Week of September 16, 2024

What a phenomenal Special Friends Day today was.  Thank you to everyone that helped things run so smoothly and to the designers for letting learners return to class a little late.  Holly and our volunteers hosted a great Book Fair and PTO, Ayesha, Officer Thames, and the Office Team really were on their "A game!"  I hope the small gesture of hosting an unexpected breakfast on Friday is just one tiny way to let you know that your Admin Team sees how hard you work and that you deserve to treat yourself!!  CHEERS TO YOU ALL!  

DID YOU KNOW:

• on October 11 and Nov 5, all employees, including hourly employees, need to plan on attending professional development? This is not a day permitted to use comp time.
• CISD is having a VATRE election?  You are required to watch this 9 minute video to stay informed.
• there is a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday at CHS9 Auditorium?  Please feel free to attend to learn more.
• Content Academies for classroom teachers are open?  Please fill out this form by end of day Friday. 

FRIDAY THE 13TH

You are "cereal-ously" the best team!  We will make an announcement when our cereal bar is ready for you tomorrow morning.

SHOW UP FOR GREAT ATTENDANCE

Let's all work for perfect attendance!  Join in our spirit days and SHOW UP and SHOW OUT at school all week!

REMINDER TO STAFF ON LUNCH DUTY

It is your responsibility to monitor the "Peanut Free" tables 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.  Please make sure our custodian is helping to sweep and wipe things down.  If this is not happening, I need you to text Chantel.

PARENT UNIVERSITY 

Join Martha Thomas, co-founder of The Defensive Line, for a discussion on suicide prevention and mental health at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 17, at CMS North. Thomas will share components of the Suicide Prevention Workshop that demonstrate how to bridge the gap between people in need and the resources that exist to support their mental health and intervene in a crisis. Learn how to recognize warning signs of a mental health crisis and hold difficult but crucial conversations, and leave with an informed plan of action. CISD employees who attend can receive Flex Time Credit.

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. 25. Learn more about the program at www.coppellisd.com/page/great-employees-matter.  

LEARNER-LED CONFERENCE DAY

Please send home parent sign ups, NOW, for Fall Conferences.  Let our Admin Team, Angela, SPED, or MLI know if you want us to sit in on any of your conferences.  Remember that these are learner-led conferences, even for our youngest of friends and you should schedule 25 minutes per learner.  Thank you for supporting CISD's core value of collective engagement.  Here are my expectations for Lee Learner Led Conferences from our Lee Staff Handbook.

LEEDERSHIP COUNCIL ELECTIONS

Please allow candidates to share their campaign videos in class. They can airplay on your Vivitech using their iPads.  After the campaign videos have been shared, allow all learners in your class to cast their vote. You can create a google form, or use a ballot box option.  Please complete this Google Form with the name of your class representative by Friday, September 20th, 2024.  I would need a count to put in for a tshirt order. Thank you.

FLEX LEARNING WEDNESDAY

I am EXTREMELY excited about this flex learning opportunity. It is designed for 3rd-5th grade educators. My goal is to provide you with tools (kits), resources and experience to execute an Argument Driven Inquiry in class for the physical science unit. Great opportunity to add this PD as an action step to your campus goal along with the experience you have with your 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.

COACH'S CORNER

Do you want to maximize your instructional time and minimize learner off task time?  This is what T-TESS; Dimension 3.1 Classroom Environment, Routines and Procedures is all about!  Check out this list of procedures and reflect on what your learners need more reinforcement with.  

(small sample below)

A learning coach would love to partner with you on this. Just let us know!

ESL UPDATES

Engage Students in Structured Talk. Structuring talk among classmates offers emergent bilinguals the chance to discuss with peers in a routine that focuses on academic language. A Structured conversation (like QSSSA) lightens the cognitive load so students need not worry about who their partner will be, who talks first, or how to begin the conversation. Their energy is placed directly on the content.

When we have learning walks later in October, this is an area I hope to spotlight among our classrooms. Please let me know if you are enjoying and using this strategy with your students.

HOUSE COLOR SHIRTS AVAILABLE FOR LIMITED TIME

Show your school spirit with our brand new house color shirts! This year, we've updated the look with fresh designs 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—order directly from our vendor: bit.ly/rjlspirit  The deadline to order is September 27, with delivery in mid-October. Adult sizes are also available so parents can join in the fun and showcase their school spirit too! Place your order today!

