Week of September 30, 2019

What an amazing turn out for our Special Friends Event today.  The office did a wonderful job of greeting everyone and making them feel right at home!  The recess teachers helped manage learner guests, our custodial and cafeteria staff handled our large number of visitors, our lunch duty teachers did their very best cleaning up and keeping lunch on schedule with guests.  Natalie and our volunteers rocked the Book Fair.  It takes us all on days like this.  THANK YOU!   I think of the CISD core values, and having events like this aligns with "valuing collective engagement that positively impacts the lives our our children and our world" and  "we value authentic relationships."  The children were so excited and proud to have their guests at our school.  We recognize it is stressful on you when we have these events, so thank you for your positivity!

DID YOU KNOW:

• CISD compliance training is due on Thursday, October 3?  Leigh Ann and I will go in and credit flex hours to those who have completed training. 
• that the Board approved funding for upgrades to wireless at all campuses?  Upgrades will start in November.  PRAISES!
• if you have a learner leave Lee, we need you to bring your iPad to Leigh Ann?  She will wipe it and get it ready for new learners that don't have one. 

BOOK FAIR
We have had a hugely successful Fall Book Fair this week- that means more books for our library! Thank you to Natalie and our PTO moms for running and organizing it.  Thank you to all of the open space designers for handling the extra volume and for everyone being flexible with learners going down to shop.


FAIR TICKETS
The State Fair of Texas opens on Friday, Sept 27!!  You will get your Designer and Learner State Fair tickets in your box.  PLEASE send these home with learners, immediately, in a secure way so that they do not get lost.  Not using your staff ticket? Return it to Deepa.  She will add it to the extras.  If you want an extra adult ticket, email Deepa and she can get you one on a first come, first serve basis.  Check out State Fair of Texas foods to see what they have in store for you this year!  I can't wait to try the Black Gold Truffles and Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Ball.

PICTURE DAY

Wednesday is class picture day and parent forms are in your mailbox to go home on Friday.  Photographs will take place in the flex space off the media center.  We request that you come down promptly when you are scheduled.  Line up from the office hallway towards the flex space.  Exit from the ramp in front of Art.  We did our best to work around specials and recess.  Please allow learners to change clothes if parents request they do so. 

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.  The reflection form will open at 4:30.  I have invited DLCs to come over for a session on Bulb digital portfolios for those interested in attending.

COMMUNITY TAILGATE
Please share this engagement opportunity with your parents.

FALL CONFERENCES
Just a reminder that the learners are expected to be part of Fall Conferences in ALL grade levels.  We only have 15 days to respond to a parent's request for testing of their child.  If a parent requests testing during your fall conferences, please contact Leigh Ann with that information.


BULLYING AWARENESS
October is National Bullying Prevention Month.  CISD is asking that all staff and students wear a blue shirt on Monday, Oct. 7th in observance of National Bullying Awareness Day. Thanks for your participation! 


COPPELL GIFTED ASSOCIATION WRITING CONTEST

This contest is for our 4th and 5th graders and more details are here.  Please share with your parents.

PANARAMA SURVEY
Within the next few weeks of October, CISD will be rolling out information about our new survey tool that will replace Clarity.  3rd-5th grade learners will take the survey as well as all staff and parents.


WALKTHROUGH FOCUS

Our focused walkthroughs for the next weeks are in Domain 3 Dimension 1: Learning Environment.  We are looking for evidence of effective routines, transitions, and procedures that are implemented effortlessly.  We are looking for learners to be in charge of managing materials and that your room is safe, inviting, and orderly.  Think about your anchor charts?  Is there intention with where they are located? Is learner work displayed in your space?  Are your learning targets, respect agreement, and digital pledge posted?

