Hello Chimney Lakes Families & Care Givers:
As a voter, you control a portion of the funding that our schools receive to support our work with students. With early voting beginning soon, I want to make sure that you are fully informed and know what to look for when you vote.
On your ballot, the issue will be titled: County Referendum Duval County School District Ad Valorem Millage
This will be your opportunity to decide if we continue funding approved in 2022 that supports teacher and staff pay, as well as arts and athletics programs throughout DCPS.
The purpose of this email is to ask two things:
1. Please be informed as you cast your ballot. You can read all about this referendum at www.duvalschools.org/vote
2. Please help us inform others by talking with family and friends about this issue and sharing information on your social media. We’ve created several informative graphics and videos that you can use. You will find those at Help Inform Voters | Duval County Public Schools
Our district has been “A” rated for two years in a row, and that success is a direct result of the hard work of our teachers every day.
Thank you for taking a moment to be informed on this issue and for anything you can do to help inform others.
Sincerely,
Marianne G. Lee
Principal
PTA Points to Ponder:
Hey, Cheetah Families — Let’s Keep Growing Together!
We’re so proud that Chimney Lakes PTA was recently recognized by Duval County PTA for reaching 120 members!
But we’re not stopping there! Can we reach 150 members and beyond by October 31st?
For just $10, you can become a PTA member and be part of a community that helps make special things happen for our students and faculty—from Paw Parties and school events to fun experiences for our entire CLE family!
Remember: Joining the PTA does NOT mean you have to volunteer! There’s no obligation. Your membership alone is a wonderful way to show your support for our school.
Let's keep the momentum going and see how far we can grow together !
One School. One Team. Let's Grow Together!
Hey, Cheetah Families — Let’s Keep Growing Together!
We’re so proud that Chimney Lakes PTA was recently recognized by Duval County PTA for reaching 120 members!
But we’re not stopping there! Can we reach 150 members and beyond by October 31st?
For just $10, you can become a PTA member and be part of a community that helps make special things happen for our students and faculty—from Paw Parties and school events to fun experiences for our entire CLE family!
Remember: Joining the PTA does NOT mean you have to volunteer! There’s no obligation. Your membership alone is a wonderful way to show your support for our school.
Let's keep the momentum going and see how far we can grow together !
One School. One Team. Let's Grow Together!
Good Afternoon Chimney Lakes Families & Care Givers:
Hope you all enjoyed the long weekend for you and y our students. We are back at work at Chimney Lakes and have several events to make you aware of this week. This includes our Family Math Night on Thursday at 6 pm. Please see the attached flyer to join us.
*Kindness Kar-Nival is in need of candy donations for the Trunk or Treat. You can either drop them off in the front office or with your classroom teacher.
*School Advisory Council Meeting is next Tuesday, October 20th @ 4:30 pm. Hope you can join us! We'll be in the Media Center.
*Field Trips: Please remember that with field trips, parents are required to have a Level 2 Volunteer Clearance. Please check with the front office to make sure your clearance has gone through.
*Book Character Vocabulary Parade is just right around the corner. On Friday, October 30th, we will have our parade at 9 am. Students can dress up with their book character costume with a book and a vocabulary word. Parents can be spectators as students walk in the parade. More information will be coming soon!
Hope you all have a great week!
Sincerely,
Marianne G. Lee
Principal
Hope you all enjoyed the long weekend for you and y our students. We are back at work at Chimney Lakes and have several events to make you aware of this week. This includes our Family Math Night on Thursday at 6 pm. Please see the attached flyer to join us.
*Kindness Kar-Nival is in need of candy donations for the Trunk or Treat. You can either drop them off in the front office or with your classroom teacher.
*School Advisory Council Meeting is next Tuesday, October 20th @ 4:30 pm. Hope you can join us! We'll be in the Media Center.
*Field Trips: Please remember that with field trips, parents are required to have a Level 2 Volunteer Clearance. Please check with the front office to make sure your clearance has gone through.
