Raines High School students recently had the opportunity to meet Florida’s Lieutenant Governor, Jennifer Carroll, during her visit to their school. Eleven students were chosen to attend the meeting to share their thoughts and ideas about the successes of the school and the changes they would like to see happen.
The students put together a short PowerPoint presentation on the history of Raines High and on the future goals and aspirations of the school. The students took turns presenting recent data on test scores and highlighting the benefits of the acceleration programs the school offers.
After the presentation, the Lieutenant Governor asked the students to elaborate on some of the things they would like to see transpire in the future. The students were unanimous in wanting to get parents more involved in academic activities and not just athletic competitions. They suggested inviting the parents to the school in the evenings or on the weekend to participate in a mentoring program. They also thought a Parent Night would be beneficial to both the students and parents, allowing the parents to better understand the work the students are completing.
The Lieutenant Governor and the students were joined by Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals, School Board members Paula D. Wright and Betty Burney, an alumnus of Raines High, and cluster chief Tony Bellamy. As the students waited behind, these individuals, along with Principal Maxey, toured the school and visited a few classrooms to get a first-hand look at the instruction techniques used within the classes.
The morning ended with more discussion on the programs offered at Raines, including some ways the students could be proactive about their education. Specifically, Lieutenant Governor Carroll encouraged several of the students to pursue planning fieldtrips for the arts programs to be exposed to various art forms outside of the classroom. The students appreciated the advice and were eager to take her suggestions. This entire experience is something these students will never forget.
For more pictures on the Lieutenant Governor's visit to
Raines, visit the
DCPS' flickr photostream.
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