Week of September 28, 2026

Cheers to another fabulous week. Thank you for participating in the Homecoming spirit days and to the staff, Laura, parents and LEEdership Council for representing our school at the Homecoming Parade. We saw so many staff members along the route- THANK YOU!  We will have Dr. Shivers on campus on Wednesday, September 30 from 10:00-10:45 to see Math workshop.  Green and Purple House...you are up!

 

DID YOU KNOW:

• not only are sharpies restricted in classrooms, but also dry erase pens should be nowhere near our new furniture.  This dry erase ink does not come off of our furniture.  Thank you for your 100% cooperation so we can keep our furniture looking new for years to come.
• CK has requested a quote for the StemScopes Foundations Kits and Fluency Builders for each of you?  This will help with you having to make copies and sets for your lessons and also provide options for your math rotations so you can meet with your small groups.  Please let me know if there is anything else you need!
• parents can start joining their learners for lunch on Friday, October 2?  Please share the  Friday Lunch sign up in your weekly newsletter and remind them of the importance of signing up ahead of time for each visit.  No photos of learners should be taken during Friday FamiLEE Lunch and guests can only bring in food for their own learner.  
• you are REQUIRED to call CPS (1-800-252-5400) if a learner shares information that is concerning?  Just a friendly reminder.

FAIR DAY TICKETS

Staff fair day tickets will be ready for pick up in the office.  Student tickets will also be placed in your teacher mailboxes.  Please make sure you send tickets home with each learner as soon as you get them.  

OCTOBER IS DYSLEXIA AWARENESS MONTH

We will wear RED with jeans on Thursday, October 1, in recognition.

COMMUNITIES UNITED FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION

On Thursday, October 1, a local grassroots nonpartisan organization formed to support public education, is hosting a rally at the Coppell High School Arena at 6pm. The goal is to express gratitude for Coppell ISD and to show our community, state and local government that our community loves and values our public schools. All employees and families are invited to attend. The first 100 teachers receive a Starbucks gift card.

REMINDERS FROM OUR AP

Need help with either task? Please reach out to Angel or Julie with any questions. We’re happy to help!

MTSS Quick Glance Reminders:

• Keep all previous notes - please do not delete prior documentation
• Date all new notes and updates as you add them
• Any learner can be added. There are no strict cutoffs or grade levels that are excluded. If you’re unsure whether a learner should be added, add them & we'll discuss in MTSS.
• Please move learners to their current house as needed
• Learners who have withdrawn can be moved to the Withdrawn tab

Please include Angel on your communication to parents about the 1416 letters.

Thank you for helping us keep our MTSS information current and useful!

SAVE THE DATE FLU CLINIC AT LEE
Coppell ISD will host a fall vaccine clinic @ Lee on Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 10:30-11:15. Participants should bring their insurance card and a completed consent form to the clinic. 

SAVE THE DATE FOR NEXT WEEK'S FLEX LEARNING

ATTENDANCE MATTERS

Parents and guardians, please note: Texas law requires students to attend school each day that instruction is provided. According to Education Code Sec. 25.093, unexcused absences on 10 or more days (or part of days) is considered a Class C misdemeanor. Let's work together to ensure all students attend school regularly and comply with state attendance laws.

CELEBRATE OUR INCREDIBLE TEAM

We have so much great teaching happening at Lee Elementary.  Has someone gone above and beyond and you want to recognize them?  The CISD Great Employees Matter or GEM program recognizes outstanding employees who serve the mission and core values of CISD in a manner that exceeds job expectations. Nominate a GEM in your school or office by Oct. 23. Learn more about the program at www.coppellisd.com/page/great-employees-matter.  

WALKTHROUGHS FOR OCTOBER

We enjoyed giving you feedback on your learning environment in September.  For this month, we will be giving you feedback on Domain 2.5:  Monitor and Adjust.  We will be looking for:

• How you adjust instruction and activities to maintain student engagement (movement, music, manipulatives, small groups and individual work, conferences with learners).

• How you address learner engagement/disengagement.

• Questioning and feedback used to check for understanding.

• How you use a variety of assessment/input from learners to gather data.

• Checks for understanding through purposeful questioning and feedback.

• The pacing of the lesson.

LAST CALL FOR HOUSE COLOR SHIRT PRE-ORDERS!
Show your school spirit with our house color shirts! This year, we've updated the look with a fresh Team Lee jersey design and vibrant new colors, perfect for Spirit Day Fridays, field trips, and showing off your house pride all year long. Don’t miss the chance to grab yours at rjlpto.org/spurstore

The order deadline is September 27, with delivery the week of October 19. After 9/27, there will be LIMITED inventory and prices will increase.

