Embedded Files
October 6 - October 10
Week 9
No Classes for Students on October 10, 13-17
Courtney Brandel
Principal
courtney.cullum@kellerisd.net
Dear Families,
It’s hard to believe we are already entering October and nearing the end of our first nine weeks of school! I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible work our students and teachers have done so far. The energy in our classrooms is electric, and it’s been inspiring to see the focus, growth, and excitement for learning every single day. Our students are diving deep into foundational skills—building strong reading and phonics abilities, tackling new math concepts with confidence, and exploring the world around them through engaging science and social studies lessons. The progress they’ve made in just a few short weeks is a testament to their hard work and the dedication of our amazing teaching staff.
Beyond academics, we’ve been working school-wide on hallway and cafeteria expectations. Our students are doing a fantastic job showing respect, responsibility, and readiness throughout the building. They’re earning rewards for their great behavior, and we are proud of the positive culture they are helping to create!
This month, we have also been holding our SNAP meetings (Student Needs Action Planning). During these meetings, our leadership team—which includes the principal, assistant principal, intervention specialist, counselor, and classroom teachers—comes together to review each student’s beginning-of-year data. This collaborative approach helps us identify students who may benefit from additional academic or social-emotional support and allows us to put targeted plans in place early. Our goal is to ensure that every child gets what they need to succeed.
We also want to thank all of our families who participated in Parent-Teacher Conferences. Your involvement and partnership mean so much to us and play a crucial role in your child’s success. When schools and families work together, great things happen—and we are so grateful for your continued support.
Thank you for being such an important part of our school community. We’re excited for everything October will bring as we celebrate our Fun Run, Red Ribbon Dress up and even more learning and fun!
Warmly,
Courtney Brandel
Principal, Florence Elementary
Dot Day Hooray!
Dot Day Hooray!
Florence Falcons made their mark and let their creativity shine as we celebrated International Dot Day—where even the smallest dot can spark big imagination! We loved seeing all their dots and all that makes each student uniquely wonderful!
Booster Fundraiser kick-off
Booster Fundraiser kick-off
Our Booster Launch blasted off with their Star Quest! Our students have been learning about being leaders through curiosity, courage, teamwork, courage , resilience an humility! We are well on our way to meeting our goal and grateful for all of our generous families and friends who love and support our school!
Delicious Science Project!
Delicious Science Project!
Our first grade scientists traded their lab coats for their aprons today as they dove into their “Heat Causes Change” unit. With apples, sugar, cinnamon, and water as their ingredients—and heat as their catalyst—they observed firsthand how simple ingredients transform when the temperature rises. The grand finale? A sensory investigation using all five senses to explore (and taste-test!) the applesauce they created. Science never smelled so sweet!
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.
Mrs. Brezina (STACC Teacher)
Mrs. Brezina is not only a great and talented STAAC teacher, but she encourages and empowers other students to be friends and helpers to special needs students like my daughter. She helps students in my daughter's co-curr to not only interact but come alongside my child in learning, socialization and even activities like choir! Mrs. Brezina is helping raise up a generation of students who see and care about a very small minority of students who deserve just as much love and care as they do. Thank you Mrs. Brezina! -Alisa, Parent
Mrs. Howard (2nd Grade)
Mrs. Howard consistently goes above and beyond for her students. My child often talks about how kind and encouraging she is, and only six weeks into school already feels a strong bond with her. When I reach out with questions, Mrs. Howard is always thorough in her responses, offering more insight and guidance than I anticipated. I truly value this, as it allows me to partner with her in inspiring and elevating my child. Every interaction reflects her passion for teaching and her commitment to supporting and nurturing her students as individuals. Our family is truly grateful for her. - Classroom Parent
Mrs. Jencopale (2nd Grade)
I want to take a moment to share how grateful I am for the incredible work Mrs. Jencopale is doing. Each day, my child comes home excited to learn, eager to share new discoveries, and full of joy about the classroom experience. As a parent, it is such a gift to witness that kind of enthusiasm. I see a direct connection between my daughter’s growth and the passion, dedication, and love for teaching that Mrs. Jencopale pours into her work. She is truly making a lasting impact, and I am so thankful for the way she invests in her students. - Lindsey, Parent
1st 9 Weeks-Events and Activities
1st 9 Weeks-Events and Activities
Week of October 6-10 KHS Spirit Week
October 6- KHS Homecoming Parade (6:30pm)
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- Landscape Systems Garden Center Spirit Night (4-7pm)
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
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- Kinder Feast
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
Snacks
Snacks
We have had an increase in students requesting snacks from the front office. Please continue to send your child with snacks, as our teachers allow daily snack time throughout the day at a designated time. (2 snacks are suggested for Kindergarten). As our students are growing quickly, some students have been sharing that they are increasingly hungry, and might benefit from a bit more to help sustain them with the energy they need to learn through the day! While we have a limited amount of snacks in the office for those who may be in need, we are unable to consistently provide students with daily snacks.
👟Fun Run Event🏃- October 7
👟Fun Run Event🏃- October 7
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!
Student Attire
Come ready for our obstacle course! Please send your child with:
water bottle,
comfortable shorts
PTA Fun Run Shirt (Will be sent home on Monday)
running shoes
Please be sure that if you would like your child to wear sunscreen, they come with it already applied, as we are unable to put it on or facilitate that.
