Week of April 2, 2018

I hope everyone had a fantastic short week and enjoys the LONG weekend.  I am SO GRATEFUL to be back on campus and in the swing of things.  I truly missed all of you and the children.  Have a Happy Easter and enjoy the three day weekend!

DID YOU KNOW:

• we have a new full time office aide?  Her name is Gwen DiRenzo and we are super excited to welcome her to our FamiLEE.  Gwen has two children in CISD and compliments our front office.  Please drop by and introduce yourself.
• Candace will be transferring over to New Tech @ Coppell High in two weeks.  We are going to miss her at Lee, but the secondary hours will let her take care of her family.  Best wishes, Candace!
• Our long term sub for Jessie Tadgerson will start on Monday?  Her name is Meghan Wood.  Welcome to the FamiLEE, Meghan!
• that at 5:00 PM, tomorrow, your devices will automatically update to the latest iOS?  Make sure your documents are backed up!
• BrainPop has a "Game Up" section that can support some of your learning objectives?  I like "Sortify" for critical thinking, "Make a Map" concept mapping for pattern connections, "Make a Movie" and "Creative Coding" for creation. 
• the time for submitting GEMS is now?  Please go into FORMS in Eduphoria and submit something FABULOUS someone has done that goes above and beyond the call of duty.  Our shout out board is also ready for new praise!  
• there are math professional learning resources in Schoology that you can earn flex credit for?  The access code is Q8WM7-ZH2TQ

BUFFALO WILD WINGS SPIRIT NIGHT
We look forward to seeing Red and Yellow House Designers at BWW on Wednesday night, though all of you are welcome to attend.  THANK YOU for making it a priority to attend and to encourage your FamiLEEs to show up.  All staff, please put reminders in your newsletters this week.


INVITATION TO ALL DESIGNERS
We have a parent who has invited all Lee Designers to Guru Vandana.  Guru Vandna means "Reverence for the Teacher."  This event gives learners a chance to express gratitude to their teachers.  The event is on Sunday, May 6 from 3:00-4:30 at the Coppell Senior and Community Center.  If you would like to go, you can RSVP here.

SPRING CONFERENCES

Please start getting your Spring conferences scheduled.  

2018-2019 ENROLLMENT LETTERS

These (on purple paper) will be copied and put in your Designer mailboxes for you.  We ask that you send these letters home on Monday, April 2.  We request that they be returned to school by Friday, April 6.  THANK YOU!

PTO GRANTS

Congratulations to some of the designers who got their grants approved by PTO.  

• Silverlit Submarine camera and GoPro Hero5 Black (Sam Jensen)  "We loved the ideas of learning what happens beneath the surface of our eco pond. The request for 5 cameras serve all the houses of Lee. The data from these cameras can be used and showcased by the learners in many different ways!" Amount Approved: $475

• Conference at The Challenge Institute and Digital Promise (Samira Khan)  "We learned that CBL is still an evolving method of teaching and that the campus could use an update about what's new in the field! We felt this grant proposal had a benefit for the entire campus. " Amount Approved: $1579

Thank you, also, to Jacque and Angela for helping serve with the PTO committee that reviewed these.  Keep the grant ideas coming in.  When I can, I will fund them.  If I can't, PTO will review quarterly.  Good luck!

CISD FOCUSED WALKTHROUGH

This week we will continue to give feedback on Domain 2 Dimension 5:  Monitor and Adjust.  We will be looking for evidence of input from learners, how you adjust instruction and activities to maintain learner engagement, pacing of your lesson, how you check for understanding along the way, and how you adjust to meet the varying needs of your learners throughout the lesson.

CISD CURRICULUM COURIER

ESL STRATEGY OF THE WEEK:

Observe Closely
Find an object that matters to you. Examine it closely, looking at it part by part. Describe what you see literally, using all of your senses. Describe what you see by comparing it to other things. Describe how it makes you feel.  (Taken from The Writing Strategies Book by Serravallo)

LEE LIFE PRINCIPLE:

Flexibility-- the ability to make adjustments or alter plans.

LESSON IN LEADERSHIP:

A leader is able to change and adjust to different situations and settings with a positive attitude.

