TEACHER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS - Team Duval, please join us in celebrating five outstanding educators selected as our Teacher of the Year finalists: Michelle Flores of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts; Monica Gold of Arlington Middle School; Valerie Pitts-Wilson of Rutledge Pearson Elementary School; Dr. Mari Richardson of Jean Ribault High School; and Petika Tave of Reynolds Lane Elementary School. Each of these educators is an exceptional representative of the excellence in teaching found across Team Duval. The finalists, along with each school’s Teacher of the Year, will be recognized at the EDDY Awards on Saturday, January 24, 2026, where the Team Duval Teacher of the Year will be selected.
PRESENTATION BY BLKOPS FOUNDATION HONORS VETERANS – The BLKOPS Foundation brought its Road Show to Westside High on October 10, offering an unforgettable experience in Mr. Daniel Tobias Flint’s U.S. History class. Through its program, “Honoring Service: The History and Significance of Veterans Day,” students connected directly with the legacy of America’s veterans. They heard from veterans featured in the Amazon Prime series BLK OPS: The Veterans History Project, who spoke about service, resilience, goal-setting, and living up to one’s full potential—powerful lessons from those who have given so much.
GREGORY DRIVE ELEMENTARY TEACHER GETS CREATIVE WITH CLASSROOM CAFE – When it came time for Gregory Drive Elementary School teacher Nia Johnson to instruct students about figurative language, she got creative. The fourth grade teacher turned her classroom into a cafe, creating fun opportunities for students to use figurative language to describe food! From “Seafood and Similes” to “Menus and Metaphors,” students were learning through an enriching, hands-on activity they won’t forget. Way to go!
TEACHER BECOMES FOSTER CAREGIVER – This Team Duval Shoutout celebrates the generosity that Southside Middle School teacher Whitney Greenwell demonstrated to a former student in need. Greenwell, upon hearing that she needed a place to stay, became a temporary foster caregiver. Colleague Liz Lawrence shares more: “During those months, Ms. Greenwell provided safety, structure, and steady support, took her to college orientation, moved her into her dorm, and stayed closely involved in helping her prepare for her next chapter. They remain connected and plan to celebrate the holidays together, showing the lasting impact a caring teacher can have and how one compassionate decision can change a life.” Thank you, Ms. Greenwell, for going the extra mile to demonstrate kindness!
STANTON, FLETCHER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SHINE IN COMPETITION – Congrats to two incredible student teams for their outstanding achievements in the UNF MedNexus Innovation Challenge. This year's "Break the Vape" challenge invited students to create apps to educate young adults on the physical, mental, and emotional toll of vaping. Here are the winners:
- 1st Place – Stanton College Preparatory School's "Craving 4 Training" Team: Ishika Doma, Samhitha Chandupalta, Sloka Nadakuduru, and Nishka Parikh. Each student earned a $1,000 scholarship.
- 2nd Place & Audience Choice – Fletcher High School's "Vapebusters" Team: Trenton Green, Natalie Searl, Natasha Searl, and Nicole Anderson. Students each earned $750 and $250 scholarships, totaling $1,000 each.
Great job!
- 1st Place – Stanton College Preparatory School's "Craving 4 Training" Team: Ishika Doma, Samhitha Chandupalta, Sloka Nadakuduru, and Nishka Parikh. Each student earned a $1,000 scholarship.
- 2nd Place & Audience Choice – Fletcher High School's "Vapebusters" Team: Trenton Green, Natalie Searl, Natasha Searl, and Nicole Anderson. Students each earned $750 and $250 scholarships, totaling $1,000 each.
Great job!
TIWANA JOHNSON EARNS UNSUNG HERO AWARD – Congratulations to Brookview Elementary Paraprofessional Tiwana Johnson for being named the 2025 Hyundai and Tony Boselli Unsung Hero! Boselli recently joined Johnson at Brookview to honor her with the award, which recognizes heroes for their outstanding contributions in the community. According to teacher Camilla Douglas, Johnson is “dedicated above and beyond her call of duty” by serving as the school's Volunteer Coordinator, Safety Patrol Sponsor, Leaders of Tomorrow Sponsor, Volunteer Coach for Girls on the Run, Chairman of the Yearbook Committee, and so much more! "She arrives early and stays late and never hesitates to lend a helping hand wherever she is needed. Her enthusiasm, positive spirit, and unwavering belief in the potential of every child inspire everyone around her.” Great work!
