District streamlines lunch process; clarifies eligibility

Low participation and the need to efficiently use available staff have led Duval County Public Schools to end school meal distribution at six more schools.

Service will end after April 13 at A. Philip Randolph Career Academies, J. Allen Axson Elementary School, Twin Lakes Academy Middle School, Mt. Herman Exceptional Student Center, Baldwin Middle/High School, and Lake Shore Middle School. 

More than 140 schools and neighborhood elementary bus routes are still available for families to access meals. This includes more than 70 schools that now serve dinner as part of the meal package. 

While federal and state standards now allow for meals to be provided without the child present, a child’s identification is required. Family members picking up meals without the student present must provide a valid form of identification. Read more here.  

Story time with DJ and other celebrities

Local celebrities often drop-in on classes of young readers to share their love of reading and a favorite book or two. Duval HomeRoom is no different, except our readers are sharing stories on video while we need to stay home for the health and safety of our community. Be sure to check the reading room often as new readers and new stories are added almost every day. 

Link to your internet provider for cyber-safety parental control features

Your student’s cyber safety in our new era of Duval HomeRoom is of vital importance. Setting up parental controls is one way parents can ensure their student is accessing websites that are safe and secure, and we hope to provide valuable resources to assist you.

Below is a list of popular internet providers and the links to their parent control settings. These webpages provide instructions for setting up individualized internet parameters for your household.

• AT&T
• Verizon
• Xfinity/Comcast
• Microsoft (Windows 10, XBox, Android)

If your provider is not included on this list, we recommend visiting their website, as most providers offer similar services.

You may also find this Guide to Parental Controls helpful as you assist your student in transitioning to online education. We are incredibly thankful for your support and partnership. We look forward to seeing your student achieve success through Duval HomeRoom!

12 tips from parents and educators to help with transition to home education

The shift from school-based learning to home-based learning has been an interesting -- and sometimes challenging -- experience for all of us.

We’re inspired by the support schools, teachers, parents, and students are sharing with one another through this uncharted territory.

To lend a helping hand, we’ve consulted with our Chief Academic Officer Paula Renfro and consolidated some of your best tips.

These tips include setting up a comfortable space for learning, establishing a schedule and setting up clear goals, engaging in joyous (non school-related conversations), and having family meetings to recap the idea. Read more great tips on TeamDuval.org. 

HomeRoom opens drive through tech support

Duval schools to remain on home-based education through May 1

Following the recommendation of the Florida Department of Education, Duval County Public Schools will remain on home-based education through May 1, 2020 for the health and safety of students, staff and the community. 

Students will continue receiving instruction through the district's home-education initiative, Duval HomeRoom.

The district was one of the first districts in Florida to launch a home-education program last week.

To support online learning, more than 30,000 laptops have been distributed to students. Additionally, internet access has been provided through special offers from private providers and distribution of hot spots to students who need them. 

The district continues to provide lunch and breakfast to students at its traditional schools. Meals are also delivered to students on neighborhood elementary school bus routes. This week, more than 70 schools have been approved to provide dinner as part of the "grab-and-go" meal package.  

HomeRoom Gallery opens with works of nationally recognized student artists

 Human trafficking, the consequences of prejudice, and the wonder of DNA are among the themes of award-winning artwork from Duval County Public Schools’ students that can now be viewed from the comfort of home.

The Duval HomeRoom Gallery of Fine Art is a virtual showcase of student artwork – including mixed media drawing, comic art and editorial cartoons – that have received both local and national recognition from the Northeast Florida Scholastic Arts Awards and the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards in New York City.

Currently featured in the gallery are 12 works of art from students at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, LaVilla School of the Arts, and Paxon School for Advanced Studies. New exhibits will be added each week.

Families, run the Boston Marathon with Duval HomeRoom's Health and PE team

We are staying apart to stay healthy. Let's take one more step. Then another, and another ... 

Do a mile a day running or walking and you will complete the Boston Marathon challenge. See the video below for more and how to chronicle your marathon experience in social media.