Duval County Public Schools - Every Student. Every Day.

SHOWING SUPPORT FOR JAMAICA AFTER HURRICANE MELISSA – Students and staff at SP Livingston Elementary are using creativity and words of encouragement to stand by those impacted by Hurricane Melissa’s landfall in Jamaica. The school community wanted to lift the spirits of faculty and staff who are from Jamaica and have family living there. A representation of the Jamaican flag was placed in the front lobby of the school, giving faculty, staff, and students a chance to sign with special messages. Staff also dressed green, yellow, and black – the colors of the Jamaican flag – as a show of support. According to reading interventionist Tamisha Curry, “We stand united in love & prayers!”

RECOGNIZING A CREATIVE, ENGAGING LESSON – This Team Duval Shoutout recognizes a dynamic teaching moment by Jade Menendez, an ELA teacher at Baldwin Middle-Senior High School! Menendez recently transformed her classroom with blacklights, creating a fun atmosphere in which students used neon highlighters to annotate a reading assignment and search for examples of ethos, pathos, and logos. Colleague Heather Dixon shares, “With some black lights and neon highlighters, Ms. Menedez made her lesson something the students could not put down! They were so excited to show me how cool their ELA teacher is, and how fun the lesson was.” Way to go!

CELEBRATING MISS FLORIDA, GRADUATE OF JEAN RIBAULT HIGH SCHOOL – Congratulations to Paris Richardson, reigning Miss Florida and second runner-up in the Miss America Pageant! A 2020 graduate of Jean Ribault High School, Paris credits her time as a Trojan—including cheerleading, leading a health club, and serving as Miss Ribault—for preparing her for success in college, career, and pageants. She recently earned her Master of Health Administration from the University of Florida and is the founder of CROWN of Health, advocating for wellness in communities. Paris also works in medical device sales with aspirations to become a hospital CEO. We celebrate her incredible achievements and her lasting connection to Ribault.

START THE NEW YEAR WITH A NEW CAREER –Team Duval is hosting a districtwide Interview Day for educators on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Whether you’re an experienced educator, transitioning from another field, or looking to advance your career, this event offers on-site interviews with principals and hiring managers, information about open positions across the district, and insight into Team Duval’s supportive culture, benefits, and career pathways. Interview Day will be held at the Schultz Center from 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM. Learn more at: https://www.duvalschools.org/o/humanresources/article/2560031

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH ESSAY WINNERS – Congratulations to the winners of the Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest! Elementary school winner Nathalie Ann Raices of Beauclerc Elementary wrote about teacher Vanessa López, highlighting her dedication to STEM, leadership, and community service. Middle school winner Tania Diaz Paredes of Southside Middle School honored Dr. Norberto Benitez for his groundbreaking pediatric practice and international medical missions. High school winner Andrea Navarro of Riverside High School wrote about City Councilman Raul E. Arias Jr. and his work to strengthen and support the community. Principal Chris Koek accepted Andrea's certificate in her place. We celebrate these students for their thoughtful essays and commitment to honoring local Hispanic leaders.

PARENT PRAISES TEAM DUVAL'S LISA GADSON – This shoutout celebrates Lisa Gadson, a district employee whose quick problem-solving abilities helped ease a burden on a parent and her son. Ceressa Anthony shares that she enrolled her child in Home Education for the first time. However, she soon became aware of a possible paperwork mix-up that could have prevented her child from participating in the local high school’s football program. She went into panic mode….that is until Ms. Gadson stepped in. “Lisa heard me and responded so quickly to help! Her kindness and quick response allowed my son to practice and play! I’m forever grateful for her kindness. Lisa helped a stressed-out Mama who needed her, and she rescued me! Lisa is a treasure and I pray you all see her worth as well!” Great work!

RECONNECT WITH THE JOY OF TEACHING - Team Duval is hosting a Retired Educators Hiring Fair on Tuesday, Nov. 18, offering retired teachers the chance to meet with principals, explore current openings, and participate in on-site interviews with the potential for same-day offers. With a starting salary of $48,700 -- plus millage up to $7,730 -- retired educators can discover opportunities to return to the classroom and continue making an impact. The event will be held at the District Admin Building from 9–11 a.m. and 1–3 p.m. Registration is available at https://dcps.questionpro.com/t/AcbPNZ7dFT
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RECOGNIZING ENGLEWOOD HS PRINCIPAL MARLENY CHIRINO – Congratulations to Principal Marleny Chirino of Englewood High School for receiving the Educator Leadership Award at the City of Jacksonville’s Unidos Jax Dinner! With over a decade of leadership at Englewood, she has guided the school to its first B in more than 11 years and continues to increase graduation rates. Principal Chirino’s dedication, passion, and heart for her students and staff make this honor truly well-deserved. We celebrate her inspiring leadership and impact on the Englewood community.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE DONATION HELPS ESTABLISH 60 ALL PRO DAD CHAPTERS – Team Duval proudly recognizes the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice for its outstanding partnership and support of our After School Programs. Through a generous $30,000 donation, DJJ helped establish 60 All Pro Dad chapters across the district—creating more opportunities for fathers and male role models to connect with children. This partnership strengthens our school communities and reflects DJJ’s commitment to building a stronger, safer Florida. We are deeply grateful for their collaboration and positive impact on our students.

