jacksonville special needs

August 2023 Newsletter

SUMMER 2023 – Camp Mainspring went full S.T.E.A.M. ahead thanks to the generosity of HEAL Foundation, who sponsored a summer of building, discovering, and exploring through adaptive activities for our students with intellectual and developmental differences. Campers used sensory projects to learn about both biological and ecological environments. They even met some new friends Hamba the Gopher Tortoise, Beetlejuice The California King Snake, and Flash the Chinchilla from the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. They trekked through MOSH’s Expedition Dinosaur, learning about primitive technology. Campers conducted experiments practicing concepts of conservation, aerodynamics, and mechanics. They also got the chance to become toy engineers, creating their very own marionette puppets, stuffed bears, and wooden cars. Through art, they applied mathematical concepts like shapes, patterns, and physics. Mainspring is extremely grateful to HEAL for providing opportunities for our students to apply their learning in unique and memorable ways! Learn More About HEAL Foundation>

JULY 2023 – Mainspring Academy is delighted to announce that the JT Townsend Foundation has extended an invitation to our families who may be interested in receiving individual grants for adaptive equipment. The JT Townsend Foundation mission is to provide hope to the community of people living with disabilities by offering financial assistance for adaptive equipment and services that will improve their quality of life. Grant recipients have received adaptive mobility aids, feeding devices, asistive technology, bikes, carseats, medical equipment, and more. Read JT Townsend’s Inspiring Story Here>

If you would like to apply for a grant for your child, please have your doctor complete a letter of medical necessity describing your child’s need for the proposed equipment. You can then submit the letter and application on their website. If you need assistance with this process, please reach out to Mainspring Administration at [email protected]. We are happy to help! Apply Now>

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Tuesday, August 1st– Out-of-pocket tuition due
  • Monday, August 7th – New Parent Orientation and Meet the Teacher
    • Nicole, Callie, Paige, Sara, and Jeff’s Classes
      • 9:30am New Parent Orientation
      • 10:30am Meet the Teacher
    • Che, Kim, Dabbs, Liz, Lisa, and Amy’s Classes
      • 12:00pm New Parent Orientation
      • 1:00pm Meet the Teacher
  • Tuesday, August 15th – Open Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting 9:15am at Mainspring Academy
  • Tuesday, August 15th – Extended Day Fees Due
  • Tuesday, August 15th – Out-of-pocket Tuition Due
  • Thursday, August 31st – Special Olympics Forms Due
  • Friday, September 1st – Spirit Month: Diversity Day
    • Students and staff are encouraged to dress representing their cultures.
  • Friday, September 1st -Out-of-pocket Tuition due
  • Friday, September 1st – Fall Intersession (10/17-10/20) Deposit Fee and Contract Due
  • Friday, September 1st -Signed Parent Handbook Acknowledgment Forms Due

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

MSA BIRTHDAYS!

Jude – August 2nd

Mr. Josh – August 19th

Drew – August 19th

Ms. Nicole – August 20th

Ali – August 25th

Ody – August 27th

DIFFERENCE MAKERS

This summer, the Florida Department of Revenue Child Support Office generously provided Mainspring Academy a much-needed donation of computers! Technology is not only instrumental in many of our students’ communication, it helps foster an engaging and interactive learning environment for all of our students.

Mainspring Academy received a donation of $75,000 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!

In preparation for the 2023-2024 school year, parents, staff, Bank of America Community Volunteers, and their Disability Action Network came together to beautify the Mainspring Academy campus. We are so excited to open the additional space for our students. We are looking forward to our students returning “ready to learn” August 9th in a fresh, safe, and comfortable environment.

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, I’m Benny the Manatee! I’m so excited to join the new school year at Mainspring Academy! Mainspring has so many awesome plans for us this year and it’s really cool to be at a school that teaches us how to be more independent!

Last week was the the 33rd anniversary since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed – a law that protects the rights of people with disabilities in all areas of public life like schools, jobs, transportation, and more. It’s there to make sure people with disabilities have the same chances as everyone else.

Did you know I was named after Dr. Bengt Nirj, a very important disabilities advocate from Sweden? In the 1960s, Dr. Nirj’s ideas influenced a huge self-advocacy movement around the world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD’s).

Self-advocacy means… knowing and speaking up for ourselves!

