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.

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! I hope you all had a restful and relaxing summer. We are thrilled to share that Heights Elementary is an "A" school! This incredible achievement is a testament to the hard work of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the unwavering support of our families.

In just a short time, our hallways will be filled with the energy, laughter, and curiosity of our amazing students, and we couldn’t be more ready to welcome them back to campus.

This year, our school-wide focus is "Anchored in Excellence... Sailing Towards Greatness." At Heights, we will continue to focus on creating a positive learning environment where every student is supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential. Whether it’s academic achievement, social-emotional growth, or personal discovery, our dedicated staff is committed to ensuring your student's journey this year is filled with purpose and success.

We are incredibly proud of the strong partnerships we share with our families. We know that when we work together, truly incredible things happen. Thank you for your continued support and for trusting us with your student's education.

Let’s make this school year our best one yet. We can’t wait to see you soon and begin this journey together!

With Panther Pride,

Doug Palow

Principal

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

Heights students and families will be able to view their class assignment (Assigned teacher and classroom) through FOCUS starting Saturday, August 1st after 10:00 am. Classroom assignments will also be available at the Meet Your Teacher Open House on August 5th.

Heights Families: 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

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

Heights Elementary IB World School Values the IB Learner Profile Attributes:

Inquirers

Knowledgeable

Thinkers

Communicators

Principled

Open-Minded

Caring

Risk-Takers

Balanced

Reflective

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to remind families that students are welcome to bring water bottles to school to stay hydrated throughout the day. To help prevent spills and maintain a safe learning environment, all water bottles must have a secure, closing lid. Water bottles with straws are not permitted, as they tend to spill more easily.

We strongly recommend plastic water bottles with closing lids, as these are compatible with our school's weapon detection system. Please note: only water is allowed in water bottles.

Thank you for helping us keep our school safe, clean, and focused on learning!

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.

Positive Attitude, Act Responsibility, Work Together, & Show Respect! This year at Heights the staff will focus on creating a positive a learning environment for all of our students through the PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports) framework. The goal of PBIS is to create a positive school climate, in which students learn and grow. School climate has bearing on attendance rates, academic achievement, and graduation rates. We want to make sure that all of students have the opportunity to be successful academically, socially, and emotionally. So ask your student about PAWS and how it is used in their classroom.

The goal of positive behavior support is to create an environment that enhances the growth of ALL of our students. As a school, we are always looking for new and engaging ways to help teach kindness, positivity, and teamwork. The PBIS “House” system will foster a deeper opportunity for our students to develop and exhibit each of these character traits. Each student (and staff member) will be randomly assigned to a LiveSchool “house”. Our houses will be led by teachers and staff members throughout our school campus. Each time students earn individual points; it will add to their collective house point total. Each month we will get to celebrate the house that has earned the most points (for showing positive behaviors and exhibiting their PAWS expectations, of course!) Each “house” is designated color and character word. These color houses bring about camaraderie, competition, and SO MUCH FUN for every student and staff member in our school! Below you can see the shields for each of our 8 houses. Your child will find out what house they belong to at Meet Your Teacher Open House (Aug.5th). Heights students returning from last year will remain in the same House. All Heights families will have the option to purchase a house t-shirt online. We will have more information at the Meet The Teacher event. Every Wednesday is designated house day in which students will wear their color house shirts. We can’t wait to see the fun, healthy completion and positive behaviors shining.

Strong two-way communication between families and schools plays a key role in student success. When parents and teachers regularly share meaningful information, it creates a partnership that helps students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

At Heights Elementary, we value collaboration and encourage open communication through a variety of ways:

• Parent conferences

• Parent-teacher organizations or school community councils

• Phone calls

• Email or the school website

• Heights Elementary social media platforms

• School Messenger

• LiveSchool

• FOCUS Parent Portal

Together, we can ensure every student is supported and empowered to reach their full potential.

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.

Please make sure you have your child’s Parent Pick Up Tag for the first day of school. New car tags will be available at the Meet The Teacher Event on August 5th.

At Heights Elementary, the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and visitors is our top priority. We are proud to have a dedicated School Resource Officer (SRO) on campus daily to help maintain a secure learning environment.

Visitor Check-In Procedures
To support our security efforts, all visitors must follow the check-in process upon arrival:

• Press the doorbell at the front office entrance.

• Be prepared to show your ID and briefly state the purpose of your visit.

• All visitors will pass through the OPENGATE® detection system.

• A valid photo ID is required when picking up a student, entering the building, or attending a meeting.

