Thursday, December 14, 2023

Week of January 1, 2024

We hope you have enjoyed our PUNNY themed December to Remember.  Have a REMARKABLE TWO WEEKS away from work, sweet staff.  We wish you nothing short of the most safe, memorable, and restful break and can't wait to hear about your time away from school!

Congratulations to Zara, Farrah, and Joy!  These first year teachers have done an incredible job with their first classes of their own.  With their drive and determination and the help of their mentors, teams, our coaches and houses, they do not look or behave like beginning educators.  Kudos to this year's new hires and additions to our team: Kat, Tara, Margie, Griffin, Julie, Yanet, Kara, Rachael, Renee, Morgan, Gina, Jenny, Julie, Cathy, Krithika, Josna, Amber, Bhavna, and Beulah.  You have made it to Christmas!  We are so proud of each of you and the journey you are on with us.  Thank you, returning staff, for pouring into our newest FamiLEE members the first two nine weeks and helping them along the way!  I am a proud principal who is blessed to have a staff that I trust and who live out the vision of Lee.  Each of you are a huge part in actualizing our guiding purpose.  THANK YOU for loving our school, loving our children, loving each other, and loving ME! Leadership Team...WOW!  Thank you for being the voice for your grades and houses.  Thank you for the support you have given our Admin Team and campus, this year.  You continue to grow in immeasurable ways. Please have the BEST last half day of 2023 with our children.  


DID YOU KNOW:
  • the iPad carts are leaving marks on the new floors in the entry way?  Please help by unlocking the wheels so this doesn't happen.
  • the office will clean out the lounge refrigerators at 11:00? Please get your left over items so they don't get discarded.  
  • you should set up your automatic replies before you leave for Winter Break?  Please make time to go in and set this up before leaving so you can disconnect for the two weeks.   
  • Keiko has an updated Garden Newsletter?  Please share it with your parents. 
  • January is School Board Appreciation Month?  Thanks to our Art Designers for making a banner to represent Lee Elementary in the Board Room.  Don't forget to vote for yearbook art here


BEFORE LEAVING ON FRIDAY       
  1. Please get any items form the fridge by 11:00.  The office will be tossing anything "suspect."
  2. Please, also visit your mailbox before noon.  Empty it of all contents. There may be many thank you notes in there. Please make sure these get in learner backpacks.  
  3. Custodial does a deep cleaning of the campus these next two weeks.  May I suggest a FRESH START?  I ask that you erase as much as you can on your dry erase boards and clean off your counters of clutter so that your room gets cleaned as much as possible.  PLEASE take down, send home, and store any holiday displays and decorations before leaving.  
  4. If you have pets, you are required to take them home with you.  Pets are not permitted to stay on campus these two weeks. 
  5. Make sure all projectors, computers, digital signage and tv's are turned off before leaving.  This includes your Vivitek boards.

EARLY RELEASE ON FRIDAY
Our campus will follow an Early Release Schedule this day (2nd tab).  Don't forget to swing by and pick up lunches during the time the cafeteria scheduled.  Lunches will be in your spaces.  Learners who are left after dismissal will be the responsibility of the classroom teacher, not the front office. We are permitted to leave when ALL learners are gone, so please wait for Chantel to make an announcement. Hourly employees may leave if they have comp time to cover leaving early.




JANUARY 2
This day is a scheduled work day for you.  You can choose to work remotely this day.  The building will be open from 8:00-3:00 and dress is casual if you come in.  Hourly employees, please make sure if you are not coming in to Lee that you have work from your supervising teacher.  If you do not have anything to do, we are more than happy to accept help covering in the front office. 


REMINDERS
Don't forget that grades are due January 3rd.  Please go into e-school, today, to make sure you are able to enter grades, have all of your learners, etc. so that if  Angel needs to correct anything, it can be done before the holiday.  Also, if you enter grades on Tuesday (our work day), please remember that they must be back-dated to a date before December 15th, or they will not save.


COLLEGE SHIRT DAY
Encourage learners to participate the first Wednesday of each month.