ESL FOR THE WEEK

Claudia and Stormy are hosting a professional development novel study over Sheltered Instruction in Texas. You have the opportunity to earn 6 SBEC hours for completing the book study with us! We will complete the book study together during Team Times and other designated professional development times by completing various activities in  Schoology. Not to worry, we will complete ALL of the chapters together. If you have any questions OR are in need of a book, please let us know! You can sign up for the course ahead of time! Course Code: ZCZM-MFCQ-PXRPG

DATES TO REMEMBER:
Sept 27-  CISD Ed Foundation Grants Due
Sept 30- Dreambox Visitors at Lee (8:45-9:45)
     5th Grade LEEdershp Training (all day)
Oct 1- Education Foundation Shirt and Jeans
     Apple Tour at Lee (time TBD)
     PTO Meeting (6:30 pm Cafe)
Oct 2- Maintenance and Custodian Appreciation Day
     Fall Picture Day
     Fed Ex (3:30-4:30)
Oct 3- Spurs Savings (7:20-7:40 Cafe)
     Apple Tour at Lee (9:30-11:30)
Oct 4- CISD Tailgate Event

Week of September 23, 2019

BOY, I have missed you all this week, but I learned a great deal reading the submissions of Apple Distinguished School books with a group from across the U.S.  While I was inspired by the books, I was reminded of how incredible Lee Elementary is and the wonderful work we are doing here.  THANK YOU for continuing to grow your knowledge in the area of technology and for your creative uses of our devices. You make me so proud!  Once our latest book is published in the iTunes Store, I will share it with you.  This takes about a week.  THANK YOU to those of you that participated in Dot Day activities.  If you missed my retweet about the incredible resource that AppleEDU put out for Dot Day, you might want to check it out.  I could see you all making a copy of this Keynote and making it work in other inventive ways.

DID YOU KNOW:

• Global Action Day is on Wednesday?  Sustainable Development Goals are one way that you can help lead learners toward actions and solutions to CBL problems.  Actions both big and small MATTER and we can't wait to see what you design for your learners.  Here is their latest educational resource.  If you do work with the goals use #act4SDGs 
• the district has a committee for "Strength in Unity?"  If this interests you, we need a representative.  Please email Chantel.
• Patterns of Power resources for 1-5 grade were delivered this week?  Anita DeLaIsla sent these helpful links you could review:
• Video on unboxing the Patterns of Power Plus (Jeff is sorta funny)
• 10-minute Lesson Video
• POP Webinar

FAMILEE MOVIE NIGHT
We look forward to seeing all of our FamiLEEs at PTO's FamiLEE Movie Night.  Rain or shine, we will still host the event.  If, for weather reasons, we move Movie Night indoors, we will be in the gym and cafeteria.  Parents can bring blankets and chairs to set up for the viewing.  Our Fall Book Fair will be open from 6:00 - 7:00 and PTO will be selling concessions during the movie.  We can't wait to see you all there!

FALL BOOK FAIR AND LIBRARY NEWS

The Scholastic Book Fair is here all next week!  There are multiple family engagement events like: being open before Movie Night, Pastries with Parents (only 16 responses so far) before school on Wednesday and Special Friends Day on Thursday.  Please send your learners down, one at a time, throughout the day so that the volunteers are not overwhelmed with shoppers at the beginning and end of day and remember you can bring your whole class during your normal library time.  The Book Fair will be open from 7:15-3:00 M-TH and 7:15-12:00 F.  

SPURS SAVINGS
We have our first Spur Savings bank day open this week. Remind learners and their parents to bring their deposits EVERY Thursday for the rest of the year.  Thank you to our fifth grade designers and learners for their partnership with Las Colinas Federal Credit Union!   

To participate:

• If your Child is NEW to Spur Savings, please complete the New Account Application.

• If your Child is already a member of Las Colinas Federal Credit Union, please complete the Existing Member information to update your child’s House & Grade information.  

• If your child does not have a social security number, please complete a W-8BEN and return it to Las Colinas Federal Credit Union .

SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY
We are super excited that Special Friends day is here!  Send out one last reminder to request that guests sign up that they are attending, so that we can prepare accordingly. We only have 32 responses so far!! 

RED AND BLACK SUPER STARS 
Please turn in your student nominations and share this information with your parents.  Friday is the deadline.