JEAN RIBAULT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS INDUCTED INTO CAREER-FOCUSED ORGANIZATION – LaQuanda Paschal shares his celebratory Team Duval Shoutout: "Jean Ribault High School students are building workforce skills and leading with passion! Fifty-three students were inducted into (BPA) Business Professionals of America, a Career and Technical Student Organization, on Saturday, November 15th. Students are learning career-ready skills such as leadership, problem-solving, technology, and professional communication. They are also gaining hands-on experience in business concepts that prepare them for future workplace success. Students will be competing at their State Leadership Conference in February 2026.” Congratulations!
SHOWING SUPPORT FOR JAMAICA AFTER HURRICANE MELISSA – Students and staff at SP Livingston Elementary are using creativity and words of encouragement to stand by those impacted by Hurricane Melissa’s landfall in Jamaica. The school community wanted to lift the spirits of faculty and staff who are from Jamaica and have family living there. A representation of the Jamaican flag was placed in the front lobby of the school, giving faculty, staff, and students a chance to sign with special messages. Staff also dressed green, yellow, and black – the colors of the Jamaican flag – as a show of support. According to reading interventionist Tamisha Curry, “We stand united in love & prayers!”
RECOGNIZING A CREATIVE, ENGAGING LESSON – This Team Duval Shoutout recognizes a dynamic teaching moment by Jade Menendez, an ELA teacher at Baldwin Middle-Senior High School! Menendez recently transformed her classroom with blacklights, creating a fun atmosphere in which students used neon highlighters to annotate a reading assignment and search for examples of ethos, pathos, and logos. Colleague Heather Dixon shares, “With some black lights and neon highlighters, Ms. Menedez made her lesson something the students could not put down! They were so excited to show me how cool their ELA teacher is, and how fun the lesson was.” Way to go!
CELEBRATING MISS FLORIDA, GRADUATE OF JEAN RIBAULT HIGH SCHOOL – Congratulations to Paris Richardson, reigning Miss Florida and second runner-up in the Miss America Pageant! A 2020 graduate of Jean Ribault High School, Paris credits her time as a Trojan—including cheerleading, leading a health club, and serving as Miss Ribault—for preparing her for success in college, career, and pageants. She recently earned her Master of Health Administration from the University of Florida and is the founder of CROWN of Health, advocating for wellness in communities. Paris also works in medical device sales with aspirations to become a hospital CEO. We celebrate her incredible achievements and her lasting connection to Ribault.
THE LOTTERY APPLICATION WINDOW FOR 2026-27 IS OFFICIALLY OPEN – Current families interested in magnet or Special Transfer Option (STO) schools can start their applications today through FOCUS in the Family Portal. The deadline to apply is Jan. 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Need help? Our enrollment specialists are hosting webinars to guide you through the application and lottery process. You can register now for the following sessions:
Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 PM - https://bit.ly/3M3kdph
Thursday, Dec. 11 at Noon - https://bit.ly/4rCK73N
Tuesday, Dec. 16 at Noon -https://bit.ly/3Kktgl8
Learn more and secure your spot today!
