Week of January 31, 2022

Happy Thursday, sweet ladies.  What a GREAT week spreading and celebrating kindness throughout our lives.  I am reminded, daily, what a blessing it is to be at Lee Elementary with each of YOU!  Hearing you champion each other and your learners, as well as support and love one another communicates what a special group we have.  THANK YOU for being YOU!  Awesome work in Design Time this week.  You are such a brilliant group!  Please leave when learners are safely dismissed, tomorrow, and enjoy your weekend.  

DID YOU KNOW:

• you can go back in and change your attendance if you realize you made a mistake?  (Even if it was a day or 2 ago.)
• the district asked that we remind staff to make sure they are turning air purifiers off at night and weekends. Running the units during the nights and weekends only waste the filter life with no benefits for the unoccupied rooms. Since deploying the units, we have had ~ 75 school days. Therefore, at this point, if the units were run for 10 hours per school day, then they should only be around 1/3 of their runtime life. The district is planning to purchase and replace the filters in the fall; however, for now, please remind staff to turn the units off when students leave at the end of the day to conserve the life of the resource.
• there are some suggestions for cleaning and sanitizing your Vivitek Boards?
• in our Principal's Meeting that HR is planning for staffing for next year ALREADY?  Kelly Mires shared that there is NO PENALTY for resigning, now, if you know you are planning not to return to CISD next year. (BE CLEAR- WE DO NOT WANT ANY OF YOU GOING ANYWHERE), but if you know you will not return, please turn in your resignation letters now to help us with staffing, planning, and recruiting for next year.  CISD online job applications will be posted in February. 
• that elementaries will host a "normal" Open House on March 10?  This was shared in this week's Principal's Meeting.  I will let you know when the time is determined.
• there are updated Reading Academy dates? Feb 22-25 (Cohort 2 make-up), March 22-25, and March 29-April 1.  These new dates are on the staff calendar.  

100th DAY OF SCHOOL

Can you believe we have already been in school 100 days?  We are more than halfway through the year!  Feel free to participate on Tuesday.  I HATE that I will miss due to Admin Reading Academy!  Please share lots of pictures for me! 

2.2.22

What a special day that happens once in a lifetime!  We invite you to join in on the fun.  Two dress up days in a row!  WHOA!

WORLD READ ALOUD DAY

To celebrate at Lee, we have some awesome 5th graders that would love to come visit your classrooms and lead a read aloud for your learners!  If this is something you'd be interested in, please sign up for a time that works best HERE.  Mrs. Kastrounis is also available to come and read if you invite her.

Additionally - Natalie pulled a selection of books that are wonderful for read alouds, and displayed them above the biography section in the library. Feel free to swing by and check some out for your own celebration. 🙂

There are also some great digital resources you may use for this event HERE.

FLEX LEARNING

Wednesday is a time to earn an hour of flex time.  Even if you have your necessary hours, this time is built in for the growth mindsets of all.  We have two sessions available to support you on Wednesday.  One will be with Samira revisiting Bulb and updating your portfolio and the second will be from our DLCs on Vivitek Boards.

Title:  Vivitek - Beyond the Basics

Description:  Are you familiar with using the Vivitek board in your learning space, but looking for some additional ways to incorporate it within your lesson delivery.  This session will focus on some of the more advanced features of the Vivitek board to use both for educators, and learners.

GAGA PIT UPDATE

The gaga pit is here and installed.  All we need to do is provide a ball and some directions for you.  The game is simple, easy and fun.  Review the directions with your kids before they play.  16 kids (one for each panel) can play at a time while the rest wait in line around the outside of the pit.  Winner stays in, 15 new kids enter. Anyone up for a quick teacher match after school one day?? 

FABULOUS FRIDAYS IN FEBRARY

Your Admin Team wants to communicate how loved you are! We are hosting Fabulous Fridays the whole month of February to show you and can't wait for everyone to join in. 

This Friday, bring a crock pot of your FAVORITE SOUP for all to share in the lounge.  

Recognition will be given to empty crock pots!

