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🌎🐴 Miles is checking in from Biloxi, Mississippi with the Nelson family! 💙❤️

Our Mustangs Across America adventure continued along the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast, where Miles discovered a community rich in history, resilience, and coastal traditions.

🚀 One of the most exciting discoveries was learning about Fred Haise, a Biloxi native and NASA astronaut who served as the Lunar Module Pilot on the historic Apollo 13 mission. Although Apollo 13 never landed on the moon, Fred Haise and his fellow astronauts became known around the world for their courage, teamwork, and determination to safely return home after an in-flight emergency.

🌊 Miles also visited the iconic Biloxi Lighthouse, one of the city's most treasured landmarks. The lighthouse has stood watch over the Gulf Coast since 1848 and became a powerful symbol of hope after it survived the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Today, it reminds everyone of the strength and resilience of the Biloxi community.

🦐 No trip to Biloxi would be complete without experiencing its rich seafood heritage! Miles climbed aboard a shrimping boat to learn how shrimp are harvested from the Gulf of Mexico. Biloxi has long been known as the "Seafood Capital of the World" thanks to its generations of shrimpers and thriving seafood industry that has helped shape the city's culture and economy.

💙 Thank you, Nelson family, for helping Miles discover another amazing part of America! Every stop teaches our Chaffee Trail Mustangs something new about the people, history, and traditions that make our country so special.

#MustangsAcrossAmerica #MilesTheMustang #Mississippi #Biloxi #Apollo13 #SeafoodCapitalOfTheWorld #CTESMustangs
about 1 month ago, Casie Doyle
Ms
M.S.
MS
🌟 The countdown to an exciting new school year is on! 🌟

As summer begins to wind down, we hope you've enjoyed making wonderful memories together as a family. We can't wait to welcome our Mustangs back for another incredible year as we embark on our 2026–2027 Mustangs Across America adventure!

📚 We hope your child has already begun reading books from the Sunshine State Young Readers list and is getting a head start on the school year. Reading throughout the summer is one of the best ways to keep those learning muscles strong!

✏️ During the first few weeks of school, students will be assessed on their grade-level foundational skills. Before school ended, we sent home our "Saddle Up" foundational skills guide, and we've also shared it in previous Rooms messages. If your child hasn't reviewed those skills yet, there's still time to practice before the first day!

🎥 We hope you'll join us this Wednesday for our Facebook Live Back-to-School Information Session, where we'll share important updates and answer many of your back-to-school questions.

🚌 Reminder: The deadline to register for bus transportation is Wednesday, July 30. If your child will need bus transportation, please be sure to complete the registration before the deadline.

We are so excited to welcome our students back and continue our journey together. Here's to a year filled with learning, adventure, and Mustang PRIDE!

#MustangsAcrossAmerica #BackToSchool #CTESMustangs #SaddleUp #SeeYouSoon
about 1 month ago, Casie Doyle
Live Session
🌎🐴 Miles is checking in from New Orleans, Louisiana with the Nelson family! 💙❤️

What an incredible adventure through one of America's most historic and vibrant cities!

📍 Miles explored Jackson Square, the heart of the French Quarter overlooking the mighty Mississippi River—often called America's "lifeline" because it has connected people, goods, and communities for centuries. This famous square is one of New Orleans' most recognizable landmarks and was named one of the "Great Places in America."

🎭 He met the famous "Silver Man," a talented living statue and one of the city's most popular street performers.

🎓 Miles also attended ASCA TrainerPalooza at the Hilton New Orleans with Mrs. Nelson, where educators from across the country gathered to learn about the ASCA National Model 5.0 and strengthen school counseling programs that help students succeed.

🎺 Of course, no trip to New Orleans would be complete without exploring the colorful French Quarter, admiring the unique architecture and beautiful homes that make the city so distinctive.

🐊 Next, Miles cruised through the Louisiana bayou, keeping a close eye out for wildlife—and even spotted several alligators!

🚲 He enjoyed a relaxing bike ride through City Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, filled with majestic oak trees, museums, gardens, and beautiful green spaces.

🚋 Miles also hopped aboard one of New Orleans' iconic streetcars, a fun and historic way locals and visitors have traveled through the city for generations.

🍩 Before heading home, he made one final stop at the world-famous Café du Monde for delicious powdered-sugar-covered beignets. Miles gives them two hooves up! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you, Nelson family, for taking Miles along on another amazing stop in our Mustangs Across America adventure! Every trip helps our Chaffee Trail Mustangs discover the history, culture, and landmarks that make each state special.

