Week of April 29, 2024

We made it through the final official day of state testing- YAY!  We hope the BBQ lunch filled your bellies.  Thank you to Angel and Tara for making this happen for everyone.  If there is one thing state testing brings us...is catered lunches-YUM!  Thank you to the entire staff for the efforts you pour into all of our learners to make sure they are prepared for the next grade level every year!  Thank you, Samira, for tackling your new CTT responsibilities.  We all agree, WE LOVE THE FOLDERS!  Enjoy celebrating our amazing volunteers tomorrow.  I'm sad to miss, but my dad is in town from Florida, so I am taking Friday off.  

DID YOU KNOW:

• CISD Compliance Courses will be released on June 3?  Feel free to work through these on your timeline.  Due dates will be communicated by Nancy Garvey.
• that CISD will have a new online redemption catalog for those staff members who have met service milestones?  Those of you that hit one of these 5, 10 and 25 year milestones this year will be getting an email from the district about what you would like to select as a gift of appreciation.  We will also recognize you at our final staff meeting.
• our campus will have a door audit this month? Please close all exterior doors at all times!

AUTHOR VISIT ON TUESDAY

We will follow this schedule for our author visit and it is a DAY 0.  Please share with parents that lunch schedules are different this day.  It causes stress when learners have appointments and parents don't realize when lunch schedules are different.

COLLEGE SHIRT DAY

Don't forget to wear your favorite college shirt on Wednesday.

KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP

We will host Kindergarten Round Up on Thursday night.  If you would like to meet our newest Spurs and help at the event, please reach out to Hannah Barley.  We will take all the help we can get!  Thank you, Kindergarten team and those that have already volunteered your time!

We are so excited to welcome new FamiLEEs and younger siblings of our current FamiLEEs to our annual Kindergarten Round Up May 2 at 5:30pm. Please plan to join us out back on the playground for some community building and delicious donuts for purchase. PTO will be there to help you order school supplies and make sure you get connected to our amazing FamiLEE. We will see you there!

FIELD DAY

Staff, you may wear appropriate shorts and hats on this day.  Thanks Coach Tinsley for the fun review at staff meeting.

• Please be sure to show the Field Day presentation to your house before Field Day to ensure everyone is familiar with what to expect. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1PoXu7c--IzbrlpjOjgeUsTQFJewcx41k?usp=drive_link
• No chalk on walls or areas that rain will not wash away.
• No Disney movies.
• PTO still needs more helping hands to make Field Day a success!  Please share this sign up for parents to contribute snacks to keep our Field Day team energized; every bit counts!

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
Teacher Appreciation Week is almost here!! We will be celebrating our amazing Designers and Staff at Lee all week long May 6th-10th! Check out the flyer below and the staff Favorites list to get a jumpstart on ideas to spread the love!

MAY 9 SPIRIT FUNDRAISER

Our partners at On the Border are hosting a fundraiser for lunch and dinner on May 9th, from 11am-9pm.  Just mention the RJL fundraiser at checkout if you are eating in person, or you can enter the code FUNDRAISER if ordering online.  It’s a great spot to eat before or after the Yellow House music performance! 

KINDERGARTEN PROJECT OPEN FOR CAMPUS PARTICIPATION

LIBRARY BOOK REMINDER

RJL SENIOR RECEPTION- SAVE THE DATE

Please help us spread the word as we welcome back former Spurs to Lee Elementary.  We can't wait to see our learners from #rjlyear3.

FIFTH GRADE SAVE THE DATE

LAST CALL FOR PTO BOARD POSITIONS

There are only a few days left to join the fun for next year on our PTO board!  Click here for all the details on what to expect, the open positions, and the application form.  We’d love you to join our team!  Applications are due April 30, 2024.  Newly elected members will be announced at our May 14th PTO meeting.   

STORAGE ROOMS

It is that time where you need to start inventorying and organizing your storage closets.  Please make this a team effort and not left to Leadership.  HINT:  START NOW!!  Here is the Shared Curriculum List.  Please save to Noteability and mark up for us.  We will have you share your house inventory before the last day of school.

COACHES CORNER

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

ESL UPDATE

LEE LIFE PRINCIPLE:

Responsibility- Making the right choice to be reliable and dependable

LESSON IN LEADERSHIP:

After we eat, we will clean up after ourselves.  This includes cleaning off the tables and making sure we haven’t left any trash on the floor or around the eating area.

LEE QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anyone else expects of you.  Never excuse yourself.”- Henry Ward Beecher

DATES TO REMEMBER

EOY MAP/MCLASS WINDOW

April 29- Morgan's Birthday

STAAR Math Make Up

April 30- Kathy's Birthday

CISD Flex Time Due

Author Visit

May 1- College Shirt Day

Hannah B's Birthday

Onboarding (3:15)

May 2- Blue House Field Trip

Kindergarten Round Up (5:30)

May 3- Field Day

School Lunch Hero Day

May 4- CISD Run to Fund

Week of April 22, 2024

SO SUPER EXCITED for STEAM NIGHT and our BIRTHDAY BASH tonight!  Thank you for being present at these two campus events and to everyone for all of their hard work and preparations!  PTO says the food trucks should be here at 4:00 if you want to beat the lines.  You did a great job with STAAR Reading and STAAR Science testing so far.  Only one more test next week.  

