- School Information
- Student Services Team
- Cypress PTO
- Box Tops for Education
- Map/School Boundries
- Registering a Student
- Absences
- Transportation Information
- Healthy School Team
- Media Release Information
- School Choice
- Cub Expectations/PBIS
- Awards
- School Success Plan
- Withdrawal Process
- School Records
- Dress Code
- Cypress Fundraising
- Title 1 CNA & Parent and Family Engagement Plan 2022-2023
- Countdown to Kindergarten
- Catered Classroom Celebrations from the Cub Cafe
Welcome to Cypress Elementary!
We are the Cypress Cubs!
School Hours: 9:16 AM – 3:30 PM
Students will be entering the building at 9:05 AM. Instruction begins at 9:20 AM.
A Tradition of Education and Community!
Cypress Elementary has proudly educated and served the New Port Richey community for over 40 years! Our school includes Kindergarten through 5th grade and has an average enrollment of 700 students. Our campus is nestled inside the Tanglewood subdivision, but also serves portions of the Golden Acres, Bass Lake, River Ridge, Moon Lake Estates, Crescent Forest, Hidden Lake Estates, and Waters Edge communities.The majority of our 5th grade students move on to attend River Ridge Middle School for grades 6th through 8th and River Ridge High School for grades 9th through 12th.
Cubbie is our mascot and our school color is green!
GOOOOOOOO Cubs!
2022-2023 PTO Board of Directors
President Cristine Henry (Parent) Vice President Brittany Yeider (Parent) Treasurer Tara Fielding (Parent)
Secretary Debbie Hemby (PTO Secretary) Jeanne Krapfl (Principal)
Cypress Elementary PTO Email: cypresscubspto@gmail.com
Mission Statement
Cypress Elementary PTO’s focus is to plan and organize functions that; encourage Parental Involvement, enhance family interactions, support academic growth, acknowledge student achievement, support staff, enhance school grounds, and most importunately promote school spirit, school pride and good citizenship.
PTO Membership
Your membership helps support special school events, classroom items, student and teacher incentives, and so much more! CLICK HERE for PTO Membership Form
What is the PTO?
PTO stands for Parent-Teacher Organization. This is a group consisting of parents, family members, teachers, and members of the community working together to enhance family interactions.
Who can be a PTO member?
For $10 any parent, family member, teacher, or community member can join and get involved!
Will I be expected to volunteer?
Sending in your PTO membership does not obligate or require you to volunteer! Of course, any time you share is very appreciated, but is not required. For each PTO sponsored event, the PTO Board will send out a request for volunteers, but you are not expected or required to volunteer. We understand that your time is valuable. If you are able to share it with us we are greatly appreciative, but if you are not we understand and still hope to see you and your families enjoying PTO sponsored events and activities!
Do I need to attend the PTO Meetings?
With so many other obligations in our every day lives, the Cypress Elementary PTO knows that having to attend a meeting, may not be possible. Each month we have a meeting scheduled to plan/discuss events, and have an opportunity to meet with other parents, families, teachers, and members of the community. If you are unable to attend any of the meetings in person but would like to be present, don’t worry! We will also send a Zoom link for each scheduled meeting. If you’re not able to attend in person or virtually that is ok too! All of our information will be shared and communicated through PTO emails, here on the Cypress website, and on the Cypress Elementary PTO Facebook page, and event fliers are also sent home. Again, these meetings are not mandatory, however your input would be greatly missed. If you ever have ideas for the PTO Board to present on your behalf, or questions for the PTO Board please send an email to the PTO board at CypressCubsPTO@gmail.com
Please consider joining the Cypress Elementary PTO!
Our Amazing Business Partners – Thank You!!
Meeting Schedule, Agenda and Minutes
All PTO Meetings are hosted in the school Media Center After School. Unable to attend in person? That is ok! We will send a Zoom link in our reminder emails. You are also welcome to send an email with anything you would like discussed during a meeting.
Tuesday, August 23 CLICK HERE for Meeting Agenda CLICK HERE for Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 20 CLICK HERE for Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 25th
Tuesday, November 29th
Tuesday, December
Tuesday, January 10th
Tuesday, February 21st
Tuesday, March 21st
Tuesday, April 18th
Tuesday, May 16th
Tuesday, January 10th
Donate to Cypress PTO
If you would like to donate to our PTO, please reach out to the PTO email at: cypresscubspto@gmail.com
Click here for information about Box Tops for Education!
