Yulee Middle

📅 No School Reminder

Nassau County School District schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents' Day.
Classes will resume on Tuesday, February 17.

Parents and families can view the complete school calendar at:
🔗 https://www.nassau.k12.fl.us/calendar

#WeAreNassau

🌟 Science Spotlight! 🌟

Our students have been outdoing themselves in science this week with their plant and animal cell projects, and we couldn’t be more proud!

From detailed 3D models that look like they came straight out of a museum exhibit, to eye‑catching posters bursting with color and creativity, our classrooms have been transformed into miniature biology labs. Some students even went above and beyond by making their entire cell edible… which, as you can imagine, earned them instant celebrity status at lunchtime 🍪😂

Huge shout‑out to our amazing science teachers for guiding them, and to the families who supported the creativity happening at home. .🐝💛
Keep shining, scholars!🌱🧬✨

💛🐝 Happy National School Counselor Week! 🐝💛

Today, we proudly celebrate the heart of YMS — our incredible school counselors!
From left to right, please help us recognize:

✨ Mrs. Elwell
✨ Ms. Halpin
✨ Mrs. Taylor

These three outstanding educators support our students academically, socially, and emotionally every single day. Their compassion, dedication, and commitment to helping every Hornet succeed make a tremendous impact on our school community.

Thank you for all you do for YMS — we are grateful for your guidance, your care, and your unwavering support for our students and families. 💛

Let’s show them some love in the comments below! 👇💬

#NationalSchoolCounselorWeek #HornetPride #YMSCounselors

Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary!

We’re excited to share an amazing opportunity for all Florida students to showcase their creativity and honor our nation’s history!

The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida invite students to participate in the America250FL Art & Essay Contests in celebration of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. This year’s theme is:

🎨📝 “Celebrating Florida’s Contributions to America”
Students may submit one original artwork or essay by Monday, March 16, 2026.

🎨 Art Contest (Grades K–5)

Open to all Florida elementary students
Students submit a 2‑D original artwork
Six winners will each receive a 2‑year Florida College Plan scholarship!

✍️ Essay Contest (Grades 6–12)

Open to all Florida middle and high school students
Three middle school winners (grades 6–8) each earn a 2‑year Florida College Plan scholarship
Five high school winners each receive a 4‑year Florida College Plan scholarship

📬 How to Enter
Students must be Florida residents and may submit one entry.
Entries can be mailed or submitted online:

🌐 America250FloridaContest.com
📫 Volunteer Florida – America 250FL Committee
1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250
Tallahassee, FL 32308

All entries must be received by 5:00 PM (ET) on Monday, March 16, 2026.

Let’s encourage our Hornets to celebrate history, creativity, and Florida pride! 🐝💛
Feel free to share this post to help spread the word!

📣 Attention 8th Grade Families!

Yulee Middle School is excited to share that Yulee High School will be hosting a Class of 2030 Informational Meeting for all rising freshmen and their parents/guardians.

🗓 Thursday, February 12, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Yulee High School Gymnasium (Building 4)

This is a great opportunity to learn about course options, high school expectations, and how to help your student make a smooth transition into 9th grade. We encourage all families to attend!

Let’s get our Hornets ready for an incredible high school journey! 🐝💛🖤
#ClassOf2030 #HornetPride #YMS

📚🌼 Get Ready for Our Spring Scholastic Book Fair! 🌼📚

One of our favorite events of the year is almost here!
Join us February 9th–February 13th for an amazing selection of books your students will love.

💳 Please note: The Book Fair is CASHLESS this year.
Students can pay using:
• Ewallet
• Credit card
• Tap to pay

🔍 Want a sneak peek? Preview the fair here:
https://preview.scholasticbookfairs.com/hub?pkid=J2&flag=n&sdate=20260209

Help us grow a love of reading—every purchase supports our school! 🌟📖

🌟 Mark Your Calendars! 🌟

The Amelia Island Book Festival is back and bigger than ever! 📚✨

📅 February 28, 2026
⏰ 10am–4pm
📍 Fernandina Beach Middle School
315 Citrona Drive, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Join us as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of this incredible community event—bringing together readers, writers, and book lovers of all ages!

🎤 Featuring:
A lineup of celebrated authors from a variety of genres
📚 Festival Highlights:
• Celebrity author panel discussions
• Writing workshops
• Over 100 exhibiting authors
• Kid Zone!
• Food trucks
• FREE entry for everyone!

Bring the family, discover new favorites, and enjoy a full day of literary fun on the island! 🌴✨

Let’s make this anniversary celebration unforgettable!

📣 LAST CHANCE TO ORDER! 📣
Don’t miss out on the 2025–2026 YMS Yearbook — the perfect way to capture this school year’s best moments!

📘 Yearbook Price: $50
⏳ Sales end Friday, February 20, 2026

Guarantee your student’s copy and pre‑order today!
👉 Order online: ybpay.com
🔑 Order Code: 10989826

💻 Online sales only.

