School Zone
Points of Pride
Douglas Anderson Student Creating Works of Art for Pet Adoption
Christiana Broughton, a senior at
Douglas Anderson School of the Arts (DA) (DA), was recently selected as the winner
in the City of Jacksonville's Animal Care and Protective Services student art contest. Broughton's artwork now decorates the Animal
Care agency's new facility in Riverside.
As visitors enter the building, a portrait of Karly, Christiana's rescue dog, awaits them. Karly's painted portrait
is what Christiana submitted for the contest, and since winning, she has been commissioned – on a volunteer basis – to paint
other animals on the facility's doors and windows.
Christiana also recently earned her Girl Scout Gold Award, along with her DA classmate Emily Pendergraft, in part
for the work they have done at the Animal Care and Protective Services agency. Both girls gave presentations during a Pet Education Day
event about selecting and caring for pets, which included distributing a kids' coloring book that Christiana had designed. Additionally,
several other DA students assisted during the event.
Christiana's story was featured in
an article in The Florida Times-Union.
For more information about the City of Jacksonville's Animal Care and Protective Services, visit their
Web site.
Duval House Connects with Strategic Partners
Duval Halfway House, one of Duval County Public Schools’ (DCPS) youth development programs, recently connected with
several businesses throughout the city to provide its students with additional support.
"Making these connections is invaluable for our students," said Principal Marvin McQueen. "I know it's not a lot
compared to other schools in the district; however, it's a welcomed beginning to Duval House."
Bank of America has committed to provide each of the school’s students with $50 to open a savings account; the
U.S. Navy's Champlain Division, located at N.A.S. Jax, is providing a $500 scholarship to an eligible graduating student who has been
accepted into any accredited college or career/technical school; and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is providing mentoring and tutoring on a
bi-monthly basis to the students for approximately two hours at each session.
DCPS actively promotes relationships between business partners and schools for the purpose of better education.
By joining this effort and helping a school, businesses - small and large - make a real difference in the quality of education provided
to our children. How a business becomes involved with a school can be based upon the size and nature of the business, the time or
resources a business has to contribute and the mutual goals of the school and business partner.
Pine Forest Elementary School of the Arts Named Magnet School of Distinction by Magnet Schools of America
Pine Forest Elementary School of the Arts, a visual and performing arts magnet school, has been selected for a
Magnet Schools of America Merit Award as a 2010 Magnet School of Distinction. This is the third consecutive year that Pine Forest has
been recognized. The school was named a School of Distinction in 2009 and a School of Excellence in 2008.
This national award recognizes the top magnet schools in the United States for their commitment to high academic
standards, curriculum innovation, successful desegregation/diversity efforts and the consistent delivery of quality services to all
stakeholders. Pine Forest was selected based on criteria such as desegregation, innovative instructional strategies, student
achievement, and parent and community involvement.
“Being named a Magnet School of Distinction validates the hard work and dedication of the Pine Forest staff,
students and parents,” said Ed Pratt-Dannals, Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools. “We are proud that Pine Forest is being
recognized on a national level for striving daily to exemplify the goals of a magnet school.”
Pine Forest is a dedicated Magnet School with a mission to drive academic achievement and nurture artistic
self-expression within a cooperative learning environment. Students receive instruction in dance, music, drama and the visual arts.
Sandra Day, President of Magnet Schools of America and Dr. Robert G. Brooks, Executive Director, will present
the Magnet School of Distinction Award during the national conference on May 4 in Tampa, Florida.
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