STAAR TRAINING

Don't forget you have to complete the Online Training Modules discussed in Wednesday's Staff Meeting. Go to: texasassessment.gov Learning Management System

SAVE THE DATE- BOOK FAIR COMING SOON

YEARBOOK

Naomi and Tanishka from B5 will be working with me on the yearbook. They are so passionate about the project. Thank you so much for getting your class pictures to me from the Kindness Parade Day. I have created this folder for our yearbook pictures. Feel free to empty up your phones and transfer some school pictures. We are welcoming every category of pictures: Math, Science, Reading, Recess, Lunch, being goofy, projects, creations and so on… The pet page was very popular so if you have a cute picture of you with your pet, feel free to drop those too. This yearbook is for staff as well. Learners need to see our friendships as well. If you have pictures as house designers, drop those too. Feel free to share your ideas with us as well. We appreciate you!

 Yearbook Folder

COACH'S CORNER

Building in time to reflect is important for learning. To make the most of reflection, use it to help you create and achieve goals and objectives, and through this build a reflective habit. Reflecting on a single experience can produce significant value and increased learning from that experience.  However, reflection’s biggest value comes when you build a reflective habit and mindset and align this with your own set of values, goals and objectives.  Doing this allows you to own and steer your progress, your learning community and your personal life.

 

Building a reflective habit and mindset typically combines at least three key elements:

• An ability and willingness to reflect on individual experiences 
• Repeating reflection over a series of related experiences
• Regularly reflecting over a longer time frame to see patterns and opportunities for learning that we may have missed.

Please use this link to book a time with me so we can collaborate.

ESL STRATEGY OF THE WEEK

Foster an inclusive class community

You set the tone in your classroom. Your students will know if you appreciate diversity and welcome students of all kinds. They will follow your lead. Fostering an inclusive classroom is paramount for ELs but really for any child. For ELs this means that we model empathy, ask questions, invite individuality, and embrace one another as we are. Inclusive classrooms allow every child to feel they have a voice. They are rooms where risk taking is appreciated and students feel safe with one another.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Month of February- African American History Month

     National Children Dental Health Month

February 1- iStation ISIP administered- set goals and review data with learners

     100th Day of School

     Ed Foundation shirt day

February 2- Groundhog Day

     2.2.22 Day

     World Read Aloud Day

     Flex Learning (3:15-4:15)

February 4- Go Red Day

    SOUPER FRIDAY in the lounge

Week of January 24, 2022

Thank you for an awesome week.  We can't wait to kick off The Great Kindness Challenge on Monday.  It is the perfect time to recognize and celebrate the kindness all around us because at Lee Elementary it is PLENTIFUL!  

DID YOU KNOW:

• the PTO grant process is still open?  If you would like to submit a grant they are due on January 28.  Here is the form.
• it is already time to start thinking about school supplies for next year?  Here is last year's list. Please review, as a grade level, and make any adjustments.  Once your adjustments are made, change the date on your tab to "Your Grade 2022-2023" so we know you are done.  The total should be as close to $50 as you can get it.  Please have this done by Friday, Feb 25 so I can get it to PTO.

POSITIVE COVID CASES

Team, if a parent notifies you that their learner tests positive for COVID, please send them this Google Form Link to immediately fill out.  Thank you for your cooperation.

If YOU test positive for COVID,  you are required to fill out this form ASAP.  (Not new news, just resurfacing so you have it available). 

GREAT KINDNESS CHALLENGE
It's here!  Join us for the kick off parade Monday morning after morning broadcast.  Can't wait to see you banners and then have them hung around the school.

PTO SPIRIT NIGHT

Join us Wednesday night from 4PM- 8PM as we support our PTO and a night off of cooking dinner.  

KIDS HEART CHALLENGE

SAVE THE DATE

This will be for staff and learners to participate in.  

DLC UPDATE

This week is part 2 of 2 of the new features in iOS 15. Here are 3 additional favorites! This new update comes with some amazing features that will make learning more accessible and efficient! If you missed last week’s tips, you can find them here.

COACH'S CORNER

One of the most important components of an ELAR workshop model is the “Mini Lesson”. It is important but has the potential to be very challenging. I would tend to stretch it, thinking maybe I need to clarify more. The best strategy is to set a timer for yourself. Keep it between 8-10 minutes. Avoid asking whole group questions during the mini lesson, instead connect to their prior learning by reminding them what they have already worked on. 

Remember: Your mini lesson is 10 minutes long… It should not take you hours to plan for it. Keep it simple and to the point. 

Please use this link to book a time with me so we can collaborate.

