Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Week of January 5, 2026

We hope you have enjoyed our Hallmark themed December to Remember.  Have a SUPERB TWO WEEKS away from work. 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 Emma!  As first year teacher she has done an incredible job with her first class of her own.  With drive and determination and the help of Cassie, her teams, and Julie B, she does not look or behave like a beginning educator.  Kudos to this year's new hires and additions to our team: Amy, Alison, Monica, Lisa, Virginie, Hanna, Jamie, Laura C, Soma, Hitaishi, and Liliana.  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.  To our campus Leadership Team, thank you for serving as the voice for your grades and houses. Your continued support of our Admin Team and campus leadership has been invaluable. You lead in powerful ways, and we are deeply grateful for you!
DID YOU KNOW:
  • phishing increases around the holiday season? Please remember not to open attachments or click on links from people you don't know.  LOOK at the sender's address.  I don't want any of you to have to spend time on extra tech training.
  • CISD expects you to set up your automatic replies before you leave for Winter Break?  Please set this up before leaving on Friday so you can disconnect for the two weeks.  
  • January is School Board Appreciation Month?  Thanks to Alison and Jacky for making a banner to represent Lee Elementary in the Board Room.  We can't wait to see it.
  • we must remind you that it is required that you contact our Counselor or an Administrator if a learner speaks about harming themself?
  • this is Charlene's last week?  We are interviewing for her replacement and hope to have a recommendation, soon.
  • this is a final call to help our student interns with their surveys? 

HOLIDAY PARTIES
Please follow this NEW schedule for Thursday (thanks Kristi for re-drafing for us during Leadership). We are swapping Yellow and Blue House so that Dr. Shivers can see Blue Crew and our FULL houses in action.  I apologize Blue and Yellow for the LAST minute notice. Today is a Day 0 on the calendar, so all learners go to the gym for Specials. 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 supplies. Purple, please take 30 minutes for your lunch, then come straight to the gym from the cafe. We will start once you all are seated.



BEFORE LEAVING ON FRIDAY
       

  1. Make sure you completed your Panorama survey.  Thank you if you already did yours.
  2. Please get any items form the fridge by 11:00.  The office will be tossing anything "suspect."
  3. Please, also visit your mailbox before 11:00.  Empty it of all contents.  
  4. UNPLUG your Vivitek Board and any other items that are plugged into outlets (including coffee makers, lamps, pencil sharpeners, etc.)
  5. 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.  
  6. If you have pets, you are required to take them home with you.  Pets are not permitted to stay on campus these two weeks.  Take plants home, too, if you are not coming up to water them.

YEARBOOK REMINDER



JANUARY 5
This day is a scheduled work day for you.  Contract employees can choose to come in to school, work remotely, or do both on 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 physically 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 6th.  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 Monday (our work day), please remember that they must be back-dated to a date before December 19th, or they will not save.

Everyone is doing a great job on their HB 1416 minutes and MTSS Tier 2 and 3 interventions. Thank you to everyone for all your hard work and dedication to giving every learner what they need every day. The district has asked that we update progress for every intervention before learners return to school in January. 


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.  We use these when learners come down with behavior reflections. 


DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP LESSONS
It is a new 9 weeks.  It is imperative we review responsible use for technology and learner digital footprint.  Learners should NEVER erase their history on their iPad.  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. We ALL have had new learners in our class. This is required and helps Admin when we visit with learners who make poor technology choices.


COLLEGE SHIRT DAY
Wednesday is College Shirt Day.  Encourage learners to participate by wearing a college shirt on the first Wednesday of each month.  


#ONEWORD2026
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 on the 7th, please determine what your #oneword2026 will be.  We will have an activity to go along with your word, so come prepared with yours. 


JOIN US IN CELEBRATION



MAP/MCLASS TESTING
The testing window opens on January 12. Please follow the schedule shared from the Leadership agenda. We will take feedback after this round to see if the changes helped with our testing environments.


SCHOOL CHOICE FAIR
Thank you to those who offered to represent Lee at this event.  If you want to sub in for one of these folks in our leadership meeting notes, ... let CK know and we will add you in.  Please share this graphic with your parents.



ANNUAL PTO DESIGNER GRANT APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!
We are excited to announce that our PTO grant application cycle for this school year is now officially open. If you are interested in applying for a PTO grant this year, please submit this form. We will be accepting applications through Sunday January 25, 2026. We are looking forward to partnering with you!



