2021-2022 News Articles

Elementary Teacher of the Year Ms. Guadalupe Perez
Guadalupe Perez Named Elementary Teacher of the Year
​Guadalupe Perez, A.V. Cato Elementary third grade bilingual math teacher, has been named Castleberry ISD's Elementary Teacher of the Year. Perez is one of three elementary campus teachers who were awarded Teacher of the Year at the campus level. As the Castleberry ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year, Perez will move to the regional level where each school district in Region XI sends a teacher. 
Secondary Teacher of the Year Ms. Kristin Flewelling
Kristin Flewelling Named Secondary Teacher of the Year for Castleberry ISD
Kristin Flewelling, Castleberry High School CTE Health Science Teacher, has been named Castleberry ISD's Secondary Teacher of the Year. Flewelling is one of two teachers nominated by colleagues and awarded Teacher of the Year for Castleberry High School this year.  
Castleberry ISD Multiplication Bee
Castleberry ISD Hosts Sixth Annual Multiplication Bee
Each year students in grades 3-5 across the district participate in the Multiplication Bee, a friendly competition led by the district’s elementary mathematics team to encourage mental math. The first round of competition is held in homeroom classes on each campus. Students compete against homeroom peers for the top three places. 
Castleberry ISD Appoints Ruby Jackson Interim Principal of Castleberry Elementary
Castleberry ISD Appoints Ruby Jackson Interim Principal of Castleberry Elementary
Ruby Jackson is a 30-year veteran educator, currently serving as assistant principal of Castleberry Elementary for the past six years. Prior to Castleberry Elementary, Jackson served as assistant principal at Irma Marsh Middle School for one year. 
Castleberry ISD Appoints Kerissa Bearce Interim Principal of Irma Marsh Middle School
Castleberry ISD Appoints Kerissa Bearce Interim Principal of Irma Marsh Middle School
Kerissa Bearce is a 15 year educator, currently serving as assistant principal at Irma Marsh Middle School. She began her journey by teaching in New Tech Network schools at Akins New Tech High School and Eastside Memorial Green Tech High School, which were Project Based Learning (PBL) schools. After obtaining her Master's Degree in Educational Technology from Texas State University in 2011, she began working for the New Tech Network as a School Development Coach. 
Class of 2022 Graduation Information
Class of 2022 Graduation Information
Commencement for Castleberry High School and REACH High School will be held at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary on Friday, May 27, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. This is a momentous occasion for your son or daughter and we would like to congratulate you on this important accomplishment. Here is some important information that will be helpful for you and your graduate as we approach this exciting day. 
CHS Class of 2022 Valedictorian and Salutatorian
Castleberry High School Announces Class of 2022 Valedictorian and Salutatorian
Castleberry High School is proud to announce the class of 2022 valedictorian and salutatorian. At Monday night’s school board meeting, Cathy Williams, principal of Castleberry High School, announced the class of 2022 valedictorian, Brandon Garibay, and salutatorian, Drew Daffern. The work ethic, determination, and perseverance of these graduating seniors has not gone unnoticed during their time at Castleberry ISD. 
Castleberry ISD Congratulates Stacia Graves Promoted to Talent Acquisition Coordinator
Stacia Graves Named Talent Acquisition Coordinator
Castleberry ISD is excited to announce the promotion of Stacia Graves M.Ed. as the district’s new Talent Acquisition Coordinator. Stacia Graves has been with Castleberry ISD this past year serving as the SPED STAT teacher at A.V. Cato Elementary. She has served in elementary and secondary education in various teaching and leadership roles for Birdville, Carroll, and Fort Worth ISD. Prior to Castleberry ISD, Graves conducted her principal internship, served as a community specialist, district consultant, and curriculum writer for Fort Worth ISD. 