#MustangsAcrossAmerica #MilesTheMustang #NewOrleans #Louisiana #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #CTESMustangs
about 1 month ago, Casie Doyle
N.OLA
Miles

🐴Miles & Mave Have Made It to Alabama! 🐴

Our adventurous Mustangs have traveled to the beautiful state of Alabama—a state rich in history, natural beauty, southern hospitality, and championship traditions!

Did you know Alabama became the 22nd state to join the United States on December 14, 1819? It is nicknamed the "Heart of Dixie" and is home to everything from the sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast to the rolling Appalachian Mountains in the north. Alabama also boasts more than 1,500 miles of navigable inland waterways, earning it another nickname: "The Watercress State."

🏈 If you're a football fan, Alabama is famous for its passionate college football traditions! The state is home to two of the nation's premier SEC programs—the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn University Tigers. Together, these schools have won numerous national championships and compete in one of college football's greatest rivalries, the Iron Bowl.

🚀 Alabama has also played a major role in America's journey to space. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville celebrates the state's contributions to the nation's space program and is home to Space Camp, where future astronauts and engineers come to dream big.

🏡 Miles spent some relaxing time in Camp Hill, a small town in Tallapoosa County. Camp Hill is home to Southern Preparatory Academy, a historic military boarding school known for developing leadership, discipline, and character. The town also preserves its rich history through landmarks like the historic Camp Hill Railroad Depot.

🌭 Mave made a tasty stop in Opelika at the beloved Mrs. Story's Dairy Bar. Serving the community since 1952, this local favorite is famous for its legendary footlong chili dogs, classic slaw dogs, creamy soft-serve ice cream, milkshakes, and sundaes. It's the perfect place to experience a slice of small-town Alabama!

Thank you to our Mustang family- Mr. Piits, Mrs. Rachel Pitts, Jordin, Jada, and Deuce - for helping Miles & Mave continue their journey across America. Every stop teaches us something new about our incredible country and brings us one state closer to our goal of visiting all 50 states!

📍 State Visited: Alabama

Where will Miles & Mave travel next? We can't wait to see! 🗺️✨

#MustangsAcrossAmerica #MilesAndMave #SweetHomeAlabama #RollTide #WarEagle #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #CTESMustangs #AdventureAwaits

about 2 months ago, Casie Doyle
Alabama
country life
Hot dog
Alabama

Reminder tomorrow Monday July 13th is the day... Extended Day registration/application. It fills up quickly be sure to review the process today so you are prepared for the opening of the application at 8am.

about 2 months ago, Casie Doyle
Extended Day
Miles & Mave Have Made It to South Dakota!

Our adventurous Mustangs are exploring the beautiful state of South Dakota!

Did you know South Dakota is home to one of America's most recognizable landmarks—Mount Rushmore National Memorial? Carved into the Black Hills, the monument features the faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. It took 14 years to complete and welcomes millions of visitors each year!

South Dakota is also famous for the Badlands National Park, where colorful rock formations, wide-open prairies, and amazing fossils tell the story of millions of years of Earth's history. Wildlife like bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs call this incredible landscape home.

Thank you to our Mustang family -Mr. & Mrs. Shavers for taking Miles & Mave along on their adventure and helping us explore all 50 states!

📍 State Visited: South Dakota
🗺️ States Remaining: Keep those travel photos coming! Every new destination brings us one step closer to visiting all 50 states by October 1.

Where will Miles & Mave travel next? 🌎✈️🚗

#MustangsAcrossAmerica #MilesAndMave #SouthDakota #MountRushmore #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #CTESMustangs #AdventureAwaits
about 2 months ago, Casie Doyle
SD Buf
Mr. Mrs Shavers
Badlands
SD
badlands
corn
Corn
Reminder: Monday is July 13th the day of Extended day online registration. It starts at 8am. It fills up within minutes. Be sure to check out the registration/application process prior to Monday so you are familiar with the process.
about 2 months ago, Casie Doyle
Extended day

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!

about 2 months ago, Duval County Public Schools
Back to School. August 10, 2026. Adjust sleep schedules. Gather school supplies. Keep Learning. Mark important dates.
🌺🌴 Aloha from Hawaii! 🐴✈️

Miles has officially traveled all the way across the Pacific Ocean to visit the beautiful island of Maui in the great state of Hawaii!

