|
 Mentors Make a Difference
January 2010 has been designated
National Mentoring Month by our School Board. This month highlights mentoring and the positive impact these volunteers can have on young lives.
During this month, Duval County Public Schools' will honor individuals who have chosen to become mentors to our youth and recognize them for making the future brighter for our young people.
The month-long outreach campaign focuses national attention on the need for mentors, as well as how each of us - individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities and nonprofits - can work together to increase the number of mentors and assure brighter futures for our young people.
There is a goal in our district's Strategic Plan focusing on enhancing our relationships with our external partners, including mentors. The goal is to have 20,000 mentors for our students by the year 2020. We are currently on target for mentor matches, with nearly 4,000 this year. With the increased possibility of another budget shortfall for the 2010/2011 school year, it is critical that we recruit mentors to help attain our goal of increasing academic achievement for all Duval County Public Schools' students.
According to the latest research, when students have mentors, they have better attendance, a better chance of going on to higher education, and better attitudes toward school.
It's proven that the positive influence of role models can have a lasting impact. Program evaluation results show that after one year of being matched with a Senior Partner, Junior Partners:
- Show a significant increase in their future orientation
- Are more committed to living a drug and alcohol-free life
- Show greater attachment to their family, friends and other adults
- Show an increase in self-esteem
To learn how you can become a mentor, visit our
Mentor Management Web site or contact Dewitt Robinson at 390-2511 or via email at
robinsonw1@duvalschools.org.
Sincerely,
Ed Pratt-Dannals
Superintendent
|
|
 It was standing room only when Former Sheriff Nat Glover visited Henry F. Kite Elementary for Dads n' Donuts.
"Dads n' Donuts is an opportunity for us to bring our students' fathers, uncles, brothers or any other significant male role model together so they can talk amongst themselves as well as listen to a significant leader in the community," said Principal Deidra Johnson.
During the breakfast, Glover discussed how important a parent's role is in his/her child's life and education.
"Parents often have to learn the job of parenting while they are on the job," he said. "How you parent will determine how that young person you are caring for will develop."
He encouraged parents to "step up" and have a renewed commitment to be a loving, caring and giving parent.
"Spend time with your children. If you have a child, your child should be your priority and responsibility."
Joining Sheriff Nat Glover was another leader in education, DCPS' Deputy Superintendent Pat Willis.
Dudes and Dudettes Gather for Breakfast and More at Ramona Elementary
 Dudes (Dads) and Dudettes (Moms) from Ramona Boulevard Elementary also had the opportunity to have breakfast with Principal Donna Frank, who talked with parents about the important role they play in their child's education.
"As an educator and principal, it is my goal to get children to love school, stay in school and do well in school," said Principal Frank.
Principal Frank encouraged parents to help their child learn and prepare for important tests by doing simple things with them, such as cooking with them to help with their measurements, reading, talking about cause and effect, and encouraging them to talk about what they learned in school.
After breakfast, parents toured the school and were able spend some time in their child's classroom
For more pictures from these events, visit the DCPS' flickr Photostream.
|
|
Sometimes in order to keep our youth heading in the right direction one has to take action. We need to take action - community action - to inspire youth, in this case, student athletes.
 On Saturday, February 27, School Board Chair Brenda Priestly Jackson and Senator Tony Hill will host the second Paul Robeson Scholar Athlete Summit for more than 500 student athletes.
One of the biggest messages the students will receive is that every high school athlete will not become a college athlete; every college athlete will not become a professional athlete; however, with a strong academic background and a commitment to working hard they will find their ticket to success.
Middle and high school students will have an opportunity to listen to dynamic speakers from the world of college or professional sports and will share in "one-on-one" conversations with local, state and national scholar athletes who continue to excel beyond the playing field. Through participating in the summit, students will gain valuable information and support in becoming strong scholar athletes themselves.
Make sure your student athlete attends this motivational and educational event! For more information, please contact your school's coach.
|
|
 For the first time in the school's history, JEB Stuart Middle recently hosted a multicultural night, rather than an event during the school day.
Organized by elective teachers Barbara Craig (art), Rebecca Okie (world languages) and Phillip Johnson (music), the evening event provided students with the opportunity to gain an appreciation for other cultures.
Art and objects from around the world decorated Mrs. Craig's classroom, and audience members were treated to a variety of performances, including African drums, vocal and instrumental solos, and poetry presentations.
Students and their guests also had the opportunity to write Chinese calligraphy, create Origami and make dreamcatchers.
