THE LOTTERY APPLICATION WINDOW FOR 2026-27 IS OPEN – Current families interested in magnet or Special Transfer Option (STO) schools can start their applications today through FOCUS in the Family Portal. Deadline: Jan. 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Need help? Our enrollment specialists are hosting webinars to guide you through the application and lottery process. Click on the links to regsier:
Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 PM - https://bit.ly/3M3kdph
Thursday, Dec. 11 at Noon - https://bit.ly/4rCK73N
Tuesday, Dec. 16 at Noon -https://bit.ly/3Kktgl8
Learn more and secure your spot today!
Need help? Our enrollment specialists are hosting webinars to guide you through the application and lottery process. Click on the links to regsier:
Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 PM - https://bit.ly/3M3kdph
Thursday, Dec. 11 at Noon - https://bit.ly/4rCK73N
Tuesday, Dec. 16 at Noon -https://bit.ly/3Kktgl8
Learn more and secure your spot today!
THE LOTTERY APPLICATION WINDOW FOR 2026-27 IS OFFICIALLY OPEN – Current families interested in magnet or Special Transfer Option (STO) schools can start their applications today through FOCUS in the Family Portal. The deadline to apply is Jan. 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Need help? Our enrollment specialists are hosting webinars to guide you through the application and lottery process. You can register now for the following sessions:
Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 PM - https://bit.ly/3M3kdph
Thursday, Dec. 11 at Noon - https://bit.ly/4rCK73N
Tuesday, Dec. 16 at Noon -https://bit.ly/3Kktgl8
Learn more and secure your spot today!
Dear Chaffee Trail Families,
We hope you all had a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving break! As we move into December, our students will begin their mid-year state assessments. To help them feel confident and prepared, we kindly ask for your partnership in supporting consistent blended learning and homework completion each week.
Blended learning resets every Sunday, and we check progress mid-week to see which students are on track with their allotted time and which students may need additional support. These online programs play a critical role in filling skill gaps and strengthening your child’s learning path. If you are unsure which platform your child should be completing at home, please reach out to your child’s teacher—we are happy to help.
This week, we are kicking off our Blended Learning Blitz!
Over the next four weeks, we will be monitoring students who meet their weekly blended learning goals. Students who show consistent growth and engagement during this period will be invited to our Winter Blizzard Celebration! ❄️
We would also like to remind families that our school day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:10 p.m. Daily attendance and punctuality are essential for your child’s success. We start and end each day with targeted intervention and support during WIN Time (What I Need Now). Students who arrive late or leave early miss this valuable instructional time that directly supports their academic progress.
We are excited for this final push of learning before Winter Break, and we appreciate your continued support in ensuring student success. Thank you for being our partner in helping every Mustang grow and shine!
Warmly,
Ms. Doyle
Principal, Chaffee Trail Elementary School
We hope you all had a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving break! As we move into December, our students will begin their mid-year state assessments. To help them feel confident and prepared, we kindly ask for your partnership in supporting consistent blended learning and homework completion each week.
Blended learning resets every Sunday, and we check progress mid-week to see which students are on track with their allotted time and which students may need additional support. These online programs play a critical role in filling skill gaps and strengthening your child’s learning path. If you are unsure which platform your child should be completing at home, please reach out to your child’s teacher—we are happy to help.
This week, we are kicking off our Blended Learning Blitz!
Over the next four weeks, we will be monitoring students who meet their weekly blended learning goals. Students who show consistent growth and engagement during this period will be invited to our Winter Blizzard Celebration! ❄️
We would also like to remind families that our school day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:10 p.m. Daily attendance and punctuality are essential for your child’s success. We start and end each day with targeted intervention and support during WIN Time (What I Need Now). Students who arrive late or leave early miss this valuable instructional time that directly supports their academic progress.
We are excited for this final push of learning before Winter Break, and we appreciate your continued support in ensuring student success. Thank you for being our partner in helping every Mustang grow and shine!
Warmly,
Ms. Doyle
Principal, Chaffee Trail Elementary School
Happy Thanksgiving, Mustang Family!
We wish you and your loved ones a joyful and restful Thanksgiving! We are incredibly grateful for each of you and for the privilege of serving your amazing students. Thank you for being such an important part of our MUSTANG FAMILY.
Important School Choice Reminders:
School Choice/magnet applications open December 1st!
CTE will also be hosting our 5th Grade Transition to Middle School Event on December 9th, where families will have the opportunity to explore all that DCPS has to offer through School Choice programs, magnet options, and specialized pathways for our students. We hope to see you here at CTE for our transition information night.
