Dear Parents/Guardians,
Happy Sunday Patriots! We finished the first of three rounds of state testing. Our cadets are starting off stronger this year than they did last year. Round two will happen in January 2026. Remember, our goal is to help every cadet reach levels three, four, or five. In addition to state reading and math achievement levels, cadets also must manage their grades. We have two weeks remaining in the first quarter. Please help your cadet by looking in Focus and communicating with teachers.
Thank you, parents/guardians, for signing up for free eye exams and glasses. We were able to evaluate sixty-three cadets, and now we are waiting for new glasses to arrive.
High School Transition Night - We would like to invite you and your cadet(s) to join us at our upcoming 8th Grade Transition to High School Night, taking place on Thursday, October 9th, from 6-730pm, at JSMAL. 8th Graders have been busy exploring their interests and aspirations, as well as beginning to plan for high school and beyond, using an online future readiness program called Xello. Please refer to the attached information and link below for full details:
Our guidance Counselor, Mr. Dillinger, has been visiting classrooms, sharing detailed individual academic scorecards, and advising 8th-grade cadets on their progress toward meeting middle school promotion requirements. In addition, Mr Dillinger has been introducing cadets to high school graduation requirements, so they may be as informed as possible, as they begin to prepare for 9th grade. The evening will also include information about 8th-grade end-of-year activities, and representatives from many local high schools will be on hand to answer your questions.
Xello Parents Checklist 10.9.25.pdf
8th Grade Night Transition to High School 10.9.25.pdf
High School Graduation Requirement10.9.25.pdf
Announcements:
Data Triangle Survey - This survey collects feedback from students, staff, families, and community members to provide a complete view of school climate and experiences. Results guide planning and ensure stakeholder voices shape decisions.
Survey Window: October 6 - 21, 2025.
Stakeholders: All staff members, students in grades 4-12, families, and community members.
Format: Online, role-specific versions, with paper copies available for parents and community members. For a paper survey, please request it through our front office.
Calendar Events this week:
Mon, Sept 29 – Volleyball at Baldwin
Tues, Sept 30 – Football at Chaffee Trail
Coming soon:
Thursday, Oct 9 – High School Transition Night, SAC meeting at 5:30 p.m.
Mon, Oct 13 – Teacher Planning Day. No School.
Tues, Oct 14 – Teacher Professional Development Day. No School.
Community Announcements:
Duval County Public Schools is excited to host its 2nd Annual Career Academy Showcase! This is a free event perfect for the whole family to check out all the high school career academies in one place. Explore options such as Culinary Arts, IT, Firefighting, Engineering, Nursing, Building Trades, and many more. Get a head start on planning for the courses you might take in high school by visiting academy teachers and students who can share all about their experiences. See below and the flier attached for more information:
What: 2nd Annual Career Academy Showcase
When: Saturday, November 1st, 9am-12pm
Where: University of North Florida, Adam W. Herbert University Center
12000 Alumni Dr. Jacksonville, FL 32224
Who: This is a community-wide event; all are welcome!
I am excited to share that Jacksonville Area Legal Aid has agreed to partner with Full-Service Schools on the Westside. This means individuals and families will not have to travel far to see an attorney. Help will be provided closer to where you live. This free legal aid clinic offers a valuable opportunity for individuals and families who may need legal services but face challenges in accessing them. Please consider sharing this resource. We still have a few time slots available for appointments.
Sign up: https://forms.office.com/r/cDq19NkCu3
If you need affordable WiFi at home, use the T-Mobile Hotspot link. One of our parents was kind enough to share this with us at our SAC meeting.
https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/project-10-million
Tamara Roper
Proud Principal
JSMAL