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 2011-12 School Year is Off to a Great Start!
We are off to a phenomenal start this year thanks to the efforts of our teachers, students, administrators and staff.
During the first week of school I had the pleasure of visiting several classrooms, and had the opportunity to speak with many students and teachers about their goals for this year. I was pleased to hear about all of the positive programs geared toward promoting reading in our schools.
This year, we are focusing on continuing to improve the literacy skills of all students and provide them with the necessary comprehension tools to perform at the highest level in classroom lessons and on statewide assessments.
The success of our students would not be possible without the commitment of our teachers, principals, and staff. Educating our students is a 24-hour a day job, and I can’t thank our staff enough for their dedication to our students. They spend hours planning, preparing, researching and brainstorming new and innovative ideas to help our students learn and comprehend the material.
I know the beginning of the school year can be somewhat busy and fast-paced, so staying informed is essential to achieving a successful school year. Please visit the website of your child's school or the district’s website at www.duvalschools.org for important information, such as school hours, lunch menus and supply lists. It is also important that your child’s school has correct contact information on file, so please make sure your information is up to date.
If you have not yet had a chance to visit your child's school, please review the open house schedule available on our website and make plans to attend. Parent involvement is key to establishing the best learning environment for students at school and at home.
With your help, we will be able to give our students the right combination of knowledge and support to allow them to thrive in a global economy. Every day is another chance for students to excel and achieve their goals, and we promise to provide them with safe and healthy environments to do that.
I am excited for all of the great opportunities for the 2011-12 year, and wish you luck for a very productive school year.
Ed Pratt-Dannals
Superintendent
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Duval County Public Schools held a press conference recently to announce that the funds have been raised to save tennis, golf and cross-country for the 2011-12 school year. Thanks to the efforts of 1st Place Sports Running Club, First Coast Tennis Foundation and North Florida Junior Golf, $43,724 was raised for each sport to keep them in Duval County public schools. In addition, Mayor Brown announced that $236,250 was raised to save middle school football as a result of contributions from private organizations, including the Jacksonville Sharks.
In order to save these programs, fundraisers were organized by these companies to show support for their respective sport. 1st Place Sports Running Club held the Stadium Challenge in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida and SMG to raise funds for cross-country; First Coast Tennis Foundation held the Save Jax Tennis High School Fundraiser at the San Jose Country Club with local tennis pros; and North Florida Junior Golf sponsored the FORE Our Students golf tournament that took place at the Jacksonville Golf and Country Club.
“I would like to express our gratitude to these organizations for devoting their time and energy to organize and execute the fundraisers that will allow these sports programs to remain in our schools this year,” said Superintendent Pratt-Dannals. “It is encouraging to know that we have such a supportive community that puts the needs of our students before all else.”
There are four remaining sports programs that are continuing to raise the money needed to continue their sport. Those include slow-pitch softball, wrestling, lacrosse and boys J.V. soccer. Approximately $40-$45,000 is needed in order for these four programs to be offered this school year.
Those present at the event included Superintendent Pratt-Dannals, School Board members, Mayor Brown, Education Commissioner Dr. Horner, the Jacksonville Sharks and the representatives from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida and SMG, along with other prominent dignitaries and sports organizations.
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Duval County Public Schools’ Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals, Mayor Alvin Brown, Duval County School Board members,
Read It Forward Jax partner John Joyner, CFO of the Jack Hanania Automotive Group and many other dignitaries welcomed students back to school at Pinedale Elementary
on the first day of school.
 More than 400 students gathered in the multi-purpose room where they were greeted by their special guests. During the assembly, Superintendent Pratt-Dannals asked the students to make a promise to read for 30 minutes each night and then discuss what they read. Students eagerly vowed to fulfill this promise.
School Board vice chairman Betty Burney also spoke to students about the importance of reading and shared with them the book she is currently reading. Ms. Burney congratulated the students, teachers and principal on becoming an “A” school and challenged them to maintain that level of success for this school year.
Mayor Brown supported the promise the students made to the Superintendent by promising to spend time each week reading with his two sons. The Mayor also spoke about the impressive gain the school made improving from an “F” to an “A.” He said he believes in public education and encouraged the students to always do their best and never give up.
As the students were dismissed from the assembly, they each received a
Read It Forward Jax backpack donated by the automotive group that contained new books for the students to take home.
For more pictures on the Read It Forward Jax event, visit the
DCPS’ flickr photostream.
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 Windy Hill Elementary Celebrates Partnerships for a Great Year
Windy Hill Elementary would like to thank one of their business partners, CrossRoad Church UMC, for their many contributions to the school over the years.
Windy Hill shares the credit with the church for helping the school achieve an “A” grade this past year.
Stanton Educators Receive 2011 Yale Educator of the Year Award
Two educators from Stanton College Preparatory School were selected to receive the 2011 Yale Educator Award. Ms. Kathleen Carpenter-Smith, Latin teacher, and Mr. Bob Turba, school counselor, were nominated by one of their students for this award.
 Enterprise Learning Academy Students Meet Omega Man
Students at Enterprise Learning Academy recently had the opportunity to meet and interact with a member from Omega Man, the number one anti-bullying prevention program.
All students from pre-k to fifth-grade gathered in the cafeteria to take part in this captivating and entertaining program that encourages students to make good choices and be positive influences on their peers.
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September
7 |
Student Early Release Day |
21 |
Student Early Release Day |
October
4 |
School Board
Meeting-DCPS' Administration Building, Cline Auditorium, 6 p.m. |
5 |
Student Early Release Day |
19 |
Student Early Release Day |
28 |
Teacher Planning Day-No school for students |
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REAL School and
School Matters are our two student-hosted shows that showcase and address current events and important topics going on throughout the district.
With school officially underway, these shows are swinging into high gear as the new student hosts have been selected for the 2011-12 school year.
These shows are informative and entertaining as they take you inside classrooms, pep rallies and assemblies, and give you
in-depth discussions with Superintendent Pratt-Dannals on key issues facing the district.
REAL School airs the first Sunday of every month at 10 a.m. on WJCT.
School Matters airs the fourth Sunday of every month at 10 a.m. on WJCT.
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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
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Duval County Public Schools has a Facebook page. To follow us, visit
Facebook and select 'Become a Fan' at the top of the page.
You can also follow DCPS on Twitter by visiting
www.twitter.com/DuvalSchools and clicking 'Follow.'
Both pages are
updated regularly with news, important messages and information about current
events.
 Looking
for photos from school events? Visit our
flickr photostream.
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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.
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