jacksonville autism parents

Click to view the 2024-2025 Food Truck Schedule! >
(Beginning September 2023)

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS

MERCH

Exciting News! Check back towards the end of August! Link to Mainspring Store Coming Soon!

Summer 2024 Newsletter

May 29, 2024 by Sabrena Snow Leave a Comment

May 2024 – Mainspring Academy would like to congratulate two 12th grade students that staff has watched grow and thrive on campus through the years: Amanda Reyes-Baez and Adam Wilson. They will be recognized during our first graduation ceremony along with four students who have successfully completed our Transition Program : Maddox Evans, Dean Gillette, Kris Helt, and Micah Brown. We are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments! Mainspring Academy would like to give special thanks to MK’s Cookie Creations , First Coast Forge Lasercrafted Gifts, and Bamba Box for their generosity in providing treats for our ceremony and gifts for our graduates!

Mainspring Academy’s Sensory Art Summer Program begins June 24th and ends July 19th.

ALL PARENTS: Please keep an eye out late June for Enrollment Packets, Extended Care Packets plus deposit fees, School Supply List, and first month’s tuition. All will be due in July.

NEW PARENTS: Please expect invitations from Quickschools and Class Dojo in July. Copies of birth certificates, latest physicals + immunizations (no earlier than 2023 are also due in July.
Class assignments and Meet the Teacher dates will be distributed through Teacher Preplanning in late July or Early August.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday, June 3rd – Remaining balances for Parent Participation Hours Due
Thursday, June 6th– Open PAC Meeting in the cafeteria
Friday, June 7th– Week 4 Summer Camp and Extended Care Fees Due
Tuesday, June 11th – Cruiseday Tuesday – Students and staff will be encouraged to kick off the summer by dressing like they’re going on a cruise or tropical vacation.
Friday, June 14th – Summer Splash Day, Last Day of School for Students EARLY DISMISSAL AND NO AFTERCARE
Monday, June 17th – Teacher Planning Day
Tuesday, June 18th – Friday, June 21st – SCHOOL CLOSED FOR SUMMER BREAK
Monday, June 24th – Friday, June 28th -A 3D World: Summer Program Week 1
JULY: Please keep an eye out late June for Enrollment Packets, Extended Care Packets plus deposit fees, School Supply List, and first month’s tuition. All will be due in July. New parents should expect invitations from Quickschools and Class Dojo. Class assignments and Meet the Teacher dates are usually distributed in late July.
Monday, July 1st- Wednesday, July 3rd, Friday, July 5th– Paint the Summer: Summer Program Week – 2
Monday, July 8th – Friday, July 12th– Bits and Pieces: Mixed Media – Summer Program Week 3
Monday, July 15th- Friday, July 19th – Summer Style – Summer Program Week 4
Monday, July 22nd – Friday, July 26th – SCHOOL CLOSED for Summer Break, Teacher Planning Weeks to Follow

Questions or missing any forms? Check Quickschools! Many questions and requests can also be submitted in the Parent Corner of our website! More Information (Quickschools)> More Information (Parent Corner)>

MSA BIRTHDAYS!

Ms. Callie- June 3rd

Connor L. – June 4th

Kipling– June 15th

Minal – June 24th

Mikiah– June 25th

Turner – June 28th

Ms. Liz W.– July 1st

Connor S.– July 2nd

Miles – July 12th

Ishmael – July 13th

Nealie – July 15th

Eliza – July 16th

Ms. Amy – July 20th

Maddox – July 24th

Josh – July 25th

DIFFERENCE MAKERS

Mainspring Academy has been awarded a Spring grant from HEAL Foundation to fund the larger events and projects planned for our Sensory Art Summer Program! We are so excited to guide our students in exploring new ways to express themselves!

Mainspring Academy received a donation of $70,000 from the Neviaser Foundation, which will make a significant difference for our recent expansion, supporting the continuance of our goal to provide the quality resources that will help students with intellectual and developmental differences thrive beyond their school experience! The Neviaser Foundation has made tremendous impacts for the special needs community in Jacksonville and we are so thankful to be included in their vision!

