📢 Important School Nutrition Reminder for Parents & School Community
Dear Anchor Academy Families,
The deadline to complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application has passed. If your student previously received free or reduced-price meals but a new application has not been completed and approved, please be aware that beginning Monday, September 28, 2026, the cost of lunch will be $4.10 per meal.
Please ensure that your student has sufficient funds available in their meal account to cover the cost of lunch.
If you have questions or concerns regarding the meal application or your student’s meal account, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school for assistance.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your continued partnership in supporting our students.
For your connivence, below are the direct link to the applications and MySchoolBucks to access your student's account.
https://free-reduced-lunch.duvalschools.org/lfserver/DCPS_FRAAPP_ENG_26-27
https://free-reduced-lunch.duvalschools.org/lfserver/DCPS_FRAAPP_SPA_26-27
https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/getmain.action?clientKey=&requestAction=
Dear Anchor Academy Elementary families;
Every election matters, but the upcoming 2026 general election is especially important to our teachers, students, and schools.
Why the 2026 Election is Important to Our School
Four years ago, voters approved a voluntary 1-mill property assessment to support salary enhancements for our teachers and staff, as well as provide a dedicated funding source for arts and athletics for students. Under state law, this funding source must be renewed every four years.
Our Goal is to Help You Be Informed
Over the next several weeks, we will share information with you through our social media and email to ensure that you are fully informed as you go to the polls. Attached is a flier with basic information about the continuation of the 1 mill. We encourage you to take a minute to review this information. You can also learn more at www.DuvalSchools.org/Vote.
What You Can Do Now
Most importantly, we encourage you to participate in the election and let your voice be heard on this issue. If you need to register to vote, you can do so at the Florida Online Voter Registration System.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to learn more about this issue. We encourage you to check out our website or ask me if you have any questions.
Principal Collier
Don’t forget to get your tickets for Sunday, November 1, 2026, as the Jacksonville Jaguars take on the Indianapolis Colts! 🏈
Invite your family, friends, and fellow AAE supporters to join us for an evening of fellowship, fun, and FOOTBALL!
📣 The more, the merrier!
Please see the attached flyer for the QR code and ticket information. Feel free to share the flyer with as many family members and friends as you’d like.
You can also use the link below to purchase your tickets:
https://www.gofevo.com/group/2026jaguarsanchoroffer
We hope to see plenty of AAE family in the stands! 🏈
Thank you for supporting Anchor Academy Elementary!
⚓ Welcome Back to Anchor Academy Elementary! ⚓
Anchored in Achievement and Excellence
"Anchors Away as We Sail Toward Our 'A'!"
The Anchor Academy family is excited to welcome our students and families back for another incredible school year! As we prepare to set sail on a year filled with learning, growth, and success, we invite all families to attend our Back-to-School Orientation on Thursday, August 6, 2026. This special event is a wonderful opportunity to meet your child's teacher, visit classrooms, drop off school supplies, and learn about the exciting year ahead. Orientation will be held by grade level throughout the morning, beginning with Pre-K at 9:00 a.m. and ending with 5th Grade at 12:30 p.m.
Our 2026–2027 School Supply Lists are now available for every grade level, Pre-K through Fifth Grade.. Families are encouraged to review their child's grade-level list and have supplies ready before the first day of school on Monday, August 10, 2026. (Please see attached documents). Many teachers have also included helpful notes regarding labeling supplies, headphones, and optional classroom wish list items.
At Anchor Academy Elementary, we are proud to partner with our families to create a positive, engaging, and supportive learning environment where every child can thrive. Together, we will continue building a culture of excellence and ensure every student is Anchored in Achievement and Excellence.
We can't wait to welcome everyone back!
Important Dates
• Back-to-School Orientation: Thursday, August 6, 2026 (Grade-level schedule available in the Orientation Flyer.)
• First Day of School: Monday, August 10, 2026
• School Supply Lists: Available for Pre-K through Grade 5 on this page.
Here's to an amazing 2026–2027 school year!
⚓ Anchors Away as We Sail Toward Our "A"!
Anchored in Achievement and Excellence
"Anchors Away as We Sail Toward Our 'A'!"
The Anchor Academy family is excited to welcome our students and families back for another incredible school year! As we prepare to set sail on a year filled with learning, growth, and success, we invite all families to attend our Back-to-School Orientation on Thursday, August 6, 2026. This special event is a wonderful opportunity to meet your child's teacher, visit classrooms, drop off school supplies, and learn about the exciting year ahead. Orientation will be held by grade level throughout the morning, beginning with Pre-K at 9:00 a.m. and ending with 5th Grade at 12:30 p.m.
Our 2026–2027 School Supply Lists are now available for every grade level, Pre-K through Fifth Grade.. Families are encouraged to review their child's grade-level list and have supplies ready before the first day of school on Monday, August 10, 2026. (Please see attached documents). Many teachers have also included helpful notes regarding labeling supplies, headphones, and optional classroom wish list items.
