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“Conscious Discipline” Discussion on Mar. 9

Parenting is one of the most important jobs we all have, yet we receive very little training for it. Conscious Discipline is an adult-based intervention with child-based outcomes. Through this social-emotional program, we learn how to “discipline” ourselves to help our children learn. Mark your calendars today!

Who Should Attend: Parents of Students PreK-2nd grade at Ketterlinus, Osceola, Otis Mason, R.B. Hunt, South Woods, Webster, and Hartley.

When: Thursday, March 9, 2023
5:30 Dinner
6:00—7:00pm Program

Where: Sebastian Middle School
2955 Lewis Speedway
St. Augustine, FL 32084

Cost: FREE
Childcare for ages 3+ provided!

RSVP by Friday, February 24th. Include your child’s name, school, and grade level if you need childcare. One child per registered adult. Childcare is first come, first serve and will fill up quickly.

RSVP for this Event
Conscious Discipline Flyer

“Conscious Discipline” Discussion on Mar. 9 Read More »

Middle School Art in the Capitol Entries and Winners

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Middle School Art in the Capitol is a statewide visual arts contest that requires each school district to annually hold an art competition for all students in grades 6 through 8 attending public schools, private schools and home schools in Florida. The artwork is judged by a selection committee of artists or teachers whose students have not submitted work for the competition. The winning piece chosen, represents our school district in the State Capitol in Tallahassee during the 2023 legislative session.

Middle School Art in the Capitol Entries and Winners Read More »

Supporting the PBIS Program at Webster Elementary

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Representatives of the Elks Lodge and Ancient City Jeepers recently presented Webster Elementary School with a check to support the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Program at the school.

PBIS is used by schools to support their students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health. When implemented, PBIS has been shown to improve social emotional competence, academic success, and the overall school climate. It also improves the health and wellbeing of teachers. It is a method of creating positive, equitable, and safe learning environments where everyone thrives.

Supporting the PBIS Program at Webster Elementary Read More »

“Transition Planning” Online Discussion on Feb. 7

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Please join the St. Johns County School District’s Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Parent Advisory Committee for a virtual discussion on “Transition Planning.”

When: Tuesday, February 7, 2023
from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Where: Virtually in Microsoft Teams

Presenters: The Arc, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Agecny for Person with Disabilities (APD), Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD), SJCSD First Coast Technical College (FCTC), Life Work & Project Search

Cost: FREE

Goal: To provide parents of students with disabilities information about transition planning services available in our schools and in our community

Join the Virtual Discussion
Transition Planning Flyer

“Transition Planning” Online Discussion on Feb. 7 Read More »

Teacher of the Year Finalists

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Teacher of the Year Finalists

Congratulations to our five SJCSD Teacher of the Year Finalists!

Gomati Sutaria of Liberty Pines Academy (pictured, second from left); Amanda Devany of Osceola Elementary; Tracy Clauson of Sebastian Middle School; Brianne Seplocha of Picolata Crossing Elementary; and Theresa McCormick of Valley Ridge Academy, were each surprised by the “Prize Patrol” with their announcement.

The district’s Teacher of the Year will be announced at the annual banquet, sponsored by Investing in Kids! (INK!) in early February. The SJCSD Teacher of the Year will then be submitted to the Florida Department of Education for consideration for Florida’s Teacher of the Year. Congratulations again to all of this year’s finalists!

Teacher of the Year Finalists Read More »

2023 CHARACTER COUNTS! 6K/3K Run/Walk

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Tenth Annual Character Counts! Six Pillars Run / WalkThe CHARACTER COUNTS! Steering Committee is calling all walkers, runners and fitness enthusiasts to participate in the CHARACTER COUNTS! 6K/3K Run/Walk on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 9 a.m. The run/walk will begin and end at Palencia Elementary School located at 355 Palencia Village Drive, St. Augustine.

Walkers and runners will enjoy a course running through the neighborhoods of Kensington and Las Calinas and can choose to participate in the 6K (3.73 miles) or 3K (1.86 miles) distance.

Registration fees are as follows:

6K: $30 before January 1   $35 January 1-January 31   $40 on race day
3K: $25 before January 1   $30 January 1-January 31   $35 on race day

Registration forms and more information are available online.

Race proceeds support CHARACTER COUNTS! initiatives throughout the St. Johns County School District (SJCSD). The run/walk is open to all ages, and the top three winners will be awarded in each of the age categories as well as the overall male and female finishers. A cash donation will be awarded to the top three schools with the most registrants. All race registrants will receive a t-shirt and other goodies from area businesses and organizations. At the finish line, each race participant will receive a commemorative item.

This event is produced by the CHARACTER COUNTS! Steering Committee and is presented by Beaver Toyota with support from businesses and community groups. Action News Jax CBS47/FOX30 is the official media sponsor of this run/walk.

The SJCSD, along with area businesses, youth organizations and civic groups, selected the national character education program of CHARACTER COUNTS! as a countywide initiative to instill positive character traits in young people throughout the county. Additionally, the SJCSD became the first school district in Florida to implement Pursuing Victory With Honor in all of its athletic programs. Character education is an important part of every School Improvement Plan and a major component of the Student Code of Conduct and the school district’s Strategic Plan.

