Ortega Elementary

This is a reminder that Robotics Club will be meeting today, January 23rd, and tomorrow, January 24th. Please note that pick-up is at 4:15 PM. We look forward to seeing students there! Best regards, Ms. Faciane

Good morning! Hope everyone is staying warm. Even though it is January, we are already thinking ahead to our next Exhibit Night on March 27. We would like to form a committee of parents (and other adults) who might have some extra time to assist in the weeks leading up to the event. We would need help with tasks such as: taking old exhibits off the bulletin boards, putting up new border/paper, hanging up new exhibits, etc. You do have to be an approved volunteer. For some of these tasks we can be flexible and many can be completed after school hours (during the time frame of 3:00 - 6:00). If you think you may be able to help some please send me an email (tibbitsm@duvalschools.org). Thank you!

Good morning, Ortega Parents! If you have any incoming kindergarteners, or if you know anyone who does, please share this information about kindergarten registration for the upcoming school year! See the link for more information: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/07fff647-b8a0-4e3e-b685-08d923f09348@8deb1d4d-d0a4-4d04-89ae-f7076cbaa9fb

Good morning fifth grade parents and families, Just a reminder that the Middle School Saturday Showcase is tomorrow, Saturday January 11th. Middle schools (with a few exceptions) will be open and available for tours from 9:00 AM, 10:45 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:00 PM. If you have older children, high schools will also be open during this time. If your student is hoping to attend a school that is not your zoned school for your home address, this is a great time to go take and tour. Magnet seat applications need to be filled out as soon as possible. For more information visit: https://dcps.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/showcase Thanks so much!

Just a reminder that Book Fair will be next week. Shopping will be Tuesday through Friday. Students may bring in cash or you may create an online e-wallet with money for them to spend. Visit https://www.scholastic.com/bf/ortegaelementaryschool2 to set up an e-wallet. Book Fair will also be open after the New Worlds presentation at BEST Night. Finally, we could use some volunteers to help with book fair. If you are an approved volunteer and would be willing to help, please sign up using the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080948AFA722A4FE3-54193590-book

5th grade parents: Remember that applications for magnet middle schools are due at the end of this month. If you have not yet had the opportunity to tour possible middle schools, the School Showcase Saturday is this Saturday. Middle Schools will be open for you to tour. See the attached graphic for times. In addition, Ortega will be holding a brief meeting for any 5th grade parents that want an overview of the process. This meeting will be tomorrow (Thursday, January 9) at 9 AM in the media center. If you plan on attending, please let me know (tibbitsm@duvalschools.org).

Best Night is Thursday, January 16 at 5:30 PM. Families who have pre-registered will be treated to dinner courtesy of New Worlds Reading. New Worlds Reading will share tips and strategies to improve reading. In addition, MOSH will have a fun science show to entertain students who attend. And, families will have a chance to learn more about grade-specific curriculum. If you have not already registered, please do so by using the QR code on the flyer that was sent home. It is important that families do this ASAP so we can have an accurate headcount. Thank you!

Lego Robotics Club Meeting Announcement Lego Robotics Club will be held this Thursday, January 9th, from 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM in Portable 54 to make up for the missed meeting this past Monday due to no school. All other details remain the same. We will resume our regular meeting schedule on Monday, January 13th. See you there!

Happy New Year Ortega Families! We hope everyone had a nice break. We have a lot of upcoming events so be sure to read below for reminders: * This Thursday at 9 AM we will be having a brief meeting for 5th grade parents regarding applying to magnet middle schools. If you plan on attending, please email me (tibbitsm@duvalschools.org) so I can have a headcount. * We will be having a book fair during the week of January 13. Look for more information in Tuesday folders today. We are looking for some volunteers to help, so if you are an approved volunteer and are able to help, please visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080948AFA722A4FE3-54193590-book * New Worlds Reading is hosting a Family Fun Night on January 16 at 5:30 PM at our school. They will provide a free meal for registered participants and will provide tips and strategies to support reading. In addition, the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) will be here that night with a fun and educational science show for students to attend while parents are meeting with New Worlds Reading. Look for a flyer in Tuesday folders to register for this event.

Hello 5th grade parents! Please see attached photo for application and audition dates for Fort Caroline Middle School of the Arts. Thank you!