To support you even further, we’ve attached several Parent Academy courses that provide answers to common questions about the School Choice and magnet process, including how to apply and what programs may be the best fit for your child.
Learn more here:
https://dcps.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/parent-academy
Thank you for your continued partnership, trust, and support. We are thankful for you today and always!
With gratitude,
💙 The Chaffee Trail Elementary Team
#OnceAMustangAlwaysAMustang
We wish you and your loved ones a joyful and restful Thanksgiving! We are incredibly grateful for each of you and for the privilege of serving your amazing students. Thank you for being such an important part of our MUSTANG FAMILY.
Important School Choice Reminders:
School Choice/magnet applications open December 1st!
CTE will also be hosting our 5th Grade Transition to Middle School Event on December 9th, where families will have the opportunity to explore all that DCPS has to offer through School Choice programs, magnet options, and specialized pathways for our students. We hope to see you here at CTE for our transition information night.
To support you even further, we’ve attached several Parent Academy courses that provide answers to common questions about the School Choice and magnet process, including how to apply and what programs may be the best fit for your child.
Learn more here:
https://dcps.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/parent-academy
Thank you for your continued partnership, trust, and support. We are thankful for you today and always!
With gratitude,
💙 The Chaffee Trail Elementary Team
#OnceAMustangAlwaysAMustang
Whoville Night is Coming!
This is our annual winter literary family night!
Our hallways are transforming into a magical Whoville Wonderland this December! Families, staff, and students are invited to enjoy the creativity and fun as we celebrate literacy.
This event is all about community and winter joy, so everyone can join in the excitement! We can’t wait for you to see the amazing work our team has put into making this a night to remember.
📅 Save the Date: December 11th
📍 Location: Chaffee Trail Elementary
Holiday Choral Performance: 6:00 pm
Whoville Literacy Fun: 6:20–8:00 pm
Come ready to experience the magic of Whoville! 💚🎄
(Grinch-approved!)
This is our annual winter literary family night!
Our hallways are transforming into a magical Whoville Wonderland this December! Families, staff, and students are invited to enjoy the creativity and fun as we celebrate literacy.
This event is all about community and winter joy, so everyone can join in the excitement! We can’t wait for you to see the amazing work our team has put into making this a night to remember.
📅 Save the Date: December 11th
📍 Location: Chaffee Trail Elementary
Holiday Choral Performance: 6:00 pm
Whoville Literacy Fun: 6:20–8:00 pm
Come ready to experience the magic of Whoville! 💚🎄
(Grinch-approved!)
Bus 8 has left campus. Students are on their way home.
Find Out More About LaVilla Auditions
See the attached flyer for detailed information about LaVilla’s Cinematic Arts Program, along with links to audition requirements for all arts areas at LaVilla School of the Arts.
See the attached flyer for detailed information about LaVilla’s Cinematic Arts Program, along with links to audition requirements for all arts areas at LaVilla School of the Arts.
Good Evening Families,
Tomorrow we have a faculty meeting immediately after school, and we need your help with timely student pickup. Each day, we have a group of 10–15 who are picked up after the designated time. Unfortunately, we do not have extra staff available to supervise students after school tomorrow due to our meeting.
The car line will close at 3:10 PM. After that time, families will need to park in the parking lot, walk to the lobby with an ID for pickup. The lobby line may move slower than usual because fewer staff will be assisting at the front desk.
Thank you for helping us keep things running smoothly and ensuring all students are safely dismissed on time!
Tomorrow we have a faculty meeting immediately after school, and we need your help with timely student pickup. Each day, we have a group of 10–15 who are picked up after the designated time. Unfortunately, we do not have extra staff available to supervise students after school tomorrow due to our meeting.
The car line will close at 3:10 PM. After that time, families will need to park in the parking lot, walk to the lobby with an ID for pickup. The lobby line may move slower than usual because fewer staff will be assisting at the front desk.
Thank you for helping us keep things running smoothly and ensuring all students are safely dismissed on time!
If you were not able to get your CTE 2025 Spirit Shirt in the fall there is still an opportunity via this forms link.
https://forms.office.com/r/RSBx0ANDCj
Patrols have extended the deadline until December 5th. The cost is $16.00.
https://forms.office.com/r/RSBx0ANDCj
Patrols have extended the deadline until December 5th. The cost is $16.00.
Reminders for the Week of 11/17/25
We all want our Mustangs to be successful, and there are several important ways families can support their child’s academic growth each week.
