Welcome to the Website of Mandarin Middle School's PTSA (Parent, Teacher, & Student Association)
President - Jenifer Morgan - president@mandarinmiddleptsa.org
Mandarin Middle School Receives an A!
Congratulations to the Teachers, Students and Staff of Mandarin Middle School for achieving an A grade on the FCAT again this year. This is 10 years in a row!
Thank you to all the parents and volunteers that make Mandarin Middle a great school.
_____________________________________________
Thursday, January 19 - Thursday, February 2: PTSA Fundraiser = Yankee Candle Please know that the funds we raise are put back into the school through programs, teacher appreciation activities, and school projects. PTSA fundraisers and the school's fundraisers fund different activities, but all these activities are for the students and the school.
Thank you so much for your support!
Monday, January 30 - Wednesday, February 1: 2nd Annual Book S.W.A.P. (Students With A Purpose)
For every five books that students donate to this book drive from January 30 through February 1, they will be able to choose two from the donations during the school day February 8-9. This was a tremendously successful program last year, and we hope this year will be even better!
_____________________________________________
Did you know that February is PTA's birthday? And did you know that PTA's very first meeting was held in Jacksonville? Founder's Day means we celebrate 115 years of advocating for children and youth. Please click here to read more.
_____________________________________________
Duval County Public Schools and Chick-fil-A are hosting a Family Reading Night on Monday, January 23, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 11 Jacksonville Chick-fil-A locations to support Read It Forward Jax!
All parents and students are invited to attend. There will be student activities, readings and community conversations with school and district staff.
Superintendent Pratt-Dannals, School Board members and other dignitaries will be present at various locations to perform read-a-louds for the students.
You can donate a book to the book drive and take home tools that promote literacy at home.
10% of the proceeds will be donated to Read It Forward Jax! to provide resources for students to continue to increase reading proficiency.
To see a list of participating stores go to Read It Forward Jax!
_____________________________________________
Join MMS PTSA
Have you noticed that there is an "S" in PTSA? That's because students are part of our membership, too. Being a part of the PTSA is a great way for your students to be involved. We also invite parents, grandparents, and other family members to join and show their support for Mandarin Middle School.
Even if you have no time to give, your membership helps PTSA to pay for newsletters, assist with school improvement projects, host a TGIF dance for students, provide faculty and staff with appreciation luncheons, and provide an 8th grade party at the end of the year. These are just a few of the things that your PTSA does for Mandarin Middle School. Please sign up today!
If you haven't already returned your membership envelope, there is still time to do so. Extra membership envelopes are available in the Main Office.
Students members will receive discounts at various events for joining MMS PTSA. In addition to knowing you are supporting your local middle school, here are some additional benefits of becoming a card-carrying PTSA member:
Volunteer Information
Please note that volunteers must be cleared through Duval County Public Schools. The online application is the best way to get timely clearance. Clearance is good for two years. If you still have a volunteer card, it is good until it expires, but DCPS now issues a letter instead. Visit the DCPS volunteers page to find out more and access the online application.
Questions? Please contact our Volunteers Chair, Yvonne St. John, at volunteers@mandarinmiddleptsa.org.
Humanitarian Projects/Blood Drive
If you participate in any type of service project with your family, through work, or through your child’s activities, please let us know. Our PTSA is eligible for a Humanitarian Award from Florida PTA for any projects our members participate in outside of school. Also, if you donate blood at any Donor Center for the Florida Georgia Blood Alliance, please tell them that you wish to donate in the name of Mandarin Middle School (Account #2045). Your blood will help someone in need, and your donation will count toward a Blood Drive Award for our school.
Legislative Advocacy:
Tired of budget cuts and decisions made by our state and federal elected officials? Then become an advocate for your child and our schools. Doing so is as simple as calling, emailing, or writing your representatives and letting them know that you want them to put education first. Visit our Advocacy page to find the contact information for our representatives.
