Ortega Elementary

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

We are still looking for a few volunteers to help with the Hearing and Vision screening on Thursday. If you are an approved volunteer and can assist, please let me know (tibbitsm@duvalschools.org). We need help from 8:30 until about 11:00. Thanks!

PTA has extended the deadline to order Spirit Gear! They will sending in the orders tomorrow (September 28) so be sure to order your shirt or hoodie today! Place your order at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/ortega-elementary-spirit-gear-2025--2026

Good afternoon Ortega Parents and Families,

Just a quick message to remind parents to update your child's Emergency Contact Information (Blue Card) in Focus ASAP.

Please see attached image with directions on how to change Emergency Contact Information.

Thank you, have a wonderful weekend.

This is the final week to order Spirit Gear. All orders are due Friday, September 26. Use this link to place your order: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/ortega-elementary-spirit-gear-2025--2026

Don't forget that our first All Pro Dad meeting of the year will be October 3 at 7:45 AM in the Ortega Elementary media center. This will be a time for Dads (or other male role models) to come have a quick breakfast with their child(ren) while participating in some fun bonding activities. Please RSVP using the following link so we can plan the refreshments: https://allprodadchapters.com/chapters/11211

Congratulations to Mr. Young! He was selected as our Teacher of the Year! Mr. Young is one of our amazing 3rd grade teachers and he works so hard to help our students. This recognition is well-deserved.

Here are some important messages from our PTA:
* The PTA board is in need of a secretary.  This is a great way to get involved and it is not much work at all.  If you are interested, reach out to Mrs. Tibbits (tibbitsm@duvalschools.org)  and she will pass your name along to our PTA board. 
* We have a few volunteer opportunities coming up, including Hearing/Vision screening (October 2), Fall pictures (October 8), and Trunk or Treat (October 30).  If you are an approved volunteer and can help, please sign up using the following link:  https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/WHY9CA8LN0s05x2VsGfgtGRZpu?domain=m.signupgenius.com
* PTA will be sponsoring a spirit night at The Loop (4591 Lakeside Drive) on Tuesday, September 30 from 4 PM to 9 PM.  Mention Ortega Elementary and 20% of proceeds will be donated to our school.  See the attached flyer for more information.

Reminder - PTA is having a meeting this Thursday, September 18 at 6 PM in our media center. It is a potluck so use the link below to sign up to bring a dish. See the attached flyer for more important PTA information.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0548AAAE22A0FA7-58314215-ortega#/