THE MENENDEZ MESSAGE

Volume 3 Issue 116

904.547.8660

Office: 8:30am- 4:45pm

Not for School, But for Life We Learn. -Seneca

Good evening Menendez families,

We hope you all had a great three day weekend and took the opportunity on Memorial Day to remember those who sacrificed for our liberty and freedoms.

This past weekend was incredible as we had the opportunity to celebrate the Class of 2026 on Saturday at UNF. It was an incredible event and our graduates were wonderful. Did you know this graduating class, beyond having excellent academic accolades, have generated over 2 million scholarships in university and trade school scholarships. Not to mention the number of students who are IB diploma candidates and a very special group who have enlisted in a branch of the military to serve at here and abroad.

This week marks the last week of school. Inasmuch, many teachers are working on remediation and retesting some students. It is important to note, there are no backpacks allowed on campus this final week of school.

Although it is the last week, we still have much to celebrate and events on campus. Please see the most recent ParentSquare regarding ECG screenings available for all athletes. In addition, we will be hosting a future athlete assemble tomorrow, during 7th period. We hope to see all future athletes there in the PAC.

This will be the last weekly Menendez Message for the summer, but we will be sending out messages throughout the summer regarding camps, events, and the start of the school year.

At PMHS, we firmly believe that attendance and performance are directly tied. Research suggests that students who miss 10 or more days are far less likely to make a years worth of academic growth. As of March 9th , we have 508 students who have missed 15 or more days of school!!! That is 40 more students since our last calculation. For students to make learning gains and achieve grade level expectations, students need to be in school as much as possible. While we understand that illnesses occur, we want to keep our entire community informed of our school-wide attendance trends. Please partner with us in ensuring every student gets to school as often as possible.

We want to take a moment to thank you all for entrusting us with the education of your child for the coming year. This responsibility is not taken lightly, and although we are not perfect, we believe that each year, we are making strides to give your child the best education in St. Johns county.

#RISEON3 is our mantra at PMHS and it illustrates our focus for our students. We hope to elevate the mark in the follow areas for every student:

Attendance (being present and on time)
Achievement (in every part of life)
Attitude (regardless of the situation, to exhibit an attitude of success and persistence)

Visitors to campus MUST complete a School Access Form which can be found on the SJCSD website at https://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/volunteer/.

This clearance is for entry on campus during school hours such as a morning meeting with teachers or counselors, volunteering, or other events.

#RISEON3!

Respectfully,

Ted Banton

Principal

Pedro Menendez High School

Upcoming Events

May 25th - Memorial Day Student/Teacher holiday
May 29th - Last Day for Students (One hour early release)
June 1st - Last Day for Teachers

Student Spotlight

Athletes from 8 states met up at the Regional Qualifier for the PBA Junior National Championship in Eat Hartford, CT. In a very tightly contested U18 Boys Divisionm Eli Ackner averaged 216 for the tournament and held off a late surge in the POsition Round to capture his first ever PBA Jr. title!! Way to go Eli!!

Student Volunteers Needed

Academy News

Check out our academy newsletter for a glimpse into the great things our students are doing in their academies. https://www-pmhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/academies/newsletters/

Guidance

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉

Students now have a chance to connect with school counselors during lunch at our brand-new "Table Talk" sessions!

Whether you’ve got questions about classes, college, careers, or just need someone to talk to — Table Talk is your go-to spot. Pull up a chair, grab your lunch, and join the conversation!

✅ No appointments needed

✅ Friendly faces, real answers

✅ Happening every lunch period

Let’s make lunchtime meaningful — see you at Table Talk!

HAC

Please make sure all parent information in Home Access Center is updated. This ensures all teachers and staff can contact families with information and updates.

The School Counseling office is moving all of our communications to Parent Square. Now students and their families will not have to look in multiple places for the vital information we publish regarding graduation requirements, dual enrollment, scholarships, deadlines, and much more. Please regularly check the new Parent Square app to ensure you're receiving all of this information, as we look forward to partnering with you in support of your future!