Castleberry ISD Welcomes Sallee Clark Innovation Leader
Sallee Clark Named Innovation Leader
Castleberry ISD is excited to announce Sallee Clark as the district’s new Innovation Leader. Sallee Clark comes to Castleberry ISD from Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD where she is currently serving as an Instructional Technologist for the past six years. She began her career in education in Pilot Point ISD where she was a pre-kindergarten teacher. After teaching for three years, Clark served as an elementary teacher-librarian for several districts over the course of eight years, one of which was Castleberry ISD. 
Castleberry ISD Welcomes Jeni Long Innovation Leader
Jeni Long Named Innovation Leader
Castleberry ISD is excited to announce Jeni Long as the district’s new Innovation Leader. Jeni Long comes to Castleberry ISD from Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD where she served as a technology trainer and EdTech consultant for the past six years. She began her career in education as a classroom teacher teaching math and reading for grades 4-7. 
STAAR Quickly Approaching for Students
STAAR Quickly Approaching for Students
Castleberry ISD students in grades 3-12 will take important state mandated State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) and End-of-Course (EOC) assessments throughout the month of May. STAAR is the state’s testing program and is based on state curriculum standards in core subjects including reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. STAAR tests are designed to measure what students are learning in each grade and whether or not they are ready for the next grade. The goal is to ensure that all students receive what they need to be academically successful. 
Free Family Fun for All Ages this Weekend at River Oaks Springfest Car Show
Free Family Fun for All Ages this Weekend at River Oaks Springfest Car Show
The community is invited to River Oaks Springfest on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Camp Carter YMCA from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This family friendly event will include activities for all ages and is free to the public. 
Region 11 Migrant Education Program Hosts End of Year Parent and Student Meeting
The Education Service Center Region 11 Migrant Education Program invites families to attend the end of year meeting to learn how to stay school ready during summer 2022. A light meal will be served for those who attend. Masks will be provided. Bring the whole family for a chance to receive additional raffle tickets for prizes that will be given away!  
Castleberry ISD Congratulates Pascal Licciardi Promoted to Principal of ALC.
Pascal Licciardi Promoted to Principal of Alternative Learning Center (ALC)
Castleberry ISD is excited to announce the promotion of Pascal Licciardi as the district’s new Principal of REACH High School. Pascal Licciardi has been with Castleberry ISD since December 2020 serving as Assistant Principal of TRUCE Learning Center. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, he launched his career in education at the New York City Department of Education. Since that time he has had the privilege of filling multiple roles affirming his uncompromising belief that all students can learn. 
Castleberry ISD Welcomes Diana Pierce Director of Athletics
Diana Pierce Named Director of Athletics
Castleberry ISD is excited to announce Diana (DiDi) Pierce as the district’s new Director of Athletics. Didi Pierce comes to Castleberry ISD from Copperas Cove ISD where she most recently served as the junior high girls’ athletics coordinator for the past year. Prior to her time in Copperas Cove ISD, Pierce was in Abilene ISD for 25 years, where she was the Head Volleyball coach at Abilene High School.  
Castleberry ISD Congratulates Lenny Lasher, Appointed Assistant Superintendent  of Student Services, Facilities, and Operations
Lenny Lasher Appointed Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Facilities, and Operations
Lenny Lasher Appointed Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Facilities, and Operations 
Castleberry ISD Welcomes Dr. Lacey Padgett as the Executive Director of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation
Dr. Lacey Padgett Named Executive Director of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation
Castleberry ISD is excited to announce Dr. Lacey Padgett as the district’s new Executive Director of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation. Dr. Lacey Padgett comes to Castleberry ISD from Ennis ISD, where she most recently served as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. With 26 years of educational experience, she has also served as teacher, curriculum specialist, HR director, assistant principal, principal, and School Improvement/Turnaround Leadership Specialist under the direction of the Texas Education Agency. 
Castleberry ISD Welcomes Jackie Pehrson Investigative Police Officer
Jackie Pehrson Named Investigative Police Officer
Castleberry ISD is excited to announce Jackie Pehrson as the district’s new Investigative Police Officer. Ms. Pehrson comes to Castleberry ISD from the Richland Hills Police Department where she served as a Criminal Investigations Detective for the past 4 years and prior to that was a patrol officer for 5 years.  
