As the energy builds at
Andrew Robinson Elementary, students understand the importance of and the implications of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test 2.0 (FCAT 2.0). This does not stop the energy and excitement of parents, teachers, support staff and administrators eager to show that the students are more than capable of excelling on this state assessment.
To channel the energetic enthusiasm, the pep rally at Andrew Robinson organized by Regina Thomas, math coach, and the hard work of Mrs. Jorge, math interventionist, had surprises guaranteed to motivate the third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students.
Dr. Donnie Horner, Mayor Alvin Brown's Education Commissioner, organized a visit by three Jacksonville Jaguars to help instill the importance of goal-setting for academic success. The visiting Jaguars were Uche Nwaneri, Jarett Dillard, and D'Anthony Smith, each sharing personal stories and examples of how to build success and the value of education. Each of the players talked about how the students' futures are shaped by their education and not to allow a test to stop them from achieving their life's goals. Preceding the Jaguars, the First Coast High School Drum Line dazzled the students with musical action that left them cheering.
Coach William Jackson, PE coach and school technology contact, and Regina Thomas, math coach, emceed the event. They kept the students pumped up and excited during with assistance from Mr. Marcus White, fourth- and fifth-grade EBD (emotional/behavioral disabilities) teacher who helped introduce the Jaguars' players.
Special thanks to Principal Lewis for all her support. Mrs. Lewis believes in a Five Star Service approach to anything that encourages and supports academic and social responsibility and accountability to the students at Andrew Robinson Elementary.
Additional support was provided from the following administrators:
- Michelle Walsh-Lopez and Talitha Harris: assistant principals
- Marcus White: fourth- and fifth-grade EBD teacher
- Third- through fifth-grade teachers (skits and stepping actions)
- Stephanie Manabat: executive director of Elementary Turnaround Cluster
- Aubrey Simmons: band director at First Coast High School
- Mrs. Landry-Gaines: director of special events from the Mayor's office
- Dr. Donnie Horner: Education Commissioner from the Mayor's office
- Renzo Sheppard: communications assistant
- Bahati Van Pelt: manager of player relations and youth football from the Jacksonville Jaguars Organization
Special thanks to Action News for recording and televising the event. This year the students were faced with FCAT 2.0 and the standards have been raised, but the enthusiasm and pride in these rockets of Andrew Robinson will not be diminished and the rockets will soar high past the FCAT.
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