A Gulf Fritillary poses on a flower for curious kindergartners.

  On October 8, butterflies and caterpillars were on the move at Castlen as students participated in the Alabama Read For the Record project.  Over 500 hundred students and their teachers celebrated the 40th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, by reading the book and participating in a variety of art and writing activities. Some kindergarten and first grade students used binoculars to observe butterflies in the outdoor learning center. They also met a special visitor in the media center, a shy Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillar curled snugly in a sassafras leaf. An exciting day was enjoyed by all.

 The excitement will continue on October 19 as Castlen celebrates the grand opening of the outdoor learning center on Alabama Parenting Day. Parents and community members are invited to join the festivities with our students. The opening ceremony will begin at 9:00 am in the outdoor classroom. See you there!