REVISITING RESPECT AGREEMENTS
Please create new or revisit respect agreements with your classes for the 3rd 9 weeks.  Remember there should be FOUR quadrants: Learner to Learner, Learner to Designer, Designer to Learner, and Learner to School.  All four quadrants should have 3 to 4 bullets with short phrases (ex: be honest, hands to self, feet off furniture, etc.). Please share updated agreements with Admin so we can update our binder.  We use these when learners come down with behavior reflections. 


DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP LESSONS
It is a new 9 weeks.  Please review the CISD Learner Digital Orientation Lessons in Schoology for the third time this year.  It is imperative we review responsible use for technology and digital footprint.  Learners should NEVER erase their history.  Learners should also not download apps from Manager without your permission.  REMIND THEM OF THIS- Admin and Designers should be checking this periodically to help learners with accountability. After teaching the review lesson, have learners sign a new Digital Citizenship agreement/poster and post it by your respect agreement. This is required and helps Admin when we visit with learners who make poor technology choices.


#ONEWORD2024
Since opening year, we, as a staff, have come back in January and had a word for the year.  Just one word.  My first word was INSPIRE, then LEAD, followed by GRATITUDE, KIND, LISTEN, GRACE etc.  This year my word is still being decided upon. Your word can be something tangible or intangible.  It can be a thought, a feeling, or an action.  The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you.  This word may not make sense to anyone but you, and that is okay.  This is YOUR word!  This little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities.  Sometimes a word will pop into your brain, and it will not make any sense to your right now.  Give it some time.  Let it percolate a bit.  Maybe this is a word you need to hear, but just aren't ready for it yet.  Again, be open to the possibilities.  Between now and our first Wednesday's staff meeting, please determine what your #oneword2024 will be.  We will have an activity to go along with your word, so come prepared with yours. 



504 UPDATE 
Accommodations specified on a 504 services plan must be documented by the educator in some way.  There is no specific rule that requires the accommodation to be documented in a certain way- rather each educator has the flexibility to set up a system that works best for them.  It is reasonable for a parent, OCR and/or TEA to require proof that an accommodation, per the services plan, was in fact provided.  A verbal response that the accommodation was provided will not satisfy OCR or TEA.  If you have a 504 learner, please complete this Google form as a way to document the accommodations are being provided.


COACH'S CORNER


Let’s collaborate! Sign up so we can work together.



ESL STRATEGY OF THE WEEK



LESSON IN LEEDERSHIP



DATES TO REMEMBER:
Dec 15-  Day 0
     Early Release 12:30
Dec 17- Gina's Birthday
Dec 18- January 1- Winter Break
Dec 19- Ayesha's Birthday
Dec 21- Cathy's Birthday
Jan 1- School Board Appreciation Month
     Flex Day
Jan 2- Staff Work Day (Option to work remotely)
Jan 3- Report Card Grades and comments due (8:00AM) 
     College Shirt Day
     Staff Meeting (3:15 Cafe)
Jan 5- Report Card Day
Jan 7- May's Birthday

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Week of December 11, 2023

Please have the BEST final week of school for 2023.  Remember that you CHOSE this profession for a reason and enjoy making holiday memories with your house and class.  It has been such a treat to celebrate each of you during December to Remember, and we hope that you know how very much you mean to the school community and ME!  Enjoy your well deserved two weeks off!


DID YOU KNOW:
  • December 8 is early release for kids only?  Staff is to finish up grades at the end of semester on December 8. You can leave campus at 3:00 on this day. Remember we will be treating you to "Santa"wiches around 12:30.

  • December 16 is early release for students AND staff? Once all learners are safely gone everyone may leave and enjoy the holiday break. Please wait for me to make an announcement and help the front office with left behind learners.

  • January 2 is a WORK DAY for all staff?  Individuals have permission to work REMOTELY on this day.  Buildings need to be open to parents so office staff needs to be at the school from 8:00-3:00. 

