Week of March 23, 2026

Your spaces and our school look AMAZING and I am so proud to show off our school tonight.  Our parents will be bragging about all of you!!!  

CONGRATS on hitting the Color Run goal.  I appreciate the campus-wide effort from everyone.  It takes us ALL.  ENJOY tomorrow.

HOORAY!  You made it to Spring Break.  Please enjoy taking time for yourself over the week.  Travel.  Sleep in.  Read a book.  Binge watch some TV.  Do what makes YOU happy!  You have EARNED IT!  I will be in Florida.

DID YOU KNOW:

• we will clean out the lounge fridges at 1:00 tomorrow? Please make sure you get your items so they are not discarded. We don't want any Science projects growing!!
• you will want to set your auto replies for Spring Break? Don't forget!
• some folks have forgotten that GOOGLE is not a tool for research and images? Please remember to use MackinVIA and other library databases.
• CISD Tech Dept. is working to finalize the replacement of district Vivitek boards? The current deployment window is projected to begin as early as this summer, but depending on the manufacturing it could be as late as December. They have narrowed our selection to two primary candidates: Clear Touch and Newline. Both displays are currently installed at Pinkerton Elementary. Any interested staff is encouraged to visit Pinkerton to experience the interactive boards firsthand.
• some of you have GT hours that are ready for approval? You need to go into Power School and check a box and the blue submit button to send the request to me so I can approve next.  Please do this.

OPEN HOUSE

We are excited to host Open House tonight.  Front and rear doors will be unlocked for entrance at 5:30 PM.  This is a "come and go" event, so parents can stay as long as they need to during this hour.  Don't forget to invite parents to stop by the cafeteria to see the Color Run incentive charts and shop the PTO merch table.  Please plan to dress professionally for the Open House event. 

COLOR RUN
Our learners may have crossed the finish line on Friday, but there’s still time to donate! The House Class competitions are open through Spring Break, closing on Sunday, March 22nd! Visit rjlpto.org/colorrun to donate. Proceeds directly fund Field Day, with all remaining funds going to our PE department for PE and recess equipment!

NO SCHOOL

There will be no school March 16-20.  See you back safely on March 23.

SPIRIT RALLY MONDAY

Please follow the Spirit Rally schedule on Monday.  Our Spirit Rally will take place outside so that leading donators can color a staff member of their choice.  

STAFF MEETING

During Wednesday's staff meeting, we have STAAR testing and security training.  We will not need hourly employees to attend this training.

YEARBOOK

Order your 2025-26 yearbooks today! You must order online before April 7. Type in Richard J Lee Elementary. Yearbook ID: 13015826.

HELP TELL OUR LEE STORY

Are we doing a satisfactory job with your learner(s)?  Please tell us and others.  Here are three places you can review our school.

• Facebook

• Niche

• Great Schools

GT RESOURCE

REMINDER FROM THE FRONT OFFICE

To minimize disruptions and allow all learners to fully participate in special events (for example Music performances), the front office has been instructed not to pull learners from assemblies for early parent pick-up. When assemblies are in progress, students will not be called out until the assembly has concluded.

We understand that families may occasionally need to pick up early, and appreciate your understanding that our office team is following school practices designed to support a positive experience for all learners. If an early pick-up is necessary on a day when an assembly is scheduled, please ask parents to plan on arriving before the assembly begins or after it has concluded.

COACHES CORNER

Review Strategy Spotlight: Human Bingo
Looking for an engaging way to review? Try Human Bingo as a formative assessment tool.

What it is:

• A movement-based review game aligned to your learning targets
• Each square includes a skill-based prompt (explain, solve, justify, give an example)
• Students must find classmates who can accurately demonstrate understanding

Why it works:

• Gets every student talking and thinking
• Surfaces misconceptions in real time
• Feels like a game, but provides meaningful data
• Quick, interactive, and easy to align to any content area — perfect for review season! 

Check out the article to learn more!

FAMILEE FUN SPIRIT NIGHT
This may sound far away, but mark your calendars now since this event is the Friday after we come back from spring break! Please save the date to join us at Ground Control Las Colinas trampoline park on the evening of March 27th for glow night! We hope this will be a great time for the kids to hang, but also for the adults to get to know each other! You can buy tickets for entry from 6-8pm on the hour or half hour onsite or online! If you purchase online, when you arrive, make sure to mention our fundraiser and have them print out your receipt!

