Principal's Message
Welcome to the Sweetwater Elementary website!
We are proud of our school and the dedicated faculty and staff who are committed to preparing our students for success in school and in the future. We could not accomplish this goal without the tremendous support provided by our parents, volunteers, and the community. We are very proud to be an “A” school.
Sweetwater Elementary is in Port Orange, Florida. Our school was built in 1993-1994. We first opened our doors to 624 students on July 18, 1994, on a single-track, year-round calendar. Our dedicated staff of teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, secretary and clerks, nurse, and School Way Cafe currently serves 600 kindergarten-grade five students on a traditional calendar.
The Sweetwater Elementary motto is "personal best." Our staff and programs focus on the diverse needs of our student population. We set high expectations for "all" students and foster a positive attitude towards becoming lifelong learners. Some of the programs which focus on meeting the diverse needs of our students include single-year, and looping classes; a Problem Solving Team; Exceptional Student Education classes for students with varying exceptionalities and students who have severe emotional disabilities; instruction in multi-media applications, chorus, band, recorder, Orff, steel drums, musical productions, STEM, gifted, and art. Our students compete in Jeopardy "brain bowls", physical fitness, and science and social studies fairs.
Academic achievement is encouraged and recognized through honor roll and earning certificates and coupons from our Business Partners. We recently started a chapter of the Elementary National Honor Society at Sweetwater. This prestigious organization recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, service, and character. We believe that becoming a part of the National Honor Society will provide our students with new opportunities for growth and development.
Students are encouraged to become involved in Student Council to promote school spirit, community service, and awareness of our city government. Sweetwater's Student Council has been recognized by the National Association of Elementary School Principals as a National "Honor" Council of Excellence!
Sweetwater parents are very involved. Over 13,000 volunteer hours are logged each year. Our Parent-Teacher Association eagerly sponsors or participates in: Spring Fling, Field Day, fundraisers, field trips, Media Center event nights, and helping our teachers.
We are proud of our relationship with our Business Partners. They provide incentives for our students, give monetary and in-kind donations to our school, and volunteer at special events.
Our School Advisory Council consists of parents, teachers, administrators, and community volunteers who work together to suggest ideas for improving student achievement and the school environment. Advisory in nature, our School Advisory Council meets several times each year. Additionally, we have created a Student Advisory Council to serve as the voice of the student body, fostering a collaborative and inclusive school environment. Participation in the council helps students develop leadership skills, communication abilities, and a sense of responsibility and pride.
The Sweetwater Elementary mascot is the Pelican, and our colors are teal and burgundy. At Sweetwater, we are "a caring community of learners, striving for a lifetime of 'personal best', guided by a positive attitude in a nurturing environment."
Our school is a very special place😊.
Sincerely,
Melissa Fraine, Principal
Sweetwater Elementary School