Krystal Castillo was nominated by her principal, Israel Rivera.
Every great principal relies on a supportive team consisting of an assistant principal, knowledgeable instructional coaches, and excellent teachers. One member of the leadership team who typically never gets recognition is the office manager. At Jose May Elementary School, many members of faculty and staff say that the offfice manager, Krystal Castillo, is the "real principal" of the campus.
"Ms. Castillo plays an important role in the very important work we do as educators," Rivera said. "She is the first person to filter any issue that comes to the office. Ms. Castillo resolves all concerns, and she does so with smile and the asurance that we will follow up. She is the most loyal person a principal could ask for. She is trustworhy and keeps her word."
Mr. Rivera has known Ms. Castillo for 11 years. Their work relationship started with Castillo as Rivera's teaching assistant in the classroom.
"She supported me with my group interventions, and helped to increase the student achievement level. She was quickly promoted to registrar and then office manager. As I became an administrator, Ms. Castillo and I parted ways only to work together again a few years later," Rivera said. "She has been my office manager for one year now, and I have never before had this level of professionalism and efficacy."
The office is well organized, and provides everyone with top-notch customer service and follow through. Ms. Castillo participates in all after school activities, such as extra-curricular clubs, dismissal, PTO meetings, and several community events. She also participates with The Home Visit Project, visiting families with the teachers. This program helps to bridge the home-school divide. Ms. Castillo is also quite a character and keeps the school community laughing. She is the first person parents and students see when they walk in the building.
Ms. Castillo keeps the campus budget balanced and ensures that staff receive the tools and resources needed to do their jobs. She helps with parent lunches and sets up meetings with many community partners. When the 2017-2018 school year started without a nurse, Ms. Castillo served as a backup nurse, tending to the needs of students for three weeks on top of her other duties. She has great attendance, and has only missed one day of work due to a family member being ill.
"She is definitely my partner in crime, and I am blessed to have her at my side. She keeps me focused on my work and proves to not only be my office manager, but a dear friend," Rivera said.
Part of the reason as to why I look forward to going to work daily is the fact that Ms. Castillo will ALWAYS brighten my day. Her smile is the first to greet you and you can rest assured that you will leave feeling better than when you arrived.This is well-deserved!
I have learned a lot from Ms. Castillo and I can't thank her enough for taking the time to teach me everything I need to know so I can succeed in what I do. She's at the top of my mentor's list for sure!
It is such a pleasure working with Ms. Castillo. She's our go to person for everything! Question after question, with either parents, students or teachers, she is always quick to help out whatever the situation. Ms. Castillo is the best!
It has amazed me how quickly Mrs. Castillo gets my orders processed and problems resolved. I've never had such a quick turnaround, often seeing things that get ordered early in the week on campus by the end of the week. She is both efficient and friendly, making it a pleasure to work with her.
Witty, intelligent, reliable, organized, AND remains calm and proficient when dealing with a massive volume of students, parents and paraprofessionals. She's an asset as our school manager! Way to go, Krystal!
Always ready to help with a smile! In fact, I can't think of a time when Mrs. Castillo couldn't help. Any question, any need, she will address it! She allows her work to be interrupted to help others. She seeks the information she doesn't have (if ever there is anything). She is the BEST! We are lucky to have her.
Whoop! Whoop! Get it Girl!! Beast Mode!!! Representin'! The Extreme! Keepin' it real!! Off-the-Hook!!! Props! Representin'!! Yadadaimean!!!
May is when flowers begin to bloom; yet amazingly enough all year long it's what you do. June, July and August are the hottest months of the year, but when you're around the world is cooler and clear. September, October and November the season is fall and though life can seem so very demanding with you by my side I can always stand tall. December, January and February are filled with celebrations and love that remind me how you are my blessing and gift from our God from way above. March and April I get to watch you shine in the sun and then we're back in May; the month my life really had always begun.
Rivera, thank you for putting her out there like that. We all should have a Krystal Castillo in our lives. I am one proud sister. Krystal Castillo enough said.
Muñeca
Ms. Castillo rocks! Definitely changing lubes as the first interaction for our kiddos and parents! Joe May leading the way!
I am beyond blessed to know this girl for over 20+ yrs. A true beauty inside and out. #speechless
I have known Krystal all of her life as she is my niece. We are blessed to have her in our family. She is definitely gifted in many areas and has a servants ??heart. Always ready to assist in everything. She has a passion to serve her school, the students and her coworkers that makes her job rewarding. She is an extraordinary awesome person and is well deserved of this acknowledgement.
You are the best! You deserve this! Joe May is lucky to have you! Congratulations!!
You are right she is the first line of defense. I am proud to work with her, and proud to be a Maverick!
She is a very professional office manager and can solve any problem that presents itself in the office and the school.
