Calusa Elementary School
Always a Step Ahead!
ABOUT US
SCHOOL MISSION
The staff and community of Calusa Elementary School will provide students with sensitivity, awareness, and an understanding of our cultural diversity. Global perspectives will be addressed through an interdisciplinary approach to instruction. A meaningful learning environment will be provided to instill a feeling of mutual respect among teachers, students, and parents. The process will develop students to their highest potential.
SCHOOL VISION
Calusa ElementarySchool enriches the community through: the conveyance of the cultural heritage of the nation and the surrounding community; the provision of the best possible educational experiences to our students; the extension of the services of the school to address the needs of the whole individual; and the provision of a center for community activities.
SCHOOL PROFILE
Calusa Information & Financial Report
This report is to better inform parents and the public concerning how revenues were spent to operate the school during the prior school year.
A copy of our 2022-2023 school financial report can be found on the dadeschools.net/schools’ information web page (https://www3.dadeschools.net/SchoolInformation (Please use Google Chrome to open the link, not all web browsers are supported). You will need to search for your school, and the report will be under the Resources section, School Financial Report link.
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Welcome to the 2022 – 2023 school year. It is with great pleasure that I welcome our students to this amazing “A” rated school. We are thrilled to share that Calusa ranked in 3rd place, out of 160 traditional elementary schools in Reading, Mathematics and Science proficiency. In addition, Calusa obtained the STEM Gold Designation for five consecutive years; consequently, we achieved STEM Platinum Status!
We hope you had a wonderful summer and that are students are ready for a year filled with learning and adventure. Calusa Elementary is committed to provide a rigorous and joyful inclusive school environment in pursuit of excellence. Our phenomenal teachers have been preparing their classrooms to make them inviting and beautiful for our students. At Calusa, we possess the ingredients to provide our students with everything they need to grow socially and academically. Our motto this year is “Calusa Dives into Adventure”.
We are aware that a strong partnership with you will make a huge difference in your child’s education. As partners, we share the responsibility for their success. We encourage you to stay connected and informed by following us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and our Website for important updates and information throughout the school year.
We are looking forward to a wonderful school year, as we prepare our students for the waves of tomorrow. If there is ever anything you need, please do not hesitate to contact me or stop by my office. 😊
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Safety in schools is a concern for parents, teachers and administrators everywhere. The number one priority in schools across the nation today involves safety. In order to ensure your child’s safety, Calusa Elementary has instituted the following policies. Please review these policies with your child.
ARRIVAL:
Please drop off students in the marked area either on Calusa Club Drive or 96th Street. Kindergarten, 2nd and 4th graders will be dropped off on the 96 Street side and 1st, 3rd and 5th grades will be dropped of on the Calusa Club Dr. side of the school.
If you need to park, please park along the perimeter of West Calusa Club Drive or by the field.
Please do not park in the drop off lanes.
The parking lot in front of the school is not a drop off area.
Breakfast will be served in the cafeteria from 8:00 a.m. to 8:20 a.m.
Students that arrive at school prior to 8:00 a.m. must register for Before School Care.
DISMISSAL:
Teachers will walk students to dismissal areas.
Kindergarten, 2nd and 4th grade will be dismissed on 96th Street.
1st, 3rd, and 5th grade will be dismissed on West Calusa Club Drive.
Use the cross walks if walking your child to his/her car. DO NOT WALK BETWEEN CARS IN THE CAR POOL LANE.
Please wait for your child at the dismissal area located either on West Calusa Club Drive or 96th Street.
Please DO NOT wait for your child outside of the classroom.
Students will not be allowed to leave after 2:30 pm for early dismissal or 1:30 pm on Wednesdays.
DURING SCHOOL HOURS:
At this time parents are not allowed to be anywhere inside the building other than in the main office.
Teachers will be available for conferences with a scheduled appointment.
Any changes in transportation must be done in a timely manner. The main office should be contacted by 1:15 p.m. (K& 1) or 2:15 p.m. (2, 3, 4, & 5) in order to accommodate these changes. We know that with your assistance, Calusa will remain a safe learning environment for your child. We need your interest, your involvement, your support, and your assistance in achieving our goals. Please feel free to contact us at (305) 385-0589 if additional information is required. Remember, you are the number one role model for your child and your support of the school rules and polices is what makes Calusa Elementary "Always a Step Ahead."
SCHOOL INSPECTION REPORTS
IMPORTANT LUNCH PROGRAM INFORMATION:
Dear Parent/Guardian:
We are pleased to announce FREE School Breakfast and lunch for All Students
Please also note that breakfast is served daily in all schools to all students free of charge.