Purple House 5 2023-2024
Shortest School Week Ever!
Dear Purple Families,
A big, round of applause to Reyansh and Sanghamitra for their Reality Composer snowmen designs! I hope you all had fun exploring this wonderful tool.
After having enjoyed four snow days in a row, several adjustments have been made to in order to celebrate The Great Kindness Challenge, and other missed happenings. Please review the changes posted in our Smore.
Warmly,
Ms. May Voltz
Purple Fifth Grade Teacher
Save the Date
EOY Conferences:
Monday, May 18th
11:00 - 12:00
VALENTINE'S PARTY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Our House Lead Room Parents have kicked off Valentine's Party planning, and they need volunteers for the day of the party, February 12, from 1:15-3pm to make it a success! Please browse the signups for each house at https://www.rjlpto.org/volunteerand grab one slot! Reminder - a CISD Background check is required for all volunteers.
GARDEN FUNDRAISER
Please share with your learners that our Garden Gurus are hosting a fundraiser for the garden on February 3 and 4, at lunch time. All proceeds go back to our school garden.
100th DAY OF SCHOOL
Wednesday, February 4, will be the 100th Day of School. We can't wait to see the creative ways that our staff and learners show up to school.
College Shirt Day
Wednesday is also College Shirt Day. Encourage learners who do not dress for the100th Day to participate by wearing a college shirt.
Why We Practice Debating
When students debate, they’re building important reading and writing skills. To share their ideas, learners must understand what they’ve read, pull out key facts, and explain their thinking clearly. Listening to another viewpoint also helps them strengthen their own ideas and revise their thinking, just like good writers do. Through respectful debate, students grow more confident as readers, writers, and communicators.
You don’t need a classroom to practice strong arguments! Try this simple routine at home with a family member.
Step 1: Pick a Fun Question
Choose a question with two clear sides:
Should kids have a later bedtime on weekends?
Is it better to read a book or watch the movie?
Should recess be longer?
Step 2: Do a Little Research (5 minutes)
Read a short article, watch a kid-friendly video, or use what you already know.
Write down 2 facts or examples that support your side.
Step 3: Build Your Argument
Use this structure:
Claim: What do you believe?
Evidence: What facts support it?
Reasoning: How does that evidence prove your claim?
Step 4: Practice With a Partner
Take turns sharing your claim (30 seconds each).
Ask one question: “What evidence supports that?”
Try one rebuttal: respond respectfully using evidence.
Step 5: Reflect
Talk about:
What was easy about debating?
What was tricky?
Did anyone change their thinking after hearing evidence?
Family Debate Norms
✔ Take turns speaking
✔ Use a calm, respectful voice
✔ Support ideas with facts
✔ It’s okay to disagree!
⭐ Goal: Practice thinking clearly, listening carefully, and using evidence to explain your ideas.
FAMILEE GAME NIGHT
We are so excited to host your family as our guests for our first FamiLEE Game Night! Please join us on Wednesday from 5:30–6:30 (had to reschedule due to weather) for games throughout the building, including games created by our learners in STEAM. Shout-out to our PTO, who will also have a table set up in the cafeteria selling winter spirit wear. We hope you’ll stop by and check it out!
SERVICE LEARNING OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR SPURS
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Our Spurs are invited to bring new socks on Thursday to donate to The Main Place. This is a great way for our learners to show kindness and help others in our community.
LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Reminder - a CISD Background check is required for all volunteers.
Ms. May Voltz
Fifth-grade designer of learning experiences at RJ Lee Elementary a Net Zero school in Coppell, Texas.
Our Guiding Purpose: We empower learners to positively impact the world by designing learning experiences that promote relationships, risk-taking, and collaboration in a flexible learning environment.
Apple Teacher
HEB Excellence in Education State Finalist 2018
Twitter X: @MayV1
