
Dear 3rd Grade Families,
We invite you to join us for 3rd Grade FAST Night on Thursday, November 5, from 5:00-6:00 PM in the Media Center. This important event will provide families with information about the FAST assessment, third-grade expectations, and practical strategies to support student success at home.
Third grade is a critical year, and your partnership makes a difference. During FAST Night, you will learn how to help your child build confidence, strengthen academic skills, and stay on track for success.
We look forward to partnering with you as we help every Ocelot learn, grow, and WIN!
Dr. Tisa Montgomery
Principal, Ortega Elementary

* Trunk or Treat is tonight from 5:30 until 6:30. Please enter through the front gate for our One School One Book Kickoff. The books have been delayed in shipping, but families will receive some valuable information so they can be ready once the books are here. After the kickoff families can head to the back of the school for our Trunk or Treat event on the basketball court.
* We're thrilled to announce that our Read-A-Thon is underway! We're counting on you to make it a success. If you haven't already, please take a moment to activate your child’s personal reader page by clicking on the following link:
https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/323331383433?utm=email
It only takes a minute or two, and your support will greatly assist us.
Please review the flyer for examples and non-examples of costumes that students may wear to school on Friday, October 30, for our Character Book Parade.
As always, student safety is our top priority. Thank you for helping us make this a fun and successful event for all students!
Thank you,
Principal Dr. Tisa Montgomery



Friday, November 6th is a special Flag Raising at Ortega Elementary! We are inviting all Veterans, active-duty military members, and their families to our flag raising at 8:40am. We hope to see you at this special dedication event!

Your voice matters! We invite you to complete the Data Triangle Survey and share feedback about your experience with our school. Your input helps us better understand the needs of our students, families, and school community.
Please take a few moments to complete the survey using the link provided.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Ortega Elementary!
Dr. Montgomery
Principal


First, I want to assure you that all students are safe. Unfortunately, your child’s bus was involved in a minor accident on the way to school. No injuries have been reported, and JSO is on the scene investigating.
A replacement bus picked up the students and safely transported them to school. Students have been served breakfast and are currently in class learning.
If you would like to speak with your child, please call the school at 904-381-7460, and we will be happy to accommodate your request.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. Your child’s safety is always a top priority.
Principal Dr. Montgomery
We’re excited to celebrate College Week with our Ocelots! This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to explore future possibilities, learn about colleges and careers, and begin dreaming BIG about what they can achieve.
Please review the attached flyer for details about our College Week activities and encourage your child to participate each day.
At Ortega, we believe it’s never too early to start dreaming, setting goals, and preparing for a bright future. College and career readiness starts now! 💙💛
-Principal Dr. Montgomery

Your voice matters! We invite you to complete the Data Triangle Survey and share feedback about your experience with our school. Your input helps us better understand the needs of our students, families, and school community.
Please take a few moments to complete the survey using the link provided.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Ortega Elementary!
Dr. Montgomery
Principal



🌎❤️ Ortega Elementary is Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month ❤️🌎
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we have created a special Hispanic Heritage Family Wall at our school to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Our wall proudly showcases the flags representing the many Hispanic countries and backgrounds that make our world and our school community so wonderfully diverse.
Now, we would love to make our wall even more special by adding your family's stories, traditions, and experiences!
❤️ Help Us Celebrate Your Heritage!
We invite families to share a little piece of what makes your family special. You can contribute something as simple as:
🌎 Your family's country or countries of heritage
📸 A family photo (optional)
🍽️ A favorite family recipe or traditional dish
🎶 A favorite song or type of music
💃 A special family tradition or celebration
💬 A Spanish word or phrase your family loves
📖 A story, tradition, or custom that has been passed down in your family
❤️ Something special about your culture or family that you would like our school community to know
🍴 Have a Family Recipe to Share?
We would especially love to feature family recipes on our Heritage Wall! Share a favorite dish, recipe, or treat that brings your family together. Whether it is a recipe passed down through generations or simply a family favorite, we would love to celebrate the memories and traditions connected to food.
And everyone is invited! You do not have to be Hispanic or Latino to participate. We welcome all families to share their own heritage, traditions, and family stories that involve Hispanic Heritage as we celebrate the wonderful diversity of our school community.
📮 Please send your contribution to your child's teacher
Thank you for helping us make our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration a reflection of OUR families, OUR stories, and OUR community! 🌎❤️

Friday is the deadline for the dental clinic permission slips. If you would like your child to participate, please make sure all permission slips are completed and returned by Friday.

Ortega Elementary picture day is Wednesday, October 7. Be on the lookout for order forms coming home this week. Or, order online at www.leonards.com/order using access code C809953.


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.