River Oaks Lions Club Sponsors 49th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
River Oaks Lions Club Sponsors 49th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Come one, come all to the 49th annual Easter egg hunt sponsored by the River Oaks Lions Club! The Easter Bunny will make a special guest appearance at the event. Prizes will be awarded.  
Pedro V. Represents District at State Science and Engineering Fair
Pedro V. Represents District at State Science and Engineering Fair
For the first time in over six years, one of Irma Marsh Middle School’s students, Pedro V., represented Castleberry ISD at the state level competition. Pedro’s project titled “Using Artificial Intelligence to Alert Blind Pedestrians of Hazards” won overall campus winner at the district level competition, placed first at the regional level competition, and advanced to round two (2) of three (3) at the state competition. The state competition was held on March 27, 2022 at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.  
Pre-K and New Kinder Student Pre-Registration Begins Online Friday, April 1 or In-Person Tuesday, April 5
Pre-K and New Kinder Student Pre-Registration Begins Online Friday, April 1 or In-Person Tuesday, April 5
Castleberry ISD will continue to offer full day pre-kindergarten (pre-k) and kindergarten for the 2022-2023 school year. Pre-registration for the district’s pre-k and kindergarten programs opens online Friday, April 1, 2022. Parents who prefer to register their child in-person are encouraged to attend a pre-registration event at A.V. Cato Elementary, Castleberry Elementary, or Joy James Academy of Leadership on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 from 5:30 PM until 7:00 PM. The in-person pre-registration event is optional for those who pre-register their child online. 
Castleberry ISD AIM Program Nominations
Acceleration in Math (AIM) Program Nominations
Nominations for the Castleberry ISD Acceleration in Math (AIM) Program will be accepted beginning March 21, 2022 through March 25, 2022. Any parent who has a student currently enrolled in kindergarten through fifth grades at Castleberry ISD who feels their child may benefit from services provided through the AIM Program, may nominate their child by completing a parent nomination form. 
Feb Inclement Weather Closures and Important Information for Families and Employees
Important Information for Families and Employees Regarding February Inclement Weather Closures
Due to inclement weather and hazardous driving conditions, all Castleberry ISD campuses and buses will operate on a two-hour delayed start schedule on Friday, February 25, 2022. Inclement weather days are built into the Castleberry ISD calendar for this purpose. On Tuesday, May 31, and Wednesday, June 1, students will attend school, and teachers and campus-based employees who work 189 days or less will be required to report to work to make up for two lost days. 
Texas Public Schools Week Spring Open House Schedule
Castleberry ISD Celebrates Texas Public Schools Week with Spring Open House
Students and educators across the State of Texas celebrate Texas Public Schools annually during the first week of March. In honor of Texas Public Schools week, each campus in the district will host an open house the first week of March to allow parents, grandparents, and siblings an opportunity to visit the campus and see the many educational opportunities afforded in Castleberry. 
Castleberry ISD Welcomes Wes Jackson Director of School and Student Support
Wes Jackson Named Director of School and Student Support
Castleberry ISD is excited to announce Wes Jackson as the district’s new Director of School and Student Support. Jackson comes to Castleberry ISD from the Region 11 Education Service Center, where he most recently served as an administrator coach. He began his educational career in Lake Worth ISD where he was a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. 
Seeking Input: 2022-2023 Instructional Calendar Survey
2022-2023 Instructional Calendar Survey
Two instructional calendar options have been developed for the 2022-2023 school year by the District Education Improvement Committee (DEIC), and the district is seeking your input before a recommendation is presented to the Board of Education. 
CHS Health Occupations Students Place in Area Competition
Castleberry High School Health Occupations Students Place in Area Competition
Participants in Castleberry High School’s HOSA: Future Health Professionals organization traveled to Killeen last weekend to participate in the area 5 competition. Out of 10 competitors, three CHS students placed for the state competition in Galveston this April. 