GREAT EDUCATORS MATTER

CISD has an internal Employee Recognition Program (GEMs: Great Educators Matter).  This program recognizes outstanding employees who serve the mission of the district in a manner that exceeds job/salary expectations.  Those who go "above and beyond the call of duty" will be recognized on a semi-annual basis by the CISD Board of Trustees. We have so many incredibly talented folks and people that go above and beyond at our school. Please take time to nominate someone:

How do I submit a GEM nomination? – It’s easy…

• Open “Eduphoria,” select “Formspace”
• Then, at the lower lefthand corner, click on “Submit New Form”
• Click on the “Student & Staff Services” link
• Select “GEM”
• The GEM Nomination Form will “pop-up” and must be filled out completely.  (Please check spelling of nominee’s name, position, and campus.)
• Date your nomination/submission (use calendar icon)
• Once complete, hit the “Submit Form” button in the lower lefthand corner. (Repeat process for additional nominations; teams should be submitted as a group, with each individual name, etc. listed all on the same form

SOCIAL SPURS

The mission of the Social Spurs is to provide celebration and comfort to the wonderful staff of Lee Elementary.  Social Spurs have a staff maintained fund.  This is a voluntary financial commitment by staff members, controlled by staff members.  Dues are $30 for salaried employees and $20 for hourly employees.  You may pay cash to the front office.  THANKS, Social Spurs, for providing our snacks at this Wednesday's Staff Meeting!

COPPELL GIFTED ASSOCIATION

The Coppell Gifted Association is committed to supporting Coppell ISD and its educators in their efforts to meet the needs of gifted students. Please register for your FREE CGA educator membership, here, by Sept 30.

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Thank you for those of you that have started your work on your SLOs.  We will make time starting the next Day 1 rotation to make sure everyone has these created and in Strive.  We can't wait to see how these goals affect learner achievement and also educator growth!  For those of you that like to get ahead, here are the steps to put them in:

• On the form in Strive, make sure you input number of learners for each level of your rubric on the Initial Skills Profile
• Make sure your form is complete, and Submit to Appraiser
• Create your student growth tracker with each learner's name.  This means you will have the first three columns complete. 
• Save the student growth tracker as a PDF and upload it to Strive.  When you are on your evaluations tab, you should see a plus sign in the right hand corner to upload a document. 
  

WALKTHROUGH FOCUS
Our focused walkthroughs for the next weeks are in Domain 3 Dimension 1: Learning Environment.  We are looking for evidence of effective routines, transitions, and procedures that are implemented effortlessly.  We are looking for learners to be in charge of managing materials and that your room is safe, inviting, and orderly.  Think about your anchor charts?  Is there intention with where they are located? Is learner work displayed in your space?  Are your learning targets, respect agreement, and digital pledge posted?

ESL FOR THE WEEK

Here is the monthly CISD ESL Newsletter for your reference. There is a quick link to the EL Digital Toolbox (this is an awesome one stop shop" resource). This month they focus on Buncee, an interactive presentation tool. If you use it, please invite us in or tweet out to #CISDESLBIL


CHARACTER AT LEE

DATES TO REMEMBER:
Sept 22- Shari's Birthday
Sept 23-Sept 27- Fall Book Fair
Sept 23- Layne's Birthday
     RtI Meetings in Design Studios (Conference Time)
     Board Meeting (7:00 Admin)
Sept 25- House Shirt with Jeans
     Global Action Day #act4SDGs
     Pastries with Parents (7:10 Media Center)
     Staff Meeting (3:30 Shari H's space)
Sept 26- Spurs Savings (7:20-7:40 Cafe)
     Lee Learning Walk (8:00-9:00)
     Special Friends Day (10:00-1:00)
Sept 27- Red and Black Nominations DUE.
     LEEdership Council Meeting (8:00 Cafe)
     New Learner Lunches with Counselor (10:30-1:00 Cafe)

Week of September 16, 2019

It has been such a fantastic week.  Being in your classrooms has been my greatest blessing!  I love watching you engage with your learners and am so pleased with the incredible learning environments you have created for our children.  Great job with the patriotic focus this week, too.  Chantel will be off campus M-TH, next week, at the ADS Board Meeting.  While I will miss being on campus,  you KNOW I will tune in to Twitter to "see" what is happening.  Please continue with the incredible job you are doing telling our Lee story on social media.   Remember...when your learners create something with their iPad,  use the #AppleDistinguishedSchools hashtag.

