Message from
Ed Pratt-Dannals
Superintendent of Schools

2009-2010 school year off to a great start

I want to thank all of you for a great opening to the school year. Our student enrollment so far is 122,025, and we will have a more accurate number after the 20-day count.

The school year started off with the opening of our district's two newest schools, Bartram Springs Elementary and Westview K-8. Next year, we will welcome the district's first high school in 20 years, which will be a very exciting time for Duval County. We are holding a community information meeting about the boundaries for the new high school on Tues., Sept. 15, at 6 p.m., at Twin Lakes Academy Middle. For more information, review our meeting announcement.

As I traveled to many of our schools during the first week, I was encouraged by the wonderful things I witnessed. I would like to extend a deep appreciation for all the hard work done by our principals, teachers, school staff and district-support staff, as well as to our parent and community volunteers.

If you have not yet had a chance to visit your child's school, please review our open house schedule and make plans to attend.

Your involvement in your child's education is essential. With your help, we will continue to increase the academic achievement for all students, employ the best teachers and principals, and establish safe, secure and respectful schools. I am confident that working together, we will provide more students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a global economy and culturally diverse world.

Thanks for all you do for Duval County Public Schools.

Ed Pratt-Dannals
Superintendent

District Prepared for H1N1

As you are aware, there have been numerous confirmed cases of the new Novel Influenza A (H1N1) virus (also called Swine Flu) reported across the United States, as well as in Duval County. Our school district works closely with the local, state and national health agencies to investigate any illnesses and/or infections.

Novel Influenza A (H1N1) virus is characterized by these symptoms: fever (100º or more), sore throat, cough, fatigue, body aches, headache and/or chills.

The illness may last up to seven days, but people are considered to be contagious up to one day before symptoms begin and continuing 5-10 days, after illness onset. This period can last even longer in young children and those with weakened immune systems. If you or your child has flu-like symptoms, monitor yourselves for the symptoms, and consult your physician.

Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through the coughing or sneezing of people with the flu. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. We want to remind parents of the importance of prevention and how to stay safe.

You can help to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus by teaching your child to:

• Sneeze or cough into a tissue, elbow or sleeve. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home until you have been symptom and “fever free” for 24 hours, whichever is longer, except to seek medical care or for other necessities. Keep away from other household members as much as possible.

WARNING: Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid salicylates) to children or teenagers who have the flu; this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye's Syndrome.

For more information on Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus, please visit www.myflusafety.com.

A New Partnership: DCPS & Chartwells-Thompson

During the May 4, 2009, meeting of the Duval County School Board, Chartwells-Thompson was selected as the foodservice provider for Duval County Public Schools.

Chartwells-Thompson is a partnership between Chartwells, a division of Charlotte, NC-based Compass Group and Thompson Hospitality, one of the largest minority owned foodservice companies in the world. Together, they bring fresh ideas and innovative concepts to school dining. Their mission is to serve nutritious, well-balanced meals that appeal to your students and school community.

With Chartwells-Thompson, DCPS' students will be able to take advantage of Balanced Choices®. This is Chartwells-Thompson's signature comprehensive wellness program, teaching students and the school community how to make sound choices for a healthy lifestyle. The award-winning program provides nutrition education and a meal guidance system for students which assist them in making the most nutritious options when selecting meals, snacks, and beverages at school. Each selection meets precise nutrition criteria and incorporates more whole grains, low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables and low-fat options into the menu.

Chartwells-Thompson will also implement Environments™, their age-specific, customized dining program that resonates with students, administrators and parents alike. It transforms the typical cafeteria into a unique social learning experience and encourages students to make balanced choices in the cafeteria, in the classroom and at home.

They also recognize that breakfast is especially important for children; it’s the most important meal of the day and plays a role in improving academic performance. In addition to their Morning Editions breakfast program where nutritious morning meals are served daily, they offer Breakfast in the Classroom, where even more students will get the nutrition they need to start their day, increasing breakfast participation drastically.

Both Chartwells-Thompson and Duval County Public Schools look forward to seamlessly integrating innovative programs where students discover and enjoy meals which are well balanced and nutritious.

To learn more about Chartwells-Thompson, visit www.chartwellsschooldining.com/duval or call 904-732-5117.

Hundreds Visit Teacher Supply Depot for Free Supplies

The Duval County Public Schools Teacher Supply Depot officially opened for the 2009-10 school year with a Back-to-School Giveaway. Hundreds of teachers waited in line for hours for the opportunity to get free school supplies for the coming year.

The depot, located at the former Lackawanna School on Lenox Avenue, is a warehouse of reusable materials donated by businesses and community members. These materials are distributed free to teachers to enhance instruction in their classroom and promote student achievement.

Doors opened at 8:30 a.m., but many teachers arrived at 5 a.m. to be near the beginning of the line for the first opportunity to see what was available.

All the donated supplies were organized in several rooms throughout the school, including a paper room, arts and crafts room, and rooms that had shelves full of office supplies.

Teachers were able to bring three tote bags to carry their free supplies. Many took advantage of the opportunity and stuffed each bag to the top.

