The Hubbard Woods Wire
August 24th, 2026
Dear Hubbard Woods Families,
Today, we are officially welcoming all district educators and staff for the start of a new school year. No matter how many “first days” we experience, each one feels special; filled with renewed hope, fresh energy, and enthusiasm for what is ahead. This year is no different.
As we begin, I shared a message with our Hubbard Woods staff about the importance of telling empowering stories. Throughout the year, there will certainly be busy moments, unexpected challenges, and days that ask a great deal of all of us. In those moments, we can choose to focus on possibility: to see challenges as opportunities to learn, to remember that we have capable people alongside us, and to trust that our collective care can make a lasting difference for students.
That same spirit extends to our partnership with families. Together, we have the opportunity to help every child feel known, supported, challenged, and inspired. When we approach the year with curiosity, encouragement, and a shared belief in what is possible, we create the conditions for students to grow, not only academically, but also as confident and caring members of our school community.
I truly look forward to welcoming your children on Wednesday. We are eager to begin this journey with them and are grateful for the trust you place in us each day.
Sincerely,
Emily Castillo-Oh
Our hearts are incredibly full as we share that we welcomed our baby boy, Ayi, on July 25th!
As we begin this new chapter together, I want to take a moment to share how grateful we are for the love and kindness shown to us by the Hubbard Woods community. The thoughtful cards, beautiful books, generous gifts, encouraging messages, well-wishes, and kind thoughts have meant more to our family than I can express.
Hubbard Woods is known as “The Heart of the Neighborhood,” and throughout this journey, I have truly felt the heart behind those words. The care, generosity, and support you have shown me are a beautiful reminder of what makes this community so special.
AJ and I are soaking in these precious early moments with Ayi, and I am incredibly thankful to have this time together. At the same time, I already miss the energy and joy that come with the start of a new school year, especially because of the people who make Hubbard Woods such a special place. I look forward to returning in late October, reconnecting with our students, staff, and families, and hearing about all the wonderful learning, growth, and memories made during the first few months of the school year.
