Greetings, Senior Stingrays!

It's that time of year again for Instant Decision Day!

This year’s event will be held at Jean Ribault High School on Monday, December 7th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will feature even more college, career, and military representatives, giving you additional opportunities to apply and explore your future options.

Registration will open soon, and seating is limited, so be sure to register as soon as information becomes available. Registration details will be shared through your English 4, U.S. Government, and Economics classes, as well as on the ACHS website, Morning Rays, and the ACHS Counseling Instagram page.

We are excited for you to participate in this valuable opportunity and look forward to helping you take the next step toward your future. More information will be shared soon!

School Counseling Department

The Ashton Legacy Scholarship, presented by Sunshine Community Development, is now accepting applications!

This scholarship supports young African American men who are interested in pursuing career opportunities in:

• Skilled Trades

• Selected Licensed Professions

• Workforce Training

This is a great opportunity for students looking to gain valuable skills, pursue meaningful careers, and take the next step toward their future!

Application Deadline: Monday, November 9, 2026

Apply Online: https://sunshinecommunitydevelopment.org

Scan the QR code on the flyer for application information.

Scholarship recipients will be recognized at the 3rd Annual Gratitude Gala.

Don't miss out on this opportunity! Interested seniors are encouraged to apply before the deadline.

Underclassmen Picture Retakes & Make-Ups – Tuesday, November 10!

Attention Stingray Nation!

Did you miss your original picture day, or do you need to retake your yearbook photo? Here's your chance!

Picture retakes and make-ups for 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students will take place on Tuesday, November 10, in the auditorium.

Students will be called to the auditorium by last name over the intercom throughout the day. Please listen carefully for your group to be announced. Students can only take a retake if they were absent or if they have a copy of receipt to purchase new picture.

Whether you missed picture day or need a retake, this is your opportunity to make sure you have a photo for this year's yearbook!

The Jennison Charitable Foundation Scholarship is now available to eligible members of the Class of 2027!

This scholarship provides up to 75% of college tuition and is renewable for all four years of college, provided recipients maintain a 3.25 GPA!

Who Should Apply?

• Graduating seniors in the Class of 2027

• Students who demonstrate financial need

• Students planning to attend a four-year college

• Students intending to major in a business-related field

Last year, the foundation awarded 38 scholarships totaling more than $500,000!

Don't miss this opportunity to help make college more affordable!

Learn more and apply: www.jennisoncharitablefoundation.org

Stingray Seniors, take advantage of this opportunity and apply!

PERT Testing Information

Please read all the information below before signing up.

Next Test Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Start Time: 2:15 p.m.
Deadline to Sign up: Thursday, November 12

Who Can Take the PERT?

• PERT is not a graduation requirement. However, it is one of several ways you can qualify for Senior Leave and Dual Enrollment opportunities.

• You must be a junior or senior.

• You must have already earned passing scores for reading and math tests required for graduation.

• If you are a sophomore trying to qualify for dual enrollment, you may take the PERT if you have passed your math test for graduation and have a cumulative unweighted GPA of at least 3.0.
  

Test Day Information:

• Notification:

  • On the Friday before test day, you will receive an email to your student email account confirming your test registration.

  • On test day, you will receive a testing notification during your first-period class giving you your test location.

• Be on Time: Testing begins promptly at 2:15 p.m. Late arrivals will not be admitted.

• Testing Duration: You have the entire afternoon to complete any part of the test, but you must finish by 5:00 p.m.

• Transportation: You must arrange for your own transportation after testing.

• DCPS Laptop Required: Bring a fully charged, school-issued laptop and a pencil. You will receive scratch paper from the test proctor. Loaner laptops are not available.

• 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.

• No Hoodies: For test security, you are not permitted to wear a hoodie during testing. 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 Tuesday, March 24, at 10 a.m. to cancel your PERT Registration will result in your student account being charged $20.
  

Other Ways to Qualify for Dual Enrollment:

• SAT

  • Evidence-Based Reading and Writing – 490

  • Math – 420
    

• ACT

  • Average of Reading and English – 18

  • Math – 16

• CLT

  • Sum of Verbal Reasoning and Grammar/Writing – 39

  • Quantitative Reasoning – 14

2026-2027 PERT Test Dates:

• August 26

• September 30

• October 28

• November 18

• December 16

• January 27

• February 24

• March 24

• April 21
  
  Sign up for the November 18 PERT.
  Access the PERT study guide.
  

BE SAFE, BE SEEN!

Stingray Nation, as the days get shorter and it gets darker earlier, it's important to stay safe when walking or biking to and from school!

Here are a few reminders to help drivers see you:

• Wear bright or reflective clothing! Reflective vests, armbands, and backpacks can help make you more visible to drivers.

• Light up your ride! If you bike to school, make sure your bike has working lights and reflectors.

