School News

Middle School Open Enrollment
January 30-February 10, 2016

4th Grade Families: 5th grade is offered in both Elementary School and Middle School in our district. Parents of this year’s 4th graders will participate in Open Enrollment to indicate their preference for elementary or middle school placement. Open Enrollment forms were mailed to current 4th families who are elligible for Open Enrollment. If you believe you are missing the form, inquire at the school. Please bring the forms to the office between January 30 and February 10. The forms will not be accepted after 4:00 on February 10.

5th Grade Families: Castlemont Students now in 5th grade will be assigned to their resident middle school for 6th grade, but their parents may choose to request a different school during Open Enrollment. If you wish to request a middle school other than your resident middle school, please ask for an Open Enrollment form at the school office and turn it in by February 10 at 4:00.

All parents considering Castlemont School for Kindergarten or Transitional Kindergarten for their 2017-2018 school year are welcome to attend our Open Enrollment Tour on Friday, January 20 at 8:35.  (Other incoming grade levels are welcome, too.)

Also, watch our video to get a preview!

The Importance of Sleep Routines for Young Children

Lack of sleep isn't just a problem for busy adults. Kids of all ages are not getting an adequate amount of sleep, affecting both their development and behavior. The National Sleep Foundation reports that 25 percent of infants, toddlers and preschoolers are sleepy during the day, and 30 percent of school-aged kids have trouble getting up in the morning. Establishing soothing bedtime routines helps keep young children from becoming part of these statistics.

Bedtime routines play an important role in young kids. These nightly rituals help ease separation anxiety that sometimes occurs in little ones. Certain activities, such as a soothing bath or nightly story, also help children relax for bed. Stimulating activities -- including watching television or playing video games -- aren't effective or wise bedtime routines. In fact, they are detrimental to sleep. Kids with televisions in their rooms go to bed each night about 20 minutes later, according to Laurie Weinreb-Welch, MPH, CHES, a Pennsylvania State University Extension educator. This adds up to more than two hours of lost sleep a week, which is unlikely to be made up.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/509956-the-...

Do you have any board games lying around that you want to get rid of?  If so, Castlemont will take your elementary appropriate games.  We are in need of games for our “Dragons’ Den” and “Castles in the Sky” recess rooms.  The Castlemont staff thanks you for your support.