*Book Character Vocabulary Parade is just right around the corner. On Friday, October 30th, we will have our parade at 9 am. Students can dress up with their book character costume with a book and a vocabulary word. Parents can be spectators as students walk in the parade. More information will be coming soon!
Hope you all have a great week!
Sincerely,
Marianne G. Lee
Principal
📢 Don’t Get Them Confused!
Amendment 3 and the Duval County Public Schools 1-mill referendum are two separate items on the November 3 ballot.
🏫 The 1-mill referendum is a continuation of the millage approved by Duval County voters in 2022. It supports school funding, including teacher pay, as well as arts and athletics.
🏠 Amendment 3 is a proposed change to the Florida Constitution addressing property taxes statewide. The amendment excludes school funding.
Take a look at the graphic for a quick side-by-side comparison and visit www.DuvalSchools.org/Vote for more information about the 1-mill referendum.
Amendment 3 and the Duval County Public Schools 1-mill referendum are two separate items on the November 3 ballot.
🏫 The 1-mill referendum is a continuation of the millage approved by Duval County voters in 2022. It supports school funding, including teacher pay, as well as arts and athletics.
🏠 Amendment 3 is a proposed change to the Florida Constitution addressing property taxes statewide. The amendment excludes school funding.
Take a look at the graphic for a quick side-by-side comparison and visit www.DuvalSchools.org/Vote for more information about the 1-mill referendum.
Mark Your Calendars: Family Math Night is scheduled for next Thursday, October 15th @ 6 pm. Just like with Reading Night, build your math toolbox of strategies to help your mathematician at home! Hope to see you there!
Chimney Lakes Families:
Tomorrow night is our Family Reading Night! Come join us to build a toolbox of support for all levels of readers: From VPK to 5th Grade, we are here to build great readers at every level! Hope to see everyone at 6 pm tomorrow!
P.S. OUR FUNDRAISER DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED!
We now have until September 28th to reach our final goal!
If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time! Register, shop, and share at www.registercw.com�.
💻 Share the fundraiser with family and friends through email, text, and social media. Every registration, visit, and purchase helps our school get closer to our goal!
Thank you so much to everyone who has already participated and supported our Cheetahs! We truly appreciate you.
Tomorrow night is our Family Reading Night! Come join us to build a toolbox of support for all levels of readers: From VPK to 5th Grade, we are here to build great readers at every level! Hope to see everyone at 6 pm tomorrow!
P.S. OUR FUNDRAISER DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED!
We now have until September 28th to reach our final goal!
If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time! Register, shop, and share at www.registercw.com�.
💻 Share the fundraiser with family and friends through email, text, and social media. Every registration, visit, and purchase helps our school get closer to our goal!
Thank you so much to everyone who has already participated and supported our Cheetahs! We truly appreciate you.
Hello Chimney Lakes Families & Care Givers!
I hope your week is off to a great start! Thank you for those who turned out for our Open House Night last Thursday. It was a great night (minus the fire alarm going off) and I hope you gained an idea what your student is going to do with us this school year.
This year, we have changed up our family night events. Our first family night will focus on reading! It's the most important skill to be able to do in order to be successful in school and life after school. Each student's family will build their own toolbox of strategies for supporting their young readers. It will be loads of fun and very informative too!
CALLING ALL PRESENTERS! We are looking to have a Career Fair coming up in November. However, we need presenters. If you work in a job anywhere from an accountant to a fire fighter or a librarian or a secretary, we need your time to present to our students. Check out the flyer this week and sign up today with Ms. Durham, our school counselor!
The PTA Fundraiser is getting close to an end, but we desperately need your help! 📣🎁 HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! 🐾
Support our fundraiser by sharing it with 10 or more friends and family through email, text, or social media! 📱💌
🎯 Our fundraising goal is $10,000.
Register today at www.registercw.com, then share your fundraising link to help us reach our goal!
We need EVERYONE’S support!
#CharlestonWrap #Fundraiser #CharlestonWrapFundraiser
#ChimneyLakesPTA
*School Advisory Meeting is will take place tomorrow at 4:30 pm in the front office conference room. Hope you can join us!
