April 7-11
Dear FES Families,
As we welcome the month of April, we are excited to share all the wonderful activities and important events coming up here at Florence Elementary School. From state testing to service opportunities, talent showcases, recognitions, and celebrations, April promises to be a month full of meaningful experiences for our students, staff, and community.
As we focus on community service this month, we also want to take a moment to express our deep appreciation for the dedicated paraprofessionals who support our students and teachers every day. These invaluable team members play a crucial role in our school, helping to create a positive and supportive learning environment for all of our students. From welcoming everyone in our front office, assisting in classrooms to providing one-on-one support, our paraprofessionals go above and beyond to ensure each child’s success. We are so grateful for their hard work, compassion, and commitment to our school community. Please join us in thanking our paraprofessionals this month for their unwavering dedication to our students’ growth and well-being!
April is a month full of exciting activities and opportunities for our school community (see below). We look forward to seeing you at these events, and as always, thank you for your continued support. Together, we’re making this school year one to remember!
Courtney Brandel- Principal, Florence Elementary School
Congratulations to our Assistant Principal, Chelsea Price on her final round of chemotherapy treatment! She has been the definition of strength, positivity, grace, faith, determination, and grit! She has conquered chemo and we are all so proud of and inspired by her! Thank you, Florence Family for all of your encouragement, prayers, and support!
Thank you!!!
Jessica Debrick- STACC
Mandy Wiginton- STACC
Amanda King- STACC
Andrea Sargent- Resource
Ana Torres- Avery- STARS
Yasmin Rascon- STARS
Tammy Bolton- PE
Tyler Lamon- Front Office- Attendance
Leah Dimmitt- Front Office- Sub Coordinator
Terra Peters- Campus Secretary
At Florence, we are incredibly fortunate to have an outstanding team of paraprofessionals who play a vital role in the success of our students. They provide essential support in our offices, in the classroom, in assisting with individualized instruction, and in creating a positive, inclusive environment where every child can thrive.
Our paraprofessional team is always ready to step in with patience, compassion, and dedication. They are instrumental in making sure that each student feels seen, supported, and valued.
We are deeply grateful for the hard work and commitment of our paraprofessionals. Their impact on our students' growth and success is immeasurable, and we thank them for everything they do to make Florence a special place for all.
We are incredibly lucky to have a dedicated and passionate librarian who plays a vital role in nurturing a love for reading and learning among our students. Our librarian is more than just a keeper of books —she is a guide, a mentor, and a champion for literacy, creativity, and exploration. From book fairs, to engineering lessons with robotics, and instilling the fun of reading- she's always looking for wasys to inspire our students and to instill their love of reading!
Cindy was recognized at Monday night's board meeting as the recipient of the quarterly FACE award. We are grateful for the above and beyond attention that she provides in serving our students in the cafeteria!
Keller ISD Alumni Spotlight
Hanna McLean's journey through Keller ISD began at Liberty Elementary and continued through Keller High School, ultimately bringing her back to the district as a kindergarten teacher at Florence Elementary.
"I had some of the most amazing educators who poured into me a love for learning and an awe for teaching. The idea that I could impact a student the same way my teachers impacted me gave me a desire to serve as an educator."
We love celebrating the tradition of excellence at FES! As a part of that process, we will be recognizing our amazing staff members and would like your help.
Please share the name and information of the staff member you feel who is deserving of recognition along with some words that share the reason they are being recognized. Please note, your response with be shared with the staff member and may be featured in our publications/ social media and any student names that are included may be omitted for confidentiality.
Fill out a shout out on this Staff Shout Out Form to help us celebrate excellence among our FES teachers and staff!
April 7-11- National Assistant Principal Week
April 9- 1st Grade Field Trip- Nash Farms
April 10- Talent Show (6-8 pm)
April 11- Volunteer/Watch Dog Breakfast
April 12- The Big Event
April 14-15- STAAR Testing Window- No visitors on campus
April 15- 3rd and 4th Grade STAAR (RLA)
April 16- P.S. It's My Body Presentations (see below)
April 16- Kindergarten Sight Word Egg Hunt
April 17- STAAR Testing Make-Up Testing- No visitors on campus
April 17- Kindergarten Graduation Pictures
April 18- District Holiday- No Classes
April 21- Teacher Workday- No Classes
April 24- 4th Grade Program and PTA Meeting
April 24- PTA Spirit Night at Jason's Deli (5:00-9:00)
April 29- May 1- STAAR Testing Window- No visitors on campus
April 30th- 3rd and 4th Grade STAAR (Math)
*More 2024-2025 information and dates to come. Plan ahead by visiting our new website to access our full year FES Campus Calendar.
Parents, please take a moment to fill out the 2025-2026 Florence Elementary Student Intent to Return (Click here) form for each of your students. Please indicate one of the three options:
My child will or will not return for the 25-26 school year.
4th Grade Only: My child will or will not attend BCI for the 25-26 school year.
I am interested in discussing retention.
Please complete the form by April 25th. Each student will need their individual form response.