📸 Make sure your Hornet is part of the memories — get your yearbook before it’s too late!

📚✨ Black History Month Contests Are Now Open! ✨📚

We’re excited to share that the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida have officially announced the 2026 Black History Month Art & Essay Contests — and we can’t wait to see our students’ amazing submissions! 🙌🎨✍️

This year, six student winners will each receive a 2-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by Florida Prepaid College Plans. What an incredible opportunity for our young scholars!

All K–12 students across Florida are encouraged to participate, and we hope to see lots of creativity, reflection, and inspiration from our YMS Hornets. 🖤💛

📅 Submission Deadline: February 9, 2026
🌐 More Info: FloridaBlackHistory.com
🔗 Read the full announcement: bit.ly/3LKBm7z

Let’s celebrate the achievements, history, and contributions that continue to shape our world—and let our students’ voices shine! 🌟

📚✨ Amelia Island Book Festival – February 28! ✨📚

We’re excited to share this year’s Amelia Island Book Festival with our families and community! The 2026 Authors in Schools Program is packed with incredible talent, including 28 selected authors — with 11 from right here in Northeast Florida!

Here are a few highlights:
• 36% first‑time AIS participants and 64% returning authors
• 3 NYT‑featured authors visiting AP & Dual Enrollment classes
• Schools reviewed 4–8 books before making their selections

📅 February 28, 2026
🕙 10am–4pm
📍 Fernandina Beach Middle School
🎉 FREE ENTRY

Join us for author panels, writing workshops, over 100 exhibiting authors, a Kid Zone, food trucks, and more. We hope to see our Hornet families there! 📖💛

🎉 ALL PRO DADS — TOMORROW MORNING! 🎉

Yulee Middle School families, we can’t wait to see you at our next All Pro Dad event TOMORROW, January 28th!

Start your day with:
🥞 A FREE hot breakfast prepared by our amazing cafeteria team
💬 A positive, uplifting message
🎯 A quick lesson on setting goals
👨‍👧‍👦 And most importantly—quality time with your student before the school day begins.
📍 YMS Cafeteria
⏰ 7:45 am – 8:30 am

Calling all YMS fathers, father figures, and the students who look up to them—come warm up from the cold, share some laughs, and connect with your child in a meaningful way.

We can’t wait to see you there! 💛🖤
(Register using the QR code on the flyer!)

🍕🔥 SPIRIT NIGHT DONE RIGHT! 🔥🍕

Looking for an easy, delicious way to support our students and enjoy a great night out? We’ve got you covered.

📍 DeCicco’s – Wildlight (NY‑Style Pizza)
📅 Wednesday, January 21st
⏰ 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Here’s the deal—and it’s a GOOD one 👇
💛 15% of ALL sales will be donated to the Nassau County School District
🎒 Funds go directly toward helping pay off student lunch debt
That means every slice, every box, every bite = real impact for kids.
✅ Grab dinner for the family
✅ Invite friends and neighbors
✅ Support a local business
✅ Give back to our students—without spending anything extra

This is what community looks like:
🍕 Eat local
❤️ Give back
🎓 Support students
👉 Dine in or take it to go
👉 Tag someone you’ll grab pizza with
👉 Share this post to spread the word

Let’s pack DeCicco’s and show how strong our school community really is!

#SpiritNight #Wildlight #DeCiccos #SupportOurStudents #CommunityStrong #EatLocalGiveBack 🍕💛🚍

🔥THIS MORNING IS FOR YOU! 🔥

Strong schools start with strong connections—and this is one you don’t want to miss.
💚 Yulee Middle School proudly invites all dads, father figures, and their students to a special morning experience that’s about presence, partnership, and pride:

🥞 ALL PRO DAD BREAKFAST
📍 YMS Cafeteria
⏰ 7:45 AM – 8:30 AM
📅 Wednesday, January 28, 2026

This isn’t just breakfast.
It’s a chance to slow down, show up, and make a memory before school starts.

✅ Spend meaningful time with your child
✅ Connect with other YMS families
✅ Start the day feeling proud, appreciated, and energized
✅ Enjoy a FREE breakfast on us 🙌

👨‍👧‍👦 Whether you’re a dad, stepdad, grandfather, uncle, mentor, or positive male role model—you belong here.

📲 Register now using the QR code on the flyer so we know you’re coming!
Let’s fill the cafeteria with laughter, conversation, and community.
Because when dads show up, everybody wins 💪💚

👉 Tag a dad or father figure who needs to be there
👉 Share this post so no one misses out

#AllProDad #YuleeMiddleSchool #YMSPride #DadTimeMatters #StrongerTogether #FreeBreakfast #MorningWithMeaning

📚✨ Black History Month Essay Contest! ✨📚

Hosted by the Elm Street Sportsman Association

Middle schoolers from Fernandina Beach and Yulee — this is your chance to share your voice, celebrate Black history, and compete for cash prizes! 💵🙌

🖤 Theme:
Write about an African American in history, your life, or your community who has made an impact in areas like education, medicine, civil rights, or government.
Tell how their accomplishments have influenced you or our community.
Local figures are welcome but not required.

