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8/10 Castle Connection

Posted Date: 08/10/26 (04:19 PM)


Logo for Camelot Elementary School, part of Orange County Public Schools.
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Castle Connection

Week of 8/10/2026

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.
 

Important Dates

Looking Ahead:
8/11- First Day of School
8/25- FAST ELA 3,4
8/26- FAST ELA K-1
8/27- FAST ELA 5th
8/28- FAST ELA 2nd
 
Colorful text reads 'WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL' with art supplies like pencils and paintbrushes.
Gordon Pic

A Message from Principal Gordon

Camelot Families,

Welcome back! I hope you’ve had a restful and joyful summer. We are thrilled to welcome all of our students back to campus for the start of the 2026-2027 school year It is going to be a fantastic year of learning, growth, and community as we build on the success.  

Communication is Key
We believe strong communication builds strong partnerships. This year, we’ll be using the following platforms:
  • Schoolwide and Class Announcements: Social Media and ParentSquare 
  • Individual Communication: ParentSquare, email, or phone calls

Please let your child’s teacher know your preferred method of communication. If you receive a text from ParentSquare, please do not block it—it’s one of our main ways to reach you. This tool also supports communication in your preferred language.

Important: Last-minute transportation changes must be called into the front office. Teachers do not have access to email or ParentSquare during instructional time.

First Day of School Reminders
  • Label Supplies: If your child brings supplies on the first day, label the bag with their first and last name and grade level. Parents will not be allowed inside the building, but labeled supplies can be placed on grade-level carts outside and will be delivered to the classrooms by our staff..
  • Arrival Time:
  • Pre-K–5: Doors open at 8:15 AM unless your child is enrolled in in before school Extended Day, and then drop off can be as early as 7 AM. Please ensure your child is supervised until 8:15 as that is when our staff is on duty.  

Car Riders for Arrival: 
Please have your child sit on the passenger side for safe sidewalk exit.
  • ESE students: Use the outside/left lane (driver’s side) line, and a staff member will be available to welcome your child and escort them to class. 
  • All others: Use the inside/right lane (passenger side) line
  • Make sure you have a car tag and have it displayed at both arrival and dismissal.

Dismissal Procedures
  • Dismissal Time: 3:00 PM (2:00 PM on Wednesdays)
  • Car Tags: Display your tag with student names written clearly in black ink
  • Outside Lane/left lane: ESE, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and siblings
  • Inside Lane/right lane: Grades 2–5
  • Follow the pattern for your youngest child
  • If your child needs help buckling, please pull into a handicap spot and assist them to keep the line moving.
  • Walkers: Meet at the walker gate by the bus loop. Bring your walker tag for pickup.

Please be patient during the first couple of weeks as we establish routines. Your grace and understanding are appreciated.

Going Home Plans
It’s essential that we know how your child is getting home each day. Please communicate this with your child’s teacher, via email, or with a note in your child’s backpack on the first day.

Thank you for your continued trust in Camelot. We are honored to partner with you for another amazing school year. Let’s make 2026–2027 our best year yet!

 

New Student Information

Whether you are a new student or just need a refresher on school information, use this LINK to review a PDF that was shared at our New Student Orientation over the summer. If you have any questions please reach out to camelot_es@ocps.net.
Collage of images showing students, the exterior of Camelot Elementary School, and the school district logo.
A smiling young boy with a backpack stands in front of a school bus, with text "FIND MY BUS" and "FINDABUS.OCPS.NET".
Three smiling children with backpacks walk together on a sunny day, ready for the first day of school.
Students enjoy healthy meals in a school cafeteria, with text overlaying the image: 'ALL STUDENTS ALL MEALS NO CHARGE'.
A flyer for 'Snack Bites' from Orange County Public Schools, featuring a QR code and ordering instructions.
Poster advertising 'Birthday Bites' from OCPS Food & Nutrition Services, offering class birthday celebrations.
 

A Message from Ms. Brinzo

It was so great to see so many of you at Meet the Teacher! If you are new to Camelot, we are excited to welcome you to the Castle. I am the media specialist and work in our media center. Your student will visit the media center one time per week starting in a few weeks. We will send out more information about your child's library day in the next few weeks. I am excited to get to know your child and help them continue to grow in their love for reading!
Brinzo
 

A Message from Ms. Parris

Welcome back! My name is Mrs. Parris, and I am excited to serve as your school’s Instructional Coach. An instructional coach partners with teachers to strengthen classroom instruction and enhance student learning. I support educators by sharing effective teaching strategies, helping plan engaging lessons, reviewing student progress, and providing resources that meet the diverse needs of our students.
I look forward to working alongside our teachers, students, and families to help every student succeed. If you have any questions, please email me at erica.parris@ocps.net. Here’s to a wonderful and successful school year!


