Not for School, But for Life We Learn. -Seneca | | |
Good morning Menendez families and community,
We hope you all had a great three-day weekend. Last week marked the end of the first quarter and yesterday was the first day of the second quarter. We looked back at preliminary results and our students and teachers did a great job starting off on the right foot. We want to continue and expand upon this success throughout the second quarter. We firmly believe student success can most easily be expanded through attendance. That is why we are focusing our PBIS program in October on attendance. Please partner with us to help get students to every class, every day. Our goal is to be under 30% (for chronic absenteeism, which is 18 days or more) of our total student population for the end of the school year. This is a great start, but it will take all of us partnering together to keep absences down. At PMHS, we have seen a tight correlation between student absenteeism and shortfalls in academic success.
This week is also Homecoming Week and we have a number of spirit events, please see the graphic below for more information on events.
We believe that with holding to the standards (#RISEON3!: Attendance, Achievement and Attitude), we can transcend this year's goals which are:
- FAST English Proficiency to 67% with gains at 66%
- Math EOC Proficiency to 60% with gains at 35%
- Science Proficiency to 85%
- Social Science Proficiency to 75%
- ELL Proficiency to 42%
- ESE Proficiency to 53%
- Acceleration Rates from 60% to 90%
- Attendance chronic absenteeism (18 or more days) down below 33%
These ten targets will be our focus every quarter, every day and every class period and we need students, faculty, staff, parents and the community working together to achieve these targets.
We are hopeful that you will partner with us to keep digital devices from being the distraction from success. Students will be required to place their cell phones in hanging pouches upon entry into each class. We want to thank you all for your support and have seen a great result for all of our students thus far.
We know that the temperature has been extremely warm, but need your help to remind students of the SJCSD dress code. Detailed information on the SJCSD dress code is available below and in the SJCSD Code of Conduct” starting on p. 13. Students out of dress code will be documented and will be asked to put on clothing in compliance with the policy.
We want to thank all of you for supporting us as we work to increase of learning opportunities and effect for all students. Our credo for this year is "One More.."; One Team, One Standard, One Heart.
Safety is our commitment to parents, students, faculty, and staff. To align with Florida Statute and provide the safest learning environment, we will have a single point of entry and exit 30 minutes prior to the start of the school day until the conclusion of the school day. All students must enter and exit the building through the gates near the front office with the exception of bus riders. This policy is in place to keep everyone on campus safe. Violation of this policy is a discipline offense.
Parent Involvement and Visitors
The Menendez PTSO is in its second year of existence and is always looking for interested community members to support PMHS in the RISE movement. For more information on our spectacular PTSO, please visit https://www-pmhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/ptso/ or scroll down in the message.
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.
Social Media
Make sure to follow PMHS on Instagram @pedro_Menendez_High_School. We will be highlighting all of the incredible accomplishments at the school this year and be using this and ParentSquare to communicate everything related to PMHS. Furthermore, many of our clubs and athletic programs have social media accounts. We will share this information on the Menendez Message in the coming weeks.
#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
| | Pedro Menendez High School Instagram | | |
- October 15th- SAC Meeting, McTeacher Night at McDonalds (Blackford Way)
- October 16th- Homecoming Game/ Pep Rally (Running Wednesday bell schedule with Pep Rally at end of day)
- October 17th- Homecoming Dance (ticket must be purchased ahead of time)
- October 21st- 10th grade PSAT: see email being sent on 10.06.2026
- October 28th- Track or Treat
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Parents, Students and Community Members!
We have now partnered with Jostens to provide an online PMHS shopping experieice for all. The best part, is that you can pick the item and customize in the comfort of your home and the order will be shipped directly to you! They have items for all ages and have a number of brands to choose from. Please click on the link below to visit the PMHS Mascot Shop.
PMHS Mascot Shop
| | We are excited to introduce digital IDs for all students. Please have your student download the 5-star student app. Choose United States and then Florida. Next, select Pedro Menendez High School. Finally, register with their student ID number (s number without the "s") and LAST name. Now, your student will have access to their digital ID in addition to the physical ID they received while in school. The digital ID makes school life just a little easier! | | |
FINGERPRINTING LEVEL II VOLUNTEERS
Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, individuals are required to have cleared fingerprints through the St. Johns County School District who are assigned the following volunteer duties:
• Driving students on an overnight field study or activity, including athletics
• Chaperoning students on an overnight field study or activity, including athletics
If you have not yet completed a volunteer application through the Raptor system, go to Online Volunteer Application and complete the form. Upon submission you will receive an email directing you to the website showing steps for Level II volunteer fingerprinting. Upon successful results, applicants will be notified by Volunteer Services and be eligible to take part in activities requiring fingerprinting.
If you are already in the Raptor volunteer system, go to the following site for steps to have fingerprints completed: Volunteer Fingerprinting Process – Volunteer Services. Upon successful results, applicants will be notified by Volunteer Services and be eligible to take part in activities requiring fingerprinting.
