Thank you to all our parents and families who joined us for Friday's annual Orientation! We're excited to start the year strong on Monday, August 11! Check out this week's BARK for information to make it the best opening of the year yet!
First Day of School 2025 - Prep For Success!
First Day of School: August 11, 2025
Parents/guardians are encouraged to bring their child(ren) to school at the beginning of the year. As our CHE parents know, the safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors are a top priority on school campuses.
In order to ensure everyone’s safety, parents/guardians may walk their child to class for the first two days of school, Monday, August 11, and Tuesday, August 12.
Visitors may accompany their child(ren) to class on these two days and may enter through a gate with him/her.
Parents are asked to exit classrooms by 8:25 so that the instructional day may begin promptly by 8:30, and when our campus MUST be secured, per state statute.
Parents may opt to re-enter campus through the front office to sign in through our Raptor system and join our Parent Volunteer Organization (PVO) for the Boohoo Wahoo Breakfast!
Boohoo or Woohoo, We've Got You!
First day drop-off can be ruff… whether you’re shedding a tear, cheering with joy, or a little of both, come join us for our Boohoo/Woohoo Breakfast!
Enjoy a warm welcome, meet other parents, and help yourself to a variety of light refreshments as we kick off the school year together. It will be immediately following the morning bell at 8:30 in room 610. You will need to walk your student to their class, exit the school, re-enter through the office, and Raptor in properly. We look forward to seeing you there!
Make Every Day a Success!
Things to Remember the Morning of August 11th (And Before School Each Day)
Students are permitted on campus at 8:05 am each day, when staff are on duty to supervise. For supervision before 8:05 am or after school, contact the YMCA at 904-644-0072.
If your child is a bus rider, help him learn his bus designation (Red Dog, Green Snake, Yellow Duck, etc.). We will ensure that your child is on the right bus at the end of the day, but it is helpful for him to learn this before the first day.
.Be sure your child arrives at their bus stop at least 5 minutes before their scheduled stop time. Keep in mind that the tardy bell rings at 8:30 am. Students must be in class by this time in order to avoid a tardy.
If your child is a car-rider, he must be in the cafeteria by 8:20 to eat breakfast. (Students who arrive late due to CCDS Bus delays will be provided with breakfast.) Car-riders who are dropped off later than 8:20 generally cannot get to class by the start of instructional time if they go to the cafeteria first. We do NOT want any students to miss breakfast, so please drop your child off on time each day if he will need breakfast.
Things to do Upon Arrival at School
Tell your child it's going to be a TERRIFIC day! He should feel comfortable asking questions of his teachers, staff, and administrators at any time. He will be greeted with lots of friendly hellos and smiles.
Parents may walk students to class for the first TWO DAYS only. Visitors may enter through the Car-Rider Gate, but security will be heightened, and guests will be asked to exit by 8:25 am. Class will begin promptly at 8:30 am when campus gates will also be secured.
If you're dropping off your child through car-rider, REMAIN IN YOUR VEHICLE, and utilize our drop-off loop. Students will be greeted by our staff at the loop and will exit the passenger side of the vehicle. Please help us be safe and efficient by having your child ready to exit the vehicle in our car-rider loop.
Students may walk to the cafeteria to get breakfast as long as they arrive in time to be there by 8:20. Pre-K, Kindergarteners, and first-time CHE students will be escorted to the cafeteria and/or to class, as needed.
Things to do at Dismissal
Remember that our dismissal bell rings at 2:42 pm. All students should be off campus, unless enrolled in the YMCA or after-school activities, by 3:00 pm.
Thank you for your patience and flexibility as the first few days of school typically involve slightly delayed dismissal due to new procedures for many students and parents. As we ensure the safe transition of roughly 450 students out of the building, your support is appreciated.
If you're picking up your child, REMAIN IN YOUR VEHICLE, and pull through our car-rider loop (along the painted pencils), and be sure your green Car-Rider Tag is clearly visible on the dashboard. Your child will be escorted to your car. Do not park and walk up to our car-rider parent pickup gate.
If you do not have your Car-Rider Tag, you should park your vehicle and come to our front office with your photo ID. Your child will be escorted to the front office, where you can pick him/her up after validation.
25-26 CHE School Supply List
Riding the Bus? You MUST Register!
Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, the Clay County District Schools Transportation Department will implement a new opt-in registration process and a bus tracking program to enhance the safety, visibility, and efficiency of our transportation services.
Please also be aware that students who live within 2 miles of their zoned school are not eligible for bus transportation unless a district-approved hazard has been identified. Florida Statutes and Rules: 6A-3, 1006.23, and 1011.68. If you believe your child qualifies for a hazard exemption, please complete the necessary form at sdcc.mybusplanner.com.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Clay County District Schools Transportation Department by emailing routing@myoneclay.net or calling 904-336-0001, option 2.
AFTER you register, be sure to set up the CHIPMUNK App to stay informed about your child's bus!