• Stay alert! Pay attention to your surroundings, use designated crosswalks, and look both ways before crossing the street.

• Be extra cautious in low light! Drivers may have a harder time seeing pedestrians and cyclists during early morning and evening hours.

Whether you're walking, biking, or driving, we all play a part in keeping Stingray Nation safe!

Stay visible. Stay alert. Stay safe!

The Gator Club of Jacksonville will host its annual Connect2Campus event for prospective and admitted students to the University of Florida. 

SAVE THE DATE!

• Date: Thursday, April 8, 2027

• Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

• Location: Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park, 4812 Deer Lake Drive West, Jacksonville, Florida 32246

This special event gives future Gators and their families an opportunity to learn more about everything UF has to offer and how the university supports students in achieving academic and career success.

Representatives from several UF colleges, programs and departments will be in attendance to meet with students and parents, answer questions, and share insights about the opportunities available across campus.

The event is free to attend.

More information will be provided in early 2027.

Yearbook Picture Day is Thursday, October 22nd, and Friday, October 23rd, for all 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students at Atlantic Coast High School!

Students will take their pictures during their Social Studies class on one of these two days.

To help make the process as quick and smooth as possible, please remind your student to:

• Bring their phone (if they have one) to sign in for their yearbook picture.

• Remove their school ID, earbuds, and headphones when they arrive at the picture location.

• Be ready for their photo when their class is called.

Picture Packages – Save $10! Families can pre-purchase picture packages HERE. Save $10 when you preorder a package by the end of TODAY, Wednesday, October 21st! Don't miss out on the savings!

Attention Senior Families – Class of 2027! Seniors do NOT participate in the on-campus picture days. To be included in the 2026–2027 yearbook, seniors MUST schedule and complete a senior portrait appointment with Cady Studios.

• Schedule your senior portrait appointment HERE.

• Deadline: January 26, 2027

• This is the ONLY way seniors will be included in the yearbook.

Thank you for helping us keep picture day running smoothly and ensuring our Stingrays are represented in this year's yearbook!

Go Stingrays! 🧡🖤

Yearbook Photos - 9th, 10th, 11th Grade Students!

Yearbook photos will be taken for 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students on October 22nd and October 23rd through social studies classes. Make sure to dress your best that day!

You can pre-purchase photos HERE. Save $10 when you preorder a package before picture day!

Seniors: To be included in the yearbook you must schedule an appointment with Cady Studios. This is the only way seniors will be included in the yearbook. The deadline for seniors is January 26th.

Monday, 9/14: open house 6-7:15pm, Key club interest meeting, SNHS interest meeting in media center, SAC and PTSA meeting before open house at 5pm and 5:30pm.

Tuesday 9/15: girls and boys varsity swim and dive at fletcher at 4pm, girls golf vs fletcher raines and ribault at 4pm at blue cypress, girls volleyball vs mandarin at home at 5:30pm

Wednesday 9/16: beach volleyball interest meeting in the AUD, multicultural club meeting

Thursday 9/17: marathon high interest meeting 2:10-2:40pm in 121E the green room

Friday 9/18: key club permission forms due

REMEMBER: Always follow the Stingray Way, Wear your IDs around your neck at all times, No phones allowed, Follow dress code, Bring your laptops daily, Be on time!

19th Annual Beyond High School Seminar

• Saturday, October 10, 2026

• 9:00am - 12:00pm

• The Bethel Church. 215 Bethel Baptist Street. Jacksonville, FL. 32202

• For middle and high school students

• Colleges represented: Bethune Cookman University, Edward Waters University, Hampton University, Howard University, Jacksonville University, University of North Florida

• Come learn about: college admission information, career exploration, scholarship information

• Hear from a high school and college student panel

• Register here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/19thAnnualBHSS

• Presented by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Gamma Rho Omega Chapter in partnership with Best Academy Jax and I am a Star

Legacy Tour

• From chains to wings

• October 11 - October 13

• Come walk with us on the ground beneath the glory as we tour two HBCU's, culture, and historic sites

• Tuskegee University, Alabama State University, the Legacy Museum, Tuskegee Airfield

• Register at www.thecenter1foundation.org

The 8th Annual HBCU Legacy College Fair October 11-October 17 10am-2pm

• Sunday-Tuesday: Legacy Tour to Montgomery

• Wednesday: A day in the life at Vystar Credit Union

• Wednesday-Friday: HBCU school tours

• Thursday: Alumni Mixer. Register at www.thecenter1foundation.org

• Saturday: 8th annual HBCU legacy college fair + jubilee

Legacy Week Alumni Mixer

• October 15th

• Vystar Tower 23rd Floor

• 76 S. Laura Street. Jacksonville, FL.

