Heights Happenings

Our Mission: Heights Elementary IB World School is dedicated to developing balanced, lifelong learners through educational excellence, a global perspective, reflection and action.

Our Vision: To Be A World Class School.

School Hours: 8:40am—3:10 pm

Doors open for students: 8:15 am

Breakfast: 8:15-8:35 am

Heights Contact Information:

Address: 15200 Alexandria Ct. Ft. Myers, FL 33908

Telephone: 239.481.1761 Fax:239.481.3154

Website: het.leeschools.net

Twitter: @HeightsIB

Facebook: Heights Elementary

Instagram: heightselementary

Dean of Students: Bryanna Van Helden

School Counselor: Janelle Du Preez

IB PYP Coordinator: Kate Kebhart

Reading Coach Kg-2nd grade: Katie Bocchino

Reading Coach 3rd-5th grade: Mekenzie Trina

Math Coach: Natasha Edinger

504 Accommodations and Intervention Specialist: Mekenzie Trina

After School Program: Lisa McElyea

Contact information Changes: Jen Kurowski

Transportation: Bryanna Van Helden

Gifted testing: Lisa Alexander

Clinic: Nurse Carey and Noelia Feliciano

August 5th: Meet The Teacher Open House

• 12:00-1:00 Last name A-G
• 1:30-2:30 Last name H-N
• 3:00-4:00 Last name O-T
• 4:30-5:30 Last name U-Z

August 27th: Volunteer Breakfast (9:00 am)

August 28th: PTA General Meeting (9:00 am)

Sept. 1st: Heights SAC Meeting (9:00 am)

Do you have a Focus Account? If not, it's important that you sign up. There are many forms that are required to be signed before getting your child's schedule or in order to ensure your child can receive care at the school clinics. Plus, get access to grades, attendance, and much more. Sign up today: https://www.leeschools.net/our_schools/focus

We can’t wait to welcome our students back to campus! To help make the first week of school safe, smooth, and enjoyable for everyone, please keep these important arrival details in mind:

🚶 Walking Your Student to Class

• First Day Only: Parents are welcome to walk their students directly to class on the first day of school only. Starting on day two, campus will transition to standard student drop-off.

• ID & Visitor Pass Required: Safety comes first! Any parent entering campus on the first day must present a valid driver's license to receive a required visitor’s pass.

⚡ Pro-Tip: Skip the Long Line! You can bypass the long check-in line on the first morning by picking up your "Heights Fast Pass" at our Meet The Teacher Open House on August 5th. Make sure you have your driver's license at the Meet the Teacher Event.

🚗 Parking & Drop-Off

• Expect Morning Delays: Parking and drop-off lines will be particularly challenging during the first couple of days as everyone adjusts to the new routine.

• Pack Your Patience: Please plan for extra time in the morning, follow traffic guides, and pack a little extra patience as we get off to a great start.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school safe and secure. We look forward to seeing you soon!

When: Thursday, August 27th at 9:00 a.m.

RSVP By: Monday, August 24th (via QR code)

Volunteers are an integral part of the Heights family! Join us for a light breakfast, learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities for the entire school year, and get details on the district-required approval process. Remember, volunteers must complete this process each school year (approved volunteers from last school year will not be approved until completing the 26-27 approval process).

We couldn't do this job without you and hope to see you there!

For questions, please reach out to Bryanna Van Helden at bryannanv@leeschools.net.

1. Contact Heights and Request an Initial/Change Bus Stop Request (School's submit via Online to Transportation)
2. After verifying the information on the form, the school will approve or deny the request based upon School Board policy. If the request falls within the parameters of the School Board policies, it will then be forwarded to the transportation routing department.
3. The routing department reviews the request to ensure that it meets district, state, and federal guidelines.
4. The school is notified if the request has been approved or denied via email.
5. The school will notify the parents of the outcome.