For more pictures from Multicultural Night, visit the
DCPS' flickr Photostream.
|
|
At its January meeting, the Duval County School Board approved the proposed boundary establishment for Atlantic Coast High School and proposed boundary changes for Sandalwood, Englewood, Duncan Fletcher, Samuel W. Wolfson and Mandarin high schools. The approved item included an amendment that directed the Superintendent to review the boundaries each year for five years and determine any changes that might need to be made.
 Atlantic Coast High School is located close to Baymeadows Road and 9A, and the boundaries were determined and proposed through a community working group process. The working group, composed of parents and community members, met several times this summer to develop two recommendations for the boundaries. The district also hosted a community meeting in September to further discuss the boundary proposals.
School Board Vice Chairwoman Nancy Broner, who will be the School Board representative for Atlantic Coast and also represents Sandalwood and Fletcher, has been involved in the planning process for the new school since she was elected in November 2002.
She and former City Council Member Art Graham hosted several community meetings during the past six years to give the public an opportunity to be involved. During the meetings, members of the community discussed the design and location of the new high school, as well as re-zoning issues.
"It has been gratifying to have the parent community so involved in the planning process," said Broner. "They have been very supportive, and are excited that the new high school will soon be opening."
Atlantic Coast will open with students in grades 9 through 11, providing current juniors with the opportunity to complete their senior year at their current school. Debra Lynch, formerly the principal of Stanton College Preparatory School, will be the principal. The school's mascot will be the stingray and its colors will be black, white and burnt orange.
Learn more about Atlantic Coast High School by visiting our Web site.
|
|
 The DCPS' Vision Services Department recently organized a visit from the OneSight Vision Van at Paxon Middle School.
Students from Paxon Middle, as well as Pickett, Rufus Payne and George Washington Carver elementary schools, received free eye exams and glasses.
The OneSight Vision Van is part of the Luxottica Group Foundation.
Visit our flickr Photostream to see pictures from the OneSight Vision Van Visit.
|
|
 Teaching is a challenging and rewarding profession. If you are interested in a meaningful career change, there are multiple pathways available for highly qualified, non-traditional teacher candidates.
You may also register to attend a program information session on one of the following dates: Tuesday - January 19, 2010; Thursday - February 11, 2010; or Thursday - March 4, 2010.
For more
information about transition to teaching, visit our Web site or download a flyer.
|
|
This Saturday, January 9, come to Magnet Mania & More to find out about the Magnet program offerings in Duval County.
This interactive and fun-filled event will be at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
*Parking is free.
For more information, call 904-390-2082 or visit
www.magnetprograms.com.
|
January
18 |
Martin Luther King Day (schools and district offices closed) |
19 |
Duval County Council of PTAs/PTSAs Meeting - DCPS Administration Building, Cline Auditorium, 10 a.m. |
20 |
Student Early Release Day |
25 |
District Advisory Council (DAC) Meeting - DCPS Administration Building, 6th Floor Conference Room, 6 p.m. |
February
3 |
Student Early Release Day |
8 |
School Board Meeting - DCPS Administration Building, Cline Auditorium, 6 p.m. |
15 |
Presidents' Day (Schools closed) |
16 |
Duval County Council of PTAs/PTSAs Meeting - DCPS Administration Building, Cline Auditorium, 10 a.m. |
17 |
Student Early Release Day |
22 |
District Advisory Council (DAC) Meeting - DCPS Administration Building, 6th Floor Conference Room, 6 p.m. |
|
At its monthly meeting on Jan. 5, the Duval County School Board and Superintendent Pratt-Dannals recognized an education advocate, a teacher, schools and a community partner for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to Duval County Public Schools.
For a list of everyone recognized, please review the news release.
The next School Board meeting is Monday, February 8, at 6 p.m. All are welcome.
|
Duval County Public Schools
1701 Prudential Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32207
www.duvalschools.org
Superintendent
Ed Pratt-Dannals
School Board Members
Frequently Called Numbers
Main Line
904-390-2000
Transportation
904-858-6200
Human Resources
904-390-2840
School Board Office
904-390-2293
Community & Family
Engagement
904-390-2960
|
News Update
Looking for the latest school and district news? Read our most recent news releases, visit our
Spotlight on Education section or tune in to dcpsTV for a detailed look into what's going on at DCPS.
Speakers Bureau Available
DCPS would love to speak to your group to discuss our financial resources, teacher effectiveness, and the academic programs and learning opportunities we provide.
Contact Myra Simmons at 904-390-2993 to request a knowledgeable speaker to address your organization or association. You may also download a Speaker's Request Form.
|
|
DCPS has access to many newsletters containing important information for parents, guardians and students.
Please download any of the following newsletters that interest you.
|
|