WALKTHROUGHS THROUGH SEPT

We will be in your spaces to give you feedback regarding Domain 3.1 Learning Environment (Classroom Routines and Procedures) 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

SAVE THE DATE

Support our school in a delicious way by dining at Lamberti's on Monday, September 23rd, from 11 AM to 9:30 PM.  Mention Richard J. Lee Spirit Night when you place your order.  Whether dining in, ordering takeout, or even purchasing gift cards, Lamberti's will donate 15% of all sales back to our PTO!  Mark your calendars, bring your family and friends, and let’s make this a fantastic fundraising event. Every bite counts, and we hope to see everyone there!

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

Sept 17- Progress Report Grades Due (8:00 AM)

     Sri's Birthday

     Reading Academy

     ESL Parent Session (cafe 8:15-9:00)

Sept 18- Jenny's Birthday

     Reading Academy

     Flex Learning (3:15-4:15)  

     Town Hall Meeting (6:30 PM CHS9 Auditorium)

Sept 19- LEEdership Council Elections

Sept 20- Shayla's Birthday

     Kindergarten Career Parade (2:00 - 2:15)  Join in!

Week of September 9, 2024

What a fabulous week it's been, participating in beginning-of-the-year goal setting with so many of you! Angel, Kat, and I are incredibly impressed with the thoughtful reflection and goal-setting ideas you've each brought to the table. We look forward to supporting you on your journey. THANK YOU for embracing a growth mindset and continually pushing yourselves as professionals.  As a token of my appreciation for all your hard work, I am having pizza delivered after school for those who want something to eat before Curriculum Night. Enjoy, and love to you all!

DID YOU KNOW:

• you should always wear your badge/ID and close doors and turn off lights when you leave spaces?  CISD Safety Audits will begin, soon.   
• if a student needs to be in the library during recess, that you need to contact Holly to let her know?  They should check in with her when they arrive.  She is not in the media center between 11:30 and 12:00, so if you have a learner during that time, please send them to the office or clinic for supervision.

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! 

PTO MEETING

Our first Virtual PTO Meeting of the year is coming up Tuesday, September 10, at 6pm. A Zoom link will be sent through Parent Square on Tuesday. Please come join us for important updates from your PTO Team and Principal about the year ahead! We are looking forward to seeing you all there!

RESERVE YOUR SPOT AT SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY ON THURSDAY

We invite you to stop by and have lunch with your learner on Thursday, September 12.  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.  We will have name tags prepared for you ahead of time so you can quickly check in and avoid waiting in a long line.  

TECHNNOLOGY REMINDERS FOR STAFF AND LEARNERS

• ALL LEARNERS should have their picture as their background on their home screen so we can easily identify the owner of the iPad.  They should not create their own designs or put pictures of anything else as their home screen. 
• Learners should only take pictures and videos as instructed to do so in class.  The iPad is not a personal photo album for them, and we should not see pictures and videos from home on their iPad that do not relate to a school assignment.  
• Learners should be reminded that there is a filter on the iPad and that whatever they do can be re-traced and reported.  School digital citizenship expectations apply, at all times, when learners are using their school iPads.  Learners should not erase their history and we will do random history checks to hold them accountable. 
• If learners damage their iPad, their case, headphones, or charger, they will be financially responsible for the damage.  
• Learners must carry iPads with two hands and "hug them to their chest" when they are walking with them.
• Learners should never leave an iPad on the floor.
• Learners should not be eating their snacks and using sticky or dirty fingers to work on their iPad. (I am seeing a great deal of this)  
• iPads are not permitted to be used on the bus.  They should remain in learner backpacks.
• Learners leaving for extended travel are to leave their iPad and charger at school for when they return. 
• Any parent/guardian that would prefer that their learner iPad and charger remain at school, should communicate with the Designer.  We are happy to keep it safe and charged for your child. (remind this at Curriculum Night)

ATTENDANCE (Share in your newsletters)

Pro Parenting Tip: Schedule dentist and doctor appointments outside of school hours or choose afternoon slots so your child doesn't have to miss school. Every day counts! Thank you for supporting your child's education and helping us maintain strong attendance. Together, we can make a difference!

 

LEEDERSHIP COUNCIL

Campaign week: September 16-20th, 2024 (Depending on how many candidates you have, you could pick one day or multiple days.)

Election Day: September 19th, 2024

Deadline to submit Google Form with the information about Class Leader: September 20th, 2024

Please send the following information to your parents and learners through the weekly newsletter:

Our class will be electing a LEEdership Council representative on Thursday, September 19th, 2024.  This learner will meet with Mrs. Samira Khan throughout the school year during normal hours to develop their leadership skills and voice on campus. 

