Embedded Files
September 29-October 3
Week 8
Courtney Brandel
Principal
courtney.cullum@kellerisd.net
Dear Families,
As we move into a busy and exciting part of the school year, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible learning happening each day in our classrooms. From building strong reading skills to growing confidence in math and problem-solving, your children are working hard—and we’re so proud of their progress!
One of the most powerful ways you can support your child’s learning at home is by reading together every day. Whether it’s a bedtime story, a chapter book, or your child reading aloud to you, every minute matters. Research consistently shows that daily reading not only improves vocabulary and comprehension, but also fosters stronger emotional connections and academic success. According to the National Education Association, children who read 20 minutes a day outside of school are exposed to 1.8 million words a year! So in addition to having quality time with your child, you are helping them grow as a reader and learner, one word at a time- just a few minutes a day!
In math, we’re working as a campus on fact fluency; the quick recall of basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts (depending on grade level). This foundation is key to solving more complex problems with confidence. Here are some fun ways to practice math facts at home:
Use flash cards for a quick 5-minute game
Play math apps or games on Dreambox, Xtra math, or other math based sites.
"Quiz" them on math facts in the car ride each day. Have them quiz you, too- they love that!
Incorporate facts into everyday life (e.g., “If we have 2 packs of 6, how many total?”)
Race the clock—see how many math facts your child can solve in one minute!
In addition to academics, we are also working hard to support students in making positive, respectful choices at school. Please take a few moments to talk with your child about the importance of using kind, safe, and appropriate language—especially during school hours. You may have seen the recent email from the district regarding state laws related to threats, discussions of weapons, or any language that may be interpreted as violent or unsafe. Even joking about these topics can lead to serious consequences. We ask for your partnership in reinforcing this message at home: Words matter, and we want every student to feel safe and respected at school.
Thank you for all you do to support your child’s growth—academically, socially, and emotionally. It truly takes a team, and we’re grateful to have you as part of ours.
With appreciation,
Courtney Brandel
Principal, Florence Elementary
1st Grade Musical Performance
1st Grade Musical Performance
Our 1st grade scientists took the stage by storm last night and this morning for our students with their STEAM-themed musical performance—teaching us all about weather, seasons, and more! 🌦️🌈📚 Way to shine, young learners!
Want to recognize a FES staff member?
Want to recognize a FES staff member?
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.
1st 9 Weeks-Events and Activities
1st 9 Weeks-Events and Activities
September 29- Fun Run Kick-Off and Booster Huddles Begin (Sept. 29- Oct. 6)
September 29- Raising Cane's Spirit Night (4pm-9pm)
September 30- International Dot Day
October 1- College Spirit Day
October 2- Fall Yearbook Pictures
October 3- Red Ribbon Spirit Day (Favorite Jersey or workout clothes)
October 3- 3rd/4th STUCO Elections
Week of October 6-10 KHS Spirit Week
October 6- KHS Homecoming Parade
October 7- Fun Run (See below)
October 9- Alliance for Children Mental Health Lesson
October 9- Red Ribbon Spirit Day (Crazy Sock Day)
October 9- KHS Homecoming Game
October 9- End of the 1st 9 Weeks
2nd 9 Weeks Events and Activities (Oct-November)
2nd 9 Weeks Events and Activities (Oct-November)
October 10- Student Holiday- Parent/ Teacher Conferences (by appointment)
Week of October 13-17- District Holiday- Fall Break- No School
October 20- Beginning of the 2nd 9 Weeks
October 24- Red Ribbon Spirit Day (Wear your grooviest outfit)
October 30- Red Ribbon Day/Spirit Day
October 31- Red Ribbon Spirit Day/Storybook Character Day
November 5- College Spirit Day
November 6- 4th Grade Discover Texas Field Trip
November 7- FES Carnival and Silent Auction 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
November 11- Veteran’s Day Program
November 13- Fall Picture Make- Up Day
November 14- Angel Tree Begins
November 17- 2nd Grade Performance/PTA Meeting (6 p.m.)
November 20- KinderFeast
November 21- Thanksgiving Lunch
November 24-28- Thanksgiving Break- No School
*View our full calendar on our website.
