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9/22/25 Weekly Castle Connection

Posted Date: 9/19/25 (9:01 AM)

Weekly Castle Connection

9/22/2025

camschool

Vision-Mission-Motto

OCPS Vision
Every student graduates prepared and inspired for a thriving future.
OCPS Mission
Together with our families and the community, we empower students with a superior academic experience, essential life skills, and boundless opportunities.
Camelot Elementary Motto
ALL students will achieve at a high level.
 
Gordon Pic

A Message from Principal Gordon

This week, we proudly celebrated Starts With Hello Week, a powerful initiative that encourages students to foster inclusivity, kindness, and connection. It was heartwarming to see our students reaching out, making new friends, and truly embracing the spirit of belonging.

Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to announce that Rock Your School Day is coming up on October 1st! Get ready for a day filled with creativity, excitement, and unforgettable learning experiences as our teachers and staff go all out to make education come alive in bold and inspiring ways.

And don’t forget — Fall Picture Day is right around the corner on October 2nd. Make sure those outfits are ready and those smiles are shining!

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We can’t wait to share more joyful moments with you as the season unfolds.

Yours In Learning,

Melissa Gordon, Principal

A Message from Assistant Principal Victor

We’re excited to share how our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system is helping students grow into confident, respectful, and responsible learners.

Students earn Camelot Cash by demonstrating behaviors that align with our school-wide expectations, summed up in the acronym BRAVE.

  • Be Safe
  • Respect Others
  • Always Work Together
  • Value our Time
  • Engage Actively

Whether it’s helping a classmate, staying focused during lessons, walking safely in the hallways, or showing kindness on the playground, students are recognized for making positive choices that build a strong and caring school community.

Teachers and staff award Camelot Cash when they see students living out BRAVE expectations. Next week, September 22-26, will be students' first time shopping at the Camelot Shoppe this year. Students will be able to use their Camelot Cash to “purchase” fun rewards, participate in special activities, or save up for exciting incentives throughout the year, including a fun Snowcone Luau in October. This system not only celebrates good behavior—it also teaches goal-setting, accountability, and the joy of contributing to a positive school culture.

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students be BRAVE every day. Together, we’re building a school where character counts and kindness leads the way.

*If you would like to donate items for our Camelot Shoppe, please visit our Amazon wishlist.

Victor

Important Dates

9/23 SAC Meeting-8:00AM
9/30 PTA Spirit Night- Gator's Dockside
10/1 Rock Your School Day "Roar into Learning"
10/2 Fall Individual Student Pictures
10/2 PTA Popcorn Sale
10/2 Individual student picture day
10/6-10/10- Hispanic Heritage Week
10/10- End of Quarter 1
10/13- No School-Teacher Workday
10/14- Quarter 2 Begins
A school meeting notice with a knight mascot and a megaphone.

A Message from Ms. Castillo

Students who were "On Grade Level" in grades 3, 4, or 5, based on Spring 2025 Assessments, will receive a letter of congratulations from the Florida Commissioner of Education. Letters will be given to teachers to send home with students this week. We are proud of our students and their many accomplishments!
Castillo

OCPS Chess Kid Contest

OCPS Chess Kid Contest
Competition Details:
  • Competition Period: Monday, September 15, 2025, through Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
  • Who can participate: All students at your school through their OCPS ChessKid account.
  • What to do: Students are encouraged to play as many Fast Chess games as possible on their OCPS ChessKid accounts. These games can be played at school or at home.
How to Play a Fast Chess Game:
  1. Log into your OCPS ChessKid account in Launch.
  2. Select "Play vs Kid."
  3. Choose a time control of 5 min, 10 min, or 15 min.
  4. The system will automatically search for an opponent or match you with a bot if no other players are available.
Important Notes:
  • Playing vs. Bot: Please note that choosing "Play vs Bot" will NOT count as a Fast Chess game for this competition, as these are not timed games.
  • Fair Play: All games will be monitored by ChessKid for Fair Play.
Thank you for your support in making this competition a success and for encouraging our students to engage in this fun and challenging activity.
Read more about the competition here: ChessKid-OCPS District Competition Guide.

PLC

A Message from Ms. Brinzo

BOOK CLUB- Always Clementine by Carlie Sorosiak
Thursday, September 25th at 8:00
Camelot Media Center
For any student who has finished reading the book AND passed the AR test. Come join the fun!
Brinzo
Picture Day : Thursday, October 2nd

A Message from Ms. Parris

Rock Your School Volunteer Sign Up is live! To sign up for a spot on 9/26 please log in and sign up!
Be on the look-out for more information to come home from your child's teacher!
Parris
RYS
YB

A Message from Ms. Olivo

📝 How to Get ADDitions Approved
  1. Create an Account
  • Visit the OCPS Volunteer Portal.
  • Click “Log in” and then “Create a New Account” if you're a first-time volunteer.
  1. Search for Opportunities
  • Use the “Search by Schools” box to find your school (e.g., Camelot Elementary School).
  • Look for the opportunity titled “Become an ADDitions School Volunteer.”
  1. Sign Up
  • Click “View Details” and then “Sign Up.”
  • Note: Signing up does not mean automatic approval—you must complete all steps and await confirmation.
  1. Background Check
  • All volunteers are subject to a criminal history check as part of Florida’s Sunshine Laws.
  • Be sure to disclose any past offenses, even sealed or juvenile records, to avoid disqualification.
  1. Approval Notification
  • Once approved, you’ll be notified via your dashboard or email. Only then are you eligible to volunteer.
For a visual walkthrough, check out the step-by-step PowerPoint located under our files.
Olivo

A Message from Special Area Teachers

From Ms. Hagarty:

Our school has been selected to participate in the Orange County Supervisor of Elections “I Voted” Sticker Design Contest.
This contest invites students in 2nd through 5th grade to design their own version of the iconic “I Voted” sticker. This is a fantastic opportunity to introduce students to civic engagement and the importance of voting, all while sparking their creativity. The winning design will be turned into real “I Voted” stickers to be distributed in an upcoming election! Honorable Mention designs will be on display at the Supervisor of Elections office.

