8/10/23
August 10, 2023
Don't forget your Back 2 School and Summer Assignments
On this page you will find Key Dates for the 2023 - 2024 school year, events and orientation info for the next school year, as well as summer assignments and recommendations from faculty in each division. Please make sure to check this page to ensure all work is completed before school starts.
Reminder: All summer work needs to be completed by August 16th.
BACK TO SCHOOL FAIR
Monday, August 14: 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
Tuesday, August 15: 8:00 - 10:30 am
International Square
With the school year starting, we want to make sure you're prepared! Join us on either day to get information from CDS Clubs and Departments.
This is an information event and is not mandatory.
We are proud to share that CDS has surpassed the national average with our recent IB pass rate of 90%! Congratulations Class of 2023 Patriots and to the Upper School Faculty & Staff for their unwavering support.
BEARSS AVE ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL MAP
A MESSAGE FROM FLIK |
This summer, CDS and our Dining Services company, FLIK, have been working hard to ensure meals at CDS during the 2023 - 2024 school year are easy, quick, and enjoyable! To this end, we are excited to announce some changes to our dining services.
- Flik is switching from My School Bucks to QuickCharge
- All CDS students will have an easy-to-use lunch card to speed up service during lunch
- The CDS Food Truck is back!
- CDS now has its own Flik Director of Dining Services
- Welcome Ernest Durino
If you have any questions, please email Ernest Durino.
There will be NO POWER HOUR on the first day of school, August 16th.
HB1 School Choice Expansion Explanation
Recently, there has been increased interest in state-funded scholarships since the expansion of the program through House Bill 1. Three years ago, CDS stopped accepting new state-funded scholarships, such as Step Up, while honoring existing state-funded scholarship agreements with enrolled families. Our intention is to exit the program entirely as the last recipients graduate or shift to our internal financial aid program. Our name will remain listed on the website as accepting the scholarships until the legacy recipients graduate or are moved to our financial aid program, which has caused some confusion, but we are not accepting any new state-funded scholarships at this time.
For more information about this decision, please visit our tuition page on the website. If you have any further questions about the HB1 School Choice Expansion program, please reach out here.
ECC
Dawn Wilson
Head of Lower School
Email me!
EVENT CALENDAR
February
March
The Patriot Spirit Shop is open for Back to School until the 15th and then again on the 20th.
Reminder if your CDS student(s) will be riding the bus, please fill out the 2023-2024 Transportation Agreement form.
DISMISSAL REMINDERS |
CDS uses the PikMyKid app to help improve the flow of traffic during dismissal. By default, all children have been set up in the app to be picked up in carline. See page 3 of the PikMyKid Instruction packet to make adjustments to your child's dismissal plan. (These changes can be done daily or scheduled for a block of days.)
- Indicate if your child will be staying for aftercare.
- You can add other approved contacts to pick up your child. Be sure to have your non-CDS parent contacts (grandparents, nanny, etc.) set up the PikMyKid app on their smartphone as well.
- If your child is carpooling with another family, be sure to indicate that change on the applicable calendar date.
- PikMyKid Parent FAQs
SEESAW FOR ECC |
Stay Informed with SeeSaw
Seesaw is the primary communication tool used by ECC teachers. Seesaw provides a secure and safe, easy-to-use, way for students, teachers, and parents to seamlessly communicate and collaborate to enhance students’ learning and success. Seesaw is a digital portfolio that students will use to showcase what they are learning and doing at school and share with their family.
Once Seesaw is activated for this school year, returning families will use their same account. Access codes and instructions for creating parent Seesaw accounts will be sent home to new ECC parents during the first two weeks of school.
NEW START TIME!
With the goal of more instructional
time, our PreK 4 classrooms
will be starting at 8:15 am this year.
NO SCHOOL
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
LABOR DAY
Per your 2023-2024 CDS enrollment agreement, all Do Not Photo requests must be made to the CDS Marketing Department. If you do not want your child to be photographed during the school year please fill out the Do Not Photo request.
For the 2023-2024 school year, all student medical and sports information will be in Magnus Health. Make sure you have completed your students(s) State Required Forms prior to the first day of school. You can access your Magnus Health account via your Veracross Parent Portal.
FOR HELP WITH
Accessing Account: Cayce French
Health Forms: CDS Nurse
Athletic Forms: Jill Bondurant
Elementary
Dawn Wilson
Head of Lower School
Email me!
