Family Guidebook 2025-2026
Mission & Vision
Mission Vision
Our Core Values
We open our minds and hearts so we can discover the knowledge and ideals to build a better world.
To cultivate an inclusive and vibrant community that promotes knowledge, creativity, independent thinking and mutual respect.
Academic Excellence: We embrace academic excellence, guiding our children's innate curiosity and encouraging joy in learning.
Independence and Imagination: We foster independent thinking and spark imagination, inspiring our children to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Peace and Respect: We instill respect for self, respect for one another, and respect for our planet, enhancing prospects for peace.
Characteristics of Professional Excellence
Discovery School Educators...
Model the Portrait of the Graduate
Passionately pursue their own professional growth and development
Unabashedly hold children at the center of all decisions and actions
Cultivate an inclusive and vibrant learning community
Discover and act on what is possible
Portrait of a Graduate
Discovery School graduates are...
Explorers pursuing their passions
Spirited and reflective risk-takers
Peacemakers
Resourceful and perseverant innovators
Leaders who inspire others to discover and act on what is possible
Responsible, courageous world citizens
Principled decision-makers
WelcomebackDolphins!
Dear Discovery School Families,
Welcome back! I hope this summer has been a time of rest, fun, and connection for your family. We’ve missed the energy and joy your children bring to campus each day, and we are so excited to welcome them back for another year of growth, learning, and discovery.
As we look ahead to this new school year, we do so with great anticipation. Our team has been hard at work preparing engaging lessons, thoughtful experiences, and welcoming spaces that reflect the heart of our school community. Whether you are returning for another year or joining us for the first time, we’re so glad you’re here.
This year marks an exciting chapter as we celebrate 35 years of Discovery. Throughout the year, we’ll honor the legacy of this school while continuing to shape a future that reflects our values of curiosity, compassion, and excellence.
To help your family start the year off smoothly, we’ve included a Back-to-School Guidebook with important details about arrival and dismissal, uniforms, communication channels, and more. We hope you’ll find it helpful as you prepare for the first day and beyond.
Please know that our team is here to support your family every step of the way. If you have any questions or just want to say hello, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Here’s to a joyful and successful year ahead let the adventure begin!
Petra Obritzberger Head of School
Celebrating 35 years
Dear Discovery Community,
On behalf of the Discovery Board, I’m delighted to welcome your family to the 2025–26 school year! If you’re new to Discovery, a very warm welcome to you we’re so glad you’re here
This year is especially exciting as Discovery celebrates its 35th anniversary From its humble beginnings, our school has grown into a thriving Montessori IB World School, now serving more than 350 students from toddlers through 8th grade. What a journey it’s been!
As a Board, we’re proud of all that’s been accomplished and are excited to continue supporting the growth of our programs and our beautiful campus always with our students at the heart of everything we do.
I look forward to seeing many of you on campus soon!
Warmly,
Helen Nicholson Board Chair
The Discovery School Board 2025-26
Cortney Cronin
Hampton Graham
Laura Alrutz
Bob Stewart
Katie Hammill
Freddie Williams
Josh Ashby
David Doward
Jessica Wynne
Helen Nicholson Board Chair
What makes Discovery different?
Celebrating 35 Years of Learning, Growing, and Discovering Together
Founded in 1990, The Discovery School is honored to celebrate 35 years as a vibrant, nurturing community where children and families come together to learn, grow, and discover As a progressive, independent school serving children from 18 months through 8th grade, The Discovery School offers an educational experience that honors each child’s natural curiosity and encourages them to become lifelong learners.
Rooted in the renowned Montessori philosophy and expanding through the globally respected International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), our program is thoughtfully designed to support the whole child fostering not only academic growth but also confidence, compassion, and a strong sense of self.
For 35 years, The Discovery School has embraced the Montessori Method to ignite a love of learning in our youngest students Within our multi-age classrooms, children explore, collaborate, and learn at their own pace, guided by caring educators who recognize and celebrate each child’s unique gifts. Parents are valued partners in this journey, and our warm, welcoming community ensures that families feel connected and supported from the very start.