On behalf of the Mainspring Academy community of parents, staff, and supporters, thank you for the compassion and commitment you have shown for our students and school. It is the kindness of our donors and volunteers that has helped us to expand in size and quality, furthering our mission to provide quality, individualized education in a safe learning environment for students with intellectual and developmental differences who are often missed.
Thank you for the differences you make.

Hello, It’s me again, Benny the Manatee! July 26th will be the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act! ADA U.S. legislation that provides civil rights protection to individuals with physical or mental disabilities. It protects people with disabilities from discrimination in many areas, including employment, education, and public accommodations!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

A few friendly reminders:

(1) All volunteers NOT listed as a student’s parent, guardian, or sibling must complete a Volunteer Application to be kept on file. More Information>.
(2) If seeking parent participation credit, all volunteer hours must be reported via Parent Participation Credit Request Form. More Information>.

Join our Parent Action Committee (PAC) (via Mobile or Desktop App)>

Thursday, June 6th at 9:15am – There will be an Open PAC meeting in the cafeteria to plan Summer Splash Day

Volunteers will be needed on Friday, June 14th from 9am-12pm for Summer Splash Day. Signup to come!

Please be on the lookout for a summer camp wishlist! We are also in need of handy volunteers to help install playground equipment!

Curious about Mainspring Academy’s needs and how to support us through donations, pledges, or sponsorships? Check out our Ways to Give Page. More Information>

FORECASTS

5-Day Pollen>

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS

Click to view the 2023-2024 Food Truck Schedule! >
(Beginning September 2023)

MERCH

Exciting News! Check back towards the end of August! Link to Mainspring Store Coming Soon!

May 2024 Newsletter

April 30, 2024 by Sabrena Snow Leave a Comment

April 2024 – Mainspring Academy held its Spring Special Olympics event on campus, with the help of parent and community volunteers. Congratulations to the 1st place winners of our Soccer and Track/Field Games: Aiden Wilson, Ashlyn Arbogust, Maddox Evans, and Alison D’esterhazy!

Mainspring Academy’s Board of Directors held its 3rd annual Bourbon and Bites event, an exciting banquet fundraiser to benefit Mainspring Academy’s tuition hardship program, which provides families with financial challenges funding to pay for their child’s specialized education. Guests enjoyed a four-course meal with whiskey pairings, prepared by Fish Camp executive chefs.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday, May 3rd – Summer Camp Pay-In-Full Due
Tuesday, May 6th– SCHOOL CLOSED for Teacher Planning Day
Wednesday, May 7th- Friday, May 10th- SCHOOL CLOSED unless enrolled in Spring Intersession
Monday, May 13th – Friday, May 17th – Teacher Appreciation Week at Mainspring Academy
- Monday – Parents volunteers will be arriving in the morning to cook a hot, fresh breakfast for staff.
- Tuesday – Staff will receive appreciation bags from parents
- Wednesday – Staff will receive lunch, provided by Mainspring Academy
- Thursday– Parents will write kind notes on the notecards being sent home to fill each staff member’s buckets.
- Friday – Parent volunteers will go to each class to offer something salty and something sweet on a decorated food cart.
Tuesday, May 14th – Open PAC Meeting in the cafeteria to plan Summer Splash Day
Wednesday, May 15th– 2024-2025 Full Enrollment Fees Due
Wednesday, May 15th– Out-of-Pocket Tuition Due
Friday, May 17th – Week 1 Summer Camp and Camp Extended Care Fees Due
Friday, May 24th – Week 2 Summer Camp and Camp Extended Care Fees Due
Friday, May 31st – Week 3 Summer Camp and Camp Extended Care Fees Due
Monday, June 3rd – Parent Participation Hours and Remaining Balances Due
Friday, June 7th – Week 4 Summer Camp and Extended Care Fees Due
Tuesday, June 11th – Cruiseday Tuesday – Students and staff will be encouraged to kick off the summer by dressing like they’re going on a cruise or tropical vacation.
Friday, June 14th – Summer Splash Day, Last Day of School for Students EARLY DISMISSAL AND NO AFTERCARE
Monday, June 17th – Teacher Planning Day
Tuesday, June 18th – Friday, June 21st – SCHOOL CLOSED FOR SUMMER BREAK
Monday, June 24th – Friday, June 28th – Paint the Summer: Summer Program Week 1
Monday, July 1st- Wednesday, July 3rd, Friday, July 5th – A 3D World: Summer Program Week 2
Monday, July 8th – Friday, July 12th– Mixed Media – Summer Program Week 3
Monday, July 15th- Friday, July 19th – Summer Style – Summer Program Week 4
Monday, July 22nd – Friday, July 26th – SCHOOL CLOSED for Summer Break, Teacher Planning Weeks to Follow

MSA BIRTHDAYS!