Spanish Spelling Bee at Castleberry ISD
Students Participate in the Second Annual Spanish Spelling Bee
On Friday, January 28, campus grade-level winners as well as runners up participated in the District Spanish Spelling Bee. The top speller at each grade level from the district spelling bee advances to the regional spelling bee hosted by the Region XI service center on Friday, February 4. 
District Science Fair Winners
District Science Fair Winners Announced
The Castleberry ISD 2021-2022 Science Fair was held virtually on Tuesday January 25th. During the Facebook Live broadcast, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Grade Level Overall award recipients were announced. An overall champion was announced for elementary and secondary. All campus winners were recognized for participation in the science fair.  
GT Student Nominations
Gifted and Talented Student Nominations
Spring nominations for the Castleberry ISD Gifted and Talented (GT) Program will be accepted beginning Tuesday, January 18 through Monday, January 31. Parents who have a student currently enrolled in kindergarten through twelfth grades and who feel their child may benefit from services provided through the Gifted and Talented Program may nominate their child by completing a parent nomination packet. 
Castleberry ISD Announces Lone Finalist for Superintendent Position
Castleberry ISD Announces Lone Finalist for Superintendent Position
The Castleberry ISD Board of Trustees named Acting Superintendent, Renee Smith-Faulkner, as the Lone Finalist to serve as the next superintendent for the district at its January 11th special meeting. 
COVID-19 Cleaning and Sanitization Protocol
COVID-19 Cleaning and Sanitization Protocol
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Castleberry ISD has invested in various safeguards to create layers of protection within our campuses to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Providing clean and safe buildings and buses for students and staff members remains a top priority for the district. Prior to students returning to campus in fall 2020, Castleberry ISD developed a targeted cleaning process that specifically addressed ways to slow the spread of COVID-19.  
School Board Candidate Filing Window Jan. 19 through Feb. 18
Filing Window for Castleberry ISD School Board Election
Interested in running for Castleberry ISD's school board? Place 5, 6, and 7 are up for election on the May 7, 2022 ballot. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply. 
Winter COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics
District Hosts Winter COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics
Castleberry ISD considers the health and well-being of students a priority. With that in mind, the district is partnering with Be Well Primary Care to host more school-located vaccination clinics for students, staff, and community. Each clinic will have COVID-19 primary series vaccinations, in addition to a booster dose. 
Castleberry ISD Celebrates School Board Recognition Month
Castleberry ISD Celebrates School Board Recognition Month
January is School Board Recognition Month and Castleberry ISD is honored to celebrate its board members for their volunteer dedication and commitment to the district’s schools and students.  
Welcome Back from Winter Break
Castleberry ISD Welcomes Students and Staff Back Safely Following Winter Break
Castleberry ISD is excited to welcome students back to campus on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. As we begin the new year, Castleberry ISD remains committed to keeping students and employees safe, healthy, and engaged in a positive learning experience. 
Students on computer coding with the words District Celebrates National #CSEdWeek
Castleberry ISD Celebrates National #CSEdWeek
Castleberry ISD is proud to celebrate national Computer Science Education Week. The district hosted Family Code Night last week to kick-off #CSEdWeek 2021. Although this national event is observed the first week of each December, Castleberry ISD provides a variety of Computer Science opportunities to students all year. 
Neighborhood Nuisance: On-Going Construction on Churchill Road
Neighborhood Nuisance: On-Going Construction on Churchill Road
Castleberry ISD district leadership team met with the City of Fort Worth to demand a completion timeline for the Churchill Road project. The district's leadership team expressed to City of Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker the frustration the prolonged construction project has caused to families and students traveling to Castleberry High School and other district events. 
Castleberry ISD to Host Family Code Night Event
Castleberry ISD to Host Family Code Night Event
Castleberry ISD is proud to announce the first annual Family Code Night on Tuesday, November 30th at Castleberry Elementary from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm. This free, come and go event will invite families to experiment with code, compete in challenges, and create online applications. 
