Dear Parents and Families,
The 2018-2019 school year will begin with the opening of two new K-8 schools in northern St. Johns County. Pending School Board approval of Zoning Plan C, I am recommending that both schools open as K-6 schools for the 2018-2019 school year (SY), adding grade 7 in 2019-2020 SY, and grade 8 in 2020-2021 SY. This will allow all students presently in grades 6 and 7 in rezoned areas to continue at their present middle school assignment. These students will continue to receive the same transportation as currently provided.
This proposal will provide educational, social and emotional stability during pivotal transition years for these students. Extracurricular activities for middle school students will be based on the model for activities/programs at other K-8 schools. School district middle school sports of volleyball and basketball will be available although some modifications may need to be made in the first year of the school. The district will work with the St. Johns Middle School Athletic Association with respect to the new school assignments. Performing arts programs such as band and chorus will be developed at an appropriate pace based on the students enrolled. The district will support the new schools to ensure the middle school experiences for students in the first three years of operation meet the range of student needs.
Additionally, present Patriot Oaks Academy (POA) 4th grade students who are rezoned for Durbin Creek Elementary will be allowed to stay at POA for 5th grade and then move to Fruit Cove Middle School for grade 6.
Specific programs such as pre-K or other specialized exceptional education programs will be determined after the rezoning has been finalized and school student populations are reviewed.
In the second semester of this school year, the principals (who have not been recommended yet) assigned to the new schools will begin a process of school community building that will focus on such tasks as PTO, SAC, school naming recommendations, colors, mascots, etc.
Thank you for your continued engagement in this process. Should you have any comments or concerns to share on this proposal, please email them to [email protected].
Sincerely,
Tim Forson
Superintendent
St. Johns County Schools