Week of December 2, 2024

Shout out to Curtis, one more time!  What an wonderful person to represent our campus this year.  We are so excited for you to have this recognition.  The contributions you make to the PE world and our school are abundant.  Enjoy this season.

DID YOU KNOW:

• joggers are allowed November 20- January 31 at Lee Elementary (since Dr. Hunt has approved jeans during this window)?  Please make sure if you are wearing leggings that your shirt is long enough to cover your pockets.  Please don't ruin it for everyone.  
• D'Ann and Diana Lyn will be serving Lee as our learning coaches?  CISD has made the decision to balance their load differently and now each coach will support only two schools.  They will still lean in to Shayla when they need her, but please know D'Ann and Diana Lyn will be your first lines of communication.
• Charlene will be gone through December?  She will be back after the break.  Please welcome Tricia Ellis to our front office.  She will help us keep attendance up to date and our office running smoothly.
• we have already scheduled your House Design Days in January?  They are planned for January 22-24.  Remember if your grade wants/needs more design time, it should be requested SOON so we can budget accordingly.
• we have purchased washable couch covers for our couches?  We know our couches are peeling and showing wear and tear.  If you would like a cover for our couch/couches, please see Tara.  

NO SCHOOL NEXT WEEK

DECEMBER TO REMEMBER

We hope you are looking forward to our first week of December to Remember.  We have SO MUCH FUN planning out ways to show you how much we love you and to bring the fun throughout December!  As we plan, we try to be mindful not to take too much of your time, not to always have food, to remember food sensitivities, and to keep our crafts on the easy side! If you are absent or for any "projects" or want extras to do some with your family at home, we always have plenty.  Just email us or let us know by the end of the day and we can share our extras!!   Thanks for making this a December to Remember for your learners as well!  

Here is a spirit day calendar for you to share with your families.

TEAM TIME IN DECEMBER

While we will still have Team Time in December, we will not be formally meeting during December. You are welcome to meet and lesson plan during this time if it is not an early release for you.  Please watch your calendar to see what day our groups have the "gift of time."  Make sure your house knows how to cover for early leave days.  Specials and Special Education, please work together to cover duties and for one another, too.  Rikki, let me know when the Sped staff members are planning to head out early this month.  I do apologize to our hourly employees that we cannot offer this gift to you.  

WEDNESDAY IS COLLEGE SHIRT DAY

Wednesday is College Shirt Day.  Encourage learners to participate by wearing a college shirt on the first Wednesday of each month.  Show us your favorite holiday socks, too!

OUR PLACE SPIRIT NIGHT

Support our school in a delicious way by dining at Our Place on Thursday, December 5th, from 11 AM to 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM to 10PM. Mention Lee PTO Spirit Night when you place your order.  Whether dining in or ordering takeout, the PTO gets back 25% of all sales!  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!

CISD HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Please head over to the CISD Admin Building for some holiday cheer on Friday.  This is a great event put on by the district with yummy snacks, prizes, and performances.  Specials, Admin will cover your classes from 8:30-9:30 so Purple and Yellow House, please send all classes to the gym. 

SEASON FOR GIVING

Looking for a way to serve our community?  The Lions Club of Coppell helps CISD learners throughout the school year.  They have helped Lee learners with glasses, weekend food and daily snacks, school supplies. and gift cards for families in need.   Please consider giving to their cause this holiday season.  We will have a wrapped box in front of the elevator for learners to donate to.

STAFF HOLIDAY PARTY COMING SOON

We hope to see you all there!  Thanks to all of our elves planning behind the scenes for our fun time together. 

HOUR OF CODE:

HourOfCode is here next week (week of Dec 9th)! This is a worldwide movement that aims to introduce millions of students to computer science through one-hour coding activities. This is a great time to use the coding and robotics resources located in your houses, while celebrating problem solving and deeper thinking. Need ideas as you plan for next week? Check out the resources curated by CISD on their Hour of Code Website.

LIMITED NUMBER OF WINTER WEAR AND HOUSE COLOR SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE

Thank you to everyone who supported our winter and spirit wear pre-sale! The pre-sale is officially closed but we do have a limited selection of items for purchase. Check out what’s still available on our website with expected delivery the week ending December 6th. Don’t wait—visit bit.ly/rjlstore to grab yours while supplies last!

ATTENDANCE MATTERS

Good attendance is crucial for your child's academic success! When they attend school regularly, they thrive academically and develop positive daily routines for learning. Here are some tips to keep your child healthy and happy in the classroom:

🥦 Ensure your child eats a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains for essential nutrients.

