Purple House 5 2023-2024

Thank you for the wonderful Open House turnout! Your children truly gave it their all as they worked hard to clean, prepare, and get ready to share their incredible work and learning. We were so proud to watch them shine and celebrate all they have accomplished with you.

A note from the office: To minimize disruptions and allow all learners to fully participate in special events (for example Music performances), the front office has been instructed not to pull learners from assemblies for early parent pick-up. When assemblies are in progress, students will not be called out until the assembly has concluded.

We understand that families may occasionally need to pick up early, and appreciate your understanding that our office team is following school practices designed to support a positive experience for all learners. If an early pick-up is necessary on a day when an assembly is scheduled, please ask parents to plan on arriving before the assembly begins or after it has concluded.

Thank you and have a wonderful SPRING BREAK!

With gratitude,
Ms. Voltz

Open House was a wonderful celebration of learning in Purple 5!

Our learners proudly shared their hard work with families as they demonstrated how electrical energy flows through a complete pathway. Families also enjoyed viewing the students’ impressive Desmos graphing calculator art, where math and creativity came together in colorful designs. In addition, families had the chance to read some of the incredible writing our learners have been crafting. It was a joy to see students so excited to showcase their thinking, creativity, and growth. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening so special! 🎉📚⚡📈

Our learners may have crossed the finish line on Friday, but there’s still time to donate! The House Class competitions are open through Spring Break, closing on Sunday, March 22nd! Visit rjlpto.org/colorrun to donate. Proceeds directly fund Field Day, with all remaining funds going to our PE department for PE and recess equipment!

In math this week, our learners explored the fascinating number π (Pi) by investigating circles using both standard and non-standard units of measurement. By measuring the circumference and diameter of different circular objects, students discovered that the ratio between these two measurements always stays the same—an amazing mathematical constant known around the world as Pi! It was exciting to see learners uncover this beautiful pattern that mathematicians have studied for thousands of years. And of course, what better way to celebrate Pi Day than by enjoying a little delicious pie while appreciating the sweetness of mathematics! 🥧

Thank you parents for donating the pies for us to share and celebrate!

Our scientists have been having a blast debating the amazing adaptations of animals from around the world! Using research and evidence, learners are comparing how different animals survive in their environments and arguing which adaptations might give one animal the advantage over another.

So far, the debates have been exciting! The African elephant used its incredible size, strength, and intelligence to defeat the sloth, while the snow leopard narrowly edged out the powerful harpy eagle in a very close match. Students are discovering fascinating facts about animals with some truly unusual features—from camouflage and claws to strength, speed, and survival skills.

More debates are coming as we continue asking: Which adaptations help an animal survive best? Our learners are building research skills, practicing persuasive speaking, and discovering just how incredible the natural world can be!

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This may sound far away, but mark your calendars now since this event is the Friday after we come back from spring break! Please save the date to join us at Ground Control Las Colinas trampoline park on the evening of March 27th for glow night! We hope this will be a great time for the kids to hang, but also for the adults to get to know each other! You can buy ticketsfor entry from 6-8pm on the hour or half hour onsite or online! If you purchase online, when you arrive, make sure to mention our fundraiser and have them print out your receipt!

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Did you know that π (pi) is one of the most famous numbers in mathematics? Pi represents the relationship between a circle’s circumference (distance around) and its diameter (distance across). No matter how big or small the circle is, that relationship is always about 3.14

To celebrate Pi Day (3/14), learners can explore circles at home in fun and creative ways:

Circle Investigation 🔍

Look around your home for circular objects such as plates, lids, bowls, jars, or wheels. Measure the diameter (across the middle) and the circumference (distance around the edge using a string or tape measure). Divide the circumference by the diameter. What number do you notice? Is it close to 3.14?

Bake Some “Pi”! 🥧
If your family enjoys baking, try making a pie together. Notice how pies are circular! Talk about the radius, diameter, and circumference while preparing it.

Pi Memory Challenge 🧠
How many digits of pi can you remember? Start with 3.14 and see how far you can go!
3.1415926535…

Mathematicians have been fascinated with π for thousands of years. See if your family can discover just how many circles you can find in your everyday world!

A big thank you to Mrs. Keiko for spending time with our learners and sharing her gardening wisdom! During recess, students were thrilled to taste some of the very first strawberries from our garden. The excitement was contagious as they discovered that some of the strawberries are already surprisingly big and delicious. Moments like these make our garden project so special—our learners are seeing firsthand how patience, care, and a healthy environment help plants grow and thrive. 🍓

Order your 2025-26 yearbooks today! You must order online before April 7. Type in Richard J Lee Elementary. Yearbook ID: 13015826.

Join us Saturday, May 2 for the14th Annual CEF Run to Fund<http://coppellisdef.org/run-to-fund/> at Andy Brown East! Choose your way to participate:

* 5K Run
* 1-Mile Family Fun Run
* Sleep-In & Support

Proceeds will allow CEF to bring innovative teacher support and learning opportunities to all students in CISD. Bonus: $2 from every entry goes directly to the PE department at the CISD school of your choice!

Sign up today and support CISD classrooms! coppellisdef.org/run-to-fund/<http://coppellisdef.org/run-to-fund/>
Early Bird pricing is $35 through March 29 (prices increase March 30).

TEXAS HISTORY MONTH

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

March 23 - Spirit Rally 2:00 (Basketball Courts)

March 24 - Report Card Grades Due (8:00 AM)

March 26 - Community Learning Walk (8:00-9:00)

March 27 - Report Cards in HAC

Evidence of Student Progress #5 completed and scored

March 16 - 20 - NO SCHOOL

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