CELEBRATING SCHOOL COUNSELORS — Team Duval is proud to recognize National School Counseling Week and the incredible impact our more than 240 school counselors make every single day. They advocate for students, help them navigate their academic journeys, and guide them toward their goals. Our success as an A-rated district with a 97.6% graduation rate would not be possible without these dedicated professionals. As part of this special week, dozens of counselors gathered at the Schultz Center for their annual conference, focused on building student “superpowers” like grit and resilience – perfectly aligned with the national theme of helping students thrive and preparing them for college, career, and life. Their commitment to growing their own “superpowers” directly fuels student success across Team Duval. Join us in thanking our outstanding school counselors for the lasting difference they make in our schools and community!
MEET K9s DAISY AND ROOSTER – We were proud to recognize K9s United and JSO for donating police service dogs Daisy and Rooster to the Duval County School Police Department. As the newest members of the department’s Canine Unit, these K9s represent more than a donation—they reflect a shared commitment to safety, service, and the well-being of our students, staff, and school communities.
We are grateful for this partnership and for the dedicated handlers, officers, and leaders who help keep our schools safe every day.
We are grateful for this partnership and for the dedicated handlers, officers, and leaders who help keep our schools safe every day.
ENGINEERING STUDENTS GET CREATIVE – This shoutout recognizes engineering students at Atlantic Coast High School who used their skills to introduce a creative solution to the campus. According to engineering teacher Frankie Portelos, nearly 3,000 students pass through the school’s Evolv weapon detection scanner daily. However, as students placed their laptops on nearby tables, frequent mix-ups took place. Using the engineering design process, Portelos and his students worked with art teacher Sarah Colado to redesign the tables with a colorful grid system for each laptop. Now, laptop mix-ups are rare. Portelos says, “This project is a powerful example of how district and school support for hands-on, real-world engineering empowers students to solve authentic problems, reduce disruptions, and improve the daily school experience for everyone.”
CELEBRATING TWO SCHOOL COUNSELORS: This shoutout comes in honor of National School Counseling Week, recognizing two outstanding school counselors at Matthew Gilbert Middle School: Albert Buckner and Ke’Yondra Merritt. School social worker Khrystal Whitlock says, “Their kindness, dedication, and willingness to help make them easy to talk to and a pleasure to work with. Thanks to their continued support and proactive efforts, we’ve seen a positive impact on student engagement and a decrease in attendance issues. Their commitment does not go unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for all that they do.” Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Buckner and Ms. Merritt!
MAYPORT TEACHER AND VETERAN HONORED – This Team Duval Shoutout honors Donyale Garvey, an ELA teacher at Mayport Coastal Sciences Middle School, for earning a Teacher Salute from Naval Station Mayport. Base Commander Captain Mike Trumbull, School Board member April Carney, and Base Liaison Sharon Kasica were on hand to present the 22-year Army Veteran and former medic with the honor. Fellow teachers say that Garvey, who is also endorsed to teach gifted, “works daily to provide rigorous, differentiated, standards-based curriculum to students of all ability levels and learning styles.” Congratulations!
NEW SHOES FOR THE NEW YEAR – Students at Hidden Oaks Elementary are walking into the new year with pep in their step, all thanks to the generosity of two community partners. Thanks to The Giving Closet Project and Soles4Souls, every student started 2026 with new shoes and socks. According to Principal Polydore, this generous gift ensures each student experiences comfort, confidence, and dignity. She goes on to say, “Their kindness supports learning, lifts spirits, and makes a lasting difference in our school community.”
PRAISE FOR SAN JOSE PARAPROFESSIONAL AMBER TERRILL – This Team Duval Shoutout celebrates the work and positive impact of Amber Terrill, a paraprofessional at San Jose Elementary School. Terrill is known by her colleagues for bringing joy and positivity to the school each day. Fellow paraprofessional Lori Frank shares the following: “Her upbeat attitude, genuine kindness, and willingness to support others create an environment where people feel safe, appreciated, and loved. Whether through a friendly smile, encouraging words, or thoughtful actions, Ms. Terrill is a ray of sunshine and makes our days brighter. Her positive energy not only uplifts us, but also inspires us to bring our best selves to work.”
