The Lake Ridge Bridge
January 15, 2022
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From the Principal
Hopefully this message finds you well and in good spirits. The spirit of collaboration continues to thrive at Lake Ridge Elementary, so I want to give a special thank you to every faculty member and scholar who assist whenever they see a need. Last week, we pressed on with instruction, middle of the year assessments for IXL and Achieve3000, and school picture retakes. The week also encompassed our three Montessori Parent Interest meetings scheduled for this "Choose Your Seat" application window. Scholars and faculty brought the week to a close with our Enrichment clubs on Friday. Also on Friday, we found out that we are able to welcome Ms. Amber Brown who is joining our Special Education Department as an Instructional Aide; she was been serving on our campus as a long-term Guest Teacher, so we are excited to have her officially join The Lake Ridge Nation.
We would like to give a huge shout out to Mrs. Regina Hall, ECSE-4 Instructional Aide, who was among the latest CHISD HOOPLA recipients. Mrs. Lynn, ECSE-3 Teacher, nominated her, and here is what she wrote: "Mrs. Hall is an exceptional paraprofessional in the ECSE (Early Childhood Special Education) classroom who is loyal and dedicated to her job. She shows up daily with a smile on her face and a positive attitude no matter the circumstances. She is appreciative and always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. She loves the kids and works hard with each of them to reach their full potential. I have had the privilege to work with Mrs. Hall in our Special Education department here at Lake Ridge Elementary for many years. Paraprofessionals often do not get the recognition they truly deserve. They are the glue that holds these classrooms together, and we could not do it without them." Congratulations again to Mrs. Hall!
No grade level met the attendance goal (96%) for the week of January 10; however, we hope all scholars who were absent are doing well, and parents are encouraged to contact the Main Office regarding absences within three (3) days.
This upcoming week will be a short one due to there being no school on Monday, January 17, 2022 in observation of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. Scholars in K-5 will take NWEA/MAP middle of the year assessments in addition to regularly scheduled instruction. 5th graders will have a chance to hear about course selections for 6th grade, and they are also invited to attend Permenter's "Orchestra Petting Zoo" that will take place at the middle school campus (see the flyer on below). We will end the week with Enrichment Clubs.
As you learned last week, we have been focusing on self-efficacy and the impact that comes from having it. Parents are able to help reinforce this concept at home by considering the suggestions shared below by Mrs. Hryekewicz, Upper Elementary Teacher:
- Have developmentally appropriate expectations that provide your child with opportunities to be successful.
- Provide opportunities for your child to set achievable short-term goals.
- Give feedback that acknowledges your child’s work. “I noticed how hard you worked cleaning your room”. “I appreciate you setting the table without being asked”. (These statements are different than praise).
- Encourage their attributes. “You are becoming quite the peace maker between your siblings”. “You are setting a positive example for your brother by taking care of your personal responsibilities without being asked”.
- Notice your child’s strengths and acknowledge them. “You seem to really enjoy dancing”. “You have a knack for keeping your room organized”.
- Model self-efficacy. Do you believe in your abilities? Do you convey that belief to your child?
Be sure to keep the following dates(s) in mind:
- January 3-21: Choose Your Seat Application Window
- January 6-28: Circle and TX-KEA (PreK-Kindergarten)
- January 17: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday/No School
January 18-21: NWEA/MAP Middle of the Year Assessments (K-5; 8:00-10:00 a.m.)
January 19: 90th Day of School
January 20: 5th Grade Course Selection Preview
January 20: Permenter's Orchestra Program "Petting Zoo" from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
- January 21: Enrichment Clubs
Question to Pose to Your Child: How can I model self-efficacy for you?
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
HOOPLA RECIPIENT: REGINA HALL
CHISD Choice Program: Montessori at Lake Ridge
Assistant Principal Updates
Greetings, Parents/Guardians!
The week of January 17th is our middle of the year MAP tests for scholars in Grades K-5. Please make sure that your child brings his/her Chromebook charged and ready. We hope that all scholars show growth and continue to strive for academic excellence. Below is the schedule for testing during the month of January:
- January 18-21: MAP (K-5; All grade levels are assessed in Reading and Math. 2nd-5th grades have additional tests in different content areas.)
- January 6-28: Circle and TX-KEA (PreK-Kindergarten)
Additionally, keep building self-efficacy in your child by saying positive things like, "You are smart. I believe in you."
Thank you,
Dr. Washington
Guidance Services
Gifted & Talented
Scholars in grades 1-5 who were nominated for Gifted & Talented during Fall 2021 will be tested Saturday, February 5th. Please be on the lookout for information from Advanced Academics for your child's scheduled time and location.
Scholars who are currently enrolled in Kindergarten will take Gifted and Talented screenings on campus February 1-4, during the instructional day. At this time, all Kindergarten scholars have been screened based on their NWEA MAP Fall Assessment results. The remainder of the screening includes the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test-Third Edition (NNAT3) in conjunction with classroom performance, behavior checklists, and teacher and parent surveys to help identify students who might benefit from gifted and talented services.
You will be notified via email if your child will participate in the remainder of the screening process. If you have any questions, please contact Natalie Garrett at natalie.garrett@chisd.net.
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.
January Guidance Focus
- Study Skills
- Goal Setting (5th grade)
- Social Awareness
Counseling & Guidance Services: LRE Guidance Office
Counseling Request Form: LRE Counseling Request Form
School Counselor: Rashonda.Johnson@chisd.net
CIS Facilitator: Christopher.Coit@chisd.net
Upcoming Events
Attendance
Attendance Incentives
Class Perfect Attendance: Each scholar in a class has an opportunity to receive an incentive once the class spells out A-T-T-E-N-D-A-N-C-E (a letter will be earned each day the homeroom class has perfect attendance). This is ongoing and repeats.
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. Cooke, Attendance Clerk, at frances.cooke@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
- January 3-21: Choose Your Seat Application Window
- January 6-28: Circle and TX-KEA (PreK-Kindergarten)
- January 17: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday/No School
- January 18-21: NWEA/MAP Middle of the Year Assessments (K-5; 8:00-10:00 a.m.)
January 19: 90th Day of School
January 20: 5th Grade Course Selection Preview
January 20: Permenter's Orchestra Program "Petting Zoo" from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
- January 21: Enrichment Clubs
- January 27: Family Engagement Night (STEM) at 6:00 p.m.
- January 28: STEM Clubs
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