• 6:30pm - 9:00pm

• Sponsored by Vystar Credit Union and The Pillars Club

• Register at www.thecenter1foundation.org

UNCF HBCU Scholarship Forum

• FAFSA Review

• Tips for getting into college

• Highlighting UNCF scholarships

Date: Wednesday 10/7 6-8pm

Location: Milne Auditorium on Edward Waters University Campus

1658 Kings Road. Jacksonville, FL. 32209

Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/2must49

Sponsored by Bank of American

Howard is coming to you. 

The Howard University Office of Undergraduate Admission invites you to Howard Nights in Jacksonville, an opportunity to experience the legacy, excellence and culture of one of the world’s most storied institutions. 

For nearly 160 years, Howard has educated leaders, innovators, scholars, and changemakers whose influence has shaped communities, industries, and culture around the world. At Howard Nights, you’ll have the opportunity to engage directly with our Undergraduate Admission team, learn more about the Howard experience and discover what it means to pursue your future at The Mecca.

We’re pleased to share that Howard Nights will be held at Paxon School for Advanced Studies. Please park in the main lot on Norman E. Thagard Blvd. Visitors may park at any unlabeled parking space or on the grass area.

Howard Nights in Jacksonville
Thursday, September 24th
6:00–7:30p.m. 

Paxon School for Advanced Studies
3239 Norman E Thagard Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32254

Space is limited. Registration is required. 

REGISTER FOR HOWARD NIGHTS 

There are thousands of colleges and universities. There is only one Howard. 

We look forward to meeting you in Jacksonville. 

Sincerely,
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Howard University

EMBODI is a FREE program for young men, ages 11-18 that meets monthly, 2nd Saturdays from 10am – 12pm.

This program will help young men start their journey to become responsible, independent, and productive members of their communities.

Young Men Will Learn More About:

🌟 Leadership Skills

🎓 College and Career Readiness

🧠 Physical and Mental Health

💵 Money Management

🥗 Healthy Lifestyle Choices

2026 Jax Pumpkin Patch

• Student Volunteer Dates

• 1821 San Pablo Road 32224 (north field)

• all shifts are 3 hours

• copy & paste links below

Pumpkin Patch Set it Up/Break it Down Crew FULL

• https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BADAE23A7F5C07-pumpkin

• Saturday, September 26th        

• Saturday, November 7th

Pumpkin Unloading Crew

• https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BADAE23A7F5C07-pumpkin1

• Thursday, October 1st                      

• Thursday, October 8th           

• Thursday, October 15th    

• Thursday, October 22nd

Pumpkin Patch Yard Crew

• https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BADAE23A7F5C07-pumpkin2

• Wednesday, October 7th       

• Wednesday, October 14th     

• Wednesday, October 21st

• Wednesday, October 28th

Pumpkin Patch Host Crew FULL

• https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BADAE23A7F5C07-pumpkin3

• Saturday, October 3rd 

Pumpkin Patch Boo Crew FULL

• https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BADAE23A7F5C07-45169461-boocrew

• Saturday, October 24th

Teresa Friley

• Jax Pumpkin Patch Volunteer Coordinator

• (330)319-5024

• iofpumpkinpatch@gmail.com

It's Homecoming Week!

Monday, 9/7: No school!

Tuesday 9/7: PJ day; Robotics interest meeting room 505, 6:30pm volleyball vs Sandalwood in the Tank, Wing challenge in the cafe at 6:30pm

Wednesday 9/8: School colors and club rep day; PM1 Testing day we are on an alternative schedule see DCPS email for details in the weekly update from Sunday

Thursday 9/10: Rep your fav sports team day; HOSA interest meeting at 2:15pm in room 331

Friday 9/11: Party in the USA day; HoCo football game at 6:30pm vs Sandalwood at home (tickets on Go Fan), last day to purchase HoCo tickets at Noon!

REMEMBER: Always follow the Stingray Way, Wear your IDs around your neck at all times, No phones allowed, Follow dress code, Bring your laptops daily, Be on time!

Hello Stingray Nation!

Homecoming 2026 Royalty Voting is officially OPEN! It’s time to choose your Home Sweet Homecoming Royalty! Voting closes Wednesday, September 9th at 12:20 PM.

Before you vote, please read the following carefully:

• You may ONLY vote for candidates in your grade level. Votes submitted for the wrong grade level will NOT count.

• You may only vote ONCE, so choose carefully!

• Voting is open to current Atlantic Coast High School students ONLY.

• Winners will be announced over the intercom between 2:00–2:05 PM on Wednesday, September 9th.

• Royalty candidates must be at school on Wednesday, September 9. Winners are required to attend a mandatory training immediately after school that day.

VOTE HERE: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/McaDkCWg4u

Make your vote count and help us crown our Home Sweet Homecoming 2026 Royalty! Good luck to all of our candidates!

ACHS Homecoming information is available in your DCPS student email. Look for an email dated 8-30-2026 for the most recent information!