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE RAINES HIGH SCHOOL VIKINGS – The School Board recently honored the William M. Raines High School Vikings, our Class 3A State Champions, at their January meeting. This marks the program’s fourth state title, made even more memorable by an undefeated season and a thrilling 23–22 victory over Miami Northwestern. We proudly celebrate Head Coach Donovan Masline and his coaching staff, quarterback Timothy Cole, the entire football team, Principal Vincent Hall, and the Raines High School community.
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR FINALISTS AND WINNER – We are excited to recognize Team Duval’s exceptional assistant principals who were recently honored at a School Board meeting for their outstanding leadership and dedication to their school communities.
Congratulations to Assistant Principal of the Year, Abigail Watson of Southside Estates Elementary, whose leadership and commitment make a meaningful difference for students and staff each day. We also proudly recognize our Assistant Principal of the Year finalists:
Monifa Campbell – Enterprise Learning Academy
Alicia Hinson – Northwestern Legends Elementary
Brianna Jefferson – Highlands Middle
Philip Mitchell – Grand Park High
Thank you to these outstanding leaders for supporting students, empowering teachers, and strengthening schools across Team Duval. Your impact does not go unnoticed!
Congratulations to Assistant Principal of the Year, Abigail Watson of Southside Estates Elementary, whose leadership and commitment make a meaningful difference for students and staff each day. We also proudly recognize our Assistant Principal of the Year finalists:
Monifa Campbell – Enterprise Learning Academy
Alicia Hinson – Northwestern Legends Elementary
Brianna Jefferson – Highlands Middle
Philip Mitchell – Grand Park High
Thank you to these outstanding leaders for supporting students, empowering teachers, and strengthening schools across Team Duval. Your impact does not go unnoticed!
MIDDLE SCHOOLS TO HEAD-TO-HEAD IN QUIZ BOWL – This Team Duval Shoutout recognizes the hard-working students who recently participated in the Scholar Bowl Round Robin Academic Quiz Bowl Tournament at Springfield Middle School. Teams from 22 middle schools competed in the fast-paced competition featuring eight rounds of questions spanning English, math, science, social studies, art, and current events. James Weldon Johnson and Oceanway both finished 8-0, earning the top two spots in the standings. LaVilla, Fletcher, and Baldwin Middle finished 7-1, and Westview finished 6-2. The Scholar Bowl Finals tournament will take place on Feb. 7 at Twin Lakes Academy Middle. Great work to all!
TWO TEAM DUVAL STUDENTS EARN TOP MARKS IN ESSAY CONTEST – Congratulations to Team Duval students Nicole Jiang and Leona Shaffer, whose essays were selected among the top 10 in the 2025 High School Essay Contest sponsored by the judges of the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida! Nicole Jiang is a sophomore at Stanton College Preparatory School, and Leona Shaffer is a sophomore at Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies. Their achievements were celebrated on Dec. 3 at the Bryan Simpson United States Courthouse alongside their principals and teachers. Great work!
PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR FINALISTS AND WINNER – We are proud to celebrate Team Duval’s outstanding school leaders who were recently recognized at a School Board meeting for their exceptional leadership and dedication to students, staff, and families.
Congratulations to Principal of the Year, Kimberly Brown of Northwestern Legends Elementary, whose leadership continues to inspire excellence across her school community. We also applaud our Principal of the Year finalists:
Violet Stovall – Pickett Elementary
Davina Parker – Spring Park Elementary
Dr. Cicely Tyson-White – Chaffee Trail Middle
Dr. Truitte Moreland – Andrew Jackson High
Thank you to each of these principals for leading with passion, purpose, and a deep commitment to student success. Team Duval is better because of you!
Congratulations to Principal of the Year, Kimberly Brown of Northwestern Legends Elementary, whose leadership continues to inspire excellence across her school community. We also applaud our Principal of the Year finalists:
Violet Stovall – Pickett Elementary
Davina Parker – Spring Park Elementary
Dr. Cicely Tyson-White – Chaffee Trail Middle
Dr. Truitte Moreland – Andrew Jackson High
Thank you to each of these principals for leading with passion, purpose, and a deep commitment to student success. Team Duval is better because of you!