Place your order today!

SPIRIT NIGHT THIS MONDAY AT TASTE OF MALAYSIA

Join Richard J. Lee Elementary PTO for a delicious Spirit Event at the RJL Parent owned Taste of Malaysia in Cypress Waters on Monday, Sept 28th.  Enjoy authentic Malaysian cuisine, including the lunch buffet, à la carte dining, and takeout.  

When ordering, be sure to mention Richard J. Lee at checkout, and 15% of eligible sales will be donated back to RJL PTO to support our school community.

• Lunch: 11:00 AM–2:30 PM
• Dinner: 5:00–9:00 PM
• 15% donated back to RJL PTO
• Owned by RJL parents!

Bring the family, invite your friends, and enjoy a great meal while supporting RJL PTO!

LESSON IN "LEE"DERSHIP

DATES TO REMEMBER:

• BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
• NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
• STOMP OUT BULLYING MONTH
• NATIONAL PRINCIPAL'S MONTH
• DYSLEXIA AWARENESS MONTH
• HINDU HERITAGE MONTH
• PURPLE HOUSE TAKES CARE OF THE LOUNGE THIS MONTH 

Sept 29- Lee 2nd Quarter Curriculum Preview with Samira & Sabrina (Conference Time)

Sept 30- Dr. Shivers Learning Walk (10:00-10:45) We will see math at this time in Green and Purple Houses

Oct 1- Lariettes Greet in the morning     

     MTSS Mtgs. (Conference Time)

    Communities United Event @ CHS Arena (6:00 PM)

Oct 2- School Custodian Appreciation Day

     Coffee With the Counselors (9:00-10:00 Cafe)

Week of September 21, 2026

Special Friends Day has been phenomenal! Thank you to everyone who offered their time and help to keep things running smoothly and to all designers for graciously allowing learners to return a little late from lunch if they went to the Book Fair. Holly and our volunteers hosted a fantastic Book Fair, and PTO, Officer Thames, support staff, and our Office Team were truly on their A-game.  

DID YOU KNOW:

• CK will be at an out of town wedding this weekend, so she will not be here on Friday or Monday? 
• you can wear shorts and comfy clothes on Friday? Hours are 8:00-3:30, but "Pest Control" is arriving at 3:00.  Here is the agenda I turned in to CISD.  Please use the afternoon as it best fits your needs. 

HOMECOMING WEEK SPIRIT DAYS

It is CHS Homecoming week and Spurs are welcome to participate in the following dress up days.  Staff, moving forward...if it is a spirit day and you are participating...jeans are permitted. 

We invite all famiLEEs to join us at the Homecoming Parade on Wednesday, September 23.  Our LEEders will be walking in the parade representing Lee Elementary.  If you want to watch the parade, the route will start on N. Coppell Road and W. Parkway Blvd. and go all the way to CHS.  The parade starts at 6:00 PM and ends at 7:00 PM.  

FROM OUR NURSE

REMINDERS FROM OUR AP

Need help with either task? Please reach out to Angel or Julie with any questions. We’re happy to help!

MTSS Quick Glance Reminders:

• Keep all previous notes - please do not delete prior documentation
• Date all new notes and updates as you add them
• Any learner can be added. There are no strict cutoffs or grade levels that are excluded. If you’re unsure whether a learner should be added, add them & we'll discuss in MTSS.
• Please move learners to their current house as needed
• Learners who have withdrawn can be moved to the Withdrawn tab

Please include Angel on your communication to parents about the 1416 letters.

Thank you for helping us keep our MTSS information current and useful!

PARENT LEARNING WALKS

As part of our campus Parent Engagement goal and a strategy in our Campus Improvement Plan, the last Thursday of every month, Mrs. Kastrounis will host a community learning walk at Lee.  This month the walk will be from 8:00-9:00 on Thursday, September 24 and parents planning to attend should arrive with their ID to check in at 7:50.  

I know this should go unsaid, but please make sure that during this time your learners are engaged in meaningful learning experiences.  What do I mean by "meaningful learning experiences?" This means small group instruction, hands on experiences, your class engaged in varied activities (not all doing the same exact thing and all on an iPad).  These learning walks are a fabulous way to showcase the incredible learning in our building and also to erase misconceptions about Lee and public education.

CELEBRATE OUR INCREDIBLE TEAM

We have so much great teaching happening at Lee Elementary.  Please take time to nominate a peer for Super Teacher recognition by Sept. 25. Learn more about what makes a teacher a Super Teacher by browsing the "Looks Fors" at visiting www.coppellisd.com/page/super-teachers. 

