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
about 12 hours ago, Duval County Public Schools
SUMMER CAMP REGISTER IS OPEN – Registration is now open for our fee-based summer camps. Whether your child is looking to explore new interests or gain valuable skills, there's something for everyone. Secure your spot today! Visit our Summer Camp Webpage for more information and registration info:
https://www.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/summer-camp. Note – for parents new to summer camp registration, this will require you to create an account on the platform we use called, Eleyo. Have questions about registration? Email
communityed@duvalschools.org.
about 12 hours ago, Duval County Public Schools
TEACHER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS – Team Duval is proud to celebrate the finalists for the 2026 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year, recognized at a recent board meeting. This year’s finalists include Monica Gold of Arlington Middle School, Petika Tave of Reynolds Lane Elementary School, Valerie Pitts-Wilson of Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary School, and Michelle Flores of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. (Flores was unable to attend due to a writing conference, and Tonya Rowan, Assistant Principal of Curriculum, represented her at the board meeting.) Congratulations to these outstanding educators for their dedication to students and for representing the very best of Team Duval teaching.
about 14 hours ago, Duval County Public Schools
SHOUTOUT FOR MAYPORT MS TEACHER – This shoutout comes from a parent praising her daughter's Algebra teacher –– Aurelie Drexler of Mayport Coastal Sciences Middle School! Parent Jeanette Mignone says, “She goes above and beyond and is so organized, sending weekly emails detailing the plans, homework, and tests. It is obvious she truly loves her job and loves kids! My daughter has learned so much and is consistently testing well. I often consider her to be our 'go to' teacher, and in all of our interactions, I feel genuinely supported. We will always remember her as one of the best!”
1 day ago, Duval County Public Schools
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER OF THE YEAR – Team Duval is proud to recognize Jazmin Jerome as this year’s School Social Worker of the Year. Colleagues say Jazmin exemplifies the heart of school social work, serving students, families, and schools with integrity and dedication. As a leader on the Best Practices FOCUS Committee, she not only implements high-quality services but helps shape them, always saying “yes” when support is needed. We celebrate Jazmin and all of our outstanding school social workers for their commitment to removing barriers and helping students thrive every day.
12 days ago, Duval County Public Schools
BOOKMARK CONTEST – This Team Duval Shoutout recognizes the winners of a recent Bookmark Design Contest at Brookview Elementary School! Third grader Eva Doan and first grader Delilah Love created patriotic bookmarks centered around themes honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Each student and staff member will be given a bookmark of one of the winning designs to mark their place in their favorite books. Librarian Leigh Merrill says, “The talent on display was a fantastic tribute to both our nation’s history and our school's love for reading.” Congratulations!
13 days ago, Duval County Public Schools
TEACHER WRITES PLAY – This Team Duval Shoutout celebrates a captivating, original performance that Bartram Springs Elementary School teachers put on for their students during Literacy Week! In keeping with an annual tradition, third-grade teacher Cindy Ray wrote a play for teachers to act out. This year’s play, titled “Stepping Inside and Out of a Good Book at BSE,” was about a young girl dealing with a range of emotions as she wrote a book report. Teachers got into character, delivering funny and inspiring performances that encouraged confidence and a love for reading. Great work!
15 days ago, Duval County Public Schools
HES HONORS EMPLOYEES & SCHOOLS – Team Duval is proud to recognize outstanding partners from HES Facilities Management for their commitment to maintaining clean, safe, and welcoming learning environments across our schools and offices. This year’s HES Employees of the Year are Nicole Pooler of GRASP Academy, Deandre Smith of A. Philip Randolph Career Academies, Onertta Worthen of Loretto Elementary School, Dagarel Wilkerson of Whitehouse Elementary School, and Cynthia Dennis of Springfield Middle School. HES also recognized five Schools of the Year where staff have helped transform the school environment: Joseph Stilwell Middle School, Englewood High School, Oceanway Elementary School, Chets Creek Elementary School, and John Love Early Learning Center. Congratulations to these dedicated employees and schools for going above and beyond in service to Team Duval.
16 days ago, Duval County Public Schools
THANK YOU, MAINTENANCE TEAM - Today, we celebrate the dedicated maintenance team that keeps all 156+ Duval County Public Schools running smoothly. From regulating heating and cooling systems to ensuring safe electrical operations, their work touches every classroom and office. Each year, they complete an average of 60,000 work orders, tackling challenges in some of Florida’s oldest school buildings. With the help of technology, they monitor thousands of AC units, chillers, and boilers across the district, combining expertise and innovation to keep campuses safe and comfortable. On National Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day, we thank these hardworking professionals for their vital role in our schools.
18 days ago, Duval County Public Schools
Open Enrollment is Here — Start Saving Smarter - Saving for college just got easier! Our partner Florida Prepaid’s annual Open Enrollment is now live, and new tools make planning simple and affordable. Here’s what’s new: A redesigned website to help you build a personalized plan in minutes; Flexible Prepaid Plan options — pay for one year at a time or choose what fits your budget; Low monthly payments starting at just $29. The sooner you start, the more you save. Lock in today’s college costs and take the first step toward your child’s future with a Florida Prepaid 529 Plan. Enroll now at
https://bit.ly/3Z0h1OE.