Map to Cypress
School Boundaries
The District School Board of Pasco County offers a few different ways to determine where your child should attend school according to your residential address.
If you know your exact house number, street name, city and zip code, you can do an address search here: Search Boundaries. This will tell you which elementary, middle and high school children in your home are zoned to attend.
Note: Be careful if your street name ends with avenue (AV) or loop (LP) as these abbreviations may be different then what you normally use. Also, if you submit your address in the boundary search and are NOT provided your zoned schools, try again without using road name abbreviations.
If you are unable to find your address or have other questions regarding school boundaries, you may contact the District School Board of Pasco County’s Planning Services Department at: (727) 774-7970.
CLICK HERE to register a student.
If you have questions about school registrations, please reach out to:
Eileen Freeman, DEO Phone: 727-774-4506 Email: efreeman@pasco.k12.fl.us
Debbie Hemby, School Secretary Phone: 727-774-4500 Email: dburd@pasco.k12.fl.us
*Students entering kindergarten for the first time must be 5 years of age on or before September 1, for that school year.*
Absences If your child has been absent, you have a few options in how to notify the school and have the absence considered to be excused. You may:
- Report Absence On-line
- Send in a note on the day your child returns to school and have it include: student name, ID/lunch number, date(s) of absence, parent’s school time contact number, parent’s email address, explanation/reason for absence.
- Email your child’s teacher with an explanation and include student name, ID/lunch number, date(s) of absence, and parent’s school time contact number.
- Provide a dated Doctor’s note with student’s name and date(s) of absence.
You are not required to call the school the morning of an absence, but if your child is absent an excessive amount of days without notification, the teacher, school social worker, or other staff member may contact you to determine the reason for the absences. Absences of THREE OR MORE CONSECUTIVE DAYS require a note from the doctor to be excused. If you have questions regarding the District School Board of Pasco County’s attendance policy, please refer to the school handbook and Code of Student Conduct, located in Student Planners.
Transportation Information
For the safety and well-being of your child, we do not encourage dismissal changes during the school day. If an emergency arises during the school day and a change must be made, please call the school office.
District School Buses
Most bus stop locations will remain the same each school year. During the first several weeks of the school year, morning pick-up and afternoon student drop-off times will vary. Once all students who will normally ride buses begin to use bus service daily, and new routines are established, designated times may be observed.
We understand and sympathize with schedule disruptions. Please remember our PRIMARY GOAL is to ensure safe transportation between the school and your student’s correct bus stop.
Car Rider
Rainy Day Dismissal
Delays in bus departures can be expected during inclement weather. If the alternate dismissal is called, students remain in classrooms and are loaded one bus at a time.
Temporary Changes in Arrival or Dismissal
Cypress Elementary continues to require written notification of a child’s change of arrival and dismissal . A temporary change must be made in writing and include the reason for the change (i.e. childcare, etc). This can be done by writing a note in your child’s planner or emailing your child’s teacher from an email address familiar to the teacher. If the teacher does not recognize the email address as that of a parent or guardian or the email is not received in a timely manner (at least one day prior to the change) no change in transportation will be made. Please understand, last minute changes may not be feasibly accommodated; timely planning and consistency is needed for the safety of your child.
Permanent Change in Arrival or Dismissal
Permanent and long-term transportation changes must be done in one of two ways: in person at the front office (please have a photo ID with your name with you), or send in a written note with your child.
Please Note: Any change in residence address requires proof of residence. A new bus pass will NOT be issued until proof of residence is received by the front office.
Healthy School Team
Under the New Student Wellness Policy
, all schools are required to have a Healthy School Team. This team must consist of specific stakeholders, and is charged with ensuring school fundraisers (involving food products) and the consumption of food items on campus follow Smart Snack Standards.
Cypress Elementary Healthy School Meeting Dates
11/28/22, 12/12/22, 2/13/23, 4/11/23 Meeting Time: 2:30 PM
Pasco County Schools Student Wellness Page
Media Release Information
The District School Board of Pasco County (DSBPC, the District) strives to celebrate the accomplishments of its students by sharing information with the community. To do this, the District may submit press releases to local media (newspapers, radio, television, online news blogs) that include student names, student work, student photographs, and video and/or voice recordings.
In addition, the District may choose to publish and/or display this information in District-sponsored publications, at various school or public functions, on the District’s local cable channel, website(s) and various social media channels, or in the school yearbook. While the intent of this practice is to be informative and celebratory, the District recognizes that concerns may arise regarding a student’s right to privacy.
