FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - The countdown is on — just ONE month until the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 10. Take small steps now to get ready: Adjust sleep schedules a little each week, gather school supplies and organize backpacks, keep learning going with 20 minutes of reading or math each day, mark important school dates on your family calendar, and start practicing morning routines. We can't wait to welcome everyone back for another amazing year!
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
LEADERS LEND HELPING HANDS – As our schools welcomed students and staff back for a new school year, members of the Superintendent’s Leadership Team were out and about, lending helping hands wherever they were needed most. From greeting students and supporting teachers to pitching in with the many moving pieces of the first week, our leaders were right alongside school teams, ready to help make the start of the year a success. Many also joined back-to-school community events, connecting with families and helping create the excitement and energy that make the first week so special.
That’s what Team Duval is all about—working together, supporting one another, and doing whatever it takes to help our schools thrive. Guided by our belief that “A Means All,” our priority is making sure every student, staff member, and school community feels supported and ready for a great year. Whether greeting families, helping behind the scenes, or simply being an extra set of hands, our Leadership Team is proud to show up, pitch in, and put our schools first!
Let’s give a big Team Duval Shoutout to the Pine Forest Safety Patrols! They had the privilege of representing Duval County this summer in a visit to Washington, DC. The agenda was filled with educational experiences and exciting activities, including a photo opportunity at the National Cathedral. Thank you, Safety Patrols, for all you do to keep our students safe!
Today’s Team Duval Shoutout goes to Edgar Pabon, a Specialist in the Health and P.E. Department who was selected by the Kenneth H. Cooper Institute and the NFL Foundation as the recipient of the 2025–2026 NFL PLAY 60 FitnessGram® Project MVP Award, recognizing him as the nation's top Project Champion among all NFL markets. Representing the Jacksonville Jaguars and Duval County Public Schools, Edgar earned this distinction through exceptional leadership that resulted in 100% district implementation and compliance, assessment of more than 8,000 students across 17 schools, and student fitness outcomes that exceeded national Healthy Fitness Zone benchmarks—setting the standard for excellence in school fitness programming.
VOLUNTEER RECOGNIZED - Congratulations to Douglas Ridgway, a Team Duval volunteer whose dedication is making a lasting impact at Chaffee Trail Elementary School! At this month’s Board Meeting, we recognized Mr. Ridgway as a 2026 Senior Volunteer Finalist in the Florida Department of Education’s Outstanding School Volunteer Awards. Through countless hours of service, he transformed an overlooked space into Mustang Meadow, a vibrant outdoor learning environment where students can learn, explore, and connect with nature. Please join us in thanking and congratulating Mr. Ridgway for his incredible service to the Chaffee Trail community!
PRINCIPAL AND STAFF STRENGTHEN SUMMER INSTRUCTION - We would like to extend a heartfelt and well-deserved shoutout to Principal Simpson of Central Riverside Elementary School for his outstanding leadership and unwavering support during the opening week of our ESOL Summer Maintenance six-week program. This six-week ESOL Summer Maintenance Program is vital to the ongoing English language development of our students, helping them maintain, strengthen, and build their language skills. We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the outstanding teachers and ESOL paraprofessionals at Central Riverside ES. Thank you for making a lasting difference in the lives of our students!
PRINCIPAL PROMOTES PROFESSIONAL GROWTH - Principal Suzanne Shall at Kernan Trail Elementary earns today’s Team Duval Shoutout for her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to both teachers and students. “She fosters a welcoming environment through her open-door policy,” writes the submitting staff member, “and genuinely believes in the potential of every teacher on our campus.” Through initiatives such as WOW Wednesdays, Principal Shall promotes professional growth by giving teachers the opportunity to observe one another’s classrooms, reflect together, and bring new instructional strategies back to their own students. Principal Shall, thank you for your dedication, vision, and leadership!
MAYPORT MIDDLE STUDENTS TAKE TOP ROBOTICS HONORS – Congratulations to the Mayport Coastal Sciences Middle School Robotics Team, who are earning today’s Team Duval Shoutout for their impressive showing at the International SeaPerch Robotics Competition in College Park, Maryland! Over 210 student teams from six countries and 30 U.S. states took part in the competition held at the University of Maryland, College Park. There, the Mayport Middle team was crowned overall champions in all three divisions: Middle School Stock, High School Stock, and Most Advanced. They also took home a total of 13 trophies! Way to go!
DUVAL EDUCATOR IMPACTS ESOL LEARNERS - Our Team Duval Shoutout for today goes to Mr. Ortiz, our exceptional ESOL Summer Maintenance Paraprofessional at Raines High School! Originally from Puerto Rico, he brings valuable cultural perspective and connection that enriches the learning experiences of our multilingual students. His dedication to supporting our multilingual learners in grades 6–12 shines through in every small group session he leads. Thank you, Mr. Ortiz, for the passion, generosity, and excellence you bring to our students every day—you are truly making a difference!
RAMONA ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL RECOGNIZED - Let’s give a big Team Duval Shoutout to Mr. Jeremy Greene at Ramona Elementary, for his dedication, compassion, and commitment to students. “He consistently goes above and beyond,” writes one parent, “to ensure every student feels supported and valued. I am incredibly grateful for this hard work, guidance, and unwavering care.” Thank you, Mr. Greene, for showing what Duval excellence is all about. We are proud of you!
