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 | Wednesday, October 2, 2019 - ISSUE 3
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 | Dear Eagle parents,
Our first nine weeks of school has quickly passed with positive results from all stakeholders. Our faculty welcomed six new very talented teachers to the nest. Their experience and preparation have brought enthusiasm and vigor to our staff. We welcome Mrs. Flores from Irving ISD, Ms. Hawke from Garland ISD, Ms. Lopez, a UNT graduate, Mrs. Johnson, a UT Dallas graduate, Andrea Saenz from Irving ISD, Mayra Vazquez from CFBISD, and Mrs. Ten Eyck, a UT Dallas graduate. We started the year strong with the PTA, Castle Hills Foundation and school combining resources to pay a portion of the fifth grade Education in Action field trip fee to Waco, Texas. Our Castle Hills Foundation purchased a new swing set and Gaga pit for our playground. With Kahuna funds we purchased new library tables and chairs and plan to refresh furniture throughout the school. PTA is in the spotlight as they plan to make the seventh annual Fun Run a success so their projects can come to fruition. I am so fortunate to be surrounded with parent leaders who care for all the students at IES. We thank our active group of fifth grade parents and students for their efforts in creating a float for the Seas the Day Hebron High School Homecoming parade. We are very proud of our students' work, participation, and team spirit. We are proud of the teachers that shared their expertise at our most recent Parent University. Attendance was high, parents enjoyed healthy snacks, daycare was provided by our Hebron High School NHS students, and students received a homework pass. Parents attended sessions that addressed student social and academic success. Last year a Girl Scout troop worked on a project to stripe Cookie Street Road that connects Independence and Kilian Middle School. The Girl Scouts raised funds to purchase speed limit signs as well. Those Girl Scouts now attend Killian Middle School but are also volunteering time to see their project come to fruition. Many thanks to Maddie Olson, Rory Young, Emma Rumph and Elliot Valiga, Girl Scout troop #3600. Do not hesitate to stop by and visit or call if you have any questions, comments or solutions. It is an honor to be your principal.
Theodora Winslow |
 | | We would like to thank everyone who participated, attended, contributed, sponsored, and volunteered for our 7th Annual Fun Run. This is how we raise money for all our school PTA events for the entire year and we cannot do it without your support. We hope you and your student had a great time.
It's not too late to donate at iespta.net/funrun. |
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This year, we set a fundraising goal of $18,000 in order to cover all of our regular school programs (assemblies, parties, grants, teacher appreciation, etc.) and add water bottle fillers throughout the school. Although we did not hit that goal by the Sept. 27 Fun Run date, we are still within reach.
If you have not yet participated, please consider donating. You can send in a cash/check donation to school or use a credit card online here.
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Reflections is a National PTA sponsored arts recognition program that encourages artistic expression. The theme this year is “Look Within.†Students are challenged to use their imagination to create a film, song, artwork, photograph, poem, short story or dance routine. Students can enter as many times as they would like in as many categories as they would like. All entries will be due to Mrs. Mauldin, room 101, by Friday October 18.
For more information, go to our website or contact Angela Peterson, Reflections Chairman at artsinedaties@gmail.com.
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Spirit Night Please help out our school by eating at Chick Fil-A in The Colony on Thursday, Oct. 17from 5 pm until closing. Make sure to tell the cashier you are with IES and our PTA will receive money. | | 
Membership Award Thank you to all those who have signed up for IES PTA membership! We were able to achieve the Early Bird Award for the month of September.
If you still need to sign up for membership, do so today for only $10 at iespta.net. | | 
Room Parents Wanted We are still looking for room parents. You'll coordinate with your child's teacher on needs for the classroom and help assist with three parties throughout the year for the kids (Winter, Valentine's Day and End-of-Year). If interested, email Krista at gradelevelcoordaties@gmail.com and let us know what grade and teacher you'd like to help out. |
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Every Friday is Spirit Day on campus. Show your school pride and wear a spirit shirt. Don't forget to place an order for mom, dad, and siblings.
We even have clearance shirts and this year's light blue Fun Run on sale! You can buy your shirts online iespta.net.
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Send your clipped Box Tops in to school any time before October 15, 2019. If using your app, scan your receipts within 14 days of purchase.
Nationwide, there are new changes in the Box Tops program! More info at boxtops4education.com. Remember, this is easy money and every Box Top counts. For any questions, contact Dawn Adams at communicationsaties@gmail.com.
