Explorer’s Weekly Guide for September 28st to October 2nd
Dear Ponce Families,
Fall is in full swing at Ponce, and there's a lot happening! This week brings a chance to hear from Florida Senate candidates on education, the last push in our Homeroom Donut Challenge, and several opportunities for students to create, perform, and read. Take a few minutes to read the announcements below and mark your calendars. We'd love to see your family involved.
Education Candidate Forum is this Tuesday at 7 PM. Meet the panelists below!
Important information about School Meals: no longer school free meals districtwide
Final days for the Homeroom Donut Challenge!
National PTA Reflections Art Program deadline is October 19th
Scholastic Book Fair is back! October 6th to 9th
Open for enrollment for Ponce Idol Talent Show. Get ready for November 19th!
And much more!
🍎 Important Lunch Reminder: Starting Monday, September 28
As of this school year, Miami-Dade County Public Schools no longer offers free meals to all students districtwide. Starting tomorrow, students who have not qualified for free or reduced-price meals, or whose family has not submitted an application, will pay full price. At middle schools, lunch is $4.20 (reduced price $0.40) and breakfast is $2.50 (reduced price $0.30).
Students are always welcome to bring lunch from home. If your student will buy meals at school, please check that their lunch account has funds on OSP (Online School Payments). Families who haven't applied can still do so at any time at mdcpsnutrition.net. Students enrolled in programs such as SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, foster care, or homeless assistance continue to receive free meals automatically.
Education Candidate Forum: Tuesday, September 29 at 7 PM (Zoom)
This Tuesday, families can hear directly from candidates for the Florida State Senate before the November 3 election. Four candidates from two Miami-Dade Senate districts will talk about education and their plans for Florida's public schools.
Meet the panelists
Senate District 38
Alexis Calatayud (Republican, incumbent) was born in Miami. She worked in education policy at the Florida Department of Education, then was elected to the State Senate in 2022. She is running for re-election.
Richard Lamondin (Democrat) was born in Miami. He co-founded ecofi, a water and energy conservation company, with his brother in 2012. He is a first-time candidate who has never held public office.
Jeffrey "Doc" Solomon (No Party Affiliation) was born in Miami Beach. He is a chiropractic physician serving Miami-Dade for over 40 years. He previously ran for the Florida House in 2010, 2012, and 2018.
Senate District 36
George Lavín (Democrat), the son and grandson of immigrants, has lived in West Miami for 14 years. He works as a legal consultant. He ran for West Miami City Commission in April.
Why it matters?
Many decisions that shape our children's school day are made in Tallahassee, including school funding, teacher pay, testing, curriculum standards, and student safety. The people we elect to the State Senate help make those decisions. Ponce families live in more than one Senate district, so check which district you're in on the Miami-Dade Elections Department website before you vote.
Who should listen?
Parents, guardians, grandparents, teachers, staff, community members, and older students who are curious about how civic life works. You don't need to be a policy expert or have made up your mind.
Come with your questions, listen to each candidate, and decide for yourself. Informed families make stronger schools.
The Ponce de Leon Middle School PTSA is nonpartisan and does not endorse any candidate. This event is shared for informational purposes only.
Donut Challenge: Final Stretch!
The latest Ponce PTSA fundraising leaderboard is in, and it's anybody's game! In each grade, the homeroom with the highest percentage of families donating wins a donut party for the whole class, plus a coffee gift card for their teacher.
Take a look at this week's standings below. Is your Explorer's homeroom in the lead, or could they use a last-minute push?
Remember, it's about how many families take part, not how much they give, so every donation counts. Your support goes straight to our school programs, so let's finish strong together!
October Highlights:
Scholastic Book Fair and Reflections Program
📚 Scholastic Book Fair | October 6–9
After many years, the Book Fair is back at Ponce! Students can browse new releases, bestselling series, and favorite characters in Room 134, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Set up an eWallet so your Explorer can shop on their own, and every purchase supports our school. Click for details.
🎨 National PTA Reflections: Student Arts Awards | Due October 19
Reflections is National PTA's arts recognition program, with more than 300,000 students taking part nationwide. This year's theme is "What My Culture Means to Me." Students can create original work in visual arts, photography, literature, music, dance, or film. Ponce winners advance to county, state, and national judging, and Ponce students have placed at the state and national levels before! Click here for more information.
Ponce Idol Talent Show: The Stage is Waiting!
Calling all Explorers! Do you have a talent the whole school should see? Maybe you sing, dance, play an instrument, do comedy or magic, or have an act that's completely your own. Whatever it is, we want you on stage at our very first Ponce Idol Talent Show!
👉 Sign up for Ponce Idol here to submit your entry today.
When: Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 6:30 PM
Where: Ponce de Leon Middle School Auditorium.
Rehearsals (required): Monday, November 9 and Monday, November 16
This is your chance to make Ponce history as part of our first-ever talent show lineup. Families, please mark these dates on your calendar!
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