Weekly Newsletter
KIMBERLIN ACADEMY FOR EXCELLENCE
March 31, 2025
WEEK AT A GLANCE
MONDAY
TUESDAY
- Looking Back (agenda)
- College, Career and Military Readiness Day (jeans day)
WEDNESDAY (Paraprofessional Appreciation Day!)
- Staff Meeting for STAAR Training
- ALL professional staff must attend
THURSDAY
-
FRIDAY (Librarian Appreciation Day!)
- Emily Fulmer's Bridal Shower @ Bankhead Brewing Co.
Choose Your Affirmation!
As educators, we pour so much of ourselves into others—into our students, our teams, our communities. It's easy to forget that we need to fill our own cups, too. One small but powerful way to do that is by starting your day with a positive affirmation.
Choose one that speaks to you—or create your own—and keep it somewhere you’ll see it often. A sticky note on your desk, a phone lock screen, a quiet thought in the mirror. Let it be a reminder of the incredible work you do and the heart you bring to it every day.
Link to even more affirmations for educators:
I am proud and excited to announce that the PTA is once again able to grant Gifts to Kimberlin this year! The total amount that will be available for these gifts is still being finalized, but because of the great success of our Fun Run earlier this year, we expect to be able to grant many Gifts to Kimberlin this year!
The PTA considers year-end Gifts to Kimberlin on a submission basis based on requests received from teachers and administration, and that is where we need your input! Please consider needs in your classroom, across your grade level, or school-wide and submit your requests for the PTA’s consideration as follows:
1. ✅ Complete the Google form by clicking on the link here: 2025 Gifts to Kimberlin Application
2. 📌🖇️ Attach an invoice, screenshot of an online shopping cart, or a purchase order reflecting a description of the item requested and the total cost (including shipping and handling). We MUST have this supporting cost documentation in order to consider any request. You may also include photos, brochures, or other supporting documentation that will assist the PTA in considering your request, but this is optional.
Deadline to submit requests: Monday, April 14th, 2025.
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly (president@kimberlinpta.org). Thank you for all you do to enrich the lives of our students. You are truly appreciated!
🌟 STAAR Assessment Preparation! 🌟
As we gear up for the upcoming STAAR assessment, we want to make sure everyone is fully prepared! Here’s a quick update for all staff:
🗓 Afterschool Training:
We’ll be holding a training session this Wednesday, April 2, after school to review everything you need to know for the STAAR. This meeting is for all staff members. Make sure you’re there to get all the info! 📖✅
💼 Gather Accommodation Materials:
For 3rd-5th grade teachers, please begin gathering student accommodation materials this week. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Mrs. Valdora or Mrs. Hale. They’re happy to help!
🧳 Material Collection:
On Thursday, April 3, Mrs. Hicks will be visiting 3rd-5th grade classrooms during specials to collect accommodation materials. Please ensure each student’s materials are clearly labeled with their name. This helps keep everything organized! 🎒✏️
Thanks for your hard work and dedication! Let’s make this STAAR assessment a smooth and successful experience for all our students! 🎉
As part of our commitment to providing the best possible learning environment for all our students, it is required that all professional staff be trained on dyslexia. This training is crucial in equipping us with the necessary tools and strategies to support students with dyslexia and ensure we can better meet their individual learning needs.
‼️ Please click through the linked presentation and fill out the Google form as your attendance by May 15, 2025.
Your participation is essential, as this knowledge will not only enhance our approach to teaching but also help us foster an inclusive and supportive environment for every student.
Please complete this training and submit your Google form by May 15, 2025.
If you are unable to complete the training by May 15th or have any questions, please reach out to me. *Also, if either of these links does not work for you, let me know!
Thank you for your dedication to all of our students identified with dyslexia! 💗
Sarah Gibson, M. Ed., CALT
Dyslexia Therapist
Kimberlin Academy for Excellence
Autism Acceptance Month – April
World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day that takes place within Autism Acceptance Month, annually on April 2. The purpose of this date is to increase awareness of autism spectrum disorder and the importance of early diagnosis, as well as early intervention.
National Autism Acceptance Month raises awareness for autism spectrum disorder during the month of April. This month also celebrates these unique individuals in order to increase acceptance and inclusion within their communities.
PD Webinar - Together We Thrive - April 10
SAVE THE DATE: Mark your calendars for EBCON2025!
The Department of Multilingual Programs is excited to host our 5th annual conference benefitting Emergent Bilingual students. This conference is for all staff in Garland ISD who are interested in investing a full day of learning with language acquisition experts that will share useful strategies, ideas and best practices for you to “Unlock the Future” for your Emergent Bilingual students.
Date: July 15, 2025
Location: North Garland High School
Time: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
For general information or questions please contact:
Xelina Welsh: xrwelsh@garlandisd.net
CALL FOR PRESENTERS:
We welcome presentation proposals from experienced educators like you. If you're interested in presenting or know a colleague who has demonstrated excellence in Emergent Bilingual instruction, please complete our presenter application.
For questions regarding presenter proposals/presentations please contact:
Dr. Jennifer Phillips: jphillips2@garlandisd.net
Gloria DeBaun: gdebaun@garlandisd.net
VOLUNTEERS:
We are seeking student volunteers for this event. Please see the flyer for more details and share with students who may be interested.
For questions regarding student volunteers please contact:
Kamille Lucas: klucas@garlandisd.net
PRIDE Spotlight: Practice being the kind of person you want to be, every day.
Next week we will continue with the Mindset, Live to Give, and will focus our attention on giving AND receiving compliments. The lessons are super simple with zero prep needed. There are two bonus read-alouds after the Optimistic Closure options.
Thank you for the kindness and compassion that you show to students and each other continually!
Helpful Employee Information
PD Dates for 2025-2026
FREE MONEY FOR TEACHERS!
Attached is the letter and form from PTA in order to claim your $75 classroom enrichment grant.
Additional Certification Opportunities for GISD Employees!
SHOUT OUTS!!!
SHOUT OUT TO...
HAVE A SHOUT OUT YOU WANT ME TO INCLUDE IN NEXT WEEK'S NEWSLETTER?
Summer from Adrian: Field Day was amazing! Thank you for all of your hard work to make it a fun day for all!
Ben: Thank you for jumping right in to the KAE family! We appreciate your help with technology and your willingness to take on other tasks!
SHOUT OUT YOUR COLLEAGUES! Enter it HERE!
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
MARCH
24 STAAR Review Plans Begin
27 Fun Food Day!
31-Apr 3 Robotics Team & Coaches to Iowa for U.S. Open Championship
APRIL
2 Paraprofessional Appreciation Day
4 School Librarian Appreciation Day
5 KAE Carnival
7-11 Assistant Principal's Appreciation Week
8 STAAR Reading (3rd-5th)
15 STAAR Science (5th only)
17 2nd Grade Music Program
18 Student/Staff Holiday
22 STAAR Math (3rd-5th)
29 Spirit Night @ Raising Canes (4-9 pm)
MAY
1 Special Olympics (for participating ALE students)
2 Spirit Stick Sales
2 GLOW Dance & Party
5-7 5th Grade Camp
5-9 Teacher Appreciation Week
8 1st Grade Music Program
9 Muffins with Misses
14 Spirit Night @ Hawaiian Bros (5-9 pm)
15 Kimberlin Choir Concert