Has someone gone above and beyond and you want to recognize them?  The CISD Great Employees Matter or GEM program recognizes outstanding employees who serve the mission and core values of CISD in a manner that exceeds job expectations. Nominate a GEM in your school or office by Oct. 23. Learn more about the program at www.coppellisd.com/page/great-employees-matter.  

HOUSE COLOR SHIRTS AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME!
Show your school spirit with our brand new house color shirts! This year, we've updated the look with a fresh Team Lee jersey design and vibrant new colors, perfect for Spirit Day Fridays, field trips, and showing off your house pride all year long. Don’t miss the chance to grab yours at rjlpto.org/spurstore. The order deadline is September 27, with delivery the week of October 19. Adult sizes are also available so parents can join in the fun and showcase their school spirit! Place your order today!

COACHING CORNER

BOY Assessment Reports

Beginning -of-Year MAP reports will be digitally sent to families via ParentSquare on Wednesday, September 23, by your Learning Coach. No action is needed from designers for BOY MAP reports unless you would also like to send home a paper copy!

For mCLASS, print and send home the mCLASS cover letter and student reports. Please ensure that these are sent home prior to October 9th. mCLASS Report Printing Instructions If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

Friday

I can't wait to see every grade level for a quick HMH + Reading Workshop dive on Friday! We will have 30 minutes together in the morning, and then I will circle back with every grade in the afternoon to answer any questions and provide additional support.

Please bring (however you prefer to access them!):

~Teacher's Guides

~Your Teaching Pal

CISD ED FOUNDATION GRANT WINDOW OPEN

Grant applications open September 14 and will remain open through October 2. The Give for Grants program exists to make your innovative ideas come to life in the classroom. Grants are available to teachers at all levels. Strong grant applications involve innovative ideas that transform classroom learning and have an immediate, long-lasting impact. Read more about the program on our website.  Please run your idea by CK before you start.

WALKTHROUGHS THROUGH SEPT

Throughout September, Angel and I will be in your spaces to give you feedback regarding Domain 3.1 Learning Environment (Classroom Routines and Procedures) and 3.2 Managing Student Behavior. We will be looking for:

• Current character trait posted
• Daily Schedule 
• What is on your magnet wall 
• “I Can” statements posted
• Anchor Charts in all subject areas
• Math and Science manipulatives and supplies accessible to learners
• Each learner has a designated place for their supplies
• Respect Agreement visible
• Digital Citizenship Contract signed and displayed
• Learner Work displayed
• Guiding Purpose hung
• Effective Routines, transitions, and procedures in place
• How you manage learner groups and supplies

LESSON IN "LEE"DERSHIP

DATES TO REMEMBER:

• NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Sept 22- LEEdership Council Mtg (9:35 Laura's space)

    Literacy Content Academy today

Sept 23- Tracy's Birthday

     Staff Mtg- Would you like the gift of time?  YOU GOT IT!

     Homecoming Parade (6:00-7:00 PM)

Sept 24- Parent Learning Walk (8:00-9:00)

Sept 25- SLO Goals in Power School DUE

     Super Teacher Nominations DUE

     CEF Grant Log-In requests DUE

Week of September 14, 2026

Thank you for taking the time to review our leadership meeting notes as a house. Your collaboration and commitment to keeping everyone in the loop is what makes our campus strong and united! This upcoming week is full of energy and excitement with Special Friends Day and the Book Fair. These events are such wonderful opportunities to showcase the heart of our school, and I know our students (and their famiLEEs) will feel the love, joy, and dedication YOU bring to every detail. Let’s keep lifting each other up, celebrating the small wins, and leaning into the power of teamwork. I’m so proud of all the ways you continue to champion our students and create memorable experiences for them. You’ve got this... and I’ve got you!

DID YOU KNOW:

• they will not finish installing furniture today?  They will move it all into the cafeteria and finish delivery tomorrow.
• if you host a club, you have to have permission slips for learners who participate in school clubs?  If you are a club sponsor, please keep your permission slips for your participants.  At this time these do not need to be turned in to anyone, but they should be available if someone asks for them.  Sample permission slip is here.
• we are going to recognize a "Lee Volunteer of the Month?"  The front office will make sure to have volunteers drop their names in a collection box when they volunteer.  Each month PTO will draw for a gift card for our volunteers.  Just thought you would want to know in case you want to share with your volunteers!

THE SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR IS NEXT WEEK
Your child will be previewing the book fair and will be coming home with a “wish list” of books they would like to purchase. Please consider helping your child participate if you are able and sending money or filling up their Scholastic E-Wallet. If you’re new to the Book Fair, we created this FAQ document to provide more info!