DID YOU KNOW:

• there is an update for ALL staff regarding ELAR updates for 2019-2020?  Please watch this video from Anita.  No data is being put in AWARE at this time.  The data sheets can be used for Tier II and Tier III learners.  Low scores are expected on your pre-assessments, so please do not panic!  
• the US Department of Education has designated Sept 17 as Constitution Day and requires that all 3-12 grade educators teach about the US Constitution on this day?  Also Texas public schools must acknowledge Celebrate Freedom Week (Sept 16-20) and conduct instruction concerning the intent, meaning and importance of the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, the abolitionist movement and Women's suffrage.  
• you have access to the Substitute Teacher Handbook that we share with our substitutes? You might choose to add this to the front of your substitute binder as well as a copy of our master schedule.  
• there is a help sheet to navigate the new CISD Education Foundation Grant Application?  The Grant Application is due on September 27.
• baby Brody arrived today?  Congratulations to Meghan and Brandon!

DOT DAY
Sunday is Dot Day.  Have you seen this collaborative class book template in Pages to go along with the Dot book?  So cool!  Thank you, Natalie, for sharing the Dot Day Handbook through email this week.


BOOK FAIR, SPECIAL FRIENDS, PASTRIES WITH PARENTS
As we think about CISDs core value of ENGAGEMENT, we have LOTS going on int the next couple of weeks to help engage our parents:

• Sign up your class for Book Fair Preview here.  Please make time to sign your class up. This is one of our two fundraisers for our Media Center and we need every bit of support!
• Parents can volunteer to help at our Fall Book Fair here.  Please encourage them!  We NEED help!
• Please invite parents to Pastries with Parents.  This is time for breakfast and shopping at the Book Fair, before school, on Wednesday.  We encourage guests to sign up here ahead of time to avoid having to wait in the long sign in line and so that we can be prepared with enough donuts.

SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY

We are super excited to have an event where our Special Friends can come to our school on September 26. In order to disrupt the least amount of learning, we are inviting guests to attend the Book Fair (during the learner's recess) and have lunch (from school or home) during your lunch time.  We kindly request that they sign up that they are attending, in advance, so that we can prepare accordingly. This form will ensure our cafeteria has enough food and seating, and so that the office can be ready we preprinted nametags for all of our guests.  Please include information about this event in your next three newsletters.  We only have 16 responses. so please help spread the word!

FAMILEE MOVIE NIGHT
We look forward to seeing all of our FamiLEEs at PTO's FamiLEE Movie Night.  This free movie will be played on a jumbo inflatable screen on our track.  Parents can bring blankets and chairs to set up for the viewing.  Our Fall Book Fair will be open from 6:00 - 7:00 and PTO will be selling concessions during the movie.  We can't wait to see you all there!

SUNSHINE SPURS
Please talk up this leadership opportunity to your learners and share with their parents if your learners are in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade.   Thank you to yellow house for taking on this campus responsibility. 


SOCIAL SPURS

The mission of the Social Spurs is to provide celebration and comfort to the wonderful staff of Lee Elementary.  Social Spurs are a staff maintained fund.  This is a voluntary financial commitment by staff members, controlled by staff members.  Dues are $30 for salaried employees and $20 for hourly employees.  You may pay cash to the front office.


RTI LETTERS:

We are required to notify parents of learners who are receiving supplemental instructions or support through RtI both in behavior and academics.  This has to be done annually.  If you have already met with Leigh Ann, and we are continuing RtI from last year, we have created the letters and they will be in your boxes.  The letters need to be scanned and uploaded into AWARE before you send them home!  Though the parents should be aware fo this assistance from last year, please also make sure that you have had a phone conversation about this with the parents before sending home.

COPPELL GIFTED ASSOCIATION

The Coppell Gifted Association is committed to supporting Coppell ISD and its educators in their efforts to meet the needs of gifted students. Please register for your FREE CGA educator membership, here, by Sept 30rd.


