

Denham Oaks Elementary
Dragon Digest

Welcome to Denham Oaks Elementary!
We know that navigating the start of a new school year can be overwhelming and difficult for students and parents. So, this newsletter was created to share information that we believe is the most important for a successful start. If you need to speak with a member of our staff, please call (813)794-1600 and someone will be happy to assist.
Please continue to visit this newsletter as additional information may be posted up to the first day of school.
Kindergarten Camp
Meet the Teacher Day
Parent Resources
Denham Oaks Elementary School Hours
Arrival begins at 9:15 and ends at 9:35.
Dismissal begins at 3:50 and all students should be picked up no later than 4:10.
Setting up a myStudent Parent Portal Account
1. Navigate to the Pasco County Schools Website
2. Select the PARENTS menu
3. Select Check Grades under the PARENT LINKS menu area located on the right side of the screen
4. Click the Link to register a new account or add another student to your account
5. Follow the appropriate prompts for Registering, Add a Child or Password help
6. You will be required to enter the Parent PIN #, Student ID and Student’s Birthdate
- If you do not know your parent PIN, call 813-794-1600 and we will be happy to assist.
7. Select Add Student
School Fees
The 2025-2026 school board approved fees will be visible and available to pay towards the end of July. These fees should be paid prior to Meet the Teacher day, August 6th.
Teacher Assignment Fast Pass
This will be available in late July! You will be able to skip the line at Meet the Teacher and find out who your child's teacher is by logging into your parent portal, completing the emergency contact card, and parental bill of rights.
Parent Contact Information
We want to remind parents/guardians of the importance of updating their demographic information for the new school year if there have been changes. This information is essential for us to provide you with important information throughout the school year, and to contact you if we have a critical incident at the school. We also use this information to communicate with you about your student's progress, and to ensure that they are receiving the needed services and support.
Your demographic information includes things like your address, phone number, email address, and other emergency contact information. You can do this by logging into your myStudent Parent Portal account or by contacting the school office if you need assistance. Also, please check all of you email inboxes for school mail. Sometimes our messages get delivered to spam or other unused mailboxes. If that is the case, you need to change your preferences so that our messages arrive to the main inbox.
Free & Reduced Lunch
Denham Oaks Elementary will no longer be a part of the free breakfast and lunch program in Pasco County. It is important that ALL families complete the free and reduced lunch application even if you do not think you will qualify. Denham Oaks Elementary may qualify for additional funding based on the number of applications. The link to the application will be added to this newsletter once it is available.
Lunch Money
Lunch money can be sent in with your child or paid through the My School Bucks app. Click on the picture for more information.
ABC Program
The ABC- Assist, Believe and Care program matches community resources with families in need in order to provide basic essentials that will enhance the possibility for the child's success in school. The ABC Program is an example of a school- community partnership. Participation is voluntary and all names are kept confidential. The Guidance Department at the school prioritizes students' needs and matches them to available sponsors. Participant and sponsor applications may be obtained throughout the year in the office, contact Mary Giraldo at mgiraldo@pasco.k12.fl.us for the application and additional information.
*Back to School assistance - if you need assistance with school supplies, please call our office at 813-794-1600 or email Sheila Rodriguez at smrodrig@pasco.k12.fl.us.
Excused Absence Reporting
All students who are absent will be marked “unexcused” (U) until the parent/guardian notifies the school via link above or on our school website.
- Failure to do so within three (3) school days will cause the absence to be recorded as “unexcused”.
- In the case of excessive or extended absences, which are claimed to be due to illness, upon request of the principal or designee, a parent must provide documentation (doctor’s statement) of a student’s illness.
- Excessive or extended absences are considered five (5) in one calendar month or ten (10) in one semester, or a history of excessive absences per period as defined below under Student Consequences for Unexcused Absences.
- Absences that meet this threshold as defined above will require a doctor’s note. If doctor’s notes are not provided, absences will be marked as unexcused (Source: Portion from District School Board of Pasco County Student Code of Conduct).
Early Student Checkouts
Children must be picked up from the office prior to 3:15pm because they are transferring to their dismissal locations at this time. Thank you for your cooperation. 😀
Change of Dismissals
No changes are permitted after 3:15pm!
EARLY RELEASE DAY CHANGES MUST BE SENT IN BY 1:15PM on the day for early release.
**CHANGES SHOULD NOT BE MADE ON A DAILY BASIS**
Thank you for your cooperation. 😀
Lunch with Your Child
Lunchtime is a vital opportunity for students to build friendships, develop social skills, and feel a sense of belonging among their peers. To support this important aspect of their development, we kindly encourage families to consider limiting lunch visits to occasional special occasions.
