School Zone
Points of Pride
Duval County Public Schools Recognized by Florida Energy Office for Commitment to Energy Efficiency
Seventy-five Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) have been granted the Southeast Rebuild Collaborative (SRC) ‘Met the Challenge’ Award in recognition of their commitment to superior energy performance.
To be eligible, local governments and school districts must demonstrate their commitment to saving energy and reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases by improving energy efficiency by 10% or more.
The DCPS schools receiving the award improved an average of 20%, while the total DCPS ENERGY STARŪ portfolio improved 17%. The district-wide energy program saved $750,000 in 2005-2006, $2.5 million in 2006-2007 and $4.4 million in 2007-2008 for a three-year energy savings total of $7.65 million. The actual operational savings are even greater considering the benefits of optimizing system performance, like extended equipment life, reduced maintenance and repair needs, etc.
Modification of electrical and mechanical systems in existing schools, including lighting and air conditioning upgrades, along with the installation of occupancy sensors to turn off lights and set back air conditioning when areas are unoccupied are just some of the ways schools have maintained energy efficiency. DCPS staff has taken a proactive approach when designing new schools, meeting with engineers to ensure they are energy efficient from day one. Duval’s first Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certified school is currently under construction on the Westside.
“Duval County Public Schools is a model for other school districts,” said Julio Rovi, SRC Program Manager. “The staff and students of Duval County Public Schools are on their way to improving their energy and financial performance, as well as distinguishing themselves as environmental leaders.” Duval’s winners include 15 high schools, 17 middle schools and 43 elementary schools.
By joining SRC and taking the ENERGY STARŪ Challenge, Duval County Public Schools is helping SRC reach its goal of improving energy efficiency by 10% or more across its partner states. The estimated benefits for all participating states include saving approximately $4.1 million in total annual energy costs and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 483 million pounds annually.
"Just Read It" Stars of the Month Tour Stadium
The Mike Peterson Foundation and Duval County Public Schools announced the October Star of the Month for the Mike Peterson Foundation’s "Just Read It" Program. The stars were invited to a meet and greet at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, which included an exclusive behind the scenes tour and a special visit with Jacksonville Jaguar Linebacker Mike Peterson.
Students were selected based on their outstanding achievements in reading. These students worked very hard following directions in the classroom, as well as continuing to improve their reading skills.
Congratulations to the following students for being selected as the October Star of the Month for the Mike Peterson Foundation “Just Read It” Program:
Elementary School Category:
Jalen Revels - 3rd grade - John Stockton Elementary
Malik Hubbard - 3rd grade - Brentwood Elementary
Pooja Shetty - 4th grade - Biltmore Elementary
Kamari Randolph - 4th grade - Sadie Tillis Elementary
Sean Sweeney - 5th grade - Neptune Beach Elementary
Ashonta Fogle - 5th grade - Arlington Elementary
Middle School Category:
Kandyce Turano-Martin - 6th grade - Mandarin Middle
Gregory Dickerson - 6th grade - Jeff Davis Middle
Joseph Biles - 7th grade - Lake Shore Middle
Daysha Butler - 7th grade - Kirby Smith Middle
Aaron Tan - 8th grade - Mandarin Middle
Jenny Owens - 8th grade - Joseph Stillwell Middle
Teacher Appreciation Day Rolls Into Jacksonville Municipal Stadium
September 28 was Teacher Appreciation Day at the Jacksonville Jaguars game and 1,250 tickets were distributed to Duval County Public Schools’ teachers to cheer the Jaguars to victory as they played the Tennessee Titans.
Acosta Sales and Marketing, Winn-Dixie and Campbell’s Labels for Education purchased the tickets for local teachers to celebrate and recognize their hard work, efforts and contributions.
Each school within the district received pairs of tickets based on teacher population, and then the principals at each school determined how the tickets would be fairly distributed.
In addition to being awarded tickets for Teacher Appreciation Day, Winn-Dixie and Campbell’s Soup are giving schools bonus points as part of their Campbell’s Labels for Education Program.
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