Pre-K, Kindergarten, or other incoming students planning to attend KISD for the first time during the 2025-26 school year can enroll starting April 1. You can find more information about enrolling your new student at www.KellerISD.net/Enroll.
We couldn't do what we do without all of our incredible volunteers and want to say "thank you" for all that you do!
If you have volunteered in any capacity at FES this year, please join us so that we can celebrate and recognize your incredible contributions!
Please RSVP using the link below by Monday, April 7th, if you plan to join us: https://forms.gle/qejN1kkHf6UcywLB8
Glamourcraft will be here on April 17th to take cap and gown photos for your Kinder grad. Please be sure to have your student dressed for their exciting day.
If your student is absent on April 17th and they miss their photo op, or they were absent for their Spring photo op, Glamourcraft will have a makeup day at their Studio location on May 3rd from 9am to 11:30am. No appointment is necessary. Address is: 7375 South Hulen. Fort Worth, TX 76133.
This year, FES is supporting Cook Children's Hospital with toiletry kits for parents who are staying unexpectedly and with arts and crafts kits for kids who are staying in the hospital, as well as cards to accompany patient's meal trays. Our goal is to bring a bit of sunshine and Falcon Spirit to those who are facing difficult times.
We are excited to invite you to join us for The Big Event, Keller ISD’s day of service, on Saturday, April 12th, from 9:00-11:00 AM! This special day is an opportunity for Florence Elementary School to come together and give back to the community that supports us every day.
Our goals are to show gratitude, strengthen connections, and make a meaningful impact. Each service project reflects the unique character of each campus, but we all share a common goal: to say thank you to those who make our community such an incredible place.
This year, Florence Elementary School will be supporting Cook Children's Hospital. We would love for you to be part of this effort!
How You Can Help:
Join us on the day of the event – Bring your family and friends to lend a helping hand! Sign up today! Click here
Spread the word – Encourage neighbors, extended family, and local businesses to participate.
Together, we can make a difference and show our appreciation for the amazing community we call home. Let’s make this year’s Big Event the best one yet! #TheBigEvent25
This year's registration will be through a google form. Students must be accompanied by a parent, so make it a morning of family fun through service. Register here to join us on April 12th!
Thank you to everyone who donated supplies for our big events! The entire list has been cleared by the generosity of the Florence community and we are ready to assemble on April 12th!
Florence will host Alliance for Children on April 16th for our required Senate Bill 9 lesson on Personal Safety. You opted your child IN or OUT of this lesson via Infosnap prior to the start of this school year during the registration process. Students who have opted out of the lesson will be given an alternate activity during that time.
If you cannot remember what you selected, you can view your child's authorizations in the Aeries Parent Portal. Click Student Info, Authorizations, Bill 9 (granted or denied).
Preview the lesson HERE. If after previewing the lesson, you would like to change your authorization, complete this FORM, and return to Christina.Jones@kellerisd.net.
Schedule
8:30 - 3rd
9:00 - 2nd
9:30 - Kinder
10:00- 1st
10:30 - 4th
Our spring small counseling groups are wrapping up, and I've had a few requests for continued opportunities. I plan to offer a 4 week round of skill based counseling groups based on the following topics: stress management, self regulation, and friendship skills. If you'd like your child to participate, please use the following referral link.
Thank you to all of our amazing Watch DOGS Volunteers. Our Watch DOG volunteer calendar closes on April 1st as we prepare for testing and a busy end of year season. If you missed an opportunity to volunteer and would like to support our campus, we would love to have dads help us open car doors and greet students each day from 7:25-7:55am. No sign up required.
Here are some upcoming events and flyers from our friends at Bear Creek Intermediate.
Attention all seniors who attended FES! Be sure to save the date and upload your pictures for our FES Senior Walk on May 19th.
Florence is so close to being recognized for having a voice for every child! There is still time to purchase your membership. Right now, new membership purchases will receive a '24-'25 FES yard sign while supplies last! Thank you, parents and families, for helping us achieve this recognition!
Parents are always welcome at FES! If you are interested in volunteering, you must fill out the Keller ISD Volunteer Application. All FES visitors are required to enter at door #1, go through the front office, provide picture identification, and obtain a visitor badge before proceeding to any part of the building which must be worn in a visible area for the duration of the time on campus. Office staff will verify the visitor is a parent, guardian, or approved contact for a student.
Guests are only allowed in designated areas to minimize disruption of the learning environment and may not go throughout the building, to the playground, or classrooms.
Guests are required to exit the building through the office during school hours. We value and appreciate guests and all volunteers at FES!
27 students submitted artwork for this year’s yearbook cover. The FES PTA voted on the following winners:
1st Place & Front Cover - Carter Caraway, 1st Grade
2nd Place & Back Cover - London Caraway, 1st Grade
3rd Place & Title Page - Eleanor Sweeney, 2nd Grade
All students who submitted entries for the cover contest will also have their artwork featured in the yearbook. We can’t wait to see their works in print! Congratulations to all our creative FES artists!
