Goodwill Industries of North Florida is proud to partner with the City of Jacksonville to facilitate another session of the Mayor’s Youth at Work Partnership (MYAWP).
The Mayor’s Youth At Work Partnership’s Spring 2026 session will provide Duval County students with a paid work experience for up to 15 hours per week this January- April. In addition to the job placement, students also receive access to workforce development training, a job coach to guide them through the program, a VyStar bank account, direct deposit, and financial education with the chance to earn badges. The MYAWP team places students in job opportunities based on their interests, schedules, and location. Learn more by viewing the attached flyer or the MYAWP website: https://goodwillnorthfl.org/mayors-youth-at-work-partnership-myawp/.
To be eligible, students must be:
16 - 21 years old.
enrolled in a high school, GED program, technical school, university, or college in Duval County.
Students can apply by Clicking Here and filling out an application. If they are a first-time user, then they will need to create an account.
Please help us spread the word about this incredible opportunity by sharing the above information with students, parents, and others who work with youth in Duval County. For general questions, please email myawp@goodwillnorthfl.org.
This is a competitive process, and there are limited spots in the program. Students are encouraged to complete an application and, upon completion, check their emails frequently for next steps, which include signing up for a mandatory in-person onboarding session. The in-person onboarding sessions are required for new and returning students.
Please Note:
Job placements are not guaranteed. They are based on the student’s interests, availability, and location. Students can work up to 15 hours per week, including virtual training.
Students are expected to be able to work for the full 12 weeks, January- April.
Students who have already completed 3 or more sessions are no longer eligible.
Students must turn 16 by the start of the program, and their 22nd birthday may not fall prior to the last day of the program.

Make-Up Underclassmen Yearbook Photos are November 4th.
This session is only for students who missed the first session -OR- have paid for their photo and would like to do a retake (you will need to show your receipt).

ZooTeens! Applications are open on November 1st and will close on November 25th. ZooTeens! is year-round volunteer program that provides teens with a vibrant community to learn, build new friendships, and make a difference connecting communities with wildlife and wild places. The ZooTeens! program is for teens currently enrolled in high school (or similar program) and between the ages of 14-18. ZooTeens! are provided with exciting challenges, personal growth, and tons of fun every time they volunteer.
Click here to check out our website for our application and more information!

Seniors! It's time to order your cap and gown!
Order deadline is December 1, 2025
You can make a $100 deposit (followed by interest free payments until March) -OR- pay in full
Review the virtual catalogue.
Go to www.hjjax.com to place your order.
Save money with a Grad Pack or purchase item's al a carte).
School's cap and gown
Diploma plaque
Popular senior gear
Graduation announcements
and more!
Don't forget to order your Class Ring!
Contact Herff Jones directly if you have any questions at northflorida@herffjones.com or 904-363-1905

FAMU Upcoming Events
Join us at one of our upcoming events and experience the spirit of FAMU! These events are designed to give you a true sense of our campus community - whether you're a prospective student, parent, counselor, or supporter.
October 24: Freshman Virtual Information Session
October 31: Freshman Virtual Information Session
November 6: Transfer Virtual Information Session
November 7: Freshman Virtual Information Session
November 14: Freshman Virtual Information Session
November 19: Destination FAMU - St. Petersburg, FL
Click HERE to RSVP!

Food Pantry
Feeding those one bag at a time.
Open Tuesday and Thursday, 10am-11am
Sandalwood High School
Gate 4 Entry
2750 John Prom Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32246

This is the last week to sign up for the PERT which will be given on October 29.
Please read all the following information carefully, and then click the sign-up link at the bottom.
PERT Testing Information
Date: Wednesday, October 29
Start Time: 2:00 p.m.
Deadline to Sign up: Friday, October 24
Testing Information:
Be on Time: Testing begins promptly at 2:00 p.m.. Late arrivals will not be admitted.
Cell Phones: All cell phones must be turned off and stored away during testing. Any use of a cell phone will result in your test being invalidated, and you will not be eligible to retake the PERT this school year.
Testing Duration: You have the entire afternoon to complete the any part of the test but must finish by 5:00 PM.
Transportation: Ensure you have reliable transportation arranged.
What to Bring: Bring a fully charged, school-issued laptop. Personal laptops, iPads, or tablets are not permitted.
No Hoodies: There are no hoodies permitted to be worn during PERT Testing for Test Security. Please make sure you are in dress code under your hoodie on Test Day.
No Show Fee: If you sign up to take PERT, you must show up. Failure to email Ms. Hozey by Monday, October 27 at 10 a.m. to cancel your PERT Registration will result in your student account being charged $20.
PERT is not a graduation requirement. However, it is one of several ways students can qualify for Senior Leave and Dual Enrollment opportunities. The Scores needed are PERT Reading – 106, PERT Writing – 103, and PERT Math – 114
In addition to the PERT, students may meet eligibility criteria through the following standardized tests:
SAT
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing – 490
Math – 420
ACT
Average of Reading and English – 18
Math – 16
CLT (Classic Learning Test)
Sum of Verbal Reasoning and Grammar/Writing – 39
Quantitative Reasoning – 14
There will be additional opportunities this school year to take PERT. Students must meet or exceed the required scores to be eligible for these academic opportunities. For further information or assistance, please contact the school counseling office.
Go to this FORM to sign up.

