Greetings parents, students, faculty and staff of Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology, it is certainly a privilege to take the helm of the flagship of Career Technical education in Duval County.

     As we enter the 2007-2008 school year there are a number of initiatives at F. H. Peterson. First, we will join 8 other Duval County high schools and 4 other major cities across the United States in a College Board program of academic excellence, “The Excelerator Program.”

     As a new "Excelerator" school, we will participate in the “Springboard” supplemental curriculum, as well as the “AVID” Program (Advancement Via Individual Determination). The AVID program targets students who desire to continue their technical education from Peterson Academy into college.

     We are bringing an additional computer lab on campus called “FastForWord.” This computer lab will be available in tandem with our new “Read 180” Reading classes. Many of our students will participate in this intensive reading program.

     All of these programs require cooperation and conversation between each of a child’s teachers as well as between parents and teachers. Daily student attendance will be critical both to the success of the school and to the academic/technical success of individual students.

     Additionally, we will have our first Athletic Director in the history of the school. The responsibility of the Athletic Director will be to bring Peterson Academy into the very competitive FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association).

     Our Career fields are the cornerstone of a unique educational opportunity for young people. The fields of Automotive Technology, Aviation, Communication Technology, Culinary Arts, Cosmetology, and Child Care are combined with an academic curriculum that is second to none. We have increased our Advanced Placement course offerings and nearly doubled the number of students taking Advanced Placement classes this coming school year.

     I look forward to meeting and speaking with each and every parent this coming school year. I encourage all parents to join PTSA and/or the School Advisory Council (SAC).

                                                  Sincerely,

                                                  Greg McCandless

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