March ushers in spring and brings with it the statewide assessment period. This can be a particularly stressful time for students and can create high anxiety levels. I encourage you to review the resources below to make sure your child is ready for testing.
Students can find practice FSA tests at https://fsassessments.org/families.html
This article from Nemours talks about what test anxiety is and gives some practical suggestions to combat it https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/test-anxiety.html
This blog article gives practical tips for how to memorize and chunk information as well as how to manage your study space https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-study-better-in-high-school.
The March CHARACTER COUNTS! Pillar is trustworthiness and in our classrooms the focus will be on teaching students the elements of trustworthiness, be honest; don’t deceive, cheat, or steal; have integrity; do what you say you’ll do and keep your promises; be loyal; stand by your values. Parents, I encourage you to reinforce these at home so that students know that trustworthiness is an essential building block for positive relationships with others. Families need to be intentional in teaching good character and strengthen our partnership in educating the whole child.
March is also Music in our Schools Month (MIOSM). For 37 years, the National Association for Music Education has celebrated MIOSM. This year’s theme is “Music, the Sound of my Heart.” The study of music contributes to young people’s development through heightened skills in listening, reading, self-expression and creativity, and music education helps students acquire skills in production and performance of music, as well as an understanding of history and culture. The SJCSD embraces music education and the multi-faceted benefits it provides for all children.
Early registration for the 2022-23 school year began March 1. This registration is only for children new to the school district, including those entering kindergarten. It can be completed online at www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/student/enrollment or by visiting the student’s assigned school website. Registering your child(ren) early helps us with planning, hiring teachers and ensuring that the infrastructure is in place to support our new students on the very first day.
To be eligible for public kindergarten in the SJCSD, children must be 5 years of age on or before September 1 and must reside in St. Johns County. For additional information on registration, contact the Student Services Department at 547-7598 or the assigned school.
Spring Break is just around the corner, so please take this time to refresh and recharge. Enjoy time with family and friends, stay safe and healthy and remember you are your child’s biggest advocate and support in helping to ensure he/she finish the school year strong.

Tim Forson
Superintendent of Schools