A hat for the sun (optional)
👟 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
Fun Run Parent Check In Information
Fun Run Parent Check In Information
🚨 Security- Visitor Check-In for Fun Run in front of the North Playground Pedestrian Gate
We would love to have our FES parents join us as our students participate in watching the fun this year's fun run! As a part of our security procedures, all parents and guests must check in following the procedures below. All parents/visitors must bring their government issued ID (Drivers license, or state ID).
Upon arrival all returning families who checked in using raptor in already this year this year will be able to check in at one of the two tables at the gate located just in front of the north playground (next to the library entrance) to receive your sticker. (You will present your ID and we will check you off of the list.)
All parents who have not checked into our Raptor system this year will need to check in at the front office using the Raptor system. Please plan to arrive early to ensure plenty of time to check in, or if you want to beat the crowd, we encourage you to come at any time this week to check-in to the raptor system to avoid the long line the day of the event.
Spectator Areas
During the race times, there will be some tents set up in the middle if you wish to watch from a shaded area or you may stand along the outside of the race track. Please do not stand in or on the race pathway. At the end, you our Booster leaders will invite parents to join their child, so please remain off the track until that time.
Parking
Due to parking limitations, we will have a portion of overflow parking lot open and we ask that once your child has completed the run, please kindly exit to allow for the next grade level's parents to have parking availability for their event that begins 20 minutes later. Students will return with their classes to finish the school day.
Attendance Reminder
*Please note, we encourage all students to remain at school for the duration of the school day, as we will still be conducting regular classes and learning throughout the day. If you choose to check your child out early, you will need to do so through our front office and it would be counted as a partial day absence according to our attendance policies. After their fun run, your child will return to their classroom with their class and would be called down once you have signed them out, following our regular early release procedures. We appreciate your patience in this process as our front office staff members will be prioritizing the check-in of parents and guests first and then will call down students after check in has completed for each grade level.
Counselor Connection
Counselor Connection
Lost and found
Lost and found
Leaves aren’t the only things piling up this fall—our Lost & Found is overflowing too! If your student has been missing a jacket, water bottle, or even a lunchbox, there’s a good chance it’s waiting for you. Please check the Lost & Found before Fall Break begins on October 10th. After the break, unclaimed items may be cleared out, so don’t miss the opportunity to rescue your belongings before they disappear for good!
fun run is tuesday!
fun run is tuesday!
The Florence Fun Run is next week (Tuesday, Oct. 7)! Make sure your child is registered at www.MyBooster.com and has started raising funds! 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.
Keep an eye out on FES PTA's Facebook page for daily challenges as we try to meet our fundraising goal of $30,000 for teacher grants, school events, and classroom resources at Florence.
We still need lots of help from our parents to make the Fun Run a success! If you're a KISD-approved volunteer, please consider signing up for one of the time slots here.
get ready for the khs homecoming parade!
get ready for the khs homecoming parade!
The Keller High School Homecoming Parade is Monday, Oct. 6, and we'd love to have our Falcons riding on the Florence Elementary float!
Important Details:
Line-up: Meet on Blue Stem Avenue at 5:15 p.m. (Florence is spot #32 on the east side of the street.) Please allow extra time for road closures and traffic.
Parking: Use the parking lots in front of First Baptist Church
Parade Start: 6:30 p.m. sharp! Entries begin shuffling forward at 6:05 p.m. The parade route runs west on Lorine Street, north on Jessie Street, and east on Johnson Road.
Candy Donations: Please drop off nut-free candy to the FES front office by today (Friday, Oct. 3)
Attire: Students riding the float should wear Hawaiian attire with their Florence shirt
After the Parade: Join the Community Pep Rally at the stadium -- this year's event will be bigger than ever!
landscape systems spirit night (oct.9)
landscape systems spirit night (oct.9)
Celebrate fall with us at Landscape System Garden Center's brand new Keller Pumpkin Patch (1823 Keller Parkway) on Thursday, Oct. 9 from 4-7 p.m.
Shop during Spirit Night, mention Florence Elementary PTA (or show the invitation), and 15% off your purchase will be donated back to support our Falcons. It's the perfect chance to pick out your pumpkins, enjoy the fall atmosphere, and give back to our school community.
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.
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.
save the date: florence carnival & silent auction (sponsors & additional donations needed)
save the date: florence carnival & silent auction (sponsors & additional donations needed)
Mark your calendars for one of the biggest family events of the year: the Florence Elementary Carnival & Silent Auction on Friday, Nov. 7 from 5-7:30 p.m.! Come enjoy games, food, and fun for the whole family while supporting our school.
Sponsors Needed
We're looking for sponsors to help make this year's Carnival the best one yet. Sponsorship levels range from Silver ($150) to Diamond (over $500) and include recognition in the yearbook, on banners, and at experience booths.
If you or your business are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact PTA Carnival Chair, Deborah Fleming: deborahfleming79@gmail.com; (817) 269-6676.
Additional Donations Needed
We need additional donations to make our Silent Auction a success! Each class at FES has a basket for the Silent Auction, and donations/contributions toward it are very appreciated.
Do you (or someone you know) own a small business, offer a service, or have something unique to contribute? Ideas include: spa services, photography sessions, gift cards, weekend stays (e.g. Broken Bow, South Padre Island, or other Airbnb/VRBOs), cabin getaways, or fun experiences. Big or small, every donation helps support our students!
All donations are tax-deductible and are a great way to give back to Florence while also getting your business name out in the community. If you'd like to donate or have questions, please reach out to PTA's Silent Auction Chair, Jocelyn Kaspar: jocelyn.kaspar@gmail.com; (580) 748-1664.
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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