THANK YOU FROM PTO



MOY SLO CHECK-IN EMAIL FROM CISD
As we approach the midpoint of the Student Learning Objective (SLO) process, all TIA- eligible staff must complete the Student Growth Check-In Form in PowerSchool Perform by January 30th
To support successful and accurate MOY and EOY SLO submissions, it’s important that each educator carefully completes the steps outlined below. We encountered several data inconsistencies this year that required correction, and following these steps with fidelity is vital to maintaining the accuracy and credibility of our local designation system.

CISD COMPLAINCE COURSE
As shared in the CISD Compliance Course, campus staff will complete required compliance modules throughout the year in place of our former Counselor Conversations.
December’s compliance, Substance Abuse, is now available in PowerSchool PL.
✅ What You Need to Know:
    • This course and other required 25-26 compliance requirements can be found in your compliance playlist too!
  • Complete the module in Schoology at your own pace.
  • Credit will appear in PowerSchool PL after an overnight sync.
  • This course must be completed by January 31, 2026.
  • Use the interactive tutorial for quick, step-by-step instructions.

LESSON IN LEEDERSHIP



COACH'S CORNER (REPEATING)
As we approach winter break, it’s the perfect time to plan for a smooth return in January. Reviewing classroom procedures and expectations after a long break is essential for resetting routines and creating a positive learning environment. Here are a few quick ideas to get you started:

A little time spent on resetting can go a long way toward a successful second half of the year! If you would like to visit these, or any other idea to review classroom management, reach out!😊


DATES TO REMEMBER:

SCHOOL BOARD APPRECIATION MONTH
RED HOUSE IN CHARGE OF LOUNGE

Dec 20- Zeal's Birthday
Dec 22- Hanna’s Birthday
Dec 22- Jan 2- Winter Break
Jan 1- School Board Appreciation Month
Jan 2- Gina gets married! CONGRATS!
Jan 5- Staff Work Day (Option to work remotely)
Jan 6- Report Card Grades and comments due (8:00AM) 
     LEEdership Council Mtg. (8:00 Flex Space)
Jan 7- May's Birthday
     Staff Meeting (3:15-4:45 Cafe)
Jan 8- MTSS Meetings (Conference Time)
Jan 9- Report Card Day
     Priscilla's Birthday
     Rikki's Birthday
Jan 10- Margie's Birthday

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Week of December 15, 2025

Thank you for a fun Staff Holiday Party. Linda, we’re grateful for all the planning and organization that made it run so smoothly. Social Spurs, we appreciate the tasty appetizers and pizzas you sponsored. And for those who joined the White Elephant game… that white elephant will definitely make a return next year! Enjoy the extra time together today.  Can't wait to see our volunteers at Valley Ranch Baptist Church on Saturday, and cheers to the best final week of school in 2025!

DID YOU KNOW:
  • Dutch Bros will be at the Winter Choir Concert tonight?  If you attend the event, please help yourself to a complementary drink. Designers, please remind your Choir singers that parents can get drinks BEFORE the performance and learners can get drinks AFTER the performance.  
  • our CHS Red Jackets will help greet learners on Friday? Please say HI to Rikki's daughter, Disha, a former Lee Spur.  We are so proud of her!
  • it would HUGELY help our interns in PA and AL if you could do their 3 VERY brief surveys.  They have to have a baseline to work their projects.  PLEASE consider giving them a few minutes of your time no matter what your school role is.  

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Enjoy going to the Admin Bldg. tomorrow and the extra gift of time. Please follow this adjusted schedule and sub schedule.  I ask that you have log in info and a non-Disney movie ready for indoor recess for the subs.  Also, please leave directions for the subs.  While I want you to enjoy time off campus, please be mindful to be back on time to get your learners from the cafeteria or specials.  Below are the schedules for the day.



SEASON FOR GIVING
REMINDER: Friday (tomorrow) is the last day to accept toys and food for this community food and toy drive.  We really could use some HYPE for donations!



WINTER WEAR:  NEW WINTER WEAR IS HERE
Order by Dec 15th for delivery before the holidays!! Check out our spurs decked out in our winter spirit wear! These are GREAT holiday gift ideas - hoodies, fleece, beanies, and the coziest fuzzy blanket — perfect gifts for your Spurs. Place your orders by Monday for delivery before the break!! rjlpto.org/spurstore



DECEMBER TO REMEMBER
This month has been so much FUN!  We are not DONE and have so much more in store for you!  Enjoy our last week of events and be ready for some lunch on Wednesday and breakfast on Friday.