At Anchor Academy Elementary, we are proud to partner with our families to create a positive, engaging, and supportive learning environment where every child can thrive. Together, we will continue building a culture of excellence and ensure every student is Anchored in Achievement and Excellence.
We can't wait to welcome everyone back!
Important Dates
• Back-to-School Orientation: Thursday, August 6, 2026 (Grade-level schedule available in the Orientation Flyer.)
• First Day of School: Monday, August 10, 2026
• School Supply Lists: Available for Pre-K through Grade 5 on this page.
Here's to an amazing 2026–2027 school year!
⚓ Anchors Away as We Sail Toward Our "A"!
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - The countdown is on — just ONE month until the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 10. Take small steps now to get ready: Adjust sleep schedules a little each week, gather school supplies and organize backpacks, keep learning going with 20 minutes of reading or math each day, mark important school dates on your family calendar, and start practicing morning routines. We can't wait to welcome everyone back for another amazing year!
CLASSROOM CARING -- During the Month of the Military Child, we wanted to give a shout-out to Mrs. Mathis from Anchor Academy! Confident in each lesson she teaches, Mrs. Mathis ensures each student is ready and takes extra time and effort to make her class engaging, interesting, and fun. She has also been an incredible resource for the students of military families, being part of one herself. This Team Duval Shoutout was sent in by Emily Macias, a classroom parent, so Mrs. Mathis, know that you make a big difference inside and outside the classroom!
CELEBRATING BRITTANY BARBATELLI – This shoutout celebrates Brittany Barbatelli (pictured far right), a VPK Teacher at Anchor Academy. Peers say that as the school’s 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year, she’s much more than an excellent instructor. She’s also the school’s professional development facilitator and works hard to help other teachers become better educators. Fellow teacher Christine Haldenwang says, “Her door is open to every teacher to ask questions, address concerns, or share celebrations. She prepares new teachers by helping strengthen their confidence and ability to think beyond what they can see. She is attentive, approachable, and dedicated to the emotional and educational journey of each student and family. She is nothing less than a true treasure found at Anchor Academy.”
REGISTER FOR A BUS TODAY - Bus registration for the 2026–2027 school year is now open. All students who plan to ride a school bus next year must be registered in advance, including students enrolled in self-contained ESE programs. Families are encouraged to register as early as possible to help ensure a smooth start to the school year. Registration forms are available in Focus. For step-by-step instructions on how to complete the process, visit: www.duvalschools.org/busregistration
Anchor Family,
We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving break! This is just a quick reminder that state testing begins this week. KG-2nd grade will take their assessments over the course of the next two weeks. 3rd-5th will have ELA testing on Tuesday the 2nd and Math testing on Wednesday the 3rd. Some students will test on different dates depending on their testing group. We look forward to seeing how much your child has learned since the start of the year!
We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving break! This is just a quick reminder that state testing begins this week. KG-2nd grade will take their assessments over the course of the next two weeks. 3rd-5th will have ELA testing on Tuesday the 2nd and Math testing on Wednesday the 3rd. Some students will test on different dates depending on their testing group. We look forward to seeing how much your child has learned since the start of the year!
Dear Anchor Academy Families;
Each year, Duval County Public Schools participates in the Federal Impact Aid program. This federal grant helps provide important funding to support the education of all students in our district—especially those whose families are connected to federal employment, such as military service, federal agencies, or federally funded housing.
This year’s Federal Impact Aid Survey was released on October 17 through the Parent Portal in FOCUS. The district will not be sending paper copies, so families will need to complete the form online.
To complete the short survey:
1. Log in to your FOCUS Parent Portal.
2. Click the green box that says “Not yet started – Click to begin in English.”
3. Answer the 4 quick yes/no questions (it should take only a few
minutes).
If you answer “yes” to any question, a few additional questions may appear. Your participation is very important, as this information directly impacts the funding our schools receive to support student learning and programs.
Thank you for taking a few moments to complete the survey and for your continued partnership in supporting our students!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Beale-Collier
Principal, Anchor Academy Elementary
Each year, Duval County Public Schools participates in the Federal Impact Aid program. This federal grant helps provide important funding to support the education of all students in our district—especially those whose families are connected to federal employment, such as military service, federal agencies, or federally funded housing.
This year’s Federal Impact Aid Survey was released on October 17 through the Parent Portal in FOCUS. The district will not be sending paper copies, so families will need to complete the form online.
To complete the short survey:
1. Log in to your FOCUS Parent Portal.
2. Click the green box that says “Not yet started – Click to begin in English.”
3. Answer the 4 quick yes/no questions (it should take only a few
minutes).
If you answer “yes” to any question, a few additional questions may appear. Your participation is very important, as this information directly impacts the funding our schools receive to support student learning and programs.
Thank you for taking a few moments to complete the survey and for your continued partnership in supporting our students!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Beale-Collier
Principal, Anchor Academy Elementary
Great news! The Family/Community Survey has been extended one more day! We just need 16 more responses to put us over the top. Please click the link and take the quick survey. Thanks so much!
