Castilleja School

The ACE Clubs Fair is in 20 days! What clubs are you looking forward to joining this year?

NEWS FLASH! Our new Head of Upper School Peter Hatala is featured in Palo Alto Weekly. Read the full article about Mr. Hatala here: https://buff.ly/3YA7iiU

In his welcome letter to Upper School students and families today, our new Head of Upper School Peter Hatala shared his hopes for the year to come:

“As we embark upon this new school year together, I invite us to embrace the possibilities inherent in fresh starts and new beginnings, to reflect on the values that animate us, and to consider how those values we hold in common can coalesce on the Castilleja campus to create something larger than ourselves.”

Read more about Peter Hatala here: https://buff.ly/3LU7K3R

In her welcome letter to Middle School students and families today, Head of Middle School Laura Zappas shared her reflections after taking taking a six-week-long ceramics class that focused on the art of wheel-throwing this summer:

“I was aiming for perfection in my first-ever attempt, and as I look back on that moment and several other messy, off-centered balls of clay that I would repurpose later, I chuckle at myself. I was frustrated in the moment because I did not “get it” right away, forgetting that learning takes time, practice, and patience. While it helped tremendously when my teacher affirmed my bowl-making skills a few classes later, what was most essential was that I had to forgive myself for my mistakes and bounce back when a cylinder’s walls collapsed, a bowl flew off the wheel, and the bottom fell out.

I have signed up for another round of classes because I still have so much to learn, and I know the moments in the studio will provide time away from my to-do lists and the pull of technology, allowing me to embrace my inner creativity and, most importantly, to practice the growth mindset. I see our Middle School teachers helping students with this every day at Castilleja.”

Mrs. Eells, Interim Head of School, sent out her first letter of the 2024-25 school year letter to students and parents and guardians today. Here is a snapshot of what she shared:

"Last spring, I was interviewed in Counterpoint, the student newspaper, about my plans for the coming year. I shared that this is a year to 'double down on what we do best.' Traditions, of course, are part of that formula, but I would like to take this opportunity to share other key focus points:

- With the help of my colleagues, I will work to extend a sound and thoughtful bridge from one era of leadership to the next.
- I will also be guided this year by one of Castilleja’s hallmark leadership competencies: Purposeful Reflection.
- Together, we will continue the essential work and conversations in our equity and inclusion efforts that support our diverse community."

Hey Gators! Only two months until FDD! Get excited! 💃🎉

Get your Gator spirit ready! Only 10 days until Upper School Athletics begin!

Just three weeks until the Class of 2025 drives around the Circle! 🚗 🟢 🎉

We loved partnering with Peninsula Bridge this summer and hosting a group of fifth graders on the Circle. Castilleja high school students and teachers worked with students on skills and activities ranging from math and science to reading, journalism, dance, and sports.

Get excited! One month until the Tie Ceremony!

Each summer, Castilleja hosts a group of 30 5th graders as part of the Peninsula Bridge program. These curious and engaged students work with Castilleja high school mentors and the ACE Center on skills such as reading, math, and Castilleja-designed, student-led electives. Plus, there’s plenty of time to play and socialize. Check out a few photos from our week at Peninsula Bridge!

Check out more photos from CastiCamp, brimming with activities and new friendships! There are still a couple of spots left in our July 22-August 2 session. Registration closes Thursday morning, so reserve your spot today! https://buff.ly/47LNlXu

More fun at Casti Camp! Click through our photos to get a glimpse into our camp adventures and activities!

Casti Camp is in full swing! Campers participated in a scavenger hunt, crafts, dancing, supervised swimming, a photography workshop, and water games to cool off on warm summer days. There are still spots open in the July 22-August 2 session!