Sadie B. – May 7th

Kris – May 7th

Mr. Jeff – May 14th

JuanLuis – May 16th

Ariel– May 19th

Ms. Sabrena – May 19th

Noah– May 22nd

Theo– May 28th

Ms. Sara – May 29th

DIFFERENCE MAKERS

Mainspring Academy has been awarded a Fall grant from HEAL Foundation to help us enhance our playground! We are so excited to be able to provide some new equipment to help our students regulate, unwind, and have fun during recess!

Mainspring Academy received a donation of $70,000 from the Neviaser Foundation, which will make a significant difference for our recent expansion, supporting the continuance of our goal to provide the quality resources that will help students with intellectual and developmental differences thrive beyond their school experience! The Neviaser Foundation has made tremendous impacts for the special needs community in Jacksonville and we are so thankful to be included in their vision!

On behalf of the Mainspring Academy community of parents, staff, and supporters, thank you for the compassion and commitment you have shown for our students and school. It is the kindness of our donors and volunteers that has helped us to expand in size and quality, furthering our mission to provide quality, individualized education in a safe learning environment for students with intellectual and developmental differences who are often missed.
Thank you for the differences you make.

Hello, It’s me again, Benny the Manatee! May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Did you know studies estimate that mental health conditions are up to 50% more common in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities than the general population? Did you know people with autism are four times more likely to develop depression than neurotypical people, and that it is even considered as the most common mental health condition in people with autism spectrum disorders? Check out the helpful resources below on signs and symptoms of common mental health risks within our unique population:

“Depression in People with Intellectual Disabilities” (University of Hertfordshire)
“How to Recognise When an Autistic Adult is Depressed” (Atwood and Garnett)
“Do People with Autism Experience Depression Differently?” (Psychology Today)
“The Art and Science of Treating Depression in Autism” (SPARK)
“Anxiety in students with intellectual disabilities” (Frontiers in Education)

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

A few friendly reminders:

(1) All volunteers NOT listed as a student’s parent, guardian, or sibling must complete a Volunteer Application to be kept on file. More Information>.
(2) If seeking parent participation credit, all volunteer hours must be reported via Parent Participation Credit Request Form. More Information>.

Join our Parent Action Committee (PAC) (via Mobile or Desktop App)>

Tuesday, May 14th at 9:15am – There will be an Open PAC meeting in the cafeteria to plan Summer Splash Day

Volunteers will be needed on Friday, June 14th from 9am-12pm for Summer Splash Day. Signup to come!

Please be on the lookout for a summer camp wishlist! We are also in need of handy volunteers to help install playground equipment!

Curious about Mainspring Academy’s needs and how to support us through donations, pledges, or sponsorships? Check out our Ways to Give Page. More Information>

FORECASTS

5-Day Pollen>

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS

Click to view the 2023-2024 Food Truck Schedule! >
(Beginning September 2023)

MERCH

Exciting News! Check back towards the end of August! Link to Mainspring Store Coming Soon!

April 2024 Newsletter

April 1, 2024 by Sabrena Snow Leave a Comment

March 2024 – Mainspring Academy joined in World Neurodiversity Celebration Week, urging the community to “Empower Minds of All Kinds”. Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a “worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, organizations, and others around the world with the opportunity to recognize the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual”. Students created colorful string paintings as representations of their beautiful and unique minds. Each Mainspring student also worked together to create a stunning drip art piece in honor of the Neviaser Foundation.

