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Dear San Jose Elementary Families,

I hope you and your family are enjoying a wonderful summer! It is with great excitement, gratitude, and humility that I introduce myself as the new principal of San Jose Elementary School.

It is truly an honor to become a part of the Panda family. San Jose has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, a caring school culture, and strong relationships among students, families, and staff. I recognize the incredible foundation that has been built over the years, and I look forward to working alongside you as we continue that tradition while embracing exciting opportunities for the future.

As a father, educator, and school leader, I understand that trusting someone with your child is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Please know that every decision we make at San Jose will continue to be centered on what is best for our students. Our goal is to ensure that every child feels safe, loved, challenged, and inspired each day they walk through our doors.

One of my highest priorities is building meaningful relationships with our students, staff, and families. I believe that schools are strongest when families and educators work together as partners. Your voice, ideas, and experiences matter, and I am committed to fostering open communication, listening to your feedback, and creating opportunities for you to be actively involved in our school community.

As we prepare for the first day of school, I hope your family enjoys the remainder of the summer making lasting memories. I am eager to meet each of you, learn your stories, and begin this exciting journey together.

Thank you for welcoming me into your school community. I look forward to partnering with you as we celebrate our legacy and launch an incredible future for every student at San Jose Elementary.

With gratitude,
Adam B.
Principal
San Jose Elementary School
Go Pandas!

5 days ago, San Jose Elementary
Photo of Principal Barr
COMMUNITY MEETING – District leadership will be hosting a community meeting to discuss the Superintendent's recommendation for boundary changes involving several Southside and Arlington area elementary schools. The boundary changes are related to the planned construction of two new elementary schools: Spring Park and Hogan Spring-Glen. Members of the community will have an opportunity to provide comments before the final recommendation is presented to the School Board. This meeting, which is open to the public, will take place on Tuesday, June 23, at 6 PM at the Schultz Center, located at 4019 Boulevard Center Drive. For background information, visit: https://www.duvalschools.org/article/2631361
21 days ago, Duval County Public Schools
Two statues of children sitting on a bench, one reading a book, in front of the Duval County Public Schools building.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 25 and join us for one of San Jose Elementary's favorite traditions!

🛠️ Campus Beautification Workday
⏰ 8:00–10:00 AM

Bring the whole family as we work together to prepare our campus for the new school year. Whether you're planting, painting, cleaning, or lending a helping hand, every volunteer makes a difference!

🎒 Back-to-School Bash & Community Resource Fair
⏰ 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Stay after the workday to enjoy:
✂️ Free student haircuts
🎒 School supplies & backpacks
🏢 Community resources
🎉 Family activities
🤝 Opportunities to connect with community partners

This is a wonderful opportunity to serve alongside other Panda families and help ensure our students return to a beautiful campus and a strong start to the school year.

💙 We hope to see you there! Go Pandas!
23 days ago, San Jose Elementary
SJE
Looking for extra support for your child this summer? The Youth Crisis Center is offering the STOP Now And Plan (SNAP) program—13 weeks of FREE sessions for children ages 6–11 in our community.
SNAP is designed to help children who may be experiencing challenges such as difficulty managing emotions, problem-solving, or getting along with others.
The program includes:

-Skill-building sessions for children
-Support for caregivers
-Free dinner, transportation, and sibling care

If you feel your child could benefit, applications are available at the school, or families can contact the Youth Crisis Center directly for more information at hhampton@ycc.org.
27 days ago, Brianna Griffin
Stop Now And Plan-Hosted by the Youth Crisis Center
📚🎒 San Jose Elementary Uniforms for the 2026–2027 School Year 🐼

As you prepare for the upcoming school year, now is a great time to order your student's school uniforms!

Families can conveniently place uniform orders online through our school uniform vendor:
🌐 Order Uniforms Here: https://totalimpactjax.com/san-jose-elementary-school/

Ordering early helps ensure your child is ready for the first day of school and gives plenty of time for delivery.

We can't wait to welcome our Pandas back for another amazing year of learning, growth, and success.