RED AND BLACK SUPER STARS 
Please turn in your student nominations and share this information with your parents.

PARENT COMMUNICATION

Do you keep a parent communication log?  This is a good idea for both positive and not so positive conversations.  In education: if it is not documented, it didn't happen.  Also, think about picking up the phone (instead of emailing) when you have an issue that could potentially escalate.  We have a caring staff, and typically if there are issues, it is due to miscommunication.  When a parent has your listening ear and hears your voice on the other end showing concern, most problems will be solved.  Please always inform Admin if you have a "tricky" conversation.

DYSLEXIA FLEX CREDIT
Need Flex Hours?  Want to learn more about Dyslexia?  Have learners identified with Dyslexia and need more information? Here’s the PERFECT solution! Schoology has 2 courses about dyslexia specifically for the classroom educator.  

• Name of Course:  Dyslexia Training & Resources: For the Classroom Educator Access Code: JBSVB-5D89J  1 Flex hour
• Name of Course: Texas Identification Dyslexia Academy: Dyslexia Foundation Access Code: JBSVB-5D89J  3 Flex hours

When you finish either or both courses, enter in Strive to request credit and Admin will verify your completion through Schoology and award Flex hour credit. If you have any questions, please email Melissa Massey.

WALKTHROUGH FOCUS
Our focused walkthroughs for the next weeks are in Domain 3 Dimension 1: Learning Environment.  We are looking for evidence of effective routines, transitions, and procedures that are implemented effortlessly.  We are looking for learners to be in charge of managing materials and that your room is safe, inviting, and orderly.  Think about your anchor charts?  Is there intention with where they are located? Is learner work displayed in your space?  Are your learning targets, respect agreement, and digital pledge posted?

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE
PTO has changed the date from October 4 to November 1.  Just wanted to make sure you know so you can change it on your calendars.

ESL FOR THE WEEK

What are the ELPS? English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS). Located in the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 74.4, the ELPS apply to all grade levels and all subject areas. They are designed to outline language proficiency levels and student expectations for English Language Learners (ELLs). CLICK HERE for a quick and easy-to-follow informational video explaining the ELPS!

DATES TO REMEMBER:
September 15- International Dot Day
September 16- Progress Report Grades Due
September 17- Ed Foundation Shirt w/ Jeans
September 18- School Shirt w/ Jeans
     Fed Ex (3:35-4:35)
September 19- 4/5 Stop Collaborate & Listen (Town Center)
September 20- Send 4/5 Progress Reports Home
     CISD Employee Handbook must be signed in Talent Ed
     Allaso Ranch Parent Meeting (6:00 Cafe)
     Book Fair open after hours (6:00-7:00)
     FamiLEE Movie Night (7:00 Track)

Week of September 9, 2019

What a delightful week participating in beginning of the year goal setting with most of our staff.  Leigh Ann and I are impressed with the thoughtful reflection and goal setting ideas you each have, and we look forward to supporting you on your journey.  THANK YOU for having the growth mindsets that you do and for continuing to stretch yourselves as professionals- OUR KIDS DESERVE IT.  This week was a reminder that our famiLEE is incredibly talented and that you are so supportive of one another.  So many of you praised the nurturing colleagues in the building during your visits!  THANK YOU!  Please give yourself 60 seconds on Friday to STOP what you are doing, look around your space, and celebrate what you have accomplished so far.  We could not be more pleased with the first three and a half weeks of school and what you are part of creating at Lee!!!  Have an incredible weekend- you deserve it!

*Chantel will be off campus after broadcast on Friday for a district meeting.  Please let Leigh Ann know if you need anything.

DID YOU KNOW:

• our Specials Team has an informational website?  Please share with your parents so they know who our Specials Team is and what will be covered during Team Time.
• DLCs will be on campus on Tuesday?  Please be prepared to let them know areas you would like support.  If you don't ask, they don't know! 
• parents can earn money for our school by SCANNING Box Tops?  For directions to share with your parents, click here.
• Dads Club is trying to engage new and returning dads?  Please share this link with your parents. 

