The Lake Ridge Bridge
May 8, 2021
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From the Principal
Hopefully this message finds you well and in good spirits. This was another productive week, and the appreciation was on "overflow" due to celebrating School Principal's Day, Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week, Nurse Appreciation Day, and School Hero/Cafeteria Worker Appreciation Day. On behalf of The Lake Ridge Nation, thank you so much for each kind word, gift, snack, gesture, etc. shared by you and your children to show your gratitude. A special thank you goes out to the Robles family, Castillo family, Office Crew, PTA, former teachers Mrs. M. Johnson and Mrs. Sharp, and Sonic of Cedar Hill for their generous contributions for the entire faculty. We cannot forget Mr. Coit for grilling some delicious beef, turkey, and veggie burgers to assist the A-Team.
While the appreciation was happening, engaging instruction was taking place in the classrooms and beyond. Scholars continued with hands-on learning in PK and Kinder, note-taking in 1st grade, various complex concepts in Montessori, and experiments in Science just to name a few. NEHS also wrapped up their "Qwest for Sneakers" service project; thanks to each person who donated athletic/tennis shoes. We ended the week with another campus-wide read aloud. The featured book was "The Couch Potato" by Jory John, and scholars were able to learn about self-management and ways to balance time with and without devices. A great part of the read alouds is the dialogue that takes place after we finish reading. Here are some things scholars shared that they already do or could do that do not require devices, and I encourage you to enjoy some of these activities with them for some awesome quality time:
- go on a picnic
- play soccer
- fly a kite
- pick flowers
- go swimming
- play games like tag and hide-and-go-seek
- go hiking
- paint
- go to the park to play
- play board games
- ride bikes/scooters
- relax in the jacuzzi
- build a castle with Legos
This week, we enter the 5th week of the 4th Nine Weeks, and that brings about our STAAR assessment administration that will take place May 11-14 (Tuesday-Friday). Scholars were given a green flyer as a reminder (it is included on below for your referencing...it's not green here). Remember that there are specific days when certain grade levels will not be on campus. Teachers will not be online for virtual support/meetings due to the secure testing environment and everyone assisting with various roles for test administration; however, all assignment information will be accessible via Schoology. For questions or concerns regarding STAAR testing/administration, email Dr. Washington, our Assistant Principal/Test Coordinator, at emily.washington@chisd.net.
Tuesday-Friday of this week, scholars are permitted to come in "free dress" when they are scheduled to be on campus for testing, but please make sure that attire meets standard length/coverage expectations.
Be on the lookout for additional information regarding our NEHS/PTA Silent Teacher/Staff Date Auction that will take place this week. Families will have a chance to review and bid on various experiences available.
Finally, Happy Mother's Day weekend to all of the mothers and mother figures who assist children in recognizing their uniqueness and show genuine compassion and concern in their upbringing. Our thoughts and prayers are with those whose mothers are no longer with them. May you find comfort and peace in positive memories.
Parents are reminded to send scholars to school with a refillable water bottle and a face mask daily.
Be sure to keep the following dates(s) in mind:
- May 10-14: NEHS/PTA Silent Teacher/Staff Date Auction
- May 11-14: STAAR Assessment Days
- May 11: Asynchronous/At-Home Learning Grades PK-2 (All)
- May 11: On Campus Grades 3, 4, & 5 (TRA), Grade 5 (OFL), & ECSE/SKILL
- May 12: Asynchronous/At-Home Learning Grades PK-2 (All)
- May 12: On Campus Grades 3, 4, & 5 (TRA) & ECSE/SKILL
- May 13: Asynchronous/At-Home Learning Grades PK-2 (All); 3-4 (TRA)
- May 13: On Campus Grades 3, 4, & 5 (OFL), Grade 5 (TRA) & ECSE/SKILL
- May 14: Asynchronous/At-Home Learning Grades PK-2 (All); 3-5 (TRA)
- May 14: On Campus Grades 3, 4, & 5 (OFL) & ECSE/SKILL
Read on below to find out about upcoming events, news from The Counselor's Corner, and other helpful resources and links.
Always remember that "The Race for Excellence has No Finish Line."
Question for You to Pose to Your Child: How can I help you balance time with and without devices, and what are some activities that we can do?
Principal McCullum
#LRENoFinishLine
#LakeRidgeNation
#LakeRidgeMontessori
#GraceChangesEverything
Scenes from the Week
Principal Appreciation Day
Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
Nurse Appreciation Day
School Hero/Cafeteria Worker Appreciation
Game Winners
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Assessments
OFL families should complete the following, respective form:
3rd & 4th Grade Online Flex Learners
5th Grade Online Flex Learners
While STAAR is only administered to 3-5 grades at the elementary level, ALL parents should be mindful of STAAR testing dates because of asynchronous/at home learning that will take place on those days for those who are NOT testing.
Due to campus COVID-19 protocols, spring testing will be different this year for CHISD. Face-to-face scholars whose grade level is not taking the STAAR test will not come to school that day.
Please review this information below carefully, and take notes as to which date(s) your child will NOT attend school on campus and will work asynchronously/at home (TRA=traditional instruction/face-to-face; OFL=online flex learning/virtual):
May 11: Grades 3, 4, & 5 (TRA), Grade 5 (OFL), & ECSE/SKILL
May 12: Grades 3, 4, & 5 (TRA) & ECSE/SKILL
May 13: Grades 3, 4, & 5 (OFL), Grade 5 (TRA) & ECSE/SKILL
May 14: Grades 3, 4, & 5 (OFL) & ECSE/SKILL
Asynchronous/At Home
May 11: Grades PK, K, 1, 2 (All)
May 12: Grades PK, K, 1, 2 (All)
May 13: Grades PK, K, 1, 2 (All) & Grades 3 & 4 (TRA)
May 14: Grades PK, K, 1, 2 (All) & Grades 3, 4, & 5 (TRA)
Here is the webpage on the district website that has all STAAR testing dates:
https://www.chisd.net/Page/16072
For questions or concerns regarding assessments, email Dr. Washington, our Assistant Principal/Test Coordinator, at emily.washington@chisd.net.
The Counselor's Corner
Teacher Auction
Do you know how special it is for your children to have unique experiences with their teachers and other faculty members? Teachers and faculty members will sponsor a teacher date, and you will have an opportunity to bid on those dates in a Silent Date Auction hosted by Lake Ridge PTA the week of May 10th. PTA will notify date auction winners on May 14th. Please note, some dates may be scheduled after a winner is declared to allow coordination between the staff member and parent. If you have any questions regarding the Silent Auction, please contact Counselor Johnson at Lake Ridge or Ms. Denisha Williams, PTA President.
NEHS Community Service Project
National Elementary Honor Society completed "A Qwest for Sneakers'' on May 7, 2021. Proceeds from this fundraiser will go to Qwest's Love Offering. Thanks to all who were able to participate in this service project.
May Guidance
Core Curriculum: Career Awareness & CCMR
Guidance Topic: Goal Setting
Counseling Request: LRE Counseling Request Form
Attendance
Attendance Incentives
Attendance Measures for Traditional Instruction Learning
- Teachers will take attendance at the scheduled time during the instructional day.
Attendance Measures for Online Flex Learning
Daily Engagement Measures:
Daily Bell Ringer
Phone Contact with Scholar
Email Exchange with Scholar
Engagement in Schoology on any combination of assignments for the course
Interaction with scholar’s counselor and/or campus administrator
For your child to receive attendance, aim for the following:
Daily Bellringer(s) Completed
Assignments Completed by 3:00 p.m.
Assignments Completed by 11:59 p.m.
There will be a generated phone call by the district's system at 6:00 p.m. if your child has not participated in a daily engagement measure to be counted present for the day. This will serve as a reminder to do so by 11:59 p.m..
Important Information
Instructional Technology Resources
For all handbooks, guides, and resources pertaining to instructional technology/scholar devices, visit the website below for the most up to date links:
WIFI Assistance
SPECTRUM PUBLIC WI-FI
Connecting as a Spectrum Internet Customer
To connect to Spectrum WiFi as a Spectrum Internet or Spectrum Mobile customer:
- Enable WiFi on your mobile device.
- Select a SpectrumWiFi network from the list of available networks.
- Enter your Spectrum Username and Password.
- Review the Terms & Conditions, and then select Sign In to accept.
- Enter a nickname for your device to sign in automatically in the future.
- Select Continue to connect to the Spectrum WiFi network.
Note: When signing in to SpectrumWiFi for the first time, you’ll be asked to verify your secure profile (certificate).
To Get 2-Hours of Free Spectrum WiFi Access
To connect to Spectrum WiFi as a non-Spectrum Internet or non-Spectrum Mobile customer:
- Enable WiFi on your mobile device.
- Select CedarHill_WiFi from the list of available networks.
- Open your web browser, which displays the sign-in screen.
- Review and agree to the Terms & Conditions.
- Select Connect to join the Spectrum WiFi network.
Public WIFI In Cedar Hill
Below is the list of current Public Wi-Fi spots that are available from Spectrum for students to potentially use if/when needed.
Zula B. Wylie Public Library
225 Cedar Street
Alan Sims Cedar Hill Recreation Center
310 e. Parkerville Rd
Community Center Park
1740 Mansfield Road
Valley Ridge Park
2851 Park Ridge Dr
Crawford Park
401 Straus Road
Cedar Hill City Hall
285 Uptown Blvd
Parental Involvement
PTA Updates
PTA's Website
https://www.lakeridgeelempta.org/
Join/Pay Online
https://lake-ridge-elementary-pta.square.site/
Executive Board:
President: Denishea Williams
Vice President: Megan Micheli
Secretary: Kristi Lacy
Treasurer: She'Anka-Marie Johnson
Popular Links
Meaningful May/Self-Care
Have a Concern?
All concerns are encouraged to be addressed at the lowest level possible first in an effort to resolve the matter using the steps below:
Step One: Contact the teacher, and have a conference.
Step Two: Contact the Assistant Principal (all discipline issues) or Counselor (mental health/academic advisement).
Step Three: Contact the Principal (if a school-wide concern, this becomes step one).
When emailing or calling the Main Office, it is helpful to provide details so that the call is directed to the correct individual.
Upcoming Activities/Events
- May 11-14: STAAR Assessment Days
- May 11: Asynchronous/At-Home Learning Grades PK-2 (All)
- May 11: On Campus Grades 3, 4, & 5 (TRA), Grade 5 (OFL), & ECSE/SKILL
- May 12: Asynchronous/At-Home Learning Grades PK-2 (All)
- May 12: On Campus Grades 3, 4, & 5 (TRA) & ECSE/SKILL
- May 13: Asynchronous/At-Home Learning Grades PK-2 (All); 3-4 (TRA)
- May 13: On Campus Grades 3, 4, & 5 (OFL), Grade 5 (TRA) & ECSE/SKILL
- May 14: Asynchronous/At-Home Learning Grades PK-2 (All); 3-5 (TRA)
- May 14: On Campus Grades 3, 4, & 5 (OFL) & ECSE/SKILL
- May 17: Library Books Due
- May 31: Memorial Day/No School
- June 4: Field Day (no volunteers)
- June 8: Last Day for Scholars/Early Release
Ms. McCullum, Principal
marquita.mccullum@chisd.netDr. Washington, Assistant Principal
emily.washington@chisd.netMrs. Johnson, Counselor
rashonda.johnson@chisd.netLake Ridge Elementary
Email: marquita.mccullum@chisd.net
Website: http://www.chisd.net/lre
Location: 1020 Lake Ridge Parkway, Cedar Hill, TX, United States
Phone: (972) 293-4501
Twitter: @LRELonghorns