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/surveys
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/surveys
Anchor Family,
Today is the last day to complete the DPCS Family/Community Survey. If you haven't already, please take a moment to complete the survey! Just follow the link below. Thank you so much!
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/surveys
Today is the last day to complete the DPCS Family/Community Survey. If you haven't already, please take a moment to complete the survey! Just follow the link below. Thank you so much!
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/surveys
Greetings, Anchor Academy Families!
We are excited to invite you to our Trunk or Treat & Military/Veterans and Families Resource Fair on Friday, October 24th at 3:30 p.m. here at Anchor Academy Elementary, sponsored by the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System!
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun, community, and connection. There will be decorated trunks, treats for the kids, and valuable information and resources for our military and veteran families.
Please see the attached invitation for more details and we hope to see you there!
With Anchor Pride,
Jennifer Beale-Collier
Principal
Dear Anchor Family,
Good morning and Happy Monday! The deadline to complete the "Family/Community Survey" is tomorrow. Please take a moment to complete the survey so we can continue to provide the best educational experience possible. Thank you so much!
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/surveys
Dear Anchor Family,
Good morning and Happy Friday! We are asking that you please complete the following Parent Survey to provide feedback for how we can better serve you. Just click the link and we thank you in advance for working with us to provide the best learning experience for you and your family!
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/surveys
Dear Anchor Academy Families;
This is a friendly reminder about our second ACE Community Meeting taking place in the Media Center this evening, Monday, September 22, at 6:00 p.m., hosted by district leadership.
The purpose of this meeting is for the "working groups" from both Anchor Academy and Mayport Elementary to begin developing potential scenarios for the possible consolidation of the two schools, starting in the 2026–27 school year.
Location:
Media Center
Anchor Academy Elementary School
555 Wonderwood Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32233
This meeting is open to the public and we hope to see you there!
This is a friendly reminder about our second ACE Community Meeting taking place in the Media Center this evening, Monday, September 22, at 6:00 p.m., hosted by district leadership.
The purpose of this meeting is for the "working groups" from both Anchor Academy and Mayport Elementary to begin developing potential scenarios for the possible consolidation of the two schools, starting in the 2026–27 school year.
Location:
Media Center
Anchor Academy Elementary School
555 Wonderwood Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32233
This meeting is open to the public and we hope to see you there!
Greetings Anchor Academy Families;
This is a friendly reminder about the community meeting this evening, Monday, September 15, at 6:00 p.m., hosted by district leadership.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the potential consolidation of Anchor Academy and Mayport Elementary School at the beginning of the 2026–27 school year, and to provide an overview of the consolidation process.
The meeting will be held in the gym at Mayport Elementary School, located at:
2753 Shangri La Drive, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233.
This event is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment. Parents, students, staff, and community members are encouraged to attend.
We hope to see you there!
Dear, Anchor Academy Families;
We are excited to remind you about our Open House this evening, Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
To help with parking and access, the back gate will be open from 4:50 PM to 6:45 PM.
Open House Program:
5:00 – 5:30 PM: Welcome, school updates, and important information will be shared in the cafeteria.
5:30 – 6:00 PM: First Classroom Teacher Presentation
6:00 – 6:30 PM: Second round of the same presentation for families with children in different grade levels.
We are looking forward to seeing all of you and sharing more about the exciting year ahead. Thank you for choosing Anchor Academy—we're grateful to partner with you in your child’s education!
Principal Collier
FIVE TEAM DUVAL SCHOOLS RECOGNIZED AS ATTENDANCE CHAMPIONS – This Team Duval Shoutout celebrates five schools that have gone above and beyond in their efforts to improve attendance at their schools. These “Attendance Champions” are Anchor Academy Elementary, Cedar Hills Elementary, Northwestern Legends Elementary, Pickett Elementary, and Alfred I. duPont Middle schools. Each school received a large banner ahead of the new school year, allowing leaders to proudly display their achievements for all parents, students, and community members to see. Great work!
Dear Anchor Academy Families, 🐬
We are so excited to welcome you back for a brand-new school year! We can’t wait to see all of our students on the first day of school—Monday, August 11th.
If we happened to miss you at Orientation on Thursday, August 7th, no worries! We’ve attached some important information to this email that will hopefully answer most of your questions and help make your back-to-school experience as smooth as possible.
Thank you for choosing Anchor Academy—we’re so glad to have you as part of our school community.
Here's to a great year ahead!
Kindest regards,
Principal Collier
We are so excited to welcome you back for a brand-new school year! We can’t wait to see all of our students on the first day of school—Monday, August 11th.
If we happened to miss you at Orientation on Thursday, August 7th, no worries! We’ve attached some important information to this email that will hopefully answer most of your questions and help make your back-to-school experience as smooth as possible.
Thank you for choosing Anchor Academy—we’re so glad to have you as part of our school community.
Here's to a great year ahead!
Kindest regards,
Principal Collier