  • CISD expects you to set up your automatic replies before you leave for Winter Break?  Please make time to go in and pre-set this up before leaving on Friday. 
  • Holly would like your input for e-book requests here?

  • a bunch of our great team was highlighted in the CISD Connection newsletter?  In case you missed it...





DDECEMBER TO REMEMBER
This month is going to be full of so much FUN!  



Here are the spirit days if you want to share with your families.



PTO LUNCHEON
Please join us for lunch in the lounge on Wednesday.  Thank you to our wonderful PTO for providing lunch.


STAFF PARTY
We hope you can join us for the Staff Winter Party sponsored by our wonderful Social Spurs.  See you there!  PS- Don't forget your White Elephant gift.



HOLIDAY PARTIES
Please enjoy your parties on THURSDAY from 2:00-3:00.  Parents will be coming in to set up from 1:00-2:00 while we are in Spirit Rally in the gym.  Please have all learners packed up before the Spirit Rally so that you can help with clean up and dismiss after the party.  PTO should be bringing their own paper and supplies.  Parents should have signed up to volunteer through your Room Parent Sign up.  This is new this year!  The third tab on the Master Schedule shows the schedule for the day. Your Special's time is impacted, so check out the schedule.


EARLY RELEASE ON FRIDAY
Don't forget to swing by and pick up lunches during the time the cafeteria scheduled.  Lunches will be in spaces and consist of: chicken tenders w/roll, PB & J, mashed potato, gravy, mango wango, peach cup, milk.  Our campus will follow an Early Release Schedule this day (2nd tab).  We are permitted to leave when ALL of our learners are gone, so let's make sure parents are on time so EVERYONE can go.  Hourly employees may leave if you have comp time to cover leaving early.





DONATE DURING THE GIVING SEASON
Want to provide a special holiday gift to someone in need?  Lee Elementary will participate in the Lions Club of Coppell Food and Toy Drive.  The donation box will be placed at our front office entrance and learners can bring food and toys from now through December 15. Thank you for your kindness!



SAVE THE DATE
It’s of-fish-ial; we have a fin-tastc spirit night planned for Tuesday, 12/12 at Flying Fish in Cypress Waters, right by the school!  Join your Spur FamiLEE for dine in or take out, and remember to let them know you’re there to support RJ Lee Elementary!  You can even do delivery; just call the restaurant to let them know to apply the order to the RJ Lee fundraiser.  ‘Sea’ you there! 


COACH'S CORNER



Let’s collaborate! Sign up so we can work together.



ESL STRATEGY OF THE WEEK



LESSON IN "LEE"DERSHIP



DATES TO REMEMBER:
Dec 11- CMSW Holiday Tour (8:45-9:30 Gym)
     5th Grade Gift of Time
Dec 12- Picture Retakes
     Kindergarten Gift of Time
     Choir Performance (2:00 and 6:30 PM- Gym)
     PTO Spirit Night (3-9PM)
Dec 13- PTO Holiday Luncheon for Staff
     Social Spurs Holiday Party (Cane Rosso's 3:45 PM)
Dec 14- Spirit Rally (1:00)
     Winter Parties (2:00  
Dec 15-  Day 0
     Early Release 12:30
Dec 17- Gina's Birthday
Dec 18- January 1- Winter Break
Dec 19- Ayesha's Birthday
Dec 21- Cathy's Birthday
Jan 1- School Board Appreciation Month
Jan 2- Staff Work Day (Option to work remotely)
Jan 3- Report Card Grades and comments due (8:00AM) 

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Week of December 4, 2023

Shout out to Kristi, one more time!  What an honor and great example of the excellence in our building!

We hope you are looking forward to our first week of punny holiday activities for December to Remember.  We have SO MUCH FUN planning out ways to show you how much we love you and to bring the fun each December!  You folks had some gooooood guesses, but.... nice try!  As we plan, we try to be mindful not to take too much of your time, not to always have food, to remember food sensitivities, and to keep our crafts on the easy side! If you are absent or for any "projects" or want extras to do some with your family at home, we always have plenty.  Just email us or let us know by the end of the day and we can share our leftovers!!  Your creativity with your ornaments, tomorrow, will fill our tree and have our foyer looking LOVE"LEE." Thanks for making this a December to Remember for your learners as well!



