I hope this message finds you well. As we are well inside the second quarter of the school year, I want to emphasize the importance of this period in your child's elementary education. While the first quarter primarily focused on review and foundational skills, the second nine-weeks will see an increase in the rigor of instruction.

It is during this time that students will be challenged to apply and extend the knowledge they've gained in the 1st nine-weeks. We encourage them to embrace these opportunities for growth, as they build on the strong foundation laid since August.

Communication is key to your child's success. Please maintain open lines of communication with your child's teacher and the school. Stay engaged with their learning journey and check your Skyward account for updates on their progress. Please also follow us on Facebook, Dojo, and Talking Points. 

Remember, we are here to support you and your students every step of the way. Your partnership with us is invaluable. We look forward to working together to ensure a successful 1st semester for your children.

Thank you for entrusting us with their education.

Dr. Gordon

Principal

Pictured very top: Students practicing reading in Ms. Munroe's first grade class.

This is an excellent opportunity to speak with the students about your work, education, interests, read them a book, or something else positive! Please contact Ms. Harris, School Counselor, to volunteer. [email protected]

Parents - Instructional time is critical to your child’s ability to read for comprehension and learn problem-solving for math and other subjects. We introduce all of these foundational skills at the elementary level. They cannot catch-up later in middle school or high school. Please ensure students are here daily, on time and not checked out early as much as possible. Our weekly goal is to have less than 100 Unexcused Absences or Tardies and less than 25 early checkouts. We will soon have classroom competition for attendance and we want all classes to earn fun privileges/prizes.

All students should be picked up no later than 3:30 p.m. (M, T, Th, F) and 2:30 p.m. (W). Our front office closes at 4:00 PM and students left after this time will be referred to the social worker for follow-up. Please enroll your children in our Champions afterschool program if you are unable to pick them up on time.

We welcome all Additions approved volunteers to support LES! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Pierce, our Parent Engagement Liaison. [email protected]

I want to take a moment to thank all of our amazing Lockhart Elementary families that have been logging minutes for the 'Read Around the City' challenge. OCPS students have read 2,613,449 minutes in October!

As of November 1st, I am so excited to announce that our Lockhart Dolphins sit it 1st place in District 7 for the most minutes logged! Way to go! This is due to a great team effort by our staff, students, and your parents at home that love to read, and are encouraging your children to read as well.

Let's keep that up! Also, as that continues, please take the time to review and consider the Read Grateful challenge! Check out the resources linked. This is a great way for all of us to spend our Thanksgiving holiday week.

Please click on the link below to track student reading minutes ('Beanstack'):

It's magnet program application time! Superintendent Vazquez sits down with Bri MacNaught to talk about programs such as Agriscience, criminal justice, law and finance, digital gaming, international studies, medical careers and first responder training.

The 2024-2025 Magnet application process is now open.

Art students at Lockhart Elementary School recently participated in creating artworks inspired by Hispanic artist Ines Alvidres landscapes to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Fifth grade students organized the structural elements of art to support planning, strengthen focus, and implement artistic vision (Florida Department of Education Standard: VA.5.S.2.1).

Our students practiced their bowling skills by participating in Ghostbusters Bowling to get ready for Halloween. Pictured below are Marrio Melton (left) A'Maezn Brooks (right):

Now that it gets dark earlier after school, please watch out for our students on their bikes when driving. When your child is riding at night, please also remember to make sure they are wearing the proper reflective clothing.

Don Shula, former coach of the Miami Dolphins, is the only coach to have led his NFL team to a perfect season and a Super Bowl victory. His secret? When he coached, he held to a twenty-four hour rule. After a football game, he allowed himself, his coaches, and his players only twenty-four hours to celebrate a victory or sulk over a defeat. During that time, they were encouraged to make the most of the experience. But once the twenty-four hours were over, they had to put it behind them.

You don't have to be a football player to benefit from that advice.

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Copyright Notice

Reproduction of this material, either written or electronically, including the general layout, graphics, analyses, and content topics without the express approval of Target Performance Systems, Inc., a Florida corporation, and Lockhart Elementary School is forbidden without written consent. Thank you for your support of the Orange County County Public Schools and especially Lockhart Elementary School. Please contact Dr. Gordon at [email protected] with any questions related to the program.

Lockhart Elementary | Dr. Gordon, Principal | 407.296.6440 | Lockhart Website