Finally, Girl Scout Round Up has been moved to Thursday this week..
Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Marianne G. Lee
Principal
I hope your week is off to a great start! Thank you for those who turned out for our Open House Night last Thursday. It was a great night (minus the fire alarm going off) and I hope you gained an idea what your student is going to do with us this school year.
This year, we have changed up our family night events. Our first family night will focus on reading! It's the most important skill to be able to do in order to be successful in school and life after school. Each student's family will build their own toolbox of strategies for supporting their young readers. It will be loads of fun and very informative too!
CALLING ALL PRESENTERS! We are looking to have a Career Fair coming up in November. However, we need presenters. If you work in a job anywhere from an accountant to a fire fighter or a librarian or a secretary, we need your time to present to our students. Check out the flyer this week and sign up today with Ms. Durham, our school counselor!
The PTA Fundraiser is getting close to an end, but we desperately need your help! 📣🎁 HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! 🐾
Support our fundraiser by sharing it with 10 or more friends and family through email, text, or social media! 📱💌
🎯 Our fundraising goal is $10,000.
Register today at www.registercw.com, then share your fundraising link to help us reach our goal!
We need EVERYONE’S support!
#CharlestonWrap #Fundraiser #CharlestonWrapFundraiser
#ChimneyLakesPTA
*School Advisory Meeting is will take place tomorrow at 4:30 pm in the front office conference room. Hope you can join us!
Finally, Girl Scout Round Up has been moved to Thursday this week..
Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Marianne G. Lee
Principal
Hello all Chimney Lakes Families & Care Givers:
We are looking forward to seeing all of you for Open House this Thursday, September 10th. We have two separate times. VPK-2nd Grade will begin at 5 pm in the Multi-Purpose Room and 3rd-5th will begin at 6:30 pm in the Multi-Purpose Room. We will have information tables, Book Fair in the Media Center and Frozen Scoops in the parking lot. Remember, to bring money for our school t-shirts and frozen treats!
🎉 September is PTA Membership Month, and we’re kicking it off with a 💥 BOOM!
I’m ALL IN—and I’m asking YOU to join me!
Our goal is to grow our Chimney Lakes PTA membership beyond last year’s goal, and it only takes $10 to be part of something that makes a BIG difference!
✨ Your $10 membership helps us:
🎟️ Support school events & activities
🏫 Advocate for our children
📚 Support our teachers & students
✨Build a stronger school community
Every membership counts. Every $10 makes an impact.
🎪 JOIN THE PTA. SUPPORT OUR KIDS. MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
📲 Scan the QR code below and JOIN TODAY!
Let’s show our kids, teachers, and school community just how ALL IN Chimney Lakes is! 🎉
#ChimneyLakesElementaryPTA #PTAMembershipMonth #AllIn #JoinPTA #SupportOurKids #StrongerTogether
Friday is our first Flag Raising for the school year! Military Families...Do you have a parent that is deploying soon? Remember to complete our Yellow Ribbon Recognition Ceremony before deploying. Just click here. After the Flag Raising, students will participate in their first Cheetah Chat of the year. This will help them set their learning goals for the school year. It's a powerful time to celebrate and honor our students.
School Advisory Council will meet next Tuesday, September 15th @ 4:30 pm in the guidance conference room (Book Fair is still going on). Hope to see you all there!
Go ahead and mark your calendar for our FAST Reading Carnival Night on Thursday, September 24th @ 6 pm.
Finally, look for flyers coming home soon for the Fall Picture Day! It's on Tuesday, September 29th. You can pay online or in the envelope. Everyone will get to take their picture so we have them for our yearbook.
Thank you for your support of our school.
Sincerely,
Marianne G. Lee
Principal
We are looking forward to seeing all of you for Open House this Thursday, September 10th. We have two separate times. VPK-2nd Grade will begin at 5 pm in the Multi-Purpose Room and 3rd-5th will begin at 6:30 pm in the Multi-Purpose Room. We will have information tables, Book Fair in the Media Center and Frozen Scoops in the parking lot. Remember, to bring money for our school t-shirts and frozen treats!
