FAlcon FAMILY

Weekly Newsletter

May 6 -10

Week 34

Courtney Brandel

Principal

Mrs. Brandel's Message

Dear Falcon Families,

It has been such a wonderful week with field trips, STAAR testing, celebrating our teachers, and sharing in fun and Falcon love! I received several hand crafted cards and notes from students on Wednesday and my heart is full! I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to join FES this year and am incredibly proud of all the work that our students have done this year! These precious notes reaffirm that I have the BEST job in the whole world, as I get to work with our wonderful students and staff every day!

I am incredibly proud of the focus and hard work of our 3rd and 4th grade students as they completed their final STAAR test of the year! Results will be available mid- June and the district will be sending families information on how to access student scores on or around June 14th, if they are available from the state, as anticipated.

Our PTA board members held their final meeting and recognized the impact that has been made on FES this year, honoring several of our PTA board members for their contributions throughout the years and celebrating those who will be moving on to the next chapter at BCI, KMS, and KHS. Thank you, PTA and volunteers for all that you do for our students!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend and hope to see you all next week at our Family Fun Night and kindergarten orientation for future kindergartners on Thursday night!

In Falcon Spirit!
Courtney Brandel

HIGHLIGHTING THE TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE AT FLORENCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!

Congratulations, mrs. Farmer!

Mrs. Farmer was recognized last night at the KISD Service Recognition Banquet for her 45 years of service with 41 in Keller ISD and at Florence Elementary School! She had the most years of service of all of the retirees and we are grateful for her contributions to FES during her career! What a lasting impact and legacy she has made on our community as a teacher, a leader in our community, and a friend to all! Thank you, Mrs. Farmer, and congratulations on your retirement!

1st grade Field Trip to Nash Farms

Our 1st grade students had a wonderful time in Grapevine at Nash Farms where they learned about the history of Nash Farms and explored and learned about farm life including survival needs, farm chores, animals, and food sources. Students saw and fed farm animals, washed clothes in a bucket, and enjoyed a picnic lunch!

Frank Buck Zoo Field Trip

Mrs. Brezina's and Mrs. Kunze's classes enjoyed exploring and observing animals at the Frank Buck Zoo on Wednesday! Thank you to all of the parents and to our amazing teachers and aides for your contribution to this fun experience!

Principal, Assistant Principal and Counselor of the day

Cohen, Wyatt, and Hannah did an amazing job assuming the roles of principal, assistant principal, and counselor of the day on Thursday. They worked hard to provide their ideas and feedback for planning rewards for students next year, recognized our golden egg nominees, participated in meetings in their role, visited classrooms and provided feedback on student learning, handed out falcon bucks to students doing amazing work, conducted security checks with Officer Potter, oversaw lunches, took care of various tasks, and did some work for teacher appreciation week, and of course, enjoyed pizza together! What a wonderful job they did leading our school!

4th Grade Trivia

Using our new buzzer system that Mrs. Brinton and Mrs. Burnett requested as a part of a PTA grant, our 4th grade students participated in a trivia challenge as a part of their celebration of the great job they did STAAR testing this week!

Staff Shoutouts

Mrs. Kunze

Congratulations to Mrs. Kunze on finishing your master's degree and requirements to become an educational diagnostician and on your upcoming graduation!

Mrs. Gilland

Congratulations to Mrs. Gilland on finishing your master's degree in school leadership and on your upcoming graduation next week!

Mrs. Linkka, Kindergarten

Congratulations, Mrs. Linkka, who was selected as our April FES Golden Egg recipient!

"She is such a positive light every day. She guides our team with kindness and understanding. She is always so positive and creative when we need to switch lessons around or make them more interactive and engaging. She leads her students in her light which is kind, understanding, loving, inquisitive, and bright. She is such a wonderful human and teacher, that every day is a joy." - Mary Parten

Mrs. Brinton- 4th Grade

"Mrs Brinton helped our son fix his hair for school photos by letting him borrow products and a straightening iron when we had forgotten it was school pictures that day. The little things matter and it's one small example of how caring she is to her students!"- Edie- FES Parent

Mrs. Linkka- Kindergarten

"Mrs. Linkka is a true angel! She loves her students like her own. She makes learning so much fun. All of her students just love being in her class, and she has helped our student fall in love with school. We are so grateful for all that she does!"- Staci- FES Parent

Mrs. McCoy- 3rd Grade

"Mrs. McCoy has been such a gift! We are so thankful she has stepped in at the end of the school year. Her communication with parents is fantastic. It’s hard to make a transition mid year, but she has done it fabulously. The students all love her and you can tell she truly cares about each of them. We are so grateful to finish out the school year with her!"- Staci- FES Parent

Want to shout out an FES Staff member for embodying the tradition of excellence?