Mobile Vaccine Clinic Offers COVID-19 Shots to Students
Mobile Vaccine Clinic Offers COVID-19 Shots to Students
Castleberry ISD is partnering with Be Well Clinic to provide students between the ages of 5 and 11 an opportunity to receive the newly released Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination. The vaccination is administered in two doses, given three weeks apart. The schedule for Castleberry ISD campuses is below. 
National Principals Month
Thank a Castleberry ISD Principal in Honor of National Principals Month
October is National Principal Appreciation month. If you have not done so already, thank a Castleberry ISD principal and share your appreciation on social media using #ThankCISDPrincipals. 
Annual Breakfast Kicks-Off Red Ribbon Week
Annual Breakfast Kicks-Off Red Ribbon Week
Each year, Castleberry ISD and The Lions Club of River Oaks join forces with schools and communities across the United States to raise awareness of drug use and the problems related to drugs faced by individuals, families, and communities. This annual Red Ribbon Week encourages parents, educators, business owners, and other community organizations to promote drug-free lifestyles. 
CISD partners with Be Well Primary Care to offer community COVID-19 test clinic
CISD Partnership Brings Community-Based COVID-19 Test Clinic to Surrounding Area
Castleberry ISD is partnering with Be Well Primary Care to provide a community-based clinic for COVID-19 testing. Any community member needing a COVID-19 test is eligible to be tested at the clinic. 
Complete your application for free broadband Internet
Free Broadband Internet at Home
TEA Connect Texas and Castleberry ISD have partnered to provide free home-based broadband internet access to students. In 2 minutes or less you can have free access to high-speed internet for your child(ren) at home. 
Castleberry ISD Earns State’s Highest Fiscal Accountability Rating
Castleberry ISD Earns State’s Highest Fiscal Accountability Rating
Castleberry Independent School District officials announced that the district received a rating of “A” for “Superior Achievement” under Texas’ School FIRST financial accountability rating system. The “Superior Achievement” rating is the state’s highest, demonstrating the quality of Castleberry I.S.D.’s financial management and reporting system. 
Road Closures in River Oaks
Road Closures in River Oaks
Roberts Cut Off Road from River Oaks Boulevard to Blackstone Drive will be closed to traffic beginning Monday, September 27. The estimated completion of the entire project is January 31, 2022.Roberts Cut Off Road from River Oaks Boulevard to Blackstone beginning Monday, September 27. The estimated completion of the entire project is January 31, 2022. 
Castleberry ISD is Now Hiring Substitute Remote Conferencing Teachers
Castleberry ISD is Now Hiring Substitute Remote Conferencing Teachers
The Castleberry ISD Board of Education has approved the funding to hire Substitute Remote Conferencing Teachers for kindergarten through sixth grade. This is in response to the Texas Education Agency’s decision to allow local school districts to offer remote conferencing for full funding of students who meet key criteria related to medical conditions.  
Gifted and Talented Student Nominations
Gifted and Talented Student Nominations
Nominations for the Castleberry ISD Gifted and Talented (GT) Program will be accepted beginning September 20 through October 1. Parents who have a student currently enrolled in first through twelfth grades 
Tarrant County Crime Stoppers
If you witness an act of vandalism and anonymously report the crime to Crime Stoppers of Tarrant County. A monetary reward may be granted. 
COVID 19 Vaccination Clinics
CISD Hosts Fall COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics
Castleberry ISD is partnering with Tarrant County Health to host COVID-19 vaccination clinics this fall. Clinic locations will be at Irma Marsh Middle School and Castleberry High School. Any CISD staff members, parents, students, and community members 12 years or older are eligible to receive the vaccination 
Fort Worth Public Library Teams Up with CISD to Expand Access to Ebooks and Digital Audiobooks for Students
Fort Worth Public Library Teams Up with Castleberry ISD
Fort Worth Public Library and Castleberry Independent School District (ISD) have formed an innovative new partnership to increase students’ access to ebooks and digital audiobooks by combining the library’s and school’s digital reading resources in one app. This Public Library CONNECT partnership is facilitated by OverDrive, the popular digital reading platform serving both the library and school. Through Sora, the new student reading app for Castleberry ISD, students can now borrow from both the school’s collection of classroom and pleasure reading titles as well as from Fort Worth Public Library’s juvenile, young adult and adult digital collections.  