🎉 September is PTA Membership Month, and we’re kicking it off with a 💥 BOOM!
I’m ALL IN—and I’m asking YOU to join me!
Our goal is to grow our Chimney Lakes PTA membership beyond last year’s goal, and it only takes $10 to be part of something that makes a BIG difference!
✨ Your $10 membership helps us:
🎟️ Support school events & activities
🏫 Advocate for our children
📚 Support our teachers & students
✨Build a stronger school community
Every membership counts. Every $10 makes an impact.
🎪 JOIN THE PTA. SUPPORT OUR KIDS. MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
📲 Scan the QR code below and JOIN TODAY!
Let’s show our kids, teachers, and school community just how ALL IN Chimney Lakes is! 🎉
#ChimneyLakesElementaryPTA #PTAMembershipMonth #AllIn #JoinPTA #SupportOurKids #StrongerTogether
Friday is our first Flag Raising for the school year! Military Families...Do you have a parent that is deploying soon? Remember to complete our Yellow Ribbon Recognition Ceremony before deploying. Just click here. After the Flag Raising, students will participate in their first Cheetah Chat of the year. This will help them set their learning goals for the school year. It's a powerful time to celebrate and honor our students.
School Advisory Council will meet next Tuesday, September 15th @ 4:30 pm in the guidance conference room (Book Fair is still going on). Hope to see you all there!
Go ahead and mark your calendar for our FAST Reading Carnival Night on Thursday, September 24th @ 6 pm.
Finally, look for flyers coming home soon for the Fall Picture Day! It's on Tuesday, September 29th. You can pay online or in the envelope. Everyone will get to take their picture so we have them for our yearbook.
Thank you for your support of our school.
Sincerely,
Marianne G. Lee
Principal
Just a friendly reminder...Monday is the Labor Day Holiday! We will be closed on Monday, September 7th. We look forward to seeing our students on Tuesday, September 8th. Enjoy the long weekend!
Dear Chimney Lakes Families and Care Givers:
Every election is important, but the 2026 upcoming general election is very 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 providing a dedicated funding source for arts and athletics for students. Under state law, this funding source must be renewed every four years.
Our Goals 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 just a minute to review this information. You can also learn more at www.DuvalSchools.org/Vote.
What You Can Do Now
Most important, 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 Florida Online Voter Registration System.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to be informed on this issue, and we encourage you to check out our website or ask me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Marianne G. Lee
Principal
Chimney Lakes Elementary School
Bus 86 and 244 has been delayed per Student Transportation of America bus contractor. Bus 329 will be coming to get them, but it will be another 20 minute delay from the time of this message. The students are still safe at school at this time.
Hello VPK Families!
We are so proud of our little VPK friends in Mrs. Hawkins and Mrs. Richardson's class. They are doing such a great job. We wanted to make sure you were aware that your older children who attend Chimney Lakes are able to be dropped off in the morning from 8:00-8:25 am in the VPK line. They would then walk directly to class. Once the VPK doors are closed, students will have to go to the front of the school for a late check in.
For dismissal, VPK students are dismissed from 2:15-2:30 daily in the back of the school. You can make their older siblings a "Day Care Van" rider and then exit out the back door where you can wait for them. You can either park a little further down OR park in the grassy area behind the school. Once your student is checked off, we can pass them off to you.
We offer this because it is causing great confusion and frustration for drivers following the car line from Staples Mill and drivers coming from the back and trying to get back in the one way line.
Please let your child's teacher know that their dismissal is changing AND change it in PIKMYKID. Mrs. Silkert will be in the back assisting with dismissal for them with the regular Day Care Vans.
If you have any questions, please ask me or Mrs. Hawkins. We will be glad to help you.
