It’s here…the last 9 weeks of school! The first round of STAAR has been completed. We had a great start to Kindergarten/new student registration. As you start planning summer vacations and registering your kids for summer camps, our awesome PTA is still going strong with fun activities until the last few days of school.

If you missed the last PTA meeting, you missed a great new program where our 3rd graders created a “Living Library.” Each 3rd grade participant dressed up as a book character and prepared a speech to describe the character and the book. Each of them had an amazing performance, and I want to thank the students and their 3rd grade teachers for all their hard work and preparation.

During the general meeting, our new PTA Officers for the 2018-19 school year were elected.   The new officers and chairs for next year have already started planning for another year of great PTA programming. If you want to get involved, we still have a few openings. Please reach out to our Nominating Committee chair Erica Willson or me to find out how you can get involved.

I hope you have RSVP’d and made plans to attend one of the most anticipated free events at school – the PTA’s annual Spring Event - Boot Scootin’ Bingo on Friday, April 27th. Please note that we had a change of time and Bingo night will start at 6:30 pm! It will be a great night of food and games for the whole family. And don’t forget that next week we will be celebrating Healthy Texas week at the Castle. Throughout the week, we will highlight key topics and challenges that promote health and wellness. For more information, please visit the Healthy Texas Week page on CHEPTA.NET.

If you are looking to volunteer but aren’t sure what you would like to do, please reach out to me or anyone on the PTA Board. In fact, we still have a few Board and Committee chair openings. We can always find a place for your talent, this year or next year!

Nina Samuel
CHE PTA President 2017-2019 

The PTA Volunteer Program is one of the best ways that parents can support the students and staff at our school.  Our needs can be found on CHEPTA.NET under My Account --> Volunteer Opportunities.

Don't forget your background check! It's required for all volunteers that will be at the school. It takes about three weeks to complete and is active for three years (the year you apply plus the next 2 school years). Click here or below to complete the LISD form

• Event-Specific
  • Camp Wanna Read Set-Up and Tear-Down (May 2018) 
• Year-Round
  • 3rd grade study hall helpers (year-round)
  • STEM Class Volunteering (year-round; every Wednesday and Thursday)
  • K-Cups for Teachers (year-round; Friday drop-off in office)
  • Library Shelving (year-round; school hours; flexible times)
  • Kindergarten Lunch Duty (year-round; 10:30am lunch time)
  • Castle Courier Spotlight Articles (year-round; semi-weekly)

Mrs. Taylor and I would like to nominate Shelby Taylor as April 2019 Teacher of the Month. Shelby is a very positive person. She seeks assistance as needed to improve her skills to benefit her students. Shelby and I have worked closely on RtI logs and she is maintaining them with fidelity. She has made great growth in this area and we applaud her effort. She communicates well with parents and others. Shelby has also made a successful transition from kindergarten to first grade and also understands how the challenges we face here at the castle differ greatly in comparison to the needs of other schools. She is an easy person to talk to and we are glad to have her on staff. Thanks Shelby! -- Mr. Johnson

Who is your hero and why?
My hero would have to be my Mom. I wouldn’t be where I am without her! She not only brought me into this world, but she is my best friend. I still call her every day!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Normally I would always say I’d live on the Hawaiian island, Kauai, however I recently went on a trip to Chicago and fell in the love with the city!

What is your favorite family vacation?
I haven’t been on a family vacation in a really long time. But if I had to choose one from when I was younger, I’d have to say Disney World.

What would you change about yourself if you could?
That I wouldn’t worry so much. I often worry about things I don’t have control over. Call me crazy, but I think I just care too much.

What really makes you sad?
Losing a pet or a family member. Last year was the hardest for me losing my dog, Nina, and the only two grandparents in my life.

What motivates you?
Waking up every day knowing I leave a lasting impression on my students.

What is your favorite thing about your career?
First and foremost, my students. Every day is a surprise! Whether it’s through their learning or their energy - in case you didn’t know, 1st graders sure do have A LOT of energy! My next favorite, which I have to mention, is the “Castle”. I am so lucky to work at such a supportive school with inspiring teachers, administrators, and parents. My career wouldn’t be a success without each and every one of them.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is when I FINALLY graduated from UNT and got my teaching certification. I was in college for many years (let’s just say I should have my Master’s by now). I knew I wanted to work with children, but I wasn’t sure just exactly how or where. I thought about becoming a Nurse, a Child Psychologist, or a Teacher. I know I made the right choice.

What is your favorite book?
Oh, The Places You’ll Go! By Dr. Seuss.

What makes you laugh the most?
I’d have to say it’s a three-way tie between my students, my boyfriend, and my dog, Brody. They all make me laugh on a daily basis.

 The Cooper Agency, a Farmers Insurance Agency, is awarding the Teacher of the Month with a $100 stipend to use for classroom supplies and favorite things.

Become a fan on Facebook / Follow on Twitter / View on Instagram


Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor