Beginning July 1, 2026, a new Florida law known as the Second Chance Act will require all first-time high school student-athletes to complete an ECG heart screening before participating in sports. The law was created to help detect potentially undiagnosed heart conditions and raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes.
To support families, Duval County Public Schools is partnering with the nonprofit organization “Who We Play For” to provide free heart screenings for students. Additional screenings for select middle school students have also been scheduled throughout May.
Families interested in learning more about the new requirement or upcoming screenings are encouraged to contact our school’s athletic director, Marty Lee at leem1@duvalschools.org or District Athletic Director Tammie Talley at talleyt@duvalschools.org
To support families, Duval County Public Schools is partnering with the nonprofit organization “Who We Play For” to provide free heart screenings for students. Additional screenings for select middle school students have also been scheduled throughout May.
Families interested in learning more about the new requirement or upcoming screenings are encouraged to contact our school’s athletic director, Marty Lee at leem1@duvalschools.org or District Athletic Director Tammie Talley at talleyt@duvalschools.org
Student Poll Worker Assistant Program
The Duval County Supervisor of Elections Office has launched a new civic engagement opportunity for Duval County high school students: the Student Poll Worker Assistant Program. This program allows eligible students to serve on weekends during Early Voting while earning both pay and community service hours.
The program provides a hands-on, nonpartisan civic experience that does not interfere with school schedules. It offers students a meaningful way to engage in civic life, strengthen college and scholarship applications, and develop valuable professional skills.
Students receive both online and in-person training covering election procedures, confidentiality, voter interaction, and professional conduct. They perform assigned duties such as greeting voters, providing information, distributing "I Voted" stickers, and other responsibilities for which they are trained.
Program Highlights
Earn $15 per hour for one eight-hour Early Voting shift.
Receive 11 community service hours for completing the training and serving as a Student Poll Worker Assistant.
Serve only on weekends during Early Voting—no school days are missed.
Receive a verification letter to submit to the school for community service documentation.
Eligibility Requirements
Must be 16 years of age or older.
Must be registered or pre-registered to vote.
Must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Complete the online application.
Submit a signed parent or guardian permission form.
Students can learn more and apply at:
Student Poll Worker Assistants | Duval County Elections, FL Official Website
Please feel free to contact the Supervisor of Elections office at 904-255-VOTE (8683) with any questions.
First Coast High School Volleyball Tryouts – August 3–4, 2026
The First Coast High School Volleyball Program is excited to welcome all student-athletes interested in competing for the 2026 Lady Buccaneers Volleyball Team!
🏐 Tryout Information
Dates: Monday, August 3 & Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: First Coast High School
Student-athletes should arrive early, dressed appropriately for volleyball, and ready to give their best effort.
✅ Athletic Physical Required
All athletes must have a completed athletic physical on file before participating in tryouts. No exceptions.
If you still need your physical, First Coast High School will be hosting:
Sports Physical Day
Date: Monday, July 20, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: First Coast High School
Parents/guardians must complete and sign all required consent forms prior to the physical. Walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.
Get Ready for the Season!
Whether you're a returning player or hoping to make the team for the first time, this is your opportunity to showcase your skills, determination, and Buccaneer pride.
We can't wait to see you on the court!
Be Ready. Be Cleared. Be a Buccaneer.
Go Bucs! 🏴☠️💙
Attention First Coast High School Athletes & Families!
If you plan to participate in athletics during the 2026–2027 school year, now is the time to get cleared!
🏴☠️ Sports Physical Day
Date: Monday, July 20, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: First Coast High School
590 Duval Station Road
Jacksonville, FL 32218
Free to all!
All student-athletes are required to have a current sports physical before participating in practices or competitions.
Important Reminders:
Walk-ins are welcome (first come, first served).
Parents/guardians must complete and sign all required consent forms before the physical.
Bring all completed paperwork with you to your appointment.
❤️ Who We Play For Heart Screening
Protect your heart before the season begins by participating in an optional heart screening hosted by Who We Play For.
Date: Friday, July 31, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: First Coast High School
Cost: $20
The screening includes a painless Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) that takes approximately five minutes and is reviewed by a board-certified pediatric cardiologist. Since many heart conditions show no warning signs, this screening provides an extra layer of protection and peace of mind for student-athletes and their families.
Don't Wait—Get Game Ready!
Completing your sports physical and considering a heart screening are important steps toward a safe and successful athletic season.
📲 Please use the QR codes on the flyers to complete the required forms and register for the heart screening.
Be Ready. Be Cleared. Be a Buccaneer.
