Dear Ortega Elementary Families, It is with mixed emotions and a heavy heart that I share some news: I have been appointed as the new principal of Hendricks Avenue Elementary. It is truly bittersweet to say good-bye to the Ortega community. Being part of the Ortega community has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I have loved every minute of my time at Ortega. Working with your amazing children, getting to know you, and partnering with our dedicated staff has been nothing short of incredible. It's been such an honor to serve you, and I look forward to staying connected and cheering on Ortega's continued success. To ensure a smooth transition, the district will be hosting a meeting for families on Monday, June 23rd at 4:00 p.m. where you will have the opportunity to share the qualities you hope to see in Ortega's next principal via an electronic survey. You may attend in person, here in our school media center, or virtually via the Teams link below. Your voice is important, and I encourage you to participate. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your trust, support, and partnership! I will be working here at Ortega for a few more weeks to assist with the transition, so do not hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all.
Ortega Elementary Principal Profile Meeting Meeting
ID: 210 734 709 277 0 Passcode: Vv3pA27B
Thanks, Shannon Rose-Hamann Principal Ortega Elementary (904) 381-7460 
Dear Ortega Elementary Families,
It is with mixed emotions and a heavy heart that I share some news: I have been appointed as the new principal of Hendricks Avenue Elementary. It is truly bittersweet to say good-bye to the Ortega community.
Being part of the Ortega community has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I have loved every minute of my time at Ortega. Working with your amazing children, getting to know you, and partnering with our dedicated staff has been nothing short of incredible. It's been such an honor to serve you, and I look forward to staying connected and cheering on Ortega's continued success.
To ensure a smooth transition, the district will be hosting a meeting for families on Monday, June 23rd at 4:00 p.m. where you will have the opportunity to share the qualities you hope to see in Ortega's next principal via an electronic survey. You may attend in person, here in our school media center, or virtually via the Teams link below. Your voice is important, and I encourage you to participate.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your trust, support, and partnership! I will be working here at Ortega for a few more weeks to assist with the transition, so do not hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all.
Microsoft Teams Need help?
Ortega Elementary Principal Profile Meeting
Meeting ID: 210 734 709 277 0
Passcode: Vv3pA27B
Thanks,
Shannon Rose-Hamann
Principal
Ortega Elementary
(904) 381-7460
Just another reminder, dismissal is at 12:00pm today. We will start dismissing car riders at 11:45am.
Have a wonderful summer!
Parents do not forget dismissal is at 12:00pm tomorrow! We will begin dismissing car riders at 11:45am.
We hope everyone has a wonderful and safe summer break!
Good morning Ortega families!
Please see the attachment for the 2025-2026 classroom request form.
Thank you!
Good morning,
We have some unclaimed cell phones, smart watches, and a tablet in the front office. If you are missing these items please call or visit the front office asap.
Thank you!
Good afternoon Ortega families!
Don't forget tomorrow is Play Day! Students should dress appropriately for outdoor activities. Students should also bring water and stay hydrated. Sunblock is great idea too!
Another reminder that our school BBQ Day is Friday. Students should dress for outdoor activities on Friday as well!
Thank you! Have a great evening!
Good morning! We still need help with some upcoming events. If you can help with any of these, please let Mrs. Tibbits know (tibbitsm@duvalschools.org)
* We need cases of water for Play Day. It is going to be hot so we want to make sure our students are hydrated.
* We need volunteers for Play Day on 5/22 and the BBQ on 5/23. If you can help supervise kids and/or assist with stations, we would greatly appreciate it. Any amount of time you can give is wonderful. You must be an approved volunteer.
Good afternoon! We have a lot of fun events coming up at Ortega Elementary and we could use some help. Please look over the list below and if you can help with any of the items, send an email to Mrs. Tibbits at tibbitsm@duvalschools.org.
* We need a total of 15 cases of water to use for Play Day on 5/22. If you can bring a case (or two) please let us know.
* We need a few volunteers for Play Day on 5/22. If you can help for any portion of that day, let us know.
* We are looking for a volunteer than can bring a grill and grill some hot dogs and hamburgers for our faculty on 5/23. Our cafeteria staff will be grilling out for our students but are unable to grill out for our teachers and we don't want them to be left out. PTA will provide the food .... we just need the grill and a grillmaster.