Parris
 

A Message from Ms. David

Dear Camelot Elementary Families,
At Camelot Elementary, we are committed to helping every student build the skills, confidence, and self-awareness they need to be successful both in school and beyond. This year, our students will be using Xello, an engaging online platform that helps children explore their interests, strengths, and future possibilities in a fun and age-appropriate way.

Why is Xello Important?
Xello helps students:
✅ Discover their interests, talents, and learning styles
✅ Develop self-awareness and goal-setting skills
✅ Explore future careers and educational pathways
✅ Build important social-emotional and academic planning skills
✅ Begin thinking about their future in a positive and engaging way

Through interactive lessons and activities, students learn more about themselves while developing skills that support college, career, and life readiness.

Learn More About Xello
We encourage you to review our family flyer to learn more about how Xello supports your child's growth and success:

Thank you for partnering with us in supporting your child's academic, personal, and future success. We look forward to an exciting year of exploration and learning!

David
 

A Message from Ms. Vetter

Hello Parents and Families!
I’m excited to introduce myself as Camelot’s MTSS Coach. My job is to partner with teachers to personalize support for our students—making sure every child receives the tailored academic and behavioral tools they need to thrive in the classroom.
I am recruiting members for our School Advisory Council (SAC) this year! SAC gives parents a direct voice in shaping our school community. See below for how you can get involved and join our team!
I look forward to working with our school community. If you ever need to reach me, you can email me at candy.vetter@ocps.net.
Here’s to an amazing school year ahead!
Vetter
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzwkvaeS4a2IpsVJfkUDGhptV8XtZaSa9wOfiVqlZ9rJz6Aw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=100341798596684359337

Help Shape the Future of Camelot Elementary – Join the School Advisory Committee!

At Camelot Elementary, we believe that a strong school community is built on collaboration, shared goals, and active engagement. We are looking for passionate parents, guardians, teachers, and community members to join our School Advisory Committee (SAC) for the upcoming school year!
What is the School Advisory Committee (SAC)?
The SAC is a team composed of the school principal, teachers, educational support staff, parents, and community members. Together, we work to:


  • Guide School Improvement: Review data, assess school needs, and assist in preparing the annual School Improvement Plan.
  • Advocate for Students: Share valuable input on school goals, educational programs, and budget priorities.
  • Build Stronger Connections: Strengthen the partnership between our school, families, and the local community.
Why Join?

  • Your Voice Matters: Directly influence programs and initiatives that impact our students every day.
  • Stay Informed: Get an inside look at how our school operates and what's on the horizon.
  • Collaborate: Connect with dedicated staff, administrators, and fellow parents who care deeply about Camelot's success.
How to Express Interest
Serving on SAC requires a small time commitment for monthly/bi-monthly meetings, but makes a huge impact!
If you are interested in serving or simply want to learn more, please take 2 minutes to fill out our quick interest form:
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to making Camelot Elementary a wonderful place to learn and grow!

A Message from Special Area Teachers

From Mrs. Kerr (music):

I am so excited to welcome our students back to music class!
If you have a student in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade, the following clubs are available:
-Rising Music Makers
-Royal Music Makers
-Drama Club
  • Rising & Royal Music Maker forms will be passed out in music class during the week of August 24th (3rd week of school).

  • Drama Club audition applications will be passed out in music class during the week of August 31st (4th week of school).

If your student is in strings class and does not attend music class, they can stop by the 1st grade hallway in the morning during those weeks to get a form. You can find more information about each of these clubs below. Here's to an amazing new school year! :-)
Sp

Performing Arts Clubs

Rising Music Makers-
Sponsor: Mrs. Kerr
Meeting Times: Wednesday & Friday mornings 7:30am-8:15am in the music room.
The Rising Music Makers performance group consists of 3rd & 4th grade students who are participating in Music Makers for the first time. This club is designed to introduce students to participation in a music performance ensemble. Students will sing, play instruments, move creatively, and more! We will have Winter & Spring concerts as well as other potential performance opportunities throughout the year.
There is also a small club fee that will help cover music costs, materials, and a t-shirt for our performances.

