James Weldon Johnson PTSA

It’s gonna be May!
Ready or not!

🌺 Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week (May 4–May 8)

We have a spectacular week planned to show our James Weldon Johnson team just how much we appreciate them. Here is a look at the festivities:

• Monday: Island Style Kick-off! (Wear tropical colors/Hawaiian shirts) + Snack Cart Day.

• Tuesday: Taco and Nacho Bar lunch for the staff. Thank you

• Wednesday: Smoothie day and student thank-you notes.

• Thursday: Costco dinner meals provided for teachers to take home.

• Friday: Surprise and Selfie Day!

How you can help: We are collecting donations for gift cards from local restaurants to surprise our teachers and admin.

• Suggested donation: $30 (though any amount is greatly appreciated!)

• Venmo: -BRAVO-2

• Cash App: $LTG8115

Sign Up to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0849AAA828A3F94-63726469-teacher

🍎 Testing Snacks Needed

Testing season is here, and we want to keep our students fueled and focused. We are still looking for volunteers to donate snacks for our testing days. Every granola bar and water bottle makes a difference!

https://m.signupgenius.com/ #!/showSignUp/10C0B4FACAB29ABFDC61-63368162-state?useFullSite=false

📦 General Meeting & BIZI Packing

Join us for our next General PTSA Meeting! In addition to our regular updates, we will be working together on BIZI packing to support our school community. It’s a great way to get involved and meet other parents while showing school support

Sign up & see you 5/7/26 at 8:30 am in the front office conference room.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4FACAB29ABFDC61-63574719-final

Save the Date: Reader’s Beach is Friday 5/22/26. We will need volunteers that day to help supervise students on bounce houses, serve snow cones, serve popcorn and drinks. We will need coolers, ice, and tents.

We had a blast at Pi Day! Kids said it was fun. Everyone got to eat pie and candy. Competitions were fierce. Winners will be posted when we return from spring break.

Again, a big THANK YOU to PTSA, Friends of JWJ, parent volunteers, and student helpers for ALL the supplies, time, help with set up and break down, assistance with the stations in the cold and wind and sun all day!!! And we can't forget the tables full of pie in the teacher's lounge 🥧

📸PICTURE 1: 7th grade math: Ms. Urbanek, Mr. Sheehy, Ms. Lanier
📸PICTURE 2: 6th grade math: Ms. Urbanek, Mr. Nimako, Mrs. Lutton
📷NOT PICTURED: 8th grade math: Mrs. Shu, Mr. Dickson, Ms. Lanier, and Dr. Brown

Did anyone see Mr. Stuckey wearing a Pi Day shirt to match the Math Department??

What was your favorite part of Pi Day today?

Ms. Lanier going through supplies for Pi Day Friday (since Saturday is 3/14).

There are 7 stations and students will get to go during their math class on Friday. It will be outside behind building 8. Students, start memorizing those digits of pi!! These are just *some* of the prizes for the stations. And can't forget the PI! 🥧🥧🔢🥳

Thank you to parents, PTSA, and Friends of JWJ for donating money, supplies, and their time to make this a fun math day before spring break!!

The Black History Live museum was a student run production. They worked tirelessly for weeks to get their acts just right. They completed projects, created dioramas, and performed. It was a beautiful event and we truly hope you enjoyed it.

Representatives from all county PTAs are invited to participate in quarterly meetings with the Duval County Council of PTAs. This morning was our 3rd meeting of the school year. Cindy Pearson, school board member from district 3 spoke to us about the latest advocacy updates. Sign up for updates from strongflschools.com to stay in the loop.

DCCPTA is seeking feedback on the school calendar for the 26-27 school year. Comment or email with your thoughts and we will report back.

Scenes from this morning’s SAC meeting.

The PTSA provided breakfast for the SAC meeting this morning. Today was the stakeholder meeting and we combined that with this semester’s principal coffee chat. If you missed it, make sure to put the stakeholder SAC meeting on your future to do list. It’s usually this month. The principal provides test data, projections and plans. It’s the best meeting of the year, for sure! Don’t worry, the PTSA has your back and took snapshots to share.

Tips to support your student:
Exact path is the student resource for ELA. Teachers can assign specific lessons if you see areas needing help so reach out to them for extra practice. IXL is the student resource for math. See our past post for more information on that amazing program.

Scenes from Ms. Richey’s Art Class

I’m new to JWJ this school year. I graduated from the University of North Texas in 2012 with a BA in Art Education. I have two grown children, both in Texas. My son was stationed at Mayport for 5 years in the Navy, that is how I came to Jacksonville. Previously I taught middle school for 9 years and high school art for 3 years; happy to back teaching middle school art!

Check out stories to see more student art. Stay tuned for my Amazon Wishlist. With an average class size of 45 we are always in need of supplies!

🎧❤️Not So Silent Disco Time 🕺🪩

PTSA will be selling concessions during the dance. Please help us by sending your student with small bills. You can sign up to help us sell concessions, too.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4FACAB29ABFDC61-61558583-valentines #/

We will have our next GENERAL MEETING right before you pick up your cherub from the dance at 5:30 in the SRC.

To purchase tickets (starting Monday) https://gofan.co/

REGISTRATION https://dcps.questionpro.com/LevelUp

Location: The Schultz Cente, 4019 Boulevard Center Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Breakout Sessions addressing all grade levels including:
Parent Marketplace - each parent will receive a $100 voucher to shop for educational resources to use at home with their student. The Parent Marketplace will feature manipulatives, reading materials, college prep materials, online subscriptions, English Language Learner materials, technology, and more.
Reading and ELA - Elementary, Middle and High School tested grade levels.
Math - Elementary, Middle and High School tested grade levels.
Social Studies - Middle and High School tested grade levels.
Understanding Data Reports - parents will receive an overview from the Assessment Team on how they can read, understand and use their child’s assessment data.
Early Learning strategies and resources to assist with successful transition.
Strategies for students and parents who are English Language Learners.
Testing strategies and info for parents with students who have special needs.
College Readiness, ACT and SAT Preparation.
Strategies to assist students (and parents) who struggle with test anxiety.
Strategies for financing college.
Career options parents can assist their child with exploring.
Free resources and toolkits for all parents.
Translation services, Childcare, Quick Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks.
REGISTRATION https://dcps.questionpro.com/LevelUp

Title: “Be Smart Online”
Description: Special Agents will share the latest tactics, and technology predators use online to easily misrepresent themselves and target local youth. Hear about real local cases, learn how to spot warning signs, and help to better protect children online.
When: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Where: Kernan Middle School (2271Kernan Blvd. S Jacksonville, FL. 32246)
Register and submit questions here: https://bit.ly/BeSmartOnline2026