DID YOU KNOW:
  • The Madrigal group will be caroling through Lee tomorrow.  This talented group of singers plan to arrive at 8:25 and will perform in the Media Center for 20 minutes. Learners upstairs can gather at the glass walls when they hear them and downstairs classes can come and gather around them in the library.  THANKS, Holly, for sharing your open space!  See if you spot former Spur, Vedha from Purple House!
  • Samira and Chantel will be presenting in Wisconsin on Tuesday?  We will be back on campus on Thursday.  BEHAVE YOURSELVES!!!
  • that we have Board Members coming to Lee to GIVE BACK this week? Please make sure you say HI and help them. What a kind gesture that these guest chose to share their time at LEE!
    • Ranna and Anthony from 10:45 to 11:15 on Tuesday, December 5
    • Nichole from 2:45-3:15 on Tuesday, December 5
    • Anthony from 2:45-3:15 on Wednesday, December 6  

DECEMBER TO REMEMBER
This month is going to be full of so much FUN!  


Here are the spirit days if you want to share with your families.



HOUR OF CODE:
Computer Science Education Week and #HourOfCode are here! This is a great time to use the coding and robotics resources located in your houses and in our Design and Create studios, while celebrating problem solving and deeper thinking. Check out the resources curated by the DLCs on the Hour of Code Website. Please use #HourOfCode #CISDCode2Learn in your Tweets!

Click here for the December Digital Citizenship Newsletter! Inside you will find Holiday and winter-themed activities, Hour of Code resources for the classroom, technology TEKS connections, and educator highlights.


WEDNESDAY IS COLLEGE SHIRT DAY
Show us your school pride on Wednesday...ore wear your fleece.  You choose!



CISD HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Please skip your Thursday House meetings and head over to the CISD Admin Building for some holiday cheer.  This is a great event put on by the district with yummy snacks, prizes, and performances.  

 

EARLY RELEASE ON FRIDAY
Friday is an early release day for students.  Please remind parents!  Our campus will follow an Early Release Schedule this day (2nd tab).  The rest of the day is yours to work and get things done.  Enjoy this time from CISD- we want them to continue to give us days like this in the future.   PS- we will have a light lunch of "Santa"wiches for you after Early Release 🎅.
  • Blue- 10:00
  • Yellow- 10:15
  • Green- 10:30
  • Red- 10:45
  • Purple- 11:05

TIPS FROM KAT
Some great food for thought.  Thanks for sharing, Kat.  



SECRET SANTA ANYONE?
If you are interested in joining in on the fun, here is the scoop:
  1.  Fill out the Secret Santa google form by the end of the day Friday, December 1st. 
  2. You will get a randomly selected name on Monday, December 4th.
  3. Happy planning and shopping...a total of $30.
  4.  The fun will start on Monday, December 11th.  Deliver a small gift on Monday and a small gift on Tuesday.
  5. Keep the large gift and bring it to the Winter Staff party on Wednesday, December 13th and reveal yourself to your special person.

Want an authentic writing experience for your learners?  For every letter Santa receives through Christmas Eve, Macy's will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1 million. Need inspiration for your letter to Santa? Let Pastor'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 red mailbox in the office by 3:05 Friday, December 8th. You can also have learners send letters digitally by clicking here.  Feel free to use the hashtag #MacysBelieve to promote this event.  Mike and I will deliver the letters on December 10th.


COACH'S CORNER


Let’s collaborate! Sign up so we can work together.


