Here are the Highlights from the Weekly School Messenger Call for the Week of August 25th!
We are off to a great start and hope that you are working hard each day to master standards and earn credits!
Safety and Security Procedures
For those who are not aware, the State of Florida enacted new laws (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/1473/?Tab=BillText) regarding school safety and security. These require us to keep gates and doors locked. It has proven a challenge as we run a very large and open campus. If you are not familiar with these laws, we ask that you familiarize yourself with them.
We also ask that you are patient this year as we implement our safety and security rules and policies. There are many changes for how we access campus and we hope you will be understanding at this time as we work through them!
New Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures Begin Monday, August 26th
Our campus will open at 7:50AM each day. Only specific gates will be unlocked. Please watch our video addressing this here: (https://tinyurl.com/JWMHSCarLoop).
Due to the new State of Florida law regarding school security (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/1473/?Tab=BillText), and feedback from our community, we are implementing a change to our arrival and dismissal traffic pattern. This change will affect parent access for JWMHS and SSMS. We have included a map that outlines the new traffic pattern for dropping off and picking up students for both JWMHS and SSMS. We believe these changes will allow us to move families in and out of campus in a safe, quick and efficient manner.
We have been given permission to move our Exceptional Education Pick Up/Drop Off Area to the east side of SSMS. This has opened up the front loop of SSMS. We will now be using this loop for Pick Up/Drop Off as well. This means that Pick Up and Drop Off are in front of SSMS and in the Red Car Loop. Middle School students can be dropped off and picked up at either lot in the designated areas. We would ask that High School Students be dropped off in the Red Car Loop in the designated areas for JWMHS. As a result, if you have students at both schools, please plan on dropping off in the Red Car Loop.
In order to reduce the traffic backups and delays that have occurred, we are asking that parents and guardians follow the outlined procedures moving forward:
- – When entering campus, please use the right lane to go to SSMS Car Loop OR go to the left lane to use the JWMHS/SSMS Shared Car Loop
- – No one will be able to go behind SSMS to drop off or pick up students.
- – Please only stop to drop off or pick up a student.
- – Students must be dropped off curbside only and NOT in the lane or parking lot.
- – Keep both Car Loops moving so that traffic can continue to flow efficiently.
- – Please do not park in the Red Parking Lot.
- – Please do not cut in line or in front of other cars to get ahead.
- – There are merge points; please show courtesy by allowing cars to merge especially in the SSMS Car Loop.
- – Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue to seek more efficient solutions.
You can find this information on our website here: https://tinyurl.com/JWMHSCarLoop
This will begin on Monday, August 26th. Again, we appreciate your patience and cooperation as we implement this new procedure.
Bus Riders
Bus riders will need to enter their lunch number or scan their digital transportation badge to enter and exit the buses. When they arrive to campus, bus riders will need to safely walk on campus sidewalks when walk to and from the bus loop. Do not cut through the parking lots, this is unsafe.
Bike Riders
Bike riders will need to walk their bikes while on campus or crowded areas. Bikes will be stored at the bike racks near the red building. If you are biking through Bryant Square, the back gate is locked each day at 3:30PM. If it is locked when you get there, you will have to go around the campus.
Driving to School – Please Follow the Rules and Be Patient!
As you come to school, please follow the speed limit and the signs in the parking lot as to the direction of the traffic flow and where to drop off and pick up students. Again, please watch our video highlighting the traffic flow that you should follow. (https://tinyurl.com/JWMHSCarLoop)
Walking to Campus
If you are walking to school, we ask that you use a path that has a sidewalk and that you remain on that sidewalk as much as possible. We understand that this has proven difficult. Also, if you are walking through Bryant Square, the back gate is locked each day at 3:30PM. If it is locked when you get there, you will have to go around the campus.
Parking on Campus
All parking spots are assigned to staff or students. Please park in your assigned parking spot only. You can apply to park by following the parking procedures listed on our website. Only juniors and seniors are allowed to park on campus. Students that have been approved to park on campus can view their parking spot numbers in My Student. Student Parking passes will be passed out during all lunch periods during the first week of school. All student drivers must pick up their parking pass and display the pass in their vehicle.
Parents, if you come to campus, please park in a marked VISITOR spot or along a curb as all spots are assigned and reserved.
Be on Time & Enter the Correct Gates
Please arrive in your classes on time each day, as being on time is important now and in the future. If a student arrives after 8:30AM, he or she must go to Student Services and check in there as the gates will close and should remain closed for security. Do not prop open gates or put items in gates so that the gates remain open. If you arrive to campus on time, you should not need to worry about having to use these gates. If you arrive late to campus, please do not ask someone to come and open the gate. Please follow our expectations and report to Student Services. Violations of these expectations will result in disciplinary action.
