THE MENENDEZ MESSAGE

Volume 1 Issue 31

https://www-pmhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/

904.547.8660

Office: 8:30am- 4:45pm

Good morning Menendez Nation!

We had a great week here at PMHS last week. Students have definitely taken the 4th quarter seriously as seen with our testing, assemblies and general actions. This week is a busy week as we start the FAST Testing calendar, specific dates can be found at https://www-pmhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/testing/. For those who have registered, we will also be giving the ASVAB on April 2nd.

We also have some very important meetings with seniors and cap and gown distribution takes place on Monday.

Furthermore, April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day. We ask all students and staff to "Light it up Blue" by wear blue on April 2nd to promote autism awareness.

SAC surveys for 2023-24 are available and close tonight, March 31^st. Please complete the parent survey below. We need a minimum of 20% of our parents to respond. This will give us good information as we plan and make adjustments for the 20224- 2025 school year.

Parent Survey: https://surveys.stjohns.k12.fl.us/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=llMJ952K

We recently had a faculty and staff meeting where we discussed the four tenets that will serve as the foundation for PMHS moving forward.

• Communication
• Clarity of Standards/ Expectations
• Consistency
• Commitment

These foundational practices will help all of us as we move forward for the rest of this school year. Furthermore, we have emphasized the importance of clear and consistent standards and expectations. As the wise Hall of Fame baseball coach, John Scolinos, once said, "don't widen the plate."

Seniors, please play close attention to this newsletter and the Seniors Schoology page for upcoming events and deadlines. We are now in that time of the year where things will move quite quickly as we prepare for Prom, GradBash and Graduation.

Please make sure to read through the entire newsletter and please pay particular attention to the assessment section as we are starting the annual testing season. All testing dates can be found at https://www-pmhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/testing/ For senior parents, please make sure to read about upcoming events. Graduation details are being finalized and we should have details for rehearsal next week.

We were also noticing an uptick in the appearance of cell phones during class time. Please remind your child, that there is to be NO cell phone usage during class times unless specifically directed by the teacher for instructional purposes. We are committed to protecting your child's instructional time.

Please see the flyer below regarding digital IDs. These will be utilized this year for students in the media center, cafeteria, checking in and out and other school events. If your child does not have a cell phone, we do have alternative options. In addition, all students must complete the form below to access the SJCSD network and acknowledge access to the SJCSD student code of conduct.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=V9CzsxL8P0-S9HK-boRDUeKKGqBOENVEqvS-DZFzgwNURFRJTEZEWjZVSVoxRlVaUTk1MVQ3UEo3Uy4u

Visitors to campus MUST complete a School Access Form which can be found on the SJCSD website at https://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/volunteer/.

• This clearance is for entry on campus during school hours such as a morning meeting with teachers or counselors, volunteering, or other events.

As the year progresses, the message will fill with information for our students, parents and our community. Please make sure to subscribe to The Menendez Message at the link below.

We look forward to unlocking the potential of each student and Menendez High School this coming school year. RISE UP FALCONS!

Respectfully,

Ted Banton

Principal

Pedro Menendez High School

• April 1st - Senior Class Meeting, Cap & Gown Distribution
• April; 1st- FAST Testing Begins
• April 2nd - World Autism Awareness Day
• April 8th - Solar Eclipse
• April 12th - GradBash
• April 17th - Purple Up!
• April 19th - No School
• April 26th - Junion/Senior Prom

The PMHS Student Services office asks that families review the SJCSD Student Code of Conduct at https://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/schoolservices/conduct/

We especially ask that students and parents review cell phone policies. Please remember that phone are only allowed out during class time under the direction of the teacher for instructional purposes only. This is a change from year's past, but now aligns to Florida State Law.