🏃‍♂️ Encourage physical activity they enjoy, like walks or bike rides, to stay active and focused.

😴 Make sure your child gets enough quality sleep for concentration and mood stability.

🧼 Teach proper hygiene, including frequent handwashing with soap and water.

💧 Encourage hydration with plenty of water and regular restroom breaks.

💉 Keep vaccinations and medical checkups up to date for overall health.

Lead by example with healthy habits yourself to inspire your child's well-being!

COACH'S CORNER

ESL STRATEGY OF THE WEEK

Thank you for your attentiveness at our staff meeting on Wednesday.  Please invite Kara or Admin in to see your Would you Rather implementation or tweet it out to @CISDESLBIL .

LESSONS IN "LEE"DERSHIP

DATES TO REMEMBER:

DECEMBER TO REMEMBER

WINDOW FOR SLO STUDENT GROWTH TRACKER/BODY OF EVIDENCE

Dec 3- Reading Academy

    First Grade Leaves Early at 2:00

Dec 4- Reading Academy

     College Shirt Day

     Second Grade Leaves Early at 2:00

Dec 5- Red Jacket Greet in the AM

     5th Grade TX Wildlife visit

     LEEdership Council Mtg. (8:00 AM)

     PTO Spirit Night (Our Place 11:00-2:30 and 5:30-10:00)

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

Dec 6- CISD Holiday Open House

     4th Grade Growth and Development 

Week of November 18, 2024

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I've been reflecting on the many gifts we have at our school. Each and every one of you is a unique blessing to me. Your efforts are truly appreciated, and never taken for granted. You choose to come to Lee and dedicate yourselves each day to creating the most incredible learning environment for our students. Your enthusiasm for education, your adaptability, and your compassion are evident in everything you do. Over the years, I've learned to grow and lead with greater grace and patience, and I see those qualities in many of you as well!  Please take the break to truly relax—avoid any work or thoughts of school! Use this time to focus on yourself and recognize just how amazing you are. I’m excited to show our appreciation during the upcoming "December to Remember." When you come back, it is here! 💗

DID YOU KNOW:

• you can wear warm ups on Friday and "trot the track" during your conference time? Please share pics of your group taking some self-care time!
• Friday, November 15, is Substitute Appreciation Day? Please be intentional in thanking any subs in our building tomorrow!
• the office will clean the lounge fridge out at 2:00, on Friday? Please take your personal items and food home.
• Chess club starts on Monday and Tuesday next week? Please pay attention to the email from Zeal. Learners will come up and sit on the front steps like they do for Cooking Club so that they are supervised until Zeal is done with car line.
• our school presented VRE with this plant and card yesterday? Thank you for your extra prayers sent their way.

FLANNEL FRIENDSGIVING

We look forward to fellowship, flannels, and food with our FamiLEE on Monday.  Thanks to those of you that are bringing items.

PROGRESS REPORT GRADES

4-5, please have your grades in by 8:00 on Tuesday morning.  THANK YOU!

SPELLING BEE

Best wishes to our fifth graders as they compete to represent Lee in the district spelling bee.  You are welcome to watch after school if you have an interest. 

FAMILEE FEAST IS HERE

Please let your famiLEEs know if they want to attend Thursday's Thanksgiving Lunch that they need to sign up ahead of time.  This lunch will be in place of FamiLEE Friday lunch on November 21. Parents can Sign up here.  THIS YEAR: Child Nutrition has requested guests PREPAY ($8) for their meal to expedite the lunch line.  Please send payment to your child's lunch account before the event.  

COPPELL EDUCATION FOUNDATION GRANTS 

The Coppell Education Foundation is accepting donations for our Lee STEAM grant and CISD STEAM grant.  Thank you for considering.  This is the last week!

ATTENDANCE MATTERS

Did you know when student attendance rises, more state funding is allocated to bolster district programs aimed at enhancing student performance and engagement. Higher attendance rates also position districts to secure additional funding from federal and other sources.

As you plan your vacations this year, keep in mind that skipping school can affect your child's learning and overall success. It's also important to follow attendance guidelines set by CISD. Check the school calendar for holidays and schedule trips accordingly to support your child's education. View the CISD calendar here: https://www.coppellisd.com/o/cisd/page/calendar

LIMITED NUMBER OF WINTER WEAR AND HOUSE COLOR SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE

Thank you to everyone who supported our winter and spirit wear pre-sale! The pre-sale is officially closed but we do have a limited selection of items for purchase. Check out what’s still available on our website with expected delivery the week ending December 6th. Don’t wait—visit bit.ly/rjlstore to grab yours while supplies last!

