Week of November 16

What a wonderful week of school with Veterans Day, bond visitors, and more design days.  You have continued to shine and prove why we are the BEST school on the planet.  Yesterday's afternoon tour made two ladies CRY.  When I asked them why they were crying, they said that this school is what they have dreamed for children and they were touched to their core that it is happening.  THANK YOU for demonstrating on a daily basis how special our school is!!  Our school IS beautiful, but it is WHAT YOU ARE DOING IN OUR SCHOOL that is the showstopper!

High Schoool learners (as well as Samira, Layne, and Cassie) presented to the bond committee members Wednesday night.  What the high schoolers are dreaming of in a new school IS OUR SCHOOL.  How incredible it was to tell them, after their presentation, that what they want is HERE!!

Lastly, this was an email from one of our visiting Veterans:  

Good Morning:

My wife and myself attended your Veterans Day event at Richard Lee school where our grandson, Max Victory is a student and we would like to express our appreciation for a "JOB WELL DONE". Not only was the program well organized by you and your staff but we were amazed by how well you brought the students into the room but also how mature the students were in exiting the event. Not what you would expect from children that age.  Again, thank you very much for having a program for veterans and inform your staff that it really was a "JOB WELL DONE".

Thank You

Cal & Beverley Gibbs

Valley Ranch

OUR GUIDING PURPOSE: We empower learners to positively impact the world by designing learning experiences that promote relationships, risk taking, and collaboration in a flexible environment.

DID YOU KNOW?

• that Dr. Waldrip shared this great article?
• even though you might have missed Math Educator Academy that you can see their presentations and resources here?

BEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN TEXAS
What if we had our learners go here and vote for the BEST school in Coppell ISD?  We are currently in FIFTH place.  The voting ends on Sunday so today would be the day to get them to vote.  Please send this in your Friday communication to parents, too.


LEE GEMS and MONDAY'S BOARD MEETING
Great Educators Matter and we have three GEMS that will be recognized before Monday's board meeting at the Administration Building.  If you want to cheer on Shelley, Roxann, and Lauren, please be there by 6:00.  Our campus will be recognized as an Apple Distinguished School at 7:30, if you choose to stay.


TOY SCORING COMMITTEE

Are you interested in scoring our Teacher of the Year Nominations?  We need 5-10 people interested in joining in the front conference room at 3:15 on Monday, November 16.  We have the four applications and rubrics ready.  It should not take more than 30 minutes.  If after school does not work for you and you would score during your conference time, let me know and we can arrange that.  THANK YOU!

HYPER SIGN
Your house lead was trained on updating your digital signage.  Please upload additional/new content the first of each month.

"LEE"DERSHIP QUALITY OF THE WEEK

Gratitude- the act of being grateful; thankful

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“The ones you should try to get even with are the ones who have helped you.” -Unknown

LESSON IN "LEE"DERSHIP

Always say thank you when given something.  When given an assignment, there is no moaning or complaining.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Nov 16:  GEMS Recognized (7:30 Board Room)
Nov 17:  Chantel's Birthday

Nov 18:  Walk at School Wednesday
               House Shirt w/Jeans
               Thanksgiving Lunch in Cafe during lunch

               New Learner Luncheon (10:30-1:00 Cafe)

               Leadership Mtg. (3:30-4:30)
Nov 19:  Music Dress Rehearsal (8:30 Cafe)
               Campus Tours (9:00 and 1:00)
               Buffalo Wild Wings Night
               Yellow House Music Performance (6:30)

Nov 20:  Turkey and Chicken Drive (Front Loop)
               Happy Hour (54th Street Grill)
               Courtney's Birthday
Nov 22:  Jacque's Birthday
Nov 23-27:  NO SCHOOL

Week of November 9

Once again, you have WOWED our weekly visitors and your Principal.  Guests were snapping pictures of ALL the learning happening with your children.  Your constant hard work does not go unnoticed!  Once Principal  commented, "Your school should be on 60 Minutes," and that his teachers went on and on about what they saw with great appreciation for what they observed. Another Principal was back for a second visit and wants to bring another team back.  Thank you for continually pushing yourselves and doing what is best for kids!  You are growing EVERYday and while it is not easy, you make it look easy! 

This quote makes me think of our children AND YOU!

OUR GUIDING PURPOSE: We empower learners to positively impact the world by designing learning experiences that promote relationships, risk taking, and collaboration in a flexible environment.