Mainspring Academy received a donation of $70,000 from the Neviaser Foundation, which will make a significant difference for our recent expansion, supporting the continuance of our goal to provide the quality resources that will help students with intellectual and developmental differences thrive beyond their school experience! The Neviaser Foundation has made tremendous impacts for the special needs community in Jacksonville and we are so thankful to be included in their vision!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday, April 5th– 2024-2025 Contracts Due
Friday, April 5th- Summer Extended School Year Contracts and $100 Deposits Due
Friday, April 12th– Full Spring Intersession Fee Due
Monday, April 15th – Tuition and Extended Care Payments Due
Friday, April 18th – Special Olympics Soccer and Track/Field (Time and Location TBD)
Friday, April 19th – SCHOOL CLOSED for Teacher Planning Day
Thursday, April 25th – Bourbon and Bites 2024

MSA BIRTHDAYS!

JJ – April 3rd

Dean – April 4th

Ms Lisa – April 10th

Taylor – April 11th

Ashlyn– April 11th

Mr. Jonathon – April 16th

Vaughn – April 30th

Hello, It’s me again, Benny the Manatee! April is Autism Acceptance Month! Did you know 79% of our students at MSA have an ASD diagnosis? Check out the videos below to learn why we should be empowering autistic voices and shifting from Autism Awareness to Autism Acceptance!

FORECASTS

5-Day Pollen>

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS

Click to view the 2023-2024 Food Truck Schedule! >
(Beginning September 2023)

MERCH

Exciting News! Check back towards the end of August! Link to Mainspring Store Coming Soon!

Bourbon and Bites: April 25th, 2024

March 5, 2024 by Sabrena Snow Leave a Comment

Please join us for our 3rd annual Bourbon and Bites event benefitting Mainspring Academy!

WHAT: Mainspring Academy’s Board of Directors invites you to enjoy a four-course dinner prepared by executive chefs from the Julington Creek Fish Camps. Each course will be expertly paired with premium bourbons. 2024’s Bourbon and Bites will benefit Mainspring Academy’s financial hardship scholarship program, which provides families with financial challenges funding to pay for their child’s specialized education.

If you cannot attend, but would like to make a donation to Mainspring Academy’s tuition hardship program, please CLICK HERE.

WHEN: Bourbon and Bites 2024 will take place, Thursday, April 25th, 2024, from 6:00pm EST to 9:00pm EST

WHERE: Julington Creek Fish Camp, Lower Level, 12760 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL, 32233

CONTACT: RSVP to your table host by Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

For more information about Bourbon and Bites 2024, please contact Sabrena Snow, Director of Student and Community Affairs at [email protected] or (904)503-0344.

March 2024 Newsletter

March 1, 2024 by Sabrena Snow Leave a Comment

Februrary 2024 – Mainspring Academy celebrated the month of friendship and love with many exciting celebrations. Miles for Mainspring Virtual Step Challenge participants raised $4300 towards the school’s adaptive physical education program. Parent volunteer Emily Arbogust was announced as the lucky winner of our $1000 vacation getaway to Cinnamon Beach, donated by the Szymczak family. We are so grateful to all of the registrants who made their steps count for the students at Mainspring Academy!

Students exchanged gift baskets full of their classmate’s favorite things during our annual Val Pal Exchange.

Mainspring classes enjoyed many Black History Month activities during our “ABC I Love Me” Self-Love Week and our volunteer-hosted Alma Thomas Art Project. During our “Famous Firsts” week, teachers dedicated fun interactive activities to famous African American historical figures!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday, March 5th– Open Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting 9:15am at Mainspring Academy
Monday, March 11-Friday, March 15th – Empower Minds of All Kinds: World Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Wednesday, March 13th-Friday, March 15th– Spring Portraits
Monday, March 18th-Friday, March 22nd – SCHOOL CLOSED for Spring Break

MSA BIRTHDAYS!

Ms. Emily – March 2nd

Silas – March 9th

Jean – March 18th

Jacob – March 25th

Micah– March 25th

Hello, It’s me again, Benny the Manatee! World Neurodiversity Celebration Week is March 18th-22nd, 2024. This is a perfect week for a school like Mainspring that “Empowers Minds of All Kinds”!

