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Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome back to River City Christian School (RCCS)! We are thrilled to welcome our returning students and extend a warm welcome to our new families. We are excited about the new school year and the opportunities it holds for our students. Our commitment at RCCS is to provide a high-quality education in a safe and nurturing environment. We believe that every child has the potential to achieve greatness, and we are committed to supporting them every step of the way. We recognize we are partnering with you, the parents, in this endeavor. and welcome your involvement in your child's education. We value your input and look forward to working together to create a successful and enriching school year. This year, we will focus on fostering a love of learning and developing critical skills to help your child. We also have several exciting events planned, including Grandparents Day, See You at the Pole, Science Fair, Turkey Bowl, and parent-teacher conferences. For those needing extended care, before-school care begins at 6:45am and after-school care begins at 3:30pm. All drop-off and pickup takes place in the back area between the school building and the outside courts. You may drop off students as early as 7:45 am without incurring a charge. Afternoon pickup begins at 3:30pm in the same area as drop-off, and students who are not picked up by 3:45pm will be signed into After School Care. All students must be picked up no later than 6:00pm. Please enter at the entrance by the marquee located on Blanco Rd and follow the road around to the back area. Once the student is received or loaded in your vehicle, please exit through the gates located on Mt. Sacred Heart Rd. We recommend you turn right onto Mt. Sacred Heart, then turn right or left onto Blanco Rd. toward your destination. Lunch will be available for purchase this week as follows: Wednesday: hamburger, fries, and milk; Thursday: hotdog, chips, and milk; and Friday: pizza (pepperoni or cheese) and a drink. In the event your child has unique dietary needs, we ask that you send them a ready-to-eat lunch. Please note we cannot heat or cook any student meals brought from home. Students will not have access to a microwave to heat them. In closing, our theme for this school year is "Got Purpose?" Psalm 139.14 reads, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Our goal for every RCCS student this year is that when asked that question, they can resoundingly say yes! because they understand that God made them with a plan and a future in mind. Our prayer is that with His guidance and help, every child discovers their purpose! We're looking forward to seeing you Wednesday. Blessings, Mr. Castillo We're thrilled to announce that Ezzard Castillo, beloved Administrator of RCCS, has been named the 2025 Making the Difference Award recipient by AFC Hispanic Leaders in Education!
This prestigious award recognizes Ezzard’s bold leadership and relentless advocacy for educational opportunity and school choice for all families. (THOUGH THE MAJORITY OF WORK IS TEXAS, WE ARE ALSO INVOLVED IN COLLABORATING NATIONALLY WITH EACH OTHER, ie, we were there for the US SENATORS PRESS CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON D.C.) across Texas. Over the past year, Ezzard has: Led a powerful, faith-driven movement across the state Mobilized pastors and Christian leaders to support school choice Activated over 1,100 parents, students, and staff to engage lawmakers Authored influential op-eds to amplify the voices of everyday families Equipped schools and churches to navigate the new school choice program His voice, his vision, and his heart for serving students and God have made a lasting impact — not just here at RCCS, but across Texas and throughout the US. "It is an honor to serve at River City Christian School where 'walking miracles fill the classrooms and hallways,' and I'm excited to continue supporting our student body and advancing God's work in the coming school year," Ezzard shared. Join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition! The award will be officially presented at the upcoming Hispanic Leaders in Education event in September. #RCCS #SchoolChoice At River City Christian School, we believe every child deserves a learning environment designed just for them—especially our students with learning differences. One way we do that is by carefully balancing whole group and small group instruction. But what’s the difference, and why does it matter? Whole group instruction happens when the teacher is guiding the entire class at once. This time is great for building community, introducing new concepts, and setting a shared foundation. It gives students structure and a chance to see the big picture. But learning doesn’t stop there. Small group instruction is where the magic happens for many of our students. These groups are intentionally kept small so teachers can tailor instruction to students’ individual needs. Whether it's reteaching a tricky concept, offering hands-on practice, or simply giving space to ask questions, small group time allows for more focused attention, stronger relationships, and personalized support. For students with learning differences, this approach is a game-changer. It helps reduce overwhelm, builds confidence, and allows each child to move at a pace that works for them. In both settings, our goal remains the same: to meet students where they are and help them grow—academically, spiritually, and emotionally. It’s not about one being better than the other. It’s about using both intentionally to give every student the best chance to succeed. At River City, we see each child’s potential—and we teach in a way that lets it shine. Dear Warrior Family,
Thank you for your support of gala this year. Through your contributions, participation and support we raised $20,000. Go Warriors!! Blessings Mr. Castillo At RCCS, we believe that every student is uniquely created by God and has a divine purpose. For students with learning differences, school can sometimes feel overwhelming, but faith provides a source of strength and encouragement. One of the most powerful tools available to us as Christians is prayer. But can prayer truly help with learning challenges? The answer is a resounding yes!