* We need a few volunteers on 5/23 to help with some of our fun stations. If you can help for any part of the day, let us know.
We would love all of our families to join us for our end of year awards ceremonies. We are so proud of our students and all of their accomplishments this school year. Come out and join us as we recognize their achievements.
See the dates below.
May 20 – 1st Grade Awards 1:30
May 21 – 3rd Grade Awards 9:00
May 21 – 4th Grade Awards 1:30
May 22 – 2nd Grade Awards 1:30
May 23 – Kindergarten Awards 9:30
May 27 - 5th Grade Promotional Ceremony 9:30
Correction: The correct email address for Mrs. Tibbits is tibbitsm@duvalschools.org Please send your baby/preschool pictures to this email address for the 5th grade slide show. Thanks!
Dear 5th Grade Families,
Please be sure to send in your student's baby/kindergarten pictures for our 5th grade graduation slide show as soon as possible! We want to be sure everyone is included! Send in photos with your student, or email photos to Ms. Tibbits at Ti bitsm@duvalschools.org or Ms. Lusk at LuskA@duvalschools.org.
Thank you!!
Hello Ortega Families,
Please visit https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/summer-learning to learn more about all of the fun activities going on at Jacksonville Public Libraries over the summer!
Fun Shows, Hands-On Activities & More
This summer, embark on a journey of art and creativity, read fantastic stories, and celebrate all the ways art enriches our lives. From June 2 through August 2, visit your favorite Jacksonville Public Library location and take part in fun, hands-on art and STEM labs, live guest performances, drop-in activities, reading challenges, and so much more. Of course, there are also storytimes for the little ones and plenty of author talks, writer's workshops and more for adults.
It's all 100% FREE, all summer long!
Add a FREE Book to Your Home Library
Drop in for fun parties at your local library June 2 through June 9 to celebrate the kick-off of summer reading, learning and fun! In addition to all of the fabulous books you can borrow, every kid and teen in attendance will get to choose one FREE prize book for their home libraries.
There will be shows, learning activities, reading logs to earn prizes, and you can sign up for the mayor's summer reading challenge! There are opportunities for young children, teens, and adults!
Again, be sure to visit https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/summer-learning to learn how to sign and important dates!
Good morning Ortega Parents,
Please see attachments or visit https://www.barnesandnobleinc.com/our-stores-communities/summer-reading-program/ to learn more about the Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program. Students can earn a free book for reading over the summer!
Good afternoon and happy Tuesday!
We’d love to celebrate your graduates in our upcoming June issues! The Resident reaches thousands of households in the area and is a meaningful way to recognize the Class of 2025. A custom graduation ad is a lasting tribute that families, students, and the entire community can enjoy. It’s also a great way to highlight your school pride and student accomplishments. Let me know if you’d like to reserve a spot—I’d be honored to help you create something special.
Congratulations to the CLASS of 2025!!
Tomorrow, May 9, is the FINAL day to preorder a yearbook online. Place your order at: www.buytheyearbook.com. Use ID 38738. We will be distributing yearbooks soon so pre-order today to make sure you receive one. See the picture attached to the email for a sneak peek at the cover.
One final reminder that the last All Pro Dad meeting for this year will be May 9 at 7:45 AM. If you plan on attending, please RSVP today at https://allprodadchapters.com/chapters/11211
Ortega Elementary PTA still needs help with tomorrow's Teacher Appreciation Snack Day. Use the following link to sign up to donate items. Thanks! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080948AFA722A4FE3-56513200-snack
We will have a "pop-up" clinic tomorrow , Wednesday the 7th, at Lake Shore Baptist Church, 2363 Blanding Blvd, 32210.
We will do physicals, sick visits, and immunizations for students between the hours of 9 AM and 11:30 AM. Walk-ins are welcomed, but appointments are preferred. Please have parent/guardian call or text us at (904) 625-6809.
Today is the final day to order an Ortega t-shirt, tank, or hoodie. To place your order, please visit: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/ortega-elementary-pta-spirit-shop-2024--2025