Back-to-School Traffic Routes
Back-to-School Traffic Routes
Due to a sewer improvement project, Churchill Road continues to be under construction. Use caution when driving in these areas, and allow extra travel time to ensure on-time arrival to campus. Before heading to school, review the traffic routes and patterns map. 
CISD Welcomes Laura Guzman Bilingual/ESL/LOTE Coordinator
Laura Guzman Named CISD Bilingual/ESL/LOTE Coordinator
Castleberry ISD is excited to announce Laura Guzman as the district’s new Bilingual/ESL/LOTE Coordinator. Guzman comes to CISD from Fort Worth ISD where she served as an assistant principal for the past three years. 
UNT Pediatric Mobile Immunization Clinic
UNT Pediatric Mobile Immunization Clinic
The University of North Texas Health Science Center of Fort Worth's Pediatric Mobile Clinic is offering immunization vaccinations to neighborhood children. These immunizations are free for children with Medicaid and no insurance and required for students to attend public school in Texas.  
Important District Update
Board of Trustees Appoints Renee Smith-Faulkner as Acting Superintendent of Castleberry ISD
Last night the Board of Trustees accepted the resignation of Dr. John Ramos. The Board of Trustees appoints Renee Smith-Faulkner as acting superintendent of Castleberry ISD.  
Catherine Wohl Named CISD Secondary ELA Coordinator
Catherine Wohl Named CISD Secondary ELA Coordinator
Castleberry ISD is excited to announce Catherine Wohl as the district’s new Secondary English Language Arts Coordinator. Wohl comes to CISD from Clear Creek ISD where she served as Secondary English Language Arts Instructional Coach for the past five years. 
Duran Johnson II Named Assistant Principal at CHS
Duran Johnson II Named Assistant Principal at CHS
Castleberry ISD is excited to announce Duran Johnson II as Assistant Principal at Castleberry High School. A veteran teacher bringing more than 14 years of experience to CISD, Johnson comes most recently from Fort Worth ISD where he served as lead Algebra I and Visual Arts teacher for the past 3 years. 
Dr. Tina Alvarado Named CISD Intermediate Humanities Coordinator
Dr. Tina Alvarado Named CISD Intermediate Humanities Coordinator
Castleberry ISD is excited to announce Dr. Tina Alvarado as the district’s new Intermediate Humanities Coordinator. Dr. Alvarado comes to CISD from Graford ISD where she served as an administrator for the past 2 years.  
CISD Welcomes Dr. Amber Picasso Special Programs Coordinator
Dr. Amber Picasso Named CISD Special Programs Coordinator
Castleberry ISD is excited to announce Dr. Amber Picasso as the district’s new Special Programs Coordinator. Dr. Picasso comes to CISD from Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD where she served as an... 
stylized text: "HB 1468: The Future of Virtual Learning?"
HB 1468: Virtual Learning for the 21-22 School Year
House Bill 1468, a bill to continue funding remote learning programs, failed in the closing hours of the legislative session. Castleberry ISD had counted on House Bill 1468 to offer a virtual option for families with health concerns and for students who were successful in the remote learning environment during the coronavirus pandemic. 
CISD red apple logo, dark wood background, text: "ARP Act Funding Survey"
ARP Funding Allocation Survey
Information regarding HB 1468, which would have funded virtual learning next year, and the American Rescue Plan Act have strongly impacted how schools will function next year. Castleberry is looking for your input on how to utilize the funds available to best meet the needs of our community. 
Image of syringe and vial with the text Pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics
CISD to Host COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics
Castleberry ISD is partnering with the Tarrant County Health Department to host two pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics.