We hope you enjoyed a great start to distance learning, phase two! I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to pop into a number of classrooms as well as parent evenings as the week progressed. I am so impressed with the efforts being put forth by our students (and parents!) in meeting the expectations set forth by our teachers and district. And speaking of our teachers and staff...may I give a huge shout out to them for the continued commitment they are showing to their own professional learning and innovative instruction! Though we are at home, I can honestly say we are working harder than ever to keep our kids first. Thank you Castle Rock staff!

This week you can expect to hear from your child's teacher about the weekly plan for instruction. Remember that some assignments are "must do" assignments, while others are "may do". If you need clarification, please reach out to your child's teacher. Also, please remember to check your email with regularity...it has definitely become our lifeline to you.

For this week's newsletter, please find some special content from our elementary learning specialist, Mrs. Ruhl. Also, instead of my weekly read aloud, I am taking your kids on a virtual field trip to the zoo! No permission slip required =) While the video is a bit lengthier than usual, I think the kids will enjoy "getting out of the house". You will also find information about read alouds for some of our older kids (Harry Potter, anyone??), as well as important information about summer school and yearbooks.

Keep working hard Knights! We miss you and are proud of your efforts!

Warmly,

Mrs. Alcazar and the Castle Rock Staff

All of the links referred to in the video are pasted below. Go back and visit the animals as often as you like!

Canopy Cam – Exhibits
Giraffe Cam | San Diego Zoo Safari Park
EarthCam - Giraffe Cam
Sea Otter Webcam | Georgia Aquarium
Live Cams | San Diego Zoo
Nicholas Dolphin Cam 2 | Live Webcams | Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Rhino Yard Cam - The Houston Zoo
Panda Cam | San Diego Zoo
Tiger Cam | San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Ocean Voyager Webcam | Georgia Aquarium

The Walnut Valley Educational Foundation is a nonprofit organization approved by the district to provide summer school to students who do not quality for the programs described above. Tuition is $540 and is open to all students entering first through fifth grade. The program will provide small class sizes (15 students per class) taught by a credentialed teacher. Instruction will be Monday through Thursday from 8:30 - 12:15 and will be LIVE teaching through distance learning platforms. The program will also provide students with daily small group instruction. More information will be sent to WVUSD families at the end of this coming week.

*Note: All summer programs will be distance learning based.

Please email wvhelp@wvusd.org to request a device or receive technical assistance of any sort, including password resets or login issues!

Students! Remember to vote for our yearbook cover (Grades 1 through 5), as well as our Superlatives (best and most, Grade 5 ONLY!). Ask your teachers to provide you with the links, and remember to only vote once!