Download the district app to locate your student's assigned bus before school and after school

1. Contact Heights and Request an Initial/Change Bus Stop Request (School's submit via Online to Transportation)
2. After verifying the information on the form, the school will approve or deny the request based upon School Board policy. If the request falls within the parameters of the School Board policies, it will then be forwarded to the transportation routing department.
3. The routing department reviews the request to ensure that it meets district, state, and federal guidelines.
4. The school is notified if the request has been approved or denied via email.
5. The school will notify the parents of the outcome.

All campus visitors will need to show their ID at the door and also to receive a visitor pass. Based on the School District of Lee County safety procedures, we are ONLY allowed to accept physical forms of ID when you show up on campus. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept picture IDs on a cell phone or from the Florida Real ID website. Thank you for your understanding and helping to keep our campus safe.

At Heights Elementary, we are proud to offer FREE breakfast and lunch to all students every day!

• Breakfast is served in the cafeteria from 8:15 AM to 8:35 AM—a great way to start the day with energy and focus.

• Lunch is enjoyed in the cafeteria daily with classmates, creating a time to refuel and connect.

We believe that well-nourished students are ready to learn and grow. We’re excited to provide healthy meals to support your child’s success!

Walking students to class will only take place on the first day of school. Our PreK and Social Communication families are still permitted to park and walk their student to the front door where their teacher will meet you and the student each morning. We understand this is an inconvenience for many families but we want to try our best to make sure we have a safe start to the school year.

Due to a single entry point for both school buses and Heights families, morning traffic can be heavy. Your continued patience and cooperation help us ensure a smooth and safe drop-off for all students.

⏰ Student Supervision Guidelines
In accordance with Florida State Statute 1003.31, school authorities are responsible for supervising students no longer than 30 minutes before or after school hours or authorized school-sponsored activities. Therefore, parents cannot rely on school supervision outside of these limits.

🚘 Our Drop-Off Line is Designed with These Goals in Mind:

1. Maintain a smooth and steady traffic flow at both the bus ramp and front entrance areas.

2. Provide parents with flexibility in choosing either drop-off location.

3. Enhance safety by reducing the need for staff to direct traffic during peak times.

As you enter campus, please merge one car at a time and proceed to the 3-way stop. From there, follow the posted signage to complete your drop-off safely and efficiently.

To ensure a smooth and safe dismissal each afternoon, we appreciate your cooperation with the following procedures:

🚗 Dismissal Line Procedures
During dismissal, please line up behind the designated sign until directed to move forward by a Heights staff member. This helps keep traffic organized and students safe.

🏷️ Car Tags Required
For the safety of all students, a Heights car tag is required when picking up your child during dismissal or from the after-school program. Heights families will receive their car tags during the Meet The Teacher Event.

• No car tag? Please park in the visitor lot and proceed to the front office with your driver’s license for ID verification.

🚘 Pick-Up Locations
Drivers may be directed to either the front of the school or the bus ramp area. Both locations operate the same way for student pick-up.

👉 Please remain in your vehicle while waiting—students will be brought out to you.

All Heights Parent Pick up students should be picked up by 3:30.

We understand it is not always easy to find a parking spot, especially during busy times. Whether it’s the heat, the rain, or you're just in a hurry, it can be tempting to quickly use a handicap space. But for individuals with disabilities, these designated spaces are essential for safe and accessible entry.

Imagine needing extra space to exit a vehicle with mobility equipment or walking a long distance with a child who has a disability. These spots aren’t just convenient—they’re necessary.

🌟 Let’s show kindness and consideration by keeping handicap spaces available for those who truly need them.
Please only use these spaces if you have a valid placard, permit, or license plate. Parking in these areas without proper identification is not only inconsiderate, but it’s also against the law and could result in a fine.

Thank you, Heights families, for being respectful and thoughtful when visiting our campus. A small act of courtesy can make a big difference for others.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme is a curriculum framework designed for students aged 3 to 12. The PYP transdisciplinary framework focuses on the development of the whole child and an inquirer, both at school and beyond.

