Hello,

The holidays are behind us. We have made it through the first two nine-weeks grading periods. Your students are back in their routines seemingly unaffected by the crazy Texas weather. Our first week back we had a wonderful Rise and Shine celebrating our second nine-weeks of school.  We also enjoyed a wonderful PTA meeting and celebrated student art and the many cultures that represent Castle Hills. Cultural Night is always a wonderful night here at the “Castle”.

As I always do, I welcome students back from the break by going to each classroom. While speaking with the classes I always share how fast the second half of the year goes. For example: Science Night, 5th Grade goes to LISDOLA, 4th grade visits Austin, 3rd grade goes to the symphony, High Touch High Tech visits 1st grade, other grade level field trips take place, and field day, just to name a few activities. Of course, there is State testing for 3rd through 5th grades. Fifth grade will take Reading and Math on April 9th and 10th and 4th grade will take their STAAR writing on April 9th. Different this year is the rest of testing will be late, May 13th-15th which is the week before your students get out of school. The end of school is always a difficult time to keep our students motivated. Any help from you, as always, will be greatly appreciated.

Castle Hills has two buses that transport students to and from school. Both of these buses 221 and 229 are now at capacity. Therefore, I will no longer be able to allow friends to ride either of these buses home from school for play dates.

We are still working on our tardies. As a friendly reminder our school doors open and we begin welcoming students at 7:15am. The bell rings at 7:35am and our mini Rise and Shines start by 7:37am. Please practice the life principal of responsibility and have your students to school by 7:35 am. Student’s do not start their day off well when they are late. They are stressed about their tardiness and often it is no fault of their own. It shows as they come through the office. Having your students here at school allows them time to socialize with friends, transition smoothly to class, and not start the day playing catch up. Thank you to all those who practice the life principal of commitment by having students on time and prepared for school.  

I have scheduled the Kindergarten Coffee with the Principal for Wednesday, February 6th at 8:15am. More information and a reminder will be sent.

As always, thank you for all the support you give me and the teachers here at Castle Hills. We have GREAT success because of GREAT students, GREAT teachers, and GREAT parents.

TEAM = Together Everyone Achieves More

Donna J. Taylor, M.Ed
Principal

February is the month we focus on love expressions for those who mean the world to us. It usually culminates on Valentine’s Day when we send flowers, balloons, cards, gifts and chocolate. February is also when the American Heart Association runs their GO RED campaign. Since we are focusing on the compassion we feel and show to others, it is a great time to remind us that things are happening inside the heart.

In the past, I’ve mentioned that we need to take care of ourselves as a way of showing our love to family and friends. There are many things we can do. Healthy eating. Exercise. Blood work. Blood pressure checks. Adequate rest. And, one thing more.

Learning the mechanics of CPR. Being prepared in case of an emergency is a great way to have peace of mind should the unthinkable happen. I know many folks are unable to attend a CPR class, so I’ve listed several internet sites below where you can go to learn the dynamics of hands-only CPR. I encourage you to take five to ten minutes to observe the steps. If you have any questions about CPR, I will be glad to help you out. There will also be a group at the Science Night demonstrating the technique.

https:www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLa_92pZE8E

www.heart.org/handsonlycpr  

https:www.youtube.co/watch?v=zuJkRpJ7Fxg  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_49wMpdews

Heart health is for everyone, not just grandparents. Let’s head into the spring with our hearts, bodies and minds in shape for the warmer months.

Lillianne Kohler RN
Castle Hills Elementary
Office: 972-350-5303
Fax: 214-626-1828

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

Please review the brief descriptions of each volunteer area and indicate your preliminary interests. Your contact information will then be forwarded to the CHE PTA board member or committee chair that is in charge of that activity.  Someone will be in touch with you soon.

Please be aware that Board Policy requires that each volunteer undergoes a background check before working with students.  You will need to complete the background check during your VOLY account creation process. Go to VOLY now to get started:  

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

EVENT-SPECIFIC

YEAR-ROUND

 Thank you for volunteering!

Thank you to everyone who turned in Box Tops this past October. The top 3 collectors this Fall are Georgia Clark, Blake Bimmerle, and Anna Marchand. Our next collection is due February 22nd!

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

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