Pride Preview Vol. 11

As we move further into the fall season, so many great events are bringing our families, community, and staff together. Thank you to everyone who joined us for Hispanic Heritage Night — it was a beautiful celebration of culture, creativity, and connection.

We have a full week ahead with Parent Conference Night, Trunk-or-Treat, and even snow cones on Wednesday! Make sure to check below for important instructional and assessment updates, along with some well-deserved shout-outs from our first round of SMCs.

This week, I encourage everyone to focus on our i-Ready MyPath minutes — let’s continue aiming for 45 minutes per subject each week. Thank you to the teachers who have already built strong student routines around this goal.

As we prepare for Parent Conferences, please take time to review the materials shared and plan for meaningful, data-driven conversations with families. Thank you for the heart and professionalism you bring to each interaction — it makes all the difference.

— Principal Carter

Congratulations to Ms. Gamez, our Pride Member of the Week!

Ms. Gamez demonstrated exceptional leadership in coordinating another successful Hispanic Heritage Night, bringing our community together in celebration of culture and connection. Thank you for spearheading this effort while continuing to do incredible work in your classroom each day. Your dedication and passion truly embody Excellence, Not Without Effort.

• We’re thrilled to announce our 2025–2026 Lipscomb Teacher of the Year nominees — Ms. Paredes and Ms. Gamez! 🎉 Both have been recognized by their peers for their exceptional dedication, leadership, and the lasting impact they make in the lives of our students every day.

• We also proudly recognize our Aspire Award nominees, Ms. Litzy Martinez and Ms. Smalley, for their positivity, teamwork, and unwavering dedication to supporting our students and staff.

• Staff will have the opportunity to vote anonymously after school on Monday to determine our official campus honorees. Thank you to everyone who continues to model our standard of Excellence, Not Without Effort!

🌟 This Week’s Lion Shout-Outs!

• Multicultural Committee: Mrs. Sanchez · Ms. Elias · Mrs. Flores · Mrs. Hernandez · Mr. Ramirez · Ms. Ana Martinez · Mrs. Cecilia Martinez · Mrs. Contreras Your teamwork made the night shine!
• Ms. Wilson – For creating a thoughtful buddy system to support our TC student! Your leadership has built a classroom rooted in empathy and belonging — a true reflection of the IB Learner Profile.
• Pre-K Team – Ms. Paredes, Mrs. Morse, Mrs. Sanchez, Mrs. Vega, and Ms. Valles — along with our incredible assistants Mrs. Contreras, Ms. Alvarez, Ms. Litzy, Ana Martinez, and Mrs. Acevedo! Thank you for your collaboration, care, and consistency in providing the best learning environment for our youngest Lions.
• 3rd & 4th Grade Teams – Ms. Gamez, Mrs. Flores, Ms. Davila, Mrs. Hernandez, Ms. Armenta, and Mrs. Sumners — your smooth transition into new classrooms and unwavering commitment to high-quality instruction has been inspiring!
• 2nd Grade Team – Mrs. Gomez, Ms. Burns, and Ms. Johnson — thank you for your positivity and teamwork during a warm week in your classrooms!
• Special appreciation to Mrs. Wright and Mrs. Owens for going above and beyond to keep learning conditions comfortable.

• Ms. Hernandez (4th Grade Math): 71% of students meeting growth goals

• Ms. Sumners (4th Grade Math): 67% of students meeting growth goals

• Ms. Rodriguez Mata (5th Grade Science): 60% of students meeting growth goals. Your focus on growth, clarity of instruction, and high expectations are driving incredible results!

• Ms. Cecilia Martinez – for coordinating parent volunteers for Hispanic Heritage Night

• Ms. Ana Martinez – for hosting our campus Lotería game

• Ms. Elda – for creative decorations that brought the event to life

• Ms. Flores, Ms. Contreras, Ms. Gomez, Ms. Sanchez, Ms. Hernandez, and Mr. Ramirez – for behind-the-scenes event support

• Ms. Sumners – for leading the planning for our upcoming Trunk or Treat!

• TA's clock in by 7:30am | Teachers clock in by 7:45am
• Morning Announcements led by 2C this week
• Morning Circle Lessons
• Week 2: Two grades per subject in Powerschool

• Pink Out Week: All staff are encouraged to wear pink, denim, and cowboy boots to show support and raise awareness.

