ESE August 2026

At Eighth Street Elementary, we inspire all students to achieve at the highest levels through rigorous learning, meaningful relationships, and a culture of high expectations.

Eighth Street Elementary is committed to academic excellence by providing rigorous instruction, fostering a growth mindset, and empowering every student to reach their full potential in a safe and supportive learning environment.

Dear Eighth Street Community,

I am truly honored and excited to introduce myself as your principal and a member of the Eighth Street team. I bring 16 years of experience with MCPS, having worked across elementary, middle, and high school levels. These experiences have shaped my strong belief in the importance of building meaningful relationships, maintaining high expectations, and fostering a supportive school community where everyone feels valued.

From the moment I arrived, it was clear that Eighth Street is a special place. The traditions, pride, and strong sense of community here are truly something to celebrate. I want to be very clear—my goal is not to change what already makes Eighth Street great, but to support, strengthen, and contribute to the incredible work already taking place each and every day.

I would also like to congratulate our students, staff, families, and community on Eighth Street Elementary earning an "A" school grade for the 2025–2026 school year. This achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and commitment of everyone who plays a role in the success of our school. More importantly, it is the latest chapter in Eighth Street's longstanding tradition of excellence. While we are proud of this accomplishment, we know that excellence is not a destination—it is a continuous journey. Together, we will build on this momentum, continue to raise expectations, and ensure that every student has the opportunities and support needed to thrive.

I am here for you. If you ever have a question, concern, or idea, please do not hesitate to reach out. Open communication and collaboration are essential as we work together to ensure the success of every student.

As we begin the year, you will notice a few new communication tools, including this monthly digital newsletter and an official school Facebook page. These platforms are designed to help keep everyone informed and connected. Please note that this page is separate from the wonderful PTO Eighth Street Facebook page—both serve valuable and unique purposes, and I encourage you to stay engaged with each.

I look forward to a fantastic year ahead and feel grateful to be part of such an amazing community. Thank you for welcoming me to Eighth Street. Together, we will honor the legacy of excellence that defines this school while continuing to create new opportunities for success for all students.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Johnson

Principal, Eighth Street Elementary & Osceola Middle School

2026-2027 School Supply Lists

Be sure to follow the Eighth Street Elementary School Facebook page!

PM 1 Testing Information

August 7, 2026

August 10, 2026

August 18, 2026

August 24-28, 2026

August 27, 2026

Student Day 8:00 AM - 2:35 PM

7:40 AM Student allowed on campus

7:40-7:55 AM Breakfast served (free for all students)

7:55 AM Warning Bell

8:00 AM Class begins

2:05 PM Early Sign Out Ends

2:35 PM Dismissal

Teacher Day 7:30 AM - 3:15 PM

School Office Hours 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM

MAP AM 6:30 AM-7:40 AM

MAP PM 2:35 PM-6:00 PM

Early Release Dismissal 12:35 PM

Eighth Street Elementary Parent & Student Handbook

2026-2027 MCPS Student Code of Conduct

The student school day runs from 8:00 A.M. to 2:35 P.M. Students may arrive as early as 7:40 at which time they can eat breakfast. A student is considered late after 8:00 A.M. All students will be dismissed at 2:35. Students who are tardy, or who are checked out early, more than 10 times are referred to the school counselor.

Good attendance is essential for satisfactory progress in school. A note from home, signed by the parent, is required within three days following each absence. In cases of excessive absences due to illness, a doctor’s excuse is necessary.

If you are requesting an “Advanced Absence” approval for your child, you must fill out the advanced absence form, and the principal will review your child’s attendance and grades before granting the approval. The attendance guidelines can be found in the student code of conduct. No emails will be accepted. The criteria for what may constitute as an excused absence versus an unexcused absence is determined by the district and can be found in the MCPS Student Code of Conduct.

The responsibility for making up missed work rests with the student and parent. Parents are asked to give the school TWENTY-FOUR HOURS NOTICE prior to picking up missed work. Students are given one day for each day of absence to make up the missed work.

If a student is tardy, he/she must report to the Front Office and receive a pass to class. Parents must leave the student in the office where they will report to class with as little disruption as possible.

