
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - The countdown is on — just ONE month until the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 10. Take small steps now to get ready: Adjust sleep schedules a little each week, gather school supplies and organize backpacks, keep learning going with 20 minutes of reading or math each day, mark important school dates on your family calendar, and start practicing morning routines. We can't wait to welcome everyone back for another amazing year!

Families who need school bus transportation for the 2026–27 school year are encouraged to register as soon as possible.
✅ A Linked Parent Focus Account is required to register for transportation.
To Register:
• Log in to your Parent/Guardian Focus Account.
• Select your child's name.
• Select Child Info.
• Select Forms.
• Select 2026–27 Transportation Registration Form.
• Review the student's address (bus assignments are based on the primary address).
If the address is correct, select Yes to request transportation.
If the address is incorrect, contact your child's school to update the information before proceeding.
• Click Submit Request.
• Repeat the process for each student in your household.
📍 Alternate Address Requests
Students in a general education setting who need transportation to an alternate address must first complete the registration form and then contact the Transportation Office at 904-858-6200, Option 1.
📚 Self-Contained ESE Students
Students enrolled in a self-contained ESE program must also register for transportation. Be sure to complete the section labeled:
"ONLY Complete this section if your student is in a Self-contained ESE Program."
🛑 Viewing Bus Stop Information
Bus stop information will be available in Focus approximately 10 business days after registration, but not before Monday, July 27.
To view bus information:
• Log in to Focus
• Select your child's name
• Select Child Info
• Select Transportation
📅 Reminder: Register early to help ensure your student has an assigned bus stop by the first day of school, August 10, 2026.

Joseph Stilwell Military Academy of Leadership (JSMAL)
✅ No Waitlist
✅ Magnet School
✅ Open 6th Grade Seats
✅ Limited 7th & 8th Grade Seats
Proudly starting the new school year with a new principal and a "B" school grade, reflecting our commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and student success.
Discover a middle school where students build leadership, character, pride, and achievement in a structured and supportive environment.
📅 Schedule a Visit Today: (904) 693-7523
📍 Apply Through School Choice:
https://dcps.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/magnet-school
Enroll now—spaces are filling fast!
Leadership Starts Here.

Through hard work, determination, and resilience, Joseph Stilwell Military Academy of Leadership has officially earned a "B" school rating! 👏
We extend our deepest gratitude to our students and staff for your commitment, dedication, and relentless effort in reaching this milestone. This achievement reflects the strength of our community and the pride we carry every day.
📈 We are making new strides—and we’re not stopping here. Let’s stay focused and push forward as we aim for that "A" next!
💙 WE ARE JSMAL PROUD!!! 💙


REGISTER FOR A BUS TODAY - Bus registration for the 2026–2027 school year is now open. All students who plan to ride a school bus next year must be registered in advance, including students enrolled in self-contained ESE programs. Families are encouraged to register as early as possible to help ensure a smooth start to the school year. Registration forms are available in Focus. For step-by-step instructions on how to complete the process, visit: www.duvalschools.org/busregistration

Beginning October 6, you'll have the opportunity to participate in the Data Triangle Survey—a districtwide effort to gather feedback from families, students, staff, and community members. Your input will help us improve instruction, school culture, safety, communication, and more.
Look for an email from noreply@qemailserver.com with your unique link to complete your survey. The survey will be open until October 21. Want to preview the questions? Visit www.duvalschools.org/survey now!
Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your voice—your insights are invaluable as we work together to provide an exceptional education for every student, every day. 💙✏️
#DataTriangleSurvey #CommunityVoice #DuvalSchools #TogetherWeGrow

Join us in celebrating Mr. Terrence Rogers, our 2025 Teacher of the Year! His passion for learning, unwavering dedication to every student, and leadership inside and outside the classroom lift up our entire community. Mr. Rogers doesn’t just teach — he inspires curiosity, builds confidence, and lights the path for students to discover their strengths. Every lesson he gives is an opportunity to shape a brighter future. 🌟
Thank you, Mr. Rogers, for showing what true service and heart look like. Your impact goes far beyond textbooks — you shape lives. Students, families, and colleagues: drop a message of thanks or share a moment when Mr. Rogers made a difference. Let’s show him how much he means to JSMAL! ❤️🙌
#JSMAL #TeacherOfTheYear2025 #MrTerrenceRogers #EducationMatters #InspireGreatness #TeacherLife #CommunityStrong #PatriotPride