Monday, Oct 20

• IB Unit #3 Window | Thru Oct 24
• National Day on Writing ✍️
• 3:45–4:00 PM | Staff Meeting

Tuesday, Oct 21

• 3:30–5:00 PM | Coding Club 💻
• 3:30–4:30 PM | Basketball Practice 🏀

Wednesday, Oct 22 (Carter at Principal's Meeting All Day)

• Panorama Student Survey Administration 📝
• 12:00–2:30 PM | 🍧 Kona Ice for All Students! – B Campus Celebration
• All Day | Wear Pink to Support Breast Cancer Awareness 💗

Thursday, Oct 23

• Panorama Student Survey Make-Ups 📝
• 3:30–7:30 PM | Fall Parent Conference Night – Cava Dinner provided by PTA 🥗
• 3:30–4:30 PM | After School Instrument Ensemble 🎶
• All Week | Red Ribbon Week ❤️ (Thru Oct 31)

Friday, Oct 24

• 11:30 AM–2:30 PM | Academy 4 Friday 🦁
• 5:00–6:30 PM | Trunk or Treat! 🎃
• Book Fair Begins 📚
• Fall Field Trip Forms Due | End of Business Day

Saturday, Oct 25

(No Scheduled Events)

Sunday, Oct 26

• 🍰 Happy Birthday, Mr. Cautiverio! 🎉

• Parent Conferences are this Thursday, October 23rd, from 3:30–7:30 PM.

• All staff members are required to attend.

• Thank you for ensuring every family has a meaningful and data-driven conference experience

• We will review all logistics together during our staff meeting on Monday after school.

• Please refer to the attached Parent Conference Night Plan for detailed expectations, schedule, and preparation guidelines.

• Application Deadline: Saturday, October 25
• The Woodrow Wilson High School Community Foundation is inviting grant proposals for classroom and school initiatives designed to elevate student learning across our feeder pattern. These grants are intended to support bold ideas and targeted strategies that directly impact teaching and student outcomes. Please click here to learn more about the grant.

• HB 2’s new TEC §21.0032 restricts school districts from using their District of Innovation (DOI) plans to exempt certain certification requirements outlined in TEC §21.003.

• Dallas ISD is preparing to apply for an extension that will delay teacher certification requirements until the start of the 2029-2030 school year (if approved). If extension is denied, elementary core subject teachers would not be eligible for rehire.

• We’ve all been there — running just a few minutes behind, coffee in hand, giving ourselves that “this one time won’t hurt” pep talk as we eye the quickest way into the parking lot.
• But our friends at the Dallas Police Department have kindly reminded us that the one-way streets surrounding our campus are, in fact, not suggestions. 🛑
• To keep everyone safe (and citation-free), please stick to the green routes and avoid the red shortcuts shown below. The red paths may seem tempting, but let’s save our daring maneuvers for the hallway transitions, not Worth Street!
• Let’s keep our arrival routes as smooth and safe as our dismissal routines — because nothing says “Lipscomb Pride” like following the law and keeping our parking lot peaceful.

• Dallas ISD is pleased to announce that all teachers and campus administrators now have access to Gemini Premium, Google’s advanced AI tool designed to support teaching, learning, and productivity.
• Gemini Premium helps streamline lesson design, provide real-time feedback, support differentiated instruction, and free up time for educators to focus on students. This year, a student version of Gemini will also be released to all high school students, expanding opportunities for learning at the secondary level.
• To learn more about Gemini and how it can be used to support instruction and streamline tasks, please watch this short video.
• Video Announcement: https://youtu.be/gpY7jvIMM14?si=TVO1VqXdQ9D6LvrF

• 45 mins/week iReady My Path
• 1 Data Point Weekly Tracked in All-In Learning

SMC data shows that 38 students in Grades 3–5 moved up a half-band in Math and 13 students moved up a half-band in Reading since the last assessment window.

• Fall SMC 1 Results: 83% Approaches | 63% Meets | 32% Masters | Domain 1: 60

• Campus STAAR Goal: 86% Approaches | 62% Meets | 37% Masters | Domain 1: 60

Our Fall SMC 1 performance has already met our Domain 1 target of 60 and is right in line with our year-end goals for Meets and Masters. While we are slightly lower in Masters (32% vs. 37% goal), we are ahead in Meets (63% vs. 62%) — a strong sign that core instruction is showing growth.