18 days ago, Duval County Public Schools
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS AWARD – Four Team Duval schools are being recognized for raising the bar in student achievement. Holiday Hill Elementary, Andrew Jackson High School, Northwestern Legends Elementary, and Oceanway Elementary have received the Exceeding Expectations Award from the East Coast Technical Assistance Center. Out of 3,437 schools statewide, these campuses stood out for strong performance on the Florida State Assessments, including achievement, learning gains, subgroup performance, and results among low-income students. This recognition highlights the dedication of their educators and the continued success of students working hard to reach new heights.
19 days ago, Duval County Public Schools
TEACHER STARTS COAT DRIVE – This Team Duval Shoutout recognizes Karen Robertson, a third-grade teacher at Gregory Drive Elementary School, and her work to collect coats for students. According to peers, Robertson is already an amazing ELA teacher, but her generosity puts her over the top! To help students get through the recent cold and rainy weather, Robertson organized a coat drive. Judging by these photos, the drive was a success, leaving students warm and dry for school. Great work!
19 days ago, Duval County Public Schools
HONORING RAINES FOOTBALL COACH, TEAM – This Team Duval Shoutout celebrates new, statewide honors received by the William M. Raines High School football program. The Florida Coaches Coalition (FCC) recently named Head Football Coach Donovan Masline as its Florida Coach of the Year at a ceremony in Orlando. The school’s football team was also named the Program of the Year for the Northeast Region. According to its website, the FCC is one of the largest coaches' organizations in the state, representing more than 16,0000 coaches and 600 schools. Congratulations to Coach Masline, and the entire football team!
20 days ago, Duval County Public Schools
CELEBRATING SAN JOSE AP – This Team Duval Shoutout honors Norman Ritz, an Assistant Principal at San Jose Elementary School. According to paraprofessional Lori Frank, Ritz joined the school in August 2025 and hit the ground running! She shares, “From day one, he approached his role with energy and a clear commitment to students and staff. He took the time to learn routines, listen to concerns, and build relationships. Starting a new leadership role is never easy, but he has stepped in with confidence and care - proving to be a positive force and valued leader in our school. We love you, Mr. Ritz!”
22 days ago, Duval County Public Schools
HIGHLIGHTING SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS – Team Duval proudly recognizes National School Social Work Week and celebrates the more than 70 dedicated professionals serving students across our district. From home visits and attendance outreach to crisis intervention, group counseling, and close collaboration with school and district leaders, they provide critical support that strengthens our entire school community. Their expertise, compassion, and steady presence help students and families navigate both everyday challenges and complex situations. Above all, they remain committed to ensuring every child has the social, emotional, and academic support needed to succeed. We are deeply grateful for the care and commitment they bring to our schools each day.
23 days ago, Duval County Public Schools
SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAMS RECOGNIZED – We are proud to celebrate four Team Duval schools earning the Distinguished School Counseling Program Champion Award. These schools have committed to supporting their counselors and fully implementing comprehensive school counseling programs aligned with national and state standards. With district support, each will begin the journey toward becoming an ASCA Recognized Model Program. Please join us in congratulating Hyde Grove Elementary, Parkwood Heights Elementary, Chaffee Trail Elementary, and Jean Ribault High School—and their dedicated principals and counselors—for this outstanding achievement!
26 days ago, Duval County Public Schools
CONGRATS PRINCIPAL MUNGIN – We are proud to recognize Leon Mungin, principal of Young Men’s and Women’s Leadership Academy, as this year’s Laurel Kaden Anderson Administrator Award recipient. Principal Mungin exemplifies exceptional leadership by championing a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with the ASCA National Model and state curriculum standards. Through intentional collaboration, he ensures school counselors play a vital role in leadership, contributing to shared governance, the School Advisory Council, and the School Improvement Team.
28 days ago, Duval County Public Schools
CONGRATULATING MAURICE EDWARDS – We are proud to recognize Maurice Edwards, school counselor at Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School, as this year’s Lucille Crysell School Counseling Award recipient. Through universal, responsive practices, Mr. Edwards has strengthened the school counseling program to ensure every student feels seen, valued, and supported. By honoring students’ diverse languages, backgrounds, and lived experiences, he fosters an inclusive environment where all learners can thrive.
30 days ago, Duval County Public Schools
FLORIDA SCHOOL COUNSELOR OF THE YEAR – We are proud to recognize Dr. Brianna Patterson, school counselor at Jean Ribault High School, who has been named the 2025–2026 Florida School Counselor of the Year by the Florida School Counselor Association. Through her leadership, Dr. Patterson increased Early College student retention to over 90 percent and doubled the number of students eligible for the Florida Medallion Bright Futures award. Her work has also sparked a school-wide needs assessment and a shift toward proactive, data-driven student support. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Patterson as she receives a Superintendent’s Coin of Excellence and advances for consideration as a national finalist!
about 1 month ago, Duval County Public Schools
NEW PARENT LEADERS – February is Florida’s Parent Leadership Month, and we’re proud to celebrate five outstanding parents who are making a difference for our students and schools. Congratulations to Duval Schools’ newest District Parent Leaders: Matthew Swain, Shantone Toliver Davenport, Carmella Holmes-Weaver, Tabitha Rice, and Sandra Plaza. Through their commitment to learning, leadership, and service, these caregivers and community members have stepped up as advocates for Team Duval.
about 1 month ago, Duval County Public Schools
