Dear Pirate Nation,
What a dynamic and exciting start to the 2026-27 school year at Matanzas High School!
Welcoming our students and staff back to campus these past few weeks has been amazing! Seeing our classrooms, hallways, athletic fields, and activity spaces filled with vibrant energy once again reminds us of the incredible potential that exists on our campus everyday.
I am immensely proud of the positive momentum we have built together. My deepest gratitude goes out to our dedicated teachers, staff, and students for their hard work, and to our families and community for their unwavering support.
Together, we create the foundation of our students' successes. As we look ahead, we are inspired by the limitless opportunities this year holds. We look forward to celebrating every achievement, fostering new growth, and creating lasting memories that define the unique spirit of Matanzas High School!
Thank you for your vital role in making Pirate Nation a thriving, supportive school community. Let’s make this an unforgettable and fantastic year of continued excellence.
Go Pirates! Mike Rinaldi Principal
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Spectrum News 13 stopped by Matanzas High School to see learning in action! Building Construction Technologies Teacher Andrew Douglas, the 2025 Rookie Teacher of the Year, and his students showcased the hands-on learning opportunities available through Matanzas' Diploma+ Program. Students are gaining valuable skills, exploring career pathways and getting real-world experience that can help prepare them for life after graduation. |
Mrs. Johnston secured a grant through the Flagler County Education Foundation! Thanks to their generous support, our Digital Media 2 students will turn their vector artwork into custom sublimated puzzles. Thank you for investing in our students' creativity! |
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Matanzas High School alumna Jeh-Hanni Strong is taking her passion for leadership, law, and public service from Flagler County to the nation’s capital. During her time at Matanzas, Jeh-Hanni served as the Student School Board Representative, earned her NALS Accredited Legal Professional certification, completed the Cambridge AICE Diploma, and graduated with her Associate of Arts degree through dual enrollment. Today, Jeh-Hanni is a student at Florida International University and is spending the Fall 2026 semester in Washington, D.C., interning on Capitol Hill in the office of U.S. Congressman Mike Haridopolos, who represents Florida’s 8th Congressional District. Congressman Haridopolos previously served in the Florida House of Representatives and Florida Senate, including as President of the Florida Senate from 2010–2012, before being elected to Congress. He currently serves on the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, where he serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics. From representing her fellow students at Matanzas to now working and learning inside the halls of the United States Congress, Jeh-Hanni continues to build upon the foundation of leadership, education, and service that began during her time as a Pirate. Her journey from Matanzas to Capitol Hill is only the beginning. |
Each month, MHS highlights one of Florida's Resiliency Education traits with our students. This month's focus is Citizenship: helping our neighbors, community, and nation. High school students have more opportunities than ever to make choices that affect their school and community. Citizenship can be as simple as volunteering, helping someone who needs it, getting involved at school, taking on a leadership role, or recognizing that being part of a community comes with responsibilities. These lessons are even stronger when they continue beyond the school day. The attached parent resource offers a few simple ways families can connect Citizenship to conversations and experiences at home, including volunteering, leadership, and community service. Want to take an even more active role? Parents, family members, and community members can also serve as Resiliency Coaches, helping Florida students build the skills and character traits that prepare them for school, work, and life. Learn more about becoming a Resiliency Coach: Citizenship starts with recognizing that we all have a role in making our school and community stronger. Make Good Choices. Hold Yourself Accountable. Strive for Excellence. |
We take great pride in offering these valuable after-school opportunities to support our students academically and help them become more involved at MHS! Please do not forget to Click Here: After-School Tutoring Required Parent/Guardian Permission Form for your student to attend after-school tutoring starting Tuesday, September 15th.
Tuesday, September 15th, and Thursday, September 17th: After-School Tutoring and Test Retakes Begin - After-school activity buses will be available for eligible students participating in tutoring, test retakes, clubs, and detention.
- Tutoring and test retake sessions will continue until 4:30 p.m. Students must remain for the entire session and actively work or receive academic support.