📚 Blended Learning & Homework Matter
All students are expected to complete 30 minutes a week of blended learning, along with their weekly homework. Students who complete their homework consistently show stronger academic progress. Each Sunday we review the data, and we are finding that more than half of our students are not taking full advantage of these learning tools.
Lexia is used by all students K–5 for reading practice.
Amira is used for students who need extra decoding and fluency support to help them reach grade-level reading expectations.
Homework is designed to reinforce or extend what your child is learning in class, and it helps you stay connected to their progress.
👩🏫 Attendance, Arrival, and Early Checkouts
Getting students to school on time is essential. When students arrive late, they miss highly targeted intervention supports in reading and math—support that is difficult to make up later. Early checkouts also lead to missed instruction, and over time, this adds up to learning loss. Thank you for helping your child arrive on time and remain for the full instructional day.
📱 Stay Connected on Rooms
Only a third of our families are active in Rooms, which is our main communication tool. Staying connected with your child’s teacher through Rooms helps you stay informed, engaged, and aware of the great learning happening each day.
🎈 Macy’s Day Parade Projects
If your child is participating in our Mustang Macy’s Day Parade, please remember that balloons and written explanations are due November 19th in the Media Center. See the previous post for full details.
🏫 SAC Meeting
Join us for SAC this Thursday from 3:30–4:15 PM.
🚗 Dismissal Reminder
The school day ends at 3:10 PM. Please pick up your child before 3:15 PM. After that time, students are supervised by employees who are off duty and preparing to leave for the day.
Progress reports for the 2nd nine weeks will post tomorrow after school.
Next week will publish our Winter Blended learning challenge for students as well as information on the Holiday Shop, Welcome to Whoville family night, 5th grade Transition to Middle School Night, and spirit dress up days.
Applications for school choice and special transfer Open Dec. 1
Thank you for your continued partnership in helping every Mustang learn and grow.
We all want our Mustangs to be successful, and there are several important ways families can support their child’s academic growth each week.
📚 Blended Learning & Homework Matter
All students are expected to complete 30 minutes a week of blended learning, along with their weekly homework. Students who complete their homework consistently show stronger academic progress. Each Sunday we review the data, and we are finding that more than half of our students are not taking full advantage of these learning tools.
Lexia is used by all students K–5 for reading practice.
Amira is used for students who need extra decoding and fluency support to help them reach grade-level reading expectations.
Homework is designed to reinforce or extend what your child is learning in class, and it helps you stay connected to their progress.
👩🏫 Attendance, Arrival, and Early Checkouts
Getting students to school on time is essential. When students arrive late, they miss highly targeted intervention supports in reading and math—support that is difficult to make up later. Early checkouts also lead to missed instruction, and over time, this adds up to learning loss. Thank you for helping your child arrive on time and remain for the full instructional day.
📱 Stay Connected on Rooms
Only a third of our families are active in Rooms, which is our main communication tool. Staying connected with your child’s teacher through Rooms helps you stay informed, engaged, and aware of the great learning happening each day.
🎈 Macy’s Day Parade Projects
If your child is participating in our Mustang Macy’s Day Parade, please remember that balloons and written explanations are due November 19th in the Media Center. See the previous post for full details.
🏫 SAC Meeting
Join us for SAC this Thursday from 3:30–4:15 PM.
🚗 Dismissal Reminder
The school day ends at 3:10 PM. Please pick up your child before 3:15 PM. After that time, students are supervised by employees who are off duty and preparing to leave for the day.
Progress reports for the 2nd nine weeks will post tomorrow after school.
Next week will publish our Winter Blended learning challenge for students as well as information on the Holiday Shop, Welcome to Whoville family night, 5th grade Transition to Middle School Night, and spirit dress up days.
Applications for school choice and special transfer Open Dec. 1
Thank you for your continued partnership in helping every Mustang learn and grow.
School Attendance Matters
Students who attend school regularly achieve at higher levels than those who do not. This connection between attendance and academic success begins early in a child’s education. Research shows that absenteeism in kindergarten can lead to negative outcomes in first grade and subsequent grades, including continued absenteeism and lower achievement in reading, math, and general knowledge.
It’s not just full-day absences that matter—students who arrive late or leave early miss valuable learning time. Every minute counts!
Provide your child with the best opportunity for success by ensuring they are in school each day from 8:30 AM to 2:45 PM.
We also want to celebrate great attendance!
September: Congratulations to Mrs. Downer’s class for having the highest attendance rate!
October: Kudos to Mrs. Williams’ class for leading the way!
Let’s keep up the momentum and make every day count!