“Try as much as you can and be willing to laugh at yourself if it doesn't go according to plan. And if it does, embrace it,” says Chloe Sargeant, our Middle School Athletic Director. Learn about Ms. Sargeant’s passion for athletics and for teaching students to expand their horizons, plus an experience that changed her relationship with sports forever. Story link➡️ https://buff.ly/4biHf2C

Learn more about our beloved theatre instructor Tannis Hanson! In this article, Ms. Hanson shares her inspirations and talks about why it’s important to be vulnerable and to trust yourself. Link ➡️ https://buff.ly/4bgUctI

Casti Camp kicked off this week! Our campers played outdoor games, crafted, read, enjoyed freshly made lunch, and built new friendships. Registration is still open! To learn more about Casti Camp, click here: https://buff.ly/2GQqIZK

We're still basking in the afterglow of the Commencement ceremony of the Class of 2024! Revisit that joyful afternoon by reading about it here: https://buff.ly/3XfpQo0

Graduation caps flew high at Castilleja’s 117th commencement ceremony as we bid adieu to our 61 graduating seniors. They waited long for this day to celebrate with loved ones, as their 8th grade promotion took place virtually amid the COVID-19 lockdowns.

“It has truly been a privilege and a pleasure to partner with you in leading Castilleja this year,” said Acting Head of School Kathy Layendecker, addressing the community. She called the graduating seniors an “Eclipse Class,” noting that the start of their 6th grade and the end of their senior year were punctuated by a solar eclipse. She told them, “Everyone here has watched you wait so long for this celebration, passing through more than just a couple of episodes of lightness and darkness, and we have come to realize that you are both unique and remarkable and you are also a bit magical. There is something about you…something bigger than the sum of your parts. It’s something in the stars. Thank you, Class of 2024, for sharing your magic with us. ”

Commencement speaker Esi Eggleston Bracey, the Chief Growth and Marketing Officer for Unilever and one of Forbes Top 50 Entrepreneurial CMOs in 2024, addressed the new graduates.

“As you soar into this next chapter, my biggest wish for you is to use the privilege of this beautiful education to author profoundly fulfilling lives of authentic expression, joy, and positive impact,” said Eggleston Bracey, who is an architect of Dove’s CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Coalition to help foster beauty inclusivity and eradicate hair discrimination through the CROWN Act legislation, which has made race-based hair discrimination illegal in 23 states and 50 municipalities. Eggleston Bracey has blazed a trail, diversifying COVERGIRL through partnerships with Queen Latifah, Janelle Monáe, Pink, and Ellen DeGeneres and setting a new standard for the beauty industry.

She shared three principles that helped her on her journey. “Number one: do you. It's your superpower. No one can do you better than you. Number two: stretch and flex by saying ‘yes’ when you're scared and ‘no’ when you're clear [and] managing your energy, not just your time,” Eggleston Bracey said. “And third: choose big problems to make a big difference.”

CONGRATULATIONS to our graduating class of 2024! We’re so proud of you.

It’s another milestone at Castilleja: the 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony! Eighth graders were officially promoted to high school as they wore dress whites and carried flower bouquets. After receiving their certificates and enjoying speeches from faculty and classmates, the Class of 2028 performed a Taylor Swift song, fittingly titled “Never Grow Up” (and moving the audience to tears).

The Class of 2028 showed us “how to enjoy the magic of childhood just a little bit longer,” said Head of Middle School Laura Zappas, addressing the community. “Work together to achieve the unimaginable, look up to the stars, believe in your dreams,” she said. “Listen to your heart, Class of 2028, as you continue your adventure ahead.” Congratulations!

Yesterday, we celebrated Jill Lee, our beloved Director of Admission, Tuition Assistance, and Summer Programming, as she retires. During her tenure, Ms. Lee has welcomed new families and is leaving a profound and lasting legacy. She’s reviewed 11,500 applications, watched 2,004 seniors graduate, and served under four heads of school! Speaking to students, Middle School science teacher Christina Courtney ’02 reflected, “Like you, I was among the almost 4,000 students that Ms. Lee admitted to Castilleja. I applied to Castilleja, having been a Casti camper for several years. All I knew was that this place was special, but I didn’t know how it would come to shape my life.” She went on to add, “Now, as a colleague, I see Jill as a pillar of professionalism—always thoughtful, insightful, and helpful. She is always working to contribute to a positive solution. After 34 years in this role, we all can take a moment to reflect on the impact she has had on our lives as students, as parents and guardians, and as educators in the community that she has helped to shape and support with her signature optimism, humor, and compassion. Thank you, Ms. Lee, for the beautiful sisterhood that you’ve helped us create.” It was no surprise that her retirement party drew a huge crowd, among them current and former colleagues and alums from different eras. We will miss Ms. Lee’s caring presence on campus every day, and we wish her the best on the next steps in her journey!