DID YOU KNOW:

• STEAM Night will mean there are people all over the building?  Please lock the closed classrooms and make sure your open spaces have items put up that you do not what disturbed.  If you have time to read the blog before you go, please remind learners about expected behavior at STEAM Night and our Birthday Bash.

• some of you are getting out of the practice of turning off your Vivitek Boards each day?  Please work on this practice for us. 

• we are continuing to work with the maintenance department regarding HVAC needs? Thank you for keeping us informed of issues.  WE ARE TRYING TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY to get action for you.

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BREAKFAST

Thank you Hannah B for helping to lead this important event.  If you need a reminder of what you signed up for, here is the Sign Up Genius.  There are still some items that need signed up for, so please take a look.  This event will take place in the Library Flex Space and Kinder will sing a song for our guests as they enjoy breakfast and leave with a sweet treat funded by Admin. 

UPDATES FROM THE CLINIC

LAST CHANCE BIRTHDAY BASH SILENT AUCTION

Don't miss out! Our Silent Auction is still open until the end of day Saturday; get in on the action and place your bids here!  From free summer student programs to sweet treats and self care items, we’ve got you covered! 

SUPPORT THE LEARNERS AND STAFF FOR FIELD DAY
Our PE coaches have asked for our help this year for field day, and we need all our parents’ helping hands to make it a success!  Please sign up to contribute through volunteering or donating!  Whether you can spare some time to supervise the little ones at the event or provide snacks to keep our staff energized, every bit counts!  Reminder, all volunteers will need a completed background check for this school year.

RJL PTO BOARD 2024-2025 APPLICATIONS OPEN
We’ve had a few fantastic parents apply to join next year, but we still need more fresh perspectives for our board next year!  Click here for all the details on what to expect, the open positions, and the application form.  We’d love you to join our team!  Applications due April 30, 2024

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK IS COMING

Teacher Appreciation Week will be here before we know it!! We will be celebrating our amazing Designers and Staff at Lee all week long May 6-10! Be on the lookout for more details coming soon. In the meantime, check out the staff Favorites list to get a jumpstart on ideas for spreading the love!

YEARBOOK

Order your 2023-24 yearbook from Lifetouch today! Type in Richard J Lee Elementary. Yearbook ID: 13015824. 

AUTHOR VISIT

Author-illustrator James Burks will give presentations to all of our RJL learners on Tuesday, April 30.  One exciting opportunity for learners during an author visit is to have the author sign a book for the learner to take home.  If your learner would like to have a book signed while Mr. Burks is at our school, purchase any James Burks book and bring it to Mrs. Stout by Friday, April 26.

CISD NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK

Coppell ISD Night at The Ballpark will take place on Friday, April 26, as our World Series Champions the Texas Rangers take on the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Park in Arlington at 7:05 p.m. Don't miss out! Get your tickets at rangers.com/schools.

EDUCATION FOUNDATION RUN TO FUND

Mark your calendars and lace up your running shoes! The Coppell ISD Education Foundation will be hosting its Annual Run to Fund at Andy Brown East Park on Saturday, May 4. Early Bird Pricing Ends on March 31. Register at coppellisdef.org/run-to-fund/ .  $2 for every registration goes back to our PE program.  Mrs. Kastrounis is registered and hopes to see you there!

COACH'S CORNER

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

ESL STRATEGY OF THE WEEK

LEE LIFE PRINCIPLE:

Resiliency- recovering from or adjusting easily to misfortune or change

LESSON IN LEADERSHIP:

Accept that you are going to make mistakes. Learn from them and move on.

LEE QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

"Effort only fully releases its reward after a person refuses to quit.” -Napoleon

DATES TO REMEMBER:

EOY MAP/MCLASS WINDOW

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK

April 22- Griffin's Birthday

April 23-  Progress Report Grades Due (8:00 AM)

April 24- Administrative Professionals Day

     Staff Meeting (3:15-4:45 Cafe)

April 25- STAAR Math (3-5)

     Kinder Field Trip to Dallas Zoo

April 26- Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast

     Brittany's Birthday

Week of April 15, 2024

WOW!  We have enjoyed our Summative meetings and having the chance to have dedicated time with each and every staff member.  We will have ALL of these done in two weeks. It is so rewarding to get the opportunity to brag on you and celebrate the growth we have seen in ALL OF YOU.  I'm feeling VERY #luckyatlee for each of you.  Enjoy the LONG weekend! 

NO SCHOOL FRIDAY AND MONDAY

BIRTHDAY BASH SILENT AUCTION OPENS ON MONDAY 4/15

Our PTO has put together a fantastic silent auction selection for our Birthday Bash. Preview items that will be available here!  bit.ly/rjlauction

BIRTHDAY BASH T-SHIRTS FOR SALE- LIMITED SUPPLY

Did you miss the deadline to order your Birthday Bash T-Shirt? Well, have no fear! We worked with our vendor and will have a limited supply of t-shirts available for purchase on Wednesday April 17 from 3-4pm & Thursday April 18 from 8:00am-10:30am. $20 cash only.