Students who attend school regularly achieve at higher levels than those who do not. This connection between attendance and academic success begins early in a child’s education. Research shows that absenteeism in kindergarten can lead to negative outcomes in first grade and subsequent grades, including continued absenteeism and lower achievement in reading, math, and general knowledge.
It’s not just full-day absences that matter—students who arrive late or leave early miss valuable learning time. Every minute counts!
Provide your child with the best opportunity for success by ensuring they are in school each day from 8:30 AM to 2:45 PM.
We also want to celebrate great attendance!
September: Congratulations to Mrs. Downer’s class for having the highest attendance rate!
October: Kudos to Mrs. Williams’ class for leading the way!
Let’s keep up the momentum and make every day count!
🎈 It’s that time of year again! 🎈
The Mustangs are ready to take over the Balloons Over Broadway parade in our annual Macy Day Mustang celebration!
We hope your student will join in the fun and creativity. To be considered for a spot in the parade, students must complete the entire project as outlined. Please read the directions carefully and make sure all parts are followed to compete.
Let’s make this year’s parade the most magical one yet!
The Mustangs are ready to take over the Balloons Over Broadway parade in our annual Macy Day Mustang celebration!
We hope your student will join in the fun and creativity. To be considered for a spot in the parade, students must complete the entire project as outlined. Please read the directions carefully and make sure all parts are followed to compete.
Let’s make this year’s parade the most magical one yet!
Updates for the Week of 11/10
Hello Mustang Families,
We hope you're enjoying your weekend! Here's what's coming up this week:
Monday, 11/10 – Weather Day – No School
Tuesday, 11/11 – Veterans Day – No School
Wednesday, 11/12 – We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school!
As we move into the holiday season, we know this time of year can get busy with family gatherings, travel, and celebrations. However, it's important to remember that school attendance remains a top priority. Every day in class is a valuable opportunity for your child to learn, grow, and prepare for upcoming mid-year state assessments.
Are you wondering how you can support your child’s success in school? Here are three simple tips:
Talk About Their Day
Ask your child to share one thing they learned or experienced at school. It doesn’t have to be academic, it could be about a new friend, a favorite book, or something fun they did. These conversations help build connection and reinforce learning.
Create a Homework Routine
Set aside a consistent time and quiet space for homework. This helps your child stay on track and gives you insight into what they’re working on in class.
Complete Weekly Blended Learning
Make sure your child spends at least 30 minutes each week on their Blended Learning programs: Amira, LexiaCore5, and or RedBird. These tools reinforce classroom instruction and support academic growth. They are prescriptive which means this is like having a tutor in your home for free. These programs are specific to your childs learning path. They are not a one size fits all program. These platforms provide specific skills your student struggles with or needs enrichment in for mastery of the skill.
We have mid year state assessments in December. Lets take the next few weeks to support our students home learning. We want them to demonstrate all of their learning from August though December. It is impressive what they have accomplished thus far.
We will review your students mid yearstate assessetment scores with you in the new semester with Data and Doughnuts our annual event. We’ll celebrate your child’s progress and work together to set goals for the second semester.
Finally, as we honor Veterans Day, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all families who have members who serve or have served in the armed forces. Thank you for your service!
Enjoy the rest of your Sunday, and we’ll see you on Wednesday!
With Mustang Pride!
Principal Casie L. Doyle
Hello Mustang Families,
We hope you're enjoying your weekend! Here's what's coming up this week:
Monday, 11/10 – Weather Day – No School
Tuesday, 11/11 – Veterans Day – No School
Wednesday, 11/12 – We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school!
As we move into the holiday season, we know this time of year can get busy with family gatherings, travel, and celebrations. However, it's important to remember that school attendance remains a top priority. Every day in class is a valuable opportunity for your child to learn, grow, and prepare for upcoming mid-year state assessments.
Are you wondering how you can support your child’s success in school? Here are three simple tips:
Talk About Their Day
Ask your child to share one thing they learned or experienced at school. It doesn’t have to be academic, it could be about a new friend, a favorite book, or something fun they did. These conversations help build connection and reinforce learning.
Create a Homework Routine
Set aside a consistent time and quiet space for homework. This helps your child stay on track and gives you insight into what they’re working on in class.
Complete Weekly Blended Learning
Make sure your child spends at least 30 minutes each week on their Blended Learning programs: Amira, LexiaCore5, and or RedBird. These tools reinforce classroom instruction and support academic growth. They are prescriptive which means this is like having a tutor in your home for free. These programs are specific to your childs learning path. They are not a one size fits all program. These platforms provide specific skills your student struggles with or needs enrichment in for mastery of the skill.