Back then, many believed people with IDD’s should be kept seperated from everyone else. They did not get to live freely, make their own choices, or have the same chances to show their skills. Dr. Nirj believed people with IDD’s should go out in the community and have the freedom to express themselves, decide for themselves, learn about responsibilities, and have the “dignity of risk”. He believed the public should “normalize” the idea that, just like everyone else, people with IDD’s can learn the skills to be more independent…if only they were taught! He wrote his studies in his paper, “Towards Independence” which he read at the 11th World Congress. His theory of self-advocacy created a movement that spread from Europe all the way to Canada! In 1974, “People First” became the largest and first self-advocacy organization in the United States. Almost 600 self-advocates came from across the nation to be at the first conference. Many people with IDD’s who had never spoken publicly were actually taking the microphone and being heard!!! For the first time, many people discovered that their voices mattered!

Adults with IDD’s are still speaking out today about expectations that made them feel unheard at school, home, or in the community. As parents, teachers, and friends, it’s important to remember the heart of ADA is self-advocacy. By listening to IDD voices , we can work together to create a safer, more inclusive and accepting world for our kids!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

A friendly reminder that all volunteers NOT listed as a student’s parent, guardian, or sibling must complete a Volunteer Application to be kept on file. More Information>

Our first open Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting and Welcome Breakfast will take place Tuesday, August 15th at 9:15am in the Mainspring Academy Cafeteria. 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)>

Thursday, August 17th is National Nonprofit Day. Clerical staff is seeking parent volunteers throughout August to assist with writing impact statement cards to last year’s donors. All items will be provided. Please email Sabrena at [email protected] if interested! Get on the list>

Our annual Sensory Superhero Day will take place Friday, September 25th beginning at 10:00am. (Volunteers will be setting up between 9:00-10:00am). Mainspring students and staff are encouraged to dress representing their favorite superheroes as we engage with the real-life super heroes all around us!
More Information>

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>

MERCH

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

June 2023 Newsletter

MAINSPRING ACADEMY: May 2023 – TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK – Mainspring Academy teachers and staff enjoyed beautiful artwork from students, breakfast and treats from our Parent Action Committee, gifts from parents, and an exciting week-long “Candy-Heist” scavenger hunt paired with a delicious barbecue lunch from administration. Mainspring Academy has also received a grant from HEAL Foundation sponsoring our 2023 S.T.E.A.M Summer Camp. Their generosity has given our campers so many outlets to foster curiosity, build, discover, and explore both in and outside of our campus.

Please remember that updated physicals and immunizations will be due prior to the 1st day of school in August. Along with your enrollment forms we will send over the summer and first tuition payment in July, your child may not come in the first day until these have been turned in. Appointments at doctor’s offices typically fill up fast for summer for physicals and immunizations, so please make appointments early! Physicals and immunization dates can be no older than from the year 2022. Next summer, physical and immunization forms can be no older than from the year 2023, so it may even be worth it to go ahead and get this done regardless. For some parents, a new appointment may not be needed and you may simply need to call your doctor’s office and ask if you can pick up an updated form.

Please remember Mainspring does not provide these forms. The forms are called the “Florida Certification of Immunization DH-680” and “State of Florida School Entry Health Form”. New parents, if your child has a religious exemption from immunizations, we will need a copy of this on file. Here are links to what they look like. Your doctor’s office should already be keeping these on file internally: (Physical Form), (Immunization form). Thank you!!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Please visit our Parent’s Corner for all forms listed below as well as all due dates, closures, and events for the 2022-2023 school year.

Thursday, June 1st –(10)  Parent Participation Hours Due

Friday, June 2nd- Summer Camp Week 3 Payment Due

Monday, June 5th- Annual Open Board of Directors Meeting

Friday, June 9th- Summer Camp Week 4 Payment Due

Tuesday, June 13th- Cruiseday Tuesday. Students and staff are encouraged to celebrate the start of summer by dressing like they’re on their way to a tropical vacation.

Tuesday, June 13th- OPEN P.A.C. Meeting @ 9:15am in the Cafeteria

Thursday, June 15th –All School Balances Due

Thursday, June 15th –Last Day of School, Summer Splash Day and Early Dismissal (12:00pm)

Friday, June 16th– Teacher Planning Day

Monday, June 19- Friday, June 23rd –SCHOOL CLOSED

Monday, June 26th- “Strange Worlds” (Exploration) Week – Summer Week 1

Friday, June 30th- Zoo to You Mobile Animal Presentation (by the Jacksonville Zoo)

Monday, July 3rd- “Innovation Invention” Week- Summer Week 2. There will be no camp Tuesday, July 4th.