- Click Here: After-School Tutoring Required Parent/Guardian Permission Form. This form must be completed for your student(s) to attend any of our after-school tutoring option. Please complete ASAP.
- Click Here: After-School Tutoring Schedule.
After- School Student Supervision: - By 3:00 p.m., all students must report to their tutoring or test retake teacher, club sponsor, or detention supervisor. If a student is not in the tutoring session by 3:00 p.m. they will be required to be picked up in the front of the school.
- All students will be required to Sign-In with the tutoring teacher for attendance each tutoring session.
- Students must remain under adult supervision until 4:30 p.m. Then report directly to their location for transportation home by 4:40 p.m.
- Students are not permitted to hang out or roam around campus before, during and after tutoring, detention or their club dismissal.
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Important After-School Bus Information: - After-school buses are only available to students who live within the MHS attendance zone and already use district bus transportation.
- Three after-school buses will operate. Students will be taken to a designated BUS HUB based on their transportation zone.
- District Provided - MHS After-School Activity Bus HUB/STOPS - Bus Hub locations and procedures for the are significantly different from previous years. Please carefully review the important information regarding after-school bus drop-off hubs.
- Students must be picked up at their designated Bus Hub or walk home from that location.
- Students must show their Student ID and a signed Purple After-School Bus Pass to ride.
- Students are responsible for obtaining their Purple After-School Bus Pass from their tutoring or test retake teacher, club sponsor, or detention supervisor. Students will not be permitted on the bus without Student ID or a Purple Bus Pass.
Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and successful start to our after-school programs! |
Make your mark at MHS! Joining a club is one of the best ways for students to build skills, make lifelong friends, and get involved in our school community. Students, and families can check out the official activities page on our website to see everything we have to offer. Find meeting schedules, club descriptions, and sponsor details all in one place. For more information, email the listed sponsor. Get started today: mhspirates.com/activities |
Even though there was a rainout, the kids had a blast at the Red, White & Blue Tailgate! |
SGA is hard at work making posters for the upcoming FREE HOCO Pop Up on 9/16. |
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Help us make Homecoming unforgettable for EVERY student! Got extra dresses, suits, shoes, or accessories sitting in your closet? Give them a second life! MHS SGA is collecting donations starting September 1st for our free HOCO Pop-Up Shop. Our current inventory is running low, and we need your support to stock the racks so every student can dress to impress for free! What we’re accepting: - Dresses
- Suits & Jackets
- Shoes
- Accessories (ties, jewelry, bags)
Drop-off Locations: Place items in the collection box outside the SGA Room or in the Front Office. Let’s rally together, Pirates! Tag a friend, clear out those closets, and share this post to help us spread the word! |
Students and guests will receive an email indicating they are cleared to attend homecoming and may then purchase a ticket in the lower spot during both lunches and on Tuesday & Thursday mornings before school from 7:30 - 8:00 am.
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The SAC plays an important role in shaping the future of our school by providing input on school improvement initiatives, budgeting priorities, and programs that impact student success. Composed of parents, students, faculty, staff, and community members, the council works together to ensure Matanzas High School continues to grow and thrive. Meetings are held monthly, typically on the third Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the Plank. All are welcome to attend, share ideas, and take part in the conversation. If you are interested in supporting our students and school community, we encourage you to get involved! |
Dear families, We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming trip to Europe in Summer 2027, and your student is invited! This life-changing experience will help students build confidence, independence, and global perspective. EF Tours is holding a one-time informational meeting to share everything you need to know—and spots on this trip are limited: Why attend? - Learn how to save $200 with early enrollment. - Get first access to limited spots. - Learn about what we’ll see and do, academic opportunities, trip cost, and more. In the meantime, please visit EF’s website to get answers to common parent questions. EF Tours is our trusted travel partner, and they have 60 years of experience helping students explore the world safely and affordably. I hope to see you there and look forward to sharing how this trip can be a powerful and unforgettable chapter in your child’s life! Best, Jeremy Ossler
Matanzas High School |
3535 Pirate Nation Way Palm Coast, FL 32137 (386) 447-1575 mhspirates.com |
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