Students need to have their parent/guardian fill out the consent page before returning their design. They can drop it off on the cart outside the Art room or their teacher can place it in Ms. Hagarty's mailbox.
Sp

A Message from PTA

SHOUT OUT
A huge thank you to Marris Orthodontics (12780 Waterford Lakes Pkwy, Suite 130, Orlando, FL 32828) for their generosity and kindness! 💙
They made a generous donation to help cover an expense for the upcoming STEM Night (event happening later on in the school year), and we truly can’t thank them enough for their support.
Be sure to check them out if you’re in need of orthodontic care! 🦷👏
🎉 PTA MEMBERSHIP CONTEST 🎉
From: September 15 – 30, 2025
The teacher with a PTA membership and the highest parent/guardian/family/community member PTA memberships will win a…
💳 $25 Amazon Gift Card!

✨ Memberships are just $10 (no cash payment; online payment only) and can be purchased here: https://camelotpta.givebacks.com/shop/items/34014

💛 Every membership supports our students and school—thank you for joining in!
Carline Café
Grab a quick drink or snack while waiting in carline and support our school!
💙 Thursday 9/25/25 from 2:15 to 2:45pm
🥤 Coke $2 | Water $1
🍿 Chips, Granola Bars, Fruit Snacks, Rice Krispies $1 each
💵 Cash only – see you in carline! 💙

🎃 The Candy Monster is Back! 🍬
That’s right—our Candy Monster has returned! 🧡 He’s hungry for bags of individually wrapped candy to help make our Trunk or Treat event in October extra sweet!
Drop off your candy donations to the Candy Monster in the Sallyport during school hours. Thank you for helping us fill him up!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR OUR NEXT SPIRIT NIGHT:
Our next Spirit Night will be held on Tuesday 9/30/25 at GATOR'S DOCKSIDE WATERFORD LAKES from 6-9pm. Mention CAMELOT for dine-in or take-out and Gator's will donate a percentage of sales back to us!!!! We can't wait for this delicious spirit night out!

SPIRIT WEAR:
Our 25% off sale has been extended to 9/30! Every purchase made gives us a kickback too! Don’t forget—wear your Camelot shirt every Friday! 

WANT TO VOLUNTEER?
Fill out this google form to let us know what you are interested in helping with:
*Reminder: To be eligible to volunteer on campus you MUST BE ADDITIONS APPROVED! 

PAPER DRIVE:
The paper drive is still going on! By donating printer paper, the school can redirect funds that would have been spent on this supply to other vital areas of our school.
 How to Help:
*Drop off printer paper (8.5 x 11 size) donations at Sally Port during Camelot’s school operating hours
OR
*Order directly from Camelot’s Amazon Wishlist and have donations shipped to school

MESSAGE FROM THE 5TH GRADE COMMITTEE:
Our next Popcorn Thursday will be on 10/2! If you did not Preorder, your child can still purchase a bag of popcorn for $3 (cash only) while supplies last.
**NOTE: We are also in need of Popcorn supply donations!
Sign up to donate here: 

scooter

E-Scooter and E-Bike Awareness

E-Scooter and E-Bike Safety Awareness E-Scooters and E-Bikes have become a common mode of transportation for many students across Orange County. With this increase in use, OCPS has seen a rise in accidents involving students traveling to and from school on these devices.
If your school students ride an E-Scooter or E-Bike to school, please take time to review safety procedures with them and ensure they understand the rules and regulations that apply.

Safe riding practices help protect not only your student but also others on the road and sidewalks.
Here are helpful resources, including:
Florida Statutes §316.2065 (Bicycle Regulations) and §316.20655 (E-Bike Regulations)

Safety Reminders for Families:
• Helmets are strongly encouraged (and required by law for riders under 16).
• Riders should obey all traffic signals and posted signs.
• Riders should dismount their E-Scooter or E-Bike before crossing a crosswalk.
• E-Scooters and E-Bikes must follow the same rules as bicycles on the road.
• Devices should not be operated on school campuses unless specifically permitted.
• Students should never ride with multiple passengers unless the device is designed for it.
• Night riding requires lights and reflective gear for visibility.

If you have questions, please reach out to the Office of Occupational Safety and Health at OfficeofSafety@ocps.net. 
SF

Happening around the Castle

Best of luck to Ms. Crowley! You will be missed!

cr

On Thursday we met with our house friends to read!

rb2
RB
RB3
RB5
pur
pink

Want a fun way to learn math...incorporate a problem with 6-7! These boys had a blast with Ms. Schmid!

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Spirit Days
recycle
Safer
Fortify