LEE QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

"Expect the best.  Prepare for the worst.  Capitalize on what comes."  Zig Ziglar

DATES TO REMEMBER:
April- Yellow takes care of the lounge
National Poetry Month
National School Library Month
April 2- RtI Meetings
     World Autism Awareness Day
April 3- Ed Foundation Shirt with Jeans
     Austin Parent Chaperone Meeting (6:00pm)
     Dad's Club Meeting (7:00 BWW)
April 4- College Shirt with Jeans
     Buffalo Wild Wings Night for Yellow and Red Houses
     Online STAAR Tutorials documentation due to Angela
     Fed Ex Day (3:30-4:30)
April 5- Spurs Savings (7:20-7:40 Cafe)
     Our World Music Performance (8:15 Cafe)
     STAAR Alt 2 Testing (1:30-3:00)
April 6- Rebekah's Birthday
     Spirit Stick Sales (Recess time)
     5th Grade Growth and Development Presentation (2:00-2:45)

Week of March 26, 2018

THANK YOU for getting so many tasks done this week (school supplies, CIP, TELPAS, Report Card grades, the list goes on and on!!!).  We appreciate how Lee Designers stay on top of things, so please know how very much each of you are appreciated.  It has been AWESOME seeing all the tweets keeping me posted on Lee happenings as I have been away.  I'm excited to share what I learn at the Empower 18 ASCD Conference with you.  Green and Purple Designers, THANK YOU for going to Buffalo Wild Wings on Wednesday.

We have a short week next week.  Enjoy the long weekend and Happy Easter to those of you that celebrate!

DID YOU KNOW:

• new hires are going to have more time to earn their 30 initial hours of GT credit?  Did you know the same thing will be true for those of you that need your 6 hour GT Update?  There will be two sessions (for the Summer PD offerings) for employees to earn their time.  It will also be offered in Fall 2018.  

FUN RUN

Don't forget we have an alternate schedule for the Fun Run (FUN RUN SCHEDULE TAB).  You may wear workout or yoga pants (YES YOU ARE READING THIS CORRECTLY-HA!) if you are participating in the run with your learners.  THANK YOU for all of the hype to keep kids motivated to get pledges.  We KNOW our success is because of YOU!!!

YEARBOOKS

Please put a strong reminder in your newsletter that, THIS SUNDAY (March 25) is the LAST day to order 2017-2018 Yearbooks.  The cost is $30.  Go HERE to order and enter RJ Lee Yearbook code 13015818.

STAFF MEETING
Please remember to be prepared to share out your book club books at Wednesday's meeting.  Please have FUN with this and do not STRESS!

IPAD MINIS
I got an update from Technology about the iPad minis.  They are no longer able to update and are running into space/compatibility issues.  Their department is working on a plan for Fall, but in the meantime, the solution is to WIPE THE DEVICE and add back only the minimum apps needed to get by.  Keep in mind some apps are not supported and may crash.  In addition, there is a chance that the device may need to be wiped and apps added after only a couple of days.  I'M SORRY that this is so very inconvenient and will cause you frustration.  Please understand I am in constant conversation with them about the long term "solution" for this problem.  Once I know more, you will be the first to know.

SPRING CONFERENCES

You can begin your Spring Conferences at any time, now.  Please give due diligence to make contact with all parents to review their learner's data and goal setting.  Keep documentation of parents who attend conferences.  During your time together, I would encourage you to listen for if a parent/child would like to make a change in house for the 2018-2019 school year.  Maybe their learner is not working well with classmates?  Perhaps they need a change of classmates after multiple years? Please write these requests down and EMAIL them to Chantel.  This makes sure that we have a second layer of documentation to double check when class lists are created.  In addition, remind parents to indicate the same information on the 2018-2019 Campus Enrollment letter that will be going home the beginning of April. We do NOT take requests for house colors and we do our best to have siblings in the same house.  If you are a double grade, parents need to know that we will do our BEST to keep as many learners in their house to loop up.  Parents WILL be notified by campus administration before Meet the Designer Night, if their learner is being moved.  Please ask me if you have any questions!!!

CISD FOCUSED WALKTHROUGH

This week we will continue to give feedback on Domain 2 Dimension 5:  Monitor and Adjust.  We will be looking for evidence of input from learners, how you adjust instruction and activities to maintain learner engagement, pacing of your lesson, how you check for understanding along the way, and how you adjust to meet the varying needs of your learners throughout the lesson.