PRINCIPAL AND STAFF STRENGTHEN SUMMER INSTRUCTION - We would like to extend a heartfelt and well-deserved shoutout to Principal Phillips of Chets Creek Elementary School for her outstanding leadership and unwavering support during the opening week of our ESOL Summer Maintenance six-week program. This six-week ESOL Summer Maintenance Program is vital to the ongoing English language development of our students, helping them maintain, strengthen, and build their language skills. Thanks to the welcoming and supportive environment fostered under her leadership, our English Language Learners feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn each day. We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the outstanding teachers and ESOL paraprofessionals at Chets Creek ES. Thank you for making a lasting difference in the lives of our students!
PATROLS ENCOUNTER HISTORY - Congratulations to the Jacksonville Beach Elementary Safety Patrols, who are earning today’s Team Duval Shoutout for their recent trip to Washington D.C. This end-of-year educational experience allowed the patrol students to interact firsthand with American history in the nation’s capital. Highlights included trips to the Lincoln Memorial and United States Capitol. Thank you, Safety Patrol, for helping to keep our campuses safe. We salute you!
NEW BLUE ZONES SCHOOLS – Congratulations to Cedar Hills Elementary, Chimney Lakes Elementary, Greenland Pines Elementary, Long Branch Elementary, Merrill Road Elementary, Oak Hill Academy, Seabreeze Elementary, Waterleaf Elementary, and Westside High School on earning recognition as Jacksonville Blue Zones Approved Schools. Through their partnership with Blue Zones Project Jacksonville, these schools are creating healthier environments for students, staff, and families by making healthy choices easier every day. Their commitment to wellness reflects the positive impact schools can have both inside the classroom and throughout the community. We’re proud to celebrate these Team Duval schools for leading the way toward healthier futures.
BILINGUAL TEAM EARNS BIG THANKS - Let’s give a big Team Duval Shoutout to the ESOL Bilingual Team! Our district ESOL Bilingual Testers - Raquel, Marydela, Ilenia, Paola, Edisa, Rana, Viktoriia, Victoria, and Andrea – our ESOL District CRT - Judy Ortiz – our Bilingual Clerk - Astrid Cox - and our Bilingual CLC Coordinator - Joanne Ortiz - are all being celebrated for their outstanding support during the opening of our ESOL Summer Maintenance program. Their dedication and commitment – even in the face of long hours – are truly exceptional. Thank you for going above and beyond to ensure our students have a positive and supportive experience. We are incredibly grateful for everything you do!
WORKSHOP MAKES MUSIC MAGIC - Our Team Duval Shoutout for today goes to district music educators who participated in the week-long intensive “Drumming Up the Fun” music workshop. This engaging workshop, held at Fishweir Elementary, covered instructional techniques to bring books and songs alive through music, drumming, movement, read-alouds, and student collaboration. Made possible by an FLDOE Early Childhood Music Incentive Grant received by the Fine Arts Department this year, this innovative instructional approach fostered teamwork, enhanced cognitive and motor skills, and improved literacy while students learned how to play a variety of musical instruments. Our featured photo shows teachers during the public performance that marked the culmination of their learning in this session. Congratulations to the Fine Arts Department and all of the teachers who made this workshop a success!
SUPPORT SERVICES EMPLOYEE LEADS SPORTS EXPERIENCE - Today’s Team Duval Shoutout goes to Adele Herring in Employee Support Services for leading and organizing the DCPS team in the First Coast Games! This exciting league allowed employees to come together and play recreational sports while representing Duval County. Despite rain outs, venue changes, and schedule changes, Adele went above and beyond in her communication and organization to ensure that the sports experience remained positive for all those involved. “She is diligent, kind, and patient,” writes the nominating staff member, “truly an advocate for DCPS employee wellness!” Thank you, Adele, for your leadership in getting the DCPS teams ready to play!
READING TEACHER REINVIGORATES STUDENT LEARNING - Congratulations to Ms. Oglesby from Jacksonville Beach Elementary for receiving today’s Team Duval Shoutout. Described by parents and peers as an extraordinary reading teacher, she creates a learning environment in which all students feel supported, capable, and excited to learn. “She helped my son rebuild his confidence and rediscover his love of reading,” writes one parent. “Her positive impact extends to all of her students.” Thank you, Ms. Oglesby, for being a shining example of what it means to imbue students with a lifelong love of reading.
CONGRATS, GRADUATES! This Team Duval Shoutout celebrates the success of the most recent graduates of the district’s Teen Parent Service Center (TPSC). Program supervisor Bridget McGee says 20 out of 20 teen parents received their high school diplomas during their 2026 commencement ceremonies! McGee goes on to share that Kanijah, a graduate of William M. Raines High School, also received a $3,000 scholarship from the Mike Freeland Foundation, with plans to study nursing at FSCJ. Foundation founder and former teen parent Terona Feacher also donated a $25 Amazon gift card to every graduating teen parent during the TPSC End-of-Year Awards Ceremony. Congratulations to these graduates and everyone who helped make this milestone possible!
LOCAL STUDENT LEADS WITH PHILANTHROPY - Genesis Faith Blunt from Ribault High receives today’s Team Duval Shoutout for the remarkable impact she is making through community service. In recent weeks, Blunt has led meaningful initiatives to provide meals and support to individuals and families experiencing hardship by hosting food giveaways. “It’s about making sure not one feels forgotten,” Blunt said. “The more people who get involved, the greater impact we can make together." Her dedication to youth mentorship and educational empowerment demonstrates that leadership has no age requirement. Thank you, Genesis, for demonstrating that meaningful change begins with a willingness to help others. We’re proud of you!