Wednesday, July 5th; Thursday, July 6th, and Friday, July 7th- Field trips to the Museum of Science and History (MOSH)

Monday, July 10th- “Toy Maker” (Engineering Arts) Week – Summer Week 3

Monday, July 10th- (2023-2024) Hardship Applications Due – *Extended care packets and enrollment packets not yet distributed at the time of this posting

Wednesday, July 14th- (2023-2024) Extended Care Packets Due– *Extended care packets and enrollment packets not yet distributed at the time of this posting

Wednesday, July 17th- (2023-2024) July Tuition Due & (2023 -2024) Student Enrollment Packets Due, and Immunizations, Birth Certificates, Physicals, & Provider Forms Due for 2023-2024 School Year– *Extended care packets and enrollment packets not yet distributed at the time of this posting

Monday, July 17th- “Math Magic” Week – Summer Week 4

Wednesday, July 19th- (2023-2024) Extended Care Month 1 Fee Due; *Payments due not yet distributed at the time of this posting.

Monday, July 24th- Friday, July 28th SCHOOL CLOSED

Monday, July 31st- Tuesday, August 8th Teacher Pre-planning Weeks

Monday, August 1st Tuition Due (no later than 3:00pm)

Wednesday, August 9th 2023 First Day of School ; School Supplies Due for parents that did not attend Meet the Teacher. *Supplies and Meet the Teacher Dates/Times not yet distributed at the time of this posting.

Friday, August 11th T-Shirt & Order Forms Due. *Not yet distributed at the time of this posting.

Tuesday, August 15th September Extended Care Payments Due. Tuition Due. *Not yet distributed at the time of this posting.

Thursday, August 31st Special Olympics Forms Due. *Not yet distributed at the time of this posting.

Friday, September 1st Signed Parent Handbook Acknowledgments Due. *Not yet distributed at the time of this posting.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Tuesday, June 13th– Open Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting , 9:15am in the cafeteria

Summer Camp Supply WishlistClick Here!

PARENT COMMUNITY

Parents, if you have not already, please join our MSA Parent Support Facebook Group here. Please join our MSA Community Group for volunteer, sponsorship, and donation opportunities here.

HAPPY SUMMER BIRTHDAYS!

Ms. Callie.
June 3rd

Connor L.
June 6th

Ms. Lindsay
June 6th

Colten
June 11th

Kipling-
June 15th

Minal
June 24th

Mikiah
June 25th

Turner
June 28th

Ms. Kim
June 28th

Ms. Liz W.
July 1st

Miles
July 12th

Eliza
July 16th

Eliza
July 16th

Eliza
July 16th

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY


Click here to view the schedule!

SUPPORT MAINSPRING ACADEMY

If you are interested in donating funds to our school, please click here. If you are interested in donating items to our school, please click here. If you are interested in volunteering at our school, please click here. Give us a call at (904)503-0344 or email our Director of Student and Community Affairs Sabrena Snow at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to set up a tour of the school!


May 2023 Newsletter

MAINSPRING ACADEMY: April 2023 – Mainspring Academy Board of Directors held their second annual Bourbon and Bites Fundraiser benefitting the school’s tuition hardship scholarship program. Thank you again to Matt and his team at Julington Creek Fish Camp for a wonderful and memorable evening!

Please remember that updated physicals and immunizations will be due prior to the 1st day of school in August. Along with your enrollment forms we will send over the summer and first tuition payment in July, your child may not come in the first day until these have been turned in. Appointments at doctor’s offices typically fill up fast for summer for physicals and immunizations, so please make appointments early! Physicals and immunization dates can be no older than from the year 2022. Next summer, physical and immunization forms can be no older than from the year 2023, so it may even be worth it to go ahead and get this done regardless. For some parents, a new appointment may not be needed and you may simply need to call your doctor’s office and ask if you can pick up an updated form.