📝 Requirements:
• Must be a middle school student in Fernandina Beach or Yulee
• Minimum 200 words
• Typed essays preferred
• Must be neat and legible
• No AI allowed

🏆 Prizes:
🥇 1st Place – $200
🥈 2nd Place – $150
🥉 3rd Place – $100

📅 Deadline:
All essays are due to Mrs. Miles by Monday, Feb. 9, before 9 a.m.
✔️ Don’t forget your signed permission slip (see Mrs. Miles in Portable 97‑041)
📤 Mrs. Miles will submit all entries to the Elm Street Sportsman Association judges.

If you have questions, reach out to the email listed on the flyer.
Let your voice be heard — we can’t wait to read your powerful stories! ✍🏽🖤

#BlackHistoryMonth #StudentVoices #EssayContest #YMSProud

📣 Attention Class of 2030 Families! 🎓

Does your 8th grader want a jump‑start on their future?
West Nassau High School is hosting an Early College Informative Session for students interested in earning both a high school diploma AND an AA degree through the Early College program!

📅 January 22nd @ 6:00 PM
📍 West Nassau High School
To qualify for Early College, parent AND student attendance at one of the information meetings is required.

✨ Early College Benefits:
Students take blended high school + college courses, allowing them to earn an AA degree at no cost while still in high school!
📌 A few admission requirements include:

Completion of Algebra I by 5/28/26
Completion of HOPE by 7/25/26
GPA of 3.0 or higher (HS courses)
Passing the Algebra I EOC
Proficiency in PM3 Reading (8th grade)
Meeting qualifying points on the admission score system

Have questions? Reach out to the West Nassau counseling team:
📧 Mrs. Long – longon@nassau.k12.fl.us (WNHS)
📧 Ms. Lacovetta – lavaccja@nassau.k12.fl.us (HHS)
📧 Mrs. Jarrett – jarrettan1@nassau.k12.fl.us (HMHS)

⏰ This is the last chance meeting—don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity for your student!

🏃‍♀️🏃 YMS Track & Field Tryouts Are Here!

Do you have the speed, endurance, and determination to join our team? Come show us what you’ve got!

📅 Dates: January 22 & 23
⏰ Time: 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM
📍 Location: Yulee High School Football Field and Track

✅ Make sure you’re cleared on athleticclearance.com before tryouts!

Let’s make this season unforgettable—see you on the track! 💛🖤

📸 Picture Retake Day is Coming!

Yulee Middle School will have Picture Retakes on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
✅ How it works:

Students will be photographed on Picture Retake Day.
Bring your original picture package if you have one.
You can still order online at mylifetouch.com using Picture Day ID: EVTXPDBPR.
Orders will be sent home with your student after retakes.

Questions? Visit https://lifetouch.com/support-us for assistance.

📅 Mark your calendars and make sure your student is ready for their best smile!

🌊⚓ Coming Soon to YMS: “The Science of Shipwrecks” Pop‑Up Museum! ⚓🌊
We’re thrilled to share that our next Pop‑Up Museum experience is on the way to YMS — “The Science of Shipwrecks”! This interactive exhibit brings history, science, and exploration to life for our students in a hands‑on, unforgettable way.

Once the display is set up next week, classes will be able to sign up for an immersive museum-style visit right here on campus. Teachers will also have access to content-aligned activities to help students dive deeper into the world of maritime archaeology.
💻 Try Our New Interactive Game!

Students and staff can also explore a brand‑new digital activity connected to the exhibit, a memory and matching game featuring real artifacts recovered from a shipwreck. Players will compare items as they were found underwater with how they look after conservation. The game can be played multiple times and our school has been invited to share feedback!

👉 Try it out here: https://interacty.me/projects/79009aabad90858e

We can’t wait to see our students engage with this unique blend of science, history, and discovery. Stay tuned for more details and photos once the exhibit arrives!

📣 YMS Baseball – Tryout Information! ⚾🐝

Hornet families, it’s almost time to step up to the plate! Our YMS Baseball program is preparing for the new season, and we’re excited to welcome students who are ready to work hard and represent Yulee with pride.

Important Dates
📅 January 6th & 8th — Arm Care Sessions
⏰ 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

📅 January 12th & 13th — Official Tryouts
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Location: Yulee High School Field

These sessions are a great opportunity for athletes to get warmed up, show their skills, and prepare for a strong season.

If you have any questions about tryouts, feel free to reach out to the coaching staff or our athletics department. Let’s have an amazing baseball season—Go Hornets! 💛💚🐝⚾