CISD RUN TO FUND- REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Join us Saturday, May 2 for the14th Annual CEF Run to Fund<http://coppellisdef.org/run-to-fund/> at Andy Brown East! Choose your way to participate:

 * 5K Run
 * 1-Mile Family Fun Run
 * Sleep-In & Support

Proceeds will allow CEF to bring innovative teacher support and learning opportunities to all students in CISD. Bonus: $2 from every entry goes directly to the PE department at the CISD school of your choice!

Sign up today and support CISD classrooms!  coppellisdef.org/run-to-fund/<http://coppellisdef.org/run-to-fund/>
Early Bird pricing is $35 through March 29 (prices increase March 30).

LEEDERSHIP TIP OF THE WEEK

DATES TO REMEMBER:

GREEN AND PURPLE HOUSE LOUNGE DUTY (March)

TEXAS HISTORY MONTH

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

March 23- Spirit Rally 2:00 (Basketball Courts)

March 24- Report Card Grades Due (8:00 AM)

March 25- Staff Meeting (3:15 Cafe and Library)

March 26- Reagan's Birthday

     Community Learning Walk (8:00-9:00)

     Chantel off    

March 27- Report Cards in HAC

     Evidence of Student Progress #5 completed and scored

     Chantel off

Week of March 9, 2026

One more week and Spring Break is HERE!!!  Thank you for all you are doing to get your learning spaces set up for Open House.  It is a HUGE deal to have parents in the building and there is so much learning to showcase.  Please make sure all extra furniture is moved out of your spaces and that collabs are as organized as your learning spaces.  

The district employee that was here getting technology data for CISD was super complimentary of all of you and our school.  She said she had been at multiple campuses and that our school does an incredible job of using devices to PRODUCE content with.  She also mentioned that she had never been here before and she was super impressed with the sound level and how our learners behave.  Way to shine!

DID YOU KNOW:

• if you need to call 911, it is best to use your classroom phone? Cell phones will delay response time.
• we need your feedback on Kendall's pathway and digital manual?  Please take time to review and participate.  From Kendall: Please complete this post-survey regarding the sensory pathway. I’m sharing it a bit early to give you ample time to complete it; there’s no need to respond right away. I want to be sure you’ve had sufficient time to use the pathway and review the digital manual. Please submit your response by March 13 at the latest. Thank you! -Kendall Keeton
•  ...what this means?   

PTO MEETING REMINDER

Mark your calendar! Our March Virtual PTO Meeting is Tuesday, March 10th at 6 PM. Join us for exciting updates from your PTO and RJL Admin Team. Submit questions for Principal or PTO anonymously before the meeting by visiting rjlpto.org/rjlspeaks.

This month, our CMS West Principal and PTO team will be visiting our meeting to welcome 5th grade parents!

The meeting link will be emailed home closer to the date.

OPEN HOUSE

We are excited to host Open House next week.  Front and rear doors will be unlocked for entrance at 5:30 PM.  This is a "come and go" event, so parents can stay as long as they need to during this hour.  Don't forget to invite parents to stop by the cafeteria to see the Color Run incentive charts.  Please plan to dress professionally for the Open House event.

RODEO GOAT SPIRIT DAY ALL DAY FOR LEE ELEMENTARY ON 3/12

Join us Thursday, March 12th, at Rodeo Goat in Cypress Waters from 11am-9 pm for a fun day of food and fundraising!  With our RJL Open House happening the same evening, it’s the perfect chance to grab dinner before or after the event. Mention our fundraiser when dining in or ordering by phone, and 20% of sales go to Lee PTO! Don’t miss out!

COLOR RUN FOR PARENTS

FamiLEE! Only one week left before our Color Run, with all proceeds going to the PE Department, and one of our learners' favorite events of the year, FIELD DAY!! Visit rjlpto.org/colorrun for more details, to donate, and to register to run or throw color at your learner's race. Ask your learner about the awesome prizes their specific classes are working towards!

COLOR RUN FOR STAFF

Please PARK IN THE BACK LOT and feel free to wear warm ups or shorts for the Color Run. We do have an adjusted schedule for the day.  Please use the schedule below (tab 2 in Master Schedule document) on Friday.  Thank you to the support staff helping to throw color and participate during the day.  Thank you to coaches and the Specials team for making this an incredible day for everyone.

