Not for School, But for Life We Learn. -Seneca | | |
Good Falcon Families,
We hope you all had a wonderful weekend and are ready for this week. We are ending the near of the third quarter and teachers are working with students in preparing for statewide and international exams. Report cards are less than 10 days away, so its a great time to have discussions regarding classroom performance.
Last week was a great week at PMHS! Spring athletic teams are full swing in season and many teams had success this past week. Our International Thespian Society Troupe spent the week finalizing touches for their state competition during spring break where they have been asked to perform on the main stage! Our Menendez Dance Ensemble attended the REVIVE Dance Convention and Competition and were also asked to perform to the entire convention. The Falcon Regiment was also on the competition trail this past weekend and did a great job at Concert MPAs.
Parents, please take the time to fill out our annual SAC survey. The survey can be found at 2025-26 Pedro Menendez Parent SAC Survey
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 February 17th , we have 464 students who have missed 15 or more days of school!!! 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
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- March 12th - Third Quarter Ends
- March 13th - Teacher Inservice Day - Student Holiday
- March 16th - March 20th - Spring Break
- March 23rd - Classes resume
| | This weekend Menendez Dance Ensemble competed in Revive Dance Convention & Competition. The dancers performed phenomenally, receiving platinum for their jazz dance, entitled "Femme Frequency." The dancers placed overall in all of their categories and were selected to perform in the end of weekend showcase featuring the best routines from the weekend. Congratulations Menendez Dance Ensemble! | | |
Congratulations to 9th grader Chloe Edwards for placing 2nd in the St. Johns Education Association Dr. Martin Luther King, JR. Essay and Poster Contest for her essay themed, "Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly."
Chloe attended the award Ceremony on Tuesday, February 24 at 6pm in the St. Augustine High School auditorium. There she met the St. Johns County of Public Schools superintendent, Dr. Asplen and Thomas Jackson Chairman, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee.
| | A huge THANK YOU to Community First Credit Union Foundation & INK! for the Champions for Children STEAM Grant. This opportunity had a tremendous impact on our Pre-IB Biology students, giving them the chance to observe animal behavior firsthand and connect their classroom learning to real-world ecological concepts, as well as prepare them for IB level data collection and reporting. Many of the students have never visited the Jacksonville Zoo, and several of the students have never been to a zoo at all! The grant funding provided experiences for some of the students that will last a lifetime, so we thank you wholeheartedly for selecting this project for funding. Their excitement, curiosity, and depth of understanding truly grew because of this experience, and it would not have been possible without your support. | |
St. Johns County School District invites staff, parents, and community members to share their input on three stakeholder surveys designed to assess the effectiveness of federally funded programs, including Title I, Title II, and Title IV. The surveys will be open from February 17, 2026, through March 17, 2026.
SJCSD Title II Stakeholder Survey 2025-2026
SJCSD Title IV Stakeholder Survey | 2025-2026
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Members of the Menendez Community has recently formed The Pedro Menendez High School PTSO! The PTSO (parent, teacher, and student organization (PTSO) is a wonderful way to get involved , support our school, and help build a stronger community. You can join us through our Facebook and Instagram pages launching this week!
You can also sign up by visiting:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScHyCBf9TTAxnrYJOKfM7MA0sh3IU62_FPclB_FeVJ50XrC3g/viewform?pli=1
| Payments can be made via Venmo at @pmhsptso | | |
The Pedro Menendez School Advisory Council will meet every third Thursday of the month at 8:00 AM in the Media Center and all are welcome to attend.
25-26 SAC Meeting Dates
April 16
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The PMHS School Advisory Council Surveys will be open for responses from February 2nd – March 27th. Please complete the correct survey using the appropriate link below! These responses will help us better meet the needs of the students, families, and community at Menendez.
Thank you for your time and feedback!
Parent Survey: 2025-26 Pedro Menendez Parent SAC Survey – Fill out form
Student Survey: 2025-26 Pedro Menendez Student SAC Survey – Fill out form
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Preliminary student schedules for the 2026–2027 school year will be available to view HAC on March 3, 2026. At that time, families may use the link or QR code provided to request elective course request changes. This link will be open only from March 3–8, and requests submitted during this window will be carefully reviewed. If a request is approved, updated requests will be visible in HAC after March 9, 2026.
We truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we work with urgency and care to prepare accurate and thoughtful schedules for all students.
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🎉 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!
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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!
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
| | Senior men are looking for a few more candidates for our service project. See Coach Melgard if you’re interested. | | |
🎓 Let’s Celebrate Our Seniors! 🎓
PMHS is thrilled to recognize and celebrate the amazing accomplishments of our Class of 2026! If you’ve been accepted to college, we want to shout it from the rooftops and share your success with the entire school community.
✨ Don’t miss out on being featured! ✨
Click the link below and fill out the quick form to let us know where you’ve been accepted. This is your moment to shine—let’s make it unforgettable!
👉 College Acceptances - Class of 2026 – Fill out form.
Your future is bright, and we can’t wait to celebrate YOU!
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Save the Date!
Graduation
Saturday, May 23, 2026 3:00PM at the University of North Florida
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Yearbook information
Order a yearbook at yearbookordercenter.com!
Search code 15723 or search by our school name!
Yearbook starts at $75 and price will go up throughout the year so purchase early!
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Parental Choice Library Book Restriction Form
Parents may utilize this form to restrict titles their child may check out in the school library. Please complete the form and return it to your child's librarian. This form is only required when a parent is seeking to restrict access to materials in the media center.
| | Community and Business Partners | | |
The St. Johns County Tax Collector offers a Learner Permit Prep Class and the General Knowledge Exam in our program that meets the new Florida driver education requirements at all 8 public high schools in St. Johns County. We will be at Pedro Menendez High School again January 21-February 3 and April 13-24.
Follow the link to register: SJCTC DRIVER EDUCATION PROGRAM – St. Johns County Tax Collector or email driversed@sjctax.us for more information.
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A Day without Violence Calendar Project
This meaningful art and poetry project invites students to reflect on what life would look like in a world without violence. Submissions should promote peaceful living, respect, kindness, and harmonious relationships among people, animals, and communities.
Please remind students of the following guidelines:
• 8 x 11 horizontal (landscape) format only
• Original, hand-drawn, or painted 2D artwork only (no crafts or computer graphics)
• Poetry entries must not include drawings
• One entry per student (art or poetry)
• No copyrighted images
• No forms of violence depicted (including crossed-out weapons)
Each submission must have a completed entry form clearly taped to the back. Please help ensure all student information is legible and accurate.
Awards & Recognition:
• 1st Place – $50
• 2nd Place – $25
• 11 Honorable Mentions – $10 each
• 13 winning artists and 12 poets will be published in the 2027 calendar
• Winners will be recognized and have their work displayed at a local gallery in October
• Winners announced in July
| | Varsity Tutor- Online tutoring for all students | | | | |
600 State Road 206 West
St. Augustine, FL 32086
Main: (904) 547-8660
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