Dear parents and guardians,
Happy Monday Patriots! I hope everyone enjoyed this very special holiday, Martin Luther King Day! If you have not heard his infamous speech or any of his rhetoric, I encourage you to look him up. Martin Luther King Jr. was an incredible leader, motivator, and did more to influence civil rights for all people than anyone in history. One of my favorite quotes by him is “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” - MLK
Testing has gone well at the end of the second quarter and the second round of state testing. We are currently ahead of where we were at this time last year. If you would like to get more details about how our cadets performed. I invite you to attend our mid-year stakeholders’ meeting at our next SAC event on February 12 at 5:30 pm in our media center. I will review all the data this year and ask for your input on next steps. Remember, it is our goal to get every cadet, high school ready!
Parents of 8th graders – You have until the last day in January to request a high school for your cadet. Enrollments have been posted on your parent portal. If you want your cadet to go to a different high school, you must request a high school choice in the parent focus portal. If you need help, see us in the front office. Because your cadet is enrolled in JSMAL, you have priority for acceptance in any high school in Duval County.
PM2 Testing Schedule – We will continue our second round of state testing for Reading and Math. It is super important that appointments are NOT scheduled during testing time. Once a cadet starts the test, they must finish. I also need cadets to get here on time. All regular testing will begin by 0830 on that day. Exceptions will be listed below.
Jan 20 – 8th grade takes Math PM2. Pre-Algebra only!
Jan 21-23 – Make up Testing.
Be Safe, Be Seen, Campaign - As we begin the new year, it is important that we continue our collective efforts to ensure students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate our community safely. In alignment with the School Board resolution and the district’s ongoing commitment to student safety, please be reminded that Be Safe. Be Seen. Awareness Week for Duval County Public Schools will take place beginning January 12. During this time, health and physical education teachers received targeted instruction to use with their classes during today's professional learning session. Classroom teachers are encouraged to reinforce these efforts by engaging students in brief discussions.
8th Grade Gradventure - The 8th grade end of the year field trip is GRADVENTURE in Orlando, Florida on May 1, 2026. Gradventure is two theme parks in one night- Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. The time is from 1pm on Friday - 3am on Saturday morning. Cost: $252.00 dollars. We are taking the first 75 students that pay! The cost includes admission into Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure, lunch voucher, refillable souvenir cup, JSMAL Gradventure T-shirt, and charter bus transportation. The requirements to participate in Gradventure: Dean Bledsoe MUST clear the student to participate. The DUE DATE for payment: MARCH 31, 2026. PAY WITH CASH, CASHIER CHECK OR MONEY ORDER TO COACH THOMPSON. If interested in paying in installments, please contact Coach Thompson. Both permission slips must be turned in to Coach Thompson.
Yearbooks on sale now - Order your 2025-2026 JSMAL Yearbook today! Purchases can only be made through the Lifetouch website at www.ybpay.lifetouch.com The yearbook ID code is 15481026 with the school's name Joseph Stilwell Middle School. The price is $45.00. And eighth grade parents can purchase a quarter page ad for only $25.00. Flyers are in the main office with the above information. Contact Ms. McNally, ortong@duvalschools.org, with any questions.
Community Events:
1. Free physicals and immunizations: Just a friendly reminder that the Mobile Health Van will be here next Wednesday from nine to noon. You will see them at Charger Academy - 7050 Melvin Rd. Continue to encourage your students and families to take advantage of the services offered.
2. Pathways to Safety, Saturday, January 24th. A free community event raising awareness about human trafficking, online exploitation, and missing persons, focused on protecting children and teens.
3. Calendar Events this week:
Tues, Jan 20 – Soccer at Westview at 5pm.
Wed, Jan 21 – Girls and Boys BBall at home vs Westview at 6pm.
Thurs, Jan 22 – All Pro Dads meeting at 7:45am in the media center. Soccer at home vs Chaffee Trail Middle. Girls and Boys Bball at home vs Chaffee Trail Middle at 6pm.
Coming soon:
Fri, Jan 30 – Last day for eighth graders to request magnet high schools. $5 Dress down day.
Sat, Feb 7 – Scholar Bowl finals at Twin Lakes Middle.
Thurs, Feb 12 – Midyear stakeholders meeting with SAC at 5:30pm in the media center.
Fri, Feb 20 – Fourth annual SLA Bike Rodeo at JSMAL.
Tamara Roper
Proud Principal
JSMAL