Please take a look at the resources from the World Neurodiversity Celebration Week Website!There are free webinars for the entire week that you can join or share with friends and coworkers including “Neurodiversity at Work”, “Neuro-Inclusive Language”, “The Experiences of Neurodivergent Girls and Women”, “Creating a Neurodivergent Classroom” and many more. Thank you for helping to encourage acceptance and inclusivity in our community! https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

A few friendly reminders:

(1) All volunteers NOT listed as a student’s parent, guardian, or sibling must complete a Volunteer Application to be kept on file. More Information>.
(2) If seeking parent participation credit, all volunteer hours must be reported via Parent Participation Credit Request Form. More Information>.

There will be a Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting Tuesday, March 5th at 9:15am in the Mainspring Academy Cafeteria to discuss yearbook and Teacher Appreciation Week! Parents interested in joining our volunteer event/holiday planning team can access meeting dates, topics, notes, signups, team updates, and action-day group messaging! Join our Parent Action Committee (PAC) (via Mobile or Desktop App)>

Our two Special Olympics events for the year have been scheduled! Volunteers will be needed from 11am-2pm at the duPont YMCA 7373 Old King’s Rd S, Jacksonville FL 32217 on January for Flag Football/Basketball and April for Track/Soccer. Details on dates and times in the following link. Get on the list>

Curious about Mainspring Academy’s needs and how to support us through donations, pledges, or sponsorships? Check out our Ways to Give Page. More Information>

FORECASTS

5-Day Pollen>

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS

Click to view the 2023-2024 Food Truck Schedule! >
(Beginning September 2023)

MERCH

Exciting News! Check back towards the end of August! Link to Mainspring Store Coming Soon!

February 2024 Newsletter

February 11, 2024 by Sabrena Snow Leave a Comment

January 2024 – Mainspring Academy held its first biannual Special Olympics event at the duPont YMCA, with the help of parent volunteers and friends at the Jacksonville Sharks and the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department. Congratulations to the 1st place winners of our Basketball and Flag Football Games: Nathan Muzichuk, Ashlyn Arbogust, Maddox Evans, and Taylor Barrett!

Miles for Mainspring 2024 begins this week! Good luck to all of our registrants!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday, February 12th -Sunday, February 18th – Miles for Mainspring 2024
Tuesday, February 13th– Open Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting 9:15am at Mainspring Academy
Monday, February 12th- Friday, February 16th – Black History Month: ABC I Love Me Week
Tuesday, February 13th – STUDENT Val Pals Due
Thursday, February 15th – Out-of-Pocket Tuition and Extended Care fees due
Monday, February 19th – SCHOOL CLOSED for President’s Day
Tuesday, February 20th-Friday, February 23rd – Black History Month: Famous Firsts Week
Monday, February 26th– Black History Month: Alma Thomas Art Project

MSA BIRTHDAYS!

Mr. Dabbs – February 2nd

Katie – February 3rd

Mr. Frank – February 5th

Ms. Sheri – February 6th

Jada– February 9th

Ms. Luisa– February 20th

Ms. Ahyanna – February 23rd

Allan– February 26th

Hello, It’s me again, Benny the Manatee! Congratulations to all of our Special Olympics participants! It was so fun to see all of my friends compete!

Keep an eye out for our Famous Firsts Week this month! I can’t wait to see all the ways each of our classes will be celebrating historical figures for Black History Month: Honoring the past and Inspiring the Future!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

A few friendly reminders:

(1) All volunteers NOT listed as a student’s parent, guardian, or sibling must complete a Volunteer Application to be kept on file. More Information>.
(2) If seeking parent participation credit, all volunteer hours must be reported via Parent Participation Credit Request Form. More Information>.

There will be a Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting Tuesday, February 13th at 9:15am in the Mainspring Academy Cafeteria to discuss Teacher Appreciation Week! Parents interested in joining our volunteer event/holiday planning team can access meeting dates, topics, notes, signups, team updates, and action-day group messaging! Join our Parent Action Committee (PAC) (via Mobile or Desktop App)>

Our two Special Olympics events for the year have been scheduled! Volunteers will be needed from 11am-2pm at the duPont YMCA 7373 Old King’s Rd S, Jacksonville FL 32217 on January for Flag Football/Basketball and April for Track/Soccer. Details on dates and times in the following link. Get on the list>

Curious about Mainspring Academy’s needs and how to support us through donations, pledges, or sponsorships? Check out our Ways to Give Page. More Information>

FORECASTS

5-Day Pollen>

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS

Click to view the 2023-2024 Food Truck Schedule! >
(Beginning September 2023)

MERCH

Exciting News! Check back towards the end of August! Link to Mainspring Store Coming Soon!