This person must be a strong communicator, confident about sharing their thoughts and ideas, respected by their peers, and be elected. Please discuss this role with your learner to see if they have an interest in campaigning.  If your child does want to run, we’ll refer to him/her as a candidate.  As they "run" for this position, please abide by these guidelines:

1. Candidates may create a campaign video or prepare a speech to speak in front of the class. Make sure you:

1. Introduce yourself

2. Share why you would be the best candidate for this position

3. Share what you will do to make Lee Elementary a better place

4. Speak for 2 minutes or less. 

2. OPTIONAL: Campaign poster 

3. If your child is in 5th grade and was elected in grades Kinder through 2nd, they may run to be a class representative again this year. 

Good luck! 

May the best candidate win.

SUPPORT HOUSE FUNDS- CONTRIBUTE THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10

Here at Lee we use House Funds, what other schools often call “classroom funds”. However, instead of collecting money in each class, we share the love throughout the entire school allowing celebrations to be experienced equally by everyone. Throughout the year, we use this fund to support our Winter and Valentine parties, and show our appreciation to the Designers and Staff on their birthdays, during the holidays, and for Teacher Appreciation week.  Each year our celebration expenses are about $13,000, and currently we have raised only about 50%. If you have not yet made a contribution, we ask that you please consider donating today. We are beyond grateful for your support of our incredible school FamiLEE. bit.ly/RJLHouseFund

SAVE THE DATE

We will offer CPR class on September 18 during Flex Learning.  Please let Annah know if you plan to attend.

WALKTHROUGHS THROUGH SEPT

We will be in your spaces to give you feedback regarding Domain 3.1 Learning Environment (Classroom Routines and Procedures) 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

 

PARENT COMMUNICATION

Do you keep a parent communication log?  This is a good idea for both positive and not so positive conversations.  In education: if it is not documented, it didn't happen. Panorama is the PERFECT PLACE to document parent communication.  Also, think about picking up the phone (instead of emailing) when you have an issue that could potentially escalate.  We have a caring staff, and typically if there are issues, it is due to miscommunication.  When a parent has your listening ear and hears your voice on the other end showing concern, most problems will be solved.  Please always inform Admin if you have a "tricky" conversation.

COACH'S CORNER

Thank you for allowing us to crash your House Time today. I just wanted to share what we talked about. We were informed of a few changes to the mClass Intervention system on Friday. Here are the changes:

1. When recommending learners for MTSS, we should consider all data points such as: mClass, MAP, DRA or F&P levels, struggles with writing, general academic/behavioral performance in class.

2. You have two options when it come to learners who are showing up as RED OR YELLOW:

• Option 1: Group below or well below students using mCLASS Intervention. Generate the lesson sets. Do the lesson sets with fidelity. Progress Monitor every 8-10 lessons. Generate the next lesson set. 

• Option 2: Group below or well below students using mCLASS Intervention. Note the focus skill(s) of the group. Use the lessons from the Instruction tab aligned with that focus skill(s). Progress monitor every week or every other week.

3. Progress monitoring for learners who are showing up as Red or Yellow MUST BE completed in mClass Amplify. All progress monitoring resources are in our mClass Schoology Course.

Please reach out to your learning coaches if you have further questions.

ESL UPDATES

Did you know that Adult ESL classes for our learner’s families start this week?  Your very own Lee LAS will be co-teaching Adult ESL at Wilson Elementary on Tuesdays from 5:30-7:00 PM.  A second class is offered on Thursday evenings at CMS East from 5:30-7:00PM.  Please share this with any of our families that might be interested and benefit from adult English classes.  Let me know if you would like a brochure to send communication with more details. 

LESSONS IN LEEDERSHIP

DATES TO REMEMBER:

• BOY GOAL SETTING WINDOW
• BOY MAP AND MCLASS WINDOW
• CELEBRATE FREEDOM WEEK
• FALL BOOK FAIR WEEK

Sept 10- Virtual PTO Meeting (6:00)

Sept 11- Susie's Birthday

     TX First Responders Day

     Cub Scouts visit during lunch times

     Leadership Meeting (3:15 Yellow House)

     Cub Scout Recruitment Night (7:00)

Sept 12- Special Friends Day

Sept 13- Digital Citizenship Lessons Due