THE MENENDEZ MESSAGE

Volume 2 Issue 50

https://www-pmhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/

904.547.8660

Office: 8:30am- 4:45pm

Good morning Falcon families,

We had an incredible week last week. As you all received in an email from SJCSD school district, grades were finalized for the first quarter last week. For our students, we had a spirited week, including skits, spirit days, a tailgate party, a great win for the football team at Homecoming and a Homecoming dance. It was great to see the amount of spirit from our students and community.

This week is the full start of the second quarter. This week we have the PSAT for all 10th grade students on Wednesday and any 9th or 11th grade student who paid for the PSAT. All other students are reminded hat it is a learn from home day and the information for each class will be in Schoology.

October 24th, we will be holding a Guidance department night for all parents. Topics will include: Xello, FASFA, graduation requirements, etc.

Please check out the information in our Athletics section as well. The fall seasons are beginning to wind down with district tournaments coming in the next two weeks. We wish the best to our bowling, football, cross country, golf and volleyball teams in the coming weeks.. Winter sports will be ramping up with tryouts for soccer this coming week!

It is important for students to focus academically. A big part of this is being attentive in class and on time to each class. PMHS has implemented a couple of initiatives regarding cell phones and tardies to assist students in recognizing the importance of attendance and focus in class. We have continued to see students using cell phones during instructional time. Please remind your child that the cell phone policy is to aid them in academic achievement and is also now part of Florida Law.

We are seeing our students take the challenge of #RISEON3! very seriously and we are confident that the 25th year of Pedro Menendez High School will be its best! This week will be the first big opportunity for our 9th and 10th grade students show how they are rising to the challenge.

There are many details to review, so please take the time to review this communication in its entirety.

1. Gates open into the school at 8:45am. Students are to remain downstairs until the bell to release them upstairs at 9:05 unless they have a pass to s teacher. Class starts at 9:20
2. For students who are driving: Parking tags must be clearly visible ON your rear view mirror. Furthermore, Spots that are painted are reserved for individuals who have purchased those spots. In addition, the lot closest to the gym if for seniors only.
3. New for 2024- 2025, there are TV monitors in three stairwells and in the cafeteria. These will have timely updates for our students, including announcements, club information, and special events.
4. Please remember, school starts at 9:20am and dismisses at 3:50pm. It is very important that students are on time and ready to learn. It is also important that students arrive to each class period on time to enhance their learning and to not disrupt the learning of others.
5. Please be reminded that cell phone usage is prohibited during class time unless directed by the teacher for academic purposes. Furthermore, during passing time and lunches, students are only allowed one ear bud in for the safety of all students.

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

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

This coming year these four tenets will serve as the foundation for Pedro Menendez High School.

• Communication
• Clarity of Standards/ Expectations
• Consistency
• Commitment

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.

Please make sure to subscribe to The Menendez Message at the link below.

RISE ON 3!

Respectfully,

Ted Banton

Principal

Pedro Menendez High School

• October 23rd- Report Cards Issued
• October 23rd- PSAT (modified instruction for students not testing)
• October 24th - Guidance Info Night
• October 30th - US Air Force on campus during lunches,
• October 30th- PMHS Track or Treat 6:00- 7:30p at Veterans' Stadium
• November 1st - Deadline for Senior portraits for yearbook
• November 9th - Falcon Wrestling Luau
• November 14th - SAC Meeting
• November 21st - 25th Annual Talent Show

Please open and view the documents below from SJCSD



2024-2025 Required Instruction High School Parent Letter

Code of Conduct

Sheriff Hardwick Letter

2024-2025 Secondary School Choice Letter

Economic Security Report

School Safety

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.

Any students interested in signing up for the 25^th Annual Talent Show should see Coach Ryan in room 935

Testing Dates to Remember

PSAT- October 23^rd

*Free for all 10^th graders

*Any 9^th or 11^th grader who would like to take the PSAT, should have already signed up via SchoolPay

Our Guidance Department is hosting an informational night on October 24^th from 6:00-7:30pm in the PAC. We will be going over graduation requirements, testing requirements and options, college applications, and more. The evening will conclude with a presentation on Financial Aid and FAFSA. All families are encouraged to attend, with all junior & senior families staying for the Financial Aid portion.

School counselors visited the senior English classes this week to go over graduation requirements and college applications. The presentation is posted on Schoology as well as our school website for those that missed it!

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!

For all SAC updates, agendas, and meeting minutes, please visit our page on the Menendez Website. 

Our 24-25 SAC Meeting dates are...

November 14

December 12

January 9

February 13

April 10

Please email Emily Reid, SAC Chair, at emily.reid@stjohns.k12.fl.us with any questions!

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/

The IB Programme at PMHS needs your support! We have teamed up with the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl to offer discounted tickets to the game on January 2nd. For every ticket purchased using our link, our program will earn $15! Tickets are limited so act quickly - teams will be announced after our fundraiser ends but you can always sell your tickets if you no longer want to go!

To purchase tickets, go to this link: 

https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/80TSGBPMHS

College Visits

College visits will be during all lunches, unless otherwise stated

10/30 - US AIr Force

Parental Choice Library Book Restrictions

Parents/guardians may utilize the Parental Choice Library Book Restriction Form to restrict titles their student may check out in the school library. Please complete the form and return it to your student’s school or librarian. This form is only required when a parent is seeking to restrict access to materials in the media center. 

*Restrictions from middle school are no longer valid. A new form must be filled out and returned to the high school to meet new state requirements.

Book Club

The Book Club meet the second Monday of every month in the media center after school. Come join us to discuss books, practice for Battle of the Books, and share the joy of reading. We have cookies!

Stop by the media center or Mrs. Kennedy's classroom (rm 840) for a club permission slip for the new school year.  

You can view the student expectation assembly by visiting



https://www-pmhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Student-Expecations-Assembly-2024-2025.pdf

PMHS Athletic Boosters

Stadium Spirit Store open at all home football games.

Pay to Play for the School year 24-25

$150.00 1^st Sport

$50.00 for any additional sports played.

Must be paid through SchoolPay PRIOR to sport start date. Please lest Students name and sport when paying. 

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.

Falcon Pride Store

Baker’s Sports has an online store open again for Menendez Merchandise. Click the link below to see what’s available. Ships Directly to your house.

https://bakerssport-falconpride.itemorder.com/

600 State Road 206 West

St. Augustine, FL 32086

Main: (904) 547-8660