ESOL STUDENTS ENJOY WATER TAXI TOUR – Students participating in this year’s ESOL Summer Maintenance Program are celebrating a unique learning experience on the St. Johns River. English Language Learners with Southside Middle School’s program recently took a water taxi tour and learned about the city's history, landmarks, and the importance of the river.
PRAISE FOR TEACHER JENNIFER SHEPARD – One Team Duval parent is grateful for the impact Seabreeze Elementary School’s Jennifer Shepard had on her son! Here’s what Seabreeze parent Janee Thomas shares about the first grade teacher: “We had a wonderful year filled with growth and support. Her sweet and encouraging spirit truly made a difference—she helped Ka’Marley build confidence, especially in reading. We’re so grateful for the love and dedication she poured into him.”
BACK TO BACH PERFORMANCE – Students participating in the district’s ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Summer Maintenance Program received a special treat, thanks to a visit by a group of classical musicians! Members of the “Back to BACH Project” recently performed for English Language Learners at the Loretto Elementary site. Back to BACH sends young, classical musicians into schools to help inspire and encourage a love for the arts.
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR "PARENTS WHO LEAD" - Calling all Duval County parents, guardians, and caregivers! Do you want to make a real impact in your child’s school and your community? Parents Who Lead is a free program designed to help you grow your leadership skills, understand how local systems work, and connect with others who are passionate about creating change for kids. Applications are open now — don’t miss your chance to be part of the next cohort!
Learn more and apply here: https://www.jaxpef.org/our-work/for-parents/
BOARD MEMBER RECEIVES AWARD – Congratulations to District 4 School Board Member Darryl Willie for receiving the Florida School Boards Association's FSBA President's Award! Immediate Past President Tim Bryant presented two President's awards – one to Darryl Willie of Duval and one to Caprice Edmonds of Pinellas – for their work as chair and vice chair of the Equity committee.
NEW "BLUE ZONES APPROVED" SCHOOLS – Congratulations to five Team Duval schools now designated as "Blue Zones Approved" in the city of Jacksonville. These schools have been equipped by the Blue Zones Project Jacksonville with little to no cost research-based policies and programs designed to improve the environment and make the “healthy choice” easier. They are: Mattie V. Rutherford Alternative Middle School, Jean Ribault Middle School, Jean Ribault High School, Northwestern Legends Elementary School, and Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary School.
PARENTS WHO LEAD COHORT RECOGNIZED – Seventeen parent leaders were honored at the July 1 School Board meeting for their participation in Parents Who Lead, a partnership of Duval County Public Schools, the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, and the Kids Hope Alliance. Parents Who Lead empowers parents and caregivers to become transformative agents of change in schools and in the community. They've spent weeks building their toolkit to become more effective leaders and advocates
EXTENDED DAY REGISTRATION - Looking for safe, fun, and affordable childcare services before and after school? Team Duval’s Extended Day program opens for registration on Monday, July 14 at 8 a.m. Space is limited, and spots fill up fast, so we encourage families to register early. All K-12 Team Duval students are eligible. Learn more and review the easy registration details at https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/2025-2026-extended-day-registration
Surprise! This shoutout recognizes three school counselors honored by the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Department for the impact they’re making in their school communities. The following school counselors were named ESOL Contacts of the Year: Georgine Mondestin-Hillman of Kernan Trail Elementary School, Alexandria Fields of Lake Shore Middle School, and Amanda Zagrodny of Mandarin High School. Each was surprised with a special on-campus visit and a plaque in May.
TEAM DUVAL GRADUATE PRESENTED WITH SCHOLARSHIP CHECK – Congrats to Michael Dickson, a recent Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies graduate, for earning a $2,000 scholarship from the Florida Debate Initiative! FDI President Abraham Lopez personally presented Dickson with the check, commending him for his excellence in speech and debate, academic achievement, leadership, and civic engagement.
CIVICS AND DEBATE STUDENTS WIN AT STATE COMPETITION – Congrats to Shan Vance and Anne Zacharia of Julia Landon College Preparatory School for winning the Public Forum Debate Middle School State Championship at the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative State Championship in April! Anne also earned second place at the state Civics Bee Competition.