If you are checking your child out of school for an appointment at the end of the day, you must arrive prior to 2:05 p.m. Please remember that an early check out is considered as a tardy. An emergency must be approved by an administrator. A photo ID is required of any adult checking out a student.

Your child's daily, on-time attendance is critical to their success in school. Students learn best when they are present in the classroom — every minute matters, now more than ever.

A student is considered chronically absent if they miss just two days of school per month — that’s 18 days in a year — whether the absences are excused or unexcused. Even one year of chronic absence can cause a student to fall behind academically and significantly decrease their chances of graduating from high school. This can have lasting effects on their financial independence, physical well-being, and mental health.

The good news? Attending school every day greatly increases a child’s chances of success — both in school and in life. "Showing Up Together!" will improve school attendance when students, families, and schools work as a team to make regular attendance a priority.

🚗CAR LINE ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL🚗

A PERSON MAY NOT OPERATE A MOTOR VEHICLE WHILE USING A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE IN A HANDHELD MANNER IN A DESIGNATED SCHOOL CROSSING, SCHOOL ZONE, OR WORK ZONE AREA AS DEFINED IN S. 316.003(109).

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2020, A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER MAY STOP MOTOR VEHICLES AND ISSUE CITATIONS TO PERSONS WHO ARE DRIVING WHILE USING A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE IN A HANDHELD MANNER IN VIOLATION OF SUBPARAGRAPH 1.

ANY USE OF CELL PHONES AND BLUETOOTH ARE NOT ALLOWED WHILE DROPPING OFF OR PICKING UP YOUR CHILD. IF YOU ARE ON THE CELL PHONE IN CAR LINE, WE WILL ASK YOU TO TERMINATE YOUR CALL. This is done for the safety of staff and students.

DROP-OFF:

Students may be dropped off beginning at 7:40 a. m in the carline on Tuscawilla. PLEASE BE COURTEOUS AND PATIENT. PLEASE DO NOT COME UP SIDE ROADS AND TRY TO ENTER THE LINE FROM THOSE POINTS. Please have student’s items gathered and have student ready to leave the car as soon as the door is opened. Parents should not walk up to the campus gates. Students should remain in their vehicle and a staff member will assist the child.

PICK-UP:

Carline will form a single line. DO NOT BLOCK ROADWAY!!! Please wait for direction from staff to form 2 lines. Left lane MUST turn left and Right Lane MUST turn right. Students will be called to a cone and loaded by an adult. Do NOT get out of vehicle. Staff will be directing traffic.

When you change the means of transportation for your student, you are required to send a note with your signature explaining the change. If you have forgotten to give your child a note, you can email Mrs. Tidwell at Jessica.Tidwell@marion.k12.fl.us or call the school with the change of transportation. We cannot be assured that your child’s teacher will read the emails or messages before dismissal. This is to protect your child. (Please be sure to notify your child’s teacher at the start of the year if he/she is going to going to be a car rider, walker, go home via a daycare provider, or attend extended day.)

If your child is not at the car line and /or is not paying attention when his/her name is called, you may be asked to go around and get into the back of the car line. In order to pick up a student in car line, parents must display the school issued car rider sign in the front window for the staff to see, please leave the sign up until your child is safely in the vehicle.

🚶🏻‍♀️Walking Perimeter🚶🏻‍♂️

In order to improve student safety and ensure a smooth dismissal for all families, we have implemented a perimeter requirement for those requesting a walk-up card. Only families who live within the designated walk zone will be eligible to receive a walk-up card. This change helps us manage foot traffic more efficiently and ensures that walk-up dismissal remains safe and organized for everyone involved.

We appreciate your cooperation on this matter.

Walkers must live between:

Fort King Street

SE 9th Ave. & Victoria Villas Apartments

SE 10th Street

SE 3rd Ave. & Lamplighter Apartments

Click the form below for instruction on the My Ride K-12 Mobile App!

Communication is a top priority for us here at Eighth Street, and it is an essential part of the strong partnership we share as we work together for the success of our students. If you ever have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are always here to listen, support, and help. For concerns that may be broader in scope, you are also welcome to contact school administration directly.