CELEBRATING A CLASSROOM INTERPRETER – This Team Duval Shoutout praises the dedication, patience, and commitment of Alissa Liufu, a classroom interpreter at Alden Road Exceptional Student Center. Lead Interpreter Danielle Moskowitz says, “Alissa transforms the learning experience by providing clear, accurate interpretation while adapting to each student’s unique needs, adjusting communication style, pacing, or approach to ensure every student stays confident and fully engaged. Her professionalism, patience, and dedication ensure that students have continuous, seamless access to instruction. She is truly an essential member of our interpreter team!”
TEACHER TRANSFORMS BASKETBALL COURT INTO FUN SCIENCE LESSON – Kudos to Gregory Drive Elementary School teacher Camille Conley for coming up with an “out of this world” lesson for her students! Using chalk and plenty of creativity, the fifth grade teacher converted the school’s basketball court into a model of the solar system. By drawing out everything from comets to asteroid belts, Conley used the activity to help explain characteristics of objects in our solar system. Great work!
MAYPORT MIDDLE STUDENTS ENJOY ENGAGING COURTHOUSE FIELD TRIP – Students attending Mayport Coastal Sciences Middle School received an interactive, inside look at the justice system thanks to a recent field trip to the Bryan Simpson United States Courthouse downtown. The trip, which was made possible by the Jacksonville Federal Court Bar Association, gave students in the school’s Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program the chance to speak with a judge, participate in an interactive demonstration by the ATF, and learn the differences between federal and state courts. GATE Lead Teacher John Meeks says, "It is one thing to learn about our government in a book or on a screen, but it really hits home when we see it in action where we live." What an exciting opportunity!
OUR NEWEST PURPLE STAR SCHOOLS OF DISTINCTION – Twelve Team Duval schools have been recognized as 2025–2028 Purple Star Schools of Distinction, an honor announced by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Education. They are:
Abess Park Elementary
Anchor Academy
Atlantic Beach Elementary
John N. C. Stockton Elementary
Louis S. Sheffield Elementary
Mandarin Middle School
Mayport Coastal Sciences Elementary
Mayport Coastal Sciences Middle
Neptune Beach Elementary
Sandalwood High School
San Pablo Elementary
Westview K–8
Team Duval proudly celebrates these schools for their unwavering commitment to serving military families and creating welcoming, supportive learning environments where every student can thrive. Congratulations to all of our Purple Star Schools of Distinction!
A CELEBRATION OF INSTANT DECISION DAY – This shoutout celebrates the success of Riverside High School’s Instant Decision Day, an on-campus event connecting students with colleges, trade schools, and more! Students met with representatives from around Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, and had their applications reviewed for on-the-spot decisions. According to School Counselor Dr. Kristi Keefe, “Everyone walked away with something valuable, from advice to admission and scholarship offers! Kudos to those who took the time to prepare and participate. Your hard work is paying off!”
CELEBRATING A "SWEET" SCIENCE LESSON – One Team Duval parent is praising Sandra Pond, a J. Allen Axson Elementary School teacher, for her fun and engaging instruction. Parent Harmon Patterson describes the third-grade teacher as an amazing educator known for hands-on learning and creativity. This includes a recent lesson involving candy eyeball models, as seen in this photo. She goes on to say, “She’s not just teaching science, she’s teaching students how to take notes, stay organized, and truly understand what they’re learning and experience it firsthand.” Great job!
TWIN LAKES ACADEMY MIDDLE AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS WORK TOGETHER – This Team Duval Shoutout recognizes a night of teamwork and great learning, thanks to a partnership between Twin Lakes Academy Middle and Elementary schools! Students with the middle school’s Robowolves and Timberbots robotics teams set up tables at a recent STEM Family Night at the elementary school. Students led hands-on learning stations for their elementary peers that included coding and creating binary messages. It was a wonderful time of fostering creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving while also building connections and excitement for learning between the two communities. Great job!
WOODLAND ACRES KICKS OFF CREATIVE ATTENDANCE INITIATIVE – This Team Duval Shoutout celebrates the start of an exciting new attendance initiative at Woodland Acres Elementary School this quarter! The Attendance Team – which consists of School Counselor Claire Burgess, School Social Worker Tre’Ana Ringer, and Truancy Officer Latasha Brown – has created a vibrant display where students can track their attendance progress and cheer each other on. According to Ringer, “The team is committed to transforming the culture of attendance at WAES by engaging the entire school community. Way to go for making attendance a priority and creating a positive, motivating environment!”