Miles for Mainspring 2024

January 3, 2024 by Sabrena Snow Leave a Comment

Registration for the Miles for Mainspring 7 -Day Virtual Step Challenge ends Wednesday, January 24, 2024! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW! (REGISTRATION WILL BE CLOSED 1/24/2024 12:00PM EST)

WHAT: Walk 10K steps a day for 7 days to support an adaptive physical education program for 63 special education students at Mainspring Academy. Jacksonville registrants who successfully complete their walks each day will be eligible to win a prize (valued at up to $300) in a daily raffle, and a grand prize for completing all 7 days.

The Miles for Mainspring 2024 Grand Prize includes a 2-Night stay in a luxurious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom direct oceanfront condo in Cinnamon Beach in the quiet and family-friendly resort community of Ocean Hammock in beautiful Palm Coast, Florida! Cinnamon Beach is a private, gated community that offers 2 pools, hot tubs, a fitness center, a bar/grille, game rooms, and a business center. Once you’ve won this relaxing getaway the owners will send you the calendar and you can reserve your vacation. Donated by the Szymczaks this trip is valued at $1,000. View VRBO Listing here> #MakingMyStepsCount

WHEN: Miles for Mainspring begins Monday, February 12, 2024 at 12:00 AM EST and ends Monday, February 19, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST. Daily prize winners will be announced beginning Tuesday, February 13, 2024 and the grand prize winner will be announced Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

WHERE: This is a remote event. Registrants may join the Miles for Mainspring Facebook Group to submit their proof of steps (beginning Monday, February 12, 2024), as well as to receive event updates. If you do not have a Facebook account, registrants can submit their name and proof of steps to [email protected]

CONTACT: Please contact Sabrena Snow, Director of Student and Community Affairs at [email protected] or (904)503-0344 for more information about Miles for Mainspring.

ALREADY REGISTERED? PLEASE VIEW/DOWNLOAD THE EVENT RESOURCES BELOW!

CLICK HERE for Miles for Mainspring 2024 Contest Instructions and Frequently Asked Questions.

CLICK HERE to create your Facebook fundraiser for additional raffle entries*.

CLICK HERE for Sponsor Pledge Letter and Forms for additional raffle entries*

CLICK HERE to make a donation on our website form on behalf of a registrant**.

* Donations must be submitted to the front desk, by mail, or online by Wednesday, January 31st, 2024. Facebook fundraisers must end by Wednesday, January 31, 2024. **Registrants or sponsors must please email Sabrena Snow at [email protected] to let her know a donation is being made on the registrant’s behalf, in order to receive raffle credit.

MILES FOR MAINSPRING CALENDAR

Monday, January 1st – Wednesday, January 24th, 2024 Registration OPEN

Wednesday, January 31st – Miles for Mainspring donation pledge forms and collections for extra raffle entries due by 3:00pm

Monday, February 12th-Monday February 19th, 2024- MILES FOR MAINSPRING VIRTUAL STEP CHALLENGE

Monday, February 12th- Miles for Mainspring Launch Day. Day 1 proof of steps due by 11:59pm.

Tuesday- February 13th – Day 1 raffle winner announced Tuesday afternoon. Day 2 proof of steps due by 11:59pm.

Wednesday- February 14th – Day 2 raffle winner announced Wednesday afternoon. Day 3 proof of steps due by 11:59pm.

Thursday- February 15th – Day 3 raffle winner announced Thursday afternoon. Day 4 proof of steps due by 11:59pm.

Friday- February 16th – Day 4 raffle winner announced Friday afternoon. Day 5 proof of steps due by 11:59pm.

Saturday- February 17th – Day 5 raffle winner announced Monday afternoon. Day 6 proof of steps due by 11:59pm.

