Tocoi Creek Academies – Planning for High School
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2020
Where It All Begins
In lieu of their annual fall concert this year, the Dance Department at R. J. Murray Middle School produced a dance video, “Where It All Begins.” The video features dancers from all grade levels and classes performing all throughout the school.
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Message from the Superintendent – December 7, 2020
Dear SJCSD Parents and Guardians,
Last Monday, the Florida Department of Education Commissioner Mr. Richard Corcoran released a new Emergency Order (EO) to guide school districts through the second semester of the 2020-2021 school year. We are appreciative of the financial protection and the academic program guidelines defined in the EO that will be used during this unprecedented time.
For the second semester in St. Johns County schools, parents will continue to have the ability to have their children served in the same model that they used in the first semester. It has become increasingly apparent that students are best served in the school building with face-to-face instruction. However, we respect that some students are being served in a Distance Learning format due to individual circumstances and may continue to utilize this option. If students have been unsuccessful in the distance learning environment, we will recommend a return to brick and mortar/face-to-face learning.
There are several lessons learned from the first semester of the school year. First, early in the school year all students were being negatively impacted by the constant movement of students from one instructional model to another. For this reason, we are asking that all students remain in the instructional option they have selected through the end of the school year.
Secondly, when teachers are simultaneously teaching brick and mortar and distance learning students, both groups of students may not be receiving the optimal instruction. Our teachers are among the best, but it is not reasonable in dual platform classrooms to expect the pace and fluid nature of the class to proceed without disruption or delays. We will be reviewing teacher assignments and where possible, minimizing dual platform classes.
Lastly, we know this has been a challenging year for students, staff, and families. We are designing intensive instructional support for students who are having difficulty this year. As the second semester progresses, schools will communicate directly with students and families regarding additional instructional and support services.
After we complete the first semester on January 25, 2021, Wednesday early dismissal will return to a one-hour early release instead of a two-hour early release that we observed during this semester. Additionally, in the second semester, several important assessments are administered that require face-to face testing. This will require distance learning students to attend the school to complete these exams. Schools will provide more information as it becomes available.
We have been in communication with our local Department of Health regarding the CDC’s recently updated quarantine guidance. Based on the advisement of the Department of Health, we will be implementing the new guidelines which may reduce quarantine time frames in most cases. You will be receiving further information on the changes from your child’s school.
In closing, I would like to thank you for your continued support and understanding during the school year. We look forward to a successful and memorable second semester of the school year.
Sincerely,
Tim Forson
Superintendent
St. Johns County School District
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New K-8 School MM
School Board Members Beverly Slough and Anthony E. Coleman Sr. sign a dedication during the “topping off” ceremony for New K-8 School MM on November 17, 2020.
New School Board Member
Anthony Coleman was sworn in as a newly elected member of the St. Johns County School Board during the School Board’s Reorganization Meeting on November 17th. Coleman replaces Board Member Tommy Allen serving District 2.
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Veterans Day 2020
On Veterans Day we honor all veterans who have served to fight for and protect the liberties of our nation. Hear local veterans from the Vietnam Veterans of America discuss the history and importance of Veterans Day.
Jim Harbin Student Media Festival Winner
Congratulations to Switzerland Point Middle School student Sophia Goral for her first place state-wide win in the annual Jim Harbin Student Media Festival! Watch Sophia’s winning video now.
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2020-2021 Instructional Materials Adoption for English Language Arts (ELA)
The St. Johns County School District curriculum department formally announces the review process for the 2020-2021 Instructional Materials Adoption for English Language Arts (ELA). The core resources that have been submitted for evaluation have come from the state adoption bid list and other submitted resources from publishers when available. Additional resources for advanced programs may be reviewed from materials listed as appropriate for the program indicated.
Please visit the instructional materials website to view the resources that are being considered for adoption. If you would like access to any available printed materials or require assistance reviewing the online resources, please call the Instructional Resources and Media Services office at 904.547.3947. Materials are available for review from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
We encourage parent and community participation in our adoption process. If you would like to serve on a school committee and formally review the resources as a part of the school review team, please contact any school or our office at 904.547.3947.
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Message from the Superintendent – October 7, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Thank you for your support and understanding as we have navigated this school year. We understand the COVID-19 virus has impacted our lives in ways we could not have predicted. As we progress into the school year, it has become evident that consistency in each class is imperative. We have allowed considerable movement between brick and mortar and school-based distance learning classes up to this point.
Now that we are past the first interim reporting period, we will no longer move students to school-based distance learning unless there is a unique high-risk health factor for a student. Prior to the end of the first grading period we will survey parents of distance learning students on their intent to return to the brick and mortar setting.
The high mobility of students this year has negatively impacted both the brick and mortar and school-based distance learning instruction. We asked for all parents to decide by July 17th which instructional learning model their child would use, though we have allowed continual movement through the first five weeks of school. At this time, we can no longer support movement to school-based distance learning. We will always accept the return of students to campus for brick and mortar instruction although it may take some time to transition them back. In addition, students who enrolled in St. Johns Virtual School are expected to remain in this option at least until the semester ends in January.
As we move forward, students who are quarantined under the direction of the St. Johns County Health Department may be given academic assignments either through Schoology access or by some other communication from the teacher.
The demand on the classroom teacher is far greater than should be expected. The teachers are doing amazing work, but it is increasingly more difficult to manage both platforms throughout the entire day. To provide the best instructional experience for your child, we need more consistency and fewer changes.
Finally, I want to thank you for supporting your child’s academic progress and school this year. We understand the impact of the COVID-19 virus extends well beyond the school, and we appreciate your commitment to ensuring a safe school for all students.
Sincerely,
Tim Forson
Superintendent of Schools
St. Johns County School District
Message from the Superintendent – October 7, 2020 Read More »
Attendance Zoning Plans
View the proposed and approved attendance zoning plans for the new K-8 Pine Island Academy (formerly “MM”) and High School (formerly “HHH”) currently under construction and scheduled to open for the 2021-2022 school year.
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Message from the Superintendent – September 21, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Beginning Wednesday, October 14 dismissal times on Wednesdays will be adjusted in order to provide additional time for teachers to develop and enhance your child’s instruction. Though this may cause you to make adjustments in your family’s schedule, this is an important opportunity for teachers many who teach both brick and mortar and distance learning students. There will be a 50-minute adjustment to dismissal on Wednesdays. Middle schools will release at 12:00 pm, Elementary and K-8 Academies will release at 12:55 pm, and High Schools will release at 2 pm. This 50-minute adjustment also provides the ability to allocate each school’s maintenance/custodial team to sanitize high traffic areas such as corridors, cafetoriums, and media centers during an additional unoccupied period.
The total time in school each week continues to exceed the required instructional minutes set by the state. Each school will communicate any specific changes that may be necessary or unique to their school. Thank you for your support as we focus on high quality learning in our schools.
Sincerely,
Tim Forson
Superintendent of Schools
St. Johns County School District
Message from the Superintendent – September 21, 2020 Read More »