FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
guardian. These students range in ages from 4 to 18 years
old in grades Pre-K through 12.
So far this year, A.S.S.I.S.T. staff has identified over 500
students who meet the criteria. Students are identified
throughout each school year and the number increases
until the last day of school, only to start at zero to begin the
identification process over again in the new school year. In
addition to identifying these students and removing barriers
to their education, staff work to provide support inside the
school setting as well as in the community. Such supports
may include school and athletic fees, field trips, senior
activities, tutoring, extended day programs, summer camps,
transportation gift cards and emergency housing.
A
s we continue throughout the school year, we’ve had
the opportunity to celebrate the success of our students
who have recently competed in the science, history, music
and art fairs. I am in awe of the hard work and dedication
by the students, teachers and various support staff in the
areas of curriculum and student support services to ensure
that we excel in so many areas.
While we laud the efforts of our students and their
accomplishments, sometimes these achievements do not
come easy. I am very proud of our district’s A.S.S.I.S.T.
program which stands for Aid and Support for Students in
Sudden Transition. District staff responsible for this program
are assigned the task of identifying and assisting students
and families who are experiencing homelessness under the
federal guidelines of the McKinney-Vento Act. These are
students who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime
residence. Many of these students are also considered
unaccompanied youth who do not have a parent or legal
The A.S.S.I.S.T. program has seen great support from
within the district as well as from private businesses, faith-
based and non-profit organizations. If you are interested
in becoming involved by mentoring or providing needed
items, I encourage you to visit https://www.stjohns.k12.
fl.us/homeless/ or call Michael Israel, District Homeless
Liaison (904) 547-7589.
Spring Break will be here soon to provide students and
staff a time to recharge before we enter into district and
statewide assessments. Enjoy this time with your family
and friends and remember you are your child’s biggest
advocate and support in helping to ensure a strong finish to
the school year.
Sincerely,
TIM FORSON, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS,
ST. JOHNS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
VIS IT U S ONLI NE AT WWW.PARE NTM AGAZINE FLORIDA .COM
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