Please take the time below the start of school to review and complete the survey link below. Completion of this form indicates review of the SJCSD Student Code of Conduct and Acceptable Use Policies for the 2023- 2024 school year.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=V9CzsxL8P0-S9HK-boRDUeKKGqBOENVEqvS-DZFzgwNURFRJTEZEWjZVSVoxRlVaUTk1MVQ3UEo3Uy4u

For more information regarding the Deans' office, please visit https://www-pmhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/deans/

Yanetta (Arnold) Smith

Dean, Attendance and Tardies

Yanetta.Arnold@stjohns.k12.fl.us

Danielle Waldrop

Dean, Students A-L

Danielle.waldrop@stjohns.k12.fl.us

Kevin Leonard

Dean, Students M-Z

kevin.leonard@stjohns.k12.fl.us

Exceptional Student Education

The 2023-2024 ESE Parent Survey window is open now through June 30, 2024.

Each year, the FDOE surveys parents of students with an individual educational plan to determine how well districts and schools are partnering with parents and promoting parent involvement in their student’s education. All states must collect these data for reporting on their State Performance Plan, as required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Additionally, survey results will be used to help schools and districts improve services and outcomes for students with disabilities.

The survey is open to all parents of students with an IEP receiving ESE services from preschool age to grade 12. Individual responses are confidential.

To access the survey directly, go to the 2024 ESE Parent Survey

For questions, contact Patricia Bodiford, senior educational program director, Instructional Support Services, at Patricia.Bodiford@fldoe.org or 850-245-0475.

Join us in-person at Fullerwood Auditorium OR on your computer or mobile app via link below

Click here to join the meeting

Or call in (audio only) 904-420-0831

Phone Conference ID: 344 084 #

Invitations have been sent via parent email for the IB Senior Banquet on May 15th. If you did not receive one, please contact Mrs. Toffaletti ASAP!

The science department is currently in the process of textbook adoption. The process involves community input. We are currently looking for one parent and one community member to assist in the process. If you have interest in reviewing the resource materials for a particular science course, please contact Kristina Boss at Kristina.Boss@stjohns.k12.fl.us

Dear Falcon Families,

Testing season is upon us, and during this time we would love to have parents who have the gift of calm and Falcon-sharp eyes to proctor state testing sessions. Please use the link below to sign up to be a proctor if you are an approved volunteer

https://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/volunteer/

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/60B0B4EA4A923ABFB6-spring1

Standard setting took place in Summer 2023 to establish a new B.E.S.T. scale. Starting in Winter 2023, scores are being reported on the new scale approved by the State Board of Education. The scale score ranges differ by grade and subject. Achievement levels describe a student’s success with the content assessed. As required by state law, achievement levels range from 1 to 5, with Level 1 as the lowest and Level 5 as the highest. For all assessments, Level 3 indicates "on grade level" performance. Higher expectations were established with the adoption of the B.E.S.T. Standards, which are more rigorous than the previous standards, the Florida Standards. The adopted cut scores for the FAST assessments and B.E.S.T. EOC assessments set higher expectations that bring us a step closer to ensuring all our students are prepared for postsecondary success.

Because the two scales were established for two different assessment systems aligned to different standards and the B.E.S.T. Standards are more rigorous than the Florida Standards, performance comparisons should not be made.

Your student received a score for a test on the provisional scale during the 2022–2023 school year or for a fall 2023 assessment (PM2, B.E.S.T. EOC, or FAST Grade 10 ELA Reading Retake), this score will update in the Florida Reporting System and Family Portal to reflect how your student would have scored on the new B.E.S.T. scale. The previous provisional scores are being provided on the B.E.S.T. scale for informational purposes only, so that you can make “apples to apples” comparisons to see your student’s progress over time. The converted score will look different because the provisional and B.E.S.T. scales use different number ranges, and the number ranges for B.E.S.T. are lower. This does not mean that the test got easier or that the standard was lowered. The new score is simply placed on a new range of numbers (325–475) vs. the provisional range (425–575).   

Students who want to leave campus 1 or more periods early next year need to have turned in the correct paperwork. If your student did not receive the paperwork needed for a modified schedule (seniors only), executive internship (juniors and seniors), or voluntary public service (seniors only), please print off the correct paperwork from the school website or send your student to ask their counselor. Thank you for your help with this!