Sincerely,
Marianne G. Lee
Principal
We are so proud of our little VPK friends in Mrs. Hawkins and Mrs. Richardson's class. They are doing such a great job. We wanted to make sure you were aware that your older children who attend Chimney Lakes are able to be dropped off in the morning from 8:00-8:25 am in the VPK line. They would then walk directly to class. Once the VPK doors are closed, students will have to go to the front of the school for a late check in.
For dismissal, VPK students are dismissed from 2:15-2:30 daily in the back of the school. You can make their older siblings a "Day Care Van" rider and then exit out the back door where you can wait for them. You can either park a little further down OR park in the grassy area behind the school. Once your student is checked off, we can pass them off to you.
We offer this because it is causing great confusion and frustration for drivers following the car line from Staples Mill and drivers coming from the back and trying to get back in the one way line.
Please let your child's teacher know that their dismissal is changing AND change it in PIKMYKID. Mrs. Silkert will be in the back assisting with dismissal for them with the regular Day Care Vans.
If you have any questions, please ask me or Mrs. Hawkins. We will be glad to help you.
Sincerely,
Marianne G. Lee
Principal
In case you missed our Back to School edition of our Chimney Lakes Chat August Newsletter, here you go.
Greetings CLE parents/guardians,
I hope you all are having a fantastic Monday thus far. This is AP Darr reaching out to update you. Two bus stops (Argyle Forest Blvd & Meadow Bend Dr near church -westbound and Argyle Forest Blvd & Candlewood Dr.) have been removed from bus 144 and added to bus 244. We will ensure that the students and teachers are aware of these changes. This change will be effective starting today, 8/17/26, for afternoon dismissal. In addition, a parent letter from DCPS transportation regarding these changes will be sent home to those students that are impacted.
Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding!
I hope you all are having a fantastic Monday thus far. This is AP Darr reaching out to update you. Two bus stops (Argyle Forest Blvd & Meadow Bend Dr near church -westbound and Argyle Forest Blvd & Candlewood Dr.) have been removed from bus 144 and added to bus 244. We will ensure that the students and teachers are aware of these changes. This change will be effective starting today, 8/17/26, for afternoon dismissal. In addition, a parent letter from DCPS transportation regarding these changes will be sent home to those students that are impacted.
Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding!
Bus 86 is still at the school. There was a minor fender bender at the school with another bus. Drivers are required to stay put until the STA team inspects the bus. Please know as soon as we get direction from STA, we will send another call out.
Hello bus rider parents,
This is AP Darr from Chimney Lakes. I am reaching out today to update you about recent changes to bus routes for our school. Originally, what showed in focus did not match the routes provided to me. However, they have now fixed that. Your student may get off a bus that you did not see Monday or Tuesday, but this will be their new correctly assigned bus. The bus that picks up and drops off should now match what you see in your parent focus account.
Please continue to be patient with the bus pick up and drop off times. When big changes are made, it causes significant delays both in the morning pick up and in the afternoon drop off.
If you have any additional questions, reach out to the person below which best matches your need.
AP Darr - Chimney Lakes (smithh2@duvalschools.org)
Mr. Johnson- DCPS Westside Bus Supervisor (johnsonA5@duvalschools.org)
Student Transportation of America Westside Dispatch Office- 904-661-2370
DCPS Transportation Department-904-858-6200
This is AP Darr from Chimney Lakes. I am reaching out today to update you about recent changes to bus routes for our school. Originally, what showed in focus did not match the routes provided to me. However, they have now fixed that. Your student may get off a bus that you did not see Monday or Tuesday, but this will be their new correctly assigned bus. The bus that picks up and drops off should now match what you see in your parent focus account.
Please continue to be patient with the bus pick up and drop off times. When big changes are made, it causes significant delays both in the morning pick up and in the afternoon drop off.
If you have any additional questions, reach out to the person below which best matches your need.