CISD CURRICULUM COURIER

ESL STRATEGY OF THE WEEK:

Moments with Strong Feelings
Choose a strong feeling (worry, fear, embarrassment, excitement, joy, etc.) Think about memories you have that connect to that feeling. Try to use details that show the feeling of that moment (Taken from the Writing Strategies Book by Serravallo)

LEE LIFE PRINCIPLE:

Compassion- the ability to share another's feelings or ideas

LESSON IN LEADERSHIP:

When a designer is having a serious conversation with a learner, don't look at that learner.  You wouldn't want your classmates looking at you in a similar situation.

LEE QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

"It is the weak who are cruel.  Gentleness can only be expected from the strong." -Leo Roskin

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Week of March 26- Kindergarten Registration

     TELPAS Rating during Team Time

     4th Grade Writing Camp

March 27- Megan and Jessie's Baby Shower (7:15-7:45)

March 28- House shirts with jeans

     New Learner Lunches (during lunchtime)

     Staff Meeting (3:30-5:00 Layne's Space)

March 29- Positive Post it Day

     Jeans with Spirit Shirt since there is no school tomorrow

     Spurs Savings (7:20-7:40 Cafe)

     Lee Learning Walk (8:00-9:00)

     Campus Tours (9:00- Frisco 16 people)

March 30- NO SCHOOL

     CISD Employee Transfers Due

     Last Day for TTESS Observations

March 31- Megan Sonnamaker's Birthday

Week of March 19, 2018

THANK YOU for an incredible Open House and for showcasing your children and their learning in such creative ways!  We heard countless parents brag on the work, displays, schools, and PEOPLE in the building.  There were many smiles and LOTS of pictures with happy and proud famiLEEs!  The best part was having alumni CHOOSE to come back, even when they don't have a siblings still in our building.  You all make a world of difference in the lives of children and we are truly grateful for YOU!! 

THANK YOU for pumping up our Fun Run this first week and for encouraging the fundraising and participation with your learners.  Our success is because of YOU.  

Have a wonderful Spring Break!  Be safe as you make memories with your loved ones and friends. 

DID YOU KNOW

• there is a recommendation for a new Asst. Supt. for Curriculum and Instruction?  Town Center Principal, Dr. Angie Applegate, will be going to the CISD School Board, and if approved, she will start her new position on April 2.
• we will clean out the refrigerator tomorrow at 1:30?  Please have your items out of there so they don't spoil while we are off.
• your technology is supposed to be locked in your storage closets over a break?  Please roll them in there and plug them in so your devices are charged when you return.
• we have a tour after our Spirit Rally tomorrow?  You may recognize one of the participants. 
• Karli will finish out the year in Blue 2?  We are ecstatic that our learners will have her helping them grow into third graders!  CONGRATS, Karli! 
• that CISD has a calendar of upcoming Professional Learning Events for summer and next year?  Take a look here.  We are starting to add these to the campus calendar for you, as well.

OFFICE HELP
Please be patient with our front office when we return from Spring Break.  In addition to the number of families they will continue to enroll, they will also be registering new Kindergartners through the end of March (and we haven't filled Viana's place, yet).

Please give the front office a 24 hour turn around on color print copies (for now).  We can speed up the process when we are fully staffed.  Until further notice, the laminator is offline.  It needs to be serviced.

Please do NOT text Deepa or Shanna when you are going to be absent or need a sub after school hours.  Please text Chantel and after hearing from Chantel, you will be advised to put your absence in Smart Find on your own.  Deepa and Shanna are hourly employees and should not be getting texts outside of the 7:00-3:30 day.  HR has been very clear on this, so we thank you for your cooperation with this matter.

REPORT CARDS
Report cards will go home the Friday we return from Spring Break.  Please have your grades in the system by 8:00 on Tuesday, March 20th.  Thank you!


PTO MEETING
Please have learners ready to present on Tuesday night's meeting.  

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

In light of recent events, Mr. Hunt has requested that ALL STAFF review the CISD updated Emergency Procedure Plan.   He requested this be done by all, immediately.  Thank you for your cooperation.

  

CIP REVIEW

Please review our Campus Improvement Plan with your house.  We request that you input any formative review evidence in the October and February columns by Wednesday, March 21. 

BWW NIGHT

Thank you, Green and Purple Houses for attending BWW on Wednesday night.  Let's see if we can pump our famiLEEs up to attend so that we earn money for the school.  

FUN RUN

Please remember we will have an adjusted schedule for the Fun Run on Friday.  Please look at the FUN RUN SCHEDULE tab on the Master Schedule document.  Please share this sign up with your parents to help volunteer for the Fun Run day.  

