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