As students grow, their educational path continues through the IB Primary Years Programme, which encourages them to explore big ideas, ask meaningful questions, and take action in the world around them In both Montessori and IB, active engagement and student voice are at the heart of the learning experience helping children develop as inquirers, thinkers, and responsible members of their community.
In our Middle School, the Discovery experience evolves to meet the changing needs of adolescents. The program builds on the school’s long-standing values while creating space for students to exercise greater independence, critical thinking, and leadership. With an emphasis on socialemotional learning, collaboration, and personal growth, the Middle School fosters a strong sense of belonging and prepares students for future academic success while ensuring they remain curious, confident, and grounded in community values
As we celebrate 35 years of shared learning and discovery, we are filled with gratitude for the many families who have helped shape our story. Together, we look forward to the years ahead continuing to nurture compassionate, capable learners who will contribute meaningfully to their world.
1991-1992 School name changed to Discovery Montessori School Toddler Program added.
1990-1991 Discovery Elementary School is founded by Leah Hudson and Carolyn Lane at 6th Avenue Campus.
1995-1996 Hudson-LaneCampusopenedat102 15thStreetSouth(currentlocation). PrimaryProgramadded.
1997-1998
Primary buildings constructed
2002-2003 Toddler building constructed.
2009-2010
Walchle Multipurpose building completed.
2010-2011
Discovery chosen as White Oak Conservation Center's first education partner.
2012-2013
American Montessori Society (AMS) accreditation completed.
2014-2015 DiscoveryentersintoInternational Baccalaureate(IB)candidacy
2015-2016
New elementary playground
2016-2017 School name changed to The Discovery School.
2017-2018
Authorized as an IB World School for the Primary Years Programme.
2019-2020 TheMiddleSchoolProgramadded. IDREAM buildingcompletedto housetheMiddleSchoolProgram, ElementaryProgram,STEaMLab, andMusicStudio.
2024-2025
The Peter and Jennifer Sleiman Building completed, providing a dedicated learning space for Upper School and an atrium 2025-2026 OCEARCH Educational Partnership Formed
Common Questions
How do I update my pick-up list?
Discovery will only dismiss children to persons you have authorized on your Emergency Contact Form You can make changes to your list by (1) coming into the Front Office and requesting the change, (2) emailing the email address asking that they make the change, or (3) updating your Emergency Contact forms via the Parent Portal If known in advance, please communicate pick-up changes and early pick-up to the teacher and office in writing
What are Early Release Days?
Early Release Days are when ALL students on campus are dismissed by 11:30 am from their regular dismissal location On Early Release Days, aftercare is available for registered students unless otherwise noted. Please refer to the school calendar for Early Release Days.
What are Spirit & Free Dress Day?
Fridays are now Discovery Spirit Days. Students may wear a special Discovery shirt, Discovery athletic shirt, Mad Dash Shirt, or Discovery club shirt with uniform bottoms.
On indicated Free Dress Days, typically the last Friday of each month, the children may wear clothing of their choice to school.
What do I do if my child is late to school?
Punctual arrival is important. Late arrivals can disrupt learning activities for the children who are already present and delay classroom involvement for the child who is late
If your child has missed the allotted arrival time for their classroom, you must check in at the Front Office located through the double glass doors of Building 4 Once you have signed your child in, a team member will escort them to their classroom
What do I do if I need to pick up my child early?
If you need to pick up your child before the allotted dismissal time, please come to the Front Office to sign your child out for the day, and we will retrieve your child from their class.
SICK CHILD?
A child cannot come to school if they possess one or more of the following symptoms without having received medication for at least 24 hours:
Fever or chills
Cough
Fatigue
Muscle or Body Aches
Headache
Sore Throat
Diarrhea
Nausea or Vomiting
Shortness of Breath/ Difficulty Breathing
New Loss of Taste or Smell
Congestion or Runny Nose
Notify the school immediately of any confirmed communicable diseases, such as strep throat, influenza A or B, coronavirus, pinworms, head lice, hand, foot, and mouth, or chickenpox.
If your child will not be coming to school: Send an email to HealthAndSafety@thediscoveryschool org
Cc, your child’s teachers
Please include your child’s name and class, along with a brief reason for the absence.
