Domain 2 Dimension 5:  Monitor and Adjust.  We will be looking for evidence of how you are managing and monitoring learner engagement.  Are you noticing when you need to adjust pacing?  Are you scaffolding your questioning?  How are you checking for understanding along the way?  





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:
November 4- Daylight Savings
November 5- RtI Meetings
     Pet Partner Visit (1:00)
November 6- Complete reading Chapters 1-5 in Restorative Practices Book
     Ed Foundation Shirt and Jeans
     Gwen's Birthday
     Tour (1:00-2:30)
     PTO Meeting (7:00 Cafe)
November 7- Welcome Back Kamille!
     College Shirt and Jeans
     Diwali
     Staff Meeting (3:30-5:00)
     Dad's Club Meeting (7:00)
November 8- Spurs Savings (7:20-7:40)
     Picture Retakes (8:00-9:45)
November 9- Rucha's Birthday
     Red and Black Superstars Due
     Send CIP documentation to CK, AM, and LH
     LEEdership Council Meeting (8:15 Cafe)