Dear CHE Parents,
The first day of school is nearly here! Check out this month's Bulldog BARK! for August events and plan for an amazing start to the school year!
August 2025
First Day of School: August 11, 2025
The first day of school is nearly here! Plan ahead now to make it a success!
Parents/guardians are encouraged and welcome 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 11th and Tuesday, August 12th.
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.
We hope all our families will join us for our student/teacher Orientation event, on Friday, August 8. KONA Ice will be on site to offer cool, refreshing shaved ice treats at great prices!
Orientation Times:
Pre-K - 12:15-1:00 pm, in classrooms
Kdg - 6th Grade: 1:00-2:00 pm, in classrooms
During Orientation, students and parents will have the opportunity to visit their classrooms and get acclimated to various areas of the campus, pick up school supplies, get assistance with Rooms (the new CCDS communications system), acquire bus information, learn about parent involvement opportunities and school initiatives, and learn about our robust Title I program. Students will be able to drop off their personal school supplies in their classrooms during Orientation to "lighten the load" on the first day, if desired.
IF YOUR CHILD WILL BE A CAR RIDER, BE SURE TO VISIT ROOM 610 DURING ORIENTATION TO PICK UP YOUR CAR TAG. YOUR CHILD CANNOT BE RELEASED TO YOU WITHOUT YOUR CAR TAG!
FREE Haircuts - Still Available!
We are excited to offer FREE, quick haircuts for students enrolled at CHE for the 2025-2026 school year during Orientation this year, through our partnership with our friends at Friends Day Spa & Salon in Middleburg! While we wish we had the capacity for all students to take advantage of this opportunity, quick haircuts are only available until all appointment slots are filled. A limited number of stylists will provide services during each appointment time below. Thank you for your understanding and prompt arrival at your child's haircut appointment time. Haircut services will be in room 608 during Orientation on Friday, August 8. If you attempt to complete the form and see few/no options appear, then the appointment times have already been filled.
We will reach out to let you know that your appointment has been booked.
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.
This new system will help us accurately identify students who need transportation and support the development of more efficient bus routes as our county continues to grow. We understand that transitioning to new systems, including a new app, may require some adjustments. However, your cooperation is essential in ensuring we continue to provide safe and reliable transportation for all students. During this transition, please note that if your child is moving to a new school, has changed their address, or is enrolled in a Summer School Program, registration will not be available until the third week of July.
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!
CHIPMUNK CODE: 28465
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!
BE SURE TO PICK UP YOUR CAR RIDER TAG in Room 608 DURING ORIENTATION IF YOU'LL BE PICKING UP YOUR CHILD FROM SCHOOL!
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!RW Flyer
August Events:
Friday, Aug. 8:
-Kona Ice at CHE, 12:00 pm
-PK Orientation, 12:15 pm
-K-6 Orientation, 1:00 pm
Monday, Aug. 11:
-First Day of School
Friday, Aug. 15:
-Bulldog Pride Day: Wear a CHE shirt or school colors!
Friday, Aug. 22:
-Bulldog Pride Day: Wear a CHE shirt or school colors!
Thursday, Aug. 28:
-School Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting, 3:15 pm
Friday, Aug. 29:
-College Colors Day: Wear your Collegiate Gear!
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 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
Florida Statute 1014, titled “Parents’ Bill of Rights,” requires parental consent to and oversight or acknowledgement of a variety of items related to your child's enrollment in school, including clinic care and library media access levels. Please be sure to set your parental preferences in ParentVue through the Registration link in the app and update your preferences for the 25-26 school year.
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.
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.
Don't Miss Notifications - Get the OneClay App!
Download the OneClay App and be sure to activate your Rooms account! Rooms will allow you to receive messages from your child's teacher and the CHE administrative team in the upcoming year. To activate your Rooms account, download the OneClay app, toggle the "switch" at the top, and enter your phone number to be connected to your child and Clay Hill Elementary!
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
