Elementary superheroes fly into Phase Two learning in NEISD
As Katherine Castro taught her students virtually, there were socially-distanced superheroes students sitting on a colorful classroom rug eager to learn.
It is now Phase Two of North East ISD’s plan for a gradual return to in-person learning with up to ten students allowed per classroom.
Castro’s kindergartners at Ridgeview Elementary have already tackled virtual learning.
This is her sixth year teaching in NEISD and has been an educator for seven years in total.
“The kids are doing so awesome! Just seeing them come in as their first time in school, this is what they are used to and what they know. It’s really cool to see how they can maneuver and navigate through the apps by themselves,” Castro explained.
She is a former LEE High School graduate with a passion for teaching.
Her classroom, which she called Hero Headquarters, is a fun place filled with color and shimmering lights.
Castro also went one step further by making every single student a superhero-themed face shield, which she hand-delivered to their homes before the school year began.
“I thought it was so fitting for this year because, come on, we are in the middle of a pandemic! So, being a superhero right now and telling those kids, ‘you’re protecting others by wearing those masks and social distancing.’ They really take it to heart,” she said.
5-year-old Sophia Garza is in Ms. Castro’s class and happy to be back at Ridgeview.
“I like when they [superheroes] fly because I wish I can fly,” she said with a smile.
And, across campus, fourth-grade bilingual teacher Carmen Sepulveda, is excited to see a few more faces in her classroom too.
Ms. Sepulveda has been with NEISD for ten years and has been an educator for a total of 15 years.
“To have them here in person filled my heart,” she said in Spanish.
Half of her students are on campus and the other half are at home.
She said each one is special to her and seeing them makes her heart happy.
“I decided to become a teacher because something in my heart said I needed to do something to make a difference,” Sepulveda explained in Spanish.
She said she cannot change the world but, the best way she can try is by impacting one student at a time.
“Every year I have 16 students. I can change the lives of 16 students this year. The next year, 16-24 more, and then 16-24 more the next one. Doing that, I feel the most impactful,” Sepulveda added in Spanish.
And, at Ridgeview Elementary, no matter where you look, you’ll find heroes around every corner.
For more information on Bilingual/ESL Curriculum in North East ISD, click here: https://www.neisd.net/Page/20173
To view North East ISD’s Back-to-School In-Person Phase-In Plan, click here: https://www.neisd.net/cms/lib/TX02215002/Centricity/Domain/250/NEISD%20Phase-In%20Presentation%20Final.pdf
Because #NEISDcares!