September 8-12
Week 5
Courtney Brandel
Principal
courtney.cullum@kellerisd.net
Dear FES Families,
What an incredible four-day week it has been at FES! Our students continue to amaze us with their enthusiasm for learning. This week, we’ve seen students go above and beyond in following our FES expectations, and we’re proud to share that many have been recognized as Fabulous Falcons for their outstanding behavior and leadership. Way to go, Falcons!
We’re especially proud of the way students have mastered our hallway expectations. They are walking quietly, respectfully, and showing what it means to be leaders in every part of our building. Now that we’ve built strong habits in the hallway, we’re shifting our focus to cafeteria expectations. Each class will be working together to meet our cafeteria goals and earn a fun reward for their efforts. We can’t wait to celebrate their teamwork and positive behavior!
This week, our students also began their Reading MAP tests, and they’ve done an outstanding job! MAP Growth is an adaptive assessment that helps us understand each student's learning level and our teachers use the results to guide instruction and set meaningful goals to help every child grow.
There’s so much to look forward to in the next two weeks at FES:
📚 Book Fair – A favorite event for our readers is just around the corner!
🧓👴 Lunch with Grandparents – We can’t wait to welcome grandparents into our school community for a special lunch.
➕ Math MAP Testing – Another opportunity for students to show what they know!
👨 Watch D.O.G.S. Kick-Off – We're excited to launch this powerful program that brings positive support to our school!
🗳️ 3rd & 4th Grade Student Council Elections – Our student leaders are preparing to share their ideas and voices in a big way!
Thank you for your continued support and encouragement at home. We’re off to a strong start this year, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going throughout September. Let’s keep SHINING, Falcons!
With Falcon Pride,
Courtney Brandel
Principal, Florence Elementary
Kindergarten Learning Fun!
Making letters in kindergarten
LIbrary visits and classes have begun!
Our Fabulous 3rd grade team!
Fill out a shout out on this Staff Shout Out Form to help us celebrate excellence among our FES teachers and staff!
*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.
Mrs. Linkka- Kindergarten
"Mrs. Linkka is a phenomenal teacher! She is kind, loving and caring towards her students. She is the quintessential kindergarten teacher you wish (or hopefully) had!"- Tyler (Parent)
Miss DiGiorno- Kindergarten
Miss DiGiorno has been an amazing addition to the Florence Family. We were so worried about our daughter transitioning into Kindergarten but Miss DiGiorno has made it so smooth. Our daughter loves going to school now. Thank you for being so thoughtful and patient. We need more teachers like Miss DiGiorno!" - Sahar (Parent)
September 8-10- BOY MAP Math (during math classes)
September 10- BOY MAP Fluency (During reading classes)
September 11- Multicultural Night (6:00-7:30)
September 11- STUCO Speeches Due
Week of September 15-19 Book Fair
September 15 Lunch with Grandparents (Last names A-K)
September 16- Lunch with Grandparents (Last names L-Z)
September 16- CEIC Meeting (3:45-5:00)
September 17- Watchdog Kick Off (6:00-6:30) and Book Fair Night (4:00-6:30)
September 25- 1st Grade Performance/PTA Meeting
September 26- Spirit Store
September 29- Fun Run Kick-Off
September 30- International Dot Day
October 1- College Spirit Day
October 2- Fall Yearbook Pictures
October 3- Red Ribbon Spirit Day
October 3- 3rd/4th STUCO Elections
Week of October 6-10 KHS Spirit Week (Dress Up Days TBD)
October 6- KHS Homecoming Parade
October 7- Fun Run
October 9- KHS Homecoming Game
October 9- End of the 1st 9 Weeks
October 10- Student Holiday- Parent/ Teacher Conferences (by appointment)
Week of October 13-17- District Holiday- Fall Break- No School
*View our full calendar on our website.