Discovery Extras
Athletics
The Discovery School is proud to be part of the North Florida Independent School Athletic Conference (NFISAC), which offers athletic programs for students in grades three through six. The NFISAC provides a select group of private schools to compete in basketball, volleyball, flag football, and soccer. The Discovery School's involvement is dependent on student interest in each sport.
After School Adventures
The Discovery School offers after-school enrichment opportunities for our current students, alumni, and community members. Our After School Adventures Program strives to offer a variety of athletic, academic, and art-focused classes for all ages.
Extended Day
Extended day is available during the school year. Siblings are welcome to join precare free of charge. Precare is divided into two sections: Toddler and Primary/Elementary. Aftercare is also available for all full-day students from 3:00-5:30 pm For registration links, please check the school website or Discovery Update.
School Lunch Program
The school runs a daily lunch program through FoodDays. Menus rotate every two weeks. Parents have the option to order food to be delivered to their child’s classroom. Orders must be placed by midnight on Sunday for the upcoming week. We utilize many local vendors in the Beaches community. If you need any assistance, please email lunch@thediscoveryschool.org.
The Discovery School Clothing Style Guide
Uniforms encourage independence in dressing by allowing the child to mix and match items and know they are dressed appropriately. Wearing “school clothes” helps children be in a school mindset. They also aid focus in the classroom when children are less distracted by the clothing of others. It is our expectation that children’s uniforms are clean and look neat on a daily basis. In designing the item and color list, we attempted to make it easy and flexible for parents and comfortable for children. To ensure that students are appropriately dressed, The Discovery School has created the following guidelines for student dress. Logo items may be purchased through Lands’ End (preferred school #900064593). Bottoms or non-logoed items may be purchased from any store if they adhere to the dress code and school colors.
Sweatshirts, sweaters, and hoodies must be plain white, navy, or grey School logo is required. Other logos are not allowed
Polo colors include white, blue, maize, and heather gray
Rapid dry polo colors include blue, soapstone and white School logo is required
Tshirt colors include white, light blue, and heather gray.
School logo is required
Pants colors include navy, white, khaki, and grey. Sweatpants, joggers, yoga pants, gym shorts, and jeans are not permitted
Leggings colors are navy, white, khaki, and grey Students in 1st-8th grade may wear leggings or tights in instead of shorts when wearing dresses or skirts Leggings or tights may not be worn as pants
Several dress options are available on Land’s End. Dresses must be at least mid-thigh length and have shorts worn underneath
Shorts colors include navy, white, khaki, and grey Shorts must be at least mid-thigh length
Shorts worn under dresses/skirts can be any color as long as they are not visible when the child is standing
Skirts colors include navy, white, khaki, and grey Skirts must be at least mid-thigh length and have shorts worn underneath
All shoes must be closed toe and cover the foot, with socks worn Shoes should either tie or Velcro snugly No flip-flops, thongs, jellies, or sandals
Carline Arrivals & Dismissals
Name Tags
All families in Primary, Elementary, and Middle School will be given 2 laminated color-coded pick-up name tags. Please place it on the dashboard of your windshield. Additionally, all families will be given a hanging car tag to show the Discovery faculty which pick-up time their children are a part of. This will expedite the pick-up process.
The Toddlers start their day by arriving between 8:40 - 9:00 a.m. and are dismissed from 12:2012:30 p.m. for half-day and 2:45 - 3:00 p.m. for full-day students. Please park near the Toddler classrooms and walk your child to the classroom gate, where a teacher will greet you for arrival and dismissal.
Primary and Kindergarten students arrive on campus between 8:30 - 8:45 a.m. Parents are asked to drive through the proper car line for their child’s classroom Dismissal for Primary students is 12:30 p m for half-day and 2:45 p m for Kindergarten and full-day students
Students in Elementary arrive on campus between 8:00 - 8:15 a.m. and are dismissed between 3:053:25 p.m.
Students in Middle School arrive between 7:45 - 7:55 a.m. and are dismissed between 3:05-3:25 p.m.
