Mariano Castro Elementary showcases innovative literacy and behavioral programs at community event

The MVWSD Board Meeting held on April 3, 2025, featured a vibrant showcase from Mariano Castro Elementary School, highlighting the school's commitment to quality education and community engagement. The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from the Castro staff and students, who expressed their pride in their school and its achievements.

The presentation emphasized the school's focus on literacy through the Amplify CKLA curriculum, which aims to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Castro Elementary also implements a targeted Response to Intervention (RTI) program, providing additional support for students who are not yet reading at grade level. This includes small group interventions using programs like SPIRE and IMSE, while students at grade level participate in research units and novel studies.

In addition to literacy, the school underscored the importance of mathematics instruction, with co-teaching strategies employed twice a week to address learning gaps. The hands-on STEAM curriculum encourages students to engage in scientific exploration, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Behavioral instruction is also a priority at Castro, with a school-wide initiative known as the "Dolphin Way," which teaches students to be safe, respectful, and responsible. The program includes a tiered approach to behavior support, allowing students to earn rewards like Dolphin dollars for positive behavior.

Physical education is integrated into the curriculum, with students participating in activities that promote health and wellness. The school collaborates with Playworks to teach safe play and relationship-building skills, further enhancing students' social development.

The Castro Wellness Center provides essential support for students' mental health, offering safe spaces and counseling services. Notably, the school recently introduced the Get EarthquakesFit program, which combines soccer skills training with healthy eating education, culminating in a closing ceremony featuring a professional soccer player.

Community involvement is a cornerstone of Castro Elementary, with events such as science nights and the Festival of Lights fostering connections among families and staff. Monthly assemblies celebrate student achievements, reinforcing a culture of recognition and pride within the school community.

Following the showcase, Superintendent Barra announced new leadership appointments for the upcoming school year, introducing new principals for Vargas, Castro, and Stevenson schools. The meeting concluded with a brief recess, allowing attendees to reflect on the positive developments shared during the presentation.