Dear parents and guardians,
Happy Saturday Patriots! Midyear testing is complete! We are currently ahead of where we were at this time last year in 8 of 9 areas. 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.
Parent drop off in the morning – If you drop your cadet off in front of the school on Burma Road, this announcement is for you. If you arrive after 8am, there is a good chance that you could get stuck behind one of our ESE buses. Please pay attention as you drive up, if you see buses in the loop, simply drop your cadet off on Burma Road and avoid the loop. If you get stuck between buses, it may take up to 30 minutes for the buses to move. Some of these buses have our wheelchair students and it takes time to offload them.
8th-grade athletes – Heart screening can save lives! Starting July 1, 2026, all athletes will be required to get an EKG screening to help identify undiagnosed heart conditions in student-athletes. We are trying to get ahead of this for our 8th grade athletes. On February 5, 2026, Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program will be on campus to provide this screening at NO COST to you. To register, use this link: https://www.jaxsmp.com/ecg-screenings-form/
Open Gate – Mobile Weapons Detection System is coming to JSMAL. The district recently shared that walk-through weapon detection systems will be installed at all middle schools, and I am writing to let you know that our system will be installed at JSMAL on March 24, 2026. I believe this additional safety measure will further support the well-being of our students and staff, and I appreciate your partnership as we prepare for this important step. To help students understand what to expect, we will share a short informational video with students on March 23, that introduces the new procedures. This video is also available for families to view at www.duvalschools.org/opengate.
As we are getting ready for the system to go live, please keep the following tips in mind:
Arrive a few minutes early: During the first week, there may be minor delays as everyone becomes familiar with the new process. Walkers and car riders are encouraged to arrive 10–15 minutes earlier than usual during this initial adjustment period.
Stay informed: We encourage families to review additional information and watch the informational video available at www.duvalschools.org/opengate.
Stay vigilant: While the weapon detection system is an important tool, it does not replace the safety expectations already in place. Please continue to check backpacks and belongings, talk with your child about what is appropriate to bring to school, and remember—if you see something, say something.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to maintain a safe and supportive school environment for all.
Team Up Opportunities - We have a very vibrant Team Up this year loaded with opportunities for our cadets. This weekend we are hosting a Flag Football tournament with six other middle schools. If you missed out, no worries, we have a few new activities coming up: garden club and step team. See the attached flyers below.
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:
From Westside Full-Service Schools - Please take a moment to review the attached resources and upcoming events. As a reminder, free tax preparation services will be available to the community at the end of this month. Our community includes not only students and their families, but also school faculty and staff. We encourage you to help spread the word.
Desirae George
Coordinator of Westside Full-Service Schools
United Way of Northeast Florida
Office: 904-390-3284 | Cell: 904-720-2625
Email: DesiraeG@uwnefl.org
7050 Melvin Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32210
Attachments:
Community Resources Feb.jpeg
NAACP AAL General Public Flyer 2026 Free Legal Service.pdf
Pathways Flyer Eng.pdf
Pathways Flyer Spn.pdf
Walking in their shoes.pdf
flag.docx
garden flyer.docx
step flyer.docx
Calendar Events this week:
Mon, Jan 26 – Gen Ed bus evacuation Drills. Soccer at Baldwin. Basketball at Chaffee.
Tues, Jan 27 – Soccer at Westview at 5pm. Soccer at Chaffee.
Wed, Jan 28 – Girls and Boys BBall at home vs Westview at 6pm.
Fri, Jan 30 – $5 Dress down day and Bizi payday. ***Last day for 8th graders to request
magnet high school.
Sat, Jan 31 – Team Up Flag Football tournament at JSMAL! 9-1pm.
Coming soon:
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.
Thurs, Feb 26 – All Pro Dads Meeting at 0745am. Title I DATA night for parents and cadets. Dinner will be provided. 6-7:30pm.
Tamara Roper
Proud Principal
JSMAL