Hawaii is the 50th state to join the United States, becoming a state on August 21, 1959. Unlike every other state, Hawaii is made up entirely of islands—more than 130 islands in all! The eight main islands include Hawaiʻi (the Big Island), Maui, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Niʻihau, and Kahoʻolawe.

While exploring Maui, Miles discovered breathtaking beaches, swaying palm trees, colorful tropical flowers, and crystal-clear blue waters. Maui is home to the famous Haleakalā National Park, where visitors can watch the sunrise above the clouds from the summit of a dormant volcano. During the winter months, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm waters around Maui, making it one of the best places in the world for whale watching.

Did you know? 🌺 The word "Aloha" is more than just a greeting—it represents love, kindness, compassion, and respect for others. It's a way of life that reflects the welcoming spirit of the Hawaiian people.

Mahalo (thank you), Hawaii, for sharing your incredible beauty, rich traditions, and island spirit with Miles!

📍 State Visited: Hawaii
🏝️ Island Explored: Maui
⭐ State Number: 50th
🌋 Fun Fact: Hawaii is the only U.S. state that grows coffee commercially and is home to active volcanoes!

Thank you Aunt Bonnie for taking Miles along for the fun!

How many states can Miles visit before October 1? Stay tuned as our Mustangs Across America adventure continues!
about 2 months ago, Casie Doyle
Maui
Mavis is on the move! Next stop... North Carolina!

Our adventurous mascot, Mavis, celebrated the Fourth of July weekend in North Carolina by attending the Lumbee Homecoming Pow Wow with CTES student Mya and her family!

The Lumbee Pow Wow is a special celebration of the Lumbee Tribe, one of the largest Native American tribes east of the Mississippi River. Through traditional dancing, music, regalia, storytelling, and community, families honor their rich heritage and share their culture with future generations.

Mya was excited to share this special experience with our Chaffee Trail family, and we're grateful she included Mavis on the journey!

Thank you, Mya, for helping us learn about your family's heritage while also helping Mavis continue her Mustangs Across America adventure.

📍 North Carolina is officially on the map! 🇺🇸 We're one step closer to visiting all 50 states by October 1. Keep those travel photos coming, Mustangs—we can't wait to see where Miles and Mavis head next!
about 2 months ago, Casie Doyle
NC
Free program for all interested!
about 2 months ago, Casie Doyle
Gifted
We're excited to kick off the new school year with our first Facebook Live session tomorrow! This is a great opportunity to hear important back-to-school updates, learn what to expect, and get your questions answered.

Join us here: https://www.facebook.com/CTESmustangs/

We hope you'll be able to join us live! If you're working or unavailable at that time, don't worry—we'll record the session and post it on our Facebook page so you can watch it at your convenience.

We can't wait to reconnect with our Mustang families and begin another amazing year together!
about 2 months ago, Casie Doyle
CTE back to school Facebook Live session 1

CHAFFEE CONNECTS KIDS TO CAREERS - Let’s give a big Team Duval Shoutout to the parents, community members, CTE staff, and students at Chaffee Trail Elementary for their impactful K-5 Career Day event! Special recognition goes to Mr. Nelson, the school counselor, who planned and organized this incredible experience through months of dedicated effort. This event allowed students to learn about 20 different careers represented by more than 25 career representatives, along with nine different trucks and vehicles for the Touch-A-Truck experience for kindergarten and first grade students. This experience put learning into action, as students made connections to their future career choices and applied their learning to real-world situations. Congrats, Chaffee Trail!

about 2 months ago, Duval County Public Schools
A group of students stands in front of a fire truck, listening to an information session from a group of firefighters.
Orientation information is attached. Please take a moment to review it and mark your calendar for your student's orientation date and time.

Due to limited parking availability on campus, it is very important that families attend during their assigned orientation time. Sticking to the schedule will help ensure a smooth experience for everyone and allow us to safely accommodate all of our Mustang families.

For your convenience, you will also find two QR codes included:

📚 QR Code #1: Access your student's grade-level school supply list.

🚌 QR Code #2: Register your student for bus transportation for the upcoming school year.

We encourage families to complete bus registration as soon as possible and review the school supplies list.

We look forward to welcoming our Mustangs back soon and kicking off another great year of learning! 🐴💙💛
about 2 months ago, Casie Doyle
orientation flyer

Dear Chaffee Trail Families,

Welcome to a brand-new school year at Chaffee Trail Elementary! As we begin our Mustangs Across America journey together, I want to personally thank you for trusting us with your greatest treasure, your child.