EVENT CALENDAR
February
March
The Patriot Spirit Shop is open for Back to School until the 15th and then again on the 20th.
WE NEED BOXES!
The Elementary Maker Lab is looking for flattened cardboard boxes to be used in the many exciting projects this school year. Recyclables (paper towel tubes, clean small containers, empty water bottles, etc.) are always appreciated. Supplies can be dropped off anytime to the Elementary office or directly to Mrs. Gochoco in the Maker Lab.
Beyond the Bell Session 1
Starts September 4
Bearss Avenue SIGN UP + Catalog
*Musical Theatre & Chorus sign-ups coming soon. Students will need to audition. The schedule will be Tuesday & Thursday. For more information please contact Ms. Mosher or Ms. Shephard.
Power Hour Wednesday's start August 23rd
DISMISSAL REMINDERS |
CDS uses the PikMyKid app to help improve the flow of traffic during dismissal. By default, all children have been set up in the app to be picked up in carline. See page 3 of the PikMyKid Instruction packet to make adjustments to your child's dismissal plan. (These changes can be done daily or scheduled for a block of days.)
- Indicate if your child will be staying for aftercare.
- You can add other approved contacts to pick up your child. Be sure to have your non-CDS parent contacts (grandparents, nanny, etc.) set up the PikMyKid app on their smartphone as well.
- If your child is carpooling with another family, be sure to indicate that change on the applicable calendar date.
- PikMyKid Parent FAQs
Reminder if your CDS student(s) will be riding the bus, please fill out the 2023-2024 Transportation Agreement form.
NO SCHOOL
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
LABOR DAY
Get excited for
FALL ELEMENTARY SPORTS
Pep Squad Info
If you are new to the Pep Squad, please contact Coach Nayda Hawkins to ensure you have all necessary information.
Registration will open on August 17th in Veracross.
Per your 2023-2024 CDS enrollment agreement, all Do Not Photo requests must be made to the CDS Marketing Department. If you do not want your child to be photographed during the school year please fill out the Do Not Photo request.
For the 2023-2024 school year, all student medical and sports information will be in Magnus Health. Make sure you have completed your students(s) State Required Forms prior to the first day of school. You can access your Magnus Health account via your Veracross Parent Portal.
FOR HELP WITH
Accessing Account: Cayce French
Health Forms: CDS Nurse
Athletic Forms: Jill Bondurant
SEESAW FOR ECC |
Stay Informed with SeeSaw
Seesaw will be used as the primary communication tool for Elementary teachers. Seesaw provides a secure and safe, easy-to-use, way for students, teachers, and parents to seamlessly communicate and collaborate to enhance students’ learning and success. Seesaw is a digital portfolio that students will use to showcase what they are learning and doing at school and share with their family.
Once Seesaw is activated for this school year, returning families will use their same account. Access codes and instructions for creating parent Seesaw accounts will be sent home to new Elementary parents during the first two weeks of school.
Middle School
2023-2024
ORIENTATION INFORMATION
New parent orientation meeting on Tuesday, August 15 at 8:30 am in the CDS Theater.
There will be NO bus service or after school supervision available during orientation. All students must be picked up at their assigned dismissal times during orientation. Participation in orientation activities is mandatory. Absences will count towards school attendance records.
FLIK will not be open until August 16th.
NEW START TIME!
With the goal of more instructional time, our middle school
will be starting at 8:00 am this year.
Chuck Maddox
Head of Middle School
Email me!
EVENT CALENDAR
February
March
CDS has once again partnered with The Social Institute (TSI), the leader in empowering students to navigate their social world -- online and offline-- to fuel their health, happiness, and future success.
Set up a free TSI account to get a Parent Toolkit.
The Patriot Spirit Shop is open for Back to School until the 15th and then again on the 20th.
WHAT
New Parent Orientation Meeting to discuss information for the upcoming year in Middle School
WHEN
August 15 from 8:30 - 9:30 am
WHERE
CDS Theater
Bearss Avenue Campus
Beyond the Bell Session 1
Starts September 4
Bearss Avenue SIGN UP + Catalog
Power Hour Wednesday's start August 23rd
Middle school students are responsible for purchasing their own school supplies and bringing them to school during orientation in August. Please check back for the lists of supplies required for each grade next year:
Per your 2023-2024 CDS enrollment agreement, all Do Not Photo requests must be made to the CDS Marketing Department. If you do not want your child to be photographed during the school year please fill out the Do Not Photo request.
Reminder if your CDS student(s) will be riding the bus, please fill out the 2023-2024 Transportation Agreement form.
NO SCHOOL
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
LABOR DAY
WHAT
MAP Testing
WHEN
August 22 - August 25
WHO
All 6th, 7th, & 8th Graders
WHAT
CC Presents:
All about Applying Early
WHEN
Thursday, September 7th
8:45 - 9:45 am
WHERE
Wagner Entrepreneurial Center
WHO
All Middle and Upper School Families
WHY
There are many different options when it comes to applying early to college and they can often all sound the same: Early Action, Restricted Early Action, Early Decision. We will break down what each option means, lay out the advantages and disadvantages of each, and we will answer your questions.
For the 2023-2024 school year, all student medical and sports information will be in Magnus Health. Make sure you have completed your students(s) State Required Forms prior to the first day of school. You can access your Magnus Health account via your Veracross Parent Portal.
FOR HELP WITH
Accessing Account: Cayce French
Health Forms: CDS Nurse
Athletic Forms: Jill Bondurant
For new students, if you have not yet received a Schoology account, please contact Ms. Benziger in the Admissions office.
Upper School
2023-2024
ORIENTATION INFORMATION
New parent orientation meeting on Monday, August 14 at 1:30 pm in the CDS Theater.
There will be NO bus service or after school supervision available during orientation. All students must be picked up at their assigned dismissal times during orientation. Participation in orientation activities is mandatory. Absences will count towards school attendance records.
FLIK will not be open until August 16th.
9th Grade Pathfinders
When: 9/18 - 9/20
Cost: $480
Information Packet
Registration and Waiver
Due: 8/14
10th Grade College Trip
When: 9/18-9/19
Where: FSU and UF
Cost: $250
Registration
Due: 8/14
11th Grade Circle F
When: 9/18 - 9/20
Cost: $575
Registration & Waiver
Due 8/14
12th Grade Disney
When: 10/16 & 10/17
Where: Magic Kingdom & Typhoon Lagoon
Cost: $360 plus food expenses for two lunches and one dinner (approximately $75-100 will be the student's responsibility.)
Registration & Payment
Itinerary
Due 8/28
Stephen Higgins
Head of Upper School
Email me!
EVENT CALENDAR
February
March
April
The Patriot Spirit Shop is open for Back to School until the 15th and then again on the 20th.
Reminder if your CDS student(s) will be riding the bus, please fill out the 2023-2024 Transportation Agreement form.
WHAT
Summer Math Packet Help
WHEN
Friday, August 11th
10:00 - 11:00 am
WHERE
Rooms A227 and A230
WHAT
New Parent Orientation Meeting to discuss information for the upcoming year in Upper School
WHEN
August 14 from 1:30 - 2:30 pm
WHERE
CDS Theater
Bearss Avenue Campus
Beyond the Bell Session 1
Starts September 4
Bearss Avenue SIGN UP + Catalog
Power Hour Wednesday's start August 23rd
Upper school students are responsible for purchasing their own school supplies and bringing them to school during orientation in August. Please check back for the lists of supplies required for each grade next year:
CDS has once again partnered with The Social Institute (TSI), the leader in empowering students to navigate their social world -- online and offline-- to fuel their health, happiness, and future success.
Set up a free TSI account to get a Parent Toolkit.
For the 2023-2024 school year, all student medical and sports information will be in Magnus Health. Make sure you have completed your students(s) State Required Forms prior to the first day of school. You can access your Magnus Health account via your Veracross Parent Portal.
FOR HELP WITH
Accessing Account: Cayce French
Health Forms: CDS Nurse
Athletic Forms: Jill Bondurant
NO SCHOOL
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
LABOR DAY
WHAT
College Counseling Senior Parent and Student Night
WHEN
Thursday, August 24
6:45 pm
WHERE
CDS Theater
This event is mandatory for the student and at least one senior parent to review all the unique events & experiences that impact our seniors in their last year at CDS.
WHAT
CC Presents:
All about Applying Early
WHEN
Thursday, September 7th
8:45 - 9:45 am
WHERE
Wagner Entrepreneurial Center
WHO
All Middle and Upper School Families
WHY
There are many different options when it comes to applying early to college and they can often all sound the same: Early Action, Restricted Early Action, Early Decision. We will break down what each option means, lay out the advantages and disadvantages of each, and we will answer your questions.