2025-2026 District Calendar
2025-2026 District Calendar
InstructionalCalendar_2025-26.pdfStudent Lunch Times
Student Lunch Times
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
Glamourcraft Fall Pictures.pdfPicture Day Coming soon!
Picture Day Coming soon!
Glamourcraft will be photographing our FES students on October 2nd. Parents will be sent an email with the students proof to view and place orders online. All orders will be shipped to your home.
Wear Polka Dots and celebrate the power of YET and the importance of growth mindset!
👟Fun Run Event🏃- October 7
👟Fun Run Event🏃- October 7
Sign up today for our Florence Glow Run Fundraiser!
Our goal is to raise $30,000 for teacher grants, school events, and classroom resources. Signing up is easy and free!
⭐️ Sign Up Now On MYBOOSTER.COM ⭐️
👟 Fun Run Event Schedule
8:10-9:10 Kindergarten and 1st Grade
9:30-10:30 2nd and 3rd Grade
10:50-11:50 4th Grade
Weather permitting, we are planning for an outdoor run this year. In the case that weather does not permit, we will communicate with you plans for an indoor event. Next week's newsletter will contain fun run "day-of" important info for parent check-in and being ready for a fun run success!
Counselor Connection
Counselor Connection
Alliance For Children will be visiting F.E.S. for a lesson titled Mental Health Matters on on Thursday, October 9th. If your child is opted out of regular guidance lessons, they will be given an alternate activity during this time. Parents may preview the lesson overview HERE, and see more details HERE. Per district requirements, Alliance for Children will visit us three times this year to provide information to students.
Mental Health Matters: Child Safety First: October 9th
Tentative Schedule:
8:15 - 3rd
9:00 - 2nd
9:30 - Kinder
10:00 -1st
10:30 - 4th
Netsmartz: Internet Safety: January 15th
PS It's My Body : Personal Safety - Separate Permission Required via SB9 : March 5th
Watch DOGS Kick-Off
Watch DOGS Kick-Off
I was so excited to see so many at our Watch DOGS Kick-Off! See our presentation HERE.
Give Mrs. Jones the SCOOP! Who needs a SMALL COUNSELING GROUP?
Give Mrs. Jones the SCOOP! Who needs a SMALL COUNSELING GROUP?
Small counseling groups are starting soon! Small groups run during the school day, 1 time per week for 30 minutes, for 6 total times. Groups are centered on building skills, and are designed to promote tools to provide growth around the following topics:
Friendship (social skills)
Stress Management
Self Regulation
Family Changes (managing divorce)
Click HERE to access to referral form for small counseling groups.
Support The Community Storehouse at Run in the Dark September 27th at Keller Town Hall.
fun run is in less than two weeks!
fun run is in less than two weeks!
The Florence Fun Run is in less than two weeks (Tuesday, Oct. 7!). If you haven't already, register your child on www.MyBooster.com and start collecting pledges for your student! The Fun Run times are as follows:
Kindergarten & 1st Grade: 8:10 a.m.
2nd & 3rd Grades: 9:30 a.m.
4th Grade: 10:50 a.m.
We need volunteers for both the visitor check-in table and to hand out Popsicles to students in the courtyard after their runs conclude. If you can help, please sign up here.
last chance for discounted yearbooks
last chance for discounted yearbooks
The discounted price for this year's Florence Elementary yearbook ends Tuesday, Sept. 30...just a few days away! Don't miss out on capturing the memories of the year at a lower cost!
You can still upload photos to be included in the yearbook even if you don't purchase one. Order now: www.treering.com using the FES passcode: 1016599729561880.
save the date: khs homecoming parade (we need you!)
save the date: khs homecoming parade (we need you!)
The Keller High School Homecoming Parade is Monday, Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m., and Florence is excited to have a float rolling along the parade route. This year, our theme is: "Florence in Paradise with Lilo and Stitch" to correspond with the overall KHS Homecoming Theme of "Homecoming in Paradise: Indians Catch a Wave and Wipe Out the Bobcats!"
