Greetings SME Families!
Hello! I am Tammy Boyd, your new School Principal! It is extremely exciting to be part of your amazing team here at San Mateo Elementary. I’ve had the privilege of meeting the faculty and looking forward to meeting individual teachers later in July.
Here is a little bit about me. I have worked as a principal here in Duval County for the past 17 years throughout 5 schools and have over 25 years’ experience in the Duval County School District. My motto and passion have remained the same throughout every school I have worked in – Every Child Comes First! I dedicate myself daily to ensuring the success of every student entrusted in our care. It is truly a joy to watch children grow and succeed in a positive school environment.
When I am not working, I am spending time with my husband, our four children, and our three beautiful grandchildren.
On July 18 at 5:30 p.m. there will be a “Principal Meet and Greet,” opportunity for parents and community members in our cafeteria. I cannot wait to meet my students at orientation on August 9th.
This year will be a tidal wave of continuous success with our Loyal Lions at San Mateo!
Yours in education,
Tammy H. Boyd
First Day of School!
The first day of school for students is Monday, August 12th. We will start accepting students on campus at 8:00am. School begins at 8:30am.
Parents will be allowed to walk students to class the first two days of school. Beginning Wednesday, August14, we ask that students walk independently to their classrooms. We will have patrols and staff members positioned throughout the building at arrival/dismissal locations to assist students in finding their classrooms.
Teacher Assignments!
You will be able to view your child's teacher assignment the week of August 5th in FOCUS. In order to see your child's schedule and teacher, you will need a parent FOCUS account. Your child's teacher can be found under their schedule. This account will also allow you to view your child's grades throughout the year and make updates to your contact and emergency pickup information. Please log in before school starts and ensure all of your information is updated.
Please note that although you may see schedules prior, due to enrollment and the leveling of classes, class schedules will not be finalized and may change until the week of August 12th.
Breakfast & Lunch Information
The DCPS Food Service Department is pleased to announce that for the 2024-2025 school year, every public school in DCPS will be a part of the Community Eligibility Provision program. Under CEP, school meals are available to all students at no cost to them.
The CEP program has benefits for both students and schools!
- Kids get free meals – and when their nutritional needs are met, a student is more attentive in class, has better attendance, and may have fewer disciplinary problems.
- CEP promotes equity by eliminating the out-of-pocket costs for families.
Free and Reduced applications are not required and will not be processed.
Breakfast will be served from 8:30am to 8:45 daily in the classroom for Grades K-3. For 4th & 5th Grade students breakfast will be served in the cafeteria from 8:00-8:30 daily.
Early Check Out Policy!
As a reminder, students will not be released after 2:15 PM or after 12:15 PM on Early Release days, per DCPS policy. In addition, please reserve early pick up for days when it is absolutely needed. We understand that appointments and emergencies come up at times but please ensure your child is in school the entire day when possible.
Register for Bus Transportation!
All students who will ride a bus to and/or from school this year need to be registered for bus transportation. This can be done following the steps on the link below through your parent FOCUS account. Bus routes will be created based on addresses of students riding so please sign up as early as possible and make sure your address is correct in FOCUS. Once available, you will also be able to view your child's bus stop information in your parent FOCUS account. Make sure to register each child that will be riding.
Pik My Kid Dismissal System!
We will use PikMyKid again this year for dismissal. All families should download the app. This will allow you to have access to change your child's dismissal, who is allowed to pick up and see when your child is dismissed from school. All changes must be completed by 2:00pm daily. Due to safety considerations, we will not take any dismissal changes by phone throughout the day.
Arrival and Dismissal!
Arrival will begin at 8:00am daily. Dismissal begins at 2:40 pm daily. As a reminder, the car rider line/gate will close at 3:00pm daily. Please make sure you are in line before 3:00pm this to help us get all students dismissed on time. Be mindful that the first few days of school will take a little longer as we get parents and students acclimated to our procedures. We appreciate your patience as we ensure the safe arrival and dismissal of all students.
Car Riders will be dropped off and picked up in the car loop (second loop in front of the school) located Baisden Road. Please do not drop children off in the bus loop.
Walkers: In the morning, walkers should be escorted to the front office doors by a parent or guardian. Students who are walkers at dismissal will be release from the gates at the north end of the school at 3:00 daily. Parents who are meeting their children should wait for them outside the gate in front of the school. A staff member will walk students out.
Bus Riders: Please make sure your child knows their bus number AND bus stop location. We recommend writing this down and putting it in their bookbag in addition to communicating this information to their teacher. All kindergarten bus riders MUST have a KG Bus Form filled out and on file in the office. KG students will not be allowed to ride the bus without this completed form.
Volunteers Needed!
Classroom volunteers may return to our classrooms on an as needed basis. If the teacher needs a volunteer, he/she will reach out to families. Volunteers may not bring younger siblings to LSE when they volunteer. If you would like to be a volunteer in our school when needed, please make sure you have filled out the volunteer information at https://dcps.duvalschools.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=29120 or click the icon below.
A volunteer application is good for two years. The same application is needed for those wishing to volunteer in the classroom, chaperone field trips and eat lunch with their child on campus. We encourage any parents, grandparents or other family members who may want to get involved at LSE to fill out this application as early as possible in the school year. Applications can take up to a few weeks to be approved.
School Advisory Council
What is SAC?
A School Advisory Council is an elected committee made up of parents, staff, administrators, businesses, community members and students (in secondary schools) who work together to help a school improve. By state law, school boards must establish an advisory council for each school.Become a SAC member!
Get involved! Being a School Advisory Council member is a good way to be an important part of your child's education. Please contact Tammy Boyd at habermant@duvalschools.org for more information.
Our First SAC Meeting?
August 29th at 5:30 in SME Library
Meetings are held in the SME Media Center
Fortify FL
FortifyFL is a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows you to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials. Visit https://getfortifyfl.com/ to submit a tip online or download the FortifyFL app.
Business Partners Needed!
We need you! Interested in being a business partner here at SME? Our business partners are invaluable here at SME. If you own or manage a business and would like to learn more about the perks of being a SME business partner, please reach out to Mrs. Griffin at (904)696-8750 or GriffinD@duvalschools.org
