Common Questions

1. What are Ashton's hours?
School begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 2:45 p.m. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

2. I want to enroll my child at Ashton. What do I need to bring with me to complete the registration?
To register your child in a Sarasota County school, you need to go in person to the school. Bring with you your child's birth certificate, proof of address, social security number, student physical (within the past year), and a list of immunizations on a Florida blue form (can be filled out by your local doctor or the health department). The rest of the necessary paperwork is available at school.

3. How can I, as a parent or community member, get involved at Ashton?
VOLUNTEER!  Ashton Elementary School is well known for a large number of volunteers working with staff and students. District policy requires that all volunteers complete an online application, which is screened by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Our volunteers are one of the many reasons our students continue to perform at the top of the Sarasota County School District. For volunteer opportunities, contact Ashton's office, at 361-6440, and ask for our PALS Coordinator.

P.T.O.  The Parent Teacher Organization is comprised of parents, grandparents, teachers, and community members who are the heart of Ashton School. Through their efforts, we are able to offer supplemental programs and enhance our educational environment. They offer opportunities for families to come together and meet their neighbors through special events like the book fairs, Star Sprint, and Fall Carnival. Anyone can be a member of Ashton's P.T.O. There are no membership dues. Get involved and make it a point to join Ashton's P.T.O. 

S.A.C.  The purpose of the School Advisory Council is to enhance school site decision making, to serve in an advisory capacity to the principal regarding school improvement, to assist in the preparation and evaluation of the school improvement plan, and to provide input on the budget and use of the school improvement funds. All meetings are open to the public.

4. I know of a business that is interested in developing a partnership with Ashton. How is this accomplished?
A business partnership is a relationship between Ashton Elementary and a business with a desire to support the school in a variety of ways. A business partner may support the school with a monetary donation, with goods or services, or both. In return, Ashton will recognize the partner's involvement and include them in the business partner listing which is located on Ashton's website and is published monthly in Ashton's newsletter. If you, or someone you know is interested, contact Ashton at 361-6440 and leave a message, or drop off your business card at the front office. We will return your call, answer any questions and complete the Ashton Business Partnership Agreement. There is NO FEE! Sign-up can occur anytime during the school year.

5. My child is sick and cannot go to school. What should I do?
It is recommended that you call Ashton's office at 361-6440 prior to 9:30 a.m. and inform us of your child's absence. Then follow up when your child returns with a note to the teacher, which will be shared with the office, explaining the reason and dates of the absence. Your child's absence will be marked "Unexcused" if your child does not bring in a note. If you do not call Ashton the morning of your child's absence, you may receive an automated phone message informing you of your child's absence.

6. Is there something special I need to do if my child needs to be dismissed from school early?
Yes! If a parent/guardian wishes to have his/her child dismissed from school prior to the end of the day, a written notice or phone call is required.  A PASSPORT will be issued to the student to release them from the class.  The school will need to be provided with:  date and time of dismissal, and name and relation of the adult picking the student up.  The person picking up the student will sign him/her out in the front office, where the student should be waiting.  Proper identification must be provided before any student is dismissed.

7. Where can I drop-off and pick-up my child at Ashton?
If your child is not able to ride the bus to or from school, you can drop-off or pick-up your child at the designated area in the back of the school. Please use Proctor Road to access Elizabeth Avenue when entering, and exit via Victoria Avenue. Children are not to be left unsupervised on school grounds before 7:30 a.m. as Ashton does not provide adult supervision prior to that time. *PLEASE NOTE: For the safety of Ashton's students, the 
circle lot on Ashton Road is for bus pick-up/drop-off and staff parking only.

8. Is there after school care available at Ashton?
The Sarasota Y.M.C.A. provides after-school care at Ashton from 2:45 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. For more information, call the Y.M.C.A. at 952-9533. The Y.M.C.A. also has information about other extracurricular activities available in our county. You may reach the Child Care Offices at 952-9533 ext. 201.

9. Where can I view Sarasota County 's grade-level curriculum?
The county curriculum is available to view at Ashton.