Bulldog Community,

We are one week from the conclusion of the first semester. As the semester comes to a close it is important to check HAC for grading information and to make sure students and families communicate with their teachers on all necessary assignments, assessments, and make-up work to complete. The semester officially concludes on 12/21.

With the semester coming to a conclusion, we have many great things to celebrate as well as many things to look forward to in the upcoming semester. There are always great things happening at RJMMS!

December 7th saw the culmination of months of hard work and preparation from our SJCCA students and staff. Our students performed for almost 3,000 SJCSD students during the day and then held an evening show for the community. Students and audience members were overwhelmed by the production with many comparing it favorably to shows they had experienced by professionals on Broadway. Congratulations to all the students, staff, and volunteers who helped bring "The Lion King" to the stage!

Our Thanksgiving event expanded this year to provide food to over 1,000 people. Carly Gordon coordinated with many local organization including SJSO, FCTC Culinary Department, as well as local businesses and churches to make the event a reality. Click the following link to view the news story on "Action News Jax": https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/i-hope-they-feel-loved-home-cooked-meals-help-feed-more-than-1000-people-st-johns-county/Q2UR5K2XZFADXJ7ETDAQNR7NGM/

RJMMS students competed in our school Science Fair on Friday, December 3rd. Special recognition goes to the following students:

1st Place: Alana Heilman - "Which AC filter reduces the most dust?"

2nd Place: Kendall Martin - "What materials are the most effective to filter water?"

3rd Place: Thomas Perussina - "What solution helps cut flowers last longer?"

Honorable Mention: Ammon Perussina - "Do different brands of sunscreen affect the protection against UV rays from the sun?"

Honorable Mention: Oliver Zicht - "Which type of cone is the most effective for amplifying sound?"

The RJMMS art department had a very strong showing in the "Art in the Capitol" competition again this year. Daylin Thom was selected as the only student from St. Johns County to have her artwork displayed in the state capitol in Tallahassee this year. Jadyn Grant and Elijah D'Elena placed 3rd in the competition. Congratulations to Ms. Banton and her students for doing such a great job!

RJMMS students again received top honors at the District Junior Thespian Competition. In total, 28 RJMMS events received a Superior Rating which qualified them for the State Festival. These were the most events selected by any school in the region. Great job by everyone involved!

Summary of Details:

36 Students all performed and behaved amazingly

28 Superior Ratings

11 Excellent Ratings

6 Top Honors (highest score in category)

1 "Best of" for Tech

1 "Best of" for our One Act play "9/11 Remembered"

On Tuesday, 12/21 we will again be celebrating our students for showing great character and following our B.A.R.K. expectations. Students have the opportunity to purchase a ticket (50 Dojo Points) to watch a movie in our auditorium or attend a dance in our gymnasium on this day.

Here are the theme days for Winter Spirit Week as we close out the semester:

Wednesday, 12/15 = "Florida Winter"

Thursday, 12/16 = "Mix/Match" Day

Friday, 12/17 = Winter Character Day

Monday, 12/20 = Holiday Color Wars (6th = White, 7th = Red, 8th = Green)

Tuesday, 12/21 = Holiday Sweater Day

Our schoolwide Spelling Bee was conducted on November 19th. Students spelled over 179 words correctly! Congratulations to the following students:

1st Place - Sophia Diaz

2nd Place - Peyton Carter

3rd - Kennedy Reaves

Join us at RJMMS tonight to see our chorus perform with the St. Augustine Community Chorus. Come early to see our Jazz band perform starting at 6:00pm. Tickets are available at: https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/58643

Our PTO has been hard at work supporting our teachers and students. We are in the middle of our "12 Days 'till the Holidays" providing support and donations to the RJMMS staff. The PTO has been instrumental in helping our staff feel appreciated during this time.

Additionally, we have our next School Spirit Night tonight at McDonalds by the EPIC Theaters. Bring the coupon below to McDonald's tonight and 30% of your purchase will support our students and school.

It is never too late to join the PTO and help our school! Contact the PTO at murraymspto@gmail.com if you would like to get involved!

Please congratulate our most recent S.W.A.G. winners:

8th Grade

Ryan DeAugustine

Gavin Murray

Jada Fiorenze

London Early

Macy Bloomer

Ava Jenkins

Maddux Dowler

Luciana Morin

Natalie McConnell

Kiama Collins-Alligood

Elijah Delena

7th Grade

Jade Smith

Maryn Hester

Evanti Ashley

Kamiyah Davis

Phoenix Hicks

Caleah Levy

Kennedy Reaves

Wakely McKennon

6th Grade

Dominic Rivera

Joleigh Floyd

Alaine Sherman

Sophia Ring

Arrianna Cummings

Gianna Longhitano

Amarion Johnson

Eowyn Rubino

Keriston Arroyo

Finn Carter

Jordyn Peterson

Marshall Moretta

Haylee Webster

Mya Miller

Ava Cone

Kaleigha Spikes

Saige Grace

Rafael Soto

Ashlynn Ferrell

Congratulations to the following students for making the Girls Basketball Team:

Savannah Kornahrens

London Parker

Ahleighlah Wells

Kyla Findley

Saige Grace

Sha’Niya Jenkins

Heaven Ferguson

Darrenizia Tobler

Kamiyah Davis

Dariel McDuffie

Bryonna Grimes

Wakely McKennon