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!

upcoming events

May 6-10- Teacher Appreciation Week

May 8- School Nurse Day

May 9- 4th Grade BCI Tour

May 9- Game Night/Kinder Orientation (5:00 PM-7:00 PM)

May 17- Mayfest

May 20- Senior Walk

May 21- EOY Award Celebrations (Kinder 8:00 AM, 1st Grade 9:15 AM)

May 22- EOY Award Celebrations (2nd Grade 8:00 AM, 3rd Grade 9:15 AM)

May 23- EOY Award Celebration/Clap Out (4th Grade 9:30 AM)

May 23- Early Release/Student's Last Day (11:55 AM)

Click here to access the district Academic Calendar.

FES CLubs and Activities

Monday

Cook Learn Grow (3:30-4:30)

Tuesday

Cook Learn Grow (3:30-4:30)

Wednesday (May 15)

ROCK Club (3:15-4:15)

Current/new News

Teacher Appreciation Week

Did you know it is teacher appreciation week next week? We know that you appreciate your students teachers all year round, but we thought would share some ideas on how you can celebrate them next week:

Welcome back to Mrs. Styne and thank you, Mrs. McCoy!

Mrs. Styne is returning from her leave beginning next Monday and will be finishing the year with her 3rd grade students. We are incredibly grateful for Mrs. McCoy who has done an incredible job serving as our long-term substitute during Mrs. Styne's leave. She has ensured that student learning has continued smoothly and been a wonderful part of our 3rd grade team this year!

BCI Tour for 4th Grade- Co-Curr Schedule Change

On Thursday, May 9th 4th grade is going to BCI for a tour.

As such, 3rd grade and 4th grade will be switching co-curr times for the day.

3rd grade will go to co curr from 8:10 - 9:10
4th grade will go to co curr from 11:20 - 12:20

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grade Author Visit

We are excited to welcome Mrs. Mary Brooke Casad, author of the Bluebonnet series, to our library! Her Bluebonnet books share the adventures of Bluebonnet the Armadillo who explores various landmarks across Texas and highlight Texas history.

Where: Florence Elementary School Library

When: May 7, 2024

8:30-9:00am 1st Grade

9:15-9:45am 2nd Grade

10:00-10:30am 3rd Grade

Students will have the opportunity to purchase a book for $10.00 and have Mrs. Mary Brooke Casad sign it on the day of the visit. As the publisher has shared that there will be a limited supply the day of the event, students may purchase book(s) online through this direct link: http://www.cowboybookworm.com for $12.99 per book with free shipping to the address of your choice. However, the online purchased books will not be signed by Mrs. Mary Brooke Casad.

Please click on the link below for Mrs. Mary Brooke Casad's bio and books:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LhgqMsOiwCfeiwQ7wd0o3yOrGpeRxmAQ01NO2BMZ0uQ/edit?usp=sharing

If you do not wish for your child to participate in this author visit, please contact your child's teacher to inform them of your wishes and we will arrange for them to be in an alternative location during that time.

Family fun night will take place in the north field area. Upon arrival, please proceed to the field area. Feel free to bring your lawn chairs, picnic blankets and any outdoor yard games! There will be food available for purchase from food vendors, or you can bring your own.

Mayfest 2024

We look forward to an exciting day of fun with this year's Mayfest! We will kick off the day with our tradition of the Maypole dance at 8:10 on the blue top.

Reminders:

Bring a water bottle
Wear play clothes (shorts, shirts) that allow for movement, activity and fun.
A change of clothes (or wear dri fit style that dry quickly after water activities, as students will be playing with water on the basketball court)
A hat (optional)
Wear closed toe shoes
Wear sunscreen (students must apply it themselves, as we are not permitted to apply it for them)
Students may bring a lunchbox or they may order a sacked lunch from the cafeteria

Guest Check-in:

We invite parents to join us as volunteers or spectators at the event! Upon arrival, please check in at the gate located just in front of the north playground (next to the library entrance) to receive your visitor sticker. If you have not previously checked in on raptor, you will need to check in through the front office.

Adult Restrooms:

Adults may not use the student restrooms. Adults may use restrooms that are designated for adult use. Please ask a staff member for guidance to the closest located restroom.

Lunch Time:

All students will be having lunch at the same time this year. Your teacher will confirm the lunch location for your child's grade level. Parents are welcomed to bring your own lunch and tp enjoy with your child in their lunch location.

Student Early Check-Out:

While we encourage our students to stay for the entirety of the day, as there are many fun activities, if you would like to check out your child before the end of the school day, you will do so with your child's homeroom teacher and they will sign them out.

Lost and found

Parents, please have your student check lost and found for any unclaimed and/or lost items. Our lost and found area has outgrown its capacity. You are encouraged to come and check the lost and found as well, to help your students reclaim their favorite sweater, stuffy, jacket, hair band, water bottle, bracelet, shoes and much much more! All items that are not claimed by May 23rd will be donated to Community Storehouse.