ESL STRATEGY OF THE WEEK

Build a culturally responsive environment

Building an environment that is culturally responsive means taking a look at the students you serve and assuring that the walls and resources reflect the students. Include books in other languages. Pull in resources that represent your student population. Your students will appreciate seeing people that resemble their families on charts, posters, books, etc. This sends a clear message that all students are welcome and valued. Including diverse materials allows each child a window and a mirror to both empathize with others and feel valued.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Jan 23- Angela's Birthday

Jan 24- Great Kindness Challenge Kick Off Parade (8:00)

Jan 25- Education Foundation t-shirt w/ jeans

     GREEN Design Day AM

     RED Design Day PM

Jan 26- BLUE Design Day AM

     YELLOW Design Day PM

     Staff Meeting (3:15)

     Chipotle Spirit Night

Jan 27- PURPLE Design Day PM

     RTI Mtgs. during House Meetings

Jan 28- LEEdership Council Mtg. (8:00)

     PTO Grants Due

Week of January 17. 2022

THANK YOU, everyone, for stepping up in such HUGE ways with our attendance and health challenges this week.  You continue to do what you do best, which is take one day at a time and take care of business.  To say I am proud of you is an understatement.  PLEASE take care of yourself this long weekend.  I hope that you take time, rest, and do something you love.  Live out your ONE WORD!

DID YOU KNOW:

• we were reminded in our Principal's Meeting to make sure everyone is turning on their classroom air purifiers, daily?  Please comply.
• the PTO grant process is still open?  If you would like to submit a grant they are due on January 28.  Here is the form.
• you can go to status.coppellisd.com to see when and what systems are "down" in the district?  This will be helpful with upcoming MAP testing. 
• we will continue Lucky Duck surprises for the rest of the year?  Just keep swimming!!!
• some of our bus tags have fallen off of backpacks?  Please check all bus rider backpacks for tags before the end of the day Tuesday.  Safety first!

REMINDER ABOUT STAFF ABSENCES

With the increase in teacher absences, I feel it is necessary to review expectations as they are stated in our Lee Handbook.  I want to emphasize that it is imperative that you contact CHANTEL when you are going to be absent.  NOT SHANNA.  NOT VANESSA.  I also kindly request that YOU put your own absence in SmartFind.  

Too often, when a designer must be absent, the result is a lost instructional day for the learners.  Although some absences cannot be avoided, please be discriminating in use of leave for personal illness or family illness.  NO ONE else can work better with your learners than you can!

Designers should attend to the following items in anticipation of any absence that might occur.  Doing so will ensure that there are not too many interruptions in the regular routine of the school day.

• When you must be absent, due to illness or emergencies, please call/text Chantel as early as possible.  Her phone number is 214-725-4619.   After making contact, use SmartFind to request a substitute.  SmartFind directions are here.

• Next, contact a housemate to let them know you will be out and email them your lesson plans.  When you are absent, it is imperative that you leave detailed lesson plans that are easily accessible and easy to follow for a substitute.  Having a substitute folder prepared (including a red folder with health concerns) that can be pulled out every time you are out would be preferred.  This should include a copy of your daily schedule, a list of helpful learners, filler activities in case your learners finish the plans you have left, and directions regarding emergency drills. To add on: it is the expectation that lesson plans are provided for ALL ABSENCES by 7:10 AM the day you are out.

I appreciate total cooperation with this practice and thank those of you that consistently follow our campus expectations and leave outstanding plans for our guests. You do not go unseen.

CONGRATS SUPER TEACHER

KUDOS to Taylor for her recognition after school today. We are pumped that you could be recognized for modeling all four of our CISD Core Values!

CMSW FEEDER NIGHT EVENT
Lee staff and famiLEEs have been invited to the 8th grade Girl's Basketball game on Thursday, January 20.  Learners get in free with a Lee shirt.  You get in free with your ID badge.  

MOY GOAL SETTING
If you are a paraprofessional, instructional aide, or office support staff,  I would like to set up a middle of the year goal setting appointment with you.  Please have Shanna schedule you on my calendar for 15 minutes.  This is time for us to check in and see how I can support you and your professional goals this year.  For all others that are evaluated under TTESS, Leigh Ann, Camille, and I should have scheduled your formal TTESS Observation by now. If any of you under TTESS want a middle of the year check-in, please email your evaluator.  We are happy to have one on one time with you.  