Please remember Mainspring does not provide these forms. The forms are called the “Florida Certification of Immunization DH-680” and “State of Florida School Entry Health Form”. New parents, if your child has a religious exemption from immunizations, we will need a copy of this on file. Here are links to what they look like. Your doctor’s office should already be keeping these on file internally: (Physical Form), (Immunization form). Thank you!!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Please visit our Parent’s Corner for all forms listed below as well as all due dates, closures, and events for the 2022-2023 school year.

Monday, May 1st- Friday, May 5th – Teacher Appreciation Week

Monday, May 1st- Tuition and Registration Fee Due

Tuesday, May 2nd- Open PAC Meeting in the Cafeteria. 9:15am

Friday, May 5th- Pay-In-Full Summer Camp Due

Monday, May 8th- School CLOSED for Teacher Planning Day

Tuesday May 9th- Friday, May 12th-School CLOSED unless enrolled in Spring Intersession

Monday, May 15th –Extended Care and Tuition Fees Due by 3:00pm

Friday, May 19th– Summer Camp Week 1 Fee Due

Friday, May 26th- Summer Camp Week 2 Fee Due

Thursday, June 1st – Summer Camp Week 3 Fee Due

Friday, June 9th- Summer Camp Week 4 Fee Due.

Tuesday, June 13th- Cruiseday Tuesday. Students and staff are encouraged to kick off summer by dressing like they’re tropical cruise-ready!

Tuesday, June 15th- Summer Splash Day and Last Day of School – EARLY RELEASE (12:00)

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Tuesday, May 2nd– Open Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting , 9:15am in the cafeteria

Summer Camp Supply Wishlist– Keep an eye out for the link!

PARENT COMMUNITY

Parents, if you have not already, please join our MSA Parent Support Facebook Group here. Please join our MSA Community Group for volunteer, sponsorship, and donation opportunities here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Sadie B.
May 7th

Kris H.
May 7th

Mr. Jeff
May 14

JuanLuis
May 16th

Ms. Sabrena-
May 19th

Noah
May 22nd

Theo
May 28th

Ms .Sara
May 29th

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY


Click here to view the schedule!

SUPPORT MAINSPRING ACADEMY

If you are interested in donating funds to our school, please click here. If you are interested in donating items to our school, please click here. If you are interested in volunteering at our school, please click here. Give us a call at (904)503-0344 or email our Director of Student and Community Affairs Sabrena Snow at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to set up a tour of the school!


April 2023 Newsletter

MAINSPRING ACADEMY: March 2023 – Mainspring Academy staff pledged to “Spread the Word on Inclusion” with Special Olympics Florida, to advocate for inclusion not only in school athletics, but in clubs, workplaces, schools, and communities. Our students and staff also celebrated their favorite stories for Read Across America Day!

Parents, Summer Camp/Extended School Year applications with deposits will be due no later than Wednesday April 5, 2023 by 3:00pm. These are posted as well on the Parent Corner of our Website under “Extended School Year” along with all relevant due dates.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Please visit our Parent’s Corner for all forms listed below as well as all due dates, closures, and events for the 2022-2023 school year.

Monday, April 3rd – Tuition Due by 3:00pm

Tuesday, April 4th- Open PAC Meeting in the Cafeteria. 9:15am

Wednesday, April 5th- Extended School Year (Summer Camp) Contract & Deposit Due

Friday, April 7th- School CLOSED for Good Friday.

Friday, April 14th-Spring Intersession (May 9-12) Deposit Fee & Contract Due

Monday, April 17th –Extended Care and Tuition Fees Due by 3:00pm

Saturday, April 22nd – Saturday Service Day for National Volunteer Week 10am-3pm

Friday, April 28th- Spring Intersession (May 9-12) Full Fee Due

Friday, April 28th – Special Olympics Baseball & Track/Field

May 1st-5th, 2023- Teacher Appreciation Week

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Tuesday, April 4th– Open Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting , 9:15am in the cafeteria

Saturday, April 22nd – Saturday Service Day for National Volunteer Week – 10am-3pm. Email Sabrena at [email protected] to be put on the volunteer roster!

Saturday, April 28th – Special Olympics Baseball and Track/Field– 11am-2pm. Keep an eye out for the SignupGenius!

Summer Camp Supply Wishlist– Keep an eye out for the link!

