I would like to thank the Optimist Club for their generous donations of backpacks. We have been able to provide 20+ backpacks to students who otherwise would go without. THANK YOU!
Additionally, I need to recognize Mrs. Sperry, who once again, is facilitating the Drama Club. The first production is underway. It is called "Safety Kids" and supports Red Ribbon Week and the "Just Say NO to Drugs" campaign.
I would also like to thank all parents and visitors who participated in our Back to School Night on August 27th. I hope everyone who attended found the presentations informative and clear. We have a wonderful staff at Castle View who value your child's education and success.
I would also like to extend an invitation to all parents to support our primary students in a Reading lab. A volunteer form will be coming home on Monday. I encourage you to consider volunteering just one hour a week to support a struggling reader. Once the Reading lab is underway, we will begin a Math lab as well. So, if you are more comfortable with math, we have a place for you too!
Our first English Learners Advisory Committee (9 am) and School Site Council (2 pm)meetings are September 28th. I will be presenting school wide and grade level results from the California Standards Test including estimated Academic Performance Index (API) and Annual Yearly Progress (AYP). I encourage you to attend, ask questions, and get involved.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Good Afternoon Castle View Families,
We have had a wonderful start to school. There were a few issues with bus routes and stops, but we worked through them and I believe everyone is now on the right bus getting on and off at the right stop. We currently have 560 students enrolled at Castle View!
If you were on campus this week, you have seen the new student door. It brings in lots of light to the office and allows us to see who is coming and going on campus. It is a wonderful addition and again, I want to thank the M & O department for getting this done over summer. We are still anticipating an additional parking lot on the lower field for our staff who work in the D portables. Construction will begin sometime in November. I will keep you posted.
I am proud to announce that Castle View met their API goal! All 2nd through 6th grade students take the California Standards Test (CST) in May. The scores from that test determine our Academic Performance Index, or API score. Castle View API was 800 last year which is considered proficient on the state level. Castle View raised the API score to 808! We have looked at the progress and determined what programs and instructional techniques were in place which supported the increase, and what we can continue to do or change to continue the upward achievement of our students. Castle View staff members are very committed to your students and they are planning to improve not only the API scores, but to ensure that every child moves up in proficiency. I will be providing an over view of school wide results at Back to School Night including our performance relative to No Child Left Behind goals. You will see we have work to do in increasing proficiency for all students to meet the NCLB goals. I hope you will be available to attend. Back to School Night begins at 6 pm in the MPR.
If you have been on campus, you can also see how full our classes are. It was determined last year, due to the state budget crises that RUSD could no longer maintain the 20 to 1 ratio in Kindergarten through 2nd grade. In our Kindergarten classrooms, we currently have between 22 and 24 students, our first grade classrooms have up to 27 students, and our second grades are between 20 and 24. We will continue to provide quality instruction to all students. You can help by providing assistance to teachers in preparing materials or volunteering in the classrooms. We are also beginning a parent reading program to support First and Second grade students who need support in decoding and phonics. We will be sending home information and asking for volunteers. The more volunteers we have, the more students we can support. Please think about volunteering, even 20 minutes a week can make a difference.
I held discipline assemblies today (8-26) for K-5 and will meet with 6th graders tomorrow. I talk to students about positive behavior and following school and class rules. I also let them know what kinds of behavior will result in violations or suspensions. But I always compliment our students (and parents) because Castle View has very well behaved students who take learning seriously. I thank you for sending your students to us well prepared to learn.
Lastly, I want to introduce and welcome Mrs. Julie Bow - K teacher; Ms. Jaemy Zavala - Community Assistant; and Mrs. Christina Velasquez - Bilingual Instructional Assistant. We are fortunate to have them join our staff.
Thank you for your continue support. I am looking forward to a great year.
Sincerely, Mrs. Calhoun
We have had a wonderful start to school. There were a few issues with bus routes and stops, but we worked through them and I believe everyone is now on the right bus getting on and off at the right stop. We currently have 560 students enrolled at Castle View!
