Pride Preview Vol. 28

As we spring forward into Spring Break, every day counts for every single child. Thank you to the teachers who go out of their way to ensure students are here each day and in front of you — because we know that’s where they find the greatest success.

This time of year brings a full calendar and an important assessment season. While testing matters, it is not the only thing that matters. I also want to acknowledge that this season can bring added pressure — and our students can feel it too. I’ve noticed that many of them are carrying more than usual.

Let’s stay grounded in what we can control: what we teach today, which students need the most support, and how we show up in front of them. That applies to every grade level. Focus on the instruction in front of you, the standards we hold, and the mindset we bring each day.

Let me worry about test scores and accountability. You focus on the students in front of you — their growth, their grade-level mastery, and the culture of excellence in your classrooms. Control your attitude, your effort, and your expectations. The results will follow.

Finish strong. Spring Break is almost here.

Best,

ijc

PS - I was sent this photo by one of our staff...I'm appalled.

Congratulations to Ms. Acevedo, our incredible librarian, for successfully facilitating our second Book Fair of the year! In addition to this major undertaking, she continues to help sponsor our Finding Nemo musical. Coordinating both initiatives is no small task, and she did an outstanding job organizing and involving numerous volunteers to ensure everything ran smoothly.

Thank you, Ms. Acevedo, for your leadership, dedication, and commitment to our students!

• Shout out to our amazing teachers and staff who contributed to making TELPAS testing run smoothly. We appreciate your hard work and support!
• A huge congratulations to our 3rd–5th grade teachers! Lipscomb achieved a +7 point increase in Domain 2A from SMC 2 to SMC 3, and this growth reflects your focused instruction, intentional planning, and commitment to student success.

• This week, I want to recognize the many teachers who go the extra mile to ensure families are consistently informed about what is happening in their classrooms. Whether through weekly Friday newsletters, daily updates, or sharing photos of student learning, your communication makes a meaningful difference.
• Parents regularly share with me that this level of communication is one of the reasons they are so happy to be at Lipscomb. Your efforts help strengthen the home–school connection and truly reflect our belief that it takes a village to support our children.
• Below are a few examples from Ms Hernandez, Mr. Serrano, Mr. Ramirez, Ms. Valles, and Ms. Jackson (this is not an all-inclusive list). Thank you to all who prioritize keeping families informed — your work is seen, valued, and deeply appreciated.

• Morning Announcements

• 🆕 Dallas College Courses for PreK Paraprofessionals
• 🆕 March for Better Nutrition – Celebrate National Nutrition Month
• Open Transfer Period
• Spring Break Meals

Starting this week, we’ll begin using a short weekly check-in called the Lion Pulse

• The Lion Pulse is a quick way for the leadership team to stay aware of how our staff is doing week to week and where support may be needed. Schools move quickly, and sometimes things build up before anyone realizes someone could use help.
• The form takes about 20 seconds to complete. If someone indicates they’re feeling overwhelmed or could use support, a member of the leadership team will follow up.
• Our goal is simple: making sure no one at Lipscomb feels like they’re carrying the work of this campus alone.
• You’ll see the first Lion Pulse come through Monday morning. 🦁

As a reminder, district-issued laptops are for instructional use only.

• Students should not be using laptops during indoor recess or other non-instructional times.
• It is essential that staff actively monitor and enforce this expectation to ensure devices are used appropriately and in alignment with district policy. Consistent enforcement helps protect instructional time, maintains device care, and supports a safe and structured learning environment.

• As we return from Spring Break, we will be more closely monitoring and enforcing our attendance and work hours procedures. Please ensure you are following expectations for work hours, submitting absence requests in advance, entering absences in Frontline, and maintaining updated sub plans.

[STAFF ATTENDANCE POLICY]

• These expectations help ensure consistency, accountability, and smooth campus operations. Thank you for your cooperation and professionalism.

• Please review this list of Q3 Failing Grades
• Students in clubs and UIL activities are required to maintain passing grades to continue participation

• The LEAD Department is currently recruiting educators who are interested in taking the next step toward campus leadership. Through LEAD’s Learn2LEAD program, Dallas ISD partners with universities and leadership organizations to support educators in earning their Master’s in Educational Leadership and/or principal certification while continuing to serve students.

• Master’s + Principal Certification programs
• Principal Certification Only pathway.
• RSVP For Information Session
• Questions: Derinda Hunter, LEAD Director, at DHunter@dallasisd.org.

• Please review the Staff Attendance Policy
• Cybersecurity Awareness Due May 8
• Spring Field Trip Deadline: March 30

As we head into testing season, we’re launching a fun campus theme to motivate our students: Leveling Up Lipscomb!

You’ll begin seeing video-game inspired visuals, announcements, and celebrations across campus as we encourage students to unlock their best effort on STAAR. Think progress bars, power-ups, achievements, and lots of Lion pride as our students continue leveling up their learning.

Our goal is simple:

• 🎯 Confidence
• 🎯 Effort
• 🎯 Growth

More details on ways we’ll celebrate students and build excitement will be shared soon. In the meantime, thank you for the incredible work you’re doing each day to prepare our Lions.

Let’s keep leveling up. 🦁🎮

• March 24: Grades 3–5 Student Survey
• April 8: Grades 3–5 STAAR Reading Language Arts (RLA)
• April 15: Grade 5 STAAR Science
• April 22: Grades 3–5 STAAR Math

💻 Cambium Practice Reminder

Please ensure students are given regular opportunities to practice on the Cambium platform in preparation for STAAR, for each testing subject.

• REFERRAL FORM
• PTA WISHLIST FORM
• LIONS LINKS
• PREVIEW ARCHIVE
• NEWSLETTER INFO SUBMISSION
• CALENDARS
• IB SHARED DRIVE