Please do not come early to wait in any of the driveways We have staggered our dismissals in order to keep the traffic moving Please be sure not to block 15th Street during Arrival and Dismissal times If your child has a sibling, they will be dismissed from the younger child's classroom
Be a Part of the Discovery Experience
�� In the Classroom
Volunteer with classroom activities or prep assist teachers with hands-on projects, classroom organization, or behind-the-scenes preparations. Chaperone field trips help make learning come alive by accompanying students on exciting off-campus adventures
Serve as a mystery reader surprise a classroom with a special read-aloud and share your love of stories. Share a talent, career, or cultural tradition enrich our curriculum and broaden students’ perspectives by offering a unique learning experience.
�� Community & Connection
Get involved with the Parent Teacher Organization or serve on a committee collaborate with other parents and school leaders to support key initiatives and foster community spirit. Welcome new families or lead parent meet-ups help new families feel at home by offering a warm welcome or hosting informal gatherings.
Contribute to teacher appreciation or campus beautification projects show your gratitude and school pride through thoughtful gestures and hands-on efforts.
Attend Parent Coffee Meet Ups or parent socials build friendships and stay connected by participating in casual gatherings with fellow parents.
�� Events & Celebrations
Help with school events organized by the PTO lend a hand with beloved community events such as the Fall Festival, Deck the Chairs, Book Fair, or Around the World Celebration. Support event set-up, hospitality, or clean-up contribute your time and energy to create welcoming, festive environments for our families and guests.
Attend family socials and schoolwide gatherings join in the fun and connect with fellow Discovery families at a variety of community events throughout the year.
Get Involved. Make a Difference.
�� Fundraising & Philanthropy
Support annual giving campaigns or capital projects invest in the future of Discovery by participating in key fundraising efforts that directly benefit our students and campus.
Help with fundraising event planning play a part in bringing our signature events, like the Discovery Gala (Spring 2026), to life.
Volunteer for corporate matching or sponsorship efforts amplify the impact of giving by helping secure matching gifts or sponsorships from businesses and community partners.
�� Learning & Leadership
Attend parent education workshops or book clubs engage in lifelong learning and join thoughtful discussions that support parenting and personal growth.
Join focus groups or provide feedback share your voice and help shape school programs and initiatives through active participation in feedback opportunities.
Participate in parent feedback surveys contribute to continuous improvement at Discovery by completing surveys and offering your perspectives.
Support fundraising efforts or sponsorships champion Discovery’s mission by helping to build financial and community support
Support Discovery
Discovery Fund
At Discovery, we believe it takes a community to create a truly exceptional learning experience Each year, every family plays a vital role in helping us go beyond what tuition alone can provide ensuring our students have access to the resources, opportunities, and experiences that help them thrive as curious, compassionate, and capable learners.
The Discovery Fund is our annual invitation to come together as one school community and invest in the everyday magic of a Discovery education
Your gift no matter the size makes a meaningful difference. It supports the extras that make Discovery extraordinary: immersive overnight field trips, innovative technology in every classroom, passionate learning specialists, inspiring arts programs, beloved traditions like Grandparents & Special Friends Day, and so much more.
When every family gives, we all grow stronger together. Join us in making this year unforgettable for our students.
Capital Campaign
At The Discovery School, we imagine a future where every student has the space, tools, and experiences they need to grow as explorers, creators, and compassionate leaders. Through the vision and generosity of our community parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends that future is taking shape every day.
Capital giving allows us to dream bigger and do more. Recent projects such as the dedicated Art Studio and the Peter & Jennifer Sleiman Building are living examples of how these investments enrich our students’ daily lives.
But we are not standing still. With your continued partnership, we look ahead to bold new possibilities:
Innovative playground facilities designed to inspire creativity, collaboration, and joyful learning
A dynamic new athletic complex where students can build skills, confidence, and school spirit
As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, The Discovery School welcomes tax-deductible gifts that help turn these dreams into reality Every contribution fuels the future we are building together one that will benefit Discovery students for generations to come. Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey. The best is yet to come
Discovery Fund Frequently Asked Questions
What are the expectations of Discovery Families?
We hope you’ll choose to be fully engaged in the life of our school. We recognize that there are many ways you can share your time, talents, and resources, and we invite you to make Discovery a top priority for both volunteer involvement and philanthropic support
There are countless opportunities to get involved whether by volunteering in classrooms, supporting athletic or music events, helping organize community gatherings, or working alongside our advancement team on fundraising efforts. We believe that every family has something special to contribute, and we encourage you to find the ways that feel meaningful to you.