If you plan to participate in athletics during the 2026–2027 school year, now is the time to get cleared!
🏴☠️ Sports Physical Day
Date: Monday, July 20, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: First Coast High School
590 Duval Station Road
Jacksonville, FL 32218
Free to all!
All student-athletes are required to have a current sports physical before participating in practices or competitions.
Important Reminders:
Walk-ins are welcome (first come, first served).
Parents/guardians must complete and sign all required consent forms before the physical.
Bring all completed paperwork with you to your appointment.
❤️ Who We Play For Heart Screening
Protect your heart before the season begins by participating in an optional heart screening hosted by Who We Play For.
Date: Friday, July 31, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: First Coast High School
Cost: $20
The screening includes a painless Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) that takes approximately five minutes and is reviewed by a board-certified pediatric cardiologist. Since many heart conditions show no warning signs, this screening provides an extra layer of protection and peace of mind for student-athletes and their families.
Don't Wait—Get Game Ready!
Completing your sports physical and considering a heart screening are important steps toward a safe and successful athletic season.
📲 Please use the QR codes on the flyers to complete the required forms and register for the heart screening.
Be Ready. Be Cleared. Be a Buccaneer.
📚 Back-to-School Orientation 2026
The countdown to a new school year is on! We are excited to welcome our Buccaneers back to First Coast High School for Back-to-School Orientation. Orientation is designed to help students and families start the school year with confidence by providing important information before the first day of classes.
During orientation, students will:
Receive their class schedules
Learn important school information
Review promotion and graduation requirements
Tour the campus
Have the opportunity to ask questions before the school year begins
Orientation Schedule:
🎓 Seniors
Monday, July 27, 2026
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📚 Juniors
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
✏️ Sophomores
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
⚓ Freshmen (Last Names A–L)
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
⚓ Freshmen (Last Names M–Z)
Thursday, July 30, 2026
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
We look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus and kicking off another incredible year at First Coast High School. We can't wait to see our returning students and officially welcome the Class of 2030 to the Buccaneer family!
Go Bucs! 💙🖤
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!
First Coast High School Campus Reopens
We are pleased to announce that the summer campus improvement work has been completed, and First Coast High School is now officially open. Thank you for your patience and understanding during the construction period. We look forward to welcoming our students, families, and visitors back to campus as we prepare for another successful school year.
We are pleased to announce that the summer campus improvement work has been completed, and First Coast High School is now officially open. Thank you for your patience and understanding during the construction period. We look forward to welcoming our students, families, and visitors back to campus as we prepare for another successful school year.
📣 Class of 2027! Booking for senior portraits is officially OPEN. We’ve partnered with CADY to capture this milestone with photos perfect for announcements, yearbook ads, social posts, and more. Spots fill fast, so don’t put this off. Book your session now at cady.com/schedule.
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
Class of 2027, it is time to start thinking about your senior portrait. This is the first step to ensure your senior information is correct and that you receive important updates from CADY, our official school photographer. Complete Senior Registration today at cady.com/SeniorRegistration
Instant Decision Day 2025 Sets New Records
This year’s Instant Decision Day was a tremendous success, marking the most impactful event to date. Held on Tuesday, December 9th, the day brought more than 16 colleges, universities, and trade schools to campus, offering students immediate and priority admissions opportunities.
The results were nothing short of remarkable. Students earned over 300 acceptances and secured $11,298,400.00 in scholarship dollars—and counting. Several participating institutions will also host upcoming Scholarship Award Days, during which additional scholarship funds will be awarded. Students accepted during Instant Decision Day will be included in those totals as final numbers are collected.
Instant Decision Day continues to be a powerful opportunity for students to take the next step toward their postsecondary goals with confidence and clarity. With this year’s record-breaking success, plans are already underway to expand the event in the years ahead, creating even more opportunities for future students.
The Class of 2026 Senior Collection is officially here at Bucs Cove and it’s giving main character energy. Seniors can choose from three awesome designs in both t-shirts and sweatshirts to show off class pride all year long. Orders can be placed through dcps.schoolcashonline.com (search First Coast) or using the direct links below — just don’t wait, because seniors deserve the drip 😎
Shop the Collection:
Coquette Senior (Grey)
T-shirt: https://dcps.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/72835/76/False/True
Sweatshirt: https://dcps.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/73003/76/False/True
Class of 2026 (Black)
T-shirt: https://dcps.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/72836/76/False/True
Sweatshirt: https://dcps.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/73001/76/False/True
Senior Class of 2026 (Royal Blue)
T-shirt: https://dcps.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/72837/76/False/True
Sweatshirt: https://dcps.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/72996/76/False/True
Shop the Collection:
Coquette Senior (Grey)
T-shirt: https://dcps.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/72835/76/False/True
Sweatshirt: https://dcps.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/73003/76/False/True
Class of 2026 (Black)
T-shirt: https://dcps.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/72836/76/False/True
Sweatshirt: https://dcps.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/73001/76/False/True
Senior Class of 2026 (Royal Blue)
T-shirt: https://dcps.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/72837/76/False/True
Sweatshirt: https://dcps.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/72996/76/False/True
🎓 Graduation Day Announcement
Graduation for the Class of 2026 is officially set for May 27, 2026 at 11 AM at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Excitement is building as our seniors prepare for their next chapter. Mark your calendars and join us as we celebrate this unforgettable milestone!