💙🐼 Go Pandas! We’ll see you on Monday, August 10th!
27 days ago, San Jose Elementary
SJE
Thank you, 5th graders, for generously donating your uniforms to San Jose Elementary. Donations can be dropped off at the front office.
about 1 month ago, San Jose Elementary
5th graders, please donate your uniforms to San Jose Elementary
🎓🐼 ¡Nuestra Ceremonia de Promoción de 5.º Grado ya casi está aquí! 🐼🎓
¡Estamos muy emocionados de celebrar a la increíble Clase del 2026 el 📅 27 de mayo a las ⏰ 9:00 AM durante nuestra ceremonia al aire libre! 🌟
⭐ Recordatorios Importantes:
🎓 Las togas NO se enviarán a casa.
🎓 Los estudiantes que compraron un paquete de graduación podrán llevarse las birretes a casa el martes por la noche — ¡y SÍ pueden decorarlos!
📸 Los padres pueden retirar a los estudiantes después de la ceremonia para tomar fotos. Los estudiantes que no sean retirados NO podrán estar al frente de la escuela para fotos.
💺 Los asientos son por ORDEN DE LLEGADA.
🚫 No se permiten globos dentro del área de la ceremonia.
🍿 Habrá concesiones disponibles: Agua y Palomitas de maíz.
💵 SOLO EFECTIVO.
🚗 Estacionamiento Disponible:
• Ballard Oaks
• Car Rider Circle
• Área de césped de Publix
¡Estamos ansiosos por celebrar a nuestros increíbles estudiantes de 5.º grado y todo lo que han logrado! ✌️🐼💚
#ClassOf2026 #5thGradePromotion #PandaPride
about 1 month ago, Norman Ritz
5th grade

🎓🐼 Our 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony is almost here! 🐼🎓
We are so excited to celebrate the amazing Class of 2026 on 📅 May 27th at ⏰ 9:00 AM during our outdoor ceremony! 🌟
⭐ Important Reminders:
🎓 Gowns will NOT go home.
🎓 Students who purchased a graduation package will take caps home Tuesday night — and they MAY be decorated!
📸 Parents may check out students after the ceremony for pictures. Students who are not checked out will not be allowed in the front of the school for pictures.
💺 Seating is FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE
🚫 No balloons allowed inside the ceremony area
🍿 Concessions available: Water & Popcorn
💵 CASH ONLY
🚗 Parking Available:
• Ballard Oaks
• Car Rider Circle
• Publix Grass Lot

We can’t wait to celebrate our incredible 5th graders and all they have accomplished! ✌️🐼💚 #ClassOf2026 #5thGradePromotion #PandaPride
about 1 month ago, Norman Ritz
5th grade
Panda Palooza was a BLAST for our 3rd–5th grade students!

Throughout the year, students earned Panda Bucks for increasing or meeting their district and state assessment goals, and today they got to cash them in for an unforgettable experience filled with a glow-in-the-dark dance party, game truck, fun activities, games, treats, and more! We loved celebrating our students’ hard work and achievements all year long. GO PANDAS!
about 2 months ago, San Jose Elementary
SJE
SJE
SJE
SJE
📚🐼 Yearbooks are on sale for $20!

Families, don’t miss your chance to purchase a San Jose Elementary yearbook filled with special memories from this school year. We only have 20 yearbooks left, and sales will take place following award ceremonies on a first come, first serve basis.
about 2 months ago, San Jose Elementary
SJE
🐼🌎 TOMORROW’S THE NIGHT! 🌎🐼

Join us for our Dual Language Showcase at San Jose Elementary as we celebrate the incredible talents, cultures, and bilingual learning of our students! 🎉📚✨

🗓️ Tomorrow, May 21st
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 San Jose Elementary Cafeteria

Come enjoy an evening filled with student presentations, creativity, and the beauty of learning in two languages! 💬❤️

We can’t wait to welcome all of our panda families for this special celebration of language, culture, and community! 🐼🌟
about 2 months ago, Norman Ritz
DL Showcase
🐼✨ Panda Award Ceremonies Are Coming Soon! ✨🐼

We are excited to celebrate our amazing students at our upcoming Award Ceremonies! 🎉

Please note that awards will ONLY be given for:
🏅 A Honor Roll
🏅 A/B Honor Roll
🏅 Citizenship
🏅 Perfect Attendance for the ENTIRE school year

We can’t wait to recognize our hardworking pandas for their dedication, leadership, and outstanding achievements! 💙🐼💛

Be sure to check the ceremony schedule below and join us as we celebrate our San Jose Elementary stars!
about 2 months ago, Norman Ritz
awards