By doing so, we help ensure that all students have the chance to connect with classmates, strengthen their social circles, and enjoy a balanced school experience.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support in helping us create a nurturing and inclusive environment for all our students.
In order to eat lunch with your child:
- you will need a lunch coupon* - one coupon per adult per visit
- eat at our outdoor picnic area (weather permitting)
- no other students may join you
- no cellphone use inside school
- check in/check out in front office
*How to earn lunch coupons
- All parent portal tasks completed by 8/5/25
- Complete Free and Reduced Lunch application
- Attend parent/teacher conference
- Attend All Pro Dads
- Attend SAC Meeting
- Attend PTA Meeting
- Volunteer (Must be an approved volunteer 25-26)
- Other opportunities will be added throughout the school year
Lunch with your child will not begin until September 2, 2025.
Birthday Celebrations
Birthdays are a special time, especially for children. It is important for you to make arrangements PRIOR to your child’s special day with your child’s teacher. All food provided in school for birthdays must be purchased from our school cafeteria- you MAY NOT send in store bought food or treat bags for students.
You can contact our Cafeteria Manager at 813-794-1678 to purchase birthday snacks, this must be done 2 weeks prior to the day you are requesting it for. You can also download the order form from our webpage: does.pasco.k12.fl.us.
While every teacher/classroom has a different way to recognize birthdays, it is important to remember that school is NOT a place to hold your child’s party. Party favors/gift bags will not be given out and presents should not be brought to school for a child to open. Please do not have gifts or flowers delivered to school for your child. They will be held in the front office until the end of the day.
School Buses
Bus passes are posted in myStudent. No one at the school is able to make changes to bus stop times, stop locations or routes. Please direct all questions or concerns directly to the transportation department.
To assist families with questions and concerns, the Transportation Call Center to assist families. Call 813-320-2562.
Additional information about bus transportation on the website.
Before and After School Care
We do have a before/after school program through PLACE that is on our campus which allows for early drop off and later pick up for families that need it. If you think you may need this service we highly recommend that you sign up now to reserve a spot. To learn more or register, please click here!
Extracurricular Activites
Soccer Stars and Amazing Athletes of Tampa Bay are not affiliated with Pasco County Schools and all communication must go directly through the company.
Please click on the attached flyer for more information and to register.
School Advisory Council (SAC) 2025-26
The SAC is a means for community/parent involvement in and support of the schools. It is composed of the principal, teachers, educational support employees, parents, business and community partners, and students. It is representative of the ethnic and economic makeup of the community it serves, and it participates in identifying school needs and developing plans for meeting those needs. Additionally, the SAC assists in the evaluation of the school's Success Plan.
The SAC typically meets once per month before school starting in September, where it then provides recommendations on the goals of the school and proposes strategies to accomplish them. It also prepares and distributes school information to the greater community. A large part of the SAC's responsibility involves voting on how to spend allocated funding to accomplish various student-centered goals and projects. This is why attendance for SAC members is so crucial to its success.
Teachers, educational support personnel, parents and students are elected members of the SAC. Students serve for one year while other members typically serve for two years. Business and community representatives are appointed by the principal.If you are interested in joining SAC for the upcoming school year, please contact Mrs. Vento at cvento@pasco.k12.fl.us.
All Pro Dads
All Pro Dad Chapters is a monthly gathering at our school where dads and kids engage in meaningful conversations and activities that strengthens their relationship. Please visit the website for more information: https://allprodadchapters.com/chapters/11640
PTA
PTA meets monthly at our school. Our mission is to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. Please visit their website for more information: https://doespta.givebacks.com/w/ or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DenhamOaksPta
Click the image above to sign up!
A Note from the Principal
I’m incredibly excited to introduce myself, Chasity Vento, as the new Principal of Denham Oaks Elementary School! 💙💚
My journey in education began in 2003, and over the years I’ve had the privilege of serving in many roles: kindergarten, 4th, and 5th grade teacher, reading interventionist, instructional reading coach, and assistant principal. Each of these experiences has shaped who I am as an educator and leader.
What makes this new chapter especially meaningful is that my very first experience as an assistant principal was right here at Denham Oaks. Returning to this amazing school feels like coming home, and I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to lead and grow alongside such a dedicated and passionate team.
I look forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and getting to know all the new members of our school family. Together, I know we will continue to do great things for our students and community. The future is bright at DOES, and I’m honored to be part of it! Let’s make this an incredible year!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Vento
#everydragoneveryday
Denham Oaks Elementary School
Website: https://does.pasco.k12.fl.us/
Location: 1422 Oak Grove Blvd, Lutz FL 33559
Phone: 813-794-1600
Facebook: Denham Oaks Elementary School