back to newsletters

Originally delivered on 8/12/2018 2:46 pm

SUBJECT: Castle Courier Vol. 17, No. 2 - Aug 13, 2018


 

Volume XVII, Issue 2 - August 13, 2018

Welcome Back!!!!

Was that a fast summer or what?  As you read this, the teachers have been back getting their rooms ready, participating in professional learning, and having grade level orientations with you!  Although it was short, I hope all of you have had a very restful summer with family and friends. With the beginning of every year there always seems to be some changes that take place since my last newsletter. This year is no different. Ms. Aramouni decided to retire in early July so we are welcoming Mrs. Sara Travis to the “Castle” to take Ms. Aramouni’s place. The other change is that Shannon Baxter has been given a wonderful opportunity to be the secretary for the Executive Director of Organizational Development and Learning, Dr. Shawna Miller. Shannon leaves VERY BIG shoes to fill but I know you all wish her the best, as I do. Shannon’s last day will be August 17th. Sheila McWilliams is joining the office team replacing Shannon. Sheila has over 15 years’ experience as an Administrative Assistant/Office manager in the field of education. She will start towards the end of the 2nd week of school. Please introduce yourself to her and welcome her to the best elementary school in Texas☺

Fourth grade parents – We are proud to be continuing our 1:X program for students. Please pay attention to future communication regarding this program as well as the Digital Citizenship course that your student will take during the first few weeks of school. iPad deployment is scheduled for August 24th. Please make sure to complete all necessary forms in skyward prior and pay the necessary fees.

Fifth grade parents – Your students received their iPads last year but will turn in their iPads August 24th and receive new ones. Please make sure to complete all necessary forms in skyward prior and pay the necessary fees.

Thank you in advance Fourth and Fifth grade parents.

Last year we started a program called Ready to Learn. As with any new program, we tweaked it throughout the year. Over the summer we decided that “being ready to learn” incorporates all of the GE Life Skills that we are teaching our students here at Castle Hills. Skills like responsibility, self-discipline, perseverance, effort, dedication, and commitment. Hence, the program will now be called Ready To Apply My GE Life Skills.

In addition, this year we have simplified the program drastically. The office will continue to take data on tardies for this program. This will be the part of the program whereby students can earn their GE Life Skills pin at the end of the year.

Students who have no more than 5 unexcused tardies or do not have more than 10 items dropped off in the office for the year will earn their GE Life Skills pin.

Lunches dropped off will NOT count against a student.

It will be up to each grade level if they want to add to the “on time” requirement to earn a GE Life Skills pin at the end of the year. If your grade level chooses to add a requirement they will communicate the GE Life Skill that will be required.

Data collected from this program is included in the Campus Improvement Plan for comparison purposes. It is our hope that this program will decrease tardies, and instill responsibility, and student independence.

Please make sure that you come to “Meet the Teacher” for grades 1st – 5th, Tuesday, August 14th from 8:15 AM to 9:30AM.  Kindergarten you have your own special “Meet the Teacher” on Monday, August 27th from 5:00 – 6:00PM. As always please contact the office if you need anything or have questions.

Speaking on behalf of the faculty and staff, we look forward to our 17th year and continued partnership in the education of your children.  It is going to be a FANTASTIC year!

Donna J. Taylor, M.Ed

THIS WEEK - Mon, Aug 13 to Sun, Aug 19

 

Keep scrolling down for more information, and click graphics for details!

Back to School Parties Aug 13 & 14

 

1st-5th Meet the Teacher Tue, Aug 14

 

Yahoo/Boo-Hoo Reception Aug 15

NEXT WEEK - Mon, Aug 20 to Sun, Aug 26

 
  • Mon, 8/20: Independence Day
  • Fri, 8/24: 1st-5th Lunch Visitors Welcome
  • Fri, 8/24: Kinder Class Placement Letters Home
  • Fri, 8/24: 4th and 5th Grade iPad Deployment
  • Fri, 8/24: Room Parent Sign-Up Forms Due
  • Fri, 8/24: Room Rep GLC Meeting

Keep scrolling down for more information, and click graphics for details!


Looking to get involved at CHE? Become a Room Parent! It is a fun way to volunteer your time being in your child's classroom and getting to know their teacher and classmates! Please signup now through August 24th! You must be an active PTA member to see the form, and Kinder parents do not need to select the teacher name in order to apply.

AND BEYOND  - Mon, Aug 27 to Sun, Sep 9

 

Keep scrolling down for more information, and click graphics for details!

Kinder Meet the Teacher Mon, Aug 27

 

Spirit Wear Last Day
Mon, Aug 27

 

 Grandparents Day
Fri, 9/7

SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS

Traffic Flow Map


 

'18-'19 PTA Meetings

 

Kingdom Tales



In An Emergency

 

 Room Parent Form

 

 

PTA Membership 

The PTA Volunteer Program is one of the best ways that parents can support the students and staff at our school. 

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. Click here or below to complete the LISD form.

 

Here are sign-up opportunities to support our school, teachers, and students:

EVENT-SPECIFIC

NameDateLocationCommitDetails

Welcome Back Brunch....But First Coffee!

By 8/13Drop-off (home)0-15 min

5th Grade; donate supplies for welcome back brunch

YEAR-ROUND

NameDateLocationCommitDetails
K cup donations for teachersOn-goingDrop-off (CHE)0-15 mindeliver 24 K-cups to the school on Fridays throughout the year
Castle Courier Spotlight ArticlesOn-goingHome30-60 minmax 1 per child; students write an article about a specific program, event, or club to be included in the bi-weekly Castle Courier newsletter.
Kindergarten Lunch DutyOn-goingCHE30-45 min10:30am-11:00am lunch time; assist students and teachers in the cafeteria during Kindergarten lunch
PTA Open PositionsOn-goingN/A2 years2018-2020 term; multiple positions with varying amount of time commitment

Enrichment classes are offered at the Castle Hills campus immediately after school by LISD-approved vendors. The programs are extra-curricular, with fees paid directly to the vendor, and students are escorted to and from classes by a teacher or instructor. WE ARE PAPERLESS and flyers will not be going home via folders.

THE FUN STUFF (AND WHY WE'RE HERE)


 

 

My name is Dylan Varkey and I will be starting 2nd grade soon. My teacher is Mrs. Moorehead. I learned a lot of new and interesting things last year in 1st grade so I am excited to learn even more this year with my new teacher.

One of the things I like doing is reading new books. That is why I like doing Kingdom Tales. You get to use your imagination and write your own story. You also get to draw your own pictures for the story. It is fun to be an author and an illustrator. My favorite thing about Kingdom Tales is when you get your book, you can read it to your family and friends.

Everyone can participate in Kingdom Tales. You should sign up because it helps your imagination and there would be a lot of fun books to read!

 

PTA's mission is to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.

Become a fan on Facebook / Follow on Twitter / View profile on Pinterest

 



Castle Hills PTA
1025 Holy Grail Drive
Lewisville, TX 75056