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Message from the Superintendent – June 16, 2020

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To the St. Johns County School District Families,

This year we have experienced fragmentation in our society and anxiety in our lives. The tragic death of George Floyd has been the catalyst for social unrest and protests that speak to the inequities felt by the black community. As superintendent, I believe it is paramount that our schools educate and support children as they develop into young adults with the knowledge to take the next steps in their lives and the character to help build a better world for themselves and their families.

Our mission statement reads that we “will inspire good character and lifelong learning in all students, creating educated and caring contributors to the world.” Our core values go on to include the six pillars of Character Counts! and understanding that “in order to grow and thrive, individuals need caring relationships and a nurturing environment.” To accomplish our mission, we must teach students how to think for themselves, treat everyone with respect, and demonstrate caring and compassion to one another. It is important that moving forward, we engage our students in conversations about the issues of equity, opportunity, responsible citizenship and other important issues that face our country.

We strive to be a better school district every day and foster a positive supportive school community, that is free of prejudice, discrimination and racism. I am committed to continuing our hiring efforts to create a more diverse teacher and administrative workforce that best represents our students and the community we serve.

Since 1998, the St. Johns County School District has embraced Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship in the Character Counts! program. At this time, my hope is that we will lean on these foundational pillars of character to learn, teach, and grow as one community together. The biases that we each carry with us can only be confronted by our understanding and willingness to look through the lens of another. We must accept our differences in order to embrace each other as we humbly work together as one community and country. I am committed that our school system will continue to build a school community of inclusion and support, to develop trust, caring and respect in our students and staff.

Sincerely,

Tim Forson
Superintendent of St. Johns County Schools

Message from the Superintendent – June 16, 2020 Read More »

Message from the Superintendent – June 16, 2020

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To the St. Johns County School District Families,

This year we have experienced fragmentation in our society and anxiety in our lives. The tragic death of George Floyd has been the catalyst for social unrest and protests that speak to the inequities felt by the black community. As superintendent, I believe it is paramount that our schools educate and support children as they develop into young adults with the knowledge to take the next steps in their lives and the character to help build a better world for themselves and their families.

Our mission statement reads that we “will inspire good character and lifelong learning in all students, creating educated and caring contributors to the world.” Our core values go on to include the six pillars of Character Counts! and understanding that “in order to grow and thrive, individuals need caring relationships and a nurturing environment.” To accomplish our mission, we must teach students how to think for themselves, treat everyone with respect, and demonstrate caring and compassion to one another. It is important that moving forward, we engage our students in conversations about the issues of equity, opportunity, responsible citizenship and other important issues that face our country.

We strive to be a better school district every day and foster a positive supportive school community, that is free of prejudice, discrimination and racism. I am committed to continuing our hiring efforts to create a more diverse teacher and administrative workforce that best represents our students and the community we serve.

Since 1998, the St. Johns County School District has embraced Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship in the Character Counts! program. At this time, my hope is that we will lean on these foundational pillars of character to learn, teach, and grow as one community together. The biases that we each carry with us can only be confronted by our understanding and willingness to look through the lens of another. We must accept our differences in order to embrace each other as we humbly work together as one community and country. I am committed that our school system will continue to build a school community of inclusion and support, to develop trust, caring and respect in our students and staff.

Sincerely,

Tim Forson
Superintendent of St. Johns County Schools

Message from the Superintendent – June 16, 2020 Read More »

All County Middle and High School Art Shows

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All County High School Art Show

This year marked the 15th anniversary of our partnership with the St. Augustine Art Association (STAAA). Our students once again demonstrated a high level of creativity and excellence under the guidance of their high school art teachers. Many of these student artists are also the product of those who taught them in elementary and or middle school. We are proud of each of you! Regrettably, the show was cut short due to the pandemic and the doors of STAAA have been closed since the middle of March.

View a virtual tour of the All County High School Art Show.

All County Middle School Art Show

This year marks the 10th anniversary of St. Johns County School District’s partnership with STAAA, but without public access to the gallery we were not able to host a literal show. As an alternative, the STAAA launched a virtual show of our middle school artists on their website on Monday, May 25, 2020. This year’s show saw 100% participation from our 13 schools and 18 teachers with middle school art programs and included over 80 works featuring a variety of mediums and artistic expressions.

All County Middle and High School Art Shows Read More »

Character Challenge

Although the St. Johns County School District was not able to host its annual Character Cup, a team of elementary school coaches, under the guidance of the K-12 Physical Education Program Specialist, Antonio Scott, came up with the idea to do a virtual fitness challenge. Each event was based on one of the pillars of Character Counts. We are so proud of our fifth grade students across the district who took on the challenge!

