Dear Patriots,
We are super excited to start another school year here at Joseph Stilwell Military Academy of Leadership. We cannot wait to see your children become JSMAL cadets. I want to take a moment to thank each of you for trusting us with your child's middle school years. In so many ways, these are challenging years to raise children, but they are also filled with priceless moments, immense growth, and maturity, and we love and embrace all of it in middle school.
Our mission here at JSMAL is that every cadet is prepared for high school and beyond. What does it mean to be prepared for high school? If you came to Orientation, I shared that cadets need to pass three courses in Language Arts, Math, Science and Social studies to promote to high school. However, passing core classes will get your cadet promoted, but there is a lot more we need your child to accomplish to be ready for high school. They need to be at level 3 or higher on the state Reading and Math tests and they need C's or better in each of their classes. Achieving C's and above will also ensure that your child is eligible to play sports and participate in afterschool activities. Fortunately, we have a number of safety nets to assist your children if they are struggling in any area. Please monitor your child's progress through your parents’ account and let us work together to bring out the absolute best in your cadet.
If for any reason, we fall short of your expectations, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any of my cadre. We are here, in partnership with you, to do what is best for your child. We may not always agree on how to do that, but you will be treated with respect and dignity, and we ask that you do the same. Here is a letter from the Florida Commissioner of Education regarding your rights as a parent when it comes to public education.
07.14.2025 Letter to Parents from FLDOE.pdf
For tomorrow, please ensure that your cadet knows how they are getting home. There is no team up until next Monday, Aug 18. If he or she is riding a bus, write down the route number or numbers where it can easily be found. Remember, the route numbers are bus numbers. We will ask your cadet, several times tomorrow, how are you getting home? If they say a bus, we will ask the bus number. If they do not know it, we will call you.
Tomorrow is going to be a fantastic day. We will make sure your cadet gets fed, goes to all seven classes, and gets home! Nothing else is more important to us.
Enjoy the remainder of your Sunday! We cannot wait to welcome your children tomorrow!
Tamara Roper
Proud Principal
JSMAL