Royal Music Makers-
Sponsor: Mrs. Kerr
Meeting Times: Tuesday & Thursday mornings 7:30am-8:15am in the music room.
The Royal Music Makers group is open to 4th grade students who were in Music Makers last year, and any/all interested 5th graders. This club is designed to help students with previous music performance experience continue to explore the performing arts. The Royal Music Makers will offer experienced performers a chance to learn more challenging musical arrangements. Students will sing, play instruments, move creatively, and more! We will have Winter & Spring concerts as well as other potential performance opportunities throughout the year.
There is also a small club fee that will help cover music costs, materials, and a t-shirt for our performances.

Drama Club-
Sponsors: Mrs. Pearce & Mrs. Kerr
Meeting Times: Monday & Thursday afternoons 3:15-4:30pm
Drama Club auditions are open to 3rd - 5th grade students.
There will be a cap on membership this school year due to cast size limitations, and membership will be determined by audition. Not all students who audition are guaranteed a spot in the club.
This club is for students who are interested in the dramatic arts. The students will spend time singing, dancing, and acting as we prepare for our Spring 2027 musical, Willy Wonka (KIDS). If students are interested in joining, they will need to complete & return a Drama Club audition application. Late applications will not be accepted. Once they return their application, interested students will take an audition materials page consisting of a song & lines that they will need to prepare for their audition. There will also be a small club fee once our cast list is finalized that will help to cover the cost of materials, club t-shirts, & performance rights to our musical.

Please let me know if you have any questions!
-Mrs. Kerr, music
 

A Message from PTA

Poster announces 'Popcorn Thursday' with dates and pre-order information for a school fundraiser.

Popcorn Thursday Pre-orders Are Open!

🍿 Popcorn Thursday Pre-Orders Are OPEN! 🍿
Pre-order all 7 Popcorn Thursdays for just $15! 🎉
📅 Dates (subject to change): 9/24, 10/29, 11/12, 1/21, 2/18, 3/11 & 4/22
Pre-Order Deadline: Friday, September 4
💙 Open to all students and supports the 5th Grade Committee!
❗Didn't pre-order? No worries! Students can still purchase a bag of popcorn on Popcorn Thursday for $3 (cash only while supplies last).
A festive illustration depicts a knight holding balloons surrounded by cheering 5th-grade students celebrating their end-of-year party.

5th Grade Committee Donations are Open!

5th Grade Committee Donations Are Open!
Help us make their final year at Camelot unforgettable! Every donation helps create an amazing end-of-year celebration for our 5th graders!
 

PIE Spotlight

Thank you to Brown Home Group, CMA, and Chick-Fil-A for donating food this week to our staff!
Two women stand behind a table laden with Dunkin' boxes, cups, and creamers, ready to serve.
Four smiling women sit at a wooden table, each holding a white Chick-fil-A catering box.
 

Happening around the Castle

Meet the Teacher- Welcome Back to all of our wonderful families!

Two women and a mascot in a golden knight costume stand in a school hallway.
A teacher assists students with backpacks and papers during a 'Meet the Teacher' event in a classroom.
A teacher points to a whiteboard in a classroom while a student looks on.
A teacher in a polka dot dress talks to students in a classroom.
A young girl smiles behind a table decorated for "Kindergarten Signing Day" at Camelot Elementary.
A teacher stands in a classroom with desks and chairs, a whiteboard displaying 'Welcome to 2nd Grade!'.
A young boy smiles while holding a giant crayon at a table decorated for Kindergarten Signing Day.
A smiling woman stands in a school hallway with blurred students in the background.

Our teachers attended preplanning meetings, and worked together to build goals for a successful school year!

A group of women are gathered around a table, writing and collaborating.
A group of women are gathered around a table, engaged in a discussion and working on papers.
A group of adults are gathered around tables with yellow and black tablecloths, engaged in a meeting or workshop.
Four smiling women sit at a table covered with a yellow and black caution-tape themed tablecloth, wearing party hats.
 

Camelot Receives Robotics Grant

Mrs. Dale, one of our school's resource teachers, was awarded $1,415 in STEM grant funding from the Department of War.

This grant will fund robotics supplies for this year's robotics theme of BIOGLOW. Students will explore the world's ecosystems and rich biodiversity. They will gain inspiration from nature to engineer solutions for the future.

With STEM as their tool and nature as inspiration, today’s boldest innovators are finding new ways to strengthen the connections that protect our shared home.
 
Graphic promoting National Immunization Awareness Month in August with icons for health and vaccination.
A smiling family looks at a smartphone together, with "ConnectOrange IS POWERED BY ParentSquare" text and icons.
 
recycle
A poster titled 'Know What's Up' explains 5 MBF Safety Rules to identify red flags that cause worry.
Safer
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