Flexibility is one of the perks that parents, students and teachers enjoy at Castle Hills Elementary School. The campus' calendar year is atypical, with a July start date and extended breaks scheduled throughout the school year. Parents and students expected the first day to look different this year, but they were pleasantly surprised to find the things that matter most haven't changed at all.
Many students had first-day butterflies as they joined their teachers and classmates online in their first official day of distance learning on Tuesday, July 21. Lola King has been looking forward to joining Cheryl Cuevas' third-grade class. While this first day of school is unlike any other, Lola couldn't wait to dive in virtually.
"I'm excited to have a class with Mrs. Cuevas and I'm really excited to go back to school, even if it's not in person," said King. "I'll still get to be with my friends on Zoom and talk to them. I can't wait to do writing lessons. I am really excited to go back."
Parents are also working through first-day jitters. As a first-grade teacher at Castle Hills, Amanda Perez has a unique perspective. While she's excited to be back on campus connecting with her new students online, her son, Anthony, started his first day of kindergarten at home. This is a bittersweet moment for any parent, but the Castle Hills staff and teachers have done everything they can to make the transition as smooth as possible.
"Anthony and our family feel connected to the school already from his kindergarten teacher's digital boot camp to help us with his log-ins to all of the messages she has sent to us getting us ready for the school year," said Perez. "Although it's not the way I pictured it, it still means a great deal to me that he is a Castle Hills Roadrunner."
North East ISD staff, teachers and administrators are committed to making the 2020-2021 school year a positive, collaborative experience for everyone involved. While it may seem early, the District's only year-round magnet school is already off to a great start.
"Anthony is excited to start and meet new friends," said Perez. "Even though they won't be together, they will still feel as though they are together by joining in with their teacher."
Students who attend Castle Hills must live within six feeder school areas, live in the Castle Hills attendance zone or apply for School Choice. Click here for more information on the unique schedule and application process.