The Paintbrush yearbooks are here! Our dedicated senior class yearbook editors—Jillian A., Tatum S., and Tzewa D.—were thrilled to unveil the project after working on it for the entire school year. This year’s theme is CIRCLE, inspired by Vogue Magazine, and it’s dedicated to our teachers: Mandarin teacher and World Languages Discipline Lead Hwai Lin, English teacher Dr. Valerie Ross, and Spanish teacher and Dean for the Class of 2024 Jeff Mayfield. Did you get your copy?

Surrounded by sweet-scented wisteria and blooming jasmine, our graduating seniors were officially inducted into the Castilleja Alumnae Association at the Alum Induction Luncheon. “Wear that label—Castilleja Alumna—with pride. You will have that for the rest of your life,” said Director of Alumnae Engagement Liz Babb, who herself graduated from Castilleja in 1982. “Those experiences informed who I was to become and who I am today.”

Member of the Alumnae Executive Committee Kimberley Morris Rosen ’98 welcomed the seniors into their new roles. “The Circle will never leave you. The Circle is always a home for you to come back to,” she said, encouraging the new graduates to seek out other alums wherever they go. “You can always reach out.”

Seniors Reece S., Natalie W., and Sophia T. unveiled the senior class gift, which contributes to tuition assistance for the annual 8th grade Washington, D.C. trip. (The gift was generously matched by alums and an Honorary Alum.)

Finally, six employees received Honorary Alumni (HA) status, having completed ten years of service at Castilleja. Acting Head of School Kathy Layendecker announced the newly minted HAs and read touching tributes to each one from students and staff. The new HAs include Director of College Counseling & Upper School Academic Policy Gabrielle McColgan, Fitness & Wellness teacher Jen O’Sullivan, Interim Capital Campaign Director Mary Jo Pruitt (who will resume her role as Director of Athletics in the summer), Chemistry Teacher and Science Department Lead Colin Quinton, Associate Director of College Counseling Alyson Tom, and Acting Head of School Kathy Layendecker, who was introduced by Director of Admission Jill Lee. Congratulations!

The Class of 2024 celebrated their next academic adventure by sporting their college sweatshirts! Congratulations! 🐊 🎓 🎉

Last week, our students wrote letters to U.S. soldiers deployed in Eastern Europe. Many members of the Castilleja community have either served or have family members who served, making Memorial Day particularly meaningful.

Today was the Middle School’s time to shine with three monumental events! At the 8th grade VPA showcase, students screened their silent film projects and performed a one-act play. During MS Explo, our young scientists transformed both gyms into academic presentation halls as they shared the results of their investigations into pollution’s effect on seashells, the impact of noise on snails, the way acid interacts with roofing materials, and more. And Middle School families got a taste of their kids’ academic year at Edupalooza, treated to class exhibits, including artworks, miniature displays in foreign language classes (French bakery or a Chinese record store, anyone?), a bottle rocket launch on the Circle, and a rock concert. Plus, they witnessed a toy bungee jump demonstrating slope and linear relationships and readings by budding writers. It was an epic day to cap off an epic academic year in the community.

The seniors did WHAT?! Did they really just write all over their school uniforms?! Yes, they did! The graduating seniors signed each other’s skirts this week. They may be getting ready to leave the Circle, but they’ll certainly keep the memories (especially because they’re rendered with Sharpies.) ❤️ ✍️ ❤️

Last week, Castilleja Athletics came together for the Celebration of Sports! The Athletics department and coaches recognized our many teams and athletes and highlighted their accomplishments. The Upper School celebration welcomed San Jose native Danielle Slaton, a TV soccer analyst and co-founder of Bay Football Club, a professional women's soccer team, who shared advice with Casti athletes. Danielle urged students to pursue their passions with commitment and enthusiasm, and, when needed, to embrace change and roll with the punches.

Meanwhile, at the Middle School celebration, four-sports athletes received t-shirts recognizing their accomplishments. Students played games on the Circle, splashed in the pool, and enjoyed delicious snacks!

Congratulations to all our student-athletes on such a successful year of sports, growth, and camaraderie!