COACH'S CORNER

💡District Resource Spotlight

Below are the slides from the CISD Fall Literacy Content Academy.   

Here are some links to resources shared at the Academy you may find helpful.

Information Paper Choice 

ACES Transitions

Reading Continuum Menus

Fountas & Pinnell Running Records

Safe Image Search Links

Workshop Checklist 

When You're Done We Have Just Begun

💎Classroom Tech Treasures  

Quick Keynote Thanksgiving activity to try!  

LEEDERSHIP TIP AND QUOTE OF THE WEEK

DATES TO REMEMBER:

• NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
• OFFICE ON LOUNGE DUTY

November 17- Chantel's Birthday

November 19- 4-5 Progress Report Grades Due (8:00)

     Campus Spelling Bee (Library Flex 3:30)

November 20- Progress Reports Generated

     FamiLEE Feast (Lunch times)

     Staff Meeting (3:15 Cafe)  No Paras needed

November 21- Joy's Birthday

     3rd Grade Field Trip

November 22- WICKED MOVIE DATE

November 25-29- NO SCHOOL

Week of November 4, 2025

Well done with this year's Write a Check.  We KNOW you have been working so hard to ramp up participation and to reward your learners.  We aren't telling the kids until tomorrow, but PTO is going to extend WAC one more week in hopes we can meet our goal.  Great idea shared from Zara's parents... a paper wrist band with a reminder for kids to share about WAC with parents.  

We hope you enjoy all of the snacks and food this week!  Some of you have asked for the corn dip recipe.  Email me if that was you, and I will share it.  We are 50/50 on liking/not liking candy corn- HA!  The Spud Bar should "butter" you up for Diwali yummies on Friday.  PTO will be treating you to breakfast, next Thursday, to thank you for all that you do.

DID YOU KNOW:

• today is the LAST DAY to turn in your self care bingo cards?  I will announce the winner at the end of the day.
• November 1 is the last day to Early Vote?  A long lunch time has been provided if you need time to vote on Tuesday.  Don't forget to make your voice heard!
• CISD is looking for staff and parents interested in serving on the Implementation Team of the Strategic Plan?  Anyone (staff or parents) can apply at www.coppellisd.com/committee if they are interested.  
• we should be getting woodchips for the playground in another week?  The maintenance department also is working to fill in some holes on the field and along the cement walkways.
• thanks to Cassie securing the PO, we have gotten Mystery Science for Lee Staff?  As stated in her email: to reconnect- click this link, log in with your school email, make sure you are linked to RJL Elementary.  WAHOO!!!
• we will have some underground spirit days next week if you want to participate?  On Monday, wear socks with sandals.  On Wednesday, wear a holiday shirt (any holiday- 4th of July, Christmas, etc.), and on Thursday,  wear patterns on patterns. 

THANK YOU FOR AN AMAZING TRUNK OR TREAT
Our Admin team and PTO would like to extend a great BIG THANK YOU to ALL who participated in our annual Trunk or Treat and made it an event to remember. We couldn’t have done it without everyone who donated candy, volunteered their time, and for all of the FamiLEE community who attended the event! An extra special THANK YOU to Green House for winning the trunk or treat contest.

SOCIAL SPURS SPUD LUNCHEON

Don't forget to stop by the lounge for lunch on Thursday.  Thank you to everyone for their donations and effort behind the scenes to organize this fun lunch.

DIWALI

Thank you to our Diwali Divas for treating everyone during Diwali.  Happy Diwali to those of you that celebrate.  Please remind learners that they can wear their traditional Indian clothes, on Friday, to celebrate.

WRITE-A-CHECK DEADLINE EXTENDED: 3 DAYS LEFT TO DONATE!

We have extended our annual fundraising campaign through November 4th in an effort to reach our goal. This will be the LAST opportunity to donate. As you know, this is the main source of funding for our FamiLEE PTO, and is in lieu of sending learners door to door selling fundraising items each year. The recommended donation is $100 per student, however every dollar counts, so please donate how you feel comfortable.

As of Wednesday we were at 64% of our goal with 38% participation! THANK YOU SO MUCH to all who have contributed - your generosity and support is incredible, and we truly could not provide support to our school without you.  If you have yet to contribute, please consider donating today - every dollar counts! bit.ly/RJLWAC

DISTRICT PL ON TUESDAY

Please make sure that you have signed up for our five sessions for Tuesday.  All staff has to attend professional learning this day, including paraprofessionals.  Thank you to all of you Spurs who are presenting and hosting sessions.  You make your Admin Team SO PROUD!