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

It is important that we revisit our school supply lists for PTO for next year so that PTO can secure the best pricing from EPI.  Please review, as a grade level, and make any adjustments.  Once your adjustments are made, change the date on your tab to "Your Grade 2018-2019" so we know you are done.  PLEASE do not increase items without taking other items off and also visit lists that are already completed to make sure you are not duplicating house supplies.  The total should be as close to $50 as you can get it.  Please have this done by March 23.  Thank you to some of the grades that already got this done and to Art for updating before the deadline!

DADS CLUB CAMP IN

Please share this flier and sign up with your parents so that Dad's Club can plan accordingly for their event.  The deadline to register is March 21.

CISD FOCUSED WALKTHROUGH

This week we will continue to give feedback on Domain 2 Dimension 5:  Monitor and Adjust.  We will be looking for evidence of input from learners, how you adjust instruction and activities to maintain learner engagement, pacing of your lesson, how you check for understanding along the way, and how you adjust to meet the varying needs of your learners throughout the lesson.

CISD CURRICULUM COURIER

ESL STRATEGY OF THE WEEK:

Consult a Fellow Writer

For whatever part of the process you’re in, if you feel stuck you can consult with another writer who may be able to get you jump-started.  Discuss what you think you might write about, the challenges you’re having, or how you think it might go.  Listen to yourself as you talk.  Once you feel like you said aloud what you want to say on the page, go back to your writing.  (Taken from The Writing Strategies Book by Serravallo)

LEE LIFE PRINCIPLE:

Fortitude- strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage.

LESSON IN LEADERSHIP:

If someone in the class wins a game or does something well, we will congratulate that person.  If you win or do well at something, do not brag.  When you lose, do not show anger.

LEE QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

"He who knows others is wise.  He who knows himself is enlightened." -Lau Tzu

DATES TO REMEMBER:
March 11- Daylight Savings
March 12-16- SPRING BREAK
March 17- Jacque's Wedding
March 18- Claudia's Birthday
March 19- Kindergarten Registration Begins
     NO Formal TTESS Observations
     RtI Meetings
March 20- #interntionaldayofhappiness
     Ed Foundation t-shirt with jeans
     5th Grade Band Talk (team time or hour before team time)
     5th Grade Middle School Course Sheets due to Shanna
     Mentor Meeting (3:30)
     PTO Meeting (7:00 Cafe)
March 21- School t-shirt with jeans
     CIP Evidence Due
     BWW Night (Green and Purple Houses)
     Leadership Mtg. (3:30 Lounge)
March 22- Jessica T's Birthday
     Spurs Savings (7:20-7:40 Cafe)
     Purple House Field Trip
     4th and 5th Grade STAAR Training (3:30 Enrichment Room)
March 23- 2018-2019 School Supply Lists Due
     Fun Run Day (adjusted schedule)
     Dad's Club Camp In (7:00 pm - 8:00 am)

Week of March 5, 2018

We are SO EXCITED with all of your preparations for Open House.  Your spaces are coming together and your plans for displays and scavenger hunts will help parents and learners explore the entire building.  THANK YOU for your efforts and creativity!!  Blue House's World of Music performance was incredible, and it looks like THERE IS SUN IN THE FORECAST FOR TOMORROW!!!  I recognize there are quite a few "to dos" in this blog.  Please tackle one at a time and do not stress!  I tried to put them in order of due date to help you.  Most have a two or three week window to complete, so you will have plenty of time to get them done.  

DID YOU KNOW:

• we were reminded by Mr. Hunt NOT to prop doors open, EVER!  Please help us make sure this is not a problem at Lee.  If you see a door propped open, please close it.
• your voice is important?  Don't forget to get out there and VOTE!  
• Viana has earned a promotion?  She will be the new Principal's secretary at New Tech @ Coppell High.  Congratulations, Viana!  We are super proud of her and know that she will always be a Lee Spur at heart.  Viana will be with us, on and off, as she transitions to her new role.  

FUN RUN UPDATE
Get ready for orange, blue, and excitement to start working its way through the building.  This group does a great job of teaching citizenship and being present on campus.  Monday's pep rally in the gym will get the kids excited and they will go home with their pledge packs.  We will have a modified schedule so PLEASE communicate this to your parents (see Fun Run Pep Rally Schedule tab).  We will have Team Time, and it is Day 6.  Thanks Julie and Carla for letting the company set up early in your gym!