PARENT COMMUNITY

Parents, if you have not already, please join our MSA Parent Support Facebook Group here. Please join our MSA Community Group for volunteer, sponsorship, and donation opportunities here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

JJ
April 3rd

Ms. Lisa
April 10th

Mr. Jonathon
April 16th

Taylor-
April 26th

Vaughn
April 30th

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY


Click here to view the schedule!

SUPPORT MAINSPRING ACADEMY

If you are interested in donating funds to our school, please click here. If you are interested in donating items to our school, please click here. If you are interested in volunteering at our school, please click here. Give us a call at (904)503-0344 or email our Director of Student and Community Affairs Sabrena Snow at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to set up a tour of the school!


Bourbon and Bites 2023

Please join us for our 2nd annual Bourbon and Bites event benefitting Mainspring Academy!

WHAT: Mainspring Academy’s Board of Directors invites you to enjoy premium whiskey paired with a four-course dinner prepared by Fish Camps’ executive chefs. Bourbon and Bites 2023 will benefit Mainspring Academy’s tuition hardship program, which provides families with financial challenges funding to pay for their child’s specialized education.

Registration for Bourbon and Bites 2023 will close with the purchase of 45 seats! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW! If you are already registered, or cannot attend, but would like to make a donation to Mainspring Academy’s tuition hardship program, please CLICK HERE.

WHEN: Bourbon and Bites 2023 will take place, Thursday, April 27th, 2023, from 6:00pm EST to 9:00pm EST

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

CONTACT: Please contact Sabrena Snow, Director of Student and Community Affairs at [email protected] or (904)503-0344 for more information about Bourbon and Bites 2023.

March 2023 Newsletter

MAINSPRING ACADEMY: January & February 2022 – Students embarked on a new and energized year with their first adaptive physical education classes alongside Mainspring partners Adaptive Exercise Group. Special Olympics Basketball and Flag Football took place at the duPont YMCA, with awards presented by Andy Kaufman (owner) and (mascot) Fang of the Jacksonville Icemen, and Reggie Hayward, former defensive end of the Denver Broncos and the Jacksonville Jaguars. In celebration of both Valentines Day and Random Acts of Kindness Week, students exchanged randomly-assigned friendship kits to classmates containing their favorite items.

Thanks to the event sponsors and the 27 event registrants, Miles for Mainspring 2023 raised $9,700 towards continuance of Mainspring Academy’s adaptive physical education program in the 2023-2024 school year. Valerie Shubert, the winner of the step challenge, received a 3-day weekend getaway for two in Flagler Beach!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Please visit our Parent’s Corner for all forms listed below as well as all due dates, closures, and events for the 2022-2023 school year.

Wednesday, March 1st- Tuition due by 3:00pm

Thursday, March 2nd – Read Across America (Dressup Day). Students and staff are encouraged to dress like their favorite storybook characters (OR wear shirts representing their favorite storybook characters).

Friday, March 3rd – Spread the Word: Inclusion Day.

Thursday, March 7th- Open Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting in the cafeteria, 9:15am. More information about the PAC>

Friday, March 10th- SCHOOL CLOSED for Teacher Planning Day

Friday, March 10th –2023-2024 Contracts and Registration Fees due by 3:00pm 

Monday, March 13th-Friday, March 17th – SCHOOL CLOSED for Spring Break

Wednesday, March 29th- Spring Portrait Day

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Thursday, March 7th– Open Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting , 9:15am in the cafeteria

Wishlists for Teacher Appreciation Week and Extended School Year (Summer) will be emailed this month! Please keep an eye out!

PARENT COMMUNITY

Parents, if you have not already, please join our MSA Parent Support Facebook Group here. Please join our MSA Community Group for volunteer, sponsorship, and donation opportunities here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Katie
February 3rd

Mr. Joe
February 4th

Jada-
February 9th

Mr. Frank-
February 15th

Allan 
February 26th

Jacob
March 25th

Micah
March 25th

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY


Click here to view the schedule!

SUPPORT MAINSPRING ACADEMY

If you are interested in donating funds to our school, please click here. If you are interested in donating items to our school, please click here. If you are interested in volunteering at our school, please click here. Give us a call at (904)503-0344 or email our Director of Student and Community Affairs Sabrena Snow at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to set up a tour of the school!


January 2023 Newsletter

MAINSPRING ACADEMY: December 2022 – Our students closed the school year with another magical annual Polar Express Pajama Party and a visit from Santa himself!

