Today, Mrs. Recker's 7th grade science students participated in a hands-on lab day designed to strengthen their understanding of the scientific method. They worked through each step of the process by designing and testing their own experiments using everyday household items such as vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, and food coloring. Each group identified their independent variable, determined their dependent variable, and kept track of constants throughout the experiment. They also discussed the importance of a control group in drawing fair conclusions. The activity was not only engaging and fun for the students, but it also gave them the opportunity to practice critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving while connecting classroom concepts to real-world applications. This lab day was a great success in reinforcing the foundation of experimental design and encouraging students to become curious, thoughtful scientists.

Thank you to all of our Orange Park Junior High families who joined us for Open House tonight! We loved having the opportunity to connect, share, and celebrate the start of a great school year together. 🐾🐾 #OpenHouse2025 #OurVillageRocks #OPJStrong

🏈 Congratulations to our Football Team on an incredible victory tonight! They defeated the Lakeside Gators with a commanding 42–6 win! 🐾 We are so proud of your hard work, teamwork, and dedication. Way to represent OPJ!!!!! #WildcatPride #TheWildcatWay #oneclaysports

Good Afternoon Students, Parents and Guardians, Please click on the attached link https://claycountysdfl.edurooms.com/engage/orange-park-junior-high/newsletters/opj-parent-newsletter-aug-25th-29th at your leisure to learn about updates at Orange Park Junior High.

Attention ALL Parents & Guardians, OPJ invites you to join us for Open House this Thursday, Aug 28th! Come meet our teachers, explore classrooms, and learn more about the exciting year ahead! 🐾 #OPJWildcats #OpenHouse2025

📸 Say cheese, Wildcats! 🐾 School Picture Day (September 3rd) is almost here! 🎉 Don’t miss your chance to capture memories that will last a lifetime. 👉 Order your photos online now by scanning the QR code or visiting www.leonards.com #SchoolPictureDay #WildcatPride #CaptureTheMoment

Good Afternoon Students, Parents and Guardians, Please click on the attached link https://claycountysdfl.edurooms.com/engage/orange-park-junior-high/newsletters/opj-parent-newsletter-aug-18th-22nd at your leisure to learn about updates at Orange Park Junior High.

Looking for a preschool for your 3 or 4-year-old? Clay County District Schools has openings at our on-site childcare center at Orange Park High School! 🍎✏️

Details:
- Open to all Clay County community members
- Hours are 6:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
- We use the same curriculum as Clay County elementary schools.
- There are at least two certified adult instructors at each location, plus a licensed Center Director and trained high school student teachers.
- Tuition for 3-year-olds is $275 every two weeks, and for 4-year-olds (VPK) it's $225 every two weeks.
- There is a one-time, non-refundable $50 fee per child due at enrollment.

For more information or to enroll your child at the Orange Park High School location, please contact Ivy Lowery at Ivy.Lowery@MyOneClay.net.

Parents & Guardians – You’re Invited! Join us for our School Advisory Council Meeting on Tuesday, August 19th at 5:00 PM in the cafeteria. Your voice matters! This is a great opportunity to stay informed, share your ideas, and help shape the future of our school. We look forward to seeing you there! #OPJ #SchoolAdvisoryCouncil #ParentInvolvement #WildcatPride

Due date for Elective Change Requests. See flyer below.

Wishing our Wildcats an AWESOME First Day of School and a GREAT school year! #WildcatStrong

Good Afternoon Students, Parents and Guardians, Please click on the attached link https://claycountysdfl.edurooms.com/engage/orange-park-junior-high/newsletters/opj-parent-newsletter-aug-11th-15th at your leisure to learn about updates at Orange Park Junior High.

The countdown is almost over… We can’t wait to welcome our Wildcats back on campus TOMORROW! Get ready for an amazing school year filled with learning, friendships, and new adventures. #OPJWildcats #BackToSchool #WildcatPride #SeeYouTomorrow

Thank you to all our amazing students, parents and guardians who joined us for our Open Campus Event! Your energy, smiles, and support made it a huge success. We’re excited for an incredible year ahead at OPJ!🐾🐾 #WildcatPride #OurVillageRocks

We are looking forward to seeing all of our Wildcat families at our Open Campus & Schedule Pick Up Event this Friday, August 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Orange Park Junior High! 🐾 All Parents, Guardians & Students are welcome to attend. This is a great opportunity to get comfortable with your schedule before the first day of school! We can’t wait to see you there! #ItTakesaVillage #WildcatPride #BackToSchool #OPJRocks

Good Morning Students, Parents & Guardians, Schedules will be available online for students and parents to view at 11am this morning. A couple of things to keep in mind: -Schedules may change by Friday. The schedule you pick up at Open Campus, Friday August 8th from 10am-Noon, will be the most up to date schedule to follow. -If your child is interested in discussing a possible elective change, a Google Form will be posted in the grade level Google Classrooms the second week of school. Elective changes must be within the same period (i.e 2nd period FACS changing to 2nd period Art). Elective changes are subject to available seats, a change is not guaranteed. Students will attend their classes on their schedule for the first week. No content area changes will be approved; content area classes were assigned based on testing/grade data. -If you are unable to attend Open Campus on August 8th, schedules will be available for pick-up in their holding areas on the first day of school. 8th graders will go to the cafeteria and 7th graders will go to the gym. If you have any questions, please reach out to ansley.smith@myoneclay.net.

Start the school year with a smile! Parents can now purchase a Back-to-School Message to welcome their student on the digital marquee for the first day of school! Whether it’s a “You’ve got this!” or “We’re so proud of you!” — let your student see your words of encouragement front and center as they walk in on Day 1! 💛 #BackToSchool #FirstDayWelcome #MarqueeMessages #WildcatPride 🐾

Please join us in welcoming our new Dean of Climate & Culture Mrs. Leslie Beck!! Prior to stepping into this role, Mrs. Beck served as a school counselor, where she had the privilege of working across the spectrum of education—supporting students in elementary, secondary, and ESE. Her experience has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of student development and the unique needs that arise at different stages of a child’s educational journey. Throughout her time serving the Clay County School District, she has worn many hats—working closely with students and families, facilitating intervention teams, contributing to behavioral and academic planning, and collaborating with staff to support student success. Her background has prepared her to approach the Dean role with a holistic perspective, rooted in relationship-building, proactive support, and equitable practices. As we enter this new school year, Mrs. Beck shares that she is excited to work alongside the OPJ community in creating a safe, inclusive, and structured environment where every student can thrive. She believes strongly in the power of teamwork, clear communication, and a shared vision. Last but not least, she is looking forward to joining a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to supporting students both academically and personally. Welcome to OPJ Mrs. Beck! We are so happy to have you on our team! # WildcatStrong

STARTING TODAY! ✏️📒🎒The Sales Tax Holiday begins on August 1st and runs through August 31st! Consumers can purchase qualifying back-to-school supplies exempt from tax during the 2025 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday.

For a full list of qualifying items, please visit: www.floridarevenue.com/backtoschool