My family already pays tuition. Why is a gift to The Discovery Fund needed as well?
Tuition supports our strong academic program and core extracurriculars. The Discovery Fund goes further, enriching the student experience with exceptional opportunities that set us apart. Your tax-deductible gift helps ensure that Discovery remains a place where students thrive
What does my gift to the Discovery Fund do?
Every dollar contributed to The Discovery Fund is used to provide for the outstanding faculty, programs, and facilities that directly benefit your child every day.
Specifically, gifts to The Discovery Fund :
Purchase state-of-the-art technology and new curriculum materials for use in our classrooms. Supply resources and equipment that enhance our high-quality academics, arts, and athletic programs
Provide additional professional development opportunities for faculty and staff to gain knowledge and skills in their area of expertise
Support experiential education, STEM opportunities, wellness opportunities, outside speakers, and more
Why is my partcipation so important?
Not only does participation signify a high level of community commitment to the school’s mission, but it also strengthens our case when seeking support from foundations and corporations.
How much of a difference does my gift really make?
The Discovery School has fewer supporters than a larger university or charity, yet our needs are just as significant. That’s why we encourage every member of the Discovery community, including our Board of Trustees, parents, faculty and staff, alumni, grandparents, and special friends, to consider making an annual gift at any level they can.
Parent Teacher Organization
PTO
What are Informal Events?
The purpose of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is to enhance and support the educational experience at Discovery, to develop a closer connection between school and home by encouraging parental involvement, and to improve the environment at Discovery through volunteer and financial support.
All family members of current Discovery students are members of the Parent Teacher Organization.
How Do I Get Involved?
The PTO welcomes you to join our meetings to contribute your ideas to better our school. Meetings are usually held every other month. All meeting dates will be posted on the school calendar and communicated through the Discovery Update and our private Facebook Group, The Discovery School Community.
During the course of the school year, the PTO holds several ‘informal’ events for parents and children. These events are not school-sponsored and are usually held offcampus. Events will be posted on the school calendar and promoted through the Discovery Update and social media pages
PTO Leadership 25-26
President: Brittany Lane
Vice-President: Kathy Sella
Communications: Mackenzie Robinson
Secretary: Bree Williams
Social Media & Community Outreach: Margaux Nissen-Gray
To reach out to our PTO Leadership Team, please email pto@thediscoveryschool.org.
Date & Time
Every Wednesday After Drop off 8:15 & onwards
Monday, August 11
Tuesday, August 19
9:00-10:00 am
Tuesday, October 7
9:00-10:00 am
Saturday, October 18
3:00-6:00 pm
Tuesday, December 9
9:00-10:00 am
Friday, December 12
Time TBD
Saturday, January 24
Time TBD
Friday, February 6
5:30-7:30 pm
Tuesday, February 10
9:00-10:00 am
Thursday, February 12
March 9 – 13
Tuesday, April 7
9:00-10:00 am
Saturday, April 18
3:00-6:00 pm
Tuesday, May 12
9:00-10:00 am
(Tentative event) Last day of School
Lower Grades Dance Family Movie Morning
Location
Le Petit Paris 14474 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32250
End of the Year Celebration
Seawalk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach
Cinemark Atlantic North
About
Stop by after drop off to chat with the PTO, meet other parents, and build community!
Meetup for a walk on the first Wednesday of the month
Come meet The Discovery School PTO Leadership Team, learn about our events & check out uniform exchange.
PTO Introductions, Volunteer/Committee
Sign-Ups, and Planning for the Year
Planning Fall/Winter Events, Ongoing PTO Business
Join us for an afternoon of fall fun!
Mid-Year Recap & Ongoing PTO Business
Join the TDS community as we kick off the holiday season at Deck the Chairs
Movie day for the whole family!
A night on the town, with music, dancing, and fun for our younger students.
Planning Spring Events and Teacher Appreciation Week, Ongoing PTO Business
A fun, off-campus social event for our older students.