Having completed fingerprints does not ensure an applicant’s approval to take part in an event. This is up to the discretion of the activity sponsor and/or school Principal.
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Parent Square
SJCSD utilizes a 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.
| | Want to see your student's future in action? Explore the PMHS Career Academy webpage to learn about our innovative programs, student success stories, industry partnerships, and the exciting opportunities available to help students thrive in college, careers, and beyond. Visit the PMHS Career Academy webpage | | |
Dual Enrollment
Please make sure you are checking Schoology for DE information. Registration for spring semester begins this week.
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We had a very successful college visit from UF last week, thank you to every student who attended and asked great questions! Their PowerPoint has been posted to ParentSquare by Mrs. Toffaletti - she'll be keeping that updated all year long regarding all things graduation and college so make sure you don't ignore those messages.
Ms. Masiak A-E Early College/Dual Enrollment
Ms. Toffaletti F-Ma IB & Pre-IB
Ms. Pence Mc-Z English Language Learners
Some of the services provided by school counselors include:
Academic Support
Study Skills
Academic Challenges: We can help advocate for your child in IEP meetings or assist with 504s or onnect families with appropriate resources.
Social and Emotional Development
Coping Skills
Emotional Regulation
Conflict Resolution
Self-Advocacy/Self Esteem
Crisis Intervention: In cases of more serious emotional distress or crisis, we are trained to provide immediate support and connect families with outside mental health professionals if needed.
Career Interest and Exploration
Collaboration and Consultation
Student Advocate
Parent Partnership: We are here to partner with families. We can discuss student progress, share observations, and provide resources or referrals to outside services if necessary.
Families are encouraged to email or call their school counselor for advisement. Should a student want to meet with a school counselor, they can message them through Schoology or stop by Guidance during their lunch to schedule an appointment.
We look forward to seeing our returning Falcons and meeting the class of 2030!
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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 has moved 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.
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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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.
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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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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. 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.
| | Financial Aid representatives from St Johns River State College will be on our campus Wednesday, October 7th, during both lunches to help students with their FAFSA. PLEASE encourage your senior to come if they are planning on attending any school next fall! | | |
🍟 McTeacher’s Night is coming to Menendez! 🍔
Join us Thursday, October 15th from 5–8 PM at McDonald’s on Blackford Way! Come grab dinner, see some of your favorite Falcon teachers and staff, and support PMHS while you’re there!
💛❤️ 30% of your purchase will be donated back to Pedro Menendez High School!
Bring the whole family and come hungry! 🍟🍔
We can’t wait to see our Falcon community there! 🦅
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A School Advisory Board is a team of parents, school staff, students, and community members who work together to provide input and recommendations that help improve student achievement, school programs, and the overall success of the school. All meetings are public, but we'd like to invite anyone interested to become a voting member, which gives you a voice when helping to make these important decisions.
26-27 SAC Meeting Dates
Meetings will be held on the 3rd Thursday of each month (with some exceptions) at 8AM in the PMHS Media Center.
October 15
November 19
January 21
February 18
April 15
May 20
If you have any questions, please reach out to SAC Chair, Emily Reid, at emily.reid@stjohns.k12.fl.us!
Thank you for your time and service to the falcon community!
| | Community and Business Partners | | |
https://sjctax.us/student-driver-education/
Driver’s education is available in-person at your school from the St. Johns County Tax Collector’s Office!
PEDRO MENENDEZ HIGH SCHOOL
10/07/2026 THROUGH 10/21/2026
01/27/2027 THROUGH 02/09/2027
04/28/2027 THROUGH 05/11/2027
Phase I: Learner Permit Preparation – $30.00
A classroom lecture designed to assist a student preparing to obtain a Learner Permit. The classes are conducted before school from 8 am to 9 am, for a total of 10 consecutive school days. This course meets the FDOE requirements for Traffic Safety Classroom 1900300. On the last day, we will administer each student the Learner Permit Knowledge Exam that is required to obtain a Learner Permit. No further online course is required. Participation by a minimum of five students is required, or the class will be canceled and a refund issued.
Visit SJCTC DRIVER EDUCATION PROGRAM – St. Johns County Tax Collector to register.
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Seeking Feedback on proposed Ed Flex waivers for 26-27,
Title I and Title IV grands
SJCSD is seeking feedback on proposed Ed Flex waivers for the 2026–2027 Title I, Part A and Title IV, Part A grants. Please respond by October 5, 2026.
The Title I request would provide flexibility with carryover, schoolwide program eligibility, Parent and Family Engagement funding, budget revisions, and Rank and Serve requirements. The Title IV request would provide flexibility with spending percentages across program areas and certain technology expenditures.
These waivers would help the district respond to identified student and school needs while continuing to use funds for their intended purposes.
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600 State Road 206 West
St. Augustine, FL 32086
Main: (904) 547-8660
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