Pride Preview Vol. 21

Lipscomb Pride,

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the recent school climate survey.

The feedback indicates a significant gap in trust in campus leadership and highlights areas where staff do not feel consistently supported or heard. While this is difficult to read, it is important feedback. Regardless of intent, the survey reflects how leadership is being experienced, and I take responsibility for addressing it.

Tomorrow, we will have a brief huddle after school so that I can outline how we will begin responding to the survey. This will be short and focused on next steps.

As we move into testing season, my priority is to reduce uncertainty, protect instructional focus, and ensure that the actions we take moving forward are grounded in staff voice and followed through consistently.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey, and I look forward to turning these weak points into strengths in the coming weeks and months.

Thank you for showing up, speaking up, and being the reason our school runs each day!

With Pride, Always,

ijc

This week, we proudly recognize Ms. Sherrie, our Boys & Girls Club Afterschool Coordinator, as our Pride Member of the Week.

Ms. Sherrie leads an afterschool program that continues to grow each week and consistently receives positive feedback from families. Thanks to her leadership and the dedication of her team, over one-third of Lipscomb families trust our afterschool program daily. The program not only provides a safe and engaging environment, but also reinforces many of the skills students develop during the school day—while making time for fun.

Thank you to Ms. Sherrie and her team for their commitment to our students and families. We are proud to have you at Lipscomb and look forward to many more years of impact.

Ms. Sherrie will receive reserved parking, a gift card, and a certificate in recognition of her outstanding work.

• A huge shout-out to Mrs. Owens for a spectacular, well-planned Open House event!

  And shout-out to the amazing staff who participated—Ms. Timms, Mrs. Bustos, Mrs. Wright, Ms. Johnson, Mrs. Benton, Ms. Paredes, Mrs. Martinez, and Ms. Elias—thank you for your collaboration and team effort to connect with our future new Lions families

• Shout out to our 2nd–5th grade teachers for picking up your students from the auditorium on time each morning! This has tremendously helped keep arrival smooth, safe, and organized. Thank you!

• Let’s give a warm welcome back to Mrs. Arredondo!
  She hit the ground running—resetting her classroom, reconnecting with students, and jumping right back into teaching. We are so glad you’re back!

• Huge shout-out to Ms. Burns for caring for all of your students and providing extra TLC to those who need additional support. Your patience, compassion, and commitment do not go unnoticed—thank you for all you do!

• Shout-out to Ms. Mena for stepping in to support Ms. Jackson’s class last week! Thank you for your flexibility, dedication, and commitment to doing what’s best for all students. We truly appreciate you!

• Shout-out to Ms. Banda and Ms. Elda for updating our bulletin boards and having them ready for Open House! Thank you for your hard work and for helping our campus look welcoming and amazing for our families!

• Shout-out to Ms. Armenta for stepping in and keeping Mrs. Sumners’ class for a short time while still pushing instruction forward! Thank you for your flexibility and for being a true PYP Risk-Taker—your commitment to our students does not go unnoticed!

• Shout-out to Coach Walker for leading our Lions to the playoffs!
  Thank you for being a true Communicator and Leader, inspiring students to be Risk-Takers, Principled, and Reflective as they work together toward success. Way to go, Lions!!

All the Calendars for All the Things HERE

• 7:40am : TA at duty location in Cafeteria/Auditorium
• 7:45am : Teachers at pickup locations in Cafeteria/Auditorium
• 8:10am: Morning Announcements, 2A
• Morning Circle Lessons
• 🎯 Week 3: THREE grades per subject in Powerschool (Grading Calendar)
• Follow Master Schedule Daily and refer to Rotations Schedule
• Review Content IPC and Assessment Calendar
• If the outside temperature or wind chill is below 32°F, we will have indoor recess.

• Academy 4 Friday: Schedule here
• Brief after school school staff huddle on Tuesday 3:45pm-3:55pm in Auditorium
• Lockdown and Hazardous Materials Drills this Week (see below)

• Instruction must begin no later than 8 am daily. (This includes Morning Circles)
• Non-Negotiables:
1. Teach to the standard at the appropriate level of rigor.
• Activity (what the students do, should align to the standard/LO of the day)
1. Standard posted, verb highlighted.
1. Learning Objective aligns to the standard
2. Success Criteria posted
3. Teacher Exemplars

To support staff wellness during the Spring Semester, we will be sharing helpful small challenges to remind you to take care of your health and wellness. Each week, we will share a new challenge to take part in, and hope everyone takes a moment for themselves to complete the challenge.

Good morning Team!

Please see testing updates below:

• STAAR Field Test: This assessment is for Grades 3–5 Spanish Reading only. All campus secure-testing protocols must be followed. Please take a few minutes to review this presentation.
• NAEP Testing: This assessment is for 4th grade only. All campus secure-testing protocols must be followed.