5000 ROLE MODELS GRADUATES NAMED WILSON SCHOLARS – Congratulations to four program graduates who earned over $100,000 in scholarships to attend Florida A & M University, Florida State University, and St. Thomas University. They are: Kowen Webb of Darnell Cookman School of the Medical Arts (Florida A&M University), Markus Blakely of First Coast High School (Florida A&M University), Hayven Jones of Darnell Cookman (St. Thomas University, not pictured), and Emmanuel Abay of Darnell Cookman (Florida State University, not pictured).
ESOL AWARDS – This Team Duval Shoutout honors the many English Language Learners recognized at the district’s annual ESOL Awards Ceremony at Sandalwood High School. Elementary, middle, and high school students received awards for their achievements, as did several Instructional Support staff and retirees. ESOL Director Ingrid Carias shares, “As a former English Language Learner, I deeply appreciate the challenges, fears, and uncertainties they encounter, while also celebrating their remarkable resilience and passion for learning.”
WOLFSON STUDENTS COMPETE IN INTERNATIONAL EVENT – Congrats to Graham Glasheen and Aaron Zacharia for their recent participation in the DECA International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia! Graham competed in Personal Finance Literacy, and Aaron competed in Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling. Both students showed top skills at the competition, with Aaron being named the Silver Medallion Winner for the Top 10 international finalists
REGISTER NOW FOR BUS TRANSPORTATION - It only takes five minutes! Now is the time to complete bus registration if your student will be riding the bus in 2025-26. This includes families of students in self-contained ESE programs. The earlier you register, the better! Forms are available in Focus, but for step-by-step instructions, visit http://www.duvalschools.org/busregistration.
DUAL LANGUAGE AWARDS – Congratulations to students and staff honored at the recent Dual Language Awards Ceremony held at Sandalwood High School! Students enrolled in the district’s elementary, middle, and high school language immersion programs were front and center as their achievements were celebrated. In addition to honoring dozens of students, two educators were recognized for Excellence in Dual Language Education and Leadership. This includes Dual Language Teacher of the Year Carmen Polanco and Administrator of the Year Dr. Marilyn Barnwell, both of Alfred duPont Middle School. Great work!
GRADUATING SENIORS RETURN TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS – This Team Duval shoutout celebrates graduating seniors making new memories at their elementary schools! Bartram Springs Elementary recently invited seniors who previously attended the school to join the annual 5th Grade Clap Out. More than 45 seniors came dressed in their graduation regalia and spent time visiting their old classrooms and teachers. Over at Beauclerc Elementary School, members of the Class of 2025 were also invited to return to their former stomping grounds. Donning their caps and gowns, seniors took their final stroll through the halls of their elementary school, radiating joy and pride.
STUDENTS EARN SEAL OF BILITERACY – Congratulations to 828 Team Duval students recently recognized for earning the Seal of Biliteracy! The recipients were honored at a ceremony at Atlantic Coast High School, which was complete with special performances and the distribution of medals. The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who have attained a high level of competency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages in addition to English. ESOL Director Ingrid Carias shares the ceremony reflects a “deep appreciation for the transformative impact of language.” Congrats!
PARTY WITH A PURPOSE – Two hundred students with asthma and allergies received an extra boost of support and resources, thanks to the recent “Party with a Purpose” held at John Love Early Learning Center this spring. Members of the district’s School Health Services Team – including RNS, LPNs, and School Health Aides – joined forces with Asthma and Allergy Impact and Rescue and Simply Healthcare to assemble backpacks and diagnosis kits for students diagnosed with asthma and allergies. Bags were filled with resources such as educational guides, and coloring books, tools to help maximize inhalers, and a certified Asthma and Allergy-Friendly stuffed bear named Velvet Hugs.
BUS DRIVER PRAISED FOR KINDNESS – From going the extra mile to making each child feel special. One Team Duval parent says she can’t give enough praise for her son’s bus driver, Ms. Rena, and the way she treats students. Southside Estates Elementary School parent Katherine Paradise says she admires Ms. Rena’s ability to work well with the ESE students she drives – always putting safety first and treating them like family. Paradise says, “She truly loves her job and loves the kids. It’s a great feeling when your child gets on a bus and you know how seriously she takes the kids’ safety... We are all very lucky to have her in charge of our children!”
