Explorers Weekly Guide: October 12th to 16th
Hello, Ponce families!
Good news for our readers: the Book Fair restock has arrived, and we’re opening for one last day on Monday, October 12! This week’s guide also brings a final reminder for Reflections, with entries due next Monday, October 19, plus everything you need to sign up for the Give Miami Day 5K and our first-ever Ponce Idol Talent Show. Take a quick look, save the dates, and let’s make it a great week, Explorers!
Book Fair Restock: One Last Day! | Monday, Oct 12
The Book Fair restock has arrived!!! The new titles are in, so we’re opening the Book Fair again for one last day on Monday, October 12, from 8:30 to 9:10 AM and during lunch. Families can create an eWallet or add funds until 10 PM tonight (Sunday), so your Explorer can shop on their own. We also accept cash, credit card and Apple Pay. See you Monday for one final chance to get the books and items you’ve been waiting for!
📍 Room 134🗓️ Monday, October 12⏰ 8:30–9:10 AM and during lunch💳 eWallet (until 10 PM Sunday), cash, credit card or Apple Pay
Reflections: Final Days Left to Enter!
Ponce Explorers, the clock is ticking! Entries for this year’s PTA Reflections Arts Program are due Monday, October 19, 2026. This year’s theme is “What My Culture Means to Me”, and culture can be anything that shapes who you are: family traditions, a language, your neighborhood, Sunday dinners, the music you love or the team you cheer for.
Pick one or more categories: Dance Choreography · Film Production · Literature · Music Composition · Photography · Visual Arts
Every entry needs:
Brand-new, original artwork made by one student, for Reflections only
An original title and an artist statement of 10–100 words
A completed Florida PTA Student Entry Form, signed by the student and a parent/guardian (e-signatures OK)
Quick tips before you submit:
The artist statement counts for about 40% of the score. Parents, let it sound like your Explorer: ask them about their work and write down their words.
AI can help enhance, but never create. The main idea and design must be the student’s own.
Literature entries: no name anywhere on the piece.
Visual Arts: submit a clear, well-lit photo and keep the original safe at home in case it advances.
👉 Submit here: English | Español💬 Questions? Join the Ponce Reflections Chat📖 Full rules and category details: Reflections 2026–27: rules, requirements and tips
Upcoming events:
Give Miami Day 5K on Sunday, November 15th!
Whether you’re a runner, a walker, or somewhere in between, this is a fun opportunity to come together as a Ponce community, get moving, and make a meaningful difference for our school.
Sign up by October 14th for reduced rates!
Here is why it matters:
100% of your 5K registration fee will be donated directly back to Ponce Middle School through Give Miami Day! That means every person who registers helps generate additional support for our students, teachers, programs, and school community.
Imagine what we can accomplish when the Ponce community shows up together!
🏃♀️ Run it.🚶♂️ Walk it. Bring your family. Bring your friends.📣
Wear your Ponce pride and help us create a HUGE Ponce turnout!
Save the date!
Sunday, November 15th
100% of registration fees go back to Ponce
Register early before rates increase!
All ages and fitness levels are welcome — run, jog, or walk!
Let’s make this more than just a 5K. Let’s make it a Ponce community moment. Every registration, every step, and every person who shows up helps us support our school and our students.
Sign Up for the Give Miami 5K! 🏃♂️🏃♀️🏃
1. Go to: http://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Miami/givemiami5k
2. Create your account and enter your information.
3. On the next page, find “Select Issue Area/Nonprofit”
4. Type Ponce de Leon Middle School PTSA
5. Select our school
Ponce Idol Talent Show | Sign-ups Are Open!
Sing, dance, play an instrument, tell jokes or perform magic: if you have a talent, the stage is yours!
Our first-ever Ponce Idol Talent Show takes place Thursday, November 19, at 6:30 PM in the school auditorium. Rehearsals on Monday, November 9 and Monday, November 16 are required, so families, please save those dates. Be part of Ponce history and sign up here!
That’s a wrap for this week, Explorers! Thank you for reading, sharing and showing up for our school community. Have a question or want to help out? Visit our Volunteer page or follow us on Instagram @ponceptsa. See you around Ponce!
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