Q: What can you report about the first day of school, Aug. 12?
A: The school year has gotten off to a great start. I was able to visit Bartram Springs Elementary and Twin Lakes Academy Middle on the first day. It was exciting to see the number of families there to enroll their students on the first day of school. Some had just relocated from other parts of the country to Jacksonville. Enrollment continues to increase during this first week of school.
Also, Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier kick-started his morning by visiting the bus drivers at the bus depot before their runs on the first day of school. He was there to talk to them and encourage them.
Q: Are there any new safety procedures for this school year?
A: Students returned to some enhanced security procedures. Schools now all have secured vestibule areas and gates surrounding the school buildings must be locked during school hours. At some schools, this impacts access to parking lots for teachers, volunteers, or late arriving students.
Q: What is the new cell phone policy for Duval County Public Schools?
A: This new policy might require some adjustments for students and parents. This year, cell phones must be turned off and put away in a backpack or similar during the school day. This has already been found to improve interaction in the classroom as it allows students to be fully present. Additionally, it will decrease instances of bullying.
Q: Do you have an update on the Master Facilities Plan discussions?
A: The Master Facilities Plan is scheduled to be voted on in October; however, after the school board workshop in August, it’s evident that there is more conversation needed and revisions to be done. This may delay a full vote on the Master Facilities Plan. I’m thinking the vote might be taken in stages — for instance, school boundaries might be addressed first before any potential school consolidations. There are many factors to be considered, including school enrollment, building utilization, walkability, and, from the current discussion, school grades. Please keep in mind that these are all subject to change.
Q: Are there any updates for Mandarin schools yet?
A: The current recommendation regarding feeder patterns when it comes to Mandarin is for students in elementary schools like Crown Point, Greenland Pines, Loretto, and Mandarin Oaks to all go to Mandarin Middle School and then on to Mandarin High School.
Q: How can our readers contact you?
A: They can email me at HersheyL@duvalschools.org or call me at (904) 390-2375.