DOT DAY

FLEX LEARNING WEDNESDAY

Use this hour to learn about a topic of your choice.  Please submit to Power School for 1 hour of flex and describe your learning.  Leadership, if you want to discuss chapter 2 we will be in the conference room.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT AT SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY ON THURSDAY

We invite you to stop by and have lunch with your learner on Thursday, September 17.  After having lunch, you are welcome to shop at our Scholastic Book Fair in our media center. Please sign up here to help us prepare for this special day.  School lunch is priced at $5.00 and will be charged to your learner's account.  If you pre-register, we will have name tags prepared for you ahead of time so you can quickly check in and avoid waiting in a long line.  

LEEDERSHIP COUNCIL ELECTIONS

After the campaign speeches/videos have been shared, allow all learners in your class to cast their vote. Please complete this Google Form with the name of your class representative before leaving on Thursday.  Thank you. Please read leadership notes regarding the Leedership Council representative.

NO SCHOOL ON FRIDAY FOR LEARNERS

REMINDER TO STAFF ON LUNCH DUTY

It is your responsibility to monitor the "Peanut Free" table (there is only one now) and to ensure that learners are not sitting there with any nut products.  This includes Nutella.  Thank you for helping to keep our learners safe.  This truly is a matter of life or death for some of our learners.  

ATTENDANCE

As you make vacation plans this year, remember that missing school can impact your child's learning and success, and it also affects attendance laws. Please schedule trips following the holidays on the CISD calendar to ensure compliance and support your child's education.

HOUSE COLOR SHIRTS AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME!
Show your school spirit with our brand new house color shirts! This year, we've updated the look with a fresh Team Lee jersey design and vibrant new colors, perfect for Spirit Day Fridays, field trips, and showing off your house pride all year long. Don’t miss the chance to grab yours at rjlpto.org/spurstore. The order deadline is September 27, with delivery the week of October 19. Adult sizes are also available so parents can join in the fun and showcase their school spirit! Place your order today!

PTO MEETING MINUTES

We loved seeing so many of you at our first PTO meeting of the year on Tuesday! You can review the meeting minutes at www.rjlpto.org/pto_meetings. We’re also proud to share highlights from the PTO’s accomplishments during the 2025–2026 school year—take a look at https://www.rjlpto.org/whypto

LAST CALL FOR HOUSE FUNDS
This is your FINAL opportunity to donate to our Annual House Fund before it closes on September 13th. We are currently $2,000 behind where we were last year at this time. These contributions make ALL of our student celebrations possible throughout the year. Don’t miss your chance to make an impact—visit rjlpto.org/housefunds today to donate. Every dollar counts!

WALKTHROUGHS THROUGH SEPT

Throughout September, Angel and I will be in your spaces to give you feedback regarding Domain 3.1 Learning Environment (Classroom Routines and Procedures) and 3.2 Managing Student Behavior. We will be looking for:

• • Current character trait posted

  • Daily Schedule 

  • What is on your magnet wall 

  • “I Can” statements posted

  • Anchor Charts in all subject areas

  • Math and Science manipulatives and supplies accessible to learners

  • Each learner has a designated place for their supplies

  • Respect Agreement visible

  • Digital Citizenship Contract signed and displayed

  • Learner Work displayed

  • Guiding Purpose hung

  • Effective Routines, transitions, and procedures in place

  • How you manage learner groups and supplies

COACHES CORNER

After School Professional Development Opportunity

Sarah Leishman, Lynlie Brown, and Samira are offering after-school professional development for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade educators. Participants will unpack the TEKS for Unit 3 of STEMscopes and internalize the first scope of the unit. Educators will also receive the corresponding Skill Builders and Explores documents. Registration required, click here.

LESSON IN LEEDERSHIP

DATES TO REMEMBER:

• BOY GOAL SETTING WINDOW 
• BOY MAP AND MCLASS WINDOW CLOSES THIS WEEK
• NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
• LEEDERSHIP COUNCIL ELECTION WEEK
• CELEBRATE FREEDOM WEEK
• FALL BOOK FAIR WEEK

Sept 14- Boy Scouts @ Lunch (need microphone) They will speak during your lunchtime.

Sept 15- Progress Report Grades DUE (8:00)

     Dot Day (wear your dots)

     Scouting Event (7:00 PM Cafe)

Sept 16- Progress Reports Generated

     Flex Learning (3:15-4:15)  

Sept 17- Special Friend's Day

     LEEdership Council Representatives submitted

Sept 18- Campus Professional Learning Day