Q: Do you have an update on the new RiverTown school scheduled to open in the fall?
A: The school has just been named by the school board: Hallowes Cove Academy, reflecting the very rich history of the area. It was named for a gentleman who lived in the area, Colonel John Hallowes, one of the earliest settlers in the region. I understand that the area was also inhabited at one time by indigenous people as well as emancipated slaves. Pristine Hallowes Cove is right across State Road 13 from the new school.
Q: What are the next steps?
A: Principal Jessley Hathaway is already having community meetings, where they will select the mascot and school colors. The school board picks the school’s name, but the setting of the culture will be done by Principal Hathaway and his team and the community.
Q: Can you tell us about the two prestigious awards recently earned by the school district?
A: First, we received an award from the Florida School Boards Insurance Trust, which gives this