This is the last week to sign up for the PERT which will be given on October 29.
Please read all the following information carefully, and then click the sign-up link at the bottom.
PERT Testing Information
Date: Wednesday, October 29
Start Time: 2:00 p.m.
Deadline to Sign up: Friday, October 24
Testing Information:
Be on Time: Testing begins promptly at 2:00 p.m.. Late arrivals will not be admitted.
Cell Phones: All cell phones must be turned off and stored away during testing. Any use of a cell phone will result in your test being invalidated, and you will not be eligible to retake the PERT this school year.
Testing Duration: You have the entire afternoon to complete the any part of the test but must finish by 5:00 PM.
Transportation: Ensure you have reliable transportation arranged.
What to Bring: Bring a fully charged, school-issued laptop. Personal laptops, iPads, or tablets are not permitted.
No Hoodies: There are no hoodies permitted to be worn during PERT Testing for Test Security. Please make sure you are in dress code under your hoodie on Test Day.
No Show Fee: If you sign up to take PERT, you must show up. Failure to email Ms. Hozey by Monday, October 27 at 10 a.m. to cancel your PERT Registration will result in your student account being charged $20.
PERT is not a graduation requirement. However, it is one of several ways students can qualify for Senior Leave and Dual Enrollment opportunities. The Scores needed are PERT Reading – 106, PERT Writing – 103, and PERT Math – 114
In addition to the PERT, students may meet eligibility criteria through the following standardized tests:
SAT
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing – 490
Math – 420
ACT
Average of Reading and English – 18
Math – 16
CLT (Classic Learning Test)
Sum of Verbal Reasoning and Grammar/Writing – 39
Quantitative Reasoning – 14
There will be additional opportunities this school year to take PERT. Students must meet or exceed the required scores to be eligible for these academic opportunities. For further information or assistance, please contact the school counseling office.
Go to this FORM to sign up.

Dual Enrollment Spring 2026
Q: Who is qualified?
A: Juniors and Seniors with an unweighted of 3.0 or higher that also have qualifying test scores (PERT, SAT, ACT, or CLT) and possess strong communication skills, time management, self-discipline, and are self motivated.
Check your DCPS student email for an invitation to complete the Dual Enrollment Interest Form. You must complete this interest form no later than October 31st to be included in all future communications regarding Spring Dual Enrollment.
If you have any other questions, please contact Ms. Anzualda.

THE 2ND ANNUAL CTE CAREER ACADEMY SHOWCASE – You're invited to this free community event where Duval’s educators and students shine! Highlighting all 67 of the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Academies and programs, this event offers students and teachers a platform to share their innovative work with families and the broader community. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with academy staff and students, explore the unique programs offered across the district, and receive expert guidance from CTE staff on navigating the application process. No advanced registration is required. This event takes place Saturday, Nov. 1, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Adam W. Herbert University Center at the University of North Florida. The address is 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224




Please read this entire message before signing up!
Date: Wednesday, October 29
Start Time: 2:00 p.m.
Deadline to Sign up: Friday, October 24
Be on Time: Testing begins promptly at 2:00 p.m. Late arrivals will not be admitted.
Cell Phones: All cell phones must be turned off and stored away during testing. Any use of a cell phone will result in your test being invalidated, and you will not be eligible to retake the PERT this school year.
Testing Duration: You have the entire afternoon to complete the any part of the test but must finish by 5:00 PM.
Transportation: Ensure you have reliable transportation arranged.
What to Bring: Bring a fully charged, school-issued laptop. Personal laptops, iPads, or tablets are not permitted.
No Hoodies: There are no hoodies permitted to be worn during PERT Testing for Test Security. Please make sure you are in dress code under your hoodie on Test Day.
No Show Fee: If you sign up to take PERT, you must show up. Failure to email Ms. Hozey by Monday, October 27 at 10 a.m. to cancel your PERT Registration will result in your student account being charged $20.
PERT is not a graduation requirement. However, it is one of several ways students can qualify for Senior Leave and Dual Enrollment opportunities. The Scores needed are PERT Reading – 106, PERT Writing – 103, and PERT Math – 114
In addition to the PERT, students may meet eligibility criteria through the following standardized tests:
SAT
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing – 490
Math – 420
ACT
Average of Reading and English – 18
Math – 16
CLT (Classic Learning Test)
Sum of Verbal Reasoning and Grammar/Writing – 39
Quantitative Reasoning – 14
There will be additional opportunities this school year to take PERT. For further information or assistance, please contact the school counseling office.
Sign up here for PERT on October 29, 2025.