Mainspring is grateful to have a generous end-of-year gift from the Benton Family Foundation to support the quality programming and learning experiences of our deserving students. We would also like to thank Fortegra, our Miles for Mainspring 2023 Platinum Title Sponsors! We are so grateful for the support of our community!

Registration for the Miles for Mainspring 7 -Day Virtual Step Challenge is now OPEN and ends Tuesday, January 31, 2023! We’re raising funds to support an adaptive physical education program for our 55 special education students. The Miles for Mainspring 2023 Grand Prize Package includes a 3-Day Flagler Beach getaway for two in a private beachfront condo*, $200 gift certificate for spa services at Golden Magnolia Resort*, and a $15 gift certificate to Flagler Beachfront Winery. #MakingMyStepsCount. The event begins Monday, February 13, 2023. REGISTER NOW!!!

Mainspring staff, please reach out to Sabrena at [email protected] for a discount code.

If you are not participating in the step challenge but would like to purchase an event t-shirt and/or make a donation, please use the discount code “TSHIRTONLY”.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Please visit our Parent’s Corner for all forms listed below as well as all due dates, closures, and events for the 2022-2023 school year.

Tuesday, January 3rd- Tuition due by 3:00pm

Tuesday, January 10th- Open Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting in the cafeteria, 9:15am. More information about the PAC>

Monday, January 16th- SCHOOL CLOSED for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Tuesday, January 17th–Extended Day and Tuition Payments due by 3:00pm 

Tuesday, January 24th – Completed Val Pal Questionnaires Due

Friday, January 27th – Special Olympics Flag Football and Basketball at the duPont YMCAVolunteer Time 11:00am-2:00pm, Actual Event Time 12:00pm-2:00pm

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Tuesday, January 10th– Open Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting , 9:15am in the cafeteria

Friday, January 27th– Special Olympics Flag Football/ Basketball. Volunteers must be available between 11am and 2pm. Sign up here! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E4DAFAE23ABFF2-special. In addition to the SignupGenius Any family friends, non-household family members, or community members not affiliated with our school must complete a volunteer application here. https://www.mainspringacademy.org/support-mainspring/volunteer/.

Approved volunteers must be available to meet Ms. Lindsay, Mr. Dawson, and Ms. Sabrena at the DuPont YMCA no later than 11:00am for training! (Please let Sabrena know if you may be interested in helping with some heavier-lifting for setup from 9:45-11 [email protected] ! You can also indicate with a comment on the SignupGenius).

Location: duPont YMCA – 7373 Old King’s Rd. S, Jacksonville, FL, 32217

Volunteer time: 11:00am-2:00pm

Actual Event Time: 12:00pm-2:00pm

PARENT COMMUNITY

Parents, if you have not already, please join our MSA Parent Support Facebook Group here. Please join our MSA Community Group for volunteer, sponsorship, and donation opportunities here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Robert F.-
January 4th

Ms. Liz M.-
January 5th

Adam W.-
January 9th

Ms. Dina 
January 9th

Killian N.
January 16th

Austin M.
January 23rd

Mr. Dawson
January 31st

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY


Click here to view the schedule!

SUPPORT MAINSPRING ACADEMY

If you are interested in donating funds to our school, please click here. If you are interested in donating items to our school, please click here. If you are interested in volunteering at our school, please click here. Give us a call at (904)503-0344 or email our Director of Student and Community Affairs Sabrena Snow at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to set up a tour of the school!


Miles for Mainspring 2023

Registration for the Miles for Mainspring 7 -Day Virtual Step Challenge ends Tuesday, January 31, 2023! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW! (REGISTRATION WILL BE CLOSED 1/31/2023 12:00PM EST)

WHAT: Walk 10K steps a day for 7 days to support an adaptive physical education program for 55 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 $200) in a daily raffle, pand a grand prize for completing all 7 days. The Miles for Mainspring 2023 Grand Prize Package includes a 3-Day Flagler Beach getaway for two in a private beachfront condo*, $200 gift certificate for spa services at Golden Magnolia Resort*, $60 gift certificate to Golden Lion Cafe, and a $15 gift certificate to Flagler Beachfront Winery. #MakingMyStepsCount

WHEN: Miles for Mainspring begins Monday, February 13, 2023 at 12:00 AM EST and ends Monday, February 20, 2023 at 11:59 PM EST.