Pursuant to the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), school districts are permitted to release “school directory information” unless parents exercise their right of refusal. Under the FERPA law, this information could include: student name, residential address, e-mail address, phone numbers, photographs/images, school locations, field of study, degrees, honors and awards received and participation in athletics and other activities.
It is the intent and practice of the School District to publish, post, or release ONLY a child’s name, photograph, audio and/or video recording, displays of student work or other school-related information and ONLY as related to student achievement (e.g. academic/athletic recognition or award) or student accomplishment (e.g. a specially selected piece of work).
If you agree to allow the DSBPC to publish and/or display such information about your student for non- commercial purposes and without cost, no action is required.
If you DO NOT grant permission for the District to release your child’s name, photograph, schoolwork, and/or video or voice recording in the manner stated above, you must complete, sign and return this Media Release Non-Consent form to your child’s school. Please note that the Media Release Non-Consent Form is available in the administrative office of your child’s school and on the District web site, and a signed form is considered valid for one (1) school year.
The District School Board of Pasco County and Cypress Elementary School abide by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, commonly referred to as FERPA.
School Choice
If a parent wants their child to attend a school other than their zoned school, they must apply for School Choice through the District School Board of Pasco County’s Office of Educational Choice. The Office of Educational Choice can be found at the district’s website. School Choice Application
Have More Questions?
If you have questions regarding School Choice, please contact the Office of Educational Choice at (813) 794-2686 or email schoolchoice@pasco.k12.fl.us.
Cypress Cub Expectations
5 PBIS Essentials for Families
| Expectations | Classroom Expectations | Cafeteria Expectations | Hallway Expectations | Restroom Expectations | Bus Expectations | Recess Expectations |
| Care for and respect self, others and school property. | Treat others how you want to be treated. Use materials for intended purpose | Speak quietly and stay in a straight and orderly lunch line. Clean up after yourself. | Walk in a quiet line and be considerate of other classrooms. | Keep bathroom safe and CLEAN. | Speak quietly and act respectfully to the bus driver and other students. | Play with good sportsmanship. |
| Understand our responsibilities. | Come prepared and be actively engaged. | Get everything you need when going through the line; have your lunchbox with you. Raise your hand if you need help. | Go directly to your assigned destination. | Wash hands, flush toilet, throw paper towels in trash. | Be at bus stop on time; know your bus number; be a helpful rider | Clean up loose items; line up quickly and quietly on time. |
| Be safe and keep hands, feet, objects to yourself. | Solve problems with words. | Stay seated; walk at all times; only touch and eat your own food. | Walk with your hands by your side. | Act appropriately. Respect personal space. | Sit quietly; stay seated in assigned seats at all times. Seatbelts on, if present. | Follow directions on the playground. |
We have been recognized by the FLPBIS Project as a 2020-2021 PBIS Model School! As a PBIS Model School, we are committed to the effective implementation of PBIS and strive for positive and equitable outcomes for all students.
Congratulations Cypress! Another succussful school year for our Cypress Cubs!! 2018-19 Golden School Award. 39 Years Receiving the Golden School Award! 
Florida PBIS Model School Award
What is a School Success Plan?
Strategies and steps that a school will utilize to raise student achievement. A plan may involve new programs, more assistance for students, new curricula and/or teacher training.
Florida Public Schools are required to notify all stakeholders that the School Success Plan, updated annually, is available for viewing on the School Web Page.
Withdrawal Process Moving? Who Do You Tell?
Parents who are planning to move outside of Cypress Elementary School’s boundary zone may choose to notify their child’s teacher in a note or email. This will allow your child to say their goodbyes to their teacher and classmates and gather their personal items. Personal items left for two weeks after withdrawal will be discarded.
Prior notification of the students’ withdrawal is not required but is certainly helpful in assisting both your child, their classmates, and teacher in the transition from Cypress Elementary to their new school.
You’ve Already Moved?
As soon as you have enrolled your child at their new school, the new school should send a “Release of Records” to the Cypress Elementary School Data Entry Operator, via email or fax: (727) 774-4591. When the “Release of Records” is received, the withdrawal process will begin by withdrawing your child from Cypress and gathering transfer grades and records which will be sent to your child’s new school.
