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Terrell Elementary School

Home of the Koalas

Parent Newsletter Sept. 13

Posted Date: 09/13/26 (02:07 PM)


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Terrell Koalas Chronicle

Your weekly parent update with all the information you need to know

September 13, 2026

Weekly Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Dear Parents and Guardians,

It was another great week at Terrell! Our students have shown excellence in their commitment to doing their best on their beginning-of-year assessments, and our first progress reports have now been released. You can access your student's grade reports in Family Access (Skyward). Please follow up with their teacher if you would like to request a meeting to review performance and any concerns. We've seen a slight increase in tardy arrivals. Please work to arrive on time - before 7:45 AM each day - so students are ready to take advantage of all the learning offered.
Be sure to review the information in this newsletter for several other important campus updates.


Warm regards,
Brittany D. Carpenter
Principal, Terrell Elementary
Brittany.Carpenter@lcisd.org

You can also email our office admin - Monica.Cruz@lcisd.org
 

Upcoming Dates

📣 What's Ahead...

Celebrate Freedom Week!❤️🤍💙

Monday, Sept 14th
  • PK ISD
  • Green Track Newcoming Parade at Tomas High School at 6pm 
  • Spirit Squad PM Practice 📣

Tuesday, Sept 14th
  • 4th Grade ISD - Bring Library Books & Bag!
  • Choir Practice 

Wednesday Sept 15th
  • Spirit Squad Practice - 6:45am
  • 5th Grade ISD- Bring Library Books & Bag!
  • Fall Picture Day  📸
  • Scout Info Night @ 6pm (Cafeteria)

Thursday Sept 17th
  • 3rd Grade ISD- Bring Library Books & Bag!

Friday, Sept 18th
  • Terrell Spirit Day 🐨
  • Swamp Cart Sales @ Recess ($2 cash per item - chips or cookies)
  • Car Rider Snack Cart Sales ($2 cash only per item -sodas, chips, or cookies)
  • Popcorn with the Principal
  • Tomas Newcoming Game @ 7pm


PICTURE DAY - September 16th
Fair Day Holiday - September 25th
Promotional image for National Rice Krispies Treats Day featuring free treats at lunch on September 18th.
 
A cheerful poster features an alligator and a koala running a snack cart with text reading "Swamp-Cart Snack Sales" and "$2 per item".
 

Support our Gators 🐊

Join us for a special community celebration on Monday, September 14th at 6:00 PM! This exciting event is a chance to celebrate all the amazing things happening in our Green Track schools and check out  the many programs, clubs, and opportunities available to our students.

Come out, show your school spirit, and wear green as we cheer on our incredible Gators!

💚 GOOO GATORS! 💚
Poster announces LCISD Green Track Homecoming Parade on Monday, September 14th at 6:00 PM, featuring various school groups.
 

School Events

Announcement for Picture Day at Terrell Elementary School on Wednesday, September 16.
 

Resources and Campus Updates

Attendance Matters

Attendance Percentages

Library News

📚 Library Innovation Day 📚

This week, our Kindergarten through 2nd Grade students enjoyed visiting the library for Innovation Day! During their visit, we reviewed book care expectations, listened to engaging read-alouds, logged reading minutes in Beanstack, and participated in fun, hands-on learning activities.

Our 2nd graders also signed their Class Book Care Pledge as they prepare to begin checking out library books at their next Innovation Day. We are excited about this milestone and want to help our students learn how to keep their library books happy, healthy, and ready for others to enjoy!

This week is Innovation Week for our 3rd through 5th grade students. Please make sure your Koala brings their library books and library bag to school so they are ready for checkout during their scheduled Innovation Day.