We are incredibly proud that Chaffee Trail Elementary has once again earned a "B" school grade. While we celebrate this accomplishment, we also recognize that our destination is much greater than a letter grade. Our mission is to provide every child with a world-class education that transforms their future.

That journey cannot happen without you.

Research consistently shows that the greatest predictor of a child's academic success isn't just what happens during the school day, it's the partnership between school and home. When students see that their teachers and parents are working together, they achieve more, believe in themselves more, and develop the habits they need to succeed long after elementary school.

As we prepare for another successful year, please take advantage of the resources we've shared:

Review your child's Summer Saddle Up foundational skills so they begin the year with confidence.
Explore the Sunshine State Young Readers book lists for enjoyable family reading.
Register for bus transportation by July 30 if your child will ride the bus.
Attend Orientation to meet your child's teacher, learn classroom expectations, and begin building relationships that will support your child's success.

This year, our students will hear us talk often about our journey. Every journey has exciting stops, unexpected detours, and opportunities to grow. Together, we'll celebrate successes, overcome challenges, and keep moving toward excellence.

At Chaffee Trail Elementary, we believe every child has unlimited potential. Our teachers are committed to providing exceptional instruction every single day, but our impact is multiplied when families continue that learning at home.

Your involvement matters. When you ask about your child's day, read together each evening, practice math facts, encourage good study habits, monitor homework, support positive behavior, stay connected through Rooms and your Focus account, and ensure your child is at school every day and on time, you send a powerful message: education matters.

Together, we are building more than strong readers, writers, mathematicians, and scientists. We are building responsible citizens, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners.

As we travel this road together, I ask you to make a commitment alongside us. Let's work as one team with one purpose: helping every Mustang reach his or her fullest potential. There will be times to celebrate, challenges to overcome, and milestones to achieve, but if we remain united, there is no limit to what our children can accomplish.

Thank you for choosing to partner with us. Together, we'll make this a year of discovery, growth, and achievement as we continue our journey toward providing every Mustang with a truly world-class education.

We can't wait to welcome your family back to campus.

With appreciation and excitement for the year ahead,

Casie Doyle
Principal
Chaffee Trail Elementary School

about 2 months ago, Casie Doyle
school grade
orientation flyer
Miles has been busy exploring some amazing places across the country!

📍 Seattle, Washington
Miles made his way to Seattle to visit the iconic Space Needle, one of the city's most famous landmarks! On a clear day, visitors can see Mount Rainier, a towering volcano that stands over 14,000 feet tall. Unfortunately, the clouds decided to play hide-and-seek while Miles was there, so Mount Rainier stayed hidden behind a blanket of clouds. ☁️🏔️

Fun Fact: The Space Needle was built for the 1962 World's Fair and stands 605 feet tall!

📍 Fairfield, California
Next, Miles traveled to Fairfield, California, where he took a sweet tour of the Jelly Belly Factory! He learned how Jelly Belly jelly beans are made and discovered some of the unique flavors that have made them famous around the world. 🍬

Miles also made a special visit to Travis Air Force Base, one of the largest military air mobility bases in the United States. Travis AFB plays an important role in transporting troops, supplies, and humanitarian aid across the globe. ✈️🇺🇸

Fun Fact: Washington is known as the "Evergreen State" because of its beautiful forests, while California grows more food than any other state in the nation!

Miles is having an incredible journey as he helps us learn about the people, places, and history that make America so special. We can't wait to see where he travels next! 🗺️⭐

Thanks Camden W for letting Miles tag along on your travels.

#MustangsAcrossAmerica #MilesTheMustang #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #50StatesChallenge #CTEMustangs 🐴🇺🇸
2 months ago, Casie Doyle
Seatle
Jelly
Travis AFB
CA
usa
🌴☀️ Miles' Florida Adventure! ☀️🌴

Miles recently visited EPCOT at Walt Disney World, where he combined fun with learning during his travels across the Sunshine State!

While exploring Living with the Land, Miles discovered how emerging farming methods are helping grow food in innovative ways while reducing environmental impact. He also traveled through time on Spaceship Earth, where he learned about the fascinating history of communication—from ancient storytelling to modern technology.

One of Miles' favorite experiences was watching The American Adventure, where he learned about important moments in our nation's history through the stories of iconic Americans such as Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain. The show highlighted many of the milestones that helped shape the United States into the country we know today.