The Duval County Council of PTAs/PTSAs has received a grant from National PTA for advocacy training that will help all of us become better advocates for our children.Visit www.DCCPTA.org for more information about training sessions through the iAdvocate for Kids Grassroots Advocacy Leadership Program.
_____________________________________________
Press Release
Thursday, January 26, 2012
DOE Press Office
(850) 245-0413
Florida Named National Leader in Educator Quality
- Sunshine State earns nation's highest overall grade in 2011 -
TALLAHASSEE - The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) 2011 State Teacher Policy Yearbook released yesterday awarded Florida an overall grade of "B," highest in the nation, in its biennial report. This was up from a grade of "C" in 2009. The state also received high marks for making progress in policies and practices that govern the teaching profession.
"Ranking first in the nation is a tribute to our teachers and clear evidence of their commitment to continuous improvement when it comes to providing opportunities for high-quality education for our students," said Florida Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson. "School districts from Miami-Dade to Hillsborough to the panhandle are truly leading the nation. I congratulate Florida's teachers and commend the successful leadership practices that are a catalyst for local change. I am confident we will continue to improve because of the courage and dedication of our educators to their students and their profession."
Commissioner Robinson added that this significant recognition demonstrates statewide collaboration with teachers, superintendents, and education stakeholders as they work together to assure the best education for students.
The 2011 State Teacher Policy Yearbook includes NCTQ's biennial, full review of Florida's laws, rules and regulations that govern the teaching profession. This year's report measures Florida's progress against a set of 36 policy goals focused on helping states put in place a comprehensive framework in support of preparing, retaining and rewarding effective teachers. For the first time, the Yearbook includes a progress rating on goals that have been measured over time.
The 2011 State Teacher Policy Yearbook awards state grades in five individual categories. Florida boosted its grade in four out of five categories since 2009.
Delivering Well Prepared Teachers - "B-" (up from "C" in 2009)
Expanding the Teaching Pool - "B-"
Identifying Effective Teachers - "B" (up from "C-" in 2009)
Retaining Effective Teachers - "B-" (up from "C" in 2009)
Exiting Ineffective Teachers - "B+" (up from "C" in 2009)
To view Florida's 2011 State Teacher Policy Yearbook, visit http://www.nctq.org/stpy11/reports/stpy11_florida_report.pdf (PDF)
_____________________________________________
DCCPTA to Be Part of National PTA Common Core Standards Initiative
September 13, 2011 – The Duval County Council of Parent Teacher Associations (PTA’s) announced today that it will receive funding from National PTA to train its members, educators, administrators and community leaders on the implementation of Common Core Standards in classrooms.
The Duval County, PTA is part of National PTA’s Common Core State Standards Initiative. Through their involvement, the Duval County PTA will meet with key state and local decision-makers, engage the media and train parents with key advocacy skills to support the Standards. Created by teachers, parents, education experts and others from across the country, the Standards provide clear, consistent expectations for what students should be learning at each grade in mathematics and English language arts in order to be prepared for college and career.
This selection marks the first time PTA’s have competed by submitting grant applications to receive National PTA training and advocacy support. The Duval County PTA, was selected by National PTA based on its organizational background, project goals and objectives, organizational capacity, advocacy capacity, member communication and community engagement.
_____________________________________________
Remember These Helpful Resources!
Parent Grade Portal - a website tool for parents to see individual student information, including grades, attendance, a school calendar, and more. Parents will need to register for a login and password at Mandarin Middle in the front office (Monday - Friday, 10:00am - 3:00pm). Picture ID is required to receive your Username and Password.
To request a teacher conference, parents may call the Guidance Office at (904) 292-0555, extension 1.
_____________________________________________
For more information, please call the school office at 292-0555.
Mandarin Middle School Receives an A!
Congratulations to the Teachers, Students and Staff of Mandarin Middle School for achieving an A grade on the FCAT again this year. This is 10 years in a row!
Thank you to all the parents and volunteers that make Mandarin Middle a great school.