Kindergarten: 10:25-10:55
1st Grade: 10:55-11:25
2nd Grade: 11:25-11:55
3rd Grade: 11:55-12:25
4th Grade: 12:25-12:55
All KISD students participate in the NWEA MAP Test which is an adaptive assessment that provides us with standards based data that allows us to measure each student's growth throughout the year. The test is designed to adjust based on student responses to find a range in which the student performs.
This tool provides teachers with a variety of reports and information that help them to address the unique needs of our students. The test is adaptive, and adjusts based on the response of each student, which provides us with information to determine which skills and concepts they have mastered and which they may need additional reinforcement. MAP data "talks" with many of our resources, such as Dreambox, Waggle, or Read 180 to allow us to personalize these practice activities based on student needs. For more information about MAP, please watch the video on the the NWEA site: https://www.nwea.org/resource-center/resource/what-is-map-growth/ or visit with your child's teacher for more information about your child's progress. We will inform you when your child's results are available in Aeries and teachers will be sharing the family report with you when those become available.
Testing dates and times vary by grade level, please see your teacher's newsletter for specific test days for your child.
As a part of our continuous improvement process, we are seeking teachers, staff, parents, and community members to serve on the FES Campus Educational Improvement Committee (CEIC). The CEIC is an advisory group for the campus and it serves the purpose of gathering and providing feedback and input in matters of campus planning, operations, policies, and procedures. These stakeholders have been selected to participate in this year's committee and will meet 4 times this year to provide input and feedback in our improvement process. Thank you, to those members, who will be serving our campus in this capacity this year.
We welcome our grandparents/ important person to join our students during their student's 30 minute lunch time followed by time in our library where they can enjoy browsing the book fair, share with your student some some special activities facilitated by our PTA, and enjoy the special time together. If your child does not have a grandparent who can join them, please feel free to designate another special person come to celebrate with them (family member, family friend).
In order to ensure that there is plenty of space for an enjoyable time for all, we strongly encourage that families with last names beginning with A-K to attend on Monday, and families with last names beginning with L-Z to attend on Tuesday. While we love having our FES parents join us throughout the year, this is a special day reserved for our grandparents and special guests, so we ask that our parents choose a different day to join your child for lunch to ensure that we have enough room for our grandparents and special guests (unless of course, a parent is the special guest!)
Parents, please complete the following form if you and/or a family member would like to join us for our Grandparent's/ Important Person Luncheon. In order to ensure a quick check in process on the day of the event, we will pre-check all guests in through our Raptor system and will have their visitor sticker ready upon their arrival. PLEASE COMPLETE ONE FORM PER STUDENT by no later than Thursday, September 11th at 4:00 PM. *Any grandparent who is not pre-registered will need to check in using Raptor system in our front office.
Guest Arrival- Check in at the Main Entrance
When our grandparents arrive, we ask that they bring their government issued ID. Our special guests will check in at our sign in table located our main entrance (door 1). Grandparents will wait in the main hallway until their students' grade level's lunch time in order to allow for the transition and cleaning between groups and then will proceed to the cafeteria to meet their grandchild. We will have designated tables that have signs on them specifically for our special guests.
Cafeteria Lunch
If your special guest or child will be ordering a meal, please be sure to pre-pay to FES Cafeteria through your child's Sodexo account. They will accompany their grandchild through the line and pick up their lunch as they go through. This will be denoted on their tag as they come in, so they don't need to do anything extra to receive a lunch. (https://www.schoolcafe.com/KELLERISD)
Bringing Lunch
Grandparents/ Important Guests are welcomed to bring lunch for their student. Please note, however, that they may not share with any child aside from their own. Additionally, if Nurse Sue communicated allergies in your child's class at the beginning of the year, please communicate these allergy specifications with your child's special guest ahead of time.
Guest Exit
Please note, for confidentiality and to maintain the learning environment throughout our campus, guests will not be able to visit classrooms on this day, and upon completion of book fair, fun, students will go to the return location near the library and main stairway, where they will give their goodbye hugs. Grandparents may then exit through door 8, by the library and exit through the courtyard.
