Ortega Elementary

Warm Holiday Wishes from Ortega Elementary 🎄✨

Dear Ortega Families and Community,

As we approach this festive season, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and partnership. Together, we have created a school environment where students feel safe, inspired, and ready to learn and that is truly something to celebrate!

May your holidays be filled with joy, peace, and special moments with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming our students back in the new year, ready for more learning, growth, and success.

Thank you for being an essential part of the Ortega Elementary family. Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Wonderful New Year!

Warm regards,
Dr. Tisa Montgomery
Proud Principal

The Polar Pals Holiday Shoppe is open tonight, 6–7 PM, during Exhibit Night in the Media Center. Shop for gifts and support our PTA!
*only cash and gift cards are accepted for payment*
Purchase gift cards here
https://www.schoolshoppes.com/buy/polar-pals/4Q4N1339

Don't forget that the PTA holiday shop is now open! Students will have the opportunity to shop during their resource block today, tomorrow, and Friday. The shop will also be open during Exhibit Night. See the picture for a glimpse of some of the items available for sale.

It is almost time for PTA's annual holiday shop. This is an opportunity for students to purchase gifts for family and friends. The shop will be set up in the media center from December 17 - 19. It will also be open during Exhibit Night. See the flyer for more details. And, if you are an approved volunteer and would like to help out in the shop, we'd love to have you. Send Mrs. Tibbits an email with your availability (tibbitsm@duvalschools.org)

Don't forget that this Thursday is a special night at Ortega Elementary. It is our Exhibit Night, where students get to showcase their curriculum-inspired artwork. Student docents will be available to explain the pieces and answer questions. In addition, we will have a special family holiday sing-a-long. Dress in festive clothing and come out for this fun and educational evening. The event will run from 6 PM until 7 PM.

Don't forget that Ortega Elementary yearbooks are currently available for pre-sale. Books will arrive in May, but we have only ordered 100. In order to guarantee you will not be left out, please order yours today. As an extra incentive, everyone who places an order prior to winter break will receive a free Ortega Elementary car magnet. That means you only have until December 19 to order and receive this free gift. Order online at www.buytheyearbook.com and use school ID 387388.

Reminder: Monday is the final day to submit your orders for the PTA holiday plant sale. For only $15 you can have a beautiful holiday plant AND support our school. Plants will be available for pickup at Exhibit Night on Thursday, December 18. But, all orders MUST be in by Monday, December 15.

See details below about the next community clinics:

* Dec 17th - Charger Academy, 7050 Melvin Rd., 32210, hours 9-12
* Dec 22nd - Deermeadows Baptist Church, 9780 Baymeadows Rd, 32256, hours 9-1

Appointments preferred (904) 625-6809 (call or text) or mobile.health@ascension.org, but walk-ins are welcomed.

Physicals and immunizations at both clinics

We are planning community clinics on Jan 5 and 7th to help with newly enrolling students, but locations are not set.

Reminder about tomorrow (12/5/25):
* All Pro Dad at 7:45 AM (RSVP at https://allprodadchapters.com/chapters/11211)
* Flag Raising at 8:40 AM
*SAC and Title 1 Annual Meeting at 9:30 AM

PTA is selling a selection of holiday plants. The price for each is $15. The plants will be available to pick up during Exhibit Night on December 18. Please consider supporting PTA with this fundraiser. See the order form for complete details. All order forms are due by December 15.

RSVPs for our All Pro Dad meeting on Friday are low. If you plan on attending, please RSVP ASAP. If we do not receive enough RSVPs we may need to reschedule the event for after winter break. The meeting is planned for Friday, December 5 from 7:45 AM until 8:25 AM. Visit the following link to RSVP: https://allprodadchapters.com/chapters/11211

🎁 Our Holiday Shoppe will be open December 17–19, Wednesday–Friday, from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM! 🎁

Have fun helping them make a little shopping list—who they want to surprise with a gift and how much they plan to spend. It’s a perfect chance to practice real-life math, budgeting, and planning!

At checkout, students can pay with cash, an e-gift card, or a combination of both.

For the easiest (and safest!) experience, consider purchasing an e-gift card so your child doesn’t have to carry cash.

🎄 Shop items range from under $1 to $20.

🎁 Buy your e-gift card here: www.schoolshoppes.com/buy/polar-pals/4Q4N1339

Thank you so much for supporting our school and making this event magical! ✨

Friday is a busy morning at Ortega. In addition to the All Pro Dad meeting at 7:45 AM (see Monday's post) we will also have Flag Raising at 8:40. Then, at 9:30 we will have our SAC meeting in conjunction with our Title 1 Annual Meeting. Please plan to attend if you are able.

Good evening Ocelots! Please see the attached calendar for our festive December dress-up days! ⛄❄️

Our next All Pro Dad meeting will be Friday, December 5 at 7:45 AM in our media center. All dads/granddads/uncles/etc are invited to come out and enjoy some fun and fellowship with their child(ren). Please RSVP by 3 PM on Wednesday so that we will have a headcount for refreshments. Visit the following link to RSVP: https://allprodadchapters.com/chapters/11211

Don't forget about the Ortega Elementary PTA meeting today at 4:30 in our media center. Everyone is invited.

Our next All Pro Dad meeting will be Friday, December 5 at 7:45 AM in our media center. All dads/granddads/uncles/etc are invited to come out and enjoy some fun and fellowship with their child(ren). Please RSVP so that we will have a headcount for refreshments. Visit the following link to RSVP: https://allprodadchapters.com/chapters/11211

Good morning Ortega Families! Please see attached flyer regarding Thanksgiving Break 11/26-11/28!

Good evening Ocelots! See the attached flyer for our upcoming PM-2 testing dates! We want to make sure everyone is aware and prepared! Have a great evening!