LEEDERSHIP COUNCIL

Please complete this Google Form to communicate who your members are before you leave tomorrow.  Stay tuned for our first meeting date.  


CHESS CLUB
Please share this flyer with your parents.  If the form is no long accepting responses that is because it is full.  The club will only be open to the first 20 responders.  Chess Club starts meeting this Wednesday.

RTI MEETINGS

RtI meetings will begin on Monday, September 9th.  Please use this spreadsheet to update learner information and make sure that Chantel, Leigh Ann, Angela, Claudia, Ayesha, Stormy and Jacque  have access rights to your learner documentation links.  The more you are prepared ahead of time, the better we can use our time together. 


SUNSHINE SPURS
Please talk up this leadership opportunity to your learners and share with their parents if your learners are in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade.   Thank you to yellow house for taking on this campus responsibility. 

SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY

We are super excited to have an event where our Special Friends can come to our school on September 26. In order to disrupt the least amount of learning, we are inviting guests to attend the Book Fair (during the learner's recess) and have lunch (from school or home) during your lunch time.  We kindly request that they sign up that they are attending, in advance, so that we can prepare accordingly. This form will ensure our cafeteria has enough food and seating, and so that the office can be ready we preprinted nametags for all of our guests.  Please include information about this event in your next three newsletters.

BUDGET
We are excited that we now have our 2019-2020 budget dollars to order what you need to work with your learners.  Part of my role is to make sure you have the supplies you need to do your job.  Please try to plan ahead so that you do not have to spend personal funds on supplies.  Also, be thinking about items we need to add to house storage closets (like manipulatives, science tools, etc.) and write up a PO and put it in my box.  Remember that it will take a couple of weeks to process, get quotes, and ship.  Please do not turn in a PO unless you have verified that your order is from an approved vendor.

COPPELL GIFTED ASSOCIATION
The Coppell Gifted Association is committed to supporting Coppell ISD and its educators in their efforts to meet the needs of gifted students. Please register for your FREE CGA educator membership, here, by Sept 30th.


#COPPELLISDEF
The Coppell Education Foundation grant application window is open.  It closes on September 27, at 4:30.  The timeline, application, and guidelines we emailed to you. 

Red and Black Superstar nomination are open for the first round this year. We ask that everyone submit at least one nomination.  CISDEF will recognize one learner per grade level and three staff members four times this year.  

If you are a new teacher, please remember to tweet a picture of your learning space or of items purchased and tag the Education Foundation.  They want to see what you purchased.

RESPECT AGREEMENTS
Please email or text a photo of your respect agreement to Leigh Ann so that we can put it in the office Discipline Binder.   We will refer to your respect agreements when learners have behavior reflections.


WALKTHROUGH FOCUS
Our focused walkthroughs for the next three weeks are in Domain 3 Dimension 1: Learning Environment.  We are looking for evidence of effective routines, transitions, and procedures that are implemented effortlessly.  We are looking for learners to be in charge of managing materials and that your room is safe, inviting, and orderly.  Think about your anchor charts?  Is there intention with where they are located? Is learner work displayed in your space?  Are your learning targets, respect agreement, and digital pledge posted?  How are you using your flex spaces?  We are enjoying watching evidence of learning as it is showing up on the walls in your spaces.

ESL FOR THE WEEK

We are here to help you and your ELs!!!  CLICK HERE for an informational video to prepare you for the year.  Please let us know if we can do anything for you! We have created a parent SMORE to provide parents with useful information throughout the year.  We will be editing it once a month. It would be great if you could add our ESL blog to your weekly parent newsletter.

DATES TO REMEMBER:
September 9:  RtI Meetings
     Elementary GT Meeting at Lee  (6:30 Gym/Cafe)
September 10:  DLCs Visit Lee
     Mentor/Mentee Meeting (3:35-4:45)
September 11:  Susie's Birthday
     Convocation t-shirt with Jeans
     Leadership Meeting (3:30-5:00- Taylor's Room) Make sure you read your Onward Book