Schedule Changes
All schedule changes have been completed. Students should look in myStudent for their schedules at this time. If you feel as though you need a schedule change from this point forward, we will need to set a Parent/Teacher/Student conference and develop a plan for success.
Pasco eSchool Placeholders
Of note, if you have an eSchool placeholder, on campus or off campus, please sign up for your classes as soon as possible. Directions can be found on our website. You must take 6 total classes each semester to be a student at JWMHS.
Seniors! Lunch and Learns & After School Help for Seniors in the Class of 2025!
Join Mrs. Chamberlin for help with your college applications on Monday, 26th and September 9th for Manic Mondays at 3PM in the CRC and at lunch on August 19th for assistance. Continue to watch social media for more information and help sessions!
Underclassmen (9-11) Next Steps Night
Please join Mrs. Chamberlin on Thursday, August 29th at 6:30PM in the Cafeteria for our Next Steps Night. This presentation will address what is coming up for students each year and what they should be doing as they prepare for life after high school. Please see our attached fly for more information!
Underclassmen (9-11) Picture Day on August 29th
Fall picture day for students in grades 9-11 is August 29th, all day through English classes in the gym. If you do not have an English class, please come down during your lunch period or eSchool placeholder class. Students must be in dress code in order to be photographed. Make up Day is October 4th.
Senior Pictures with Gigante
Seniors must schedule their photo with Gigante, our official school photographer. More information can be found on our website.
Resources for College, Career, and Life
Please review the attachments sent to you in email and via myStudent. There is important information about the upcoming College Tour, the Advanced Placement, Next Steps Night for Grades 9 to 11 this Thursday, August 29th, and the Common App. We have also included information about important dates for the 2024-2025 school year so that you can calendar accordingly.
School Advisory Council Positions
We have 2 Parent positions open on the School Advisory Committee. Please vote by going to our website on August 26th!
Dress Code Policy for the 2024-2025 School Year
We ask that you review the Dress Code policy with your child. Please view this policy here: a https://tinyurl.com/JWMHSDressCode and you can read the Student Code of Conduct here: https://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/ssps/page/conduct. Students must wear shirts that extend to the waist. We are seeing many shirts that do not comply with this expectation. Please make sure that you are following the dress code.
Cell Phone and WCD Policy for the 2024-2025 School Year
The Cell Phone and WCD Policy for the 20240-2025 school year has changed. You can read the Student Code of Conduct here: https://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/ssps/page/conduct. Students are only allowed to use their cell phones, earbuds, and other devices during lunches. Please remind students that texting from watches is not prohibited, neither is using your cell phone or other WCD during passing or classes unless part of the instructional plan.
Student Athletes and Paperwork
Any student who wants to play a sport must complete all of their paperwork on www.AthleticClearance.com prior to tryouts. All of this information can be found on the Mitchell website under Athletics and then Forms. Athletic fees must be paid online one week after you are on the team. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Burdick via email at dburdick@pasco.k12.fl.us.
Free Lunch and Breakfast for All & Breakfast Serving Times!
All students will receive free breakfast and lunch this year! Breakfast will be served each morning until 8:20AM when the warning bell will sound. If you need to put money on your lunch account, you can do so at this time via www.mySchoolBucks.com or sending cash or a check payable to JWMHS.
Please Keep Campus Clean – Throw Away Your Trash
Any drink containers or food wrappers need to be disposed of in our commons area garbage cans and not classroom garbage cans or recycle bins. Please take pride in your school and keep it clean!
Around the RANCH Newsletter
Please read our Around the RANCH newsletter. It has a lot of important information and you can find it here: https://tinyurl.com/AroundTheRANCH.
We hope that this is your best year yet! We look forward to seeing you on Monday! Have a great evening!
Go Mustangs!
~ Ms. Schultz
Quick Links
Meet the Faculty and Staff! Watch a video about your teacher and get your class supply lists: https://tinyurl.com/JWMHSOrientation
Login to your Parent Portal and Complete the Forms Required for the New Year: https://pasco.focusschoolsoftware.com/focus/index.php?skipSSO
Pay Student Fees or Purchase a Yearbook or Locker: https://www.studentquickpay.com/pasco/
Request the Dance Number: https://tinyurl.com/JWMHSDanceMtg
Request a Schedule Change: https://tinyurl.com/JWMHSScheduleChange
Purchase Mustang Gear: https://tinyurl.com/JWMHSSpiritStore
Apply to be a Volunteer: https://tinyurl.com/JWMHSVolunteer
Purchase a Mustang Legacy Brick: https://tinyurl.com/mustanglegacybrick
Complete Athletic Paperwork: https://athleticclearance.fhsaahome.org/