Conference Bulb
Learning Journal Links:

Keynote

Notability

NO SCHOOL FOR LEARNERS ON TUESDAY

COLLEGE SHIRT DAY

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

LEEDERSHIP COUNCIL MEETING

We will have a LEEdership Council meeting on Wednesday morning at 9:00.  Please send them down with their iPad when the announcement is made. 

VETERANS DAY

Teachers, we would like to honor Veterans, on November 11, on social media. We are looking for relatives of anyone at Lee or any of our designers as well. Could you please reach out to your parents and ask them to send you information on anyone in their families they would like honored through Lee social media for Veteran's Day? We would like a photo, as well as their branch, rank and years served. We will create a social media post celebrating them.  Please know this is also open to you and your family members as well.  Please forward all information to Chantel before end of the day next Friday, November 8. 

CIP
The 2024-2025 Campus Improvement Plan can be found here. Each quarter this document should be reviewed and updated.  Leadership, please download the PDF into Noteability or print it off.  Review it  and annotate it with your house in your Thursday Meeting.  Please get your annotated copy to Angel and Kat by Friday, November 8.

TOY

FINAL REMINDER!!!  NOMINATIONS DUE NOVEMBER 8!!!  Please take time to nominate someone in our building for this incredible honor.   If you need admin to cover your class so you can observe your nominee, to help you better answer the questions, or to give you time to complete the nomination, please arrange that with us.  We are happy to help.  Here is the TOY Website and Nomination Criteria and Form.

SAVE THE DATE FOR FAMILEE FEAST

Please let your famiLEEs know if they want to attend our annual Thanksgiving Lunch that they need to sign up ahead of time.  This lunch will be in place of FamiLEE Friday lunch on November 21. Parents can Sign up here.  THIS YEAR: Child Nutrition has requested guests PREPAY ($8) for their meal to expedite the lunch line.  Please send payment to your child's lunch account before the event.  

ATTENDANCE MATTERS

Did you know? If every student missed just two fewer days of school, CISD could receive an additional $1.3 million! This funding supports teacher salaries, classroom materials, support staff, enrichment activities, and more. Your child's attendance makes a difference! Let's prioritize attendance to benefit our entire school community.

WINTER WEAR & HOUSE COLORS ON SALE THROUGH NOVEMBER 10th
We are excited to offer winter spirit wear this year with a fun new design that is sure to be a keeper for years to come!  This sale will be the FINAL CHANCE to purchase House color shirts and ONLY CHANCE for winter wear this year.  All items will be on sale through November 10th with delivery of items by the week ending December 6th. Place your orders today: bit.ly/rjlstore

COPPELL EDUCATION FOUNDATION GRANTS 

The Coppell Education Foundation is accepting donations for our Lee STEAM grant and CISD STEAM grant.  Thank you for considering.

PANIC BUTTONS

Panic buttons have been installed around the building.  They are the white and black buttons in your rooms (by your phones).  These buttons are required by the state and they will soon be connected to the new cameras installed around campus.  Currently, these buttons are functioning.  If held down for 3 seconds or longer, they alert Admin and our monitoring company.  In the future, these will also be connected to the nearest camera to your button.  Please review with your learners that they have permission to push these "only in case of emergency."  We will also discuss on morning broadcast next week. 

COACHES CORNER

District Resource Spotlight

November 3, Father of Texas Day, is this Sunday! It is a day in memory of Stephen F. Austin, the great pioneer patriot and Father of Texas.  Checkout PebbleGo for some resources for our learners! 

PebbleGo Next (4th and 5th Grade)

PebbleGo (3rd grade and under)

Instructional Idea to Try!

LAS UPDATE

LESSON IN LEADERSHIP

DATES TO REMEMBER:

• NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
• NATIONAL SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY WEEK
• YELLOW HOUSE LOUNGE DUTY

Nov 3- Daylight Savings Time

Nov 4- Julie's Birthday

Nov 5- District Professional Learning Day

     NO SCHOOL FOR LEARNERS

     ELECTION DAY

Nov 6- College Shirt Day

     LEEdership Council Meeting (9:00)

     Leadership Mtg. (3:15 Yellow House)

Nov 7- PTO Thankful Thursday Breakfast    

Nov 8- Annah's Birthday

     TOY Nominations Due

     Veteran information due to CK

     CIP Notes due to Kat & Angel