REGISTER FOR A BUS TODAY - Bus registration for the 2026–2027 school year is now open. All students who plan to ride a school bus next year must be registered in advance, including students enrolled in self-contained ESE programs. Families are encouraged to register as early as possible to help ensure a smooth start to the school year. Registration forms are available in Focus. For step-by-step instructions on how to complete the process, visit: www.duvalschools.org/busregistration
Congratulations to students from Paxon School for Advanced Studies, who have earned today’s Team Duval Shoutout for exemplifying a commitment to civic engagement, leadership, and community service. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11, students presented Letters of Gratitude to local first responders at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Substation 5, and the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Station 17. The initiative provided students with an opportunity to express appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions made by public safety professionals each day. Way to go, Paxon students, for this meaningful act of gratitude and remembrance!
TEACHERS IN SPAIN – Congratulations to Norma Crespo-Lowery of Stanton College Preparatory and Zamira Pauley of Paxson School for Advanced Studies, who were selected to participate in the prestigious Carlos V Education Professional Development Program in Sevilla, Spain, this summer! The program offered advanced professional learning in Spanish language instruction, cultural integration, and best practices for supporting multilingual learners. Through workshops, expert-led sessions, and immersive cultural experiences, these educators gained new insights and connected with language educators from around the world. We are proud of these outstanding Team Duval educators for representing our district internationally and bringing innovative ideas back to benefit our students!
ESOL DIRECTOR HONORED – Congratulations to Ingrid Carias, Team Duval’s Director of ESOL, World Languages, and Dual Language, on receiving the Honorary Educator Leadership Award at the City of Jacksonville’s Unidos Jax Dinner! This award recognizes Hispanic educators who demonstrate outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing education. Through innovative language programs, community partnerships, and her commitment to multilingual students and families, Carias continues to expand educational opportunities across Duval County. We are proud to celebrate her leadership and dedication to ensuring every student and family has a voice, access to opportunity, and the support they need to succeed!
A huge Team Duval Shoutout to Englewood Elementary School for hosting an incredible Jacksonville Jaguars Camp in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and the Somos Duval initiative! Students enjoyed an exciting day filled with football activities, teamwork, and engagement with Jacksonville Jaguars players, cheerleaders, and the Jaguars mascot. The event provided a memorable opportunity to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month while promoting wellness, school spirit, and community connections. Thank you to our ESOL District Team members Ms. Astrid Cox and Ms. Marydela for supporting the event!
ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS – Congratulations to the winners of Team Duval’s 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest! Fifth-grade student Aoife Lewis of San Jose Elementary wrote about her first-grade teacher, Aurelio Cruz Lorente, known to students as Mr. Cruz, highlighting his engaging teaching style and passion for inspiring a love of learning. Team Duval senior Nicole Jiang wrote about Dr. Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa, celebrating his inspiring journey from migrant farm worker to acclaimed neurosurgeon and researcher. We are proud of these students for recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of Hispanic leaders in our community!
HEROIC BUS DRIVER – On August 25, bus driver Tamara Frazier of Student Transportation of America jumped into action when she saw two pit bull terriers running toward two students walking to school. Concerned for their safety, she stopped her bus, activated her lights to stop traffic, and safely brought the students aboard before transporting them to Ribault Middle School. Through her quick thinking, compassion, and professionalism, Frazier helped protect these students when they needed it most. We are proud to recognize and thank Tamara for going above and beyond to keep Team Duval students safe!
EMERGING LEADERS – Six Team Duval students had the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, experience college life, and prepare for their futures this summer at the Emerging Leaders Institute at Loyola University Chicago! The juniors and seniors, representing Atlantic Coast, Darnell-Cookman, Jean Ribault, and Westside high schools, participated through our GEAR UP and 5000 Role Models of Excellence programs. They represented Duval County Public Schools with maturity, professionalism, and excellence, demonstrating their commitment to growing as leaders and positively impacting others. We are proud of these students and grateful for the continued support of student leadership opportunities across Team Duval!
MEAL DONATION – Thanks to a generous donation, the lunch debts of 3,164 Team Duval students across 37 schools were paid, providing immediate relief for families! The $10,607 gift was made through the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida on behalf of the Kitty and Reg Emans Memorial Fund. This support helped ensure students could enjoy nutritious meals without the added stress or worry of unpaid meal balances. We are incredibly grateful to Teresa Emans, the Kitty and Reg Emans Memorial Fund, and the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida for their generosity and commitment to our students!
REMINDER: SURVEY CLOSING SOON – The 2026 Data Triangle Survey closes Oct. 23, and there’s still time to make your voice heard! Students in grades 4–12, employees, families, caregivers, and community members are encouraged to complete this short survey at www.duvalschools.org/surveys. Your feedback is important and provides school and district leaders with valuable insight into what’s working well and where improvements are needed. Take a few minutes to share your perspective and help Team Duval better support our students, families, and schools.