• Multiple, varied Checks for Understanding (CFUs) throughout the lesson.

• Teachers adjust instruction in real time based on student responses.

• Students - not the teacher - do the majority of the thinking, talking, and work.

• Students engage in authentic dialogue, accountable talk, or collaboration.

With quarter one behind us and fresh data in hand, now is the time to center students in the conversation. It is critical that we create space for students to reflect on their progress, revisit and refine their goals for the year, and take ownership of the next steps in their learning. These conversations not only help students see their growth, but also strengthen their agency and investment in achieving their goals.

• Student Goal Setting Resources

Our campus goal each week is 45 minutes per subject with a 70–100% lesson pass rate. Students working within the 30–49-minute range are demonstrating the ideal balance of consistent engagement and focused learning.

Weekly Usage Standouts (30–49 Minutes)

• Ms. Armenta (4C): 56% of students in the target range

• Ms. Flores (3D): 53% of students in the optimal learning window

• Ms. Johnson (2D): 48% of students pacing consistently

Lesson Mastery Leaders (70–100% Pass Rate)

• Ms. Flores (3C): 100% lesson pass rate

• Ms. Jackson (1C): 91% mastery in Reading

• Ms. Ramirez (1A): 84% pass rate and strong student follow-through

We are steadily moving closer to our campus i-Ready goals. Continue encouraging students to stay within the 30–49-minute weekly rhythm and to focus on lesson mastery. Every minute and every lesson contributes to growth

• Success Central and Teacher Toolbox is a powerhouse resource bank and if you are not using it, you are missing out.

• To view an assessment, click on the folder icon to the right of the test name.
• Official scores for SCR/ECR items are being processed.
• How to Print Student Responses -SchoolCity SMC #1 Help Document
• Academic Services will also post PDF tests on Curriculum Central.

• Wednesday, October 22, students in grades 2–12 will participate in the Dallas ISD School Environment Survey. This districtwide survey—administered by Panorama Education—gathers student feedback about school climate, belonging, and safety to help improve the learning environment.

There has been an increase in the spread of Hand, Foot and Mouth disease in Dallas county. It is usually first seen in our Pre-K classes.

KEY POINTS:

• Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is common in children under 5 years old, but anyone can get it.
• The illness is usually not serious, but it is very contagious.
• To prevent spreading HFMD, wash hands often, clean and disinfect surfaces, and avoid close contact with others.

• It is not reportable to Dallas county and students may return to school if they are fever free for 24 hours without medications.

ACTION ITEMS:

• Clinic staff will continue to monitor and track cases.
• Please notify me if parents tell you of any cases or send excuse notes mentioning cases.
• Nurses will keep a list of students that have signs or symptoms or that the parent has provided documentation and reach out to me if you notice clustering or an increase in the illness.

Surface and high touch areas in the classroom and clinic area should be cleaned throughout the day as well as good hand hygiene for the students and staff. Handwashing is preferred over hand sanitizer.

If custodians still have the backpack sprayers from the COVID era, those can be utilized over this long weekend.

Letters are not sent from the campus without first being approved by our ED Ms. Finley and the Communications Department. Generalized communication about staying home if ill is 100% appropriate.

Thanks for your attention to this to keep our students as healthy as possible!

Nurse Wilcox

This week highlights the value of good character and its important role in building strong communities that value positive, healthy relationships and respectful behavior. During CHARACTER COUNTS! Week, we celebrate young people who are role models of good character in their communities and support the parents and educators who teach our young people to be trustworthy, respectful, responsible, fair, caring, and good citizens.

Lessons/Resources/Activities

MONDAY – TRUSTWORTHINESS

• Google Slidedeck

TUESDAY – RESPECT

• Google Slidedeck

WEDNESDAY – RESPONSIBILITY

• Google Slidedeck

THURSDAY – FAIRNESS AND CARING

• Google Slidedeck

FRIDAY – GOOD CITIZENSHIP

• Google Slidedeck

E-Sports will be starting on Thursday, October 30th from 3:40 pm to 4:40 pm. There are only 10 spots available for eligible students grades 4 and 5.

The fall tournament will be held on Saturday, December 13th from 9am - 5pm at Obama Male Leadership Academy. Please contact Ms. Wilson for any questions.