Help Us Make First Coast High School Even Stronger!
Families, your input matters. Complete the Data Triangle Survey from October 6–21 and let us know how we can better support your child’s learning and experience. Survey and preview of questions available at www.duvalschools.org/survey
First Coast High School Announces 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Denita Blunt
First Coast High School is proud to recognize Mrs. Denita Blunt as our 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year.
Mrs. Blunt is an exceptional educator whose passion, dedication, and commitment to student success have made a lasting impact on our Buccaneer family. She is known not only for her engaging lessons and high expectations in the classroom but also for the care and encouragement she shows each of her students.
Her colleagues describe her as a role model who leads with integrity, creativity, and compassion. Students admire her ability to make learning meaningful while challenging them to reach their highest potential.
This recognition highlights the tremendous work Mrs. Blunt continues to do for First Coast High School, and we are honored to celebrate her achievements. Congratulations, Mrs. Blunt, on this well-deserved honor!
#BuccaneerPride 🏴☠️💙
Picture Day is right around the corner! CADY will be set up at our school on October 22 & 23, 2025 to take student photos for the
yearbook. Don’t forget to dress for the occasion. Keep the memories alive! Right now CADY is offering $10 off your purchase when you pre-order your photos before picture day at CADY.com/pictureday. We’re excited to see your smiling faces!
Track & Field Interest Meetings
Are you ready to run, jump, and compete? The Boys and Girls Track & Field teams will be holding interest meetings this November.
📅 Girls Track Meeting: Wednesday, November 12
📅 Boys Track Meeting: Thursday, November 13
⏰ 1:50 PM
📍 Room C209
All students interested in participating should make plans to attend. Please remember that you will need to arrange a ride home after the meeting.
Come learn more about the upcoming season and how you can be part of the Buccaneers Track & Field team! 🏴☠️💙
First Coast High Celebrates All CTE Academies Achieving Master Academy Status
First Coast High School is proud to announce that all four of our Career and Technical Education (CTE) Academies have achieved Master Academy Status for the 2024-2025 school year! This prestigious recognition highlights the dedication, hard work, and excellence of our teachers and students in preparing for college, careers, and beyond.
The four CTE academies celebrating this achievement are:
Culinary Arts Academy
VyStar Academy of Business
Sports & Entertainment Marketing Academy
JEA Academy
This accomplishment reflects the commitment of our CTE team to provide high-quality, industry-relevant education. Congratulations to our outstanding teachers and students, whose talent, creativity, and perseverance made this milestone possible.
Master Academy Status is awarded to programs that demonstrate excellence in curriculum, student achievement, and industry engagement. First Coast High continues to set the standard for CTE education in our community, ensuring that our students are ready to succeed in whatever path they choose.
We are incredibly proud of our CTE team and the bright future ahead for all of our Buccaneers!
Empowering Young Men: Join the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project
The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project is a unique brotherhood dedicated to guiding young boys toward manhood and success in academics and life. More than just a club, it provides mentorship, support, and valuable life lessons through weekly meetings, fostering a strong community of peers.
We invite you to learn more about this transformative initiative at our interest meeting on Wednesday, August 27, at 2:15 PM in room G109. Discover how you can become part of a powerful network focused on excellence and leadership.
For questions, please see Mr. Louine. Join us and take the first step toward making a positive impact!
#5000RoleModels #MakeADifference #Leadership #JoinUs
VyStar Branch Reopens with Back-to-School Celebration
The VyStar Branch will officially reopen on Monday, August 25, during all lunch periods. To celebrate the start of a new school year, students can stop by the branch and take part in a special Back-to-School Giveaway.
Current VyStar members can enjoy free giveaways.
Students interested in becoming members are invited to open an account and join the VyStar community.
Kick off the school year with VyStar—visit the branch during lunch and be part of the celebration!