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Are you an online shopper? Do you have an Amazon Prime account? Link your Amazon account to Amazon Smile and choose Independence Elementary PTA for your charitable organization. Each time you shop at smile.amazon.com, The Amazon Smile Foundation will donate .5% of your eligible purchases to Independence Elementary PTA! For more information, click here.
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Do you shop at Kroger? Link your Kroger Plus Rewards card to Independence Elementary PTA and every time you shop a portion of the money will be donated back to our school. If you don’t have one, please sign up today as it’s free!
Register your Kroger Plus card at KrogerCommunityRewards.com and designate Independence Elementary PTA (school code QL667) to receive the benefits. **You must re-enroll every school year.
More info here.
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When adults volunteer, all students benefit. There are many opportunities for parents and community members to get involved with PTA. Your help is needed. More info can be found at iespta.net
| PROGRAMS | Date | Commit | Description | Kindergarten lunch duty | Everyday during kinder lunch | 30 minutes | Please volunteer to help open packages
Sign up at bit.ly/IESkinderlunch2019. | IES Garden | October - November | 30-60 minutes a week | Mrs. Jackson is looking for volunteers and families to "adopt-a-garden bed" and keep it weed-free this year. Email Mrs. Jackson to sign up or for questions. |
Thank you for your desire to volunteer with us! Volunteers are an integral part of what we do every day in LISD. Please be aware that LISD Policy requires that each volunteer undergo a background check before working with students; this includes all chaperones for field trips. You will need to complete a background check and register your VOLY account every year. Go to VOLY now to get started:  Please note: - All volunteers should allow up to 3 weeks for processing their background check.
- Volunteer applications will remain active for 3 school years. A volunteer must reapply every 3 years in order to be considered for volunteer approval. If there is information or a question about a criminal history, the District will run a new background check prior to the three-year renewal. You may contact your child's campus to see if you are currently an approved volunteer.
- If your background check is approved, you will receive an e-mail from from partnerships@lisd.net letting you know that you can sign up for volunteer opportunities.
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 | | Are you a DUDE of Independence and want to volunteer at school? It's as easy as 1-2-3!
D.U.D.E.S. of Independence is an IES PTA sponsored group that exists to promote participation and volunteerism from dads and other father figures of our students. D.U.D.E.S. - Developing Unique, Determined and Engaged Students
1 – Join the PTA: Create an account and/or login at iespta.net
2 – Create a current 2019-20 VOLY account: Access LISD’s volunteer platform (VOLY.org) by following the Quick Start guide located here.
3 – VOLUNTEER: Email Antonio del Rincon at dudesaties@gmail.com or text 214-287-3040.
LIKE our DUDES Facebook page to find out the latest happenings.
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 | | 21-Day Challenge Sign-Up: Sept. 23 - Oct. 7
Challenge: Oct. 7-27
Final Survey: Nov. 11-18
Step 1: Parents sign-up their student for the 21-Day Challenge at kids-teaching-kids.com/sign-up/.
Step 2: Snack
For 21 straight days, create a healthy snack from either your recipe book, the “Healthy Snack Finder,†or create your own healthy snack that contains 1/2 cup fruit or vegetable. The idea is to choose carrots over a candy bar or an apple over chips - building a healthier life one step at a time.
Step 3: Record Your Snacks
Each day, record your snacks on the "21-Day Challenge Tracking Form" found in the back of the recipe book
Step 4: Take the Final Assessment
Be on the look-out for an email that links to a short survey, required to complete your children’s participation.
This year, LISD is competing as a district against Frisco ISD. So sign up, snack heathy, and beat Frisco! |
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 | | Independence ES parents are invited to attend Castle Hills Elementary PTA's Fall Parent Education Night on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 6 pm. The topic is "Taming Youth Entitlement" with Kay Wills Wyma.
Childcare will be provided by Castle Hills Taekwondo. Please RSVP on the Facebook event facebook.com/events/511515802958999/ |
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 | | Hebron HS Silver Wings are holding a Dance Clinic and a Parents' Night Out on Sat., Oct. 19. For more info and to register, go to hebronsilverwings.org. |
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 | | The IES Yearbook Committee needs your pictures! Share your best pictures from the First Day of School,
Assemblies, Fun Run, Class Parties, Field Trips
and other Independence events. You can find instructions on uploading your pics on our website.
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Platinum Sponsors We are so thankful to our sponsors for their generosity! |
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