Visit RunSignUp.com to learn more and register.

2023 CHARACTER COUNTS! 6K/3K Run/Walk Read More »

“Stop the Bullying” Contest Winners

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Three winners were recently awarded $1,000 prizes in the Len Mattiace Foundation “Stop the Bullying” Contest. The winning entries were made by the WEB Leaders at Fruit Cove Middle School, the Dance Team at Mill Creek Academy, and Sydney Dickerson from Valley Ridge Academy.

The Len Mattiace Foundation “Stop the Bullying” contest was open to all middle school students enrolled in a St. Johns County School District School. Students participated in one project for entry, either solo or as a team. Three $1,000 dollar prizes were awarded to a student or team with a winning entry. To enter, students created an original project demonstrating kindness, compassion, and / or inclusion. Submissions could include a written essay, original artwork, video, song, or service project.

“Stop the Bullying” Contest Winners Read More »

Tropical Storm Nicole

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As we continue to monitor Tropical Storm Nicole with the Emergency Operations Center, it is evident that our county will be impacted by tidal flooding, wind, and rain. These conditions may restrict access to coastal and low-lying regions.

Due to the storm’s projected timeline, schools will remain open on Wednesday with a regular early dismissal. Extended day services will operate as usual. There will be no afterschool activities, events, or athletics.

We will close all schools and district offices on Thursday, November 10th. Please be reminded that Friday is a holiday honoring Veterans Day.

Thank you and stay safe!

Tim Forson
Superintendent of Schools
St. Johns County School District

Tropical Storm Nicole Read More »

School-Related Employees of the Year 2022

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The 2022-2023 School-Related Employees of the Year have been selected from each of the district’s schools, along with three district representatives. School-related employees enhance the educational experience for the children whose lives they touch, and they are essential to the successful operation of a school or school district office.

These nominees were chosen for the significant contributions they have made in their schools and community, and to the school district as a whole. Criteria for the award includes exemplary job performance, dedication on the job, interpersonal skills, leadership ability, and contributions to the school and school district environment.

A district-wide screening committee has reviewed all of the candidates and the winner of the St. Johns County School-Related Employee of the Year will be announced at a reception to honor all of the nominees on Wednesday, November 16 at Tocoi Creek High School. The St. Johns County nominee’s name will then be submitted to the state to compete at the state level.

A list of the 2022-2023 School-Related Employees of the Year is below:

School/Department Employee
Bartram Trail High School Yashmin Gabbidon
Beachside High School Wayne Kizewski
Creekside High School Ali Fayazi
John A. Crookshank Elementary School Maureen Shilkunas
Cunningham Creek Elementary School Patty Dennis
Curriculum and Instruction Charlene Jones
Durbin Creek Elementary School Jennifer Munoz
First Coast Technical College Susan Williams
Freedom Crossing Academy Meghan Atherton
Fruit Cove Middle School Laura Clary
Gaines Alternative School & The Evelyn Hamblen Center Earl Cox, Jr.
W.D. Hartley Elementary School Amber Osborne
Hickory Creek Elementary School Wendi Herbst
R.B. Hunt Elementary School Patience Atteberry
Information Technology Debra Sheets
Julington Creek Elementary School Odalys Bartuste
Ketterlinus Elementary School Alonzo Clay
Alice B. Landrum Middle School Diane Melnyk
Liberty Pines Academy Vanessa Baez
Otis A. Mason Elementary School Danie Waler
Pedro Menendez High School Adam Gross
Mill Creek Academy Kim Sheets
R.J. Murray Middle School Bill Britton
Allen D. Nease High School Christopher Lawrence
Ocean Palms Elementary School Zane Williams
Osceola Elementary School Krystle Kelley
Pacetti Bay Middle School Jason Sapp
Palencia Elementary School Michelle Smith
Palm Valley Academy Patricia Stenwall
Patriot Oaks Academy Pam Mendoza
Picolata Crossing Elementary School Patty Brown
Pine Island Academy Andrea Jackson
Ponte Vedra High School Claudia Winter
PVPV/Rawlings Elementary School Anne Rubocki
Gamble Rogers Middle School Mike Ponce
St. Augustine High School Bob McAloon
St. Johns Technical High School Bri’Shawnda Jackson-Whitfield
St. Johns Virtual School Whitney Hitchcock
Sebastian Middle School Chakieda Finster
South Woods Elementary School Emily Owens
Switzerland Point Middle School Cheryl Terry
Timberlin Creek Elementary School Barbara Leaders
Tocoi Creek High School Jerry Santiago
Transportation Lisa King
Valley Ridge Academy Chase Scott
Wards Creek Elementary School Tammy Stewart
James A. Webster Elementary School Julian Barnes, Sr.

School-Related Employees of the Year 2022 Read More »

“Educational Surrogate Parent Training” on Dec. 6

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Please join the St. Johns County School District in collaboration with FDLRS / NEFEC for an “Educational Surrogate Parent Training.”