Save the Date

Calling all Falcon Seniors!

24-25 Kinder Camp

Do you have a rising Kindergartner that will start the 24-25 school year? Have you completed your Online Enrollment for 24-25 school year? If so, be sure to reserve your Kinder Camp session by contacting Mrs. Peters. See the flyer below.

✔️Mark your Calendars for BCI Parent Night. This is a meeting is for our 4th grade parents transitioning to 5th next school year. Expect to learn about what it’s like to be a BCI Student, Meet the Principal and some Faculty and learn more about academics offered. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and get answers. So please join us to familiarize yourself to the school and what lies ahead in the new school year for your student. If you are unable to make it, information will be available by a future link, please direct all questions to the BCI school office.

PTA Events and Volunteer Opportunities

FES Spirit shirts are still available for sale!

Information Central for PTA!

Check out Membership Toolkit for valuable information concerning PTA events, dates, ways to volunteer, directory, teacher favorites list and much more. Check it out! ➡️

https://florenceelempta.membershiptoolkit.com/

Signup on the PTA Website!

https://florenceelempta.membershiptoolkit.com/Volunteer

Announcing the 2024-2025 PTA Reflections theme, "Accepting Imperfection," coming this fall! So much beauty can be found in life's imperfections, and we can't wait to see how this theme inspires our kids as they show their creativity through music, dance, film, photography, literature, and visual arts.

“'Accepting Imperfection’ is a reminder to myself that mistakes are welcome because they are a part of being human. Our flaws are as much a part of us as our strengths, so being imperfect should be perfect enough for us.” (Paige Opaska, Texas 8th grader and theme winner)

Order your school supplies today!

Orders are due by July 1st

FLORENCE ELEMENTARY STUDENTS: Order Your School Supply Kit Now!Your pre-built school supply kit is ready to order with the exact school supplies your teacher requested. Click here to order now from 1st Day School Supplies.

Parents, If you really want to save time and money on back-to-school supplies, order your kit from 1st Day School Supplies now! If you think you'd get a better deal shopping at Target, Walmart, or even on Amazon, don't even think about it! We have found that 1st Day School Supplies saves us up to 30%! Not to mention the time savings! In just a few clicks, get the exact supplies your teacher requested from the brands you trust and respect. Get your 1st Day School Supplies and save yourself time and money this year! 1st Day School Supplies is the BEST way to buy back-to-school supplies! Order Now. Your school store is now turned on and ready for orders!

http://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/

volunteer opportunities

Mrs. Robert’s is needing volunteers to help reshelf library books for the months of March, April and May! The signup is now posted on our Florence PTA Website! ➡️ https://florenceelempta.membershiptoolkit.com/Volunteer

We LOVE VolunteerS!

✅Get Cleared to Volunteer! All volunteers must complete a yearly background check. Click the link to apply for a volunteer position through KISD.

Click here to access the KISD background check application.

✅ Check out the PTA Website for upcoming Volunteer opportunities.

https://florenceelempta.membershiptoolkit.com/Volunteer

Summer camps

Sports Camp at FES

Are you looking for a fun activity for your 2nd - 5th grade child to participate in June? Children will enjoy Basketball, Soccer, Tennis and Volleyball. Fill out the permission slip form and turn in your payment to Mrs. Castranova by Friday, May 24th.

PE Camp at FES

Are you looking for a fun activity for your 1st-5th grade child to participate in June? Fill out the permission slip form and turn in your payment to Mrs. Castranova by Friday, May 24th.

bear creek intermediate school summer camps

BCI has 3 summer camps this summer from teachers in the Co-Curr department. If you or your student are interested, please see the options below.

Week of May 28th 31st

Ukulele camp AM (younger grades are ok)

Our music teacher Mrs. Steele (Macie.Steele@kellerisd.net)

has a Ukulele camp that is open to younger students

grades 1-6.

Ukulele Camp Registration Form (google.com)

PE camp PM

Our PE teacher, Coach Todd (Frances.Todd@kellerisd.net)

has 2 PE camps, geared towards current 4th, 5th and 6th graders.
You can find more information here: https://forms.gle/S2qJ5AFJGL9Ji8vRA

Week of June 3rd-6th

Art camp (AM & PM options)

Our Art teacher, Mrs. Linder (Christy.Linder@kellerisd.net)

has 3 different themed art camps geared towards current 4th, 5th and 6th graders.

You can find more information here:

https://bciart.weebly.com/summer-art-camps.html

Week of June 10th-13th

Art camp AM

Our Art teacher, Mrs. Linder (Christy.Linder@kellerisd.net)

has 3 different themed art camps geared towards current 4th, 5th and 6th graders.

You can find more information here:

https://bciart.weebly.com/summer-art-camps.html

Cafeteria Menu- April 2024

Cafeteria information

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.

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.