Car-Rider Procedures
If you will be picking up your child in the afternoon, please anticipate delays during the first week or two of school, as all our students and parents are getting used to procedures that may be new to many. Your patience is so greatly appreciated as SAFETY is our primary concern, and not speed! We will always try to dismiss students as efficiently as possible, and your adherence to our procedure is critical in making this happen! Click HERE for our Car Rider Procedures!
One Team, One Dream: 25-26 School Shirts
Our 25-26 School Shirt features our One Team, One Dream theme AND displays our core belief that we are Stronger Together! Pre-orders are available NOW at MySchoolBucks!
25-26 Run/Walk Shirts - Order NOW!
This year, we would like to unite our Bulldogs and make getting ready for school on Mondays EASY with our dri-fit Run/Walk shirts! All students participate in Run/Walk on Mondays, so show your school spirit with a CHE Run/Walk Shirt! Available sizes include Youth Small - Adult XL (additional charge for 2X/3X). Order today on MySchoolBucks! Parents, join us for Run/Walk with your shirt too!
Next Week's Events:
Monday, Aug. 11:
-First day of school
-Boohoo/Wahoo Breakfast, 8:40 am, Rm 610 (Day 1 of 2)
Tuesday, Aug. 12:
-Boohoo/Wahoo Breakfast, 8:40 am, Rm 610 (Day 2 of 2)
Friday, Aug. 15 :
-Bulldog Pride Day: Wear your CHE shirt or school colors
Parent Tips for a Successful Start...and Year!
ALWAYS bring your ID with you to CHE. Your child will NOT be released to you (or anyone else), even if we know you, without a picture ID. Safety FIRST!
Students will not be released at car-rider pickup unless the appropriate Car Tag is visible on the dashboard or windshield. We care about your kids! Car Tags will be available during Orientation.
A signed note from a parent (email in Synergy is best) is required in order to change a student's transportation.
Parents are welcome to escort their students to class during the first two days. If you wish to escort your child, be aware that parking will be extremely limited. Please park in designated parking areas and access the sidewalks in front of our admin building. Please do not walk through the car-rider drop off loop.
Parents who walk students to class are asked to please wish their child a great day at the classroom door, and exit by 8:25 am so that teachers may attend to students and class may begin promptly at 8:30 when campus gates will be secured.
When scheduling appointments & activities, please try to avoid interfering with school hours. Every minute counts in the classroom! Please avoid early dismissal after 2:00 pm.
Special Information for Kindergarten Parents
At CHE, we practice staggered enrollment to help better acclimate our kindergarteners to "big school." This is especially helpful if students did not attend our school for preschool.
If your child's 6th birthday is ON or BEFORE January 31, s/he should attend his first day of school on Monday, August 11. Then, he should NOT attend on Tuesday, August 12, when students with birthdays AFTER January 31 will attend.
If your child's 6th birthday is AFTER January 31, 2026, he should attend his first day of school on Tuesday, August 12. ALL KINDERGARTENERS should attend their second day of school on Wednesday, August 13.
Severe Weather - Be Prepared!
It's that time of year when severe weather impacts our school protocols, and in particular, student dismissal. Per district policy, when lightning is detected within 8 miles of our school, "shelter in place" in initiated and students are not permitted outside the buildings. This SIGNIFICANTLY affects dismissal, which is delayed because we cannot release students unless a parent comes into the building to pick up the child. We'll communicate with you on days that severe weather may impact dismissal, but please be patient with us, as well as prepared, as our purpose is never to inconvenience our families, but to keep our kids safe!
On the flip side...please ensure that your child is dressed for the weather. Heat indexes ("feels-like temperatures") still reach over 100° at times during late summer. We will limit outdoor exposure time, per the CCDS Heat Advisory Directive when temperatures are extreme, and water fountains are available, but we encourage you to provide your child with a refillable water bottle. Please do not send students with any other drinks or drink additives, as these invite pests when spills occur.
CHE Parent/Student Handbook
A hard copy of the CHE Parent/Student Handbook is available in the Student Planner, which your child will receive during the first week of school. Parents should check the planner daily for communication from the teacher, and sign to note that they have reviewed any information that might be shared that day.
CCDS Family Handbook
The CCDS Family Handbook / Code of Conduct has been updated for 2025-2026. Click HERE to view the updated document. Please note the following expectations that reflect dress code expectations specific to CHE:
Shorts, dresses or skirts should come to the middle thigh or longer. If leggings are worn with the above mentioned clothing items, then the top layer of clothing (shorts, dress, skirt, etc.) MUST come to the middle thigh or longer.
Jeans/pants that have frays/holes above the middle thigh must have something underneath them, such as leggings that cover the skin, so as not to expose skin or undergarments.
Shirts must cover the shoulder and not expose undergarments in any manner or any part of the torso.
Students may bring water ONLY - no other drinks - to class, in a CLEAR, plastic bottle with a secure cap or lid.