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students become responsible library users and enthusiastic readers! 📚

Beanstack Reading Challenge Reminder:
 Our district-wide Beanstack Reading Challenge is still underway! We are currently in 2nd Place in the District! Be sure to encourage your Koala to log their reading minutes regularly. Every minute counts as we work together to build lifelong readers. 🐨📖  

At Terrell Elementary, we are ALL IN for Literacy! 📚🐨💙

Happy Reading!
Mrs. Jurkowski
 

Beanstack News

Beanstack Standings

District Wide Beanstack Challenge - Started on September 1st

Poster for the 'All In For Literacy District Reading Challenge Fall 2026' with instructions to log reading minutes on the Beanstack app.
Beanstack challenge in english and spanish

How to Log Minutes on Beanstack through Classlink

A guide titled 'How to Use Beanstack' explains how to log reading minutes for a district reading challenge.
A guide titled 'Cómo utilizar Beanstack' explains how to use the Beanstack platform for literacy challenges.

Parent Information about Access to Libraries and Library Materials

Please see the attached PDF regarding the library access to view the texts your students are checking out, in compliance with Board Policy EFB (LOCAL).
 

Innovative School Day Updates

This quarter our students will be learning about being their healthiest self.

Science Lab-
As part of our Innovation Day theme focused on being the "best version of yourself," students will have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy fruit salad snack. This hands-on activity will help reinforce the connection between healthy eating habits and taking care of our bodies and minds.
Activity Details:
  • Dates: September 8th-10th and September 14th-17th
  • Location: Science Lab
What's Provided: All fruit will be provided by the school
  • Safety: Students will NOT be using any tools. Miss Mya will prepare the fruit salad for the students to ensure safety.

Important - Allergy Information: If your child has any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please email Ms. Mya by September 5th with specific details about the allergy. This will help us ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all students.
Miss Mya
Science Lab Innovation Day Para

We are looking forward to this fun and healthy learning experience!
A flyer requests composition notebooks for Science Lab and STEM classes, stating they will be used for observations and discoveries.
 

Help Us Grow Outdoor Learning Gardens at Terrell!

This year, the Terrell Library has an exciting goal: creating beautiful gardens in our Outdoor Learning Areas! To help make this dream a reality, we have signed up to participate in the Enchanted Forest Butterfly Brigade and hope to win a pollinator garden for our campus.

You can help support our efforts by shopping at Enchanted Forest between October 2 and December 23. Simply mention Terrell Elementary at checkout, and 5% of your purchase will be donated back to our school

These funds will help us create engaging outdoor learning spaces for our students while supporting pollinators and local wildlife.

Thank you for helping our Terrell Koalas grow, learn, and thrive! 

Thank you for your support, 
Mrs. Jurkowski 
Butterfly Brigade flyer from Enchanted Forest
 

Career Day is Back September 24th 9:30AM-11:00AM

Terrell needs you!!! Please use this link to sign up to share your career with our Terrell students. Have a friend or family member with a cool career? Share the link. We would love to continue to excite our Koalas about opportunities in all fields.
 

Aqua Jr. Ambassador Program

🌟 History is being made at Terrell Elementary! 🌟
We are excited to launch the first Aqua Jr. Ambassador Program in the nation, designed especially for our 1st–3rd grade students!
Through Aqua Jr. Ambassadors, students will have the opportunity to explore creativity, imagination, leadership, and technology while Creating with Aqua by Adobe.
We will be selecting 24 students for our first cohort, with the possibility of expanding to 30 students.

If you are interested in having your child considered for the Aqua Jr. Ambassador Program, please complete the Microsoft Form using the link below.

📄 APPLICATION FORM RESPONSIBILITY
I understand that after I submit this Microsoft Form, my student will be responsible for bringing home the Aqua Jr. Ambassador application forms that our family must complete.
The application forms will be sent home with my student either the same day the Microsoft Form is submitted or the following school day.
I understand that all required forms must be completed, signed, and returned on or before September 18, 2026.

Due to the high level of student interest, no late application forms will be accepted after the deadline.
We are so excited to bring this historic opportunity to our Terrell Koalas and can't wait to see what our youngest creators will accomplish! 💚🐨

Poster for the Aqua Jr. Ambassador Program by Adobe, featuring a blue creature holding a paintbrush.
 