DID YOU KNOW?

• that we have projectors that have bulbs that are already burning out?  This should not happen for THREE years.  They are to last a minimum of 2000 hours.  Please turn of your projectors when they are not in use.  The bulbs are PRICEY!
• that we purchased the Lead 4ward Field Guides for you?  Since they are by grade level, we will label them and give them to the grade level lead for use.  YAY!
• the World Affairs Council D/FW is holding a Free World Religions Forum for Teachers on Saturday, November, 14, 1-3 pm at Islamic Center of Irving? Teachers can receive 2 PD hours for attending. 
• that we sent 8 Designers to this round of Math Educator Academy?  Please take a look on some of the tweets your peers posted or at the resources Sam shared with me:

• Creating Mathematical Thinkers (K-2) Presentation:  This is the presentation that was shared with us about using rich tasks, math talk, etc. to build critical thinking skills and teach math in the K-2 classroom.  There are some great examples of how to implement this.

These are some resources for 3-act tasks, rich tasks (investigations/open ended questions for learners to discover math concepts and strategies)

• ​NRICH.maths.org:  GREAT problem solving/logic puzzles that integrate skills.  Would be great for small group lessons or stations
• Elementary 3-Act Tasks:  A spreadsheet that lists 3-act tasks with the CC standards aligned.
• Illustrative Math: Tasks that are aligned with CC
• More Three-Act Ideas:  3-act lessons
• 101 Questions: Good for starting math conversations, having learners come up with questions.  MAKE SURE TO PREVIEW, since it is open for all to add pictures.
• wodba.ca:  Which one is not like the others?  ​Great for getting kids to justify their thinking.

TECH"KNOW" SATURDAY
Before you leave on Saturday, please see Chantel and make sure that you fill out the extra duty pay form so that we can compensate you for your time.  We already have forms ready for you, THANKS Diana! We have CHS National Honor Society students coming to help "babysit" in the gym during the event.  If you are an aide and want to earn flex time on Saturday, please come see Chantel.  We could use at least one of you.  Please be at school NO LATER THAN 8:30 to set up on Saturday. Parents will hopefully start arriving at 8:45 and we want you to be able to great them.  Learner-facilitators should arrive at 8:30, as well.  We will have breakfast snacks set up in the front of the school.  Please stop by and help yourself!


FED EX
Enjoy your one hour on Wednesday where you learn about a topic of YOUR choice related to YOUR goals, and earn flex credit for it.  This is a time for learning.  Please post to this Today's Meet after 4:30, but by 5:00, on Wednesday.  Please share what you learned during your time to get credit for your hour.  Those who post will automatically be enrolled through Eduphoria.

WANT TO LEARN ABOUT A MATH RESOURCE THAT IS ONLY AVAILABLE BECAUSE WE ARE A TITLE I SCHOOL?  Join us for Reflex Math training in the flex space of the media center.  This is a fabulous online tool that helps students become fluent with their math facts.  Please send at least one member from each house who is interested.

Are you ready to participate with your class in the Hour of Code December 7-13?  Schools across the world will be participating in this global movement to promote computer science to all levels of learners. Not sure where to begin?  Wondering what resources are out there for coding that don’t require YOU to be a programmer to figure out?  Join Alli during FedEx time November 11 to explore resources, think about design elements, and participate in a Hour of Code simulation as we prepare for this special week in December!  If you are interested in joining, please sign up here.  

PICKLE SALE
Your LEEdership Council learners will need to be inside during their recess time to sell pickles. Learners can eat them at lunch or save them for afternoon snack.  Pickles will be on sale on Thursday and Friday for $1.50.


TOY SCORING COMMITTEE
Are you interested in scoring our Teacher of the Year Nominations?  We need 5-10 people interested in joining in the front conference room at 3:15 on Monday, November 9.  We will have the four applications and rubrics ready.  It should not take more than 45 minutes.  Please email Chantel if you will be joining us.  THANK YOU!


SAFE SEARCHING
A friendly reminder that your learners should be searching for images and information through our district databases.  During walkthroughs, I observed learners searching using Google.  We REALLY need you to monitor and teach learners where to safe go for information.  This was part of educator Digital Literacy training.