Student Records
- Student’s full legal name (and if different, the legal name while enrolled in Cypress Elementary School),
- Student’s Pasco County School identification number,
- Student’s date and place of birth,
- Last 4 digits of the student’s social security number,
- Full legal name of the person making the request,
- Statement of the relationship between the student and the person making the request,
- The reason for the request,
- The address to which the records should be sent,
- The signature of the person making the request
If a request is made in person, the person making the request will be required to present a valid government issued identification and fulfillment of the request can take up to 2 business days. Requests for records of students who have reacher or exceeded five years from the date of graduation or intended graduation should review the ““Transcripts Request”” page of the District’s Office for Technology and Information Services. FERPA & Your Student’s Records The District School Board of Pasco County and Cypress Elementary School abide by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, commonly referred to as FERPA (Code of Federal Regulations-2003-Title34-Vol34-Vol1-Part99). Please review the simplified brochure explaining FERPA and your rights as a parent, student, and receiving school: FERPA Public Notice Brochure. The following is an excerpt from the brochure: “The primary rights of parents and eligible students under FERPA include the right to: inspect and review education records, seek and amend education records, and have some control over the disclosure of information from education records. An educational agency/institution may disclose personally identifiable information from a student’s education record without prior written consent of the student’s parent or eligible student if the disclosure is: a) “directory information,” which is information contained in the student’s education record that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Directory information includes: student’s name, address, telephone number (if listed), date and place of birth, dates of attendance at an educational institution, name of most recent, previous educational institution attended, major field of study, grade level, diploma, degrees, awards and honors received, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, and photograph(s). Parents who object to the release of directory information on their child(ren) must notify the school principal, in writing, within fifteen days of receiving this notification. This should be done on an annual basis. b) to “school officials”, including teachers, who have a legitimate educational interest as determined by school board policy. c) to officials of other schools or post-secondary institutions in which the student seeks to or has enrolled.”FERPA Public Notice-August 2008, Student Records. Land O’ Lakes, FL: District School Board of Pasco County, 2008.
District School Board of Pasco County Dress Code Guidelines
In order to promote an orderly learning environment in our schools while preparing all students for later success in the world of work, the District School Board of Pasco County has established the following guidelines for student dress:
- Students shall wear modest clothing of such style and design as shall be consistent with community standards as determined by the school principal or designee. Refer to specific guidelines distributed by the school. Sexually implicit or explicit clothing, bikini and tank tops, and spandex clothing (kinds of clothing usually worn at beaches and while engaging in recreation activities), are not appropriate wearing apparel for school or school functions.
- Students may wear shorts and skirts as long as they no more than 4” above the knee.
- Blouses, shirts, and sweaters cannot dip below a line formed between the right and left armpit. Muscle shirts and tank tops are not permitted. Spaghetti straps and strapless tops are not acceptable. Tops must be long enough to clearly overlap the belt line or stay tucked in during the course of normal movement throughout the school day.
- Students shall keep their clothes, bodies, and hair clean and well groomed.
- Students shall not wear hats or head coverings on the school campus during the regular school day unless previously approved for medical or religious reasons or special school activities as determined by the principal or designee.
- Students shall wear shoes for foot protection and hygienic reasons while on school grounds or on school transportation. Slippers are not acceptable.
- Decorations, symbols, mottos, or designs imprinted or attached to the body, clothing, accessories or student vehicle which contain profanity in any form, violent images, are considered vulgar, offensive to good taste or the maintenance of decorum, or which contain sexually suggestive words, phrases or images, advertise tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or which identify them as members of secret antisocial groups or gangs, or which cause an inherent risk of substantial disruption to the educational program, shall not be worn to school or school functions. Offensive designs imprinted on the body must be covered.
- Jewelry shall be worn in a way that does not present a safety or health hazard or cause a major disruption to the educational process.
- Wallet chains or dog collars shall not be permitted.
- The principal, or designee, shall determine the appropriateness of dress and appearance in accordance with the guidelines distributed by the school. The principal, or designee, will make the decision if a student’s appearance meets school and community standards. The principal’s decision on the appropriateness of dress is final.
- If issued, student must be in possession of school badges during all school activities and must present the badge to school officials upon request.
- While on any District School Board of Pasco County schools or campus, at any school function or on any school sponsored transportation, students are prohibited from wearing clothing that exposes underwear or body parts in an indecent or vulgar manner or that disrupts the orderly learning environment. Students’ clothing shall be worn appropriately with no abdomen skin or underwear exposed.
Addition note pertaining to shoes: Flip Flops are not appropriate for Elementary Students. For Physical Education classes AND playground use, shoes with closed toe and backs are required.
