Ortega Elementary

One School One Book and Trunk or Treat is Tonight starting at 6:00pm! We cannot wait to see all of our Ortega Families tonight! Please enter through the front gate upon arrival! See you then!
If you are hosting a trunk the gate at car riders will open at 5:00pm for set up. Please be set up and ready a bit before 6:00. Please do not leave until all students have left the event (around 7:30). Thank you!

Be sure to be on the lookout for some important handouts coming home this week and next.   Here is a snapshot of what you should see. If you have any questions about anything, reach out to Ms. Tibbits at tibbitsm@duvalschools.org. 

* The Thanksgiving luncheon is November 20 during normal lunch times.  Parents are invited to eat lunch with their child at the picnic tables.  All guests must RSVP by November 7 at noon.  Use the following link to RSVP:  https://forms.office.com/r/Hs2ABmfTq6

* PTA is sponsoring a movie night at 6 PM on November 7.  Please make sure you RSVP and pre-order snacks using the following link:  https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/luNPC4WrQNIXmr82hOfxu4DMgZ?domain=movienight2025.friendsofortegaelementary.org

* We will have a STEM-focused Fall into Science Night on November 13 from 5:30 - 7:00.  The RSVP form for this event will be sent out next week.  But, go ahead and put it on your calendar.

* Yearbooks for this year are now on sale.  We have only pre-ordered 100 books so pre-order yours today so you aren't left out.  The cost is $25.  You can order online at www.buytheyearbook.com.  Our school ID is 387388.  If you would prefer to pay cash, order forms will be sent out soon.  Books will arrive in May.  

Congratulations to Ms. Taylor for being selected as the Employee of the Year!! Ms. Taylor does so much for our school. Whenever help is needed, she is always willing to lend a hand. She cares deeply about our school and our students, and it shows in everything she does.

Don't forget that our One School One Book kickoff will be happening on Thursday in conjunction with Trunk or Treat. Families will enter through the front gate at 6:00. Each family will receive a FREE copy of a book along with some valuable literacy information. After going through the One School One Book stations, families will head to the basketball court for Trunk or Treat. We are all really excited about our book selection this year. We are keeping the title a secret until Thursday. We will all begin reading the book at home next week!! If you are unable to come on Thursday, your family will not be left out. We will send a copy of the book home for you.

Good Morning, Reminder that it is Book Character and Red Ribbon Week! we can't wait to see everyone participate! Tomorrow is Read my Shirt Day! Wednesday is Caps for Sale! Wear a hat (or two!), Thursday is Rocking in our School Shoes (wear mismatched shoes), Friday is Book Character Day (dress up as your favorite character from a book!) Also, don't forget that One School One Book and Trunk or Treat is this week on Thursday at 6:00pm! We can't wait to see EVERYONE there!

Don't forget that our One School One Book Kickoff and Trunk or Treat events will be next Thursday, October 30. All families are invited to come out. You will enter through the main (front) gate at 6 PM for the One School One Book kickoff. Each family will receive a free copy of a book that we will be reading together. In addition, you will receive some literacy tips and strategies. After this, families will proceed to the basketball court for Trunk or Treat.
Thank you to the families who have volunteered to host a trunk. We couldn't do this event without you. Be sure to check your email for a message from Mrs. Tibbits regarding Trunk or Treat. If you are planning on hosting a trunk and did not receive that email, please contact Mrs. Tibbits at tibbitsm@duvalschools.org.
Can't wait to see everyone on October 30 at 6 PM.

Good afternoon Ortega Parents, Please be sure to complete this very important survey by 5:00pm today. https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/surveys This survey allows you to share your opinions and thoughts about our school. This is extremely important information to us. We need this information to make informed decisions in the future. Every completed survey helps! Thank you for continued support of Ortega and of our students!

Ortega Elementary School PTA has decided to hold a Read-A-Thon this year! Read-A-Thons actually get your reader excited about reading and it gives friends and family the opportunity to encourage your child to read even more.

Our Read-A-Thon starts Monday, November 3, 2025. We will do it in conjunction with our One School One Book program. You will receive a free book at the Trunk or Treat event on October 30 and we will begin reading on November 3.

About one week before our Read-A-Thon starts we will send home instructions on how to activate your reader's personal page. This is where you will be able to view and record their progress.

We encourage you to activate your reader’s account today by clicking on https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/323331383433/1?utm=email and following the simple instructions.

We've chosen Read-A-Thon because it will not take much of your time, gives your child a reason to read and helps in the development of stronger reading skills.

We hope EVERYONE participates. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Tibbits at tibbitsm@duvalschools.org.

