office of equity and inclusion
Student Initiatives
Challenge Day 2010-2011 — CHALLENGE Day was conducted at 22 high schools. Students were given an opportunity to talk about their life experiences and reality in a safe environment and to share experiences that affect their ability to be successful students. Over 6,000 students participated in the program.
A survey was administered to all student participants (a total of 2,829 students completed the questionnaire). Highlights of the results are:
- Gained confidence in their ability to make better grades in school.
- Encouraged to make choices to further their education or attend college.
- Felt more positive about their future (83%). Increased optimism and hope of experiencing a school characterized by respect and acceptance.
- Increased awareness about bullying (82%).
- Gain in comfort level expressing feelings to adults and students.
- More likely to act if they need help or see someone bullied (74%). The majority felt safer at school after CHALLENGE DAY.
- Greater self-acceptance.
- Became more accepting and understanding of others.
- Greater awareness of how their actions affect others (82%)
- Will work on improving relationships (80%)
The survey results will be posted on the CHALLENGE DAY organization site.
   CHALLENGE DAY 2011 and Beyond…..
Five-Year Plan – Developed a Five-Year Plan to conduct CHALLENGE Day with seventeen (17 high schools). The plan includes professional development for site-based coordinators.
SPIRIT (Student Problem Identification and Resolving Issues Together) Program — A two-day program that allows students to discuss challenges they face in school and which may be impediment to their academic achievement and wellbeing. Students also identify solutions to their challenges and develop an implementation plan in collaboration with school administrators and staff.
The SPIRIT Program is currently underway in twelve (12) middle and high schools. Please see the Council on Educational Equity and Inclusion for additional details about the program.
Design For Our Future Mural– Fourth floor Mission Possible mural project – Students involved in Teen Court created a wall mural that was installed on the fourth floor of the school Board building. The theme of the mural is, “Design For Our Future,” depicting the range of diversity represented in our schools and community and the positive outcomes students might expect to achieve as a result of staying in school. It is a permanent installation.
  
"I Take The Vow" Program - You, too, can take a vow of non-violence in your thoughts and acts. Changing Ourselves, Changes The World!
**For an article about the "I Take The Vow" Program at Robert E. Lee High School,
click here.
Contact:
Josephine Jackson, J.D.
Executive Director
Office of Equity and Inclusion
Duval County Public Schools
1701 Prudential Drive, 4th Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32207-8182
Phone: (904) 390-2181
Fax: (904) 390-2536
Email
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