If you were on campus this week, you have seen the new student door. It brings in lots of light to the office and allows us to see who is coming and going on campus. It is a wonderful addition and again, I want to thank the M & O department for getting this done over summer. We are still anticipating an additional parking lot on the lower field for our staff who work in the D portables. Construction will begin sometime in November. I will keep you posted.
I am proud to announce that Castle View met their API goal! All 2nd through 6th grade students take the California Standards Test (CST) in May. The scores from that test determine our Academic Performance Index, or API score. Castle View API was 800 last year which is considered proficient on the state level. Castle View raised the API score to 808! We have looked at the progress and determined what programs and instructional techniques were in place which supported the increase, and what we can continue to do or change to continue the upward achievement of our students. Castle View staff members are very committed to your students and they are planning to improve not only the API scores, but to ensure that every child moves up in proficiency. I will be providing an over view of school wide results at Back to School Night including our performance relative to No Child Left Behind goals. You will see we have work to do in increasing proficiency for all students to meet the NCLB goals. I hope you will be available to attend. Back to School Night begins at 6 pm in the MPR.
If you have been on campus, you can also see how full our classes are. It was determined last year, due to the state budget crises that RUSD could no longer maintain the 20 to 1 ratio in Kindergarten through 2nd grade. In our Kindergarten classrooms, we currently have between 22 and 24 students, our first grade classrooms have up to 27 students, and our second grades are between 20 and 24. We will continue to provide quality instruction to all students. You can help by providing assistance to teachers in preparing materials or volunteering in the classrooms. We are also beginning a parent reading program to support First and Second grade students who need support in decoding and phonics. We will be sending home information and asking for volunteers. The more volunteers we have, the more students we can support. Please think about volunteering, even 20 minutes a week can make a difference.
I held discipline assemblies today (8-26) for K-5 and will meet with 6th graders tomorrow. I talk to students about positive behavior and following school and class rules. I also let them know what kinds of behavior will result in violations or suspensions. But I always compliment our students (and parents) because Castle View has very well behaved students who take learning seriously. I thank you for sending your students to us well prepared to learn.
Lastly, I want to introduce and welcome Mrs. Julie Bow - K teacher; Ms. Jaemy Zavala - Community Assistant; and Mrs. Christina Velasquez - Bilingual Instructional Assistant. We are fortunate to have them join our staff.
Thank you for your continue support. I am looking forward to a great year.
Sincerely, Mrs. Calhoun
Monday, July 27, 2009
My Fish Story
Hello Castle View families and staff,
I returned from Louisiana with a little sun and a lot of sore muscles! We went out 45 - 50 miles each day into the Gulf and fished for Red Snapper and whatever came our way. I caught several 6 to 12 pound Snappers, a Trigger fish, and I helped reel in a 24 pound King fish! That was exciting and a lot of work. Of course, as in any fish story, the 'one that got away' was a huge Browning fish. My mom and I though we had hooked our lines under the boat, but we both came up with large Browning fish! But alas, both of them got off the hooks at the last moment.
Deep sea fishing was a new experience for me. It was beyond my comfort zone, but I visualized catching the fish and enjoying a great fish dinner. I asked for help when needed and was grateful for others expertise. I can't say I love fishing and I probably never will, but I am enriched by the experience and enjoyed time with my family.
Our students face similar challenges everyday in school. We can support them by helping them visualize success; teaching them that it is okay to ask for help; and reward them for their efforts and accomplishments. I hope to hear many summer 'fish stories' from the students when we return in August.
See you soon,
Mrs. Calhoun
I returned from Louisiana with a little sun and a lot of sore muscles! We went out 45 - 50 miles each day into the Gulf and fished for Red Snapper and whatever came our way. I caught several 6 to 12 pound Snappers, a Trigger fish, and I helped reel in a 24 pound King fish! That was exciting and a lot of work. Of course, as in any fish story, the 'one that got away' was a huge Browning fish. My mom and I though we had hooked our lines under the boat, but we both came up with large Browning fish! But alas, both of them got off the hooks at the last moment.