NO SCHOOL

There will be no school March 16-20.  See you back safely on March 23.

MARCH MADNESS AT LEE ELEMENTARY

Join in the March Madness!  Stop by the lounge each day and sample the daily PopTart flavor to vote on.  We will see who is the winner at Lee Elementary on March 25.  

REMINDER

Remember that all flex learning is due by April 30.  Dr. Brooks sent this graphic of suggested learning opportunities for those who still want or need hours.  All submitted hours are approved by CK as of 4/4.

COACHES CORNER

📱 Intentional App Usage in the Classroom

We are focusing on intentional implementation and meaningful use of technology. Digital tools should enhance instruction and support deep thinking, creation, discussion, and application aligned to our standards. Curriculum directors have provided recommended maximum instructional usage:

ELAR

• Foundations A-Z: 60 min per week
• Boost: 45 min per week
• NoRedInk Grammar Lessons/Practice (3–5): 45 min per week

Math

• DreamBox: 3-5 lessons per week
• Each lesson in K-2 can take 8-10 minutes.
• Each lesson in 3-5 can take 10-15 minutes.
• Reflex: 3 Green Light days a week
• Each green light in 2-5 can take 10-15 minutes.
• Frax:  3 missions a week
• Each mission in 3-5 can take 15-20 minutes.

📎 Technology TEKS Reference:
When planning technology integration, consider alignment to your grade level Technology Applications TEKS, particularly strands connected to creativity, communication, research, and problem-solving.

🌟 Early Finisher and Extension Ideas

Instead of a sit-and-get app for early finishers or extension, try out:

• Choice boards aligned to current standards
• Depth & Complexity prompts (flex training from this week targeted this! If you weren’t able to make it, check it out in our RJL Schoology course here!)
• Learner created problems, questions, or task 
• Written justification tasks
• Purposeful and creative uses of technology (animations, ,gifs, podcasts, posters, etc) - check out Everyone Can Create from Apple!

If you'd like support designing early finisher tasks, extension menus, or planning lessons with intentional tech integration aligned to the Technology TEKS, feel free to book time with me — I’m happy to plan alongside you!

LEEDERSHIP TIP OF THE WEEK

DATES TO REMEMBER:

GREEN AND PURPLE HOUSE LOUNGE DUTY (March)

TEXAS HISTORY MONTH

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

COLOR RUN FUNDRAISING WINDOW

TEXAS PUBLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

March 8- Daylight Savings Time

March 10- Regan's TOY Visit (10:00-10:45)

     Kinder Dentist Visit (2:00 Cafe)

     Virtual PTO Mtg. (6:00 PM)

March 11- Leadership Mtg. (Laura's Space)

March 12- Rodeo Goat Spirit Day (11:00 AM- 10:00 PM)

     Open House (5:30-6:30)

March 13- Andrea's Birthday 

     Color Run (Day 0 Schedule)

     3rd Grading Period Ends

March 14- Maria's Birthday

March 15- Linda's Birthday

March 16-20- NO SCHOOL

Week of March 2, 2026

You are almost there!  Two more weeks until Spring Break!!!  Thank you for all you are doing to get your learning spaces set up for Open House.  Don't forget to start tidying up the design studios and collabs too.  It is a HUGE deal to have parents in the building and there is so much learning to showcase.  

DID YOU KNOW:

• March Madness is HERE? See Linda's email from Thursday if you would like to participate.  Don't forget to vote daily.  May the winner POP to the top!
• we would like to have your feedback on Kendall's pathway and digital manual?  Could you please take time to review and participate? 
• we have not had reminders for positive home communication lately?  I would encourage an email or picture or phone call home, in the next couple of weeks, praising each of your learners.  Don't forget to document it in Panorama.  Apply for flex if you spend time after school on this task!  I cannot stress enough how great you all are doing on our campus goal.
• beginning Thursday, February 26th, district learning coaches will visit campuses on Thursdays and Fridays to collect baseline data on technology use in the classroom? Coaches will conduct brief learning walks to observe whether technology is being used and, if so, how it supports learning.  This is part of action steps for the district Technology Plan.  Want to learn more...ask CK, she was on the district committee.
• we have had some paper problems in the copiers?  Please remember to remove your color paper when you are done and... if you have a moment, see if you need to add paper for the next person.