We have mid year state assessments in December. Lets take the next few weeks to support our students home learning. We want them to demonstrate all of their learning from August though December. It is impressive what they have accomplished thus far.
We will review your students mid yearstate assessetment scores with you in the new semester with Data and Doughnuts our annual event. We’ll celebrate your child’s progress and work together to set goals for the second semester.
Finally, as we honor Veterans Day, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all families who have members who serve or have served in the armed forces. Thank you for your service!
Enjoy the rest of your Sunday, and we’ll see you on Wednesday!
With Mustang Pride!
Principal Casie L. Doyle
There is still time for 25 more people to rsvp for the Literary Feast. RSVP soon. We can't wait to see you all thisThursday at 5:30 for reading with UF, Royalty, and super heroes.
Veterans Day Tribute – Honoring Our Heroes
Mustang Family, we are creating a large American flag display for Veterans Day that will hang proudly in our hallway throughout the month of November. To honor the brave men and women who have served — or are currently serving — in our Armed Forces, we will feature their names on stars within our flag. ⭐️
If your child has a parent or sibling who is a Veteran or is currently serving, please complete the attched forms suplying their name, rank, branch of service, and your child’s name/grade in so we can include them in our tribute.
Thank you for helping us celebrate our Mustang Military Families and the heroes who protect our freedom! 🇺🇸💙❤️
Mustang Family, we are creating a large American flag display for Veterans Day that will hang proudly in our hallway throughout the month of November. To honor the brave men and women who have served — or are currently serving — in our Armed Forces, we will feature their names on stars within our flag. ⭐️
If your child has a parent or sibling who is a Veteran or is currently serving, please complete the attched forms suplying their name, rank, branch of service, and your child’s name/grade in so we can include them in our tribute.
Thank you for helping us celebrate our Mustang Military Families and the heroes who protect our freedom! 🇺🇸💙❤️
Bus 8 students are loading the bus now to leave campus. They will arrive home on bus 627. We apologize for the last dismissal.
We hope you can join us for Reading with Royality and Superhero friends. RSVP while seats remain! RSVP using the qr code. We will not be allowed to take reservations at the front desk or door. This event is sponsored by UF and New World Reading. After the 200 spots fill they will close the rsvp system!
Be Safe Be seen tip of the day - This week we continue our pedestrian safety below you will find the tips we shared with our students on our mornign and afternoon news. Please help re-enforce this tips at home. We want all of our students to arrive and depart safely.
Good Morning Mustangs! This week we are kicking off FALL Safety Week. Remember when you are walking to and from school to always look both ways before crossing the street and make eye contact with drivers. Be Safe Be seen!
Good Afternoon Mustangs as you head home, remember to use the cross walks and sidewalks. Stay Alert, keep your headphones out, and walk with a buddy whenever you can. Be Safe, Be Seen!
Good Morning Mustangs! This week we are kicking off FALL Safety Week. Remember when you are walking to and from school to always look both ways before crossing the street and make eye contact with drivers. Be Safe Be seen!
Good Afternoon Mustangs as you head home, remember to use the cross walks and sidewalks. Stay Alert, keep your headphones out, and walk with a buddy whenever you can. Be Safe, Be Seen!
Hi Mustang families,
A few important reminders:
50th Day of School—Tomorrow (Wed, Oct 22): Many classes will mark the day with fun learning activities.
Red Ribbon Week—Next Week (Mon–Fri, Oct 27–31)
Food Drive: We’re still collecting nonperishable items to support local families. Thank you for anything you can send in!
Calendar Change: Our Chuck E. Cheese Family Night is canceled for now and will be rescheduled. We’ll share the new date as soon as it’s confirmed.
Thank you for your continued support!
Principal Doyle
A few important reminders:
50th Day of School—Tomorrow (Wed, Oct 22): Many classes will mark the day with fun learning activities.
Red Ribbon Week—Next Week (Mon–Fri, Oct 27–31)
Food Drive: We’re still collecting nonperishable items to support local families. Thank you for anything you can send in!
Calendar Change: Our Chuck E. Cheese Family Night is canceled for now and will be rescheduled. We’ll share the new date as soon as it’s confirmed.
Thank you for your continued support!
Principal Doyle
Today is the last day for parents to complete the district survey! We need your help! Please take 5 minutes to provide us with feedback as a school and district! We vaule your opinion and want to make sure we are doing all we can to support our students and families!
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/surveys
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/surveys