DISTRICT 5 TOWN HALL - Join School Board Member Reginald Blount and Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier for an engaging Town Hall meeting on Monday, Nov. 3, at 6:00 p.m. at Riverside High School. Come hear the latest district updates, ask questions, and share your thoughts about our schools and community. We hope you’ll join us as we come together to discuss the future of education in District 5!

ROBOTICS CLUB STUDENTS WIN BIG – Students at Mayport Coastal Sciences Middle School are making a serious splash on the international scene! The school’s Robotics Club recently competed against 175 teams from around the world at the SeaPerch International Competition at the University of Maryland. Students designed, built, and tested underwater robots. In the end, Mayport's 6th, 7th, and 8th grade teams excelled – all earning multiple awards, including an Overall Championship Prize! Congratulations to these amazing students!

HANDS-ON LESSONS AT OCEANWAY MIDDLE SCHOOL – Oceanway Middle School students received an unforgettable science lesson, thanks to the University of Florida College of Medicine! Dr. Reetu Grewal and her team led students through a workshop about biopsies and sutures, and showed them how to work with surgical tools. The experience was part of the school’s Young Medics Program. Teacher Rhosalee Mangalindan-Stewart says the opportunity to “learn from experienced professionals was invaluable, and we're thrilled to see our students already looking forward to the next Young Medics workshop! We’d like to thank them for inspiring the next generation of innovators and healthcare professionals and are grateful for their partnership."

HONORING OUR SCHOOL BOARD SECRETARIES – We want to honor three Team Duval staff members who play vital roles in our district! Congratulations to Board Secretaries Gail Collins, Connie Ricks-Henley, and Monica Adams for completing the Florida School Boards Association’s Certified Support Professional (CSP) program. This program enhances the skills and professionalism of school board support staff, requiring participants to earn 12 training points through mandated training, electives, and CSP forms. We commend this trio for taking this important step in their professional journey and look forward to the positive impact they’ll continue to make. Please join us in celebrating their remarkable achievement!

OFFICE OF SEN. YARBOROUGH VISITS ANDREW JACKSON – The benefits of financial literacy education are on full display at Andrew Jackson High School! The school recently welcomed Paul Donaldson, from the office of Senator Clay Yarbrough, to observe Mr. Sanchez’s Personal Finance and Money Management class in action. Sanchez taught from curriculum developed by Planned to A.T. (Achieve Transformation), a program designed to help teachers deliver high-quality financial literacy instruction. Students learned about real-world concepts such as credit scores and income. Great work!

ONLINE MEDICAL CARE - Did you know your child can match with a licensed therapist and see a doctor for $0 from any device through our partnership with Hazel Health? They can also see Hazel providers that diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication when needed for common medical concerns. Quick, easy sign up: https://getstarted.hazel.co/district/duvalschools

SUPPORT YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOL - Did you know that completing the Federal Impact Aid Survey helps your child’s school receive important funding for programs and resources? If you live or work on federal property or are active-duty military, your participation makes a difference! Please take a moment to use your linked parent account to access FOCUS in the Family Portal, fill out this brief survey, and help support your school community.

SHOUTING OUT SEABREEZE TEACHER REBEKAH ROMER – One Team Duval parent is calling Seabreeze Elementary School teacher Rebekah Romer a “true gem” after she stepped in to help her son! Parent Leigh Speicher says she thought her son, Will, was signed up for the school’s Community Education program, which offers after-school classes and activities. However, a technical error prevented him from being registered. This is where Ms. Romer came in: “When Will went to his first class and wasn't on the list, Ms. Romer took action to call us and even helped us sign up past the deadline. Our son was able to stay in the class and had an amazing time thanks to her intervention. What a fabulous thing to do for him so he didn't have to suffer any embarrassment or disappointment. She is so thoughtful and caring to treat our son like this. I thank her for contributing to the culture of Seabreeze, where my son has thrived.”

CHECK PRESENTATION IN SUPPORT OF STUDENTS – We’re celebrating a special check presentation to the Duval County School Board in support of our students! The I’m A Star Foundation, a district partner since 2010, presented a $40,000 check to support unhoused students in our schools. This summer, the foundation hosted its annual celebrity basketball tournament to raise these funds. Team Duval is grateful for the support of our community partners, whose support ultimately makes our students and schools stronger!