A week of gifts and events showing appreciation for the Discovery team
End-of-Year Planning, Ongoing PTO Business
Tour the world at TDS! Booths showcasing countries from around the world, with multicultural performers, music, and food.
Planning for the 2026-2027 School Year
Celebrate with the entire school for an end of the year gathering!
Communication
School Calendar
A comprehensive school calendar is available on the Discovery website and can easily be synced with your Google Calendar or iCal so you can keep up with school events, free dress days, after-school activities, and School Lunches.
Discovery Update
Every Friday, the office will send out a Discovery Update by email through Constant Contact. This provides an overview of upcoming events, important dates, stories about what is happening on campus, photos, and much more!
Toddle
Classroom Teachers will be communicating on a regular basis through the Toddle platform. Parents will receive an email each time something has been posted to their child’s stream. This is a wonderful way to stay connected with what is happening in the classroom.
PTO Corner
Each week in the Discovery Update, the PTO will provide reminders and information related to events and sign-up opportunities
Room Parent
Occasionally, you will receive communications directly from your Room Parent related to classroom happenings, events, news, etc.
Treats and Special Occasions
While sharing food has traditionally been a way to celebrate and build community, we are also mindful of creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students, including those with allergies or dietary restrictions. With that in mind, we kindly ask that families no longer bring in food or snack items for birthday celebrations or class activities.
Social Media
Facebook: Discovery has a public Facebook page as well as a Closed Group for parents, The Discovery School Community, where you will be reminded about Discovery events and be able to connect with other Discovery families.
Instagram: We use Instagram to connect with our Discovery community. Follow @thediscoveryschool to get an inside look at the daily life at school
YouTube: Discovery has its own YouTube Channel
You can opt out of having your child’s image and likeness shared in all images on these platforms by completing the Media Release Form (Parent Portal).
Publications
The school publishes a school-focused magazine two times per year. The annual report with financial information will be included in the fall issue of The Dolphin Dispatch.
School Website and Parent Portal
The Discovery School’s website, www.thediscoveryschool.org, contains general information about the school. It is updated on an ongoing basis.
Parents can access the Parent Portal through https://thediscoveryschool myschoolapp com Your email is your username. This is where you will complete school forms, update pick-up lists, and emergency contact information. The parent portal also has a resource board, which has lunch sign-ups, After School Adventures registration, the kindness rock sign-up links, the parent handbook link, and much more!
Finalsite Messaging Service
We are pleased to offer a text messaging service to parents for whole school reminders and schedule changes This service is also used in the event of school closures due to weather days or emergencies. Please make sure your cell phone is updated in Blackbaud(parent Portal) to receive these messages.
Petra Obritzberger Head of School
When should I consult her?
Any concerns or issues with the overall management of the school or programs. petra@thediscoveryschool.org
Jill Nason
Director of Finance & Human Resources
When should I consult her?
Any finance questions (tuition, scholarships, financial aid, and Step-up for Students)
jnason@thediscoveryschool.org
Mary Waldroff
Director of Philanthropy
When should I consult her?
All questions regarding the Discovery Fund, Capital Campaign, or any questions related to support. fmwaldroff@thediscoveryschool.org
When should I consult her?
Student transcript paperwork, student files, or health records mlong@thediscoveryschool.org
Shane Remenda
Director of Facilities
When should I consult him?
All facilities, security, health, and safety questions or needs. sremenda@thediscoveryschool.org
u r A d m i n i s t r a t i o n
Madison Pruski-Lo
School Secretary & Receptio
When should I consult her?
All admissions questions and support, student re-enrollment, and returning families support and questions. admissions@thediscoveryschool.org
Meghan Devlin
Co-Director of Admissions, Marketing & Communications
When should I consult her?
All admissions questions and support, student re-enrollment, and returning families support and questions. admissions@thediscoveryschool.org
When should I consult her?
All questions regarding afterschool adventures and summer camp. hrose@thediscoveryschool.org
Jasmine Ramos
Aftercare Coordinator
When should I consult her?
All questions related to aftercare and theater production. jramos@thediscoveryschool.org
Chad Bishop
Athletic Director
When should I consult him?
All questions related to athletics and the PE program. cbishop@thediscoveryschool.org
u r A d m i n i s t r a t i o n
Business Office Coordinato
Hannah Rose
Laura
Bayer Curriculum Coordinator
When should I consult her?