Per your 2023-2024 CDS enrollment agreement, all Do Not Photo requests must be made to the CDS Marketing Department. If you do not want your child to be photographed during the school year please fill out the Do Not Photo request.
WHAT
MAP Testing
WHEN
August 28 - September 1
WHO
All 9th and 10th Graders
For new students, if you have not yet received a Schoology account, please contact Ms. Benziger in the Admissions office.
Athletics Info & Dates
CDS Athletics uses GoFan online ticketing.
CDS GoFan page
Patriot fans can find upcoming events on the CDS GoFan page and purchase tickets quickly and easily in advance. This will save time at the gate and allow for a contactless and simple experience when fans arrive at the gym or the field.
Booster Members will receive an email invitation with their season pass link.
GoFan is the official digital ticketing partner for FHSAA, and is used for playoff games in the state of Florida.
CDS is excited to roll out the 2023-2024 Carrollwood Day School Booster Club!
We will offer three windows for membership. The first window is from now until the first home football game, on October 6th. We will open again for a two-week window for winter sports and again in the spring.
Your membership is good for your family for the entire 2023-2024 school year so,
MS Athletics
US Athletics Event
Key Info
Parents, please make sure that you are logging into your Veracross profile and updating your pick-up authorization section (under your household profile) as you have different people picking up your students. Moving forward, CDS will not be able to release students to unauthorized personnel.
Access your Magnus Health portal from Veracross! Once you are signed into your Veracross Portal, you can automatically get into Magnus. Update your students health records easily!
CDS VIMEO CHANNEL |
Did you know that CDS has a VIMEO channel that houses all our recordings of parent coffees, event videos, and so much more?
NOTE ABOUT CDS TEXT MESSAGES
Please note that any texts that are sent from CDS will have "From CDS:" at the beginning of it. If you receive a text without our heading in front of it, please assume it is not from our school. Email CDS if you have any questions.
JOIN FOPA |
Friends of the Performing Arts is an organization of parents, alumni, and friends who are dedicated to strengthening the Performing Arts program at Carrollwood Day School.
A MESSAGE FROM FLIK |
Flik serves scratch prepared lunches to students in all divisions. You can also order FLIK lunches for some field trips.
Reminder if your CDS student(s) will be riding the bus, please fill out the 2023-2024 Transportation Agreement form.
Early Dismissal and Absences should now be recorded in Veracross. Log into your Parent Portal and click the "Submit an Absence" on the right hand side.
READ ALL ABOUT US |
Every week our CDS Community amazes us with their innovation, creativity, character, and excellence. Read some unbelievable stories about our CDS Patriots.
US AFTER SCHOOL STUDY HALL |
Upper School students are welcome to remain on campus after dismissal. After school policies have been established to enable students to remain on campus and participate in athletic team practices/games and other supervised after school activities. No student will be allowed to "hang out" on campus unsupervised after dismissal.
MS AFTER SCHOOL STUDY HALL |
Middle School students are welcome to remain on campus after dismissal. After school policies have been established to enable students to remain on campus and participate in athletic team practices/games and other supervised after school activities. No student will be allowed to "hang out" on campus unsupervised after dismissal.
LATE NOTICE
All late arrivals and early dismissals need to come through the elementary front office. The gate to the east lot is closed from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. for security purposes. Please enter through the main gate at the west entrance, pull through the cut through behind the Center for Innovation, and into the west lot to enter the ES office.
SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING |
The Safe School Helpline is not for issues that are emergencies or immediate in nature.
If there is an emergency, please call 911
then contact the CDS Security Office.
Need Support Now?
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
WE NEED YOUR HELP! |
Ever wonder how you can get involved and help at CDS? iVolunteer is where you'll find numerous opportunities. From events to classroom activities, it's all there. It takes a village!
GET SOCIAL! |
CDS has partnered with The Social Institute (TSI), the leader in empowering students to navigate their social world -- online and offline-- to fuel their health, happiness, and future success.
Set up a free TSI account to get a Parent Toolkit.
SCHOOLOGY FOR MS & US |
Schoology is a web-based learning management system that provides a secure and safe, easy-to-use, way for teachers, students, parents, and administrators to seamlessly communicate and collaborate to enhance students’ learning and success.