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School Zone
On the Next Episode of "School Matters"
Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals and guests discuss new details of the budget shortfall as it relates to turnaround and secondary schools, a six-month review of the strategic plan, the importance of volunteers, and being principal for a day. The Duval County Public Schools monthly public affairs television show airs Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 10 a.m. on WJCT-TV channel 7 and Comcast cable channel 8.
In the first segment of the show, Superintendent Pratt-Dannals and moderator Joyce Morgan Danford discuss the impact of the budget shortfall on the classroom. Deputy Superintendent Patricia Willis joins the discussion and explains how the turnaround schools are bracing for the cutbacks, and Don Nelson, principal of Twin Lakes Academy Middle School, and president of Duval County’s Secondary Principal’s Association explains what he has witnessed from the middle and high school standpoint. Parents and other stakeholders are also informed about what they can do to make sure their voice is heard.
It has been six months since the Duval County school district implemented the Strategic Plan to focus efforts on all of Jacksonville’s public schools. A vision and mission were defined, as well as six measurable goals to attain by 2012. Duval County School Board Chairman Tommy Hazouri and the District’s Director of Operations, Tom O’Dea, review with the Superintendent the purpose and mission of the plan, and highlight great progress made at this early date.
February is Florida School Volunteer Month and Duval County is doing its part by creating opportunities for volunteers, and recognizing those who have made an impact. In this segment, Superintendent Pratt-Dannals recognizes two outstanding volunteers in the public school community; mother and son duo Wilma and Alejandro Castaneda. They describe their experiences as volunteers, and the motivation that drove them to reach out and give back. Cynthia Humphrey, Technical Manager in the Community and Family Engagement office also joins the discussion to provide detailed information about how all stakeholders can volunteer.
A few local business leaders recently found out how it felt to become a Principal for a day. Through a program coordinated by the office of Community and Family Engagement, everyday Jacksonville civilians received the chance to walk a day in a local principal’s shoes. They found out that it was not quite as easy as they thought it would be and most gained a new respect for those who are honored with the task daily. Annetta Kornblum, principal of Beauclerc Elementary, and Wesley Benwick, president of Bennetts Technology for your Business share their experiences with the host and moderator.
“School Matters” is produced monthly by WJCT-TV and the Communications Department of Duval County Public Schools. Veteran interviewer Joyce Morgan Danford is the moderator of “School Matters” which airs the fourth Sunday of every month at 10 a.m. Broadcasted first-run on WJCT-TV, Channel 7 and Comcast cable channel 8, “School Matters” is also televised each Wednesday at 5 p.m. on Comcast cable channel 29 after its premiere.
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