Back-to-School Message to Families – 2026–2027 School Year

HAPPY NEW SCHOOL YEAR, Fort Family!

If you are new to the Fort Caroline family, welcome, and thank you for selecting our amazing school for your child’s education. I hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer and are ready to begin an exciting new school year on August 10, 2026.

The beginning of every school year represents promise, possibility, and new beginnings—and 2026–2027 is no exception. With a talented staff and a supportive community, our students are poised for another great year at Fort Caroline Elementary School. We are committed to providing meaningful learning experiences every single day and creating an environment where all scholars can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. At the FORT, we are in the business of developing confident, capable, and successful young learners.

This year, we remain focused on strengthening instruction in Reading, Science, and Math while expanding our ability to write more.  I am looking for the author inside of all our students. Our goal is to ensure that every student is challenged, supported, and celebrated as they grow. Together, we will continue building a strong school story as we have a mindset of "One Team, One Track: Endless Possibilities".

I also want to highlight three important upcoming events for our families:

📌 Back-to-School Orientation/Bash
August 6, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

📌 First Day of School- Please sign Bounce House Waiver for our First Day Adventure
August 10, 2026 | 8:00 AM

📌 Open House
September 10, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

These events are important opportunities for families to meet our amazing faculty & staff, learn school expectations, and build strong partnerships that support student success. I strongly encourage all families to attend.

Below is important information to help ensure a smooth start to the school year:

 First Day of School

• Grades K–5: August 10, 2026 Doors open at 8am. Families may walks students to class on Day 1 ONLY!

• Please ensure you sign the Bounce House Waiver- Available at Orientation.

School Hours

• School day: 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM

• Doors open: 8:00 AM

• No students should arrive before 8:00 AM Unless the student is a paid member of Extended Day. 

Breakfast will be served daily from 8:00 AM – 8:25 AM. Instruction begins promptly at 8:30 AM.

 Arrival & Dismissal

• Students must report to assigned arrival locations each morning.

• Staff will be present to direct and support student arrival procedures.

• Dismissal will take place in designated grade-level areas.

• Please ensure afterschool programs are aware of dismissal procedures if applicable.

Attendance Matters

Consistent attendance is essential for student success. Missing school can quickly add up and impact learning. Our goal is for students to attend at least 90% of the school year. Let’s work together to build strong attendance habits early.

Uniforms

Students are expected to follow the school uniform dress code:

• Tops: White, Green, Yellow, Navy, or Red

• Bottoms: Khaki or Navy

• Only students in uniform will be allowed to participate in school wide events.

Class Assignments

Student class assignments will be available prior to the first day of school through our school’s official communication platform FOCUS and a printed copy will be place on the window of the front office as we have done over the last several years.  

We are excited to welcome our new and returning students back into a safe, engaging, and high-achieving learning environment. Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. Together, we will make the 2026–2027 school year one of growth, excellence, and achievement.

Here’s to a GREAT year ahead!

Educationally Yours,
Dr. Faith Roberts-Graham
PROUD Principal, Fort Caroline Elementary School

Email Dr. Faith Roberts-Graham