THANK YOU SECOND GRADE

Thank you to second grade (and our extra staff members) for staying late, tonight, to host the 2nd Grade Star Party.  It was truly OUT OF THIS WORLD!  There was incredible attendance and the activities were super engaging and FUN!  What lucky FamiLEEs to have designers who are so committed to our learners.

FABULOUS FRIDAYS IN FEBRUARY

Chantel is going to come by with the snack cart tomorrow so you can "treat yourself" to some yummies.  WE LOVE YOU!

.

NATIONAL SCHOOL BREAKFAST WEEK

By royal proclamation, know this: Next week, March 2-6th, the great halls of our cafeterias shall host National School Breakfast Week, known throughout The Kingdom as "The Quest for School Breakfast!"  All week long our cafeterias will be featuring new and exciting menu items.

MARCH MADNESS AT LEE ELEMENTARY

Join in the March Madness!  Stop by the lounge each day, starting Monday, and sample the daily pop tart flavor to vote on.  We will see who is the winner at Lee Elementary in 13 days.  Thank you, Social Spurs, for sponsoring the taste test and to Linda for designing the bracket and event!

SCHOOL PICTURE DAY

Wednesday is staff and class picture day.  Please plan to be here by 7:05 for our staff photograph in the cafeteria at 7:10.  Immediately after arrival, we will start calling your classes down for pictures according to our lunch schedule (feedback from last year's Leadership Team). Blue...that means hold off on watching morning broadcast until after your pictures, because your groups will start right at 7:45.  It is imperative you drop what you are doing and hustle down to the cafe, so we can try to get learners through before their recess time. Please line your learners up from tallest to shortest before coming down and have their name badges clipped on their back to assist photographers.  Don't forget to include your PA and AL learners in your class pictures.  Lastly, remember that lunch is in your spaces, this day, as the photographers may need the entire cafeteria.  We will make sure Genesis brings you trash cans.

FLEX LEARNING

Join Julie in Yellow open space for some flex learning on depth and complexity.  This session will earn you flex and GT hours.

LEE COLOR RUN

FamiLEE! Only two weeks left before our Color Run, with all proceeds going to the PE Department, and one of our learners' favorite events of the year, FIELD DAY!! Visit rjlpto.org/colorrun for more details, to donate, and to register to run or throw color at your learner's race. Ask your learner about the awesome prizes their specific classes are working towards!

PTO will gift the top designer in each house $50 in classroom supplies (of their choice) from Amazon (PTO will order on your behalf). 

SAVE THE DATE

We are excited to host Open House on Thursday, March 12.  During this hour, you can also check out your classroom Color Run donation charts in the cafeteria.  All proceeds from the Color Run go back to our PE program for Field Day, PE equipment, and recess equipment.  

TESTING FEEDBACK
Now that we've completed our STAAR field test and TELPAS testing, please share your feedback with us so we can make any needed changes before testing in April. This is completely optional, but your thoughts would be much appreciated. Thank you so much!  Testing Feedback Google Form

FRIENDLY REMINDER

Please review the graphic below regarding updated reporting requirements. This visual should serve as a great overview and reminder about reporting and conduct.  Schoology is an approved district platform for communication.

COACHES CORNER

Apple iWorks got a shiny new update.  Here are some notable changes:

Icon Illustrations

The Media Toolbar

• Tap the 📎Paperclip Icon to insert images, recordings, and drawings. (The paperclip will be your best friend!)
• Scroll all the way to the bottom of the Paperclip menu for the “Add Drawing” Icon
• The “Record Audio” icon changed from a microphone to a soundwave
• Tap “Browse Content Hub” to access all of the shapes

LESSON IN LEEDERSHIP

DATES TO REMEMBER:

GREEN AND PURPLE HOUSE LOUNGE DUTY (March)

COLOR RUN FUNDRAISING WINDOW

NATIONAL SCHOOL BREAKFAST WEEK

EDUCATIONAL DIAGNOSTICIAN WEEK

March 2- LEEdership Council Meeting (1:00)

March 3- MTSS Meetings (Conference Time)

March 4- Staff Picture (7:05 AM)

     Spring Picture Day (cafeteria)  

     Eat in Houses for lunch so we can conclude pictures

     Flex Learning (3:15-4:15)

     Onboarding (3:15-4:15)

March 5- Laura's Birthday  

     Blue House Music Performance (2:00 and 6:30)

March 6- Lee School Safety Audit (all morning)

March 7- Keiko's Birthday