Here is a spirit day calendar for you to share with your families.  Can't wait to see you in your holiday best on Thursday!




JOIN US FOR A RETIREMENT RECEPTION
We invite all to celebrate Charlene Parnell in her retirement as we host a retirement party in Charlene's honor on Tuesday, December 16, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Media Center.


SPIRIT RALLY



SPIRIT RALLY/WINTER PARTY SCHEDULE
Please follow this schedule for Thursday.  This is a Day 0 on the calendar, so all learners go to the gym for Specials. 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 supplies. Purple, please take 30 minutes for your lunch, then come straight to the gym from the cafe. We will start once you all are seated.



PANORAMA SURVEY
The district Panorama survey window is now open.  Grades 3-5, please build 30 minutes of time into your schedule to complete the survey WITH your learners. Learners will need help with you explaining what words mean in elementary language so please go question by question as a class.  Please only complete the survey with students from the link emailed to you from CK on 11/16.  

Staff, please take time to give feedback before you leave on the 19th.
Support staff and specialists, if there are any questions that do not apply to your job, please skip the question.  


NO SCHOOL




KEYS
Please take a moment to check the keys that you have for campus. If you have any extra keys or keys that are not working, then please return them to Angel. If you are in need of a key, then please fill out the Key Request form




MTSS



ATTENDANCE



THINKAPALOOZA



YEARBOOK REMINDER



SAVE THE DATE
We will host a Little Library at Lee for future Spurs/Cowboys on January 30.  Please share the invitation below.  Thank you, Holly, for organizing this fun event. 



MOY SLO CHECK-IN EMAIL FROM CISD
As we approach the midpoint of the Student Learning Objective (SLO) process, all TIA- eligible staff must complete the Student Growth Check-In Form in PowerSchool Perform by January 30th
To support successful and accurate MOY and EOY SLO submissions, it’s important that each educator carefully completes the steps outlined below. We encountered several data inconsistencies this year that required correction, and following these steps with fidelity is vital to maintaining the accuracy and credibility of our local designation system.

CISD COMPLAINCE COURSE
As shared in the CISD Compliance Course, campus staff will complete required compliance modules throughout the year in place of our former Counselor Conversations.
December’s compliance, Substance Abuse, is now available in PowerSchool PL.
✅ What You Need to Know:
    • This course and other required 25-26 compliance requirements can be found in your compliance playlist too!
  • Complete the module in Schoology at your own pace.
  • Credit will appear in PowerSchool PL after an overnight sync.
  • This course must be completed by January 31, 2026.
  • Use the interactive tutorial for quick, step-by-step instructions.

DEPTH AND COMPLEXITY TOOLS FROM AYESHA


COACH'S CORNER
As we approach winter break, it’s the perfect time to plan for a smooth return in January. Reviewing classroom procedures and expectations after a long break is essential for resetting routines and creating a positive learning environment. Here are a few quick ideas to get you started:
A little time spent on resetting can go a long way toward a successful second half of the year! If you would like to visit these, or any other idea to review classroom management, reach out!😊

LESSON IN "LEE"DERSHIP


DATES TO REMEMBER:
DECEMBER TO REMEMBER
WINDOW TO DOCUMENT STUDENT GROWTH ON GROWTH TRACKER SPREADSHEET

Dec 14- Liliana's Birthday
Dec 15- Zoie's Birthday
Dec 16- Charlene's Retirement Reception (3:30 Media Center)
Dec 17- Gina's Birthday
     Leadership Meeting (3:15 Laura's Space)
Dec 18-  Day 0
     Dr. Shivers visits Lee (8:00-9:00)
     2nd Grading Period Ends
     Spirit Rally (1:00 Gym)
     Class Parties (2:00) 
Dec 19-  Ayesha's Birthday
     Evidence of Student Progress #3 completed and scored
Dec 20- Zeal's Birthday
Dec 22- Hanna’s Birthday
Dec 22- Jan 2- Winter Break
Jan 1- School Board Appreciation Month- Thank you Art Designers for making the banner
Jan 5- Staff Work Day (Option to work remotely)
Jan 6- Report Card Grades and comments due (8:00AM)