DIGITAL GENIUS
Don't forget!  The Digital Learning Coaches will be offering their 2nd Face to Face opportunity on Tuesday, November 10, at Brock from 3:30-5:30.  They will host Expedition Saturday, November 14. Click here to register in Eduphoria.  Can't make it to Expedition Saturday?  Learn from DLC's, virutualy, from 10am-11am as they host #cisdchat on Twitter.  Need more details?  See the Digital Genius 15/16 Fall Course Catalog.

"LEE"DERSHIP QUALITY OF THE WEEK

Effort- doing your best in an endeavor

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Don’t be content with being average.  It is as close to the bottom as it is to the top.” -Anonymous

LESSON IN "LEE"DERSHIP

It is rude to ask if you are getting something for good behavior. You should be good and try your best because you are trying to better yourself, not because you are anticipating a reward.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Nov 7:   Tech KNOW Saturday
Nov 9:   Yellow Design Day (7:30-3:30)
              Teacher of the Year Scoring (3:30 Office)
Nov 10:  PTO Meeting (6:30)

Nov 11:  Veteran's Day Ceremony (8:15 Cafe)
               Red, White, and Blue w/Jeans

               Walk at School Wednesday

               Fed Ex Day (3:30-4:30)
Nov 12:  Purple Design Day (7:30-3:30)
               Campus Tours (9:00 and 1:00)
               Pickle Sale (Recess Times)

Nov 13:  Blue Design Day (7:30-3:30)
               Social Spurs Luncheon
               Samira's Birthday
               Pickle Sale (Recess Time)

Nov 14:  CISD Parent University
               Digital Learning (CMSW)

Week of October 26

Thank you SO MUCH for the celebration of Todd and I for Bosses Day.  We truly work with the BEST STAFF ON EARTH!!  We appreciate you following through with expectations for our visitors this week.  Your digital signage looks fantastic, your displays of learning are informative, and your spaces look incredible!!! EXCELLENT JOB OF DISPLAYING CHALLENGE LANGUAGE, TOO!!  Today's guests were in AWE of what you are doing.

OUR GUIDING PURPOSE: We empower learners to positively impact the world by designing learning experiences that promote relationships, risk taking, and collaboration in a flexible environment.

DID YOU KNOW?

• this blog post has great thoughts about work that can be done in a professional learning community?  Collaboration, team designed rubrics, and common assessments are ideas throughout the entry.  Don't forget to finish Chapter 2 in our book study and post in Schoology.
• this is the link to our Lee Gizmo account?  This website shows how accounts are created.  If you would like future training on Gizmos (which we get because we are a Title I school) please let Chantel know.
• that Shanna attached this year's individual photos in your permanent files for you?  Please take time to thank her!
• All, except 5, of our learners were given permission to attend a school-sponsored field trips when they were enrolled using Infosnap?  This means that a “permission” slip is not required but you will still need to communicate specific details about the trip.  A parent could decide that their child should not attend a specific trip.  This permission does not include trips such as Austin or Allaso Ranch, but includes everything else in the DFW area.
• this video about Halloween will make you laugh? Especially 2 minutes in!! (I expect comments on my blog about this one!)

WRITE A CHECK

Thank you ALL for your excitement with our Write a Check fundraising.  We know it is because of YOU that learners are bringing in their acknowledgement sheets and donations.  Thank you for your continued HYPE!

SPIRIT RALLY
We will start our Spirit Rally at 8:05.  3-5 will sit in the bleachers with K in front of 3rd (closest to water fountains), 1st in front of 5th (center of the bleachers), and 2nd in front of 3rd (closest to the gardens).  If you have learners in Instrumental Ensemble, please have them sit in the front row of the fifth grade bleachers so that they can easily get out to perform.  Please follow this grade level schedule and inform your parents of adjusted lunch times for this day.


TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Please use the following link to nominate a colleague for RJL's 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year.  We have special permission to nominate anyone with TWO years or more in CISD.  Nominations are due by Friday, October 30.  Remember to include as much detail as possible because we will score each form submitted with a district rubric and can only score what is written in the responses. PLEASE PUT THE PERSON'S NAME ONLY in the nomination box.  For the other responses DO NOT put their name.  This helps us judge based on what is written and not the person.

LEEDERSHIP COUNCIL

Please give your LEEder a few minutes to come back and talk with your class.  They will inform your learners about our norms and treasurer, secretary, VP and President.  We will share their "big ideas" in our next meeting on November 5.  Please remind them to wear their shirt.  THANK YOU! 


SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE
THANK YOU for planning to attend the dance.  Please remind your learners to sign their name (once) on the butcher paper on the wall that matches your house color.  We need your help reminding them to write their REAL name (sadly, issues last year).  The house with the greatest attendance will win a surprise.  Designers, sign up, too!  Dancing with designers will happen at 7:15.  Beware...you are going to need to "shake it" to win!!!  The winning house for Write a Check donations will be announced at the end.


RED RIBBON WEEK

Next week is Red Ribbon Week.  Please encourage your learners to participate in each Spirit Day.

• Monday:  “Love Yourself”- Wear as much RED as you can. 
• Tuesday: “Follow your Dreams” – It’s PJ Day! 
• Wednesday: “Be Strong and Confident!”- Wear your work-out clothes to support a healthy lifestyle. 
• Thursday: “The Heart of the Matter”- Learners will digitally share or bring in a photo of their family.
• Friday: “Show Your Character”- Learners will bring their favorite book and come dressed to school as their book character.

NEED YOUR FEEDBACK
We have the opportunity to bring Write From the Beginning and Beyond to our school for support and training.  It could potentially be during the school day, or after the school day.  If it is after the school day, we will pay you for your time.  Please comment here if you are interested/not interested in WFTBB support as you grow as a designer.


BOOK CHARACTER PARADE
Friday, after broadcast, we will have our Book Character Parade.  If the weather cooperates, we will make two passes around the track.  Those who did not participate can sit along the inside loop of the track and cheer on our participants.  If the weather does not cooperate, we will walk through the building and learners can sit along the walls as we pass through the PreK hall, in front of the office, through yellow house, then red house, through the cafe, and past Art.


RED HOUSE MUSIC PERFORMANCE DRESS REHEARSAL 
Thursday will be our school dress rehearsal for our Red House Music program.  Please bring your classes down to the cafe at 8:30.  We will practice audience etiquette and celebrate the hard work of our Red House learners and Mrs. Benson.


LANYARDS AND NAMETAGS
Please make sure your learners wear these all day, everyday.  THANK YOU!

"LEE"DERSHIP QUALITY OF THE WEEK

Problem solving- creating solutions; finding answers

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” -Charles Swindoll

LESSON IN "LEE"DERSHIP

You should never complain if the line is too long, the food isn’t good, or there is a wait.  You don’t want to be negative to the point where you spoil the enjoyment of the event for others.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Red Ribbon Week
Oct 26:  RJL receives recognition @ Board Mtg. (7:30)

Oct 27:  Report Card Grades Due (8:30)

Oct 28:  House Shirt w/Jeans

              Walk at School Wednesday

              New Learner Luncheons w/Angela (10:30-1:30)

Oct 29:  Buffalo Wild Wings Night  
              Learning Walks @ Lee (8:15)
              Music Performance Dress Rehearsal (Cafe 8:30)
              Campus Tours (9:00 and 1:00)
              Leadership Mtg.(3:30)

              Red House Music Performance (Cafe 6:30)

Oct 30:  Report Cards Go Home

              Jessica F's Birthday

              TOY Nominations Due
              Book Character Parade (8:05)
Nov 1:  Daylight Savings Time

Week of October 19

Boy what a fast week this has been!  Thank you for your hard work and positivity.  I promise I still work in CISD!!  I will be at Principal's Institute today and start my morning at Admin on Friday.  I will be at school by 9:00.  

DID YOU ADD THIS TO YOUR EMAIL SIGNATURE??

OUR GUIDING PURPOSE: We empower learners to positively impact the world by designing learning experiences that promote positive relationships, risk taking, and collaboration in a flexible environment.

DID YOU KNOW?

• that it is time to nominate someone for Teacher of the Year for RJL?  We have special permission this year to include employees that have been in the district two years.  Please have nominations turned in by Friday, October 30.  
• that this website has great resources to enhance your PLC work?  There is also these resources for our PLC book.  Don't forget to respond on our Schoology course.
• Klyde Warren Park hosts field trips for grades 3-5?  Here is a website with information if you are interested.
• we will be having another PPCD aide joining Heather and Rikki?  Please welcome Jennifer Rooney on Monday as she joins our famiLEE!
• you can get up to $500 per semester for going to grad school?  Fill out this form if you ARE!  