Head coverings are not permitted inside buildings & classrooms unless expressly permitted by administration.
Remember a rule of thumb for dress code:If you're not sure that an item meets the dress code, don't wear it!
CCDS Cellphone / Wireless Device Policy
In compliance with Florida House Bill 379, wireless communication devices are restricted from morning bell to dismissal bell, including class changes throughout the school day. Our students will not be permitted to use their wireless communication devices during the day. In the event of a school-wide emergency, students will have access to their devices.
Can students possess a wireless communication device or cell phone on campus?
A student may possess a wireless communication device or cell phone while on CCDS property, on school transportation, and at school activities, provided that from the morning bell to the dismissal bell, the cell phone is silenced and concealed in their backpack or purse except directed by the teacher solely for educational purposes or during lunch for high school students only. Please, no Apple Watches or comparable smart watches, as these ARE wireless communication devices.
What about Airpods, earbuds, or headphones on school grounds?
AirPods, earbuds, and headphones are wireless communication devices and therefore are prohibited during the school day from the morning bell to the dismissal bell unless directed by the teacher solely for educational purposes.
Will accommodations be made for students with documented needs?
Students will not receive discipline if they use their cell phone or wireless communication device to monitor a health condition (such as diabetes) that is documented through medical records provided to the school including, but not limited to an IEP, a Section 504 Plan, or a Health Plan.
How can a parent or guardian contact their child during the school day?
A parent should call the school if they need to get a message to their child. School personnel will relay the information to the student. If it is an emergency, a student will be removed from class and directed to the nearest office to contact his/her parent.
How can a student contact their parent or guardian during the school day?
A student who has an emergency and needs to contact his/her parent or guardian can do so from the nearest office.
Parental Preferences:
Annual Updates and Consents
In our ongoing efforts to simplify and streamline your experience during the back-to-school season, we have digitized several required parental preference forms. Please review and complete these at your earliest convenience, as this information is vital for your student's safety and well-being while at school.
Emergency Medical Card
This form provides us with essential contact information, medical conditions, and emergency instructions for your child. Keeping this updated ensures we can respond quickly and appropriately in a medical situation.
Media Center Access and Book Check-out
This form allows parents to select their child’s media center access.
Consent for School-Based Healthcare Services
This form obtains the parental consent required by Florida Statute 1014.04 for students to access specific school-based healthcare services.
Nursing Assessment (use of the school clinic)
Health Screening
To complete these forms, please log in to your ParentVUE account. Once logged in, select "25-26 Annual Updates and Consents" to begin the process, if you have not done so already. You can find helpful guides below to walk you through the steps:
Should you have any questions regarding ParentVUE and completing these forms, please contact us to speak with the records secretary, Ms. Pam, who will assist you.
School Hours and Yearlong Calendars
Our school office hours are 7:30 am to 3:30. Student instructional time is from 8:30 am, when the tardy bell rings, until 2:42 pm, when students are dismissed. Students are permitted on campus for breakfast in the cafeteria at 8:05 am.
Please be aware that supervision by staff is not provided before 8:05 am or after 3:00 pm. Onsite before- and after-school care is provided by the YMCA for students in grades K-6 from 6:30 am until 6:00 pm. Click HERE for information about the YMCA program. Our YMCA Site Leader will be available at Orientation to answer any questions and facilitate sign-ups.
Click HERE to View the CCDS 2025-2026 Student Calendar
Click HERE to View the Clay Hill Elementary Calendar
School Meals
Clay Hill Elementary qualifies as a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school, and as such, ALL students receive FREE Breakfast and Lunch daily. No registration for free or reduced-priced meals is necessary for any student.
If you wish to provide your student with additional funds for the purchase of "extras," you may do so through MySchoolBucks. Click HERE to Access Elementary Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Don't Miss Notifications - Get the OneClay App!
Parents/Guardians will be able to login to Rooms and Messages on the OneClay app using the email/phone number on file in Synergy to access important updates from their student's teachers and staff. Invitations to Rooms in the OneClay App have been sent to legal parents/guardians. Please check your email or text messages for your personalized invitation. If you haven't received an invitation, it's likely due to outdated contact information in Synergy ParentVUE. You can click here for directions on how to update your contact information in ParentVUE or contact your student's school for assistance.
We're excited to offer this streamlined communication for the 2025-2026 school year! You can click here for more information about using the OneClay App, Rooms, and Messages.
Register to Volunteer TODAY!
Volunteers can assist before, during, or after school, and we know that our students are FAR more successful when we are blessed with strong engagement from our parents and caregivers!
CCDS Volunteer Registration is NOW available! Click the link below to access the CCDS Volunteer Information and Registration page!
Contact Us!
Clay Hill Elementary School
Email: adele.reed@myoneclay.net
Website: https://www.oneclay.net/che
Address: 6345 C.R. 218, Jacksonville, 32234
Phone: 904-336-0775 / Fax: 904-336-0777
