April 22-25
Dear Falcon Families,
We are so proud to celebrate a major milestone—our 3rd and 4th grade students have successfully completed the RLA STAAR test! Their hard work, determination, and focus throughout the year truly shined during testing. We could not be more proud of their effort and expect to see that they have shown incredible growth. Way to go, students!
This week, albeit a short one, has been full of exciting and engaging learning experiences that brought joy and creativity into our classrooms. Students had a blast during our glow-in-the-dark music class, explored nature and responsibility through gardening, and our Kindergarten students sharpened their literacy skills with a fun and festive Sight Word Egg Hunt! These special moments help make learning memorable and meaningful.
We’re also excited to share that our amazing PTA was recognized at the Keller Council of PTA Brag Luncheon today! Their tireless efforts in supporting and advocating for Keller ISD schools—especially our campus—do not go unnoticed. We are incredibly thankful for their partnership and dedication to our students and staff.
As we look back on this school year, it’s truly inspiring to see how much our students have grown—academically, socially, and emotionally. They have met challenges with resilience and curiosity, and we can’t wait to see all they continue to accomplish in our final month of school!
Lastly, we hope you enjoy the upcoming 4-day weekend! There will be no school tomorrow in observance of the Easter holiday, and Monday is a teacher workday. We wish you a joyful and restful time with your loved ones.
With gratitude and springtime cheer,
In Falcon Spirit,
Courtney Brandel- Principal, Florence Elementary School
Mrs. McIntire's classes had an extra glow this week, as students practiced their use of instruments and rhythms in style with a glow in the dark experience. Such a fun way to light up the class with music!
Thank you, Alliance for Children, for the amazing presentation on student safety. Students learned about speaking up for themselves and protecting themselves from welcomed and unwelcomed actions and words. Thank you to our counselor, Mrs. Jones, for facilitating this experience for us!
What better way to end the day than with some reading fun in the courtyard on a beautiful, sunny Spring afternoon! Our 3rd grade studnets partnered with a 1st grade student to practice reading together using their "just right" book boxes. Then, they took turns tending to our campus garden, getting everything ready for Spring planting time!
Our Kindergarten studnets had an "egg"-citing day when they looked for their sight words in a fun egg hunt! They each had to find all 12 of the words on their sight word list and each egg contained a special prize!
Congratulations to our FES staff for earning the Golden Apple Award from the Keller Council of PTA's for having 100% faculty membership in the FES PTA!
"Mrs. Parten has been an absolute dream teacher for our daughter. We could not have asked for a better experience for her first year of school and an introduction to education. Mrs. Parten has the best energy, EVERY DAY. She is kind, fair, firm, funny, and loving with the kids. Our daughter has learned so much from her, most importantly a love of learning. Mrs. Parten challenges her students, supports them, and believes in their capabilities, which has clearly created an environment for her students to thrive, excel and flourish. Thank you for a wonderful year Mrs. Parten! Sorry we didn't submit our appreciation and praise sooner!"- Sarah, FES Parent
"Mrs. Rice is absolutely fantastic! She is an exemplary role model of the values that she teaches her students daily. I can't tell you how happy we are that as our child navigates her social and emotional development, in addition to her academic, that she has a teacher providing support and resources to help her grow in these critical areas of her life. Mrs. Rice has taught her so much this year, and she's done it with kindness, poise, and consistency. I know without a doubt that Mrs. Rice will be a teacher our daughter will always remember. Thank you Mrs. Rice! Our daughter's mind, heart, and love of learning has grown so much this year thanks to you and we are forever grateful!"- Sarah, FES Parent
"Mrs. Pak has been an incredible addition to our lives this year! She has shown so much kindness and knowledge as we have navigated learning challenges for our child and has made us feel comfortable and supported. We love Mrs. Pak and are so grateful to have her on our kiddos team."-Kaylie, FES Parent
"Mrs. Sutter has been an amazing advocate for my child this year as we walked through various academic challenges. My child adores her and Mrs. Sutter continues to be one of my child’s biggest cheerleaders. Thank you Mrs. Sutter for seeing the heart of my child and not just the struggles!"- FES Parent
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 18- District Holiday- No Classes
April 21- Teacher Workday- No Classes
April 23- CEIC Meeting
April 23- National Administrative Professional Day
April 24- 4th Grade Program and PTA Meeting 6:00
April 24- PTA Spirit Night at Jason's Deli (5:00-9:00)
April 25- The Creature Teacher Assembly visits FES
April 29- May 1- STAAR Testing Window- No visitors on campus
April 30th- 3rd and 4th Grade STAAR (Math)
May 1- STAAR Make Up Test
May 1- School Principal Day
May 2- FES Spirit Store
May 2- FES Family Fun Night- Kindergarten Orientation
May 5-9 Teacher Appreciation Week
May 5- 4th Grade BCI Tour
May 6- 4th Grade Play Day at Keller High School
May 7- College Colors Day- Wear your favorite school gear!
May 7- School Nurse Appreciation Day
May 7-9 EOY MAP (RLA) Testing
*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.
Attention all seniors who attended FES! Be sure to save the date and upload your pictures for our FES Senior Walk on May 19th.
Here are some upcoming events and flyers from our friends at Bear Creek Intermediate.
Spirit Night, May 14th 4-8pm at Sweet Frog's in Keller!
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!
We've all been there! Back-to school sneaks up on us, and suddenly we're running from store to store trying to find supplies. But what if you could check it off your list today? Order Here: https://cas5-0-urlprotect.trendmicro.com:443/wis/clicktime/v1/query?url=https%3a%2f%2f1stdayschoolsupplies.com%2fgs%2f1179150&umid=73469682-d99d-463e-a3c9-ed16ea789d90&rct=1744219910&auth=735fd6d2e0d58d5e2eb04bc8159d38fac3cacd87-aeb060e1820a4600f39539d33b66fc2432570600
1st Day School Supplies makes it easy. In just a few clicks, you can order the exact supplies your teacher requested, packaged in a beautiful new box and delivered on time, stress-free!
We’re thrilled to share that next year’s inspiring theme is “I Belong!”, submitted by Ben Morgan, a 6th grade student from Idaho. Ben shared:
“For me, ‘I Belong!’ means I know where I am accepted, and I know that I can be myself there without being criticized or judged.”
We can’t wait to see the incredible projects our talented Falcons will create! More details will be shared at the start of the next school year.
If your student decides to get a head start over the summer, please be sure to review the program rules by category to make sure their work meets the guidelines: www.txpta.org/reflections-participation.
Questions? Feel free to reach out to lyndsay.lovell@gmail.com.
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!
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
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
Get Ready for an Exciting PE Camp This June!
Mrs. Castranova is excited to invite you to our upcoming PE Camp, where fun, games, and popsicles await! This fantastic event is scheduled for June, and we can't wait to see you there.
What to Expect:
Engaging Games: Enjoy a variety of games designed to keep everyone active and entertained.
Refreshing Popsicles: Beat the heat with delicious popsicles after a day full of activities.
Fun Activities: Participate in numerous fun-filled activities that promise a great time for all.
Important Date:
Registration Deadline: May 9th
Don't miss out on this opportunity to stay active, have fun, and make new friends. Register now to secure your spot!
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.
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.
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).