Kinder: 10:25-10:55 (lunch) & 10:55-11:25 (Activities in the library)
1st: 10:55-11:25 (lunch) & 11:25-11:55 (Activities in the library)
2nd: 11:25-11:55 (lunch) & 11:55-12:25 (Activities in the library)
3rd: 11:55-12:25 (lunch) & 12:25-12:55 (Activities in the library)
4th: 12:25-12:55 (lunch) & 12:55-1:25 (Activities in the library)
Monday, September 15th
1- Crispy Chicken Nuggets
2- Hearty Vegetable Salad
3- BBQ Chicken Flatbread
4- Turkey and Cheese Sandwich
Tuesday, September 16th
1- Build your own pizza box
2- Turkey and Cheese Sandwich
3- BBQ Chicken Sandwich
4- Mini Corn Dogs
Click the link below to sign up to help with Grandparents day:
We will need plenty of sweet treats for our grandparents. Click the link below to sign up to bring your dessert donation:
Only complete this form if you DO NOT want your child to participate in the book fair.
Students will visit the Book Fair with their class as indicated by the schedule below. Friday and Monday are preview days (Grandparents may shop Monday) with sales Tuesday-Friday, including during Grandparents Day lunch.
Parents and guardians are welcome to join your child to shop our book fair Tuesday-Friday 7:45-8am or during their class shopping time outlined in the graphic.
Shop online and set up your eWallet here:Book Fair Homepage
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! Our volunteers receive a 20% discount on book fair purchases! Sign-up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040A4CA8A82EABFB6-58277984-florence
Here are some upcoming events from the Counseling Office:
Sept. 4th - Student Council information presented to all 3rd and 4th graders during the school day. Parents, check out the information HERE.
Sept. 17th- Watch DOGS Kickoff AND Book Fair Night. If you'd like to be a Watch DOG, don't forget to complete your annual background check. Email your clearance to Christina.Jones@kellerisd.net. Our calendar opens AFTER our kickoff event!
Wear Polka Dots and celebrate the power of YET and the importance of growth mindset!
Calling All Dads! Are you excited to be a Watch DOG? Join us for our double event - Book Fair Night AND Watch DOG Kick Off!
Support The Community Storehouse at Run in the Dark September 27th at Keller Town Hall.
Don't miss the plane! The deadline to sign up to host a table at the FES Multicultural Festival is TODAY (Friday, Sept. 5)!
Pack your "suitcase" with recipes, traditions, and stories you've love to share, and you'll receive details from our Multicultural Festival Chair, Kathryn Cox, by Monday, Sept. 8. Sign up here: https://shorturl.at/aeWy7.
Then, join us for an incredible evening of food, music, and traditions at the event on Thursday, Sept. 11 from 6-7:30 p.m.!
We're so excited about this year's main fundraiser: the FES Fun Run! Our goal is to raise $30,000 for teacher grants, school events, and classroom resources to benefit our students and teachers.
During this annual fundraiser, families can earn donations online (through MyBooster.com) to help reach our school goal, and on the final day, all students will participate in our Fun Run to celebrate!
The sign-up begins Monday, Sept. 15; we will officially kick the event off in school on Monday, Sept. 29; and our event day is Tuesday, Oct. 7 during school hours. Stay tuned for more details!
Reflections is a PTA-sponsored arts recognition program where students can express their creativity in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, visual arts and accessible arts. All participants will be recognized, and there are advancement opportunities at the district, state and national levels.
PTA is hosting two brainstorming workshops at Florence where we will review the Reflections categories and guidelines, discuss the theme "I Belong!" and assist students with their artist statements and brainstorming. Students attending the afternoon workshop will also have time to work on their projects.
RSVP for the Reflections Workshop here:
Reflections Art Program Workshop 2025 - Google Forms
Be sure to check the rules by category to ensure their work meets all guidelines: www.txpta.org/reflections-participation.
