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. 
   https://forms.gle/bTNawJ9v4RWSiGoDA
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 13^th and reveal yourself to your special person.

MACY'S BELIEVE LETTERS TO SANTA

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

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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

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!

MACY'S BELIEVE LETTERS TO SANTA

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

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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

Week of November 13, 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.  Each of 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 care during December to Remember.  When you return it will be a week away!  

DID YOU KNOW:

• the CISD board has approved the use of Amazon Wishlists, in addition to Donors Choose?  To use an Amazon wishlist moving forward, you will need to complete the proper paperwork.  The forms can be found on our district website: https://www.coppellisd.com/page/policies-procedures-and-regulations
• Social Spurs is hosting a Cookie Exchange?  Read below:

• you can wear warm ups on Friday and "trot the track" during your break? Please only wear warm ups if you plan to take part in this self-care activity and tweet out to #cisdhealthyhabits!
• Friday, November 17, is Substitute Appreciation Day? Please be intentional in thanking any subs in our building that day!
• the office will clean the lounge fridge out at 2:00, on Friday? Please take your personal items and food home.

WORLD KINDNESS DAY

Monday, November 13, is World Kindness Day.  We can't wait to see how our learners spread kindness.  If you have a KIND shirt, join in on wearing it on Monday.  We will also celebrate kindness in January with the Great Kindness Challenge.

PROGRESS REPORT GRADES

3-5, please have your grades in by 8:00 on Tuesday morning.  THANK YOU!

MAC BOOK SWAP

On Tuesday we will swap out for our new MacBooks- YAY!  Please have your device ready to be exchanged.  We will host this in the Teacher's Lounge from 7:00 AM-11:00 AM.  Please come down when you are invited.

PTO MEETING

I will send a Parent Square email to  parents with a TEAMS Link on Tuesday morning.  

FAMILEE FEAST

Please let your famiLEEs know if they want to attend our annual Thanksgiving Lunch that they need to sign up ahead of time.  This lunch will be in place of FamiLEE Friday lunch this week. Parents can Sign up here.  NEW THIS YEAR: Child Nutrition has requested guests PREPAY ($5) for their meal to expedite their lunch line (if the guest is not using the learner account).  Please send payment to the office for a receipt before the event.  Bring prepay receipts to lunch to redeem for the meal.

PANORAMA SURVEYS

Final push for 3-5 learners and staff to complete these.  I appreciate your cooperation!

LIONS CLUB

Every year, the Lions Club of Coppell provides holiday food baskets and toys for Christmas to those in need. If your family can benefit from this assistance, please reach out to Nurse Annah, Mrs. Garvin, or Mrs. Lightfoot no later than December 8th, 2023.  They will work with you to get the assistance you need.  Here is a form you can share with your families.

COACH'S CORNER

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LEEDERSHIP TIP AND QUOTE OF THE WEEK

DATES TO REMEMBER:

• NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
• PANORAMA SURVEY WINDOW 

November 12-Diwali

November 13- Samira's Birthday

November 14- Bhavna's Birthday

     Progress Reports Grades Due

     MacBook Swap (7:00-11:00 Library)

     Virtual PTO Meeting (6:00)

November 15- Progress Reports Generated

     FamiLEE Feast at Lunch times

     Flex Learning (3:15-4:45)

November 16- MTSS Meetings (Conference Time)

November 17- Chantel's Birthday

     Substitute Appreciation Day

     Trot the Track

November 20-24- NO SCHOOL 

November 21- Joy's Birthday

Week of November 6, 2023

Well done with this year's Write a Check and Story Book Character Parade.  Thank you for all of your efforts for the beautiful ways you have told our Lee story on Twitter.  I have been so proud of the things I have seen with your design days, your house collaboration, celebrating holidays, recognizing our learners and acknowledging each other.  It is clear that our staff goes ALL IN in every campus initiative. THANK YOU for the extra effort you put in. You are a remarkable group!!!  

DID YOU KNOW:

• the district is soliciting feedback regarding calendar decisions?  Please email your thoughts to input@coppellisd.com .  If you don't share your thoughts, they will not be considered (ex: 4 day work week, 1/2 day work days at the end of each quarter, conference days provided for elementary, etc.)
• that we are seeing an uptick in behavior issues when we have subs in the building?  Please put reviewing your Respect Agreement in your sub plans if it is not already there.  Also leave behavior reflection sheets for your subs.
• Hour of Code is coming up next month?  Please sign up if you plan to participate and start reaching out to our DLC for coding assistance for the week of December 4-11.  I'm sure our DLCs would love to design with you! 
• tomorrow is the last day to Early Vote?  Don't forget to make your voice heard!
• November 14th from 7:00-11:00 we will be getting our new MacBooks?  YAY!  Start your file sharing NOW!
• the Panorama survey window is open.  Please complete the Staff survey and schedule time to complete the 3rd-5th Grade Learner survey by November 17.  Our counselors emailed you this week with resources to help out with language for learners during this process. 

VETERANS DAY

Teachers, we would like to honor Veterans next week on social media. We are looking for relatives of anyone at Lee or any of our designers as well. Could you please reach out to your parents and ask them to send you information on anyone in their families they would like honored through Lee social media for Veteran's Day? We would like a photo, as well as their branch, rank and years served. We will create a social media presence through various methods next Friday. Please know this is also open to you and your family members as well.  Please forward all information to Kat before end of the day next Wednesday, Nov. 8, and she will get right to work on it. 

TOY

FINAL REMINDER!!!  NOMINATIONS DUE TOMORROW!!!  Please take time to nominate someone in our building for this incredible honor.   If you need admin to cover your class so you can observe your nominee, to help you better answer the questions, please arrange that with us.  We are happy to help.  Here is the TOY Website and Nomination Criteria and Form.

