I want to share with you an important update regarding our school.
Last Spring, the School Board approved the merger of our school into Rufus E. Payne Elementary beginning in the 2026-27 school year. This means that the 2025-26 school year will be our final year at our current campus.
We understand that news like this can bring mixed emotions. Please know that we are committed to supporting every student and family through this transition. Our focus remains on ensuring your child continues to receive an excellent education and a strong sense of community as we move forward together.
One important opportunity to learn more about what’s ahead is the Rufus E. Payne Elementary School Tour on Tuesday, Dec. 16 from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. at 6725 Hema Road. At the Tour, you’ll be able to:
• Meet leaders and staff from Rufus E. Payne Elementary and learn more about what the school offers.
• Get assistance with the school choice and enrollment process.
We strongly encourage all our families to attend. It’s a great chance to connect, ask questions, and begin planning for your child’s next chapter. Dinner will be served, please pre-register at 904-924-3020.
Lastly – Please know that we will continue to keep you informed with updates and next steps throughout this process. Thank you for your continued partnership and trust.
Best,
Principal James
You are invited to the 6th Annual Holiday Give Back. Free Toys! Free Toys! Free Toys! Tomorrow at Highlands Elementary School, 6-8 p.m.
This invitation-only celebration is designated for students and families currently experiencing hardship and actively supported by your school or program.
Before completing registration on behalf of a family, please review the eligibility guidelines:
Students must attend the event in person to receive gifts and participate in activities.
Family must reside in Duval County.
Family should not be currently enrolled in another holiday or Christmas assistance program to ensure equitable distribution of community resources.
Transportation must be arranged by your school/organization or the family.
The Giving Closet Project is not able to provide transportation to this event.
By submitting this form, you are confirming that the family meets the criteria above and will be attending.
Please complete all questions below on behalf of the families you are submitting to secure their participation.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdw2Clpjmf9ZHPOlsunSjq2TAro4lD2zMzvOuxs7j8tqUbFqA/viewform
4th/5th Grade: 8:45—9:15
Kindergarten/1st Grade: 9:20—10:00
2nd/3rd Grade: 10:00—10:30
Good afternoon Wildcat Families!!!
I just recently received this from the Ribault Full Service Center. Omega Psi Phi fraternity will be providing 30 families with Thanksgiving Box Giveaway. These are ready made cooked meals from Publix.
Criteria:
*Families in transition, working more than one job, or maybe just don’t have the skills to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal where this would be easy for them. You must have transportation to pick up the meal from Ribault Full Service Schools Site located off Ribault Scenic Drive. .
If you meet the criteria, please email Principal Charlene T. James at jamesc@duvalschools.org. This is a first come, first served. We are not the only school participating therefore, it's imperative to email me as soon as possible. The deadline is November 14, 2025.
If you have any questions let me know.
Pick Up Information if selected to receive a meal.
Information to Give Families
Place: Ribault Full Service Schools/Ribault Family Resource Center
Date: November 25, 2025
Time: 3:00-4:30pm
POC: StanVonna Gaulden or Hope Sumner
I would like to thank each of you for honoring me on Boss' Day. I appreciate all my favorite snacks (Jelly beans, Plain Lays Potato Chips, Coconut Water, card, etc). You didn't have to do it. Therefore I am grateful. I would like to keep you updated regarding events occurring this week.
In addition to updates, just a reminder students are NOT to be on campus without parental supervision. There is no supervision before 8:00 a.m. Students who are getting into trouble, parents will be contacted. We ask for your support regarding this matter.
Please mark your calendars regarding the following events:
October 22 - Take Your Parents to Lunch (You can eat lunch with your child but you must have Level 2 clearance via DCPS. Level 2 clearance cost $74.50. https://www.duvalschools.org/o/humanresources/page/volunteer-hr
October 23 - TEAM-UP (Lights-On Program); SAC Meeting @5:30 p.m.
October 24 - Awards Ceremony (4th & 5th Grade -8:45; Kindergarten & 1st Grade - 9:20; 2nd/3rd Grade-10:00). You should have received an invitation if your child is receiving recognition.
Next week is Red Ribbon Week. Flyers will go home tomorrow. Character Day is next Friday. All students will dress up as a Superhero".
Have a wonderful evening and see you tomorrow.
Good morning Wildcat Parents and Guardians
The district will be collecting data to inform schools on various ways to improvements. The survey collects feedback from students, staff, families, and community members to provide a complete view of school climate and experiences. The first 70 students to return their parent's survey will receive a "Uniform Dress Down" pass. Please make sure you write your name and your child's name on the survey. These will come home today.
Survey Window: October 6 - 21, 2025.
Stakeholders: All staff members, students in grades 4-12, families, and community members.
Format: Online, role-specific versions with paper copies available for Parents & Community Members. For a paper-survey, please request through your school.
Parents please email me a copy of your completed online survey by taking a picture. My email address is jamesc@duvalschools.org. Here is the link to complete the survey online: https://www.duvalschools.org/page/surveys
August 14, 2025 @ 5:30 p.m.
Just a reminder about orientation on Saturday, August 9, 9-10 for Technology Support with new programs. 10-12 a.m. to meet Teachers.
We will have the following:
(9-10 a.m.) Assistance with creating FOCUS, PikMyKid, ThrillShare (to communicate with school and teachers) and K-5 Registration
Free Haircuts
Baptist Hospital for physicals and immunizations
Free Food
Clothing
Clear Backpacks filled with School supplies
Please report to the cafeteria for a brief introductory meeting.
Team-Up begins August 18. Get your application in today.