WRITE A CHECK

Our Write a Check campaign is in full swing.  YOU are an integral part of helping to make this a successful fundraising event for our school.  Money raised will help with adding projector carts to houses, pay for transportation for house field trips, bringing in visiting authors, and MORE.  Please hype this up to your learners and help get 100% of your acknowledgment forms back in.  The Golden Boot will be on display for the house collecting the most money.  We will share totals, daily, on morning broadcast.  Popcorn parties will be provided to every classes that have 100% of their acknowledgement forms returned.

CAMPUS VISITS
We will have multiple important campus visits next week.   Please make sure that your displays of learning are current and have a description with the learning objective posted alongside it.  Please, also make sure that your learning objectives are posted in a visible place for each lesson.  Lastly, be sure there is evidence of Challenge Based Learning in your space.  If you have any questions, please ask me.


REPORT CARDS
As you begin working on report cards for the first nine weeks, please remember to include a citizenship grade in each subject and a personalized comment for each learner.  "Chantel is a joy to have in class" is not personal and does not convey to parents that you KNOW their child.  Also, if you have learners below a 70 or receiving IPS's, please plan on having a problem solving conversation with Chantel.


TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Please use the following link to nominate a colleague for RJL's 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year.  We have special permission to nominate anyone with TWO years or more in CISD.  Nominations are due by Friday, October 30.  Remember to include as much detail as possible because we will score each form submitted with a district rubric and can only score what is written in the responses.  PLEASE PUT THE PERSON'S NAME ONLY in the nomination box.  For the other responses DO NOT put their name.  This helps us judge based on what is written and not the person.

LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

Please send learners down to the flex area of the media center following morning broadcast, on Thursday.  They will need to bring their signed LEEdership Council Constitution and up to 3 ideas for needed improvement from your class. They will need a small amount of time to share when they return from our meeting.  THANK YOU! 


CAFETERIA EXPECTATIONS
Thank you for firming up your cafeteria procedures.  We will be adding recycling signs and table numbers as soon as our sign holders are delivered.  


SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE
We hope you plan on joining us, next Friday night, for our school dance.  This event has been on the calendar since August and it means the world to your children and their families to see you there.  Please feel free to bring your loved ones so they can join in on the fun.  Breaking news: there may be a hay ride!!


SPIRIT RALLY
Please come down to the gym as soon as your learners are unpacked.  We would like to begin promptly at 8:05.  If you are new, please ask your house leaders where grades sit.   There will be a teacher event....so be READY!  Also, please review our school song with your learners before Friday.  

EDUCATION FOUNDATION RED and BLACK SUPERSTARS

Wouldn't it be AWESOME if RJL showed our Education Foundation some love by participating in this recognition program?  Please take time to nominate using this Nomination form link .  It is SHORT and EASY!!!  Another free t-shirt, too!!!

CLARITY SURVEY FOR DESIGNERS AND LEARNERS

All current designers at Lee need to take this survey no later than Oct. 22.  Please note that the survey will work best when taken in Google Chrome or Safari.  http://www.BByt.es/GM4WT

If you teach PreK-2nd grade, your learners do NOT have to take the survey.  If you are a 3rd-5th grade designer,  a separate link to information on how to administer the learner portion of the survey is below.  

3-5 Grade Learner Survey and Instructions

"LEE"DERSHIP QUALITY OF THE WEEK

Accountability- being responsible for one’s actions

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“I am NOT a product of my circumstances.  I AM a product of my decisions.” -Stephen Covey

LESSON IN "LEE"DERSHIP

If you are asked a question in conversation, you should ask a question in return. It is only polite to show others that you are just as interested in them as they are in you.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Oct 19:  Yearbook Covers Due to PTO

Oct 20:  Transformation in Action Site Visit (8:30-11:30)

              Social Spurs Happy Hour (3:30 BWW)

              DLC Twitter Chat

Oct 21:  School Shirt w/Jeans

              Walk at School Wednesday

              Staff Meeting (3:30-5:00)

Oct 22:  LEEdership Council Mtg.  (8:00-9:00)

              Tour Thursday (9:00 and 1:00)

Oct 23:  Britt's Birthday
              End of 1st 9 Weeks

              Spirit Rally (8:00-9:00 Gym)

              ASBO Visit (40 people at 10:45)

              Flu Shots @ Lee (1:00-1:45)

              School Dance (6:30 Cafe/Gym)
Oct 30: TOY Nominations Due