As a reminder, the state of Florida has given every student free access to the Xello college and career planning website. We will be utilizing this tool to aid in applying to colleges (used alongside CommonApp) as well as researching careers, scholarships, etc. Parents and guardians were sent instructions on accessing their free accounts two weeks ago, let your student's School Counselor know if you did not receive yours or if you need help in accessing your account.

At the end of each quarter, the School Counselors mail letters home to seniors that are at risk of not graduating. If you receive one of these letters, please reach out to the office to schedule a meeting to discuss how your student can get back on track. Additionally, please reach out if you have any concerns regarding graduation ASAP!

Deans' Office

Student Expectations 2025 (click here)

Electronic Devices

We are continuing our tradition that all students will be required to place their cell phones in hanging pouches upon entry into each class. Our intent is for all students to be able to focus on instruction without distraction from electronic devices. We will continue to remind students of this policy the first four days of school. After the first four days of school, students that do not comply with this policy will have their phone confiscated until the end of the day and receive discipline consequences. We ask for parent support with this initiative so that students can focus on instruction and reaching their potential

Single Point of Entry

Safety is a priority at at Pedro Menendez High School and in order to comply with state statute, we will operate with a single point of entry and exit during the school day, the front office. All students must enter and exit the building through this entry/exit point. This policy is in place to keep everyone on campus safe and violation of this policy is a a safety breach and a level II discipline offense.

Dress Code

We will continue following the SJCSD dress code policies and procedures. Detailed information on the SJCSD dress code is available in the “Code of Conduct” starting on p. 13. Students out of dress code will be documented and provided with clothing that fits the parameters of the SJCSD dress code policies. Please help us to ensure students are abiding by SJCSD policy.

Food Delivery

Students are not allowed to receive any food deliveries (Door Dash, Grub Hub etc..). Please do not order food via door dash or any other food delivery services for students.

Cafeteria

Did you know? Your family may qualify for no-cost or reduced-price meals based on household income or family size. We encourage all families to explore this option: SJCSD Free/Reduced App page

What’s on the Menu? Curious about our daily offerings? Explore our diverse and nutritious menu options at Meal Viewer: Visit MealViewer.com now

St. Johns County Meal Viewer

Meal Prices

PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR CHILD'S ACCOUNT FOR ANY DEBTS OWED

Pay for Cafeteria Meals Online

PayPAMS Brochure

PayPAMS Brochure (en español)

Clinic

As you know, medication orders must be completed every school year. For your convenience, the clinic will be open beginning August 6, 2025 (one week prior to the first day of school for students) to accept your child’s medication and completed medication forms. Please call to make an appointment.

MEDICATION GIVEN IN SCHOOL

Per school board policy, students cannot carry medication to school. All medication must be brought to the clinic by a parent/guardian and requires the Medication Authorization Form to be completed (by the physician) which you can access below. Please include a Medical Management Plan if applicable. New bottles must be brought to the clinic by a parent/guardian for each refill. Medication cannot be given from an expired bottle. All medication must be in their original container, labeled with the student’s name, dosage, frequency of administration and physician’s name. Medication should not be transported between home and school daily. Separate containers should be kept at home and at school. Parents will be responsible for delivery and retrieval of medication to and from the school nurse.

STUDENT AUTHORIZATION TO SELF-CARRY MEDICATION

Per Florida Statue 1002.20, The Medication Authorization Form allows the student to carry their own emergency medication, (Epinephrine Pen, Auvi Q, Glucagon or Inhaler) if and only if the parent and physician sign the Florida Statute box on the Med Auth Form. This form must be returned to me before the student is allowed to carry prescribed self-administered medications. If you would like the nurse to administer a prescribed or over-the-counter medication, please use the same form.

