Dear Tiger Families,

As we move into spring, it’s a great time to celebrate growth, connection, and opportunity here at Lake Asbury Junior High! We encourage all families to help their students show up and stay engaged — whether that means consistent attendance in class or participating in one of the many clubs, teams, and activities we offer. There's truly something for everyone, and being involved helps students build friendships, confidence, and a stronger connection to school.

March is a month of celebration in Clay County! We proudly recognize Arts Education Month, Music in Our Schools Month, Theatre in Our Schools Month, and School Social Work Week—a time to honor the creativity, expression, and dedication that enrich the lives of our students every day.

Above all, please know that we are here to partner with you in supporting your child academically, socially, and emotionally. We are committed to making sure every student feels like they belong at LAJ, because they do.

Go get 'em, Tigers! 🐾

Warm regards,

Lydia Creel

Principal, LAJ

March 24 - Teacher Planning Day

March 25 - Students Return

March 27 - STEAM 8th Grade 4th Quarter PBL in Media Center

March 27 - Mentor/Mentee Dinner and Movie (4pm in LAJ Media Center)

March 28 - Report Cards available through ParentVue

March 28 - Wrestling Banquet (LAJH Cafeteria / 6pm)

April 1 - FSA Writing Testing

April 2 - Student Portraits / Spring Sports

April 4 - Honor Roll Cookout

April 5 - Junior High Chess Tournament (Lakeside Junior High / 10am)

April 11 - Weather makeup day (regular school day)

April 17 - 8th Grade Dance (6-8pm)

April 18 - Good Friday (Student/Teacher Holiday)

April 22 - Bus Driver & Monitor Appreciation Day

April 24 - LAJH Musical Production (LAJH Cafeteria / Time TBA)

April 25 - LAJH Musical Production (LAJH Cafeteria / Time TBA)

April 28 - ESE Field trip to the Santa Fe College Zoo

April 28 - NJHS Field trip to the Jacksonville Zoo

April 29 - Spring Band Concert (LAJH Cafeteria / 6:30pm)

May 1 - Spring Chorus Concert (LAJH Cafeteria / 6:30pm)

May 2 - Student Pep Rally

May 6 - FSA ELA Testing

May 8 - FSA Science Testing

May 13 - FSA Math Testing

May 15 - FSA Social Studies Testing

May 15 - FFA Banquet (LAJH Cafeteria / 6pm)

May 16 - GradVenture

May 16-17 - Clay County Student Art Show (Thrasher Horne Center)

May 19 - 8th Grade STEAM Parent Night (LAJH Cafeteria / 6pm)

May 20 - Incoming 6th & 7th Grade Football Introduction Parent Meeting (LAJH Cafeteria / 6pm)

May 21 - 8th Grade STEAM Field trip to Wild Adventures

May 22 - 8th Grade Celebration

May 22 - End of Year Awards in LAJH Cafeteria (7th grade - 5:30pm / 8th grade - 7pm)

May 23 - 7th Grade STEAM Field trip to Wild Adventures

May 26 - Memorial Day (Student/Teacher Holiday)

May 27 - Chorus/Band Field Trip to Disney World

May 28, 29 & 30 - (Wednesday - Friday)

• Early dismissal - Kona Ice will be on Campus - Pizza & Chick-Fil-A will be available for pre-sale

May 28 - Dungeons & Dragons afterschool game event (LAJH Cafeteria / 1pm)

Last month a group of students from Mrs. Connelly’s STEAM Civics classes, took center stage in the LAJH Media Center to present their research on unsung heroes.

These student-led projects highlighted the incredible contributions of African Americans who have shaped advancements across history in a variety of fields, but often go unrecognized. Through their presentations, our students honored these trailblazers while deepening their own understanding of the impact these individuals had on innovation and history.

Thank you to Mrs. Connelly for guiding this project and to the families and staff who supported our students. This was a meaningful way to culminate Black History Month—by celebrating the brilliance and resilience of those who paved the way for others! #BlackHistoryMonth #UnsungHeroes

Congratulations TSA members (Hunter Adams, Sofia Calderon-Mercado, Rocky Carlin, Emma Childress, Daniel Gonzales, Jace Lauer and Lucas Wood) for a job well done at the Florida TSA State Conference and Competitions and qualifying for National TSA Competitions in June.

1st Place: Career Prep; 1st Place: Electrical Applications; 4th Place: Inventions and Innovations; 5th Place: System Control Technology;

6th Place: Essays on Technology; 7th Place: Biotechnology; 10th Place: Children's Stories Silver Achievement Award: Sofia Calderon-Mercado Receiving the Gold Award at the National Conference: Sofia Calderon-Mercado

Some of our talented Tigers had the opportunity to walk the red carpet at the Northeast Florida Scholastic Awards Ceremony at the historic Florida Theatre! Their incredible artwork was on display, celebrating their creativity and hard work alongside other young artists from the region.

We are so proud of our students for representing LAJH with their artistic talents. Thank you, Mrs. Stone! #TigerPride #scholasticartawards

Our United Sound group, led by Band Director Amanda Jones and Mrs. Bell-Abbott, one of our Science teachers, continues to make us proud! As the only active chapter in Florida, this incredible program provides meaningful mentoring opportunities for students, pairing peer mentors with students with disabilities through the power of music. These students will all perform together during our Spring Band Concert in April.

Last week, several of our students were interviewed by Mr. Don Coble of Clay Today, and their reflections on what it means to be part of United Sound were truly inspiring. We are so proud of all our Tigers for leading with heart, inclusion, and a love for learning!

Lake Asbury Junior High is 20 years old! Don't miss out on ordering the 20th Anniversary Edition!

Pre-order is now available online. Yearbook prices are:

$45.00 until March 31, 2025

After March 31, 2025 Yearbooks will be $50.00 (If available)

Purchase today to guarantee a copy!

Visit https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/ and use our School Code 10192

*8th Grade Parents - Personal Yearbook Messages are also available for purchase. You can create and pay for these messages using the above link and School Code 10192.

If you have any questions please contact our yearbook advisor at maria.behnken@myoneclay.net

We now have a slideshow called LAJ Tiger Talk Live? It’s displayed daily in the cafeteria and lobby, sharing school news, upcoming events, reminders, and all the latest campus happenings.

Please encourage your students to watch it during lunch to stay up to date. Parents and guardians, take a moment to check it out in the lobby when you’re on campus!

No worries! Clay County plans to host the event again early next school year, so stay tuned for dates! For valuable information that was shared at the event, check out the new resources page on the #OneClay website at https://www.oneclay.net/o/ccds/page/smartphone-safety.

#SmartphoneSafety #ParentResources

Florida Prepaid Open Enrollment Begins with Plan Prices Starting at Just $29/Month

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Prepaid Plans allow families to lock in the cost of college with fixed monthly payments. A risk-free 1-Year University Plan now starts at just $29/month for the Prepaid Plan Open Enrollment period until April 30, 2025. The reduced prices result in savings of up to $850 per plan for a 1-Year University Plan – up to $3,400 in savings for four years.

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Lake Asbury Junior High School

2851 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, Fl 32043 ~ (904) 336-5375