FAMILEE STEAM NIGHT

FamiLEE STEAM Night is on Thursday 4/18 from 5:30-7:00pm. Bring the whole family for a free hands-on STEAM event! Learners should bring their charged iPad and a small bag/backpack to wear and carry their device so it's not lost/damaged. There will be MANY activities that require the use of a device during the event. Check out our FamiLEE STEAM Night Course Catalog (https://tinyurl.com/FamiLEESTEAM24) to see brief descriptions of the activities offered, where they are located in the building, whether or not a device is needed for an activity, and the estimated time needed to complete that activity. Our current and some of our past Coppell Education Foundation STEAM Grants will be part of the event! 

Note: Your family may not have time to complete every activity during the event, so prioritize your top 3 favorites and try to go to those first. 

But wait, there's more! From 6:30-8:30 pm, PTO is hosting a Birthday Party Bash because our school is turning 10 years old! Plan to head outside after FamiLEE STEAM Night to enjoy food trucks, music (DJ will be there from 6:30-8:30), photobooth and video opportunities, and lots of games with the family.

BIRTHDAY BASH

We are SO excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Lee Elementary this year! Please mark your calendars for our first ever Birthday Bash celebration! In conjunction with STEAM night, this is for sure an evening you will not want to miss!!

When: April 18th 6:30-8:30pm (STEAM Night begins at 5:30pm)

Where: RJL Elementary - party starts outside the cafeteria doors after STEAM night

What to bring: Your Birthday Bash T-shirt, Picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and outdoor games. Food for purchase at food trucks.

EARTHFEST

When: Saturday, April 20 • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Where: Biodiversity Education Center, 367 Freeport Parkway

Why: Come celebrate Coppell’s commitment to the environment with an entertaining and educational experience for all ages! Hosted at the Biodiversity Education Center (BEC), Earthfest highlights environmental, sustainable, and nature-themed projects and initiatives within the community. Richard J. Lee will be in attendance. Look for Mrs. Shaner, Ms. Keiko, and some Lee learners who are presenting about projects they've done at RJL this year.

Other Activities: Attendees can chat with local Coppell ISD and community groups, browse vendor booths, meet and learn about a variety of exciting animals with Creature Teacher, and explore Coppell Nature Park. Along with the beautiful nature scenery, a monarch butterfly stilt walker will “flutter” through the event site, making for a perfect photo opportunity! Waffle O’licious food truck will also be available to purchase brunch eats and sweets.

Parking Information

Parking will be available at Wagon Wheel Park, located at 345 Freeport Parkway. The Biodiversity Education Center is located in the northwest corner of the parking lot. Wagon Wheel Park is located on Freeport Parkway, south of Sandy Lake Road and north of Bethel Road.

YEARBOOK

Order your 2023-24 yearbook from Lifetouch today! Type in Richard J Lee Elementary. Yearbook ID: 13015824. 

AUTHOR VISIT

Author-illustrator James Burks will give presentations to all of our RJL learners on Tuesday, April 30.  One exciting opportunity for learners during an author visit is to have the author sign a book for the learner to take home.  If your learner would like to have a book signed while Mr. Burks is at our school, purchase any James Burks book and bring it to Mrs. Stout by Friday, April 26.

CISD NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK

Coppell ISD Night at The Ballpark will take place on Friday, April 26, as our World Series Champions the Texas Rangers take on the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Park in Arlington at 7:05 p.m. Don't miss out! Get your tickets at rangers.com/schools.

EDUCATION FOUNDATION RUN TO FUND

Mark your calendars and lace up your running shoes! The Coppell ISD Education Foundation will be hosting its Annual Run to Fund at Andy Brown East Park on Saturday, May 4. Early Bird Pricing Ends on March 31. Register at coppellisdef.org/run-to-fund/ .  $2 for every registration goes back to our PE program.  I am registered and hope to see you there!

COACH'S CORNER

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

ESL STRATEGY OF THE WEEK

LEE LIFE PRINCIPLE:

Friendship- caring for; trusting one another

LESSON IN LEADERSHIP:

Do not save seats in the lunchroom.  If someone wants to sit down, let him or her.  Do not try to exclude anyone.  We are a family , and we must treat one another with respect and kindness.

LEE QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

"The reason dogs have so many friends is because they wag their tails and not their tongues" -Anonymous

DATES TO REMEMBER:

SCHOOL LIBRARY MONTH

NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

EOY SUMMATIVE WINDOW

EOY PANORAMA WINDOW OPENS

April 12- NO SCHOOL

April 15- NO SCHOOL- Flex Day

April 16- Lairettes Greet in the AM

April 17- STAAR Science Test- 5th Grade-NO VISITORS ON CAMPUS

     Day 0

     Flex Learning (GT Session for those who need an GT Update hours)

April 18- FamiLEE STEAM Night (5:30-7:00)

     Birthday Bash (6:30-8:30)

April 20- Earth Day

     Earthfest (11:00-1:00)