START THE NEW YEAR WITH A NEW CAREER –Team Duval is hosting a districtwide Interview Day for educators on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Whether you’re an experienced educator, transitioning from another field, or looking to advance your career, this event offers on-site interviews with principals and hiring managers, information about open positions across the district, and insight into Team Duval’s supportive culture, benefits, and career pathways. Interview Day will be held at the Schultz Center from 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM. Learn more at: https://www.duvalschools.org/o/humanresources/article/2560031
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH ESSAY WINNERS – Congratulations to the winners of the Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest! Elementary school winner Nathalie Ann Raices of Beauclerc Elementary wrote about teacher Vanessa López, highlighting her dedication to STEM, leadership, and community service. Middle school winner Tania Diaz Paredes of Southside Middle School honored Dr. Norberto Benitez for his groundbreaking pediatric practice and international medical missions. High school winner Andrea Navarro of Riverside High School wrote about City Councilman Raul E. Arias Jr. and his work to strengthen and support the community. Principal Chris Koek accepted Andrea's certificate in her place. We celebrate these students for their thoughtful essays and commitment to honoring local Hispanic leaders.
PARENT PRAISES TEAM DUVAL'S LISA GADSON – This shoutout celebrates Lisa Gadson, a district employee whose quick problem-solving abilities helped ease a burden on a parent and her son. Ceressa Anthony shares that she enrolled her child in Home Education for the first time. However, she soon became aware of a possible paperwork mix-up that could have prevented her child from participating in the local high school’s football program. She went into panic mode….that is until Ms. Gadson stepped in. “Lisa heard me and responded so quickly to help! Her kindness and quick response allowed my son to practice and play! I’m forever grateful for her kindness. Lisa helped a stressed-out Mama who needed her, and she rescued me! Lisa is a treasure and I pray you all see her worth as well!” Great work!
BOARD MEETING IS MONDAY, DEC. 1 - Our Regular School Board Meeting in December will be held on Monday, Dec. 1, instead of the usual first Tuesday. The meeting starts at 6 PM, and anyone wishing to participate in public comment should submit their speaker cards by 6:20 PM. Can’t attend in person? Watch the meeting live online at www.duvalschools.org/board.
RECONNECT WITH THE JOY OF TEACHING - Team Duval is hosting a Retired Educators Hiring Fair on Tuesday, Nov. 18, offering retired teachers the chance to meet with principals, explore current openings, and participate in on-site interviews with the potential for same-day offers. With a starting salary of $48,700 -- plus millage up to $7,730 -- retired educators can discover opportunities to return to the classroom and continue making an impact. The event will be held at the District Admin Building from 9–11 a.m. and 1–3 p.m. Registration is available at https://dcps.questionpro.com/t/AcbPNZ7dFT
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RECOGNIZING ENGLEWOOD HS PRINCIPAL MARLENY CHIRINO – Congratulations to Principal Marleny Chirino of Englewood High School for receiving the Educator Leadership Award at the City of Jacksonville’s Unidos Jax Dinner! With over a decade of leadership at Englewood, she has guided the school to its first B in more than 11 years and continues to increase graduation rates. Principal Chirino’s dedication, passion, and heart for her students and staff make this honor truly well-deserved. We celebrate her inspiring leadership and impact on the Englewood community.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE DONATION HELPS ESTABLISH 60 ALL PRO DAD CHAPTERS – Team Duval proudly recognizes the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice for its outstanding partnership and support of our After School Programs. Through a generous $30,000 donation, DJJ helped establish 60 All Pro Dad chapters across the district—creating more opportunities for fathers and male role models to connect with children. This partnership strengthens our school communities and reflects DJJ’s commitment to building a stronger, safer Florida. We are deeply grateful for their collaboration and positive impact on our students.
DISTRICT 5 TOWN HALL - Join School Board Member Reginald Blount and Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier for an engaging Town Hall meeting on Monday, Nov. 3, at 6:00 p.m. at Riverside High School. Come hear the latest district updates, ask questions, and share your thoughts about our schools and community. We hope you’ll join us as we come together to discuss the future of education in District 5!
ROBOTICS CLUB STUDENTS WIN BIG – Students at Mayport Coastal Sciences Middle School are making a serious splash on the international scene! The school’s Robotics Club recently competed against 175 teams from around the world at the SeaPerch International Competition at the University of Maryland. Students designed, built, and tested underwater robots. In the end, Mayport's 6th, 7th, and 8th grade teams excelled – all earning multiple awards, including an Overall Championship Prize! Congratulations to these amazing students!