Congratulations to all of our seniors that have been accepted into college! Make sure you are following all the required steps outlined in your admissions offers, like housing deposits and residency verification. Final decisions on which school you are attending are due to the colleges by May 1st. Final transcripts will need to be requested from Menendez in July via www.parchment.com

Mrs. Toffaletti posts scholarship opportunities regularly on the guidance Schoology page, check it often if you're on the hunt for money for college!

A reminder that Bright Futures requirements must be met by graduation, which includes the unweighted GPA and community service and/or work hours. You can check your hours on HAC, see your counselor if you need assistance. Qualifying test scores on the ACT or SAT will be accepted thru June. Please make sure seniors have applied for this scholarship if they are planning to attend any college in the state of Florida.

The PMHS School Counselor Office looks forward to serving the academic and social needs of the students of PMHS. More information on services and supports can be found at https://www-pmhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/guidance/

Stephanie Toffaletti

IB Coordinator

stephanie.toffaletti@stjohns.k12.fl.us

Meredith Masiak

Early College Students and Students with the last name A-E

meredith.masiak@stjohns.k12.fl.us

Kathy Hamill

Students with the last name F-M

kathryn.hamill@stjohns.k12.fl.us

Dalene Pence

Students with the last name N-Z

dalene.pence@stjohns.k12.fl.us

Please return all library materials by May 3^rd. Collection of textbook resources will begin at that time. Overdue notices for any missing materials will be sent out as reminders. Contact the media center if you have any questions about what is on your account.

Our last Book Club meeting will be Monday, April 8^th, after school in the media center. Bring your t-shirts from Battle of the Books so we can sign/decorate them! We will discuss some plans for next year, and the new Florida Teen Reads list will also be announced that day, so plenty to cover! See you there!

Come to the Media Center and vote for the top book on this year’s Florida Teen Reads list! 15 books are competing to be top dog in the state, which one will the Falcons choose? Voting will be open until April 4^th.

Parents/guardians may limit what their own students can check out from the school library by filling out the Parental Choice Library Book Restriction Form. Restrictions from middle school are no longer valid. A new form must be filled out and returned to the high school to meet new state requirements.”

Medication Given in School

Per school board policy, all medications must be brought into the clinic by a parent/guardian, not the student and requires the Medication Authorization Form to be completed (see below). Please include a Medical Management Plan if applicable (see below).

New bottles must be brought in by parents for each refill. Medication cannot be given from an old bottle.

All medication must be in their original containers, labeled with the student’s name, dosage, frequency of administration and physician’s name.

Medication should not be transported between home and school daily. Separate containers should be kept at home and at school.

Parents will be responsible for delivery and retrieval of medication to and from the school nurse.

Student Authorization to Self-Carry Medication

Per Florida Statue 1002.20, The Medication Authorization Form allows the student to carry their own emergency medication (Epinephrine Pen, Auvi Q, Glucagon or Inhaler) if and only if the parent and physician sign in the Florida Statute box on the Med Auth Form. This form must be returned to the school nurse before the student is allowed to carry prescribed self-administered medications.

Over the counter medications may be taken/given at school. They must be in the original container and be within the current expiration date. Please complete an Over-the Counter Form found below.

If you have any questions regarding medication to be taken/given at school, please contact Mrs. Parrey, RN, at 904-547-8672 or Rosemary.Parrey@stjohns.k12.fl.us. Additional medical forms can be found on our website under Clinic.

Medication-Authorization-form-

Allergy MMP2023-2024

Asthma-Medical-Management-Plan-MMP (2)

Over-the-Counter-Non-Medical-Form (1)

The FFAA (Bright Futures) Application is now open. The FAFSA is scheduled to open at some point in December. Click here  for more information on changes to the FAFSA and the reason for the delay in release. Please be mindful, that you must complete these applications in order to be evaluated for postsecondary financial aid eligibility.*

Link to Pay Dues

All Senior YBK Dedication / ADS:

Please go to:

www.Yearbookordercenter.com

        School Code: 15723

Complete directions for ADs

          Full Page: $300; ½ Page: $200; ¼ page: $100

All yearbooks: Price goes to $85 on 2/1/24

A Coupon code to save $10 starting 2/1/24 is: FALCONS

Please order at: www.yearbookordercenter.com

School Code: 15723

Supplies are limited.