We would love for as many Florence students to ride on the float in the parade on Oct. 6! Dress in your Florence T-shirt and add any Hawaiian attire. Parents, please arrive with your children at the Florence float at 5:15 p.m. to gather and assist with any last-minute float decorations. All floats line up along Blue Stem Avenue next to Keller Middle School.
We also need nut-free candy donations to throw to onlookers! Please drop those new, unopened bags off in the FES front office by Friday, Oct. 3.
We're so excited for this year's float and can't wait to see y'all on Oct. 6!
reflections art program
reflections art program
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!
Participating is easy!
Brainstorm your masterpiece -- What makes YOU feel like you belong?
Pick your category -- Dance, film, literature, music, photography, or visual arts
Create your project -- Big ideas, bright colors, bold moves...make it YOU!
Complete your entry form -- Make sure your artist statement connects your work of art to the theme
Turn it in by Friday, Oct. 31 -- Don't miss the deadline!
Be sure to check the rules by category to ensure student work meets all guidelines: www.txpta.org/reflections-participation.
Questions? Reach out to PTA Cultural Arts Chair Lyndsay Lovell: lyndsay.lovell@gmail.com.
raising cane's spirit night (sept 29)
raising cane's spirit night (sept 29)
No one wants to cook on a Monday! Take a night off from kitchen duties and join us at Raising Cane's in Keller (961 Keller Parkway) on Monday, Sept. 29 from 4-9 p.m. for a Florence PTA Spirit Night!
Just mention Florence Elementary PTA at the register OR use the code "RCFUND96" when ordering online or in the app, and Cane's will donate 15% of net sales back to our school.
Let's pack the place, enjoy some delicious chicken fingers, and raise funds to support our Falcons!
candy monster is hungry for donations
candy monster is hungry for donations
"The Green Candy Monster" is in the FES front office and hungry for nut-free candy donations needed for the Florence Float that will be rolling in the KHS Homecoming Parade on Monday, Oct. 6! Drop your donations off by Friday, Oct. 3.
florence garden club hard at work
florence garden club hard at work
Florence is looking beautiful thanks to some hard work by our Florence families! A huge thank you goes to FES parent and PTA member Kim Handstad's company, Alliance Materials, for generously providing new mulch for our garden beds. We're also grateful to our Florence Garden Club dads -- Darren Martin, Josh Doty, John Collins, and Cody Page -- who cut down and hauled away dead trees.
Their efforts made a big difference in keeping our school grounds beautiful for our Falcons!
Want to get involved? The Florence Garden Club is looking for members who can lend their time, talents, or even supplies to help keep Florence looking its best. Join the Florence Garden Club here.
FES SPIRIT WEAR NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
FES SPIRIT WEAR NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
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
follow fes pta on facebook
Follow FES PTA on Facebook for up-to-date information and PTA news!
Extracurricular and Club Opportunities
Extracurricular and Club Opportunities
R.O.C.K Club Sign Up
R.O.C.K Club Sign Up
Calling all 2nd through 4th grade students! Would you like to be apart of the R.O.C.K club? Each grade level is taking 15 members who like to help other, do good deeds and make others happy. Please see the flyer and sign up using the links below:
2nd Grade Sign Ups- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDA_PKakiO1lHAQYpqbJ93-l_M3-kkF4rlU-B8FslIDyGfDw/viewform?usp=header
3rd Grade Sign Ups- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8djjRM0i3Lpqa33thejKnd_6XpAyQHVJy0iazCL6zb_aFow/viewform?usp=header
4th Grade Sign Ups- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGsGkLFqDCZgh6EcPnm8LiQ2Ohp8VqAvxXtmOmlX73iVeRWQ/viewform?usp=header
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.
Florence w- BAF.pdfCook, Learn, Grow Parent Info (Click to expand)
Cook, Learn, Grow Parent Info (Click to expand)
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!
Co-Curr and Lunch
Co-Curr and Lunch
Cafeteria Information
Cafeteria Information
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.
Contacts
Contacts
FES Front Office: 817-744-4700
FES Front Office: 817-744-4700
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
Connect with and Follow Us!
Connect with and Follow Us!
Volunteers
Volunteers
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.
Parent Square Communications
Parent Square Communications
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.)
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