_____________________________________________
Thursday, January 19 - Thursday, February 2: PTSA Fundraiser = Yankee Candle Please know that the funds we raise are put back into the school through programs, teacher appreciation activities, and school projects. PTSA fundraisers and the school's fundraisers fund different activities, but all these activities are for the students and the school.
Thank you so much for your support!
Monday, January 30 - Wednesday, February 1: 2nd Annual Book S.W.A.P. (Students With A Purpose)
For every five books that students donate to this book drive from January 30 through February 1, they will be able to choose two from the donations during the school day February 8-9. This was a tremendously successful program last year, and we hope this year will be even better!
_____________________________________________
Did you know that February is PTA's birthday? And did you know that PTA's very first meeting was held in Jacksonville? Founder's Day means we celebrate 115 years of advocating for children and youth. Please click here to read more.
_____________________________________________
Duval County Public Schools and Chick-fil-A are hosting a Family Reading Night on Monday, January 23, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 11 Jacksonville Chick-fil-A locations to support Read It Forward Jax!
All parents and students are invited to attend. There will be student activities, readings and community conversations with school and district staff.
Superintendent Pratt-Dannals, School Board members and other dignitaries will be present at various locations to perform read-a-louds for the students.
You can donate a book to the book drive and take home tools that promote literacy at home.
10% of the proceeds will be donated to Read It Forward Jax! to provide resources for students to continue to increase reading proficiency.
To see a list of participating stores go to Read It Forward Jax!
_____________________________________________
Join MMS PTSA
Have you noticed that there is an "S" in PTSA? That's because students are part of our membership, too. Being a part of the PTSA is a great way for your students to be involved. We also invite parents, grandparents, and other family members to join and show their support for Mandarin Middle School.
Even if you have no time to give, your membership helps PTSA to pay for newsletters, assist with school improvement projects, host a TGIF dance for students, provide faculty and staff with appreciation luncheons, and provide an 8th grade party at the end of the year. These are just a few of the things that your PTSA does for Mandarin Middle School. Please sign up today!
If you haven't already returned your membership envelope, there is still time to do so. Extra membership envelopes are available in the Main Office.
Students members will receive discounts at various events for joining MMS PTSA. In addition to knowing you are supporting your local middle school, here are some additional benefits of becoming a card-carrying PTSA member:
- Get 15% off your bill at Jacksonville Tropical Smoothie by just showing your PTA membership card.
- Receive 10% OFF your total bill at Pizza Palace when you show your PTA card! (Jacksonville locations only)
- Apple Computers is providing a special program for Duval County parents and students to receive the same education discount that is normally only available to school districts and education professionals. Visit www.apple.com/edu/duval for details.<
- PTA Game Day Discounts with the Jacksonville Jaguars: PTA members will be allowed to purchase discounted tickets to ANY HOME GAME!
- The Cummer Words of Art: Free Admission by showing your PTA card on Feb 4 & 5th, 2012
- Annual PTA Night at the Jacksonville Suns in Spring 2012!
Volunteer Information
Please note that volunteers must be cleared through Duval County Public Schools. The online application is the best way to get timely clearance. Clearance is good for two years. If you still have a volunteer card, it is good until it expires, but DCPS now issues a letter instead. Visit the DCPS volunteers page to find out more and access the online application.
Questions? Please contact our Volunteers Chair, Yvonne St. John, at volunteers@mandarinmiddleptsa.org.
Humanitarian Projects/Blood Drive
If you participate in any type of service project with your family, through work, or through your child’s activities, please let us know. Our PTSA is eligible for a Humanitarian Award from Florida PTA for any projects our members participate in outside of school. Also, if you donate blood at any Donor Center for the Florida Georgia Blood Alliance, please tell them that you wish to donate in the name of Mandarin Middle School (Account #2045). Your blood will help someone in need, and your donation will count toward a Blood Drive Award for our school.
