Wiederstein Elementary experienced a heart‑lifting moment on Wednesday when the Make‑A‑Wish Foundation arrived on campus with an unforgettable surprise for first‑grader Carrigan Caston.
Surrounded by her classmates, Carrigan learned she will receive what many first‑graders dream about — a weeklong wish trip to Walt Disney World and other Orlando‑area theme parks.
Carrigan, a student in Mrs. Denise Trejo’s class, was joined for the announcement by her parents, Brittany Caston and U.S. Army Maj. Brian Caston, along with her three sisters. The moment carried special meaning for the family. Carrigan spent much of her kindergarten year learning from home while battling leukemia and returned to campus this year despite continuing treatments.
“It’s unbelievable — kind of hard to comprehend,” Maj. Caston said, fighting back emotion. “It’s not something we could have done without Make‑A‑Wish. This is a chance to celebrate, especially since she finishes her treatments in three months.”
To help mark the occasion, the Make‑A‑Wish Foundation treated Carrigan’s class to cupcakes, juice, and goodie bags, filling the room with festive balloons and smiles. Ashley Garcia, Director of Development, said every detail of the trip — including costs and travel logistics — will be covered through donations from Make‑A‑Wish supporters.
Among those visibly moved by the celebration was Jennifer Mills, who served as Carrigan’s homebound teacher last year. After finishing her own school day as a second‑grade teacher, Mills visited the Caston home to ensure Carrigan stayed connected to learning during treatment.
“It was an amazing experience,” Mills said. “I was welcomed into their home like a family member. There were good days and tough days depending on how Carrigan felt, and I feel very fortunate to have been part of her journey.”
The Caston family’s wish trip is scheduled for May 17–23.
They greet our families with kindness, support our teachers with care, and ensure that even the smallest details are handled with excellence. Their patience, flexibility, and heart for service make our school a better place for everyone.
We are so thankful for the countless ways they go above and beyond. Our school simply wouldn’t be the same without them.
#NationalAssistantPrincipalsWeek #SCUCLeads #PurposePeoplePartnerships #WeAreSCUC
The Steele computer science classes came to visit our computer classes recently to discuss Internet Safety.
Parades, concerts, and most of all, thank-yous, were the focus of campus Veterans Day observances throughout SCUC leading up to the observance on November 11th. Processions were held through the halls of some campuses; students beamed with pride as they walked with parents, grandparents and other family members who currently serve or have served in the United States military.
Meanwhile, Samuel Clemens High School Air Force and Byron P. Steele High School JROTC cadets led the yearly observance at their respective campuses. Family members, many of them military-connected, watched as school choirs paid tribute to their guests with patriotic songs and expressions of gratitude for their service.
Veterans Day, first recognized as Armistice Day after World War I, reminds us of the men and women who serve to protect the nation from enemies, foreign and domestic. They trade comfort for duty, endure long deployments, often to volatile locales around the world. These sacrifices are felt by the service members themselves, and by their families at home.
SCUC is grateful and proud to be a military-connected school district, with approximately 40 percent of its enrollment tied to current or former military veterans. We express our deepest thanks for those who volunteer to serve to keep our nation safe and free.
October 5th is World Teachers Day, and today, we celebrate our incredible educators who inspire minds, shape futures, and lead with heart. Your dedication, patience, and passion make a lasting impact far beyond the classroom.
To our Wiederstein teachers, thank you for all that you do for our students day in and day out. 💛
October is Principals’ Month—a time to honor the dedicated leaders at SCUC who serve as the heart of our schools. Principals are more than administrators; they are mentors, motivators, and visionaries who shape the culture of learning and growth on their campuses. They are multipliers of excellence, change and continuous improvement. Additionally, their leadership fosters safe, inclusive environments where students thrive and teachers feel supported. Principals help build the foundation for academic success and personal development.
The work of a principal often begins before the first bell rings and continues long after the last student leaves. They memorize student names. They attend every athletic event, PTC meeting, every science fair and every concert.
They manage budgets, hire and guide staff, oversee operations, and respond to the needs of students and families—all while maintaining high standards for teaching and learning. Their days can be filled with countless challenges and responsibilities - yet they show up with resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to their school community.
As SCUC celebrates Principals’ Month, let us recognize the incredible impact these leaders have—both seen and unseen. Their dedication shapes futures, strengthens communities, and inspires excellence in every corner of the school. Please take a moment to thank the individuals who lead with heart and purpose, help make our district THE destination district for the SCUC community.
PHOTO - front row, from left to right: Julie Hardy, Cibolo Valley ES; Trina Simmons, Green Valley ES; Steven Piles, Watts ES; Ashley Hawk, Wiederstein ES; and Leana Smoot, Rose Garden ES.
Back row, from left to right: Debra Rebec, DAEP; Michael Gonzales, Clemens HS; Justin Linthicum, Steele HS; Phil Jackson, Wilder Intermediate; Justin Monk, Jordan Intermediate; James Butler, Schlather Intermediate; Allison Miller, Paschal ES; Windi Hughes, Dobie JHS; Stacy McWilliams, Corbett JHS; Mikie Keough, Sippel ES; and Joey Treviño, Allison L. Steele ELC.
Not pictured: Geri Pope, Schertz ES
Today, students had the opportunity to participate in a 30-minute "stop, drop, and read" activity presented by H-E-B. Several of our classrooms participated and joined more than 100,000 students across Texas by stopping and reading all together, at the same time across our state. Together we're building the foundation of literacy and the joy of reading one page, one book, one reader at a time. #HEB #Read3ReadIn
After reading 'The Book With No Pictures' to our students, Mrs. Coleman helped them bring the story to life with their own imaginative illustrations. The library is to not only a place where students come check out books, it's also a place where they let their creativity and imagination shine!
