Nassau Notebook

First Lady DeSantis invites students to participate in academic and creative contests throughout the month. Students in grades K-3 can participate in an art contest, and students in grades 4-12 can participate in an essay contest. Students, parents, teachers, and principals are invited to nominate full-time educators of all student grades for the Black History Month Excellence in Education Award.

For more information about the contests, please visit http://floridablackhistory.com/

All entries must be received by 5 p.m. (ET) on Tuesday, February 7, 2023.

The Nassau County School District offers several careers and technical programs, including career academies where students may earn industry certifications, including Culinary, Construction, Health Occupations, Aviation, Automotive, Java Programming, and Web Design.

To learn more about CTE programs, visit, https://www.nassau.k12.fl.us/Page/88

Yulee Middle School's Robotics Team went to their first competition on January 28th. It was an exciting experience where 15 teams were judged in four categories, the robotics table game, core values, innovation project, and robot design. YMS took 2nd place at the robotics table game, which is a massive accomplishment for a first-time team! Though they didn't advance to regionals, they showed so much growth from the practice session in November that they were awarded the Breakthrough Award. We are very proud of our students and how they represented YMS and Nassau County!!!

Students in 8th grade ELA at Callahan Middle have been focusing on standard 8.R.2.4, which includes tracing an argument. To put this skill into action, students were assigned a debate topic: "Should the driving age be increased?". Pairs were given two informational articles on the subject, and from here, the students had to work together to develop their claims, reasoning, and evidence. Then the students had to identify possible counterclaims and rebuttals to succeed in their debate. Finally, students debated in small groups whether they believed the driving age should be increased.

Hilliard Middle-Senior High CNA students will be going to clinics twice a week for the entire month of February. The last time the HHS CNA class participated in clinicals was in 2019, before Covid took over. They were able to tour the facility last Thursday, which made reality set in for most students. They are a wonderful group of students that can’t wait to get hands-on experience. They have been practicing daily in the lab, and their teacher is so excited to see them put their knowledge to use!

The West Nassau CNA Program facilitated its quarterly blood drive. The One Blood staff shared that our students impressed them. They were blown away by how polite and respectful the CNA students were and how kind and genuine they were. The students showed up and showed out to save lives by donating blood!

Southside Elementary students dressed in their favorite pirate costume or spirit wear joined SES faculty and staff for an exciting night of family literacy! Then followed the treasure map to find pizza, pirates, book fair, and loads of fun as they participated in the activities and games planned for them and their families.

When: 3:30-4:30 and 4:30-5:30, Every Tuesday and Thursday

Who: All NCSD employees are welcome from any NCSD school or administration

Where: Beginning January 17, 2023, GPA will be at Emma Love Elementary in the cafeteria