Welcome back! We hope you had a joyful and restful holiday season filled with memorable moments. As we step into the new year, we are excited to continue our journey of learning and growth together. The staff is eager to support our students in achieving their fullest potential while ensuring a safe and nurturing environment. We look forward to a semester filled with engaging activities, new challenges, and the joy of discovery. Please remember ALL students will report back to school on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. School starts at 7:45 a.m. and the tardy bell rings at 8:15 a.m.

Wishing you the BEST 2026!

Principal Faith Belle-Lucy

Congratulations to Gilliard Elementary School for maintaining an impressive 86% on the state report card! This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our teachers and students, who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and perseverance. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the parents who remained diligent in ensuring your children attended school regularly, allowing them to receive the necessary instruction to excel on their tests. Your continued support is invaluable, and we are truly grateful for your partnership in fostering a successful learning environment.

Please be reminded of the importance of adhering to our school's uniform policy. We have many students that have been arriving at school out of uniform. We kindly ask for your cooperation in ensuring that your child is in the correct school uniform each day. This helps maintain a focused and respectful learning environment for all students. We know that cold weather may be a factor and students will be allowed to dress in extra layers on these days. Notifications will be sent out when students are allowed to dress out of uniform during cold winter days.

Please be advised that starting January 6, 2026, students who do not comply with the uniform policy will face consequences as outlined in our school handbook. A copy of the current uniform policy is attached below for you to review. We appreciate your support and attention to this.

As part of our commitment to providing the best educational experience for your child, we want to emphasize the critical role that regular attendance plays in student success.

We have noticed some concerns regarding attendance and would like to work together to ensure that your child benefits fully from the educational opportunities available. Consistent attendance helps students stay engaged, keep up with their peers, and develop important social and academic skills.

Please be reminded that chronic absences, tardies, and early dismissals can result in your child having all extracurricular activities suspended until their attendance improves. If you are facing challenges that impact your child's attendance, please feel free to reach out to us. We are here to support you and find solutions that ensure your child can attend school regularly.

Any student owing late fees will not be allowed to participate in any paid school activities. If your child is dropped off too early and is unattended, they will be taken to Gator Care and a $10 fee will be assessed for each child. Also, if your child is picked up after 3:20 p.m. they will be taken to Gator Care and a $10 fee will be applied to each child. Please be sure you are dropping your child off at the correct time and picking them up on time. Thank you!

Students in grades 2nd through 5th will be taking ACAP Practice Test #2 on January 15th - January 22nd. It is crucial for students to arrive at school on time each day during this testing period. This practice test will provide valuable insights into how students might perform on the actual test scheduled for March. To encourage and motivate students, an incentive has been set up for those who attend school and put forth their best effort on the test. Please note that students who are not present for the test will not be eligible to participate in the incentive field trip, which will be provided at no cost to the students.

Parents, we ask for your support by ensuring that your child gets a good night's rest before each test day. Your child’s teacher will be in touch with specific details about the testing schedule. We appreciate your cooperation and thank you in advance for helping us make this testing period a success.

REVISED ACAP Practice Test #2 Schedule

Monday, January 19, 2026- NO School (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., holiday)

Tuesday, January 20, 2026- 2nd - 5th grade classes

Wednesday, January 21, 2026- 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grade classes (NO TESTING FOR 4TH GRADE)

Thursday, January 22, 2026- 2nd - 5th grade classes

Friday, January 23, 2026- 2nd - 5th grade classes

Monday, January 26, 2026- 2nd, 4th, and 5th grade classes (NO TESTING FOR 3RD GRADE)

Tuesday, January 27, 2026- 2nd and 3rd grade classes (NO TESTING FOR 4TH AND 5TH GRADE)

Wednesday, January 28, 2025- Ms. A. Williams 3rd grade block 2

You are invited to attend a parent meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 20th, at 4:00 PM, which will be held in the school gymnasium at Gilliard Elementary School. This meeting is specifically organized for parents of students in grades 2nd through 5th. During this session, we will be sharing crucial information regarding your child's academic success. Your participation is vital as we aim to support and enhance your child's educational journey effectively. Additionally, light refreshments will be provided to make your visit more enjoyable. We strongly encourage you to make plans to attend this important meeting. Your involvement plays a significant role in the continued success of our students.

Jan. 5th- Teacher Workday (No school for students)
Jan. 6th- 3rd Quarter Begins/Students return
Jan. 12th- Report Cards go home with students
Jan. 12th - March 13th- ACCESS testing for ELL students
Jan. 15th- Chronic Absence Attendance Check
Jan. 15th - 26th- ACAP Practice Test #2
Jan. 16th- 2nd quarter Honors Day Parade
Jan. 19th- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (NO SCHOOL)
Jan. 20th- 2nd - 5th grade Parent Meeting
Jan. 23rd- $1 Gator Ice/$2 Pizza
Jan. 30th- Last day to turn in money for Mardi Gras Court
Feb. 4th- IXL Admin and Student Luncheon
Feb. 6th- Pre-Valentine Dance (PreK- 2nd grade ONLY)
Feb. 10th- Class Picture Day
Feb. 12th- Mardi Gras Coronation
Feb. 13th- Mardi Gras Parade