Thank you to the following elementary school coaches who helped organize this event: Ashley Mahaven at Valley Ridge Academy, Kurtis Wright at Freedom Crossing Academy, Robin Mace at Durbin Creek Elementary School, Angela Miller at  South Woods Elementary School, Cindy Anderson at Palm Valley Academy and Jessica Lane at Timberlin Creek.

https://vimeo.com/420803124

Character Challenge Read More »

Message from the Superintendent – May 27, 2020

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Dear SJCSD Parents and Guardians,

Today marks the end of the school year. The end of this school year has been like no other with the impact of COVID-19. As we begin to plan for August and a new school year, we need your input. Please visit our District website to take a brief survey that I would like you to complete. Please complete a separate survey for each of your children. This is relative to our school district unlike the previous survey sent to all districts by the Florida Department of Education. There will likely be additional surveys this summer that will be sent to you as we refine the operational plan for the new school year. Thank you for your continued support and input.

Sincerely,

Tim Forson
Superintendent of Schools
St. Johns County School District

Message from the Superintendent – May 27, 2020 Read More »

Secondary Grading Update

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Dear Parents and Guardians of Students in Grades 6-12,

I hope that all of you are staying safe. As we move toward the end of the 2019-2020 school year, I would like to share some additional information regarding 4th quarter grading.

The following protocols are now in place to ensure our goal to exercise care and compassion for our students. Our intent is to recognize the challenges of the sudden move to distance learning, but also to be clear that students are expected to engage in learning during the 4th quarter.

For middle school students who are demonstrating their best work, attempting assignments and communicating with teachers, grades will be addressed as follows:

  • Yearlong courses: the Q4 grade will be no lower than average of Q1, Q2 & Q3.
  • Second semester middle school courses: the Q4 grade will be no lower than the Q3 grade.
  • High school courses taken in middle school: refer to the high school student section below

For high school students who are demonstrating their best work, attempting assignments and communicating with teachers, grades will be addressed as follows:

  • Yearlong courses that have an EOC exam: the Q4 grade will be no lower than the average of Q1, Q2 & Q3.
  • All other high school courses: the Q4 grade will be no lower than the Q3 grade.

For any student in grades 6-12, who willfully refuses to complete schoolwork during the 4th quarter, teachers may, in consultation with the principal, assign an F for Q4. The F will be recorded as a 59%.

Algebra 1

For students enrolled in Algebra 1 or Algebra 1 Honors during the 2019-2020 school year, the requirement to take the EOC and the requirement that the EOC counts as 30% of the final grade have been waived. However, there is still a math graduation requirement that must be met via one of the following options: passing score on a future Algebra 1 EOC, passing score on a future Geometry EOC, approved math concordant score on the PSAT/NMSQT, ACT or SAT.

SJCSD Students who take the Algebra 1 EOC during the summer 2020 administration or the fall 2020 administration will be eligible for the opportunity to include the EOC score in the Algebra 1 grade. Only if the score raises the final grade, will the grade be changed. Testing date information will be provided by each school.

Thank you for supporting your children with online learning! Our success has been a team effort and from my seat, SJCSD teachers, parents and students have been virtually amazing!

Together,

Tim Forson
Superintendent

Secondary Grading Update Read More »

Instruction Continuity Parent Survey

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Dear SJCSD Parents and Guardians,

As we progress through the last quarter of this school year, I ask that you continue to stay connected with your child’s teachers and encourage your child to keep giving his/her best effort. I am so appreciative of the commitment you have made to assist our teachers in providing valuable learning experiences for your child. The interaction between teachers and students has been remarkable even in this remote world.

Please take a moment to complete the Instruction Continuity Parent Survey. This brief survey that will assist us when making adjustments to our virtual platform. Thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback. Please stay safe as we work together to rid the community of COVID-19.

The survey will be open until noon on Friday, April 24.

Working together,

Tim Forson
Superintendent of Schools
St. Johns County School District

Instruction Continuity Parent Survey Read More »

Message from the Superintendent – April 17, 2020

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Dear SJCSD Parents,

I hope that you and your child are becoming more confident and comfortable in this virtual environment. If you recall, we began this online learning at the beginning of the fourth grading period and teachers continue to review and assess work completed in this virtual model.

There are several adjustments to grading that will be implemented this grading period. I am also providing some clarification to other related issues such as interim reports, final exams, and promotion. The documents included on this web page provide information that you should find helpful.

Elementary Parent Guide on Exams, Grading & Promotion
Secondary Parent Guide on Exams, Grading & Promotion

 

While we have not received guidance from the state regarding a recommendation to end school closures on May 1, we will continue to communicate what we know in a timely manner.

Working together,

Tim Forson
Superintendent of Schools
St. Johns County School District

Message from the Superintendent – April 17, 2020 Read More »

Message from the Superintendent – April 15, 2020

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Dear SJCSD Parents,

How quickly we have found ourselves in the world of virtual learning. I hope that your child has been able to engage with his/her teacher and has received meaningful feedback regarding academic progress. Since transitioning to a virtual platform I expect that you and your child are receiving confirmation of assignments being accepted as well as feedback on quizzes and assessments.

Given the structure of this virtual environment, you will not receive interim reports in the format you have received in the past. If you do not feel you have received adequate feedback on a specific class, please email your child’s teacher.