We're thrilled to announce the start of an All-Pro Dad Chapter here at JSMAL! 🎉
Join us for a monthly gathering designed for dads and their children to connect, have fun, and build meaningful relationships. All children must be accompanied by an adult, and everyone is welcome — not just dads!
🗓 First Gathering: September 26
🕰 Time: 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM
📍 Location: JSMAL
☕ Donuts & coffee will be available!
Expect fun activities and a character-based curriculum that sparks important conversations between dads and kids.
👉 RSVP here: https://allprodadchapters.com/chapters/15564
For more info or questions, contact Mr. Viecelli at viecellis1@duvalschools.org.
We can’t wait to see you there! 😊 #AllProDads #FamilyFirst #JSMAL

Team Up is partnering with New Breed Creation to host a Family Focus Night! 🎉 Join us on September 25th at 5:00 PM in the Mess Hall for an evening of fun, connection, and community.
All students and parents are welcome—spread the word! Check out the flyer below for more details. We can’t wait to see you there!
#FamilyFocusNight #CommunityEvent #TeamUp #NewBreedCreation #SchoolFamily #JoinUs

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the All Pro Dad program at Joseph Stilwell Military Academy of Leadership!
Who We Are:
All Pro Dad is dedicated to helping fathers love and lead their families with purpose. We’re a passionate community committed to inspiring dads to embrace their roles, demonstrate tenderness, and build bold character—both as fathers and husbands. 🚀
Join us for our first meeting:
📅 Thursday, September 25, 2025
🕢 7:30 AM
📍 JSMAL Medial Center
Let’s come together to share guidance, practical tips, and support in raising strong, positive kids. 💪👨👧👦
🔗 Scan the QR code to RSVP today!
#AllProDad #FamilyFirst #Leadership #JuniorMilestones #JosephStilwellMD #FathersRock

Middle School College Fair – The National College Fair
🗓 When: Saturday, September 6
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📍 Where: Prime Osborne Convention Center
Explore college opportunities and get inspired for your future! Check the attached for more information.
Don’t miss out on this educational opportunity! 📚🌟
#CollegeFair #FutureReady #JSMAL #CollegeBound #PatriotsNews

Coming to JSMAL on Tuesday, September 23rd, for a free eye exam and glasses! Don’t miss this opportunity to get your vision check-up at no cost.
📋 Application: Check the Patriots News for the application.
📝 Return Deadline: Please bring the completed application to the front office by September 12th.
Stay tuned and look out for more details! 👀✨
#FreeEyeClinic #JSMAL #VisionCare #PatriotsNews #SchoolEvents

All athletes interested in joining the cheer team must have their sports packet uploaded to Aktivate to be eligible to try out. 📄✅
Don't miss your chance to showcase your spirit and represent our school! 🎀🙌
For questions or assistance, contact Coach Wilson at wilsons5@duvalschools.org.
#CheerTryouts #SchoolSpirit #JoinTheTeam #JSMAL #CadetLife

Join us this Tuesday, August 26th, starting at 5:30 PM with your cadet!
🕠 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM:
Explore stations around the school with info for parents and students! Plus, participate in our scavenger hunt for BIZI bucks — fun and rewards await! 🎯
🕕 6:00 PM:
Please be in your cadet’s first period class. Throughout the evening, we’ll announce every 7 minutes for you to transition to the next class.
Our goal? Meet all your cadets’ teachers, understand their expectations, and learn the best ways to stay in touch!
We’re excited to see you there! 😊🎓
#JSMAL #OpenHouse #FamilyNight #CadetLife #SchoolCommunity

Join us for the Joseph Stilwell Military Leadership Academy After-School Program Information Meeting!
Purpose of the Meeting:
✔️ Share details about the Team Up After School Program
✔️ Discuss schedules, activities, and expectations
✔️ Review transportation arrangements
Important Notice:
✅ If you've completed a Team Up-AFTER SCHOOL application, your child has been accepted!
✅ Program begins August 18 at Joseph Stilwell Middle School.
🕒 Hours: 3:30 PM – 6:15 PM
💲 Cost: FREE (includes snack & dinner)
🔗 Your attendance is crucial for a smooth start! We look forward to seeing you there!
#AfterSchoolProgram #JosephStilwell #Leadership #Community #FamilyFirst #FreeProgram

Get ready for a fantastic start to the new school year with a variety of events offering FREE school supplies and fun activities for families and students! 🎁📝
👉 Check out these flyers for the upcoming events:
Let’s make sure every student has what they need to succeed! 🎒💪 Spread the word and join in these community celebrations! 🥳✨
#Jacksonville #BackToSchool #FreeSchoolSupplies #CommunityEvents #EducationMatters #JaxEvents