About the OPENGATE® System
To further enhance school safety, Heights Elementary utilizes the OPENGATE® weapons detection system. This technology allows for fast, efficient screening while students and visitors keep their bags and backpacks with them. It helps detect potential threats and prohibited items to ensure a safe campus for all.

Key Features of OPENGATE®:

• Quick, walk-through design

• No need to remove backpacks or bags

• Designed for ease and efficiency

• Helps maintain a safe learning environment

Helpful Tips for Students and Visitors:

• Students should remove Chromebooks from backpacks before entering.

• We encourage students to bring plastic water bottles, as metal containers may trigger an alert.

• Visitors are encouraged to leave large bags or purses in their vehicle to avoid a secondary screening.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep Heights Elementary a safe, secure, and welcoming place for learning and growth.

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.

Ever wonder who helps bring so much energy and warmth to our school? The Heights Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) is a core part of the culture here at Heights! From stocking classrooms with additional learning resources and pampering our staff to planning fun family events and volunteering at every school function, the PTA works tirelessly behind the scenes. They provide continuous support for our students, staff, and families, ensuring our school remains a connected, vibrant place for everyone. Please join the Heights PTA and help make Heights an even more wonderful place for our students!

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.

Just a reminder that the only vehicles that will be allowed to enter the School Street gate are the vehicles with the special gray Heights car tag. All other vehicles should enter through the main entry off of Gladiolus. Parking at anytime on School Street is prohibited at all times. Please be courteous to the neighboring Heights families and refrain from parking in their yards or blocking their driveway.

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.

We understand that sometimes your student's dismissal plans may need to change. If that happens, please help us ensure a smooth and safe transition by doing the following:

Submit all changes in writing—either in your child’s planner or by emailing the teacher directly.
Emergency changes must be approved by school administration no later than 2:30 PM on the day of the change.

Early Sign-Out Procedures

If you need to pick up your child before the end of the school day, please plan to do so before 2:40 PM.
After 2:40 PM, students will follow their regular dismissal routine.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep all students safe and organized during dismissal.

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.

Wireless Communication Devices– Display or use of a personal electronic or telecommunication device during school hours. Students may possess personal wireless communication devices (WCDs) while on school grounds during regular hours. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, and/or auxiliary/ancillary devices such as watches, earbuds, or smart glass. At all levels, all personal WCDs must be turned off and in the student’s book bag at all times. WCDs are permitted when the device is approved to monitor a health condition documented through medical records and indicated as needed in a health plan. As of 7/1/23, the following meet the criteria for prohibited applications as established in Section 112.22(1)(f)*, F.S.: QQ, TikTok, WeChat, VKontakte, Kaspersky. See Board Policy 5136.

One of our goals at Heights Elementary School is to keep you informed on a regular basis about events at school and your child’s academic progress. On Monday of each week the Heights Communication Folder, containing our school/classroom information and your child’s work samples, will be sent home. Please review all material, sign the envelope, and have your child return it to school on Tuesday morning. Communication between school and family is the key to providing a quality education for all students. Kg through Fifth grade students will also receive a Student Agenda Book to keep them organized and promote school/family communication.

Reminder that the school day at Heights Elementary begins promptly at 8:40 AM. One of the most important life skills students can learn from their parents or guardians is the responsibility of arriving on time each day. Establishing this habit early helps set students up for long-term success in school and in life.

Why is the morning so important?
The start of the day sets the tone for everything that follows. It’s when:

• School-wide announcements are made

• Teachers outline the day’s learning goals

• Students get focused and ready to succeed

When students arrive on time, they feel confident, prepared, and connected.

Reporting Absences

If your child is absent from school, a written note or doctor’s note is required when they return.
This is the only way to ensure the absence can be excused.

Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct or call Ms. Kurowski in the front office if you have any questions about what qualifies as an excused or unexcused absence.

At Heights Elementary, we recognize the important role pets—especially dogs—play in family life and the joy they bring to our community. However, to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, staff, and visitors, pets are not permitted outside of vehicles while on school grounds.

This policy helps us minimize allergy concerns and address the unpredictability that can come with animals in a school setting.

🐾 Pets Are Only Allowed on Campus Under These Conditions:

1. As part of a formal school activity or event (e.g., presentations, reading programs, etc.).

2. If they are a certified service or guide dog under ADA guidelines.

3. When assisting a police officer/deputy as part of official law enforcement duties.

🚗 Pets in Vehicles
Your pet is welcome to ride along during pick-up or drop-off, but must remain inside the vehicle at all times while on school property. Please be mindful of your pet’s safety, especially during hot Florida days.

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