Sunday- February 18th – Day 6 raffle winner announced Tuesday afternoon. Day 7 proof of steps due by 11:59pm.

Monday- February 19th – Day 7 raffle winner announced Tuesday afternoon.

Tuesday- February 20th- Day 7 raffle winner announced Tuesday afternoon. Grand prize raffle winner for registrants who completed all 7 days, announced in the evening

January 2024 Newsletter

January 2, 2024 by Sabrena Snow Leave a Comment

December 2023 – Mainspring Academy and adaptive music teacher Dinah Frilling were thrilled to host their first annual Winter Music Performance. Students presented their favorite Holiday songs they had been practicing during weekly music classes. (Video Below)

December was full of holiday festivities as students walked the halls through staff Christmas Villages, enjoyed cookie recipes from all around the world for World of Cookies for Santa Day, and gathered treats at all of the fun stops at our annual Polar Express event. Thank you to our staff, families, and Parent Action Committee for helping to bring Mainspring events to life!

Don’t forget Friday, January 26th is our Special Olympics Basketball and Flag Football Event. 10-15 Volunteers will be needed to run stations and help take scores. Please see the “Volunteer” section below to sign up!

Registration for our parent fundraiser Miles for Mainspring 2024 is now OPEN until Wednesday January 24th! We are raising funds to help maintain our adaptive physical education program. We are still in the process of finalizing our sponsor list, daily prize list, and this year’s t-shirt design, so please expect those updates on the event page soon! We are so excited to be #makingourstepscount for another awesome year! Register NOW>

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday, January 8th- Students return to school
Tuesday, January 9th– Open Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting 9:15am at Mainspring Academy
Thursday, January 11th – Mid-year parent participation hour totals and reminders will be sent out
Monday, January 15th – School Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Wednesday, January 24th – Miles for Mainspring 2024 Registration Closed
Friday, January 26th – Special Olympics Basketball and Flag Football. (Volunteers Needed)
Wednesday, January 31st – Intent to Re-enroll 2024 Forms Due
Wednesday, January 31st – Last day for Miles for Mainspring additional raffle-entry donations

MSA BIRTHDAYS!

Ms. Liz M. –January 5th

Adam – January 9th

Ms. Dina – January 9th

Killian – January 16th

Austin – January 23rd

Hello, It’s me again, Benny the Manatee! I’ve had a wonderful Winter Break making lots of fun memories with my family. Now, I’m ready to go back to learning!

Don’t forget Monday, January 15th is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! Have you ever heard of Mr.Jim Letherer? He was an amputee and cancer surviver who marched all 54 miles from Selma to Montgomery while on his crutches next to Dr. King. Jim told reporters “You see the world through a different perspective when you see it from a wheelchair or on a pair of crutches. You look for things that happen to the underdogs, the long shots, those who have to beat the odds just to get the little things that other people take for granted”. There is a life-sized statue of Jim Letherer in a Selma Museum memorial. As we celebrate Dr. King’s legacy, we reflect on how his leadership and influence in the Civil Rights movement gave strength to the Disability Rights movement and the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act almost 30 years later!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

A few friendly reminders:

(1) All volunteers NOT listed as a student’s parent, guardian, or sibling must complete a Volunteer Application to be kept on file. More Information>.
(2) If seeking parent participation credit, all volunteer hours must be reported via Parent Participation Credit Request Form. More Information>.

There will be a Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting Tuesday, January 9th at 9:15am in the Mainspring Academy Cafeteria to discuss Black History Month and Miles for Mainspring! Parents interested in joining our volunteer event/holiday planning team can access meeting dates, topics, notes, signups, team updates, and action-day group messaging! Join our Parent Action Committee (PAC) (via Mobile or Desktop App)>

Our two Special Olympics events for the year have been scheduled! Volunteers will be needed from 11am-2pm at the duPont YMCA 7373 Old King’s Rd S, Jacksonville FL 32217 on January for Flag Football/Basketball and April for Track/Soccer. Details on dates and times in the following link. Get on the list>

Curious about Mainspring Academy’s needs and how to support us through donations, pledges, or sponsorships? Check out our Ways to Give Page. More Information>

FORECASTS

5-Day Pollen>