Not for School, But for Life We Learn. -Seneca | | |
Good evening Menendez families,
We hope that you all got to enjoy the past two weeks off from school. As always, things were quite busy around campus with construction projects, filling vacant positions and registering new families to PMHS.
This week marks the start of the second semester as grades have been finalized for the second quarter. This is a great time for your child to reflect on the first semester with these three questions:
- Was I present and engaged in every class, every day?
- Was I doing my best in every class, every extracurricular?
- Was I meeting or exceeding school-wide expectations?
We are incredibly excited to welcome our students back for the second semester. Our faculty and staff were quite busy last Friday finalizing plans for the upcoming semester and the success of each student. Our teachers have made adjustments, as have the administrative staff to create an optimal learning experience for each student. As we enter this semester, we are adding to our mantra: "#RISEON3!". We have found that students understand the achievement and attendance expectations, but in the area of attitutde, we think we can do a better job of cultivating the "attitude" component. Therefore, this week, during our Expectation assemblies, we will do deeper in what an attitude of excellence means and what it looks like for the Menendez community.
Now is a great time to order your Menendez Merch from the CTE online store. There are tons of options and some great brands. Take the time to check out the link below.
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 November 16th, we have 175 students who have missed 11 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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- January 5th - Classes resume for students
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January 6th: 2nd period Freshman assembly, 3rd period Sophomore assembly
- January 7th: Coach Stansell (Football) Meet and Greet at 6:00pm in the auditorium
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January 8th:2nd period Junior assembly, 3rd period Senior assembly
- January8th- 20th: FAST PM2 testing (more information below)
- January 19th - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School
| | Congratualtions to Kenya Smith for being selected as Beaver Toyota's Student of the week! | Thank you to the the PMHS School Advisory Council for funding Patric Young to speak to 400 of our students about motivation, gratitude, and learning from failure. Our students hung on every word and benefited greatly from this inspirational, motivational speaker. | |
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
January 15
February 19
April 16
| | Congratulations to our 11 FBLA students who qualified for state leadership conference! Special congratulations to Leah, Landon, Caleb, and Mya for their 2nd trip to state conference! | | |
Upon our return from winter break we will be administering FAST PM2 testing. ALL 9th and 10th graders are scheduled to test; their date depends on their English 1 & English 2 teacher.
Here’s the daily schedule:
Jan. 8th – Bonner’s classes (10th grade)
Jan. 9th – Johnson & Lundquist’s Classes (10th grade)
Jan. 12th – Gariepy’s Classes (10th grade)
Jan. 13th – Milton’s Classes (9th grade)
Jan. 14th – Make-Ups
Jan. 15th – Rivera’s Classes (9th grade)
Jan. 16th – Waters’ Classes (9th grade)
Jan. 20th – Make-ups
Students should check the Class 2028 or Class of 2029 Schoology Announcement groups for their testing locations and testing dates. They can also ask their English teachers when they will be testing.
If you have any questions, please contact Pedro Menendez Testing Coordinator – Alejandra Cuevas (alejandra.cuevassanmiguel@stjohns.k12.fl.us).
Have a wonderful & restful winter break!
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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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We are excited to welcome Coach Will Stansell to PMHS as the newly named head football coach. Coach Stansell has coaching experience at the high school and collegiate level, most recently in Texas.
There will be a Parent /Player interest and information meeting this Wednesday, 1//7/26 6:00pm in the auditorium. All with interest are welcome to attend
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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.
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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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St. Johns County Announces St. Johns Reads 2026
Public Library System Proudly Presents 22nd Annual “One Book, One Community” Celebration
ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Florida, December 11, 2025 — The St. Johns County Public Library System (SJCPLS) invites the community to participate in St. Johns Reads, the 22nd annual “One Book, One Community” celebration, beginning Jan. 3, 2026. The monthlong event features programs and community conversations inspired by this year’s selected title, An Immense World by Ed Yong.
“Over the past 22 years, St. Johns Reads has not only nurtured a passion for reading but has also brought our community closer together,” said Todd Booth, Southeast Branch Manager and Chair of the St. Johns Reads Committee. “This year, with Ed Yong’s An Immense World, we invite everyone to explore the extraordinary lives of animals and the incredible ways they experience the world.”
Patrons can attend in-person book discussions and themed programs at all six SJCPLS branches, including:
- Presentations from local experts, including St. Johns County Parks and Recreation, Dogs INC., and Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- Workshops on gardening and wildlife habitats
- A live animal show
- Opportunities to meet adoptable pets through a partnership with St. Johns County Animal Control
- Film screenings focused on animals and wildlife
- Arts, crafts, and additional activities
A systemwide finale will take place in January 2026: a sensory-filled Silent Disco at The Amp on the St. Augustine Amphitheatre's Front Porch. There will be two sessions: a family-friendly session at 6 p.m. and an 18+ session at 8 p.m. Guests will be provided with wireless headphones to enjoy a unique, immersive dance and celebration experience. This event offers a memorable way to end St. Johns Reads and connect with the sensory wonders featured in An Immense World.
An Immense World is available for checkout in multiple formats, including print editions for adults and middle-grade readers, digital audiobook, and e-book.
About the novel: “Explore the wonders of animal senses in this captivating book by Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer Ed Yong. An Immense World takes readers on a fascinating journey into the sensory lives of creatures great and small, revealing how they experience the world in ways we can barely imagine.”
Funding for St. Johns Reads is supported in collaboration with the SJCPLS Friends of the Library groups and the St. Johns Cultural Council. For more information about this year’s event, please visit www.sjcpls.org/st-johns-reads, email sjcpls@tblc.libanswers.com, or call your local branch library.
For more information about SJCPLS services and programs, visit www.sjcpls.org.
The St. Johns County Public Library System serves the community by providing access to technology, facilities, collections, programs, and services that help people meet our mission: Connect, Learn, Enjoy @ Your Library.
For more information on the St. Johns County Public Library System, visit sjcpls.org. “Like” the St. Johns County Public Library System on Facebook and follow along on Instagram.
Stay informed of more St. Johns County news by subscribing to our e-newsletters, and learn how we’re shaping our community’s future by advancing the SJC Strategic Plan through the Office of Public Affairs.
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Parent Square
SJCSD excited to announce that we are transitioning to a new, unified communication platform—ParentSquare—to enhance how we connect with families and support school-to-home engagement across our entire district. ParentSquare is a unified communication platform that offers a whole host of tools that allows district, school administrators and teachers to more effectively communicate and engage with families and students.
| | Varsity Tutor- Online tutoring for all students | | | | |
600 State Road 206 West
St. Augustine, FL 32086
Main: (904) 547-8660
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