Our 5th grade Pandas continue state testing today, and we are rooting them on every step of the way! 💚🐼 Keep showing perseverance, confidence, and Panda pride as you work toward your goals. You are prepared, capable, and ready to #AchieveTheGreen! #PandaStrong #467

about 2 months ago, San Jose Elementary
SJE
SJE
🐼❄️ Kona Ice is Coming to San Jose Elementary! ❄️🐼

Get ready for a cool treat, Panda Family! 🌈🍧

The Kona Ice Truck will be on campus during lunches on May 20th! Students can enjoy a delicious shaved ice for just $4. 🎉

📍 San Jose Elementary
🗓️ May 20, 2026
⏰ During Lunches

Don’t miss out on this sweet and icy fundraiser! 💙🐼💛 #PandaPride #SJEPandas
about 2 months ago, Norman Ritz
Kona Ice
Today we continue cheering on our amazing 3rd–5th grade students as they conquer state testing! We are so proud of the hard work and perseverance our students are showing each day.

Remember, Pandas — believe in yourselves, take your time, and show all that you know. We are ROOTING you on every step of the way! Go Pandas! 🐼❤🎓#AchieveTheGreen #467
about 2 months ago, San Jose Elementary
San Jose Elementary
San Jose Elementary
San Jose Elementary
San Jose Elementary
Reminder, Panda Families! 🐼💚 Our 3rd–5th grade students continue state testing on Friday, and we are inviting all K–2nd grade students to wear their San Jose Panda spirit shirts to help root on our older Pandas with Panda Pride! 🎉

Go students! We are cheering you on as you conquer your goals and give your best effort. We believe in you! 💚 #PandaStrong #AchieveTheGreen
about 2 months ago, San Jose Elementary
San Jose Elementary
San Jose Elementary
San Jose Elementary
Our 3rd-5th grade Pandas are getting test-ready with a little self-care and relaxation! 🐼✨ From spa day to positive vibes, we are helping our students feel confident, calm, and ready to shine on the state test on Thursday and Friday this week.

Please help us set them up for success by ensuring they get a good night’s sleep and sending them to school with confidence and encouragement. Give them a big hug and remind them that we know they are going to do GREAT! Go Pandas! 💚
about 2 months ago, San Jose Elementary
San Jose Elementary
San Jose Elementary 2
San Jose Elementary 3
🐼✨ Panda Award Ceremonies Are Coming Soon! ✨🐼

We are excited to celebrate our amazing students at our upcoming Award Ceremonies! 🎉

Please note that awards will ONLY be given for:
🏅 A Honor Roll
🏅 A/B Honor Roll
🏅 Citizenship
🏅 Perfect Attendance for the ENTIRE school year

We can’t wait to recognize our hardworking pandas for their dedication, leadership, and outstanding achievements! 💙🐼💛

Be sure to check the ceremony schedule below and join us as we celebrate our San Jose Elementary stars!
about 2 months ago, Norman Ritz
Awards
🐼📚 Attention Panda Families! 📚🐼

Our state testing dates are quickly approaching for students in 3rd–5th grade! Please help your panda cubs be ready to shine by making sure they: ✨

💤 Get a good night’s sleep
🍳 Eat a healthy breakfast
⏰ Arrive at school on time
💙 Come ready to do their very best

🗓️ Testing Schedule:
✏️ May 14 – ELA/Math (3rd–5th)
✏️ May 15 – ELA/Math (3rd–5th)
🔬 May 19 – Science/Math (3rd–5th)
➕ May 20 – Math (5th Grade)

We know our pandas are going to ROCK the test! 🐼🌟 #PandaPride #TestingSeason #SJEPandas
about 2 months ago, Norman Ritz
Test Dates
🐼🌎 Join Us for Our Dual Language Showcase! 🌎🐼

San Jose Elementary is excited to celebrate the amazing talents, cultures, and language learning of our Dual Language students! 🎉📚

🗓️ May 21st
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 San Jose Elementary Cafeteria

Come enjoy an evening filled with student presentations, creativity, and the beauty of bilingual learning! 💬✨

We can’t wait to see our panda families there as we celebrate the power of language and culture together! 🐼❤️
about 2 months ago, Norman Ritz
DL Showcase