Deep sea fishing was a new experience for me. It was beyond my comfort zone, but I visualized catching the fish and enjoying a great fish dinner. I asked for help when needed and was grateful for others expertise. I can't say I love fishing and I probably never will, but I am enriched by the experience and enjoyed time with my family.
Our students face similar challenges everyday in school. We can support them by helping them visualize success; teaching them that it is okay to ask for help; and reward them for their efforts and accomplishments. I hope to hear many summer 'fish stories' from the students when we return in August.
See you soon,
Mrs. Calhoun
Thursday, July 9, 2009
I want to thank all parents and students for participating in our fundraisers at Castle View. Because of your efforts, each teacher at Castle View will receive a gift card to either Target or Staples (their choice) to spend on classroom needs AND Castle View is receiving several LCD projectors and Document Cameras! These donations are made through the PTO and are possible because of student and parent participation in fundraising. The gift cards have been sent in the mail so teachers can take advantage of summer sales and stock up for the coming year.
THANK YOU EVERYONE!
THANK YOU EVERYONE!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Good afternoon Castle View families. I hope everyone enjoyed their fourth of July. I enjoyed a very hot weekend in Arizona. It was 115 degrees most days and 109 most evenings. I was happy to return to our cooler climate.
The roofing and repair to the buildings are complete. They replaced the roof on the Library and the fascia boards on all buildings. They are installing gutters on all buildings and will paint the trim. I look forward to seeing the paint finished to complete the project.
I spoke with Mrs. Sperry and she is planning on beginning recruitment for drama the second week of school. Their first production will be for Red Ribbon Week in October. We are also planning our 2nd annual Variety Show as it was a huge success last year. That will be in the Spring.
If you have any preschool age children, ages 3 or 4, or know families who do, RUSD is now enrolling students in Headstart and State Preschool programs. You can call 352-8290 for more information.
Mrs. Zolfaghari and I are working thru July 10 and then we will be off until August 10. The office will reopen August 18th.
The roofing and repair to the buildings are complete. They replaced the roof on the Library and the fascia boards on all buildings. They are installing gutters on all buildings and will paint the trim. I look forward to seeing the paint finished to complete the project.
I spoke with Mrs. Sperry and she is planning on beginning recruitment for drama the second week of school. Their first production will be for Red Ribbon Week in October. We are also planning our 2nd annual Variety Show as it was a huge success last year. That will be in the Spring.
If you have any preschool age children, ages 3 or 4, or know families who do, RUSD is now enrolling students in Headstart and State Preschool programs. You can call 352-8290 for more information.
Mrs. Zolfaghari and I are working thru July 10 and then we will be off until August 10. The office will reopen August 18th.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Good afternoon Castle View families and friends, The work continues on the exterior buildings. They have cut away the damaged boards and fascia and are now replacing them with new boards. The new fascia is currently primer but will be re-painted. We continue to gain new students every day. Please let your neighbors know if they have students beginning school that they need to go to the Central Registration Center on Arlington Ave. (352-1200) All student registration is completed there for Elementary and Middle school. I am sorry to report that someone has vandalized our campus. If you see any suspicious behavior on or around our campus, you can reach RUSD security at 788-7496 24 hours a day. I am off to Arizona this weekend to visit the grand babies. :) I hope your July 4th weekend is filled with family fun as well. Sincerely, Mrs. Calhoun
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Good evening. I am happy to report that the new student entrance door is installed! Mrs. Zolfaghari and I have enjoyed the natural light and great view of the hill. It will be nice for students and staff to have access directly into the front office and the conference room can once again be used as a conference room without the constant opening and closing of the side door. I'd like to thank the district maintenance department for their work in demolition and installation of the new door and Mr. Fine and Mr. Mueller for seeing the need and providing the door. When you have a chance, drive by and take a look. Sincerely, Mrs. Calhoun
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