A special Team Duval Shoutout goes to Ms. Flanders at Biscayne Elementary School for wholeheartedly embracing and celebrating our Hispanic cultures. Thank you for ensuring that our VPK students had the opportunity to take part in the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration and experience the richness this tradition. Your commitment to fostering inclusion, cultural appreciation, and meaningful learning experiences helps our youngest students build pride, understanding, and respect for diversity!
Our Team Duval Shoutout for today goes to the leadership team at Rutledge H. Pearson, including Principal Adkins, Assistant Principal Lewis, Dr. McLaughlin, Ms. Hite and Caran Mullins. Earlier this month they lead Learning Rounds, a program aimed at empowering Jacksonville Teacher Residents to learn, reflect and grow into tomorrow’s educators. Thank you for all that you do to inspire the next generation of teachers!
Today’s Team Duval Shoutout goes to Zarmina Malalai, the heart of San Jose! For 6 years, she has supported students, staff and Afghan families with endless kindness, patience and a smile. After 17 years advocating for women and children in Afghanistan, she continues changing lives. We are so thankful to have you, Zarmina!
Congratulations to Principal Coffman of Seabreeze Elementary, who receives today’s Team Duval Shoutout for her support of new students and families. “I watched my daughter grow at this little beach school,” writes the nominating parent, “and so much of that growth was because of the incredible team that works there. Your team is only as strong as its leader, and Principal Coffman sets the bar.” Thank you, Principal Coffman, for creating a school environment in which students are seen and supported!
Let’s give a big Team Duval Shoutout to Ms. Leyla Salinas, Kindergarten ELD Sheltered Teacher at Greenfield Elementary, for her outstanding commitment to supporting our multilingual learners! During a recent classroom visit, Ms. Salinas demonstrated exemplary implementation of the Hands-On English curriculum. Her intentional use of videos, visuals, vocabulary supports, gestures, Total Physical Response (TPR), oral language activities and the Big Book created an engaging learning environment where students were actively developing their English language skills. Thank you, Ms. Salinas, for your passion, expertise, and commitment to excellence!
Today’s Team Duval Shoutout goes to Ms. Crespo-Lowery of Stanton College Preparatory School and Ms. Zamira Pauley of Paxon School for Advanced Studies on their selection to participate in the prestigious ALAS Carlos V Education Program in Seville, Spain, this summer. Their participation in this distinguished international program reflects their passion for world languages, their commitment to professional growth, and their dedication to creating meaningful learning experiences for their students. Ms. Crespo-Lowery and Ms. Pauley exemplify the excellence, curiosity, and global mindset that define outstanding educators. Thank you for representing Duval County Public Schools with distinction and for bringing the world back to your classrooms!
CUSTODIAN APPRECIATION – On National Custodian Day, Team Duval celebrates the dedicated custodial employees who help make our schools clean, safe, and welcoming places to learn and work. Long before the first bell rings and long after the school day ends, custodial teams are working behind the scenes to ensure our schools are ready for students and staff each day. Their care, hard work, and attention to detail are an important part of creating the world-class learning environments our students and staff deserve. Today, we encourage everyone to take a moment to thank the custodial employees who support their school or district office and recognize the difference they make in our school communities.
NATIONAL PRINCIPALS MONTH – October is National Principals Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the heart, dedication, and leadership our principals bring to Team Duval every day. From supporting educators and connecting with families to making decisions that shape the experiences of our students, principals carry an incredible responsibility with dedication and care. This year, their leadership is especially worth celebrating as Team Duval earns its second consecutive “A” grade — an achievement made possible by the collective work of our entire school community, including our principals who keep their teams focused on student success. Throughout the month, we encourage everyone to take a moment to recognize a principal who has made a difference through a simple note, word of encouragement, or expression of gratitude. To all of our principals, thank you for your leadership, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the students, families, and staff you serve.
Let’s give a big Team Duval Shoutout to the ESOL, Dual Language, and World Languages teams for their remarkable dedication during professional development. “Your seamless collaboration, professionalism, and commitment to excellence were evident in every session,” writes Program Director Ingrid Carias. “It was truly inspiring to see everyone supporting on another, ensuring that our educators experienced meaningful, high-quality professional learning.” Thank you to each of those teams – your passion and expertise make a difference!
Congratulations to Arlington Heights Elementary for receiving a Team Duval Shoutout for their AVID Pep Rally! This celebration focused on the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program at the school and educated students on the focus strategy for this school year. Students from pre-K through fifth grade learned about AVID strategies, heard from teachers, and listened to two student speakers on how AVID has helped them prepare for their future. Way to show school spirit, AHE!
