Dear parents and guardians,
Happy Saturday Patriots! I am getting this out on Saturday so I can remind my 8th grade parents that today is the last day to request a high school other than the one your cadet is zoned for. Parents and guardians need to log in to their parent focus portal, select your 8th grader, and then select the magnet school option and choose the high school you want your cadet to attend. Do not forget to scroll all the way down and save and submit. You will immediately get a message from the choice office immediately. This can be done on your phone or on a laptop or desktop computer. This option closes at 11:59pm tonight.
8th grade athletes – Heart screening can save lives! Starting July 1, 2026, all athletes will be required to get an EKG screening to help identify undiagnosed heart conditions in student-athletes. We are trying to get ahead of this for our 8th grade athletes. On February 5, 2026, Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program will be on campus to provide this screening at NO COST to you. To register, use this link: https://www.jaxsmp.com/ecg-screenings-form/
Free Eye exams and glasses are back: Florida Heiken Children’s Vision Program is returning to Duval the week of March 9th-13th to offer NO COST eye exams and glasses. Please see the attached flyer for more information and register at the following link:
Florida Heiken Children’s Vision Program. We need at least 30 signed up for them to come out to JSMAL.
Parent drop off in the morning – If you drop your cadet off in front of the school on Burma Road, this announcement is for you. If you arrive after 8am, there is a good chance that you could get stuck behind one of our ESE buses. Please pay attention as you drive up, if you see buses in the loop, simply drop your cadet off on Burma Road and avoid the loop. If you get stuck between buses, it may take up to 30 minutes for the buses to move. Some of these buses have our wheelchair students and it takes time to offload them.
Open Gate – Mobile Weapons Detection System is coming to JSMAL. The district recently shared that walk-through weapon detection systems will be installed at all middle schools, and I am writing to let you know that our system will be installed at JSMAL on March 24, 2026. I believe this additional safety measure will further support the well-being of our students and staff, and I appreciate your partnership as we prepare for this important step. To help students understand what to expect, we will share a short informational video with students on March 23, that introduces the new procedures. This video is also available for families to view at www.duvalschools.org/opengate.
As we are getting ready for the system to go live, please keep the following tips in mind:
Arrive a few minutes early: During the first week, there may be minor delays as everyone becomes familiar with the new process. Walkers and car riders are encouraged to arrive 10–15 minutes earlier than usual during this initial adjustment period.
Stay informed: We encourage families to review additional information and watch the informational video available at www.duvalschools.org/opengate.
Stay vigilant: While the weapon detection system is an important tool, it does not replace the safety expectations already in place. Please continue to check backpacks and belongings, talk with your child about what is appropriate to bring to school, and remember—if you see something, say something.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to maintain a safe and supportive school environment for all.
8th Grade Gradventure - The 8th grade end of the year field trip is GRADVENTURE in Orlando, Florida on May 1, 2026. Gradventure is two theme parks in one night- Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. The time is from 1pm on Friday - 3am on Saturday morning. Cost: $252.00 dollars. We are taking the first 75 students that pay! The cost includes admission into Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure, lunch voucher, refillable souvenir cup, JSMAL Gradventure T-shirt, and charter bus transportation. The requirements to participate in Gradventure: Dean Bledsoe MUST clear the student to participate. The DUE DATE for payment: MARCH 31, 2026. PAY WITH CASH, CASHIER CHECK OR MONEY ORDER TO COACH THOMPSON. If interested in paying in installments, please contact Coach Thompson. Both permission slips must be turned in to Coach Thompson.
Yearbooks on sale now - Order your 2025-2026 JSMAL Yearbook today! Purchases can only be made through the Lifetouch website at www.ybpay.lifetouch.com The yearbook ID code is 15481026 with the school's name Joseph Stilwell Middle School. The price is $45.00. And eighth grade parents can purchase a quarter page ad for only $25.00. Flyers are in the main office with the above information. Contact Ms. McNally, ortong@duvalschools.org, with any questions.
Calendar Events this week:
Mon, Feb 2 –Girls and Boys Basketball at home vs Westside Middle. Starts at 6pm.
Tues, Feb 3 –Soccer at home vs Westside Middle at 5:30pm.
Wed, Feb 4 –Girls and Boys BBall at JWJ at 6pm.
Thurs, Feb 5– EKG screening for 8thgrade athletes at school. Soccer at JWJ at 5:30pm.
Sat, Feb 7 –Team Up Flag Football tournament at JSMAL! 9-1pm. Scholar Bowl finals at Twin Lakes Middle.
Coming soon:
Thurs, Feb 12– Midyear stakeholders meeting with SAC at 5:30pm in the media center.
Fri, Feb 13– Fourth annual SLA Bike Rodeo at JSMAL.
Thurs, Feb 26– All Pro Dads Meeting at 0745am. Title I DATA night for parents and cadets.
Dinner will be provided. 6-7:30pm.
Tamara Roper
Proud Principal
JSMAL