Welcome!
Here are some links to help you get connected to campus news.
This year, we will continue to utilize the platform ParentSquare for internal school communications and announcements. Currently registered families only will have access to this platform as the school year begins. Homeroom class lists are rostered through our student information systems. Families will have access to campus newsletters, grade level updates and PTA announcements all through the Parentsquare platform to streamline communications on one application regardless of student grade level.
Russell Lee Elementary staff and caregivers will be utilizing the ParentSquare application as the centralized hub for communications.
For those of you interested in learning more about this communication platform, here is a Getting Started video for caregivers. ParentSquare notifications can be tailored to your own personal preferences and many families opted-in for a "Daily Digest" email for all announcements to be in the same place.
The Road Runner Rundown is the principal newsletter.
Onboarding information and support will be provided as we approach the first day of school. In the meantime, updates will be shared via School Messenger to keep everyone in the loop!
The PTA newsletters are used for PTA grade-level communications, after-school clubs and general information of interest to parents of Lee students. Keep In Touch by joining various social media groups.
The Roadrunner Report is a news publication written by students to inform the Lee community about politics, statewide issues, and student cultural interests. With a team of 15 students in 4th and 5th grade, The Roadrunner Report is dedicated to delivering factual and thoughtful journalism that matters to the students and families of Russell Lee Elementary.
School Day
Doors Open and breakfast is served at 7:20AM
Students must be in their seat by no later than 7:40AM
School Ends at 3:10PM
Absence/Attendance Policy
You must provide the main office (not your child’s teacher) with a written note or email the registrar for absences. We cannot accept phone calls.
All forms/notes must be submitted within 48hrs of the students return to school. Please see the AISD Compulsory Attendance & 90% Rule and the AISD Student Handbook for more information.
Carpool/drop off information
For student safety, please observe the recommended traffic flow during the peak traffic periods of 7:15–8:00 am and 2:30–3:00 pm.
There is one drop off area on Hampton Avenue (school entrance) and a drop off area on Harris Avenue by the library parking lot (indicated by the blue X). This will allow us to have cars who have dropped off their student exit the area by turning left at the intersection of Harris and Hampton and proceeding northbound up Hampton Road.
We are asking that no cars come down the hill on Hampton so the path is clear for departing vehicles.
We have created this map for reference purposes and appreciate your cooperation with the new traffic pattern.
Please do not park in the drop off/pick up zone during peak traffic periods.
Parking
Observe street signs carefully as parking may be limited to two hours between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm around Lee Elementary. Parking against traffic may cause your car to be ticketed. Please also respect the private residences around Lee by not parking in or blocking their driveways.
Campus security
Due to new safety and security protocols ALL Parents new and old must now bring their drivers license or some type of government issued ID every time they visit campus to be able to get a visitor badge during school hours. Parents will also need to show ID when picking up a student early.
COVID regulations are currently in place that prevent non-staff from entering the building in most cases.On-campus events, programs, and activities will resume when COVID regulations are no longer required to keep our community healthy and safe.
Cafeteria
The Lee cafeteria currently offers both breakfast and lunch at NO COST to students.
Menus and accounts are at SchoolCafe. Follow this link for details from the AISD website.
Greater participation means better food offerings for all. The menu already includes locally sourced veggies and meats. Greater participation also helps reduce the stigma for kids who's only option (and, sadly, opportunity) to eat is school lunch.
We encourage our families to apply for meal benefits. The information collected on these forms helps determine the funding needs at each school and throughout Austin ISD. Just by completing a meal benefits application, families can help ensure schools receive more of the funds they need to support students. It also helps address the $30 million deficit facing Austin’s schools. All Austin ISD families are encouraged to complete a meal benefits application regardless of need.
Registration
Registration takes place through AISD and requires a Parent Portal login. Please visit AISD's Enrollment Page and complete the online registration or Text "ENROLL" to 512-886-6434 to start the process. If you have any questions or are having issues , please call the Parent Technology help line at 512-414-9187. **NOTE*** If your student is on a transfer and your zoned school is in the drop down menu when registering online, please continue with registration. It will filter over to the transfer school before next school year starts.
Principal’s Coffee
The Principal’s Coffee series offers an opportunity to discuss different programs that are taking place at our school and to have your questions answered by Mr. Hewlett in a small group environment. The coffee begins after announcements (7:50am) and will take place over zoom until on campus meetings resume. Sessions will be announced in the Roadrunner Rundown and appear in the Calendar.
Counselor’s Coffee
The Counselor’s Coffee series offers an opportunity to meet with our school’s counselor, Leah Gilbert. The coffee begins after announcements (7:50am) and wil take place over zoom until on campus meetings resume. Sessions will be announced in the Roadrunner Rundown and appear in the Calendar.