STAFF MEETING
We were supposed to share out about our book studies at this Wednesday's Staff Meeting.  We will postpone this until the March 28 meeting.  This way, in staff meeting, we can give you some time to work in your groups to create your presentations.  On Wednesday, we will also break out into your sustainability committees for part of staff meeting time, so bring your ideas and resources with you.  Is there anyone willing to offer up their space for our meeting on Wednesday?  


OPEN HOUSE
THANK YOU for the work that is already being put up for next week.  We can't wait to walk the building before Open House to take it all in!  Please wear your pink RJL confetti shirt with jeans this night. Encourage parents to stop by the cafeteria to view/purchase their child's artwork and to stop by the library, gym and music rooms, too. We hope they will tweet out what they like to #rjlyear4.  Lastly, have a system in place for how you will manage the check in of technology before heading home at the conclusion of Open House.


SPIRIT RALLY
Friday morning we will recognize this 9 week's accomplishments.  I will let you know, as soon as I know, if you have a Red and Black Superstar being recognized.  We will also recognize all DI participants.  Please let parents know that we would love them to attend Friday's event!

TELPAS 

Writing samples are due no later than Friday, March 9.  If designers have writing samples that are completed and ready to be picked up, please email Claudia and she will come get them.

STRIVE

Please log into Strive and review your Walkthrough and Observation feedback.  Some of you have messages that indicate that you have not yet viewed the feedback given.  The district gets reports and this was mentioned in my TTESS Calibration Meeting on Tuesday.  Check yours out, please.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

In light of recent events, Mr. Hunt has requested that ALL STAFF review the CISD updated Emergency Procedure Plan.   He requested this be done by all, immediately.  Thank you for your cooperation.

  

CIP REVIEW

Please review our Campus Improvement Plan with your house.  We request that you input any formative review evidence in the October and February columns by Wednesday, March 21.  Thanks, Ashley, for putting the district document in a Google Doc that we can all contribute to.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

It is important that we revisit our school supply lists for PTO for next year so that they can secure the best pricing from EPI.  Please review, as a grade level, and make any adjustments.  Once your adjustments are made, change the date on your tab to "Your Grade 2018-2019" so we know you are done.  PLEASE do not increase items without taking other items off and also visit lists that are already completed to make sure you are not duplicating house supplies.  The total should be as close to $50 as you can get it.  Please have this done by March 23.

CISD FOCUSED WALKTHROUGH

This week we start a new focus for our walkthroughs.  We will give feedback on Domain 2 Dimension 5:  Monitor and Adjust.  We will be looking for evidence of input from learners, how you adjust instruction and activities to maintain learner engagement, pacing of your lesson, how you check for understanding along the way, and how you adjust to meet the varying needs of your learners throughout the lesson.

CISD CURRICULUM COURIER

ESL STRATEGY OF THE WEEK:

Stuck with Writing? Read.

If you find yourself at a loss for words, unable to write, it might be worthwhile to step away and do something else.  You can pick up a text in the same topic or genre as what you’re trying to write, and read.  You can get inspired by what the author said, or how the author said it.  As soon as inspiration strikes, return to your writing.  (Taken from The Writing Strategies Book by Serravallo)

LEE LIFE PRINCIPLE:

Courage- strength to act even when afraid or uncertain

LESSON IN LEADERSHIP:

Make eye contact.  When someone is speaking, keep your eyes on him or her at all times.  If someone makes a comment, turn and face that person.

LEE QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen." -Winston Churchill

DATES TO REMEMBER:
March 5- Fun Run begins, through March 23
     RtI Meetings
     Fun Run Pep Rally (1:00 Gym)
March 6- Education Foundation shirt and jeans
     CMSW visits fifth graders (8:30-9:30 Cafe)
     Amanda's Baby Shower (3:30)
     Dad's Club Meeting (BWW 7:00 pm)
March 7- College Shirt with jeans
     5th Grade Parent meeting at CMSW (8:00, 10:00, 2:00, 5:30)
     Staff Mtg. (3:30-5:00)
March 8- Spurs Savings (7:20-7:40)
     Open House (6:00-7:30)
March 9- Hillary's Birthday
     Last Day of 3rd 9 Weeks
     Spirit Rally (8:00-9:00)
     Tour (9:15)
     Spirit Stick Sale (Recess time)
     3rd Grade Multiplication Sundae Party
March 12-15- SPRING BREAK!