Chris Buckley, the on-site manager of the depot, and Larry McDonald, the director of consolidated services for DCPS, coordinate the depot, supervising hundreds of hours from all the volunteers who contributed to the project.

Many volunteers were on hand for the opening of the depot to assist teachers as they moved from room to room. Several volunteers also took care of the loading dock, an area where teachers could drop off their bags of supplies and drive their cars around to have the materials loaded.

During the school year, the depot is open one day each month. For more information about the depot, visit our Web site.

DCPS appreciates the tremendous support from the business community, volunteers and the many other individuals who are contributors to the Teacher Supply Depot.

Two New Schools for DCPS

Two new Duval County public schools opened their doors for the 09-10 school year - Bartram Springs Elementary, #161, and Westview K-8, #274.

Bartram Springs is located at 14799 Bartram Springs Parkway near Racetrack Road and Philips Highway, and is the southernmost school site in Duval County. It will accommodate more than 800 students, alleviating overcrowding at Greenland Pines elementary school.

"Our teachers, staff and students are thrilled to be a part of an outstanding school in such a wonderful community," said Principal Jud Strickland. "We are truly building a tradition of excellence."

Westview K-8, located at 5270 Connie Jean Road on Jacksonville's Westside, is the first "green" school in the district. A green school is a building with a healthy environment that promotes learning while saving energy, resources and money. Westview was designed and constructed to meet the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards for schools.

Duval County Public Schools also partnered with the St. Johns River Water Management District and the Northeast Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Coalition in the development of the new school.

"Westview is proud to be a green school, and we are anxious to begin incorporating its green components into our curriculum to teach students how they can be more conscientious about saving the planet," said Principal Michele Floyd-Hatcher.

Woodson Elementary Brings Together Community

Hundreds of students and their families recently spent a Saturday afternoon at Carter G. Woodson Elementary for its first annual Community Outreach Day.

Special visitors included Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals, Deputy Superintendent Pat Willis and Executive Director for Turnaround Schools Jackie Byrd, as well as School Board member Betty Burney and State Representative Mia Jones.

The event, which was sponsored by one of the school's business partners, A. B. Coleman Mortuary, was an opportunity for Carter G. Woodson Elementary to become a focal point of the local community, providing parents with instant access to the resources they need to help their child grow into productive citizens in society.

Inside the school's gym, organizations such as the YMCA, Jacksonville Public Library, Clara White Mission, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, and Boys/Girls Scouts, were on hand to provide students and their parents with helpful information and resources.

Students also had the opportunity to meet their teacher for the 2009-2010 school year, and tour their classroom. To help jump start the school year, Aetna handed out free backpacks filled with school supplies to every student in attendance.

Outside of the school, students had a blast on the inflatable bouncy houses and enjoyed music from a local DJ. Ashley Street Catering provided free lunches, while Shands Mobile provided free health screenings.

Principal Cheryl Quarles-Gaston thanked the local vendors, community members and parents for their support, and encouraged the parents to stay involved all year at Carter G. Woodson Elementary.

In This Issue...

September 2009

• Superintendent's Message
• Facebook & Twitter
• District Prepared for H1N1
• New High School Meeting
• District Calendar
• Parent Resources
• A New Partnership: DCPS & Chartwells-Thompson
• Hundreds Visit Teacher Supply Depot
• Board Meeting Recap
• Inside DCPS
• Two New Schools for DCPS
• Stay Informed
• Woodson Elementary Brings Together Community
• Contact Us

Keep up with DCPS!

Duval County Public Schools has a Facebook page. To follow us, visit Facebook and select 'Become a Fan' at the top of the page.

New High School Meeting

DCPS will be holding a community information meeting about the boundaries for the district's new "AAA" high school, located at 9735 R.G. Skinner Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256.

District Calendar

September

7	Labor Day (Schools and District Offices Closed)
9	Student Early Release Day
15	Duval County Council of PTAs/PTSAs Meeting - DCPS Administration Building, Cline Auditorium, 10 a.m.
15	New "AAA" High School Community Meeting - Twin Lakes Academy Middle, 6 p.m.
23	Student Early Release Day
28	District Advisory Council (DAC) Meeting - DCPS Administration Building, 6th Floor Conference Room, 6 p.m.

October

6	School Board Meeting - DCPS Administration Building, Cline Auditorium, 6 p.m.
7	Student Early Release Day
20	Duval County Council of PTAs/PTSAs Meeting - Teacher Supply Depot, 3108 Lenox Ave., 10 a.m.
21	Student Early Release Day
26	Teacher Planning Day (Schools Closed)
26	District Advisory Council (DAC) Meeting - DCPS Administration Building, 6th Floor Conference Room, 6 p.m.

Parent Resources

There is nothing more important than your children and contributing to their achievements.

Find out how to become a player in your child's education. Learn more.

Board Meeting Recap

At its monthly meeting on Sept. 1, the Duval County School Board and Superintendent Pratt-Dannals recognized staff and a business partner for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to Duval County Public Schools.

Inside DCPS

Duval County Public Schools
1701 Prudential Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32207
www.duvalschools.org

Superintendent
Ed Pratt-Dannals

Stay Informed