When: Tuesday, December 6, 2022
from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Where: Virtually in Microsoft Teams

Presenters: Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System / Northeast Florida Educational Consortium (FDLRS/NEFEC)

Cost: FREE

The Purpose of Training:

  • Train volunteers to serve as an Educational Surrogate Parent for a SJCSD student with a disability whose parents’ rights have been terminated or whose parent cannot be located.
  • An Educational Surrogate Parent acts in the place of the parent to make educational decisions on behalf of children who are or may be eligible for special education in all matters relating to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, and provision of a free and appropriate public education (FAPE)
  • An Educational Surrogate Parent does not take care of the child and is not financially responsible for the child
Join the Virtual Training
Surrogate Parent Training Flyer

“Educational Surrogate Parent Training” on Dec. 6 Read More »

First Controlled Open Enrollment Application Window Opens Nov. 1

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In accordance with Florida Statute 1002.31 and pursuant to School Board Rule 5.03, parents and guardians may apply for their students to attend any school in the state of Florida other than their zoned school if that school has available capacity. For the 2022-2023 school year, two SJCSD elementary schools and one middle school have available capacity.

Due to a recent change in legislation, there are now three application windows per school year, along with new guidelines for our Controlled Open Enrollment Program in SJCSD. The first window to apply will open on November 1, 2022, and will close on November 25, 2022.

Please visit the Controlled Open Enrollment (COE) web page for detailed information.

First Controlled Open Enrollment Application Window Opens Nov. 1 Read More »

Panama and Its Indigenous People – October 15th

Join Flagler College and Florida Humanities for a one day cultural event celebrating Panama and Its Indigenous People on October 15, 2022 as part of National Hispanic Heritage Month. This free event will be held at Flagler College in the Ringhaver Student Center Virginia Room and Gamache Theater.

Through the presentations of an invited speaker from the Kuna Yala group and interpretative photos, attendees will be exposed to the culture, history, music, dance and language of the Panamanian indigenous peoples.

Questions?
Contact Dr. Eugenia Charoni, [email protected]

Panama and Its Indigenous People Event Flyer 10-15-2022
Register for this Event

Funding for this program was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Panama and Its Indigenous People – October 15th Read More »

“Conscious Discipline” Parent Workshop on Nov. 10

A Positive and Peaceful Approach to Parenting!
Parenting is one of the most important jobs we all have, yet we receive very little training for it. Conscious Discipline is an adult-based intervention with child-based outcomes. Through this social-emotional program, we learn how to “discipline” ourselves to help our children learn. Mark your calendars today!

Who Should Attend: Parents of Students PreK-2nd grade at Cunningham, Durbin, Hickory, Julington, Ocean Palms, PV/PV, Palencia, Picolata, Timberlin, and Wards.

When: Thursday, November 10, 2022
5:30 Dinner
6:00-7:00pm Program

Where: Creekside High School
100 Knight’s Lane
St. Johns, FL 32259

Cost: FREE
Childcare for ages 3+ provided!

RSVP for this Workshop
Conscious Discipline Parent Workshop

During this session, you will learn about:

  • The Brain State Model to help understand how your state dictates your child’s state
  • How to manage your own emotions to better respond to challenging behaviors
  • An introduction to the process of self regulation
  • Make & Takes that can be used at home when practicing breathing strategies
  • Giveaways including Conscious Discipline Products!
  • Dinner will be provided
RSVP for this Workshop

RSVP by Thursday, October 28th

Include your child’s name, school, and grade level if you need childcare. One child per registered adult. Childcare is first come, first serve and will fill up quickly.

This event is being presented by SJCSD Early Childhood, and Community Relations Departments. We extend our grateful thanks to Jeff Willard and Equitable Advisors for their sponsorship.

South County Parent Workshop Coming in March 2023

“Conscious Discipline” Parent Workshop on Nov. 10 Read More »

St. Johns County Emergency Operations Center Press Conference – September 27 @ 1 p.m.

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ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Florida, September 27, 2022 – St. Johns County is holding a press conference at 1 p.m. today in the Emergency Operations Center, 100 EOC Drive, St. Augustine, to discuss the potential impact of Hurricane Ian. The press conference will include a question-and-answer session with representatives from St. Johns County, St. Johns County Fire Rescue, the School District, the City of St. Augustine Administration, Police Department, and Fire Department, the City of St. Augustine Beach Police Department and the St. Johns County Department of Health.

St. Johns County Emergency Operations Center Press Conference – September 27 @ 1 p.m. Read More »

News Alert: School Closures

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All St. Johns County Schools and District Offices will be closed on Wednesday, September 28; Thursday, September 29 and Friday, September 30 due to Hurricane Ian. All athletic contests and extracurricular activities will also be canceled starting Wednesday until further notice. Any activities or athletic contests and extended day services will operate as normal for today Tuesday, September 27. District Administration is working with the Emergency Operations Center and will provide additional updates as necessary via this communication system and on our website.

If you are a SJCSD family or parent, please opt in to receive text messages from the SJCSD by texting “Y” or “Yes” to 67587.

Be safe, prepared and visit http://www.sjcfl.us for more information on the storm.

News Alert: School Closures Read More »