NES Parent Newsletter 8/11/25

Dear NES Families,

What a wonderful Open House we had! It was such a joy to see so many smiling faces, meet new families, and welcome back our returning Tigers. We are excited for an amazing year ahead filled with learning, laughter, and growth.

As we get ready for the first day of school, here are a few important reminders:

• Student drop-off and supervision begins at 7:30 AM.

• The tardy bell rings at 8:10 AM.

• Parent walk-in days will be Monday, August 11th and Tuesday, August 12th.

  • Parents may walk their student to class between 7:50 AM and 8:09 AM.

  • Please say goodbyes at the classroom door so teachers can safely supervise all students in their care.

• If your student is having breakfast on campus, you may walk them to the cafeteria and say goodbyes at the cafeteria door. No parents may enter the cafeteria.

• All parents must exit campus prior to the 8:10 AM tardy bell.

• Parking: There is no parking in the bus loop at the front of the school.

• Safety: Please use the crosswalk with the crossing guard and enter through the pedestrian gate when arriving on campus.

We can’t wait to see all our Tigers bright and early on Monday, August 11th for the first day of school! Let’s make it a great year together.

With excitement,

August:

8/11: First Day of School

8/28: Picture Day

September:

09/01: No School/Holiday

09/07: Grandparent's Day

09/10: Progress Reports

09/11: Night of the Stars (invite only)

09/12: Early Release Day

09/15: No School/Teacher Plan Day

ARRIVAL

• Drop-off & supervision start at 7:30 AM.

• Students may go to classrooms at 7:50 AM for bell work.

• If a student brings breakfast from home, they must eat in the cafeteria.

• Class starts promptly at 8:10 AM.

Parent Drop-off Area (South Side Circle Drive):

• Drop students off with enough time to reach class before the bell.

• Pull all the way forward to keep traffic moving.

• Stay in your car – staff will help students exit safely.

• Only students should enter through the drop-off doors.

• Parents needing help should go to the front office.

• After the tardy bell, students must enter through the front office with a parent to sign them in.

Walking Students:

• Parents, please say goodbyes at the crosswalk gate with the crossing guard.

• No entry for adults through the pedestrian gate until after 8:10AM.

• If there is an urgent need prior to 8:10AM, please call the office.

Safety Reminders:

• No parking, cars, or walkers in the bus loop from 7:30–8:10 AM.

• Do not block the bus zone or student pickup entrance/exit.

DISMISSAL

• Students are dismissed at 2:50 PM.

• No changes to transportation after 2:30PM.

• You must display your school-issued Rider Card on your dashboard.

• Cards are given at Open House or the front office (with ID).

• If you don’t have a Rider Card (Lost or Forgotten):

• Pick up your child in the front office at 3:15 PM after car line ends.

• STUDENTS WILL NOT BE RELEASED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN THE RIDER LINE WITHOUT A RIDER CARD.

Parent Pickup Line:

• Enter through the southernmost gate and form a double line.

  • Left lane: child enters from passenger side.

  • Right lane: child enters from driver side.

• Pull as far forward as possible so we can load several cars at once.

• Students are called by name from your Rider Card and brought to your car.

• Stay in your lane – do not pass or switch lanes unless directed by staff.

• No walking into the pickup area or leaving your car.

Supervision ends at 3:15 PM.

• Please arrange After Care or other plans if you cannot pick up by then.

Visitor Parking:

• If meeting with a teacher or administrator, turn left into the parking lot and use the pedestrian walkway to the front office.

• No parking or pedestrians in the bus loop from 2:30–3:15 PM for safety.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at NES you will need to apply through the Okeechobee County Schools website. This link leads to the open positions available for Okeechobee County Schools. You will choose the option to "Search Current Job Openings". Once that page opens it will look like the screen below. You will then look for the Assignment Description "Volunteer" and the Location that lists the school you are volunteering at. Once you are approved through this process we can make arrangements for you to volunteer on NES campus.

Reminder, volunteers do not always have to work with students! If you are interested in volunteering to help with administrative tasks like laminating, cutting, copying, etc. or helping out with special events, please let us know! We are working to build strong family and community relationships and would love your involvement at NES to support staff and students!

Type in your address to find your bus stop for each school you may have a student attending. If you are attending on a zone waiver, bus transportation is not provided.

Click below for the NES Student-Parent Handbook. Printed version is available in the front office upon request.

1. Missed Lessons = Falling Behind: Even one day can mean missing critical instruction and activities, making it harder for your child to catch up.

2. Impact on Future Success: Consistent attendance is a strong predictor of academic achievement and future opportunities.

3. Building Resilience: Regular attendance teaches your child the value of perseverance and responsibility—essential skills for success in life.

4. Stronger Friendships: Daily presence helps your child develop and sustain friendships, which are crucial for emotional and social development.

5. Healthy Routine: Attending school every day establishes a stable routine, promoting better mental and physical health.

Breakfast:

Mon - pancakes, poptarts, cereal

Tues - French toast w/ sausage, dunkin sticks, cereal

Wed - chicken nuggets w/ biscuit, cinn swirl, cereal

Thurs - donut clusters, poptart, cereal

Fri - Egg & cheese croissant, cereal

Lunch:

Mon - Cheeseburger, pbj, meat stick snack bag

Tues - chicken patty on bun, burrito, ham & cheese on croissant

Wed - BBQ on bun, hot dog

Thurs - spaghetti, grill cheese, chicken & moz snack bag

Fri - Pizza, Pbj

FortifyFL is a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows you to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials.

By accessing FortifyFL, students can provide a description of the threat, share pics and videos and optionally submit their contact information.

Click the button above to access the online reporting link.

🎉We are loving our new app! ✨Access documents, news updates, and even emergency notifications, right from your pocket. Download for Android https://aptg.co/hJj62B Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/b6Km3j

NES Mission Statement:

North Elementary School will create a learning environment in which teachers and parents work together to enable each student to realize his/her potential. The school and its faculty will provide students with the best resources and instruction possible in order for them to be successful both in school, and later in life as thriving members of our society

NES Vision Statement:

Together: Achieving excellence, putting students first!