The Marion County School District does not discriminate on the basis of race (including anti-Semitism), ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability (including HIV, AIDS, or sickle cell trait), pregnancy, religion, marital status, age (except as authorized by law), military status, ancestry, or genetic information, which are classes protected by State and/or Federal law (collectively, "protected classes") in its educational programs, services or activities, or in its hiring or employment practices as required by Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, Age Discrimination Act of 1967, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Florida Educational Equity Act of 1984. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission or participation. The District also provides equal access to its facilities for the Boy Scouts and other patriotic youth groups, as required by the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act.

Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination which is against the law and School Board Policies 1362, 2266, 3362, 4362, and 5517. The District will not tolerate sexual harassment activity by any of its members of the school district community, including students, employees, and third parties pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX Rules and Regulations.

Questions, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding discrimination or harassment may be sent to the below designated personnel at 1614 E. Fort King Street, Ocala, FL 34471. Retaliation against an individual who files a report is also prohibited.

ADA, Employee Title IX Coordinator, and Employment Compliance:
Dawana Gary, Director of Employee Relations
Phone: (352) 671-7711; Email address: Dawana.Gary@marion.k12.fl.us

Section 504 Compliance:
Anna Williams-Jones, Director of Exceptional Student Education
Phone: (352) 671-6832; Email address: Anna.Williams-Jones@marion.k12.fl.us

Student Title IX Complaints:
John Kerley, Director of Student Discipline
Phone: (352) 671-7790; Email address: John.Kerley@marion.k12.fl.us

The Nondiscrimination Statement is also available in Spanish.

Policy 1122: Nondiscrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity

Policy 2260: Nondiscrimination and Access to Equal Educational Opportunity

EEOC Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal Posting

Notificación continua de no discriminación/Prohibición de acoso

El Distrito Escolar del Condado de Marion no discrimina por motivos de raza (incluido el antisemitismo), etnia, color, origen nacional, sexo, orientación sexual, discapacidad (incluido el VIH, el SIDA o el rasgo de células falciformes), embarazo, religión, estado civil, edad (excepto según lo autorizado por la ley), estado militar, ascendencia o información genética, que son clases protegidas por la ley estatal y / o federal (colectivamente, "clases protegidas") en sus programas, servicios o actividades educativas, o en sus prácticas de contratación o empleo según lo requerido por el Título IX, el Título VI, el Título VII de la Ley de Discriminación por Edad de 1967, la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades de 1990 y la Ley de Equidad Educativa de Florida de 1984. La falta de habilidades en el idioma inglés no será una barrera para la admisión o participación. El Distrito también proporciona igualdad de acceso a sus instalaciones a los Boy Scouts y otros grupos juveniles patrióticos, como lo requiere la Ley de Acceso Igualitario de los Boy Scouts of America.

El acoso sexual es una forma de discriminación que va en contra de la ley y de las Políticas 1362, 2266, 3362, 4362 y 5517 de la Junta Escolar. El Distrito no tolerará actividades de acoso sexual por parte de ninguno de sus miembros de la comunidad del distrito escolar, incluidos estudiantes, empleados y terceros de conformidad con el Título VII de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 y las Reglas y Reglamentos del Título IX.

Las preguntas, quejas o solicitudes de información adicional con respecto a la discriminación o el acoso pueden enviarse al personal designado a continuación en 1614 E. Fort King Street, Ocala, FL 34471. También se prohíben las represalias contra una persona que presente una denuncia.

ADA, Título IX y Cumplimiento de Equidad: Dawana Gary, Ed.S., Directora, Equidad y Cumplimiento Teléfono: (352) 671-7711; Dirección de correo electrónico: dawana.gary@marion.k12.fl.us

Cumplimiento de la Sección 504: Anna Williams-Jones, M.A.Ed., Directora, Educación para Estudiantes Excepcionales Teléfono: (352)671-6832; Dirección de correo electrónico: anna.williams-jones@marion.k12.fl.us

Quejas estudiantiles sobre el Título IX: John Kerly, Director of Student Discipline

Phone: (352) 236-0536; Email address: John.Kerley@marion.k12.fl.us