All questions regarding curriculum and vertical alignment. lbayer@thediscoveryschool org
When should I consult him?
All questions about student behavior needs and support. tnelson@thediscoveryschool.org
Erica Wright
Elementary Coordinator
When should I consult her?
All questions pertaining to the Elementary School. ewright@thediscoveryschool.org
Heather Oulton Rousseau
Director of Upper School & High School Advisor
When should I consult her?
All questions pertaining to the Middle School. High School advisory topics and questions. houlton@thediscoveryschool.org
Cat Blakelock
Director of Lower School
When should I consult her?
All questions pertaining to the Toddler & Primary Programs. cblakelock@thediscoveryschool.org
O u r A c a d e m i c A d m i n i s t r a t i o n
Trevis Nelson
Important Resources
Accessing The Parent Portal:
www.thediscoveryschool.org
CLICK PARENT TO LOG IN
● “Resources” Tab Features Important Links To:
Parent Handbook, Tuition Management
Account, School Forms & Documents
● School & Class Directories
Login Issues: Email admissions@thediscoveryschool.org
The Kindness Rock
Reservation Link in The Discovery Update
● Reservations $50, Paid Online or by Check
● Spray Paint, Acrylics & Tools Available
● Supplies are located behind the rock in a bin
● Arrive after 4 pm the day before to Paint
Tuition Management:
TUITION MANAGEMENT
Parent SmartTuition com
● MANAGE YOUR ACCOUNT & PAY TUITION
● Questions? Email jnason@thediscoveryschool org
19 PTO Kick Off Meeting
UE & MS Curriculum Night
7 Parent Book Club 10 No School, Parent Conferences 11 No School, Veterans Day
No School, FCIS Conferences
24-28 No School, Thanksgiving Break
Last Day of School, Early
parent only event*
Early Release Day, Free Dress Day
18 PTO Fall Event 24 Free Dress Day
PTO Meeting
Elementary & MS 5 Theater Production @ UNF
1-2 No School, Winter Break
6 Classes Resume
PTO Family Night at Deck the Chairs 19 Early Release, Free Dress Day
Free Dress Day
Coach Chad’s Chase
Grandparent & Special Friend
19 No School, MLK Jr. Holiday 24 PTO Movie Morning
Free Dress Day & State of the School
No School, Winter Break 1 Grandparent & Special Friend
Toddler & Primary
Early Release
No School
PTO Meeting 9-16 MS Costa Rica Trip
18 PTO Around the World Event
Spring Soirée (Parent Only) 7 PTO Meeting 9 Early Release Day 10 Professional Day,No School 13 School Holiday, No School
BACK TO SCHOOL BACK TO SCHOOL
CHECKLIST
Submitallschoolformson Blackbaud
ReviewtheParent& StudentHandbook
Labelyourchild’s belongings
SubscribetotheDiscovery Calendarforallimportant datesandevents
Submitmedicationsand healthformstoMs. Madison
Purchaseandorganize schoolsupplies&uniforms (ifneeded) Before the first day
What to pack Prepare your child emotionally
Walkyourchildthrough
Acknowledgefeelingsnervesarenormal!
Shareyourexcitement andtrustfortheteachers
Backpack(1 -8 grade) st th
Waterbottle(labeled)
Lunch/snack
Changeofclothesor cubbysupplies(Toddler& Primary)
Arrival & Dismissal Plans
Reviewcarlinemapwith arrivalanddismissal times
Ensureallchildrencanexit thedriver’ssideofthe vehicle
Haveyourcartagsvisible
SignupforAfterSchool Adventures(ifapplicable)
A place for notes....
Save the Date
September September Social Social
09.06.25 6:00-8:00 P.M.
Let’s Celebrate the Start of the School Year!
Join us for our September Social on Saturday, September 6th, for a fun and festive evening with our wonderful community This complimentary cocktail event is a great way to welcome new families, reconnect with friends, and kick off the school year together
Enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and live music in a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere.
Location: Private 131 (131 1st Ave N, Jacksonville Beach)
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
This is an adults-only event.
Space is limited, RSVP today!