Over the next few days, I will share additional information regarding fourth quarter grading, promotion decisions, and other policy considerations to be reviewed or revised while using the online format. Presently, I do not know if we will continue in a virtual platform after May 1. As soon as we receive state guidance on this issue, we will share our decision with you. At this time, we also do not know how summer programs and camps will be impacted. I appreciate your patience as we navigate through this situation.

Working together,

Tim Forson
Superintendent of Schools
St. Johns County School District

Message from the Superintendent – April 15, 2020 Read More »

Message from the Superintendent – April 2, 2020

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Dear SJCSD Parents and Guardians,

I hope you and your child are starting to adapt to the online environment. This has been a learning week for everyone, and I am confident that the problems we have faced are being resolved. Our teachers continue to do amazing work for the benefit of all children.

Today, I have made the very difficult decision to cancel all traditional high school graduations. The UNF arena is no longer available and I believe our high schools need to be consistent in how we celebrate the Class of 2020. In addition, COVID-19 could still be a threat into the summer, we simply do not know. Your school will communicate virtual graduation plans as soon as they are finalized.

Have a great Friday, and a restful weekend. Stay safe and enjoy your family.

Sincerely,

Tim Forson
Superintendent of Schools
St. Johns County School District

Message from the Superintendent – April 2, 2020 Read More »

Message from the Superintendent – April 1, 2020

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Dear SJCSD Parents and Guardians,

Today we faced additional challenges with connectivity to Schoology. I share this frustration with you and assure you that we are working with the vendor to solve these issues. In the meantime, I encourage you and your child to reach out to his/her teacher via email. As I wrote yesterday, patience and flexibility are paramount. We will keep getting better.

Meal service will continue at designated school and community sites until further notice. This is an essential service offered to children 18 years or younger in need of breakfast and lunch while we are closed. In the last few days there have been posts on social media encouraging others to visit specific schools to receive these meals. Some of these posts encourage community members with children to drive through more than once to prevent the service from ceasing and preserve job functions at these sites.

While we want families who need the meals to receive them for their children, prompting the community to show up just to get meals puts a strain on distribution. It prevents us from allocating funding, efforts and resources where the need is greater.

Today Governor DeSantis issued an executive order to stay at home except for individuals who are essential employees providing essential community services as defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In this guidance, “educators supporting public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities for purposes of facilitating distance learning or performing other essential functions” is included in the essential critical infrastructure workforce. We are continuing to review and define essential staff through job functions while promoting a work at home model for employees who can.

I appreciate your commitment to your child’s education. I value the support and trust you have placed in the St. Johns County School District to instruct your children while we continue to learn in this new environment.

Sincerely,

Tim Forson
Superintendent
St. Johns County School District

Message from the Superintendent – April 1, 2020 Read More »

Meal Service

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services and USDA have approved meal service during the time of unanticipated school closures. This program focuses on areas of eligibility based on economic need. For meal service locations, please refer to the website, http://www.summerbreakspot.org.

  • Meals will be provided through a walk-up and drive-thru service in the parent drop off loop at the participating locations.
  • The meals will be provided to children 18 years or younger. Children must be present to receive meals.
  • Children may receive meals at the nearest participating site, even if it is not where they attend school. This eliminates the need for families to drive to multiple schools.
  • Each day, lunch for that day and breakfast for the next day will be provided at the same time.
  • All school sites will operate from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., March 23 – 27.
  • All community sites will operate 11 a.m. to Noon, March 23-27.

The following sites will be participating under this program:

Schools:

John A. Crookshank Elementary Gamble Rogers Middle
The Evelyn Hamblen Center Sebastian Middle
Otis A. Mason Elementary South Woods Elementary
R.J. Murray Middle The Webster School
Osceola Elementary

Community Sites:

W.E Harris Community Center in Hastings Woodlawn Apartments

Meal services will be provided at select schools that are not included in the need-based Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and USDA programs.

  • These meals are intended for children in need of meals during the unanticipated school closings, typically those who participate in the school lunch program based on need.
  • Meals will be provided through a walk-up and drive-thru service in the parent drop off loop at the participating schools.
  • The meals will be provided to children 18 years or younger. Children must be present to receive meals.
  • Children may receive meals at the nearest participating school, even if it is not where they attend school. This eliminates the need for families to drive to multiple schools.
  • Each day, lunch for that day and breakfast for the next day will be provided at the same time.
  • All sites will operate from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., March 23 – 27.

Meals will be available at the following sites:

Bartram Trail High Pedro Menendez High PVPV-Rawlings Elementary
Fruit Cove Middle Allen D. Nease High St. Augustine High
W.D. Hartley Elementary Pacetti Bay Middle Switzerland Point Middle
R.B. Hunt Elementary Palencia Elementary Timberlin Creek Elementary
Ketterlinus Elementary Palm Valley Academy Valley Ridge Academy
Alice B. Landrum Middle Patriot Oaks Academy

 

Meal Service Read More »