Eagles,
Times are changing. In one year, we have experienced a rapidly changing educational landscape. We are experiencing the benefits and challenges brought on by Artificial Intelligence that will forever shape our world. We are experiencing changes to the way we fund and deliver education with implications both known and unknown. We have experienced changes in the way we interact with the community and attract new members to our community through new platforms. While sometimes unsettling, change can be the impetus for innovation and growth. I challenge each of you to face every change that comes with a renewed focus and a determined spirit to make each change work in our favor.
The month of May brings about significant changes in our assessment model for AP. For the first time (not withstanding COVID), every AP assessment will be delivered via the computer on our campus. This change has required us to make significant adjustments to our delivery methods. It will be important for every student to bring their laptop fully charged and ready to go for testing. Parents, please make sure your students are leaving laptops on so that they can receive the required updates and ensure that each laptop has Blue Book, the AP testing platform installed. Other assessments will also occur this month including F.A.S.T. Reading, District and State EOCs, final exams and IB assessments. Each student will receive a personalized schedule letting them know the time and location of their assessments. Please assist by reviewing the schedule with your students. Parents, we also need your support to ensure students arrive to school on time, eat a good breakfast, and receive plenty of rest the night prior to their assessments. All assessments for this month are included in this newsletter.
Our students will experience positive changes as they matriculate to new environments and advance to the next level of their education. The Class of 2025 will be honored in commencement exercises on May 28th at the UNF Arena at 1 pm. The Baccalaureate ceremony will be May 25th at 4 pm. The Senior Awards ceremony will be May 22nd at 6 pm and the Underclassmen Awards ceremony will be May 27th at 6 pm.
May is also a time where we celebrate our dedicated educators and their amazing ability to adapt to the changes presented daily in the classroom to ensure our students succeed. May 5th-9th is Teacher Appreciation Week. Please consider showing your appreciation by sending in tokens of thanks to our teachers throughout the week. Paxon will formally celebrate our teachers and staff at the end of the year. We are asking that families consider donating gift cards in increments of $10-$25 for this end of year celebration of teachers and staff. Our Paxon family showed an incredible amount of support during our Holiday gift card drive for all staff and we are thankful for your support. Donations may be sent to the main office in a sealed envelope with attention to Dr. Allen. Please include your family name and email address so that we can confirm receipt of your gift. We ask that we receive your gift by May 30th.
The final week of school will present changes to our schedules and routines with half days. During the final week of school beginning May 27th, we will have an 11:55am dismissal each day. Please arrange transportation and pick-up for your students if they are car riders. There will be no learning lab study hall during this week. Please save the dates for this year’s orientation. July 9th will be orientation for Seniors and Juniors, July 10th for Sophomores, and July 22nd-24th for our Freshmen Transition program. Please stay tuned to our website and summer mailing for more detailed information and any changes to the schedule.
Thank you to the Paxon SAC for supporting our school as we navigate significant changes that impact the core of our work. SAC’s advocacy and support has helped shape the way in which change has impacted our school. The Paxon PTSA has not changed in its unwavering support to our students and our school. We are thankful for the many programs the PTSA organizes and their presence on our campus.
Our wonderful community and all the brilliant ways in which our members showcase our school has not changed. Congratulations to Mrs. Maika Watson for being named a Gladys Prior Award for Career Teaching Excellence winner. Congratulations to the Paxon Chorus on their MPA performance in Lakeland in April. Congratulations to our Boys’ Baseball team for advancing to regional competition. Congratulations to our Flag Football team on being named district champions and advancing to regional play. Congratulations to members of the Paxon Track team who advanced to regional competition. Congratulations to Yashira Byas, Gabriel Burgos, and Michael Spohn, Paxon's regional winners of the Greatest Save PSA contest. Congratulations are also in order for Jadon Alexander, Brendon Culpepper, and Abel Solomon on being named state finalists for the Environmental PSA for the Student Showcase of Films.
It is a great honor to lead and experience with our school community all of the changes that come our way. We will not change our unwavering spirit and our commitment to meeting the highest expectations. To those Eagles who are moving on, Paxon is with you. To those who are returning, use what you have learned and experienced this year to change for the better.
With Highest Expectations.
Dr. Turner