Questions? Reach out to PTA Cultural Arts Chair Lyndsay Lovell: lyndsay.lovell@gmail.com.
Get 10% off when you order your 2025-2026 Florence Elementary yearbook by Sept. 30 at www.treering.com/validate using school code: 1016599729561880.
Upload your school event photos to the shared folders so your student's memories can be featured! Event folders stay open for 3-4 weeks after each event, so don't delay in uploading them following each event: Meet the Teacher, first day of school, spirit days, field trips, and more! (Yearbooks will be delivered in May.)
Florence spirit wear shirts are now available for purchase online! Choose from a variety of shirt options, all offered in both youth and adult sizes.
New shirt designs: $20 each
Last year’s shirts: Only $5 each
Don’t miss out -- grab your favorite designs while supplies last! Shirts will be sent home with your student. Shop now: https://florenceelempta.membershiptoolkit.com/store/19046.
Follow FES PTA on Facebook for up-to-date information and PTA news!
FES Run Club is a club for 3rd & 4th Grade students to enhance cardiovascular health. The Club will meet every Tuesday from 3:25-4pm. At the end of Run Club the students will be dismissed on the North side of the building. They will need to be picked up promptly at 4 pm. There is room for 80 students total, 40 Third Grade students and 40 Fourth Grade students.
MEMBERSHIP FEE & PAYMENT METHOD: Membership is $20.00 per child. The cost includes a t-shirt, awards, end of year party and “fun run” days for both fall and spring seasons. Once your child is registered, an email will be sent for payment.
COMMUNICATIONS: In the event of bad weather, you will be notified by email or text. Running Club will not meet when it’s raining, on holidays, or on teacher workdays. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at kendal.castranova@kellerisd.net or 817-744-4729 between 8:00-2:00 pm.
To register, please complete this form.
Registration ends
Running Club begins Tuesday, 10/21/25
The last day for Running Club is Monday, 4/21/26
Thank you, Kendal Castranova PE Teacher, Florence Elementary School
Dear Parents,
Thank you for registering your child for the upcoming After School Cooking Class at Florence. Class begins next Monday, September 8th and we still have spots available, so spread the word.
Procedures and expectations for parents and young chefs:
Please have long hair pulled back.
Please wear closed toe shoes (no flip flops or open toe type shoes).
Aprons are encouraged but not required.
Students will either be brought to the CLG instructor to an allocated classroom or collected by the CLG instructor from extended day.
Class time begins at 3:30 PM and ends at 4:30 PM
End of class procedures - students in after care will be escorted to that location and then parents picking up will do so at normal location.
Authorized Adults - must present ID when picking up after class - we ask that you please walk up to the instructor. (Students in after care will be escorted to that location.)
If the 'Authorized Adult' information for your child changes, please let me know at least one day before class, if possible, so I can inform my instructor.
Children will not be permitted to go home with an adult who is not cleared by you in advance of class.
If your child will be absent from class for any reason, please text me as soon as possible so that I can inform my instructor. (254-631-1628)
If any other information for your child changes (such as allergies or pick up method) please notify me as soon as possible.
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to cooking with the Florence young chefs!
What time is breakfast? Breakfast will begin at 7:30. 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.
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
We are grateful for our volunteers as an essential part of our school! If you are interested in volunteering this year, please fill out the Keller ISD Volunteer Application.
All FES visitors are required to enter through the front office, provide picture identification, and obtain a visitor badge before proceeding to any part of the building. This procedure ensures the safety and security of our campus as we know who is in the building at all time. Office staff will verify the visitor is a parent, guardian, or approved contact for the student.
Guests must have their visitor badge worn on their shirt and visible at all times.
Guests are only allowed in designated areas to minimize disruption of the learning environment.
Guests are required to exit the building through the front doors during school hours.
Be sure that your email is correct in your infosnap to be sure you receive all of our Parent Square communications (email, text, and app.)