
Dear Parents,
As we approach the upcoming state testing window, we want to partner with you to ensure our students are set up for success. These assessments provide valuable insights into your child's learning and help us tailor our instruction to best meet their needs.
To help your child perform their best, we kindly ask for your support in the following ways:
Ensure they get adequate rest: A well-rested child can focus better and approach the test with more energy. Please help them establish a consistent bedtime routine in the days leading up to testing.
Provide a nutritious breakfast: A healthy meal in the morning fuels their brain and provides the energy needed for concentration. Please ensure your child eats a substantial breakfast on testing days.
Ensure they are present: Being present for all testing sessions is crucial for accurate results. Please make every effort to have your child attend school on these designated days. If your child is ill, please notify the school immediately.
We understand that testing can sometimes feel stressful for students. Please reassure your child that we believe in their abilities and that these tests are just one way to see their progress. Our teachers have been working diligently to prepare them, and we are confident they will do their best.
The math testing dates are forthcoming. Please keep your eye out for that information.
Thank you for your collaboration in supporting your child's academic journey. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher or the school administration.


Come out on Thursday, April 17, 2025, @ 7:30am to our Monthly SAC Meeting and participate in developing the Comprehensive Needs Assessment and Schoolwide Improvement Plan. Let your voice be heard!


Rufus E. Payne was honored with a visit from our very own, Mayor Donna Deegan. Mayor Deegan came to recognize the accomplishments of our Reading Teachers who had 100% Participation with her Reading Initiative. Students were able to greet Mayor Deegan and she was presented with gifts from the school community. Mayor Deegan has officially been deemed an Honorary School Leader of Rufus E Payne Elementary.





Report Cards Are Coming!


Join us for our Developmental Parent Meeting as we plan for the upcoming year!


Fort Caroline Middle School will be hosting Open Auditions for a controlled enrollment for all 5th Grade Students who are interested in the arts. Please see the attached flyer for additional information.


It's Holiday Season! So, let's have some fun. Join us in celebrating each school day of December until our much-needed Winter Break!


Join Mrs. Porter for Coffee with the Counselor this Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 8:30am in the school's cafeteria.


Eagle Nation! We are excited to announce the 12th Annual Elementary School Science Fair held by the district each year! This is a fantastic opportunity for our young scientists to explore their curiosity, showcase their projects, and learn from their peers. We encourage you to support and motivate your children to participate in this enriching event. Your encouragement can make a huge difference in their enthusiasm and confidence. Students have received a Science Fair Packet which requires documents to be completed as they begin their Science Investigations. Let's make this year's Science Fair a memorable and inspiring experience for all of our students. Maybe it will be an REP Eagle that takes home that blue ribbon this year!


Eagle Nation! Please come out and celebrate your scholar on November 20, 2024, for our Quarter 1 Honors Celebration Ceremony. Students will be honored for all of their hard work during the first nine week by their teachers and staff. Our 3rd-5th Grade Scholars will be celebrated at 8:30 AM. Our Kindergarten-2nd Grade Scholars will be celebrated at 9:15 am. We hope to see you there.


The Florida Department of Health-Duval County will be hosting a Health Fair on Friday, 10/25/2024, at our main campus at 515 W. 6th St., Jacksonville, 32209 from 10 am to 2pm and will be offering immunizations for 7th grade and kindergarten students. No appointment is necessary.


Eagle Nation!
Technology Services still has a number of free ECF laptops to give out to students.
Beginning in November, every Tuesday, Technology Services will be available to distribute free ECF laptops to any student enrolled in a traditional DCPS school. This includes students who have already been assigned a laptop from school. This will be a secondary device the students can keep at home for school use. See the details below!
WHAT: Free laptop for all DCPS students! No registration necessary!*
*Wait times may be shorter if ECF survey is completed in advance, but not necessary.
WHEN: Every Tuesday beginning November 5th*
*The week of December 16th will be on a Thursday- December 19th
8:00 am – 4:00 pm
WHERE: 4075 Boulevard Center Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32207
For additional support families may call the Technology Service Desk at 904-348-5200.
Pickup dates:
November 5th, 12th, 19th, & 26th
December 3rd, 10th, & 19th

District leadership will provide a final overview of the recommendation for the consolidation of George Washington Carver Elementary into Rufus E. Payne Elementary. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment.
The meeting is on Monday, October 28 at 5:30 p.m. and will be held at Rufus E. Payne Elementary (6725 Hema Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32209).


District leadership will provide an overview of the recommendation for the consolidation of George Washington Carver Elementary into Rufus E. Payne Elementary. The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment.
The meeting is on Tuesday, October 15 at 5:30 p.m. and will be held at George Washington Carver Elementary (2854 West 45th St., Jacksonville, Florida).

As we celebrate Red Ribbon Week lets share the importance of this campaign in promoting a drug-free lifestyle for our students. Red Ribbon Week is a valuable opportunity to educate our students about the dangers of drug use and the benefits of making healthy, positive choices. Red Ribbon Week is October 23-31.


Unity Day is October 16th. Let's show we stand together for kindness, acceptance and inclusion.


We stand against bullying! Let's show that we are unified as we celebrate Kindness during Spirit Week October 14-18.


On Thursdays we wear pink! Let's come together and show our support for Breast Cancer Awareness.


We are thrilled to share that the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year at Rufus E. Payne Elementary School is none other than our phenomenal Eagle Leader and Instructional Coach, Mrs. Rochay! Her dedication to the House of Payne has been felt, and it is now time for her to receive her flowers! What an honor it is to have you a part of this School Community! Congratulations, Mrs. Rochay.


Eagle Nation! We are headed to the college or career of our choice! During the week of September 30th join us in preparing for our futures by dressing up each day of the week. Please find the flyer attached with each themed day!