Check out the Heights IB Website: Click here

As IB learners we strive to be inquirers. We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.

This IB learner profile is one of 10 attributes recognized and valued by IB World Schools. We believe these attributes, and others like them, can help individuals and groups become responsible members of local, national and global communities.

• Visit places that spark inquiry like a museum, park or nature preserve.
• Explore the areas of your child's interest by visiting the library to borrow books.
• Develop an understanding of the Internet. Work with your son or daughter when the Internet is being used and try to instill the understanding that some internet sites are not reputable.
• Model being an inquirer. Ask questions and wonder!
• Praise your child for asking a question.
• Have your child jot down their wonders in a journal. Spend time researching these wonders!

At Heights Elementary, we take pride in maintaining a clean, respectful, and distraction-free learning environment—for both our campus and our students. We believe that appropriate attire helps students focus on learning and supports a positive school culture.

Responsibility for student dress rests with the parent/guardian and the student. The principal (or designee) has the authority to interpret and enforce these guidelines in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and Florida State Statute.

👟 Footwear Expectations

• Students must wear closed-toe sneakers or tennis shoes every day.

• Shoes must be secure on the foot and appropriate for daily activities, including PE and recess.

• Crocs, flip-flops, slides, slippers, high heels, and platform shoes are not permitted.

👕 What Students May Wear:

• Pants or jeans that fit properly and are fastened at the waist when needed.

• Shirts that are school-appropriate (no see-through or open-sided shirts).

• Clothing that does not display profanity, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, graphic violence, or inappropriate symbols.

• Shorts that are fingertip length or longer.

• Skirts or dresses that fall below the fingertips when arms are held at the sides.

🚫 Items to Avoid:

• Oversized clothing (e.g., baggy pants, unfastened overalls, pants worn below the waist)

• Costumes, capes, gloves, or character masks (except on designated spirit days)

• Tank tops with thin straps, halter tops, strapless tops, low-cut tops, or bare midriffs

• Pajamas or backless dresses/tops

• Ripped, torn, or intentionally altered clothing

• Makeup, glitter, body paint/writing, or fake fingernails

• Excessively large or distracting jewelry

• Hats, hair nets, or any head coverings not related to religious or medical reasons

• Chains, studded accessories, or other potentially dangerous items

• Any clothing or accessories promoting illegal activity or discriminating against others

📝 Important Reminders:

• This list is not all-inclusive. Fashion trends change, and the school reserves the right to determine what is appropriate for a safe and focused learning environment.

• According to Florida State Statute, clothing that exposes underwear or body parts in an indecent or vulgar manner is not permitted.

• The principal has final discretion regarding what is deemed appropriate for school.

The School District of Lee County is committed to being a world-class school system with a focus on improved student achievement so that all students meet or exceed rigorous standards. In order to meet this goal, the primary objective is to fully develop each student’s potential for learning while cultivating positive interpersonal relationships. These skills build a foundation for students to obtain academic, personal, and civic competencies necessary to become productive citizens.

The School District of Lee County has developed the Code of Conduct for Students to clearly communicate the behavioral expectations and support students in making decisions that result in positive outcomes. The Code of Conduct for Students is the District’s policy that creates a safe learning environment to ensure academic success. To accomplish this objective, it is necessary that the school environment be a safe and supportive community. The culture should be one that embraces diversity, civility, and academic achievement among all members of the school community to ensure that individuals feel valued, cared for, and respected. Click here to view the Code of Conduct for Students.

District 1 - Samuel Fisher

District 2 - Melisa W. Giovannelli

District 3 - William F. Ribble Jr., Board Vice Chair

District 4 - Debbie Jordan

District 5 - Armor Persons, Board Chair

District 6 - Jada Langford-Fleming

District 7 - Vanessa M. Chaviano

Superintendent -Denise M. Carlin, Ed.D