Legislative Advocacy:
Tired of budget cuts and decisions made by our state and federal elected officials? Then become an advocate for your child and our schools. Doing so is as simple as calling, emailing, or writing your representatives and letting them know that you want them to put education first. Visit our Advocacy page to find the contact information for our representatives.
The Duval County Council of PTAs/PTSAs has received a grant from National PTA for advocacy training that will help all of us become better advocates for our children.Visit www.DCCPTA.org for more information about training sessions through the iAdvocate for Kids Grassroots Advocacy Leadership Program.
_____________________________________________
Press Release
Thursday, January 26, 2012
DOE Press Office
(850) 245-0413
Florida Named National Leader in Educator Quality
- Sunshine State earns nation's highest overall grade in 2011 -
TALLAHASSEE - The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) 2011 State Teacher Policy Yearbook released yesterday awarded Florida an overall grade of "B," highest in the nation, in its biennial report. This was up from a grade of "C" in 2009. The state also received high marks for making progress in policies and practices that govern the teaching profession.
"Ranking first in the nation is a tribute to our teachers and clear evidence of their commitment to continuous improvement when it comes to providing opportunities for high-quality education for our students," said Florida Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson. "School districts from Miami-Dade to Hillsborough to the panhandle are truly leading the nation. I congratulate Florida's teachers and commend the successful leadership practices that are a catalyst for local change. I am confident we will continue to improve because of the courage and dedication of our educators to their students and their profession."
Commissioner Robinson added that this significant recognition demonstrates statewide collaboration with teachers, superintendents, and education stakeholders as they work together to assure the best education for students.
The 2011 State Teacher Policy Yearbook includes NCTQ's biennial, full review of Florida's laws, rules and regulations that govern the teaching profession. This year's report measures Florida's progress against a set of 36 policy goals focused on helping states put in place a comprehensive framework in support of preparing, retaining and rewarding effective teachers. For the first time, the Yearbook includes a progress rating on goals that have been measured over time.
The 2011 State Teacher Policy Yearbook awards state grades in five individual categories. Florida boosted its grade in four out of five categories since 2009.
Delivering Well Prepared Teachers - "B-" (up from "C" in 2009)
Expanding the Teaching Pool - "B-"
Identifying Effective Teachers - "B" (up from "C-" in 2009)
Retaining Effective Teachers - "B-" (up from "C" in 2009)
Exiting Ineffective Teachers - "B+" (up from "C" in 2009)
To view Florida's 2011 State Teacher Policy Yearbook, visit http://www.nctq.org/stpy11/reports/stpy11_florida_report.pdf (PDF)
_____________________________________________
DCCPTA to Be Part of National PTA Common Core Standards Initiative
September 13, 2011 – The Duval County Council of Parent Teacher Associations (PTA’s) announced today that it will receive funding from National PTA to train its members, educators, administrators and community leaders on the implementation of Common Core Standards in classrooms.
The Duval County, PTA is part of National PTA’s Common Core State Standards Initiative. Through their involvement, the Duval County PTA will meet with key state and local decision-makers, engage the media and train parents with key advocacy skills to support the Standards. Created by teachers, parents, education experts and others from across the country, the Standards provide clear, consistent expectations for what students should be learning at each grade in mathematics and English language arts in order to be prepared for college and career.
This selection marks the first time PTA’s have competed by submitting grant applications to receive National PTA training and advocacy support. The Duval County PTA, was selected by National PTA based on its organizational background, project goals and objectives, organizational capacity, advocacy capacity, member communication and community engagement.
_____________________________________________
Remember These Helpful Resources!
Parent Grade Portal - a website tool for parents to see individual student information, including grades, attendance, a school calendar, and more. Parents will need to register for a login and password at Mandarin Middle in the front office (Monday - Friday, 10:00am - 3:00pm). Picture ID is required to receive your Username and Password.
To request a teacher conference, parents may call the Guidance Office at (904) 292-0555, extension 1.
_____________________________________________
For more information, please call the school office at 292-0555.