WHERE: This is a remote event. Registrants may join the Miles for Mainspring Facebook Group to submit their proof of steps (beginning Monday, February 13, 2023), 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.

*Grand Prize Package services must be pre-booked and are subject to blackout dates.

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

  • CLICK HERE for Miles for Mainspring 2023 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 Tuesday, January 31, 2023. Facebook fundraisers must end by Tuesday, January 31, 2023. **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 T-SHIRT 2023

MILES FOR MAINSPRING CALENDAR

Sunday, January 1st – Tuesday, January 31st, 2023 Registration OPEN

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

Monday, February 13th-Monday February 20th, 2023- MILES FOR MAINSPRING VIRTUAL STEP CHALLENGE

Monday, February 13th- Miles for Mainspring Launch Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday- February 19th – Day 7 proof of steps due by 11:59pm. Day 7 raffle winner announced Monday afternoon.

Tuesday- February 21st- Grand prize raffle winner for registrants who completed all 7 days, announced by afternoon

MILES FOR MAINSPRING 2023 SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLKIT

  • #MakingMyStepsCount Printable Blank Sign:
  • Miles for Mainspring 2023 Printable Flyer:

December 2022 Newsletter

MAINSPRING ACADEMY: November 2022 – Thanks to the time and efforts of our Parent Action Committee (PAC) and Parent Volunteers, Mainspring Academy families gathered to celebrate Thanksgiving with a delicious Bob Evans feast!

Mainspring is grateful to have received a Fall Grant from HEAL Foundation to enhance our sensory room and increase its level of functionality for our students. Our students and staff were so excited to see the new room after Thanksgiving break! We have also been notified by TEGNA Foundation that we have been awarded a grant to enhance our current lobby security system!

As we kick off the season of giving, please visit our Donation and Volunteer pages to explore how you can make an difference for our students at Mainspring Academy.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Please visit our Parent’s Corner for all forms listed below as well as all due dates, closures, and events for the 2022-2023 school year.

Thursday, December 1st- Tuition due by 3:00pm

Tuesday, December 6th- Open Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting in the cafeteria, 9:15am. More information about the PAC>

Friday, December 9th- Parent Fundraiser (Miles for Mainspring 2023) sponsorships and raffles due

Monday, December 12th– Holiday Headwear Day – Students and staff are encouraged to wear their most festive holiday hats, headbands, or ears!

Tuesday, December 13th – (Staff) Holiday Bake-Off – Staff will be bringing in their best homemade desserts for providers to try, then vote for a winner!

Wednesday, December 14th – (Staff) Door-Decorating Contest– Staff will be showing off their Holiday Door Decorations and judges will vote for a winner!

Thursday, December 15th – Ugly Christmas Sweater Day– Students and staff are encouraged to wear ugly Christmas Sweaters

Friday, December 16th – Polar Express Holiday Pajama Party & EARLY RELEASE 12:00pm (No Aftercare)– Students and staff are encouraged to wear their coziest holiday pajamas. Students will be gathering goodies while visiting the many fun stops on the Polar Express. Volunteers needed!

Monday, December 19th – Monday, January 2nd – SCHOOL CLOSED FOR WINTER BREAK

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Tuesday, December 6th– Open Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting , 9:15am in the cafeteria

Friday, December 9th – Parent Fundraiser (Miles for Mainspring 2023) sponsorships and raffles due

Friday, December 16th – Polar Express Holiday Pajama Party – Volunteers for goodie bag supplies, setup, table “stations”, and cleanup needed. SignupGenius TBD

Parents, if you have not already, please join our MSA Parent Support Facebook Group here. Please join our MSA Community Group for volunteer, sponsorship, and donation opportunities here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Sam B.-
December 4th

Mr. Casey-December 7th

Ms. Stephanie-December 12th

Tyler 
December 13th

Ms. Che
December 22nd

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY
Click here to view the schedule!

SUPPORT MAINSPRING ACADEMY

If you are interested in donating funds to our school, please click here. If you are interested in donating items to our school, please click here. If you are interested in volunteering at our school, please click here. Give us a call at (904)503-0344 or email our Director of Student and Community Affairs Sabrena Snow at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to set up a tour of the school!