Coleman Connections

Wendel Welcome

There's lots to celebrate at Coleman! This week’s Coleman Connection is packed with exciting news, accomplishments, and upcoming events you won’t want to miss. Let’s keep the momentum going as we finish strong together!

What a wonderful week at JCE! We had an incredible evening filled with creativity as we celebrated our students' amazing artwork and watched our Kindergarteners shine on stage performing "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." Thank you to everyone who came out to support our learners!

Important Reminder:

Tuesday, April 15th, we begin STAAR testing for our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. To ensure a focused testing environment, our campus will be closed to visitors that day. We are so proud of our students and all the hard work they’ve put in to prepare—let’s cheer them on as they show what they know! #JCEStrong

Don’t forget: Early enrollment for the 2025–2026 school year is now open! Secure your spot and help us plan ahead for another amazing year of learning and growth at Coleman! 💙

Let’s keep making it a great April, JCE family! 💫

Kara Wendel
Principal, Jean Coleman Elementary

It’s officially Testing Season at JCE! This Tuesday kicks off our first STAAR test for our amazing 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders! Let’s rally around our students and send them ALL the positive vibes! We are JCE Strong and ready to show what we know!

Here are a few simple ways families can help at home!

✅ Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep
✅ Start the day with a healthy breakfast
✅ Arrive at school on time
✅ Send them off with words of encouragement
✅ Remind them to take deep breaths and do their best!

We believe in every one of our students—they’ve worked hard, and we know they’re going to shine!

#JCEStrong #WeBelieveInYou #STAARReady

⛳️⛳️⛳️ Welcome to the 2nd Annual Coleman Masters—where our students are MASTERS of their own success!

Our incredible third, fourth, and fifth grade leaders teed off their journey by meeting with their caddies—Wendel, Pendley, and Tyer! ⛳️ Each student showed courage and commitment as they set personal goals to master the upcoming STAAR tests.

We couldn’t be prouder of their determination and focus. These leaders are ready to swing big and aim for a hole in one! 💪

#JCEStrong #MISDProud ⛳️⛳️⛳️

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JCE Morning News

TryDay Friday was fantastic!
This week, we had the chance to try ham and dumplings—a traditional Czech meal—and it was a hit! 🇨🇿 A huge thank you to the Emory family for sharing this amazing cultural experience with us. We are so grateful for the opportunity to explore new flavors and traditions together!

Mrs. Ramirez is the heart of our library and brings so much fun, creativity, and book-loving magic to the Coleman Crew every single day! 💛 Whether she’s reading a silly story 🤪, setting up an awesome book fair 🛍️, or helping students find their next favorite read 📖, she does it all with a smile and a huge heart!

We’re so lucky to have a librarian who makes reading exciting and the library a place our students LOVE to be! Thank you, Mrs. Ramirez, for everything you do — we love you BIG!

Happy (belated) National Librarian Day!

#ColemanCrew #JCEStrong

Meet the Limited Edition Mr. Pendley Action Figure!

Our amazing Assistant Principal has officially leveled up to collectible status! Complete with signature accessories—walkie talkie, Diet Coke, coffee mug, and those all-important STAAR testing materials—this 3D figure captures Mr. Pendley’s dedication, style, and smile.

Looking sharp in his blue sweatshirt and cowboy boots, and rocking that faux hawk!

We appreciate all that he does to keep our school running strong. JCE is lucky to have you, Mr. Pendley!

#JCEStrong #AssistantPrincipalGoals #MrPendleyPower #STAARReady

At Jean Coleman Elementary, having courage means doing the right thing—even when it’s hard. It’s standing up for others, speaking up with kindness, and trying new things without fear of failure. Courage shows up when students take responsibility, believe in themselves, and keep going even when things get tough. At JCE, we celebrate brave hearts, strong minds, and the confidence to lead with integrity. That’s what it means to be JCE Strong. 💙

AMY BROWN is a great example of PERSEVERANCE!

Mrs. Brown embodies perseverance. She recognizes that each student is unique, with their own talents and challenges. She celebrates each individual, ensuring that everyone has the support and resources they need to thrive. Her classroom feels warm and inviting and is a place where every student knows they’re valued and included. With her encouragement, Mrs. Brown inspires her students to not only do their best but also to embrace their unique learning journeys with confidence and enthusiasm.

