* House Bill 5, Section 46; Texas Education Code Section

Fine Arts Program rated Exemplary Fine Arts at Castañeda Elementary includes choir, art, music, dance and theater/drama. Our students compete in UIL Art and Music Memory and various district and community art contests. They also perform in plays, musicals and dance shows throughout the year for our parents and community. J. Castañeda Elementary

Wellness and Physical Education Programs rated Exemplary Castañeda Elementary promotes Wellness and Physical Education by participating in various activities such as Brownsville’s annual The Challenge and community runs and walks. The students compete in various sports tournaments such as soccer and the NFL Flag Football (Division Winners). J. Castañeda Elementary

Community and Parental Involvement rated Recognized Castañeda Parent Meetings and the 21 st Century Family Engagement meetings give our families useful information on strategies for academics, nutrition and social behaviors. Parents are also given information on academic tutorials and the importance of participation. Castañeda is a hosting school to the HEB Read 3 Community Program. The school participates in community service projects such as United Way, A Mile of Hope, and Hope for Alzheimer’s. J. Castañeda Elementary HEB Read 3

21 st Century Workforce Development rated Exemplary Promoting college and career awareness at Castañeda Elementary is an important element in producing college ready students. The 21 st Century Cycle 7 program has our students (PK-5 th grades) researching and learning about different careers. Care Partners are members of the community who adopt and mentor classes throughout the school year. Our annual Career Day was a success with more than twenty presenters participating. J. Castañeda Elementary

Dropout Prevention Strategies rated Exemplary Dropout prevention strategies at Castañeda Elementary include parent meetings, college and career readiness activities, and attendance incentives. School support programs such as academic tutorials and the 21 st Century Program are a driving force in dropout prevention. J. Castañeda Elementary

Second Language Acquisition Program Recognized Language and cultural diversity is celebrated at Castañeda by immersing students in different activities. For example, they learn about cultures and customs from around the world, they perform in plays for Hispanic Heritage Month and dance at our annual Fiesta de Baile. For instructional support, our ELL students receive small group research based direct instruction. Teachers use technology to enhance and enrich their learning.  Hispanic Heritage Month Bilingual Kinder Class J. Castañeda Elementary Chinese New Year Bilingual Kinder Students

Digital Learning Environment rated Recognized Students at Castañeda attend technology classes once a week. They utilize the Living With Science Lab for hands on science resources linked to computer aided instruction. Teachers and students use Kindles and Nooks provided by the 21 st Century Program. This allows students to read novels, work on the Think Through Math program and to research and present on various topics. J. Castañeda Elementary

Gifted and Talented Program rated Recognized Gifted and Talented students at Castañeda Elementary showcased their talents in various events. They participated in Brainsville, Chess, Science Fair, UIL, Spelling Bee, Honor Choir and art contests. J. Castañeda Elementary