PICTURE DAY IS HERE

We will start school pictures immediately following morning broadcast on Friday at 8:00 AM.  We will follow the Specials schedule so we will start with Kinder Purple, followed by 1st Purple, 2nd Purple, etc. Once Purple House is done we will go to Yellow-> Red -> Green -> Blue.  Pictures will take place on the stage and teachers can take their pictures with their classes or before school.  Specials and support staff, please get your pictures made between 7:40 AM and 8:00 AM.  Specials Designers, we "might" need you to wait with your classes in the cafe if they are not done by their Specials time.  Please help us by getting kids to the cafeteria, promptly when the volunteer gets you.  Also, please help by having learners in alphabetical order by last name (and with their badges) before they get to the photographer.  Thank you for your flexibility on this day and for excusing the interruption to your teaching and lunch routines.  Some houses may need to host indoor recess, if needed, so learners stay "fresh" for their photos. 

Something new to communicate with your parents:  LifeTouch will have make up picture days, in their office on Nov 17 from 1-7pm and Dec 4 from 1-7pm, if learners don't take advantage for having their retakes on campus on December 12.  Parents can call 972-669-9200 option 3 and ask for Roshel, she'll be the one to schedule those for parents.

 

LAST CHANCE FOR WRITE-A-CHECK! PLEASE SEND TO PARENTS
Today is the official LAST opportunity to donate to PTO’s annual fundraising campaign Write-A-Check. As you know, this is the main source of funding for our FamiLEE PTO, and is in lieu of sending learners door to door selling fundraising items each year.  As of Wednesday we were at 81% of our goal with 37% participation! THANK YOU SO MUCH to all who have contributed - your generosity and support is incredible. If you have yet to contribute, please consider donating today - every dollar counts! bit.ly/RJLWAC

Check out this awesome video on how we put your donations to use for our entire FamiLEE!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_hUuXuxUsG8hrR2EQB2nVOkVOOa9jGWl/view?usp=sharing

THANK YOU FOR AN AMAZING TRUNK OR TREAT PLEASE SEND TO PARENTS
Our PTO team would like to extend a great BIG THANK YOU to ALL who participated in our annual Trunk or Treat and made it an event to remember. We couldn’t have done it without everyone who contributed items for trunk decor, donated candy, volunteered their time, and for all of the FamiLEE community who attended the event! An extra special THANK YOU to the Designers & Staff for showing up with their creativity and amazon trunks!

If you haven’t already check out this fun video recapping the evening!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17ulqICqmI_VIp_IZHgLB6BSWXPh1oFSt/view?usp=drive_link

PTO MEETING SAVE THE DATE
Our next Virtual PTO meeting is coming up November 14th! Please plan to join us for important and exciting updates from your PTO Team and Principal.

SAVE THE DATE FOR FAMILEE FEAST

Please let your famiLEEs know if they want to attend our annual Thanksgiving Lunch that they need to sign up ahead of time.  This lunch will be in place of FamiLEE Friday lunch this week. Parents can Sign up here.  NEW THIS YEAR: Child Nutrition has requested guests PREPAY ($5) for their meal to expedite their lunch line.  Please send payment to the office for a receipt before the event.  Bring prepay receipts to lunch to redeem for the meal.

BLUEBONNET TRIVIA NIGHT

Attention 3rd, 4th, and 5^th Graders! Are you reading this year's Bluebonnet Books? Join Mrs. Stout at the Cozby library in January for a fun Bluebonnet Trivia Night! Download a checklist of this year's books at the QR code or link. You do NOT need to read all 20 books to participate. Books can be put on hold at the RJL Library or at your local public library.

Link to Checklist: https://tinyurl.com/27ezspud

CIP
The 2023-2024 Campus Improvement Plan can be found here. Each quarter this document should be reviewed and updated.  Leadership, please download the PDF into Noteability, review it, and annotate it with your house in a Thursday Meeting.  Please forward your annotated copy to Angel and Kat by Thursday, November 10.

LIONS CLUB

Every year, the Lions Club of Coppell provides holiday food baskets and toys for Christmas to those in need. If your family can benefit from this assistance, please reach out to Nurse Annah, Mrs. Garvin, or Mrs. Lightfoot no later than December 8th, 2023.  They will work with you to get the assistance you need.  Here is a form you can share with your families.

COACHES CORNER

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DLC UPDATE

As you work on transferring files to back up your teaching materials, consider using OneDrive from the start with your new device:

💼 Effortless Transition: Save your current files directly to OneDrive, making future device transitions smoother without worry of losing files.

🌐 Anytime, Anywhere Access: OneDrive allows you to access your files from any device, providing flexibility in preparation and teaching.

🤝 Efficient Collaboration: Collaborate with colleagues on your documents, share resources, and stay in sync with your team.

🔐 Robust Security: OneDrive ensures the security of your teaching materials, protecting your valuable resources.

By using OneDrive with your new device, you'll avoid the need for future transfers and enjoy a more efficient and secure digital teaching experience.

LAS UPDATE

LESSON IN LEADERSHIP

DATES TO REMEMBER:

• NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
• NATIONAL SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY WEEK
• PANORAMA SURVEY WINDOW OPEN

Nov 5- Daylight Savings Time

Nov 6- Sky Ranch

Nov 7- Sky Ranch

Nov 8- Annah's Birthday

     Sky Ranch

     Leadership Mtg. (3:15 Yellow House)

Nov 9- PTO Thankful Thursday Breakfast    

Nov 11- Veteran's Day