October 2025 Scholarship Updates (Part 2)
The Scholarship Page (Find scholarships for free)
Unigo (Over 3.6 million scholarships and grants)

October 2025 Scholarship Updates (Part 1)
Bold.org (Scholarship search)
Cirkled In (Scholarship search)
Get Schooled (Scholarship search engine)
Good Call (College & University Scholarship Database)
International Scholarships & Financial Aid (international scholarships and grants)
Niche (Find college scholarships)
Peterson's (Scholarships and grants)
Raise.Me (Earn micro-scholarships to colleges for achievements in high school)
ScholarMe (Paying for college made easy)

Join us for Chick-fil-a on October 1st!
Before Ray Rally starting at 2:30pm
If you stay after school, you can buy a chick-fil-a meal deal that includes a sandwich, chips, and a drink for $9.
Pay via AC Boosters cashapp.
Ray Rally begins at 3:30pm.

Dress Code for Homecoming at Atlantic Coast
Please remember that the dance is semi-formal. The dress code is as follows:
Shirts must have a collar and a tie is preferred
NO jeans
NO shorts (including athletic shorts)
NO house shoes, crocs, flip flips, gym/tennis shoes
NO overly revealing dresses allowed
Sneakers in good condition will be allowed
Remember to bring your student ID to enter the dance.
Theme: Dancing in the Moonlight
Date/Time: October 4th, 7pm-10pm

Hello Stingray Nation Class of 2026!
First, thank you to all of you who were able to join us last week at our fall senior parent meeting. Below is a quick recap of the key information shared during our meeting.
Central Information Hub All important updates, deadlines, and announcements for our seniors will be posted on the Senior Update page. Bookmark it now and check often.
Communication Is Critical We will reach out via Rooms in the DCPS App, phone calls, and emails. If you do not have the DCPS App on your phone, download it and log in to Rooms. Please verify that your contact information (phone and email) is current in the Parent Portal and FOCUS. If your information changes, contact the main office immediately to ensure you receive all updates.
Senior-Specific Events & Tasks We encourage students to begin taking care of these soon to avoid last-minute stress. There are more items listed on the senior update page.
Cap & Gown Ordering Deadline to order is December 2025. Orders can be placed online at HJJax.com.
Senior Bundle The last day or purchase the senior bundle is October 1st!
Senior Photos (via Cady) To be included in the yearbook you must take your photo with Cady by January 1st.
Graduation Details
Date: To Be Announced
Location: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd., Jacksonville, FL
Check out the senior update page for details regarding dress code, tickets, and more.
Graduation Ticket Bonus Opportunity! Sign up for PTSA by October 1st and receive two (2) bonus tickets to graduation. Email your receipt to Ms. Solomon at solomonr1@duvalschools.org (include your students name) for credit.
Again: keeping your contact info up to date ensures you don’t miss critical updates as we make our way towards graduation in May/June.
If you or your student have questions about anything above, or if something wasn’t clear last night, feel free to connect with the appropriate staff listed on the senior update page.

Homecoming Week! | September 29 - October 4
Dancing in the Moonlight
Dress Up Themes:
Monday: Space Jam - Jersey day
Tuesday: Under the Stars - PJ day
Wednesday: Clone Wars - Twin day
Thursday: AstroLOLgy - Meme day
Friday: Total Eclipse - Black out
Game Theme: Minion Out! Dress up like a minion. Kick-off at 6:30pm. Tickets on GoFan.
Homecoming Dance
Saturday, October 4th
7pm - 10pm
Purchase tickets at dcps.schoolcashonline.com until Friday, October 3rd at Noon.
All guest forms are due by Friday, September 26th, to Mrs. Leon-Williams in room 212.
You must have your student ID with you to enter the dance!

Need Community Service Hours?
Come help with out flapjack fundraiser!
We need greeters, servers, and bussers to help with our community event on October 25th, 8-10am, at Applebee's at 14560 Old St. Augustine Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32258
Click HERE to sign up!
Volunteers must be 16 and buy a ticket for breakfast on GoFan

ACHS Homecoming information is available in your DCPS student email. Look for an email dated 9-18-2025 for the most recent information!

