Catalayah Elementary

Finishing up our amazing week, our PTO spoiled us again with the cutest popcorn and dirty soda bar in the workroom today! 🍿🥤 There was popcorn with every add-in and seasoning topping you could imagine, plus a dirty soda bar where we could mix up all kinds of fun drinks. It was such a fun treat and the perfect way to wrap up an incredible Teacher Appreciation Week. Thank you again to our amazing PTO for all the time, creativity, and love you poured into making this week so special for our staff. We appreciate you more than you know! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Our PTO created these staff awards and it was SO much fun!!! 🏆✨

All of our staff stopped by the workroom and voted for who they thought deserved each award, and here are the winners!

⭐ Hallway Celebrity — Mrs. Ratcliff
🍫 Snack Stash Award — Mrs. Castle
👏 Behind the Scenes Hero — Ms. Donya & Ms. Rachel
🎤 Golden Microphone — Mrs. Desy
💛 Oscar for Best Patience — Mrs. Galvan
🏆 Lifetime Achievement — Ms. Toops
🎬 Premiere Performance — Ms. Johnson
☕ Caffeine Legend — Mr. Elliott
😅 Plot Twist Award — Mrs. McComb
🎶 Encore Award — Mrs. Ward
🤣 “That’s Not My Job Description” Award — Mrs. Spencer
❤️ Fan Favorite — Mrs. Ritter

We appreciate all the hard work our PTO has put into this week and how FUN they have made it for us! We are so thankful for all the love and appreciation they have shown our staff.

#CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Mrs. Haltmar’s 2nd grade class read A Little Calm Spot and learned all about yoga and belly breathing. 😌💚 They practiced slowing down, listening to their bodies, and finding their own “calm spot” when big feelings pop up. 🧘‍♀️✨ We love seeing our students build healthy habits for both their minds and hearts! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Coffee Bar, breakfast and more coffee on this thrilling Thursday!!! Thank you PTO for the delicious breakfast, and coffee from The French Quarter. 1st United Methodist and She Brews Coffee also brought some delicious coffee and muffins. It was an amazing breakfast spread and we enjoyed every bit of it. Thank you!!!! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Our library turned old math workbooks into something brand new… paper! ♻️📚✨ To celebrate Earth Day (or Earth week), our PK–5 students became paper engineers and recycling artists, transforming used pages into fresh sheets they can write on again. Here’s how the magic happened: 🧩 Tear old paper into small pieces 💧 Add water 🌀 Blend it into pulp 🌊 Dissolve the pulp in a tub of water 🪟 Dip the deckle and mould to form a new sheet 🧽 Use a sponge to soak up extra water ☀️ Let it dry… and voilà—new paper! This hands-on project blended STEAM learning and library skills in the best way. Students explored: 🔬 Science – how materials break down and reform 🛠️ Engineering – using tools like moulds and screens 🎨 Art – creating unique, textured paper ➕ Math – measuring, timing, and process steps 📖 Literacy – connecting books, resources, and real-world applications Plus, we gave an old workbook a second life instead of sending it to the trash. Talk about a plot twist! Who knew the library could double as a paper factory? 🏭💡 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Our PTO ladies have spent hours making this week extra special for us! 💐 They organized flower order forms so students could send bouquets to staff—and the sweetest part? Every single bouquet was hand-made by our amazing PTO! 🥹✨ They delivered them this morning, and they are absolutely beautiful!! We are so thankful for all the time, love, and effort they poured into this. ❤️ A big thank you to our students, too, for sending these thoughtful flowers—it truly brought smiles to our faces and brightened our whole school! 🌸😊 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Our apologies for the late notice! Roll into the fun and celebrate an amazing school year with us! 🛼✨
Join us for Catalayah Elementary Skate Night on May 7th at 6 PM at Roller World $5 entry $3 Skate Mates🎉
Open to the public so, Grab your friends, lace up those skates, and let’s make it a night full of laughs, music, and memories!
💫 Let’s celebrate all the hard work, growth, and unforgettable moments from this year—see you on the rink!

#CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Today our PTO spoiled us with the BEST treat — a food truck day featuring Marshall Family Catering! Not only was the food absolutely delicious, but our PTO also brought in a spread of homemade desserts that had everyone going back for seconds (and maybe thirds 🤤). Marshall Family Catering has been a favorite at Catalayah for years. Their food is always amazing, and they are just the kindest people to work with. We truly love having them and highly recommend them for any event! Thank you to our incredible PTO and Marshall Family Catering for such a delicious and thoughtful lunch — we are so grateful! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

National Nurse Shea Day!!!

Nurse Shea is exactly what Catalayah needs. She is a wonderful nurse, and we appreciate everything she does for us! From caring for bumps and bruises to calming worried hearts, she is a safe place for our students every single day. Her kindness, patience, and compassion make such a difference in our school, and we are so lucky to have her taking care of our Catalayah family!

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Our precious Ms. Toops treated us to the cutest lunch last week, turning the workroom into a beautiful little snack paradise! Even as she gets ready to retire, she’s still the one spoiling all of us.

Thank you, Ms. Toops, for the adorable lunch—we appreciate you so much and will miss you more than you know!

#CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Teacher Appreciation Week started off AMAZING!!! 🎬✨ Our PTO came up this weekend to decorate, and wow… they truly outdid themselves! The workroom, lobby, and hallways looked incredible—we definitely felt like movie stars walking through! 🌟 A huge thank you to Red Crown for providing lunch and to HTeaO for the awesome tea bar! 🥤 And that’s not all… our PTO also surprised us with the cutest swag bags! It was such a fun and special day. We are so thankful for our amazing parents and PTO who go above and beyond to make us feel appreciated! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

We’ve already had several students complete their enrollment—great job, and thank you! 🎉

We are officially starting to build class lists for next year. If your student is not enrolled, they will not be placed in a class—so be sure to get that completed as soon as possible!

Don’t forget… enroll by May 8th and your student will still receive a prize!

#CPSZEBRAPRIDE

We have another 25 mile medal winner!!! Last week Mr Hughes was as able to give Jade her medal. #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Happy Principal Day to Mrs. Shuck! ❤️🖤
Thank you for leading with heart, supporting our staff, and loving our students so well. Catalayah is a better place because of you!

#CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Today is our last popcorn day of the year.

Students can purchase popcorn on their way to Rise and Shine for $1 each.

#CPSZEBRAPRIDE

🎓 College Decision Day is here!

We’re excited to celebrate our students and their big dreams for the future! ❤️ Show your school spirit by wearing gear from your favorite college tomorrow—whether it’s where you’re headed or just the one you love!

#CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Friday is our last popcorn day of the year. Students can purchase popcorn on their way to Rise and Shine for $1 each.

#CPSZEBRAPRIDE

At Catalayah, we know how to have fun! ❤️🖤 Last week’s 5th grade recess turned into an EPIC game of Duck Duck Goose—with students and teachers all in on the action! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Today is Bus Driver Appreciation Day, and we truly have the best 8 around! 🚌❤️ John & Debbie, CC, Paul, Mrs. Hartley, Shelby, and Ron & Ida—thank you for being the first smiles our kiddos see each morning and the last before they head home. You go above and beyond every single day. A big thank you as well to Kevin and Brandon for all they do behind the scenes to keep everything running safely and smoothly. We are so grateful for each of you and the care you show our students every day! #CPSZEBRAPRIDE