ESL STRATEGY OF THE WEEK



LESSONS IN "LEE"DERSHIP


DATES TO REMEMBER:

DECEMBER TO REMEMBER
HOUR OF CODE WEEK

Dec 4- 1st Grade Gift of Time
Dec 5- Reading Academy
     2nd Grade Gift of Time
Dec 6- College Shirt Day
     Reading Academy
     3rd Grade Gift of Time
     Leadership Meeting?? (3:15-4:15)
Dec 7- 4th Grade Gift of Time
     Green House Music Performance (2:00 and 6:30)
Dec 8- Holly's Birthday
     Early Release 12:30

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Week of November 27, 2023

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am reflecting about the many blessings at our school.  Every one of you are a blessing to me in your own unique ways.  You are not taken for granted and are appreciated beyond measure.  You choose to come to Lee and work so 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.  Over the years, I have learned how to grow and lead with additional grace and patience. I see that demonstrated in so many of you, too!  Please REST over the break.  DO NOT WORK OR THINK ABOUT SCHOOL!!  Take time for yourself and reflect on how incredible you are.  I cannot wait to show you how much we love you during December to Remember.  When you return it will be here on Friday!  

DID YOU KNOW:
  • Friday is Substitute Appreciation Day? Please be intentional in thanking any subs in our building today!
  • the office will clean the lounge fridge out at 2:00, on Friday? Please take your personal items and food home. Yellow House- thank you for making sure all the dishes are put away and the lounge is picked up for one more week. The office takes over lounge responsibilities December 1.
  • December 8, early release day, you are expected to work until 3:35?  This is a true gift from our district, so please use this to get things checked off of your to-do list.  On December 15, early release day, you have permission to leave after all learners have been dismissed. 

RED AND BLACK SUPERSTAR NOMINATIONS
(Please share with parents) The nomination deadline for the Coppell Education Foundation's Super Star Program is Friday, November 19.  As you know, the Program is designed to give parents and CISD staff an opportunity to recognize the dedicated and hardworking teachers, administrators, and support staff within Coppell ISD.  Parents and CISD Staff Members can nominate any CISD Staff Member at their campus. Here is the link to the nomination form: https://coppellisdef.org/superstar/


STAFF MEETING WEDNESDAY
We are super excited to welcome back Todd Whitthorne for an uplifting and motivational visit on Wednesday.  He visited us almost two years ago and will bring a smile to your face.  Thank you to PTO and Linda for our snacks for this meeting.


CHS MADRIGAL TOUR 
What a FUN way to start the holiday season! The Madrigal group will be caroling through Lee on Friday.  This talented group of singers plan to arrive at 8:25 and will perform in the Media Center for 20 minutes. Learners upstairs can gather at the glass walls when they hear them and downstairs classes can come and gather around them in the library.  THANKS, Holly, for sharing your open space!


DONATE DURING THE GIVING SEASON
Want to provide a special holiday gift to someone in need?  Lee Elementary will participate in the Lions Club of Coppell Food and Toy Drive.  The donation box will be placed at our front office entrance and learners can bring food and toys from now through December 15. Thank you for your kindness!



Want an authentic writing experience for your learners?  For every letter Santa receives through Christmas Eve, Macy's will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1 million. Need inspiration for your letter to Santa? Let Pastor'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 red mailbox in the office by 3:05 Friday, December 8th. You can also have learners send letters digitally by clicking here.  Feel free to use the hashtag #MacysBelieve to promote this event.  Mike and I will deliver the letters on December 10th.



VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Mrs. Stout is looking for some extra help in our amazing Lee library. We need some extra hands for shelving books, covering books, and helping with other library related tasks. This is a great way to get involved! Sign up for a time that works for you here!



COACH'S CORNER


Let’s collaborate! Sign up so we can work together.



ESL STRATEGY OF THE WEEK



LESSON IN LEEDERSHIP



DATES TO REMEMBER:
Nov 20-24- THANKSGIVING BREAK
Nov 21- Joy's Birthday
Nov 28- Campus Spelling Bee (3:30 Library)
Nov 29- Amber W's Birthday
     Staff Meeting (3:15 Cafe)
Nov 30- December to Remember Calendars Delivered
Dec 1- December to Remember Begins
     Madrigals Perform in Media Center (8:25-8:50)
     3rd Grade Dallas Zoo Field Trip
     Specials Gift of Time (2:00)
Dec 2- Amy's Birthday