Prayer Brings Peace and Confidence When facing academic struggles, it’s easy to feel anxious, frustrated, or even discouraged. Prayer allows us to bring these emotions before God and find peace in His presence. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Through prayer, students can release their worries and gain confidence, knowing that they are not alone in their challenges. Prayer Invites God’s Guidance and Wisdom Learning challenges can make it difficult to grasp new concepts, stay organized, or complete assignments efficiently. James 1:5 tells us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." When we pray for wisdom, we invite God to illuminate our minds, help us understand new material, and guide us in our studies. He may provide clarity through teachers, mentors, or even moments of inspiration. Prayer Strengthens Perseverance Challenges in learning require persistence, and prayer can help develop a spirit of perseverance. Isaiah 40:31 encourages us with these words: "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Through prayer, students can find the determination to keep going, even when schoolwork seems tough. God equips us with the endurance needed to overcome obstacles and grow in resilience. Prayer Connects Us to a Supportive Community At RCCS, we emphasize the power of a faith-filled community. Prayer does not have to be a solitary act—students, teachers, and families can pray together for strength and encouragement. When students share their struggles in prayer with others, they receive support, wisdom, and encouragement from those who care about them. Matthew 18:20 assures us, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." Knowing that others are praying alongside us can be incredibly uplifting. Faith and Effort Work Together Prayer is a powerful spiritual tool, but it also works best when combined with effort. Students are encouraged to pray while also using effective study strategies, seeking help when needed, and making the most of their resources. God calls us to be diligent and faithful in our efforts, as seen in Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." Learn Different, Be Different! Learning challenges can be difficult, but with prayer, students can find peace, wisdom, perseverance, and community support. At RCCS, we encourage our students to lean on their faith and trust that God will provide the strength they need. By combining prayer with hard work, students can overcome challenges and grow academically and spiritually. God has a plan for every student, and through prayer, they can confidently walk in His purpose. Education is meant to be a pathway to opportunity, but traditional learning environments may not meet the diverse needs of every student. For those with learning differences—such as dyslexia, ADHD, and autism—accommodations play a crucial role in ensuring equal access to education.
Understanding Learning Differences Learning differences affect how students process information. Rather than lowering academic expectations, accommodation provides tools and strategies to help these students demonstrate their knowledge in a way that aligns with their abilities. The Purpose of Accommodations Accommodation removes barriers to learning while maintaining academic standards. They do not offer an unfair advantage but rather ensure that students can participate fully in the educational experience. Types of Accommodations Classroom and Instructional Accommodations
Accommodation helps boost students' confidence and reduce frustration. Without them, students may experience anxiety and feelings of inadequacy. By ensuring their needs are met, accommodation fosters a sense of inclusion and empowerment. Collaboration is Key Teachers, parents, and students must work together to implement accommodation effectively. RCCS creates individualized plans based on each student’s needs, laying a framework for ensuring consistent support throughout a student’s academic journey. Conclusion Accommodation ensures fairness, not advantage. By addressing individual learning needs, RCCS helps students reach their full potential, improving both academic success and emotional well-being. A commitment to inclusive education ensures that every student has the opportunity to thrive. Did you miss the State of the School event? View the recording on our YouTube channel. **Topics Covered:** School Developments & Goals Financial & Enrollment Updates Academic & Extracurricular Highlights Vision for the Future Don't forget to **like, comment, and subscribe** to stay updated on all things River City Christian School! As we approach October and the first parent-teacher conferences of the school year, we often hear parents ask us, "What does differentiation mean?"
At River City Christian School, we pride ourselves on providing individualized instruction for each student. Differentiation is a teaching method that adjusts the instruction textbook manufacturers intended to meet the needs of individual students. It includes providing multiple ways for students to learn a topic and express their understanding. Our educators accomplish this through tailored instruction and adjusting the content utilized to teach a topic, allowing them to provide different ways for students to take in information. Our flexible approach to instruction allows for modification of coursework and, where needed, accommodations to help each student succeed. |
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