The Lake Ridge Bridge
October 23, 2021
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From the Principal
Hopefully this message finds you well and in good spirits. The past week was full of learning and excitement across the campus. We kicked the week off with Mrs. Vance being awarded a HOOPLA Award for Cedar Hill ISD during the 1st quarter. It was well-deserved recognition because Mrs. Vance has been holding down the front office by serving dual roles (Campus Secretary and Attendance Clerk) with the assistance of The Lake Ridge Nation. Thanks a bunch to Dr. Washington for submitting the nomination. Feel free to send Mrs. Vance an email congratulating her (sheila.vance@chisd.net).
We had some additional greeters during Morning Connections thanks to the CHHS Varsity Football team, and scholars enjoyed snapping a few pictures with them. Unity Day was on Wednesday, and we wore orange to unite for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Scholars participated in Enrichment Clubs, and those in the Fishing Club got to have their first visit to the pond; check out the smiling faces featured on below. The Scholastic Book Fair was a big hit, and scholars will be able to continue shopping through Wednesday, October 27 as an added bonus.
I was beyond surprised by the activities for National Principals Month. While walking the halls during Morning Connections, I noticed posters that were about me. Shout out to each scholar who submitted an entry and the top three winners (Jaelynn S., Paisley, P., and Minh D.). The surprise continued on Friday as I opened car doors and noticed scholars getting out with suits, pearls, lace, ties, and other attire that represents me. Faculty members sported their dressy attire and heels. One of our scholars even "brought" my pet Boxer, Tyson, to school (see the picture featured on below). "A Day in the Life of Principal McCullum" was indeed a surprise, and I am appreciative of every thank you, hug, card, and gift. It is a pleasure and blessing to continue to live out my purpose at Lake Ridge Elementary.
This week, the race for excellence continues with instruction, reinforcement, DCCA #3 (grades 2-5), and STEM Clubs. We will also celebrate Red Ribbon Week, and the themed dress up days are indicated below under the dates to keep in mind and the graphic is in the upcoming events. Scholars are also able to wear pink each day as we close out Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Jeans are allowed each day this week if scholars are participating in the Red Ribbon Week or pink attire.
Finally, parents are encouraged to bring/drop off candy for our modified Trunk or Treat that will occur on Friday, October 29 for our scholars during the instructional day.
Scholastic Book Fair (ends October 27)
- Online Website
How to Create an eWallet
https://players.brightcove.net/1543299976/Eyj59PHsg_default/index.html?videoId=5831064261001
Gifted and Talented Nomination Period
Our 1st through 12th grade Gifted & Talented nominations period will be held between Tuesday, October 5, 2021 and Friday, October 29, 2021. The testing will occur between January 31, 2021 and February 9, 2021 for all Kindergarten and any 1st - 12th grade nominated scholars.
For more information regarding the nomination process, please view the Nomination Process form found here. To nominate a scholar, please click here (Spanish version) for the Nomination Form. If you are interested in attending a virtual informational meeting to be held on October 13, 2021 @ 6:00 p.m. regarding the Gifted & Talented Nomination Process please, RSVP here.
Be sure to keep the following dates(s) in mind:
- October 1-31: National Principals Month
- October 1-31: National Bully Prevention Month
- October 5-29: Gifted & Talented Nomination Period
- October 18-27: Scholastic Book Fair
- October 25-29: Red Ribbon Week
- October 25-29: Wear Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- October 25: Attire-Represent your favorite superhero
- October 26: 50th Day of School
- October 26: Attire-Put on your best "Nerd" gear.
- October 27: Attire-Dress in workout clothes or athletic gear.
- October 28: Attire-Twin Day...Dress up like a friend or friends.
- October 29: Attire-Dress in costume like your favorite literary character.
- October 29: 2nd Six Weeks Ends
- November 3: School Pictures (Uniforms)
Question to Pose to Your Child: How can you make sure that everyone is included and no one feels excluded?
Read on below for scenes from the week, updates from our AP, information regarding counseling & guidance, upcoming events, and other helpful resources.
Always remember that "The Race for Excellence has No Finish Line."
Principal McCullum
#LRENoFinishLine
#LakeRidgeNation
#LakeRidgeMontessori
#GraceChangesEverything
Scenes from the Week
CHISD 1st Quarter Winner: Mrs. Vance
CHHS Football Greeters
Unity Day 2021
Book Fair Fun
Recess Flow
Enrichment Clubs
Movie Night at Valley Ridge
Lunch Connections
Surprise National Principals Month Activities
Kagan Cooperative Learning on Saturday
Assistant Principal Updates
Parents/Guardians,
During the Week of October 25-29, 2021, scholars will participate in DCCA #3. Below is a breakdown of the testing per grade level:
- 2nd Grade (Math and Reading)
- 3rd Grade (Math and Reading)
- 4th Grade ( Math, Reading, and Science)
- 5th Grade (Math, Reading, Science, and Social Studies)
Please speak with you children about doing their best.
Thank you for all of your support,
Dr. Washington
Guidance Services
Principal Appreciation
Thank you to all the scholars who participated in Principal Appreciation Week. It was a pleasure to see our scholars dress with pride in A Day in the Life of Principal McCullum. Special thanks to you as parents for supporting our events.
Bully Awareness Month
October is Bully Awareness Month. Scholars at Lake Ridge Elementary will participate in guidance lessons that bring awareness to bully behaviors. Scholars will explore bullying vs. conflict, types of bullying, and how to address bullying behaviors. Please visit our Virtual Guidance Office for parent tips and information on bullying and how to address issues of bullying with your scholars. If you suspect your child or any child is experiencing bullying, please contact your child's school.
Fall Concert
Lake Ridge Scholars have been invited to attend the Fall Concert on Thursday, October 28th at 7:00 PM. CHISD Orchestras will perform at the Cedar Hill High School Performing Arts Center. This is an event your family will surely enjoy!
Substance Abuse Prevention
Scholars at Lake Ridge Elementary will participate in Red Ribbon Week, October 25 - 29, 2021. Red Ribbon week is a national campaign that addresses drug and alcohol abuse prevention. This year's national theme is Drug Free Looks Like Me. Please visit the Virtual Guidance Office for RRW Calendar of Events.
Counseling Department Newsletter
Each month CHISD's Counseling Department will release department services, news , and community resources. Please review the department newsletter for district wide services available to scholars, parents, and CHISD staff. Please click here for the most recent issue.
October Guidance Focus
- Bully Awareness/Anti-Harassment
- Substance Abuse Prevention
- Social Awareness
Counseling & Guidance Services: LRE Guidance Office
Counseling Request Form: LRE Counseling Request Form
School Counselor: Rashonda.Johnson@chisd.net
C.I.S. Facilitator: Christopher.Coit@chisd.net
Upcoming Events
October 18-27, 2021
Online Website
How to Create an eWallet
https://players.brightcove.net/1543299976/Eyj59PHsg_default/index.html?videoId=5831064261001
Flip Book Catalog
https://bookfairsfiles.scholastic.com/flippingbooks/F21-ES-Case-Booklist/F21_ES_Case_Booklist.html#p=1Attendance
Attendance Incentives
Attendance Notes
- Notes regarding an absence must be brought to the office within three days of the absence; parents can also enter via Family Access. Notes should include the scholar's full name, date of absence, and signature/date of parent/guardian.
- You can email Mrs. Vance at sheila.vance@chisd.net for any attendance questions or concerns.
- If the method of your child getting home needs to change, notify the Main Office or your child’s teacher by 2:00 p.m. so that there is enough time to communicate the change to your child. If e-mailing the teacher, include an administrator in case the teacher is absent on that particular day.
- 2:45 p.m. is the latest that a scholar may be checked out due to preparation for dismissal.
Reminders
Arrival/Dismissal Procedures
Morning Arrival Procedures:
Doors open daily at 7:15 a.m.
Scholars arriving by bus will enter through Door #14.
Scholars in Pre-K & their siblings will enter through Door #12.
Scholars in ECSE/SKILL & their siblings will enter through Door #11.
All other scholars (car riders and walkers), will enter through Door #1/Main Entrance.
- Vehicles may enter the school driveway via the back/second driveway that runs behind the building and form one line.
- Only those going to the Main Office or dropping off with the classes indicated for Door #11 and Door #12 should enter the main driveway.
Parents should follow the arrows that indicate the flow of traffic, and drop off only in the lane next to the sidewalk. Children should not be dropped off in the center lane to ensure safety.
Walkers should not be dropped off via car. To be a walker, that means the scholar walks to the campus from his/her residence.
After the first day of school, parents will not be able to walk their children to their classrooms. All parents & visitors must report directly to the Main Office.
Dismissal Procedures:
Dismissal occurs daily at 3:00 p.m.
Scholars in Pre-K & their siblings will exit through Door #12.
Scholars in SKILL & their siblings will exit through Door #11.
Scholars who ride the bus or walk home will exit through Door #14.
Scholars picked up via Private Daycare transportation will exit through Door #1.
Scholars who are picked up by car will exit through Door #5 (remain in cafeteria until called).
Parents may enter the school driveway via the back/second driveway that runs behind the building and form one line.
As the cars approach the pick-up area, the scholars will be called outside and will wait for a faculty member to load them into the cars.
Anyone picking up a scholar must have the color-coded card prominently displayed. If the card is not present, then the scholars(s) will be sent to the front office, and the driver will need to show proper identification.
Parents, please stay in your car at all times. Children will not be released if a parent walks up to the cafeteria door.
Only those going to the Main Office for appointments or picking up with the classes indicated for Door #11 and Door #12 should enter the main driveway.
If there is a change in how a scholar regularly gets home, please call the Main Office or email Principal McCullum AND Dr. Washington by 2:00 p.m. This will help avoid confusion.
The latest time to check a scholar out via the Main Office is 2:45 p.m. After that time, please wait until the regularly scheduled dismissal.
If your child is in Right at School, remember that checkout begins after 3:30 p.m.; that occurs at Door #5.
Walkers should not be picked up via car. To be a walker, that means the scholar walks to his/her residence from the campus.
The picture below shows how to properly place your car tag(s) for dismissal:
Driveway #1: Yellow
Driveway #2: Orange
K-5: Green Line (morning arrival=Door #1; dismissal=door #5)
ECSE/PK/SKILL: Blue Line
Main Office/Parking: Red Line
Self-Care
Helpful Resources
CHISD C.A.R.E.S. & CHISD KUDOS
CHISD C.A.R.E.S
Unfortunately, there are times when a member of the Longhorn Family experiences a death. Employees, or families of scholars or former CHISD employees who wish to share the information are asked to complete the CHISD CARES (Cares About Retirees Employees & Scholars) form. The CHISD Communications Office handles all CHISD C.A.R.E.S submissions and shares the information via email to all staff. C.A.R.E.S notifications will be sent out by the end of the day that the form was received; if the submission is received after 2:30 p.m. it might not be sent out until the following business day.
The C.A.R.E.S form is available on the communications page of chisd.net. Here is a direct link.
CHISD KUDOS
The CHISD Communications Department loves to share the positive experiences and interactions happening across the district.
If you want to share some kudos for a parent, employee or scholar who exhibits the Longhorn Essentials, please email a description/information to webmaster@chisd.net and you might see your kudos on one of the district’s social media accounts.
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 schedule a conference.
Step Two: Contact the Assistant Principal (all behavioral/discipline issues) or Counselor (mental health/academic advisement).
Step Three: Contact the Principal.
When emailing or calling the Main Office, it is helpful to provide details so that the inquiry is directed to the correct individual. No in-person meetings are taking place at this time.
Upcoming Activities/Events
- October 1-31: National Principals Month
- October 1-31: National Bully Prevention Month
- October 5-29: Gifted & Talented Nomination Period
- October 18-27: Scholastic Book Fair
- October 25-29: Red Ribbon Week
- October 25-29: Wear Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- October 25: Attire-Represent your favorite superhero
- October 26: 50th Day of School
- October 26: Attire-Put on your best "Nerd" gear.
- October 26: Extended Day (Reading; Registered Scholars)
- October 27: Attire-Dress in workout clothes or athletic gear.
- October 28: Attire-Twin Day...Dress up like a friend or friends.
- October 26: Extended Day (Math; Registered Scholars)
- October 29: Attire-Dress in costume like your favorite literary character.
- October 29: 2nd Six Weeks Ends
- November 3: School Pictures (Uniforms)
Lake 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