-Amy Hill

LAUREN BURNS is a great example of RESPONSIBILITY!

Lauren portrays many of the CKH character traits but when it came to taking over in ESCE she took on a huge responsibility and did it so well with her team! She took on a big task gracefully, took suggestions, tried new things, and worked to make her classroom efficient. She has a special way of meeting the needs of any student, taking something challenging and turning it into a success. I admire the way she has jumped in and implemented so many things this year!

-Megan Vargas

Did you miss the night of Coleman Creates? Are you worried that you missed out on purchasing your child's art work?

No worries!

You can still purchase original artworks AND replicas until April 17th! These are great to start your family's gallery wall, decorate your child's room, add some creativity to your office, or send to family members for gifts! Here is the link to purchase!

https://artomestore.com/collections/jeancolemanelementary760653418

Students Get Creative with 3D Design in the Library!

During their library time, our 4th and 5th grade students explored the exciting world of 3D design using Tinkercad! Each student created a personalized keychain featuring their name, while developing skills in spatial reasoning and technology. After designing their keychains, our librarian, Mrs. Ramirez, brought their creations to life by printing them on the 3D printer in the Library's Makerspace! These hands-on projects make STEM learning exciting and engaging. We love seeing our library become a hub for innovation and can’t wait to see what our students create next!

Fluttering Fun in the Library 🦋

Our K-2 students recently took flight into learning with a special butterfly-themed library experience! After reading a book about butterflies, students rotated through engaging stations in the library's Makerspace. One highlight was designing their very own butterfly bookmarks to take home! Other stations included designing their own butterfly patterns using a variety of materials. Students spread their wings and showed their creativity!

🌟 JCE 3rd Graders Shine on Stage! 🌟

A big round of applause for three talented 3rd grade students from JCE—Jane Rector, Lynlee Kremers, and Reagan Mattingly—who lit up the stage in their last two dance competitions with On The Move Dance!

As part of OTM’s Mini Dance Company, these rising stars earned 2 Platinum and 2 Double Platinum high score awards during their very first dance competition season.

We’re incredibly proud of their hard work, dedication, and passion—and they’re already looking forward to dancing into next season!

Way to go, Jane, Lynlee, and Reagan!

If you would like to do a shout-out of your child for the amazing accomplishments outside of school, please submit to tiffany.tyer@midlothianisd.org

1. NO EMAILS or messages for teachers for transportation changes, please call the front office @ 469-856-6700
2. Please note that no transportation changes can be made after 2:30, also be aware of any weather changes that day.
3. If your student has a doctor's appointment at any time during the day, please call the front office and we will be happy to alert the teacher to get them ready. We will not call your student down to wait in the lobby before you get here, they will be called down when you arrive.

Attendance: If your child is absent, please email our Attendance Clerk, Christi Piekos, at attendance.jce@midlothianisd.org. Doctor's notes may be sent via email or brought to the office within 48 hours of the absence.

Bus Numbers for Coleman:

#120

#140

#136

#105

Get the Parent App now!

https://www.qbit.codes/q/smart-tag-parent-app

Updated Arrival and Dismissal Video

Bus Riders will be dropped off in the front along with Daycare and Specialized programs

All car riders including our Pre-K students will be dropped off in the back carline. Please give us grace and have patience with our dismissal on the first few days! We have all of our staff on duty to help, but it takes time to get to know students, families, and cars.

Please make sure your car tags are visible when picking your child up. If you don’t have your car tag, you will be asked to drive around to the front of the building to show your driver's license to pick up your child. Once again, safety and security is our number one priority!

Unfortunately due to safety reasons, we can’t allow parents to walk up to the front or the back of the school to pick up their child.

Please be aware that the parking lots surrounding the school are private property and are not designated for school parking or drop-offs. To ensure the safety and respect of our community, we kindly ask that you use the designated school parking areas for all school-related activities.

We've already started capturing memories for the 24-25 school year! You can go ahead and place your order for this year's yearbook. You can scan the QR Code or click this link to place your order.