AP Darr - Chimney Lakes (smithh2@duvalschools.org)
Mr. Johnson- DCPS Westside Bus Supervisor (johnsonA5@duvalschools.org)
Student Transportation of America Westside Dispatch Office- 904-661-2370
DCPS Transportation Department-904-858-6200
Hello Chimney Lakes Families & Care Givers:
Welcome back to the 26-27 school year at the FLDOE rated "A" school! We are excited to see you all on Friday, August 7th for Student Orientation. Please see the photo flyer attached to this message for the specific time for your child's grade level.
Postcards have been mailed out. If you do not receive your postcard by mid week, please look on FOCUS for your child's schedule before coming to Orientation. If you see the word "vacancy" in the schedule, it just means that FOCUS has not received the information from HR. All classrooms have an assigned teacher. Please do not request a different teacher as all classrooms are showing right now at capacity. Before any shifts are made, we have to see which students will be here the first 3 days of school. After that, there is a process for requesting a class change.
Orientation is the perfect time for you to bring in your child's school supplies. You still have time to get them before Friday. Just go to www.teacherlists.com. Type in our zip code (32244) and pick 'Chimney Lakes". Finally, pick the grade level your child is going into . You can also find these on our website, www.duvalschools.org/cle.
During Orientation, you will also see many tables for items you may be interested in. Some of these include:
*Girls on the Run
*Transportation (Bus & Car Rider tags)
*FOCUS
*School Advisory Council
*PTA
*Music Club
*School Counseling and much more
For the first 3 days of school, parents will be able to walk their student to class. After that, students will be required to walk themselves to their classroom. Don't fret! We have patrols and adults ready to assist them as they walk to their class.
Kindergarten Families: PTA will have their Boo-Hoo/Yahoo Breakfast in the Media Center on Monday, August 10th. right after drop off.
We can't wait to see you all on Friday!
Sincerely,
Marianne G. Lee
Principal
Welcome back to the 26-27 school year at the FLDOE rated "A" school! We are excited to see you all on Friday, August 7th for Student Orientation. Please see the photo flyer attached to this message for the specific time for your child's grade level.
Postcards have been mailed out. If you do not receive your postcard by mid week, please look on FOCUS for your child's schedule before coming to Orientation. If you see the word "vacancy" in the schedule, it just means that FOCUS has not received the information from HR. All classrooms have an assigned teacher. Please do not request a different teacher as all classrooms are showing right now at capacity. Before any shifts are made, we have to see which students will be here the first 3 days of school. After that, there is a process for requesting a class change.
Orientation is the perfect time for you to bring in your child's school supplies. You still have time to get them before Friday. Just go to www.teacherlists.com. Type in our zip code (32244) and pick 'Chimney Lakes". Finally, pick the grade level your child is going into . You can also find these on our website, www.duvalschools.org/cle.
During Orientation, you will also see many tables for items you may be interested in. Some of these include:
*Girls on the Run
*Transportation (Bus & Car Rider tags)
*FOCUS
*School Advisory Council
*PTA
*Music Club
*School Counseling and much more
For the first 3 days of school, parents will be able to walk their student to class. After that, students will be required to walk themselves to their classroom. Don't fret! We have patrols and adults ready to assist them as they walk to their class.
Kindergarten Families: PTA will have their Boo-Hoo/Yahoo Breakfast in the Media Center on Monday, August 10th. right after drop off.
We can't wait to see you all on Friday!
Sincerely,
Marianne G. Lee
Principal
NEW BLUE ZONES SCHOOLS – Congratulations to Cedar Hills Elementary, Chimney Lakes Elementary, Greenland Pines Elementary, Long Branch Elementary, Merrill Road Elementary, Oak Hill Academy, Seabreeze Elementary, Waterleaf Elementary, and Westside High School on earning recognition as Jacksonville Blue Zones Approved Schools. Through their partnership with Blue Zones Project Jacksonville, these schools are creating healthier environments for students, staff, and families by making healthy choices easier every day. Their commitment to wellness reflects the positive impact schools can have both inside the classroom and throughout the community. We’re proud to celebrate these Team Duval schools for leading the way toward healthier futures.
Get in on the fun — Extended Day enrollment is open now! Secure your child's spot today before spaces disappear!
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!
