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!
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
Calling all Families!! Join us for our All Pro Dad Launch Party! All are welcome. RSVP using the QR code on the attached flyer.
Good evening Wildcat Families,
This is Principal Cardoza and welcome to our first Wildcat Weekly! This email will serve as a purpose to keep you in the loop with what is going on in Wildcat Nation. Here are the week's announcements:
1. We are looking for a Parent Champion! If you would like to be considered for this position, email Principal Cardoza.
2. Calling all athletes! Are you interested in trying out for Football, Cheerleading or Volleyball? Tryouts begin this week from 4:30-6:30pm. You must have a physical on file with Coach Thomas.
3. Parents, are you interested in reestablishing our PTA? Join us for an information session on Tuesday, August 19th at 4:30pm. We will meet in the media center.
4. Our School Advisory Council will have its first meeting on Thursday , August 28th at 4:30pm. We are looking for officers and that could be you!
5. Download the new DCPS app to access Thrillshare ROOMS. This app will give you instant access to your student's teachers and stay up to date with what is going on in class.
6. Dress Code: Starting September 2nd, 2025. All students must be in dress code.
-Wear the appropriate colored uniform polo
- Khaki pants (no jeans or jeggings)
The district's "Be Safe. Be Seen" campaign urges us all to be visible and safe. Please see below for a message from the district:
"We ask you to join us in a moment of silence in remembrance of one of our Duval County students who tragically lost their life on Thursday evening after being hit by a vehicle while walking. This is a time to reflect, to keep their family, friends, and school community in our thoughts, and to remember the importance of caring for one another.
As we remember our fellow student today, let’s honor their memory by taking care of ourselves and each other. Whether we walk, ride, or drive, safety is everyone’s responsibility—let’s all commit to Be Safe. Be Seen. Wear bright clothing, use crosswalks, watch for traffic, and stay alert. Together, we can keep our friends, families, and school community safe. Let’s make every trip to and from school a safe one."
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook. We are looking forward to a great Week 2 here at Highlands Middle School.
-Principal Cardoza
This is Principal Cardoza and welcome to our first Wildcat Weekly! This email will serve as a purpose to keep you in the loop with what is going on in Wildcat Nation. Here are the week's announcements:
1. We are looking for a Parent Champion! If you would like to be considered for this position, email Principal Cardoza.
2. Calling all athletes! Are you interested in trying out for Football, Cheerleading or Volleyball? Tryouts begin this week from 4:30-6:30pm. You must have a physical on file with Coach Thomas.
3. Parents, are you interested in reestablishing our PTA? Join us for an information session on Tuesday, August 19th at 4:30pm. We will meet in the media center.
4. Our School Advisory Council will have its first meeting on Thursday , August 28th at 4:30pm. We are looking for officers and that could be you!
5. Download the new DCPS app to access Thrillshare ROOMS. This app will give you instant access to your student's teachers and stay up to date with what is going on in class.
6. Dress Code: Starting September 2nd, 2025. All students must be in dress code.
-Wear the appropriate colored uniform polo
- Khaki pants (no jeans or jeggings)
The district's "Be Safe. Be Seen" campaign urges us all to be visible and safe. Please see below for a message from the district:
"We ask you to join us in a moment of silence in remembrance of one of our Duval County students who tragically lost their life on Thursday evening after being hit by a vehicle while walking. This is a time to reflect, to keep their family, friends, and school community in our thoughts, and to remember the importance of caring for one another.
As we remember our fellow student today, let’s honor their memory by taking care of ourselves and each other. Whether we walk, ride, or drive, safety is everyone’s responsibility—let’s all commit to Be Safe. Be Seen. Wear bright clothing, use crosswalks, watch for traffic, and stay alert. Together, we can keep our friends, families, and school community safe. Let’s make every trip to and from school a safe one."
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook. We are looking forward to a great Week 2 here at Highlands Middle School.
-Principal Cardoza
TEACHER CREATES PEACE GARDEN – A special shoutout goes out to Gregory Drive Elementary School teacher Shirley Thomas for using her ingenuity to create a peaceful space for students, teachers, and parents. The second grade teacher is credited with putting a team together to transform the school’s atrium into a Peace Garden. Students use the space to gain calm, teachers hold classes in the garden, and parents frequently come out to each lunch with their students. Great work!
PRINCIPAL LEADERSHIP AWARD - Congratulations to Principal Leon Mungin Jr. of Highlands Middle School who has been named one of just 15 principals in Florida to receive the Principal Leadership Award from Florida TaxWatch! This prestigious honor recognizes his dedication to creating meaningful change in students' lives. He was celebrated during a special ceremony on Feb. 28. But that’s not all! Shoutout to Highlands Middle School student Robert Jones, who learned during the ceremony that he’s been accepted into Andrew Jackson’s early college program AND will receive a four-year scholarship from Florida Prepaid. Please join us in celebrating these incredible achievements!
