Welcome to theCastleConnector,CastleSchool's online Newsletter.

ImportantCastlePhone Numbers:

Main Office:651-748-6700- Office hours are7:30 am- 4:00 pm

Attendance Line:651-748-6717- Available 24 hours per day

Health Office:651-748-6715- Health Office hours are8:30 am-3:30 pm

School Hours are8:45 am- 3:15 pm

Dates-to-Remember:

Tuesday, Dec. 13 - PTO Saints North Roller-skating Night6:00-8:00 pm

Thursday, Dec. 15- Castle Choir Music Program6:30 pm(for students in grades 4-5 who have been coming to school early for Choir rehearsals)

Thursday, Dec. 22- Last day of school before Winter Break

NO SCHOOL FOR WINTER BREAK:December 23rdtoJanuary 2nd- School ResumesTuesday, January 3rd.

Cold Weather Policy for Recess:

All students go outside for recess each day. On colder days, the temperature and wind chill are checked before students go outside for recess. We will go outside for recess unless the windchill is -10 degrees or temperature is 0 degrees or below.

If your child has a special medical need condition that prevents them from going outside for recess, please make sure the Health Office has a Doctor's Note on file.

When going outside and students do not have snow pants or boots, we ask that they stay on the blacktop section of the playground during recess so their shoes and socks don't get wet. If you have a special need for any winter gear, please contact the main office at651-748-6700.

School Closing, Delays, Early Dismissal Information:With the winter season upon us, there are several ways to see if Castle School will be startinglate, closing early or closed for the day. School delays or closings will be announced by6:00 am.

Delays and closings on TV will be listed asNorth St. Paul, Maplewood, Oakdale School District 622NOTCastle School.

  • Check theSchool District Web siteat
  • WatchTVfor announcements – it will be listed as North St. Paul, Maplewood, Oakdale Schools
  • There will be aSchool Messengerphone announcement from the Superintendent's Office to all phone numbers for all families when school is delayed or cancelled (make sure your phone numbers are up-to-date to receive this important phone call regarding weather delays/cancellation).

Delayed Start: When there is a delay in opening of schools, the school starting time will always be delayed at least two hours. In addition:

  • Morning Stepping Stones is canceled.
  • Morning Community Education classes and activities are canceled.
  • Morning Early Childhood Family Education programs are canceled.
  • Morning Early Childhood Special Education programs are canceled.
  • Meals on Wheels is canceled.
  • Adventure Connection will be closed for the before-school session. The after-school session will be open as usual, unless administration announces otherwise.

Early Dismissal:

  • All afternoon and evening Community Education classes and activities will be canceled unless the superintendent or designee makes an exception.
  • Adventure Connection is closed.
  • After-school activities will be canceled unless the superintendent or designee makes an exception.

When School is Closed:

  • All Community Education activities are canceled including ECFE programs, Meals on Wheels, and Adult Basic Education and GED classes.
  • Adventure Connection sites are closed.
  • All after-school activities are canceled

When inclement weather necessitates the cancellation of activities on non-school days or after the end of the school day, all community education activities will be canceled unless the superintendent or designee makes an exception.

Bus Procedures and Guidelines:

In order to ensure the safety of our students at bus stops, please help us by reviewing the followingBus Stop Procedures:

  • be at the bus stop 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive (bus drivers do not need to wait for students if they are not at the bus stop)
  • stay off the road when waiting so the driver has room to stop
  • line up in an orderly fashion and wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before boarding; do not crowd or push
  • use the handrail when getting on the bus; walk up the steps one at a time
  • have respect for people's property; don't trample lawns, flowers, or shrubs

If you have questions or concerns about your child's bus stop, please contact us in the main office at651-748-6700.

Amazon Smile:

Did you know that shopping on Amazon can earn money for Castle School? Amazon will donate .5% of the price of your eligible Amazon Smile purchases to Castle Elementary!

Start every shopping spree at sure to use the 'smile' site).

TypeCastle Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organizationas your charity of choice and every qualifying purchase will earn dollars toward Castle School.

Holiday Gifts for School Staff ~Under the school board policy governing “Gifts to Employees,”teachers and other school district staff are not allowed to receive as personal property, a gift worth more than $5 from a student, parent, individual or organization.Instead, individuals wishing to show appreciation to a teacher or staff member are encouraged to write letters or notes of appreciation. Individuals may also show appreciation through a donation to the school in a teacher’s name.

The policy, which is based on state legislation, refers to gifts that are for personal use only and still allows parents and individuals to give gifts or items that benefit the classroom or school, such as school supplies, books, etc. Gifts of that nature wouldn’t be restricted to the $5 limitation.

Lost & Found:

We have SEVERAL sweatshirts, a few jackets, lunchboxes and hats and mittens in our Lost & Found. If your child is missing any items, remind them to check the Lost & Found. Any items left at Winter Break will be donated to Goodwill.

Many community non-profit organizations offer meaningful enrichment activities and

events to students and families with ISD 622.

Visit see which activities might be of interest to your family. Flyers posted include Girl Scouts, Show Choir, School's Out Activities, Community Education flyers, Swim Lessons and much, much more

Attachments area