A flyer advertises Chess Wizards classes for children, featuring images of kids playing chess and text about the benefits of chess.
 
September Counselor's Newsletter
 

GT Referral Window Open Now

The K–12 Gifted and Talented (GT) parent referral window is now open and will remain open through Thursday, December 17!

Information about Gifted and Talented out-of-district transfers for Lamar CISD.
Poster announcing "Gifted and Talented Parent Referrals" with a list of child characteristics and referral instructions.

GT Transfers

Please note that the out-of-district transfer referral remains open throughout the school year. Parents of students who were identified for Gifted and Talented (GT) services in another district and wish to continue receiving GT services in LCISD must complete the appropriate transfer referral form (see below). Continued GT services will be determined based on whether the student's previous district identification criteria align with LCISD's eligibility requirements.


 

PreK Family Event

Mark your calendar and join the Pre-K Department for a magical evening filled with fairy-tale fun at the Pre-K Family Engagement Event for your color track! 
Green Track- November 12th at Fagert Elementary from 5-6:30 PM.

Come dressed as your favorite fairy tale character and encourage your students and their families to join the celebration!
 

Community Events

 

Green Track Updates

Tomas Emeralds Dance Clinic

The Emeralds Dance Team is excited to host the Emeralds Experience Fall Dance Clinic for students in grades Kindergarten - 8th on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm in the Gene Tomas High School Gym. This fun and engaging clinic will give participants the opportunity to learn dance routines, build confidence, and experience what it's like to be an Emerald!

The cost is $75, which includes the clinic, a snack, a t-shirt, a bow, and pom-poms. Families are invited to attend a parent performance, with doors opening at 11:45 am and the performance beginning at 12:00 pm. An optional performance opportunity will be available at the GTHS vs Terry HS Football game on Thursday, September 24th at Traylor Stadium. 

Registration is available by scanning the QR code on the flyer or by using this link: Emeralds Dance Clinic Registration link. For questions, please ask Coach Ambria Johnson at ambria.johnson@lcisd.org This event is a great opportunity for aspiring or current Koala Krew Spirit Squad members.
 
mum flyer
chipotle

Parent Education Opportunites

Parent Vocational Class
Play and Learn
Health in Hands

District News

New Tool- Let's Connect

Have a question, concern, suggestion, or compliment? Connect with Lamar CISD through Let’s Connect, our customer service and community engagement platform. Let’s Connect makes it easy to share feedback, ask questions, and get connected with the right department or campus for support.
Bus Drivers Recruitment
 

Reminders

Pack 910 Events Flier
 
Alphabest Information

Student Dismissal Tags

Student Dismissal tags have been generously provided once again, courtesy of Gavri Orthodontics! They will be available for pick up in your student's classroom at Meet the Teacher on Aug. 5th.
Car Rider Information Guide
Car Rider and Walker Pick Up

E-Bike Safety

As the popularity of e-bikes and other motorized vehicles continues to grow, Lamar CISD is reminding families of the transportation expectations designed to keep students, staff, and visitors safe on our campuses. Students who transport themselves to and from school must use authorized methods of transportation. E-bikes are permitted on campus when operated in accordance with Texas law. To be considered a legal e-bike, the bicycle must have functional pedals and may not exceed the speed limits established by state regulations (20 to 28 mph, depending on the class of e-bike). Additionally, operators of Class 3 e-bikes, which can travel up to 28 mph and are equipped with a speedometer, must be at least 15 years of age. 
  
Many vehicles marketed as "e-bikes" do not meet the legal definition of an e-bike under Texas law and cannot be operated on public roadways or school property. We encourage families to verify that any motorized bicycle their student rides complies with state law before bringing it to campus. 
  
The following vehicles are prohibited because they do not meet the legal definition of an e-bike or are otherwise not authorized for student use on school property: 
  • ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles) 
  • OHVs (Off-Highway Vehicles) 
  • Electric motorcycles 
  • Electric mini-bikes 
  • Pocket bikes 
  • Similar high-powered motorized devices 
  
Students must also comply with all applicable traffic laws while on school grounds, including requirements related to helmets, licensing, permits, registration, and insurance. 
  
If a prohibited motorized vehicle is brought onto campus, school police will notify campus administration and contact the student's parent or guardian to arrange for the vehicle to be picked up. 
  
Our goal is not to inconvenience families. It is to ensure that every student arrives at school safely while complying with Texas law. We appreciate your partnership in helping us maintain a safe learning environment for everyone. 
  
If you have questions regarding whether a vehicle is permitted on campus, please contact the school principal, Mrs. Carpenter, before sending it with your child. 
Infographic comparing legal e-bikes and non-legal e-bikes in Texas, with details on regulations and consequences.

Dress Code

For more guidance about student dress code expectations see the LCISD student handbook (Beginning on page 41). Please remember, sneakers with laces must be worn for PE. See your specials rotations from teacher newsletters to plan appropriate footwear.
Infographic detailing Terrell Elementary Koalas dress code, including rules for shirts, bottoms, footwear, and ID visibility.

Rainy Day Dismissal

For parents of bike riders or walkers, please remember that rainy day dismissals can be announced if inclement weather is observed from 2:45- 3:00 PM. To keep our students and staff safe, we will notify you via parent square when this occurs. Parents should then come through the car-rider pick up line using their green dismissal tag to pick up your students. If you cannot drive to pick up your student, you may walk, but you must provide identification such as a state-issued ID or your green dismissal tag.
 
Terrell Facebook Page
Terrell School Website
Parent Input Form

School Meals

  • School Meals at Terrell will be free of charge for the 2026-27 school year.
  • Beginning August 24th parents may attend lunch with their students. Please bring your ID and check in with the office prior to lunch start time.
  • To preview school menus, please visit the child nutrition website.
  • If you are delivering lunch for your student, please plan to bring it at least 15 minutes before their lunchtime. We will not accept food delivery services for students.
  • If sending a lunch for your child, remember we are a nut-free school. Students who bring items with nuts will be seated at a separate table during lunch; we recommend avoiding this as much as possible.
  • For snacks, please only send one snack, as this is a working snack time within the classroom. Ensure you send a snack that is not messy and does not need utensils. (Such as- Goldfish, pretzels, or animal crackers!😊) Nut products are not permitted during snack.
  • Breakfast doors close at 7:43 AM. Please arrive no later than 7:40 AM if your child needs to eat breakfast. Instruction begins in classes at 7:45 AM.

Transportation Changes

Transportation changes will not be accepted after 2:10 pm or 10:45 on early release dates. To submit a transportation change, please call the office at (832) 223-6500 or write a note for your child to bring with them, reflecting the transportation changes. Neither email nor voicemail is an approved method of communication for transportation changes.

You may check out your child early if needed for doctor's appointments or other necessary reasons until 2:30 PM on full days or 10:05 on early release dates. Please limit this as much as possible, as we are actively instructing and learning until 3:05 PM each day. If your student repeatedly leaves early, they are potentially missing key information.
 
A graphic advertises new student ID badges for $5, payable via SchoolCash using a QR code.
A graphic advertises replacement dismissal hangtags for Terrell Elementary Koalas, priced at $10 for two tags.

ParentSquare & Studentsquare

As the 2026-2027 school year kicks off, families can stay informed by downloading the ParentSquare mobile app to receive the latest news from their students' teachers, campus, and the district. 
Students can also stay in the loop by downloading StudentSquare, the student version of ParentSquare. Both mobile apps are free to download on iOS and android devices.  
Students can download StudentSquare to: 
  • Receive messages from school by email, text, or mobile app. 
  • Send messages to their teachers and staff at school. 
  • Stay in the loop regarding late start days, extracurricular activities, and class projects. 
  • Subscribe to calendars, RSVP for events, complete forms, use sign-up sheets, and participate in groups. 
Once the app is downloaded, students can log in with their District Microsoft account using their student email account.  
 
Thank you for helping keep our #LamarCISD community informed!