2023 is off to a wonderful start at Lamkin Elementary! It is hard to believe that we are more than halfway through this school year. Our Watch Dog program is off to a strong start and our students enjoy having the dads and granddads on campus. Our leopards are working hard in class each day and February is a busy month with exciting events!

Mark your calendars:

- Food pantries have a lot of donations during the holidays in November and December. There is a big need in other months as well. We will host a food drive for a few specific items. Donations will benefit our CFISD food pantry. The food items are used for some of our families in CFISD and our community youth specialists (CYS) help coordinate with families.

Collection period: February 1st-10th

· Boxes of dry spaghetti, bow tie or penne pasta

· Canned or plastic jar spaghetti sauce (please no glass jars for safety)

· Cans of soup

- Our 100th day of school is February 8th. We will honor this day with the slogan, “we are 100 days smarter!” Students are encouraged to dress like they are 100 years old. Lamkin was entered into a giveaway from Card My Yard Cypress, and they will donate a 100th day of school yard art for our classes to take pictures with.

- Students will be allowed to bring valentines on February 14th to share with classmates. This is a regular day of instruction and not a party day. Students may attach individual candies or pencils to their valentines; however, the bags will be stapled closed, and the treats can be enjoyed at home. Please do not send cookies or cupcakes.

- Random Acts of Kindness Day is February 17th. Lamkin will celebrate on February 16th with some kindness shown to honor support staff that help our students each day!

- February 21st from 5:45-7:00pm Lamkin will host our very first Parent Academy. This is for parents/guardians of 3rd, 4th and 5th graders. This will be very important to attend so that you can see what your student will experience on their STAAR tests and help them be prepared. There have been some changes to the format this year and we feel that it is important for you to see firsthand so that you can help your child prepare. Please see attached flyer and RSVP. We will provide childcare for children in PK-5th grade. We look forward to seeing you at our first Parent Academy!

- March 7th from 5:30-7:00pm Lamkin will host a “Safari to Success” night for all families. The event will include: book fair, a student art exhibit with hands-on activities, gallery walk of Black History Month projects and grade level learning activities will be provided for you. Please see the attached flyer and make sure you attend this fun event!

Reminders:

- In adherence with CFISD policy, students are not permitted to wear hoodies at school. Students may wear sweatshirts with hoods; however, the hood may not be pulled over the child’s head. Students are reminded and if they continue to pull the hood on their head, we will ask that you come to school to pick up the hoodie. Thank you for your support.

- Please make sure that your child is at school daily unless they are ill. Strong daily attendance makes a tremendous impact on learning and being prepared for the next grade level. Daily instruction begins at 8:15 am.

General Information:

- The character trait we will focus on for February is KINDNESS. Please read through the attached parent newsletter about Kindness and how to “spark the heart!”

- Attached are directions to follow to view Lamkin’s State Report Card for the 2021-22 school year.

- For Valentine’s Day, we are asking each family to answer two quick questions. The response will be shared with our hard-working staff on Valentine’s Day! Please click below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvuL7ZZnxZBxKBXI1bmrQjo1b6xqahkfvX_s96Md8mHCOqGQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child’s education. We are #lamkinD!

Next week is National School Counseling Week. We would like to take this opportunity to share with you what we provide and services we offer. Our comprehensive school counseling program offers classroom guidance lessons, lunch groups, individual student planning, and resource information. We provide support to students, staff, parents, and guardians. We are so happy to be at Lamkin and be a part of this wonderful school and community.

Cindy Knight & Lisa Gray

Feb 1 - Food Drive begins

Feb 7 - Willie's Spirit Night, 290 & Barker Cypress

Feb 8 - 100th day of school

Feb 8 - Wear pink or red, or dress like 100 years old

Feb 10 - Sweet Heart Dance - 6:00 p.m. at Lamkin

Feb 10 - Food Drive ends

Feb 15 - Wear sunglasses or neon colors

Feb 16 - Progress Reports

Feb 17 - No school - staff work day

Feb 18 - Da Vinci Day - 8:00 a.m.

Feb 20 - No School - staff work day

Feb 21 - PTO Fundraiser kick-off

Feb 21 - Parent Academy for 3rd, 4th & 5th grade parents at Lamkin

Feb 23 - 5th grade Electives Night at Spillane & Arnold Middle School

Feb 24 - Go Texan Day - wear your western gear

Feb 24 - Name That Book - 2:00

Feb 27 - Texas Roadhouse Spirit Night

Mar 1 - Spring picture day

Mar 1 - Wear crazy socks