We are fortunate to have Mrs. Lessman, a retired teacher, return to Castle Heights to head our science program. Our fourth and fifth grade students are learning and having fun while conducting experiments using scientific instruments and materials in a laboratory approach to science.

In the upcoming quarter,

• Our fourth grade classes will learn about the forces that affect the Earth: weathering and erosion, earthquakes, volcanoes, and the rock cycle.
• Our fifth graders will study the causes and effects of different types of severe weather, use weather instruments and maps to predict changes, and learn how forces in our solar system affect the Earth.

"I like the science experiments we do. I also like learning about how atoms create molecules." Kandice H.

"Science is great! I now understand about decomposition." Alana R.

"Science is fun and challenging. We have learned how thermometers work and how cells circulate in the human body." Brandon T.

 

We are thrilled to update you on our new and exciting Recreation and Fitness program taught by STAR. The program is based on the California State Standards for Physical Education. STAR Sports teachers provide students with a variety of sports, recreation and fitness activities that help students Learn Young & Live Long! STAR Sports continually improves our children’s motor skills, celebrates their successes and achievements while building confidence and self esteem.

Designed with the cooperation of Principals and Specialists, Sport STAR provides:

• An Innovative and Exciting Fitness program for students
• Programs that meet the needs and schedule of our school
• Fitness specialists and experienced staff
• A Program Aligned to California State Standards

"I like P.E because we do fun games and we exercise. I really like the P.E. teachers too." Amanda T.

"P.E is Great! I really like that we get to play all sorts of sports like Four Corners AND Handball with ALL of the second graders!" Amani L.

"I like having P.E for a whole hour. I also like going to the stations and playing different types of sports." Joey P.

"The children love P.E. and so do we. Thank you friends and families for your support. It allows our grade level time to share ideas and strategies which help the students achieve success."
The Third Grade Teachers

 

We are proud to welcome Planet Bravo as our new computer lab educational team.

Did you hear about the great things in the Castle Heights Computer Lab? Thanks to your generous parent donations, 2006-2007 marks the first school year we are offering a formal year-long technology curriculum at Castle Heights.

Planet Bravo instructors have been leading classes since October in our Windows XP Professional Lab, covering topics such as Word Processing, Internet Research, Typing, Responsible Use, and much more. Students are led by "Mr. T" and their own classroom teachers.

Currently, students in Grades 3-5 are attending classes. We plan to expand to more grades next year as the curriculum grows.

In addition to funding the instruction periods, your donations are building up a tremendous technology program at Castle Heights. New software titles such as Reading Blaster and Type to Learn 3, and new hardware such as headphones and cameras, are only a few of the many enhancements the program is receiving through your support.

We will keep you informed on the many exciting changes as the technology program continues to grow. Until then, be sure to ask your 3rd through 5th grader to show you some of the things he or she has learned in the lab.

"I like the new Computer Lab because we get to partner up with friends, play computer games, and learn about font sizes and styles. I also like learning about all the computer controls. I’m glad the Computer Lab is back!" Robbie D.

"I really like to write my stories at the computer lab.  It is fun to type there." Carter H.

"I love the Computer Lab!  At first, I couldn't type.  Mr. T taught me everything!" Leilani G.

"The Computer Lab is magnificent and you get to learn about nature and technology." Zachary P.