GREAT KINDNESS CHALLENGE
THANK YOU, ANGELA, for leading the charge with our Great Kindness Challenge planning for 2022!  Here is a sneak peek of what is to come.  Plan to have your class create a class banner to be ready for our kickoff parade on January 24.  PUT YOUR BANNER SOMEWHERE SAFE SO CUSTODIANS DO NOT THINK IT IS TRASH.  Also plan to recognize your assigned group during the week.  Please tweet out kindness activities to @KidsforPeace and #GreatKindnessChallenge to showcase how you incorporate KINDNESS into your lessons.  Here is the Great Kindness Challenge Checklist to digitally share with ALL learners.  

DLC UPDATE

Have you and your Learners updated your iPads recently? iOS 15 is now available! This new update comes with some amazing features that will make learning more accessible and efficient. This week is part 1 of 2 that will focus on 3 favorite new features of iOS 15. Click here to learn more! We would love to partner with you in implementing efficient iPad workflows or other digital learning strategies into your classroom!

KIDS HEART CHALLENGE

UPCOMING SPIRIT NIGHT

Mark your calendars for next Wednesday.  Lee PTO will be sponsoring a spirit night at Chipotle. 

COACH'S CORNER

Please use this link to book a time with me so we can collaborate.

ESL STRATEGY OF THE WEEK

Ask questions

Ask questions about their family life and about their hobbies. Don't make assumptions. Showing all students, but especially ELs, that we are interested lets them know that we care. We know that our students don’t care what we know until they know that we care. For ELs this can be so powerful since often ELs feel isolated and different. Asking questions and showing interest gives them a feeling of belonging that they may need. How many of you read this section extra closely this week?

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Jan 17- NO SCHOOL

Jan 18- Ed Foundation T-shirt Day

Jan 19- Leadership Meeting (3:15 Laura's space)

Jan 20- CMSW Basketball Feeder Night

Week of January 10, 2022

WOW!  This has been a fast and furious first short week back!   THANK YOU for the experiences you designed for our children.  It has been wonderful seeing your learners set goals, review resolutions, and vision for the new year.  THANK YOU for being a true inspiration to them and me!  Your one word designs are incredible.  If yours did not melt flat, we apologize, WE TRIED!  If you didn't get to make one because you were out or you don't like how yours turned out, we have extra cups left over.  Just put them in my mailbox and we will melt/remelt one for you.  Thanks for using yours as a memento and reminder of your goal for the year.

DID YOU KNOW:

• the PTO grant process is open?  If you would like to submit a grant they are due on January 28.  Here is the form.
• Rohit in B5 won the CISD district spelling bee today?  This is a first for Lee Elementary!

PTO MEETING

I will send an email to parents through Parent Square with a Zoom Link on Tuesday morning.  Please advertise in your weekly newsletter.

FLEX LEARNING
Enjoy your one hour, on Wednesday, where you learn about a topic of YOUR choice related to YOUR goals, and earn one hour of Flex credit for it.  Please complete your Power School request at the conclusion of your learning.  Remember you can see how many flex hours you have by going here. 

GREAT KINDNESS CHALLENGE
We will be participating in the Great Kindness Challenge again this year?  This is our fifth year to take part in this wonderful event. Be thinking about how you can incorporate KINDNESS into your lesson design the last week of January.  Here is the Great Kindness Challenge Checklist to share with your learners.  You will want to create a banner for your classes for our Kindness Kickoff Parade.  This will take place first thing Monday morning, January 24.  

SAVE THE DATE

COACH'S CORNER

Please use this link to book a time with me so we can collaborate.

ESL STRATEGY OF THE WEEK

Model what you expect

When giving instructions or an assignment, model explicitly what you want to see. Your ELs will need to know what you want from them. Whether it is a writing assignment or a speaking task, show students exactly what it is that they will need to achieve. Chantel is declaring it Jeans January. You can wear jeans if you read this. Setting students up for success from the beginning empowers them to know the goal. Some will be able to get there quickly while others will need multiple opportunities. Either way, they will all get there at some point if we model what we expect.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

January 9-  Rikki's Birthday  

     Priscilla's Birthday

January 10- CK at Admin Reading Academy

January 11- Reading Academy Day

     Education Foundation T-shirt and jeans

     Ruby's Birthday

     PTO Meeting (6:00 PM Virtual)

January 12- Reading Academy Day

     Aparna's Birthday

     Pink Shirt and jeans

     Flex Learning (3:15-4:15)

January 13- Reading Academy Day

     Last day to order Go Red Shirt

January 14- Reading Academy Day

     LEEdership Council Meeting (8:00-8:30)

     Kaitlin's Birthday

January 17- NO SCHOOL