🚀 Florida Fun Fact: The Challenger spacecraft was a historical shuttle that launched from Florida’s Space Coast in 1986. The finale of the American Adventure show at Epcot honors theChallenger astronauts by featuring a visual of them walking to their spacecraft at the end of the show during the “Golden Dream” segment.


Miles had a fantastic time learning about agriculture, communication, American history, and space exploration—all in one day! What an incredible way to represent Florida on our Mustangs Across America journey! Thank you Dawson K for taking Miles along for some Florida Fun.

#MustangsAcrossAmerica #MilesOnTheMove #FloridaAdventure #EPCOT #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #CTEMustangs #OneDuval #50StatesByOctober1st
2 months ago, Casie Doyle
Epcot
Walt D
Happy Father’s Day to all of our Mustang Dads! 💙🐴

As you enjoy your summer, please take a moment to review these important reminders for the upcoming school year:

🚌 Bus Registration
If your child will be riding a school bus in August, you must complete the bus registration process for each student by July 30. https://dcps.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/bus-registration

Families who register after July 30 will need to provide transportation to and from school for the first several weeks of school while routes are finalized.

Please note that requests for a bus stop or drop-off location that is different from the student's registered home address may require additional processing time. We encourage you to register as soon as possible to avoid delays.

⏰ Extended Day Registration - July 13th
Extended Day registration will be opening soon through the district’s Extended Day website. Historically, available spots fill very quickly, so families should be prepared to register as soon as enrollment opens. https://dcps.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/2026-2027-extended-day-registration

We also encourage families to have a backup childcare plan in place should Extended Day reach capacity.

🚗 Student Pick-Up Expectations
School dismissal ends at 3:10 PM, and students should be picked up promptly. Regular late pick-ups place a strain on staff and create unnecessary stress for students.

Please understand that repeated late pick-ups may result in district intervention, as schools are required to address situations where students are routinely not picked up in a timely manner.

📚 Summer Saddle Up
Don't forget to review the Summer Saddle Up document that was sent home at the end of the school year. (we have also posted it here on the live feed)This resource outlines the foundational skills your child mastered this year and should continue practicing over the summer.

Just like athletes stay in shape during the off-season, students benefit from keeping their academic skills sharp. A few minutes of practice each day can make a tremendous difference in helping your child return to school confident and ready to grow.

During the first few weeks of school, students will complete assessments on these foundational skills. These assessments will be included as part of their first nine weeks' grades and will help teachers identify strengths and areas needing additional support. Students who continue practicing throughout the summer will have a significant advantage as they begin the new school year.

Thank you for partnering with us to ensure every Mustang is ready to hit the ground running in August!

#MustangsAcrossAmerica #OneDuval #CTEMustangs
2 months ago, Casie Doyle
Fourth
Blended
Third grade
Second
200
100
First
5th grade
We noticed an error in one of our previous post. Please make sure you have the correct list of Sunshine Young Reader books for 26-27 Kindergarten-Second Grade!
2 months ago, Casie Doyle
K-2 Sunshine Young Reader
Mave has officially touched down in Myrtle Beach, living her best coastal life and acting like she’s the mayor of the boardwalk. She’s been spotted strutting past the SkyWheel like she owns the place, letting the Atlantic breeze fluff her hair just right, and considering a second career as a professional mini golfer.

Fun fact for the day: Myrtle Beach has 60 miles of sand, which is exactly 59.5 more than Mave needs to feel dramatic. The place was once called New Town, which feels about right because she is treating it like a fresh start. She also tried hushpuppies for the first time and now believes they are a love language. Weather report from your roaming correspondent: warm, breezy, and just humid enough to make every selfie look like it has a soft focus filter.

⭐ Fun Facts About South Carolina:

🌴 South Carolina is known as the Palmetto State because of its famous palmetto trees.
🏖️ Myrtle Beach welcomes millions of visitors each year and is one of the most popular beach destinations on the East Coast.
🐢 South Carolina's beaches are important nesting grounds for sea turtles.
🚩 The state was the 8th state to join the United States in 1788.

Mave reports that the weather is warm, sunny, and perfect for beach adventures. She can't wait to continue her journey as we work toward our goal of visiting all 50 states by October 1st!

📸 Thank you Hunt family for taking Mave along on your adventure! Where will she travel next?

ps. Your Mustang Meadow misses you but is enjoying the guest hydration hero's.

#MustangsAcrossAmerica #MaveOnTheMove #CTEMustangs #SouthCarolina #50StatesChallenge 🐴🌊☀️
2 months ago, Casie Doyle
Beach Trip
map sc