Sodexo has received several concerns regarding the printed menu reflecting options which are either substituted or changed completely on the serving line due to product unavailability or use of State provided commodity items. While Sodexo strives to minimize the number of changes to the menu, they are still at the mercy of product manufacture shortages and logistical challenges from all providers which places a burden on the program to provide the menu as previously planned.
To improve the communication of menu changes Sodexo has recently launched new and improved online menus for Keller ISD through Nutrislice at https://kellerisd.nutrislice.com/menus-eula .
This change will provide students, staff and families the most up-to-date printable and digital menus that are reflective of any changes that need to be made to the menus.
Did you hear? There are FIVE choices for lunch each day this year!
https://kellerisd.sodexomyway.com/
What time is breakfast? Breakfast will begin at 7:25. The line will close at 7:50 for students to be in class at 7:55.
What is offered? This school year Sodexo will be offering 3 hot side options and 2 cold side options.
How do I add money to my child’s cafeteria account? You may place money on your child's lunch account by setting up an account for them on School Cafe. The link is below and you will need your student's ID # to do so.
Sodexo - Breakfast and Lunch.
Marimba: 3rd, every Tuesday 7:25-7:50
Marimba: 4th, every Thursday 7:25-7:50
Falcon Choir: 3rd & 4th, every Thursday 3:25-4:15
R.O.C.K Club: 1st-4th, the last Wednesday of the month 3:15-4:15
Run Club: 3rd & 4th Grade, every Monday 3:25-4:00
Our Keller ISD locations are gearing up for the 2025 Camp Clayton program!
This year, we are offering STEAM Camp, Adventure Camp, Pre-K Discovery Camp, and Teen Leadership Camp—each providing a fun, safe, and enriching environment where kids can explore, create, and connect, with a new theme every week. We’re especially excited about our new locations and upcoming field trips! Our 2025 Keller Camp Clayton location are at the following locations:
Parkview, North Riverside, Hidden Lakes and Independence.
For more information, parents can visit our website for details on locations, pricing, and camp themes: https://claytonyouth.org/camp-clayton.
Florence Elementary, in partnership with iCode Southlake, presents the Tech Club: Empowering students with essential STEM skills! Through hands-on activities in coding, game design, and digital arts, your child will build problem-solving abilities and real-world tech knowledge. From Minecraft creations to Python mastery, we're preparing them for future success – all while having fun! For more information, contact iCode Southlake at 817-527-5270 or email southlake108@icodeschool.com
The Elementary Math (K-6) Department has created a 9 weeks newsletter using SMORE. The newsletter contains an overview for families of upcoming material, important concepts, student misconceptions, ideas for supporting their student at home, and DreamBox support.
Click below to access the 4th 9 Weeks Math SMORE Newsletter:
While we appreciate a phone call letting us know your child is absent, with the updated Attendance procedures, we will now request a written explanation of absences for each day they were absent.
This may be an email sent to Tyler.Lamon@kellerisd.net or a written note that is sent upon your child's return. An absence is considered to be a partial absence any time that a student leaves early or arrives later than the first 15 minutes of the day and parents may utilze a parent excuse for these if there is not documentation. Please see the Keller ISD Attendance 101 for more information. https://www.kellerisd.net/students-families/resources/students-families-resources/attendance-truancy
Kindergarten: 10:40-11:10
1st Grade: 11:10-11:40
2nd Grade: 11:40-12:10
3rd Grade: 12:10-12:40
4th Grade: 12:40-1:10
4th Grade:8:10-9:10
3rd Grade: 9:10-10:10
2nd Grade: 10:10-11:10
1st Grade 12:50-1:50
Kindergarten 2:00-3:00
Tyler Lamon- Front Office / Attendance: tyler.lamon@kellerisd.net
Leah Dimmitt Front Office / Substitutions: leah.dimmitt@kellerisd.net
Terra Peters- Campus Secretary: terra.peters@kellerisd.net
Sue Piehler - Nurse: susan.piehler@kellerisd.net
Jessica Sustaita- Librarian: jessica.sustaita@kellerisd.net
Christina Jones - Counselor: christina.jones@kellerisd.net
Chelsea Price - Assistant Principal: chelsea.price@kellerisd.net
Courtney Brandel - Principal: courtney.cullum@kellerisd.net
Nicole Seidel - PTA President: ptaflorencees@gmail.com
Esmeralda Gallegos - Cafeteria Manager: esmeralda.gallegos@kellerisd.net
Keller ISD will observe summer business hours beginning Monday, June 2, with District and campus administrative offices and facilities open Tuesday-Thursday. Employees will work remotely on Mondays to close buildings on those days as an additional cost-saving measure for the District. On those days, campus employees can be reached by email but may not be able to return all phone calls received until they return to campus.
Public business hours will be 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday each week from June 2nd through July 21.
FES Campus will be closed:
Mondays and Fridays
June 19th- Holiday
June 23rd- July 7th
Be sure that your email is correct in your infosnap to be sure you receive all of our Blackboard communications (emails and texts).