
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

The last day to pre-order an Ortega Elementary yearbook is Friday, May 9. Place your order at: www.buytheyearbook.com. Use ID 38738.

The final All Pro Dad meeting for this year will be May 9 at 7:45 AM in the Ortega Elementary media center. If you plan on attending, please RSVP today at https://allprodadchapters.com/chapters/11211

Don't forget that today is Early Dismissal. Ortega Elementary will dismiss at 1:15.

Good afternoon Ortega families,
Team Duval has partnered with Florida Prepaid to help families prepare financially for their child’s college education – whether they just enrolled in kindergarten or about to start high school.
Florida Prepaid Plans allow families to lock in the cost of college with fixed monthly payments. Plans now start at just $29/month for the Prepaid Plan Open Enrollment period which ends April 30. The reduced prices result in savings of up to $850 per plan for a 1-Year University Plan – up to $3,400 in savings for four years.
Florida Prepaid’s goal is to make it possible for every Florida family to save simply and affordably. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4iHYGOJ.

If you have not already, please take time to complete the 5 Essentials Parent Survey found here: https://survey.5-essentials.org/duval/?target_name=parent&p=1 It is very important that all Ortega Families complete this survey as soon as possible!
Thank you for your support!

May is going to be a very busy time for Ortega Elementary. Please see the attached calendar for tentative dates for events. Please note, times and dates are subject to change.


Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5-9. We have amazing teachers at Ortega Elementary so we want to encourage all of our families to show appreciation to our teachers. PTA is planning a few special things for our teachers and we could use your help.
* There will be a taco bar on Monday, May 5. If you can help provide items for this please use this link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0548AAAE22A0FA7-56316666-cinco#/
* There will be a snack day on Thursday, May 8. If you can help provide items for this, please use this link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080948AFA722A4FE3-56513200-snack
If you are donating items, please drop them off in the main office or in car line on the day of the event. We need all items by 10 AM. Thank you!

Pre-Order your Ortega Elementary yearbook. The cost is only $20. The easiest way to purchase is to do so online by visiting www.buytheyearbook.com and using school ID 387388. Quantities are limited so order yours today.