Safe Snack Guide Link: https://custom.snacksafely.com/guide/05478ADB

This year we will be permitting birthday treats on campus; however, the following guidelines must be followed in order to keep all of our students safe here at JCE.

1. Birthday treats must be prepackaged, all students must be included, and must accommodate allergies within the students classroom.

2. Parents must fill out and submit a request form notifying Nurse Delaney 7 days prior to your date of delivery. This form will ask for the proposed treat and brand that will be brought to school to ensure that it is safe for all students within your child's class. The form is linked in the Coleman Connection, the Nurse page of the Jean Coleman website and posted in the front office.

3. Nurse Delaney will contact you within 2 school days notifying you if your requested treat was approved or denied. If denied, Nurse Delaney will provide you with alternative options for your child's class.

4. We have created a Coleman Safe Snack Guide that has compiled a list of foods and brands that do not contain the most common allergens that are to be avoided. Please do not hesitate to contact Nurse Delaney with any questions regarding safe options. The guide is linked here in the Coleman Connection as well as the Nurse page on the Jean Coleman website.

Please know that the safety of each and every student is our top priority. While we recognize that birthday celebrations are a fun and important part of student life, we are committed to ensuring that these activities do not impact or compromise this priority. We have implemented guidelines to balance joyful celebrations with the necessary safety measures, so every student can enjoy their special day without any concerns.

Birthday Treat Submission Form

Just a Reminder:

Exclusion from School Policy

A student with any of the following symptoms will be excluded from school until such time as the student is free of symptoms, has been satisfactorily treated or submits a signed physician’s statement that he/she is not contagious.

• Temperature of 100 degrees or more. Student must be fever free for 24 hours, without medication, before re-entry.
• An undetermined rash over any part of the body that is accompanied by fever.
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Student must be symptom free for 24 hours without medication before re-entry.
• Red, draining eyes.
• Intense itching with signs and symptoms of secondary infection.
• Open, draining lesions.
• Jaundice

Your children may qualify for free meals or for reduced-price meals. The reduced-price is $0.00 for breakfast and $0.40 for lunch. We encourage you to explore these opportunities to ensure your child is well-nourished and ready to learn. Please take advantage of this program! This process is safe, secure and private. As a reminder, you have to reapply every school year!

Free/Reduced Lunch Online Application

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

The free federal breakfast and lunch program has expired, so breakfasts and lunches will be an expense. Snacks may also be purchased.

• Apply for Free or Reduced Lunch Prices here

• Breakfast Times / Price

• 7:05 - 7:30

• $1.90

• Lunch Price

• $3.00

• Breakfast / Lunch Menus + Snack List

• https://www.misd.gs/departments/child-nutrition/menus

• Add money to your child’s account by visiting https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/getmain.action?clientKey=&requestAction=home.

• You can also monitor what your child purchases!

Please review the procedures our guests are expected to follow:

• Have ID available for verification when you pick up your badge.
• Guests sit with their child in the booths at the back of the cafeteria. Friends stay at their assigned tables.

• Your child may bring a lunch from home, go through the cafeteria line, or you may bring your child a lunch. You may provide a lunch for your child only.
• We do not distribute snacks, treats, or other items to classmates.
• When the cafeteria monitor calls a time-out, please direct your attention to them. They typically call a time-out for snacks or cleaning up.

Signing up does not mean you have to be a part of every event or activity. You pick and choose what you would like to be a part of. #jceistheplacetobe

Click below to sign up. https://my.cheddarup.com/me/jcolemanpto-9865

Click below to complete a background check.

https://www.misd.gs/families/volunteer-background-check

March: Texas History Month

March 1: Texas Girls in Stem Day

March 3-7: Texas Public Schools Week

March 3-7: Diagnosticians Week

March 7: School Maintenance Worker's Day

Kara Wendel

Principal

Email: kara.wendel@midlothianisd.org
Website: https://coleman.midlothianisd.org
Location: 700 Hawkins Run, Midlothian, TX, USA
Phone: 469-856-6700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeanColemanElem
Twitter: @JColemanElem