Thanks so much,

Ortega Elementary School PTA

Don't forget that PTA is currently running a membership drive.  The class with the highest percentage of members will win a pizza party, second highest will win a popsicle party, and third highest will win a popcorn party.  The membership drive runs through the end of October.  Membership is $7 per family.  Return the form sent home at the start of October or visit https://ortegajacksonville.memberhub.com/store to join.  Money raised helps with campus beautification, educational programs, and incentives for our students.  Currently we have Ms. Oliver and Ms. Sheftall tied for first place.  Ms. Risley is in 3rd place.  But, we have a few other classes close behind.  Join PTA today to help your child's class make the leaderboard.  

Good morning Oceots!

Next week, October 27th-31st is Book Character & Red Ribbon Week! This will be a super fantastic week filled with fun dress up days related our favorite book characters and to pledging to staying drug free! Please see attached flyer for more details!

Don't forget one of our biggest events of the year One School One Book & Trunk or Treat is also next week, Thursday October 30th! If you would like to host a trunk or donate candy, treats, or small toys please contact Michelle Tibbits at TibbitsM@duvalschools.org.

Don't forget that this week is Ortega Goes to College Week! Please see Friday's post as well as the flyer sent out last week for this week's dress-up activities.

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook for updates! https://www.facebook.com/OrtegaDCPS

Good morning Ortega Families!
Please be sure to take the Parent District Climate Survey as soon as possible! The deadline to complete the survey is tomorrow, Tuesday, October 21st ! The link can be found here: https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/surveys
Thank you for your continued support!

Don't forget that there is a PTA meeting this afternoon at 4:30 in the Ortega Elementary media center. We'd love to see you there!

Good afternoon Ortega Families!

Next week, October 20-24, is Ortega Goes to College week! This is a week to get students excited about education. We will have a week of fun dress up activities. See attached flyer for details!

Have a terrific weekend!

There will be a community clinic for physicals and immunizations on Monday, Oct 20th from 9 - 11:30 AM.  It will be in the parking lot near St. Vincent's Riverside: 2615 Oak St, Jacksonville, 32204. Families may park in the lot. Walk-ins are welcome, but it is preferred that you call or text for appointment. (904) 625-6809.

Please join us for the DCPS Enrollment Expo November 15th from 11:00am to 3:00pm at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. New families can come learn more about what Ortega has to offer their students. Existing Ortega Ocelots can come and explore their options for middle school and beyond! This is a great opportunity to learn about what all of our schools have to offer and to choose the best school for your student.

* Fall pictures are tomorrow.  All students who are present will be photographed and the picture will be used in the yearbook.  If you would like to order pictures you may use the order form that was sent home or order online by visiting www.leonards.com/photoprepay and using access code C702800.

* Flag Raising is this Friday at 8:45 in the front courtyard.

* We have a SAC meeting this Friday at 9:30 in our media center.  All parents/guardians are invited to attend.

* We are still looking for families to host a trunk for Trunk or Treat on October 30.  All participants must be approved volunteers with DCPS and you must provide your own candy/treats to give out.  If you are interested in participating please return the form that was sent home or email Mrs. Tibbits at tibbitsm@duvalschools.org.

* If you cannot host a trunk, but would still like to help out, we will accept candy donations.  Please send individually wrapped candy to the front office or drop it off in car line.

Good morning,

Flag Raising will be rescheduled to next Friday, October 10th at 8:45 am.

Have a great weekend!

Don't forget that tonight is Spirit Night at The Loop. Swing by between 4 PM and 9 PM for some yummy food. Mention Ortega Elementary and a portion of your purchase will come directly back to our school.

The City of Jacksonville proudly announces the 2026 Tomorrow’s Leaders competition presented by VyStar Credit Union. The Tomorrow’s Leaders competition is an annual highlight of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast, recognizing and awarding youth in our community who exemplify the philosophies of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through leadership, community involvement, volunteerism, and civic responsibility. The Tomorrow’s Leaders competition winners will be recognized at The City of Jacksonville’s 39th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast on January 16, 2026, at the Prime Osborn Convention Center.

In 2025, the Tomorrow’s Leaders competition introduced new artistic components alongside traditional essay submissions. The competition expanded its submissions to include essays, visual art, and poetry to showcase further the talented youth across our city who are inspired by MLK, Jr. This exciting addition allowed elementary, middle, and high school students to express their understanding of Dr. King’s legacy through both written and visual mediums.

We invite students to explore this unique opportunity to showcase their talents and share their visions for social change. Detailed submission guidelines and criteria can be found on our website: https://events.jacksonville.gov/special-events/martin-luther-king-jr-breakfast#open . Join us in inspiring the next generation of leaders as we honor Dr. King’s legacy and empower young voices in our community. The application is also attached. Please send submissions to TomorrowsLeaders@coj.net.

K-5: Essay Contest

6-8: Visual Arts

9-12: Poetry Contest