In recognition of child safety issues, the Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse will hold Florida Missing Children’s Day on September 8, 2025. To help create awareness amongst children in Florida, a poster contest and an essay contest are held each year. The winner of these contests will be invited to Florida Missing Children’s Day and receive an award and prize package at the ceremony. Please see below for the following contest information. All applicants must submit a completed contest packet with a signed parental release form. Additional information can also be found in the documents attached to this email. Thank you so much for your consideration in having your 5th graders participate. POSTER CONTEST: DUE BY FEBRUARY 14, 2025 The slogan “Bringing Our Missing Children Home” MUST appear on the poster. The poster MUST be 8 ½ by 14 inches. The posters MUST be created by hand. Crayons, pencils, markers, spray paint, pastels, acrylics, and watercolors are accepted. A completed submission form and parental release form MUST be sent for each poster submitted. All 5th graders may participate and will receive a certificate of excellence from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for their participation. Certificates will be sent to the teacher and school before school’s end. While only 5th graders may win the contest, we encourage schools that have interested students in alternative grade levels and non-graded levels that may have intellectual disabilities or cognitive challenges to participate as well. Those students will receive a certificate of excellence as well. Please mail original posters to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), MEPIC, Attn. M. Peoples, Post Office Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302.

Good evening Ortega! Don't forget tomorrow is early release! Have a great evening!

Thank you to all the students and families who have shopped at our Polar Pals holiday shop! Friendly reminder that the shop will be open tonight for Museum Night. Come to the media center at 530 or anytime throughout the evening! We are not able to accept debit or credit cards at the shop but we do accept cash and gift cards which can be purchased at https://schoolshoppes.com/buy/polar-pals Use the school code XEAC787 See you there!

Good morning, Ortega Parents and Families!! Do not forget that tonight is Exhibit Night here at Ortega! Students will be showing off their curriculum-based art pieces that they have worked so hard on! There will also be musical performances, special guests, and our Holiday Shop led by our PTA will be open in the media center! This is going to be a fun and educational evening. Please be sure to attend! See you all tonight at 6:00!

Each December the PTA board sponsors a soup luncheon for the Ortega Elementary faculty and staff. The board handles the soup, but we need help, from parents, with other items (like drinks and desserts). If you can help, please sign up using the link below. All items need to be dropped off in the front office (or car line) by 10 AM on December 17. Thank you so much! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080948AFA722A4FE3-53650233-desserts

Good morning Ortega 5th Grade Families! We just wanted to share a quick note of La Villa's audition dates. General auditions will be held at La Villa Middle School on January 14th and 21st at 6:00pm. The auditions for music only will be held Monday, January 27th at 6:00pm. You must make an appointment to audition. If your child wants to audition for visual arts, there are two artworks that must be completed at home prior to the audition date. To schedule an audition or for more information, follow this link: https://dcps.duvalschools.org/o/sams/page/audition-prep-guide Thank you!

Join the Fun at the Polar Pals Holiday Shop! Get ready to shop, wrap, and celebrate the season! The Polar Pals Holiday Shop will be open in the media center from December 11th-13th (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday), with a special evening opening during Museum Night on Thursday. Students can find the perfect gifts for friends and family, all while practicing their money skills and getting into the holiday spirit. Items are budget-friendly, ranging from $1-$5, and free gift wrapping is available to make everything extra special! Parents can send kids with cash or purchase gift cards through the website: Buy Gift Cards at: https://www.schoolshoppes.com/buy Use school code: XEAC787 All proceeds support PTA-sponsored events throughout the year! Want to join the festive fun? We’re looking for volunteers to help out. Contact Sarah Shull at sarahjshull@gmail.com to lend a hand. Let’s make this holiday season magical—see you at the shop!

Good morning Ortega Parent and Students! We wanted to share that Jacksonville Public Library is having a writing contest! Students can write a persuasive book review and submit it to the library. Four finalists will be chosen to attend a celebration, and the winner will receive a $100 prize! This contest is open to grades K-12! See this link for further information: https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/blog/kids-and-teens-win-100-writing-best-book-review

Good morning! Just a reminder that our Saturday Showcase is tomorrow starting at 9:00am. If you know any families of upcoming kindergarteners or any families looking for a new school, please share this information with them! See attached flyer for more information. Thank you for your support!

Hey Ortega families, be sure to invite friends and neighbors with elementary-age children to visit us Dec. 7 for School Showcase Saturday here at Ortega for Saturday Showcase. More info can be found here: https://www.duvalschools.org/page/showcase