The Spanish Club is collecting gently used eyeglasses as part of the Lions Clubs International eyeglasses recycling program.

Please help us contribute to this wonderful, worldwide program by bringing gently used eyeglasses that you don´t need any longer. Nonprescription sunglasses and over the counter reading glasses are very appreciated as well.

Look for the yellow collection boxes in the Media Center and the Guidance office.

 https://forms.office.com/r/2PZf3F8nja

The Menendez Athletic Department utilizes an online paperless registration system, AthleticClearance.com. The registration process is attached. Additional Menendez Athletics information, including coaches’ contact information, can be found at www-pmhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/athletics/. Our expectation is that every athlete will be registered by their parent/guardian before their desired sport’s start date.

 Athletic Clearance Instructions

Please ensure the following when completing the online process:

1.     Student ID should be entered WITHOUT a preceding “S”. Numeric ID only!

2.     Scan and upload physical as ONE document.

3.     Ensure that student information is complete on page 4 of the physical (EL2).

4.     Ensure that the MD has checked “Medically eligible for all sports without restriction” AND signed and dated page 4 of the physical.

5.     Ensure that student and parent signature/date is completed on bottom of page 4 of the physical.

The only type of physical we accept is the FHSAA EL2 physical form. The updated physical form is 4 pages. Starting the 23-24 school year, the old EL2 form WILL NOT be accepted.

Please keep in mind that the FHSAA requires all student athletes to view free video courses on concussions, heat illness, and sudden cardiac arrest (see instructions below). Signatures on the EL3 form indicate that your athlete has completed these three video courses. The FHSAA also requires that all student athletes have at least a 2.0 unweighted GPA to be eligible for participation.

Falcon Pride Store

Baker’s Sports has an online store open again for Menendez Merchandise. Click the link below to see what’s available. Ships Directly to your house.

https://bakerssport-falconpride.itemorder.com/

Looking to get your Learner’s Permit? Sign up for the Driver Education Program at Pedro Menendez High School. The program consists of classroom lecture designed to assist a student preparing to obtain a Learner Permit. The classes will be conducted prior to school from 8am-9am for a total of 10 consecutive school days. On the last day, students will be administered the Learner Permit Knowledge Exam that is required to obtain a Learner Permit. Parents may sign up by visiting the Tax Collector website and clicking on resources, or there is a link to driver ed on your school’s home page. Students may take this course if they are at least 14 ½, to prepare for a learner license that may be obtained at 15 years old. The cost is only 30.00, and that includes the DMV Test on the last day. Please see Mr. Tisdale in Portable 2 for more information.

Solar Eclipse

A total solar eclipse—an event that occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the sun— will occur on April 8th. Here in Northeast Florida, the eclipse will begin at approximately 1:48 PM, and will reach its maximum at 3:05 PM. Due to our geographic location, the sun will only be about 70% eclipsed at its maximum, which means the sun may only appear slightly dimmer than usual.

It is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for this event. Here are some safety tips for viewing the Total Solar Eclipse:

• Only look at the sun through certified eclipse glasses which can be purchased online or a handheld solar viewer at any point during the eclipse. The following website provides information on selecting and using eclipse glasses: https://preventblindness.org/solareclipse-glasses/.

• If you are planning to go outside during the event, you may be outside for an extended period. To prevent skin damage, sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing are recommended.

Suggested Resources: • 2024 Total Solar Eclipse (NASA): https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/futureeclipses/eclipse-2024/ • NASA’s 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Broadcast (NASA): https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/14520 • "What is a solar eclipse?" (NASA lesson): What is a Solar Eclipse? | MyNASAData

Join us in wearing purple to show support for all the military kids for the strength and sacrifices that they have made. Purple represents the joint service operations and is a combination of Army Green, Air Force Blue, Space Force Blue, Coast Guard Blue, Marine Red, and Navy Blue; it is the appropriate color to represent military children from all branches. #purpleup4militarykids  

600 State Road 206 West

St. Augustine, FL 32086

Main: (904) 547-8660