Over-the-counter medications (Tylenol or Motrin) can be carried by your student while at school. They must be in the original container and be within the current expiration date. Please complete an Over-the Counter Form found below. The completed form must be returned to the clinic.

If you have any questions regarding medication to be administered or taken by your student at school, please contact: Mrs. Parrey, RN at 904-547-8672 or Rosemary.Parrey@stjohns.k12.fl.us.

MEDICATION AND MEDICAL MANAGEMENT FORMS

Allergy-Medical-Managment-Plan-MMP.pdf

Asthma-Medical-Management-Plan-MMP.pdf

Bleeding-Disorders-Medical-Management-Plan-MMP.pdf

Cardiac-Medical-Management-Plan-MMP.pdf

Cystic-Fibrosis-Medical-Management-Plan-MMP.pdf

Seizure-Medical-Management-Plan-MMP.pdf

Authorization to Assist in the Administration of Medication

Parent Permission for Self-Administration Non-Prescription

Athletics

2025-26 Athletic Expectations for Sporting Events

· Tickets for sporting events can be purchased via GoFan.co Varsity football is $10 and all other events are $7.

· There is NO reentry to events. If spectators leave for any reason, they must pay to reenter.

· No cups/water bottles, etc will be permitted into the premises.

· ONLY CLEAR BAGS WILL BE PERMITTED INSIDE THE STADIUM.

· Only TEAM coolers brought with the team are permitted into events.

· Tickets can be purchased at the gate via cash $10 or via GoFan.

· Concessions will be open at 6:30 pm for varsity football games and 5:30 pm for junior varsity football games.

· Standing along the fence at the bottom of the bleachers is NOT allowed during football games.

· There will be NO spectators allowed to view the game from the exterior fences. The only spectators allowed on campus for these events will be via purchased tickets.

· Only approved media and school personnel will be allowed on the track/field for pictures and/or video.

· All Menendez home football, volleyball, track, soccer, lacrosse, wrestling, basketball, will be available for viewing live on nfhsnetwork.com. Enter Pedro Menendez in the search bar. You must subscribe to have viewing rights per the NFHS network.

· Fans will NOT be permitted on the field following events. This is for the safety and security of all in attendance.

The Menendez Athletic Department utilizes an online paperless registration system, AthleticClearance.com. The registration process is attached. Additional Menendez Athletics information, including coaches’ contact information, can be found at www-pmhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/athletics/. Our expectation is that every athlete will be registered by their parent/guardian before their desired sport’s start date.

Athletic Clearance Instructions

Please ensure the following when completing the online process:

1. Student ID should be entered WITHOUT a preceding “S”. Numeric ID only!

2. Scan and upload physical as ONE document.

3. Ensure that student information is complete on page 4 of the physical (EL2).

4. Ensure that the MD has checked “Medically eligible for all sports without restriction” AND signed and dated page 4 of the physical.

5. Ensure that student and parent signature/date is completed on bottom of page 4 of the physical.

The only type of physical we accept is the FHSAA EL2 physical form. The updated physical form is 4 pages. Starting the 23-24 school year, the old EL2 form WILL NOT be accepted.

Please keep in mind that the FHSAA requires all student athletes to view free video courses on concussions, heat illness, and sudden cardiac arrest (see instructions below). Signatures on the EL3 form indicate that your athlete has completed these three video courses. The FHSAA also requires that all student athletes have at least a 2.0 unweighted GPA to be eligible for participation.

Media Center

Bring Back Your Books!

Please return all library books and textbooks before the end of the school year. Emails from the Destiny management system will be sent out periodically to remind you of what is still missing. If the book is lost or damaged, go to SchoolPay to pay the replacement cost of the book. Please contact the media center if you feel that there is an error in your student’s account.

If you owe an SJR dual enrollment textbook, please return it directly to IRMS at the Sebastian Annex where you originally picked it up. If it is lost, you will need to bring your payment to them. PMHS will not accept payments for lost SJR textbooks.