Oct 24 – RSVP to “Because of You” Celebration

Oct 27 (3:45–4:45 PM) – Staff Meeting

Oct 27–31 – Book Fair, Halloween Door Decorating, Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Oct 28 (3:30–5:00 PM) – Coding Club

Oct 29 – Principal for a Day (Breakfast by BOA) | 4th FT to UT Dallas

Oct 31 – Storybook Character Day | FCE Fall Survey Closes | Finalize Grades

NOV 1 (9:00-1:00 PM) Discover Dallas ISD - Fair Park | Automobile Bdg.

Nov 3 (4:00 PM) – PTA “Because of You” Event @ Garden Café

Nov 4 – No School (Election Day)

Nov 5 (8:30 AM) – Coffee with Principal Carter

Nov 6 – Test Security Training Due | 3rd FT to Perot | After School Ensemble

Nov 7 (2:30 PM) – Peace Pantry Distribution

Nov 8 – ES Chess Tournament (North)

• Dallas ISD is participating in the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) cyclical monitoring process for special education. As part of this process, TEA is gathering feedback from staff and families on how special education services and supports are provided.
• The survey is anonymous and takes about 10–15 minutes to complete. Your feedback is valuable and will help strengthen how we serve students receiving special education services.
• Please take time to complete the survey and encourage families of students receiving special education services to participate as well. The survey is available in English and Spanish and will remain open through December 15, 2025.

• All core content DOI teachers are required to complete a minimum of 12 hours of district-assigned professional development by December 15, 2025.
• Eligible sessions completed in Cornerstone will count automatically, but any PD not listed in Cornerstone will require documentation and an administrator’s signature.

• The Kemper Foundation is accepting applications for its 2025 Read Conmigo Educator Grant, offering $3,000 to support classroom resources or professional learning that promote dual-language (Spanish–English) education.
• Up to 100 grants are awarded annually, with the fall deadline on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
• Learn more about eligibility and the application process on The Kemper Foundation website.

• From October 1 through December 12, 2025, teachers and staff can receive important seasonal and preventive vaccinations at various District locations.
• Flyer

NEW CATALOGUE

Action Items for Sponsors:

• 🎯 Student Waivers — All club members must return a signed waiver by the end of this week.

• 🎯 Rosters — Update Student Activities Rosters.

• 🎯 Sponsor Training — 100% of sponsors must complete the 2025 training. A passing score of 80%+ generates a certificate emailed to you. Please provide a copy to Ms. Valadez for recordkeeping in case of audit/campus review.

• Each grade level must plan one field trip per semester.

• Fall Field Trip Form Deadline: October 24

• Forms must be submitted to Ms. Valadez at least 20 instructional days before the trip.

• The last day for field trips is May 3.

• PTA will sponsor two trips per grade level (one in fall, one in spring).

• More details on forms will be shared next week.

• Dallas ISD is offering a $500 incentive for EC–6 Core Content and Secondary ELAR teachers who earn ESL certification in 2025–26.
• Eligible teachers must attend a prep session, pass the TExES 154 exam, and add the certification to their license.
• 📎 Details and requirements are in the attached one-pager.

• Woodrow Grant Foundation (up to $60,000): Please submit ideas to Mr. Carter by October 25.
• LECPTA Grant: If you have proposals, please get with Mr. Carter by October 25 (this funded the 5th Grade camping trip last year).
• Maker Space: Nearly $20,000 remains for our new maker space (to be complete by December). If you’d like to join the design team, let Mr. Carter know.
• PTA Wishlist - Don’t forget—you can request up to $500 through the PTA using this form. Before submitting, please check with Mr. Carter to confirm the item isn’t already on campus.

Video: How to create and manage a student plan in Powerschool Unified Insights

Naming Convention:

Student Initials_Student ID #_ConcernArea_Tier

Ex: TT_123456_Engagement_Tier2 or IC_654321_LanguageSpeech_Tier2

Important:

• All plans must be manually shared with: Ms. Timms, AP Yetts, Principal Carter, and other collaborative teachers (if necessary).

• To ensure students receive designated supports on assessments, they must have a documented intervention plan in Unified Insights.

Resources:

• BOY MTSS Slide Deck

• SST Meeting Prep video

For questions, contact Ms. Timms.