Feb 02 - 3-5 STAAR Field Test (Spanish Reading Only)

Feb 12 - NAEP Assessment (4th Grade only)

Feb 18 - 3-5 STAAR Simulator Reading (SMC3)

Feb 24 - 5th Grade Only STAAR Simulator Math (SMC3)/2nd Grade TELPAS L&S

Feb 25 - 4-5 Grade STAAR Simulator Math/ 2nd Grade TELPAS R&W /5th Grade STAAR Simulator Math Make-Ups

Feb 26 - 5th Grade STAAR Simulator Science (SMC3)/2nd Grade TELPAS Make-Ups

• Fire Drill - completed every month (January through May)

• Lockdown - February 3, 2026

• Shelter in Place (Severe Weather) - February 3, 2026

• Shelter in Place (Hazardous Materials) - February 3, 2026

• Take a look at this new Academic Director, where you can quickly look up helpdful academic progress data for each student. This is great for parent conference, student conferences, LAB planning, etc.

• We are excited to bring Dr. Byron Morgan to campus on January 29th to meet with staff, answer questions, and provide massages for all staff who may be interested.
• Please sign up for a slot HERE if you would like to get a massage and ask questions to Dr. Morgan!

• Spring Parent Conference Guidelines
• Add Sign up Link here by Friday, Jan 23!
• 
  

The Parent Ambassador Program includes Regional Parent Ambassadors, nominated by EDs, who help support campuses by strengthening communication between families, schools, and the Special Services Department. Interested in joining the team? Please see the flyer for details.

Beginning Nov. 1, 2025, the District entered into an exclusive beverage agreement with Keurig/Dr Pepper and ended any and all agreements with the previous beverage vendor.

The exclusive beverage contract with Keurig/Dr Pepper means that ALL beverages sold and/or used during official district and campus events in Dallas ISD must be Keurig/Dr Pepper beverage products. Campus-based fundraisers, carnivals, celebrations, meetings, concessions, etc. MUST and can ONLY SERVE Keurig/Dr. Pepper products.

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Assessing student progress with purpose

Assessment is intentional and embedded in daily instruction. Lessons include clear checks for understanding that reveal whether students learned the objective, and this evidence is used to guide reteach, review, spiral, and next steps. Students actively track, reflect on, and celebrate their progress so learning is visible and meaningful.

Strengthening expectations for small group instruction

Small group instruction is purpose-driven and responsive. Teachers and students have clear expectations for small groups, grounded in evidence of student learning. Instruction in small groups is informed by student work and data, with close attention to the quality, rigor, and progress of student thinking.

Rigor, agency, and instructional lift

Instruction prioritizes student thinking and academic rigor. Students do the majority of the cognitive work through explaining, justifying, and problem-solving. Tasks align to the full rigor of the TEKS, and teachers use intentional instructional moves to support growth for students across the achievement continuum.

Cynthia Flores to host Math PD on Jan 26, Feb. 2, and Feb. 9th!

• If the outside temperature or wind chill is below 32°F, we will have indoor recess.
  
• Staff should be alert to students who appear uncomfortable during outdoor activities, especially those with underlying health conditions. For individual concerns, consult the campus nurse.

Jan 26: NAEP G4 Testing Window Opens

Jan 26: Deadline for all FEB Field Trip Paperwork

Jan 26: Staff Meeting (3:45pm-4:45pm)

Jan 26: Math PD with Cynthia Flores (3:45pm-4:45pm)

Jan 26-30: IB Planning (1/2 Day)

Jan 27: IB/Toddle PD through PLCs - Room TBD

Jan 28: Musical Practice (3:30pm-5:00pm)

Jan 29: Lunar New Year

Jan 29: Spring Parent Conference (4pm-7pm)

Jan 30: Math Magic Assessment 2

Jan 30: School Choice Application Closes

Jan 30: Yearbook Club (3:45pm-4:45pm)

Jan 31: Debate Tournament

Jan 31: ES Cheer Showcase

Feb 1 - Feb 28: Black History Month

Feb 2 - Feb 6: School Counselor Appreciation Week

Feb 2: Groundhog Day

Feb 2: STAAR Field Test (3-5) Spanish Reading

Feb 2: Math PD with Cynthia Flores (3:45pm-4:45pm)

Feb 3: Setsubun

Feb 4: Coffee w/Principal @8:30am

Feb 4: Musical Practice (3:30pm-5:00pm)

Feb 5: 🎂 Ms. Wilson Birthday

Feb 5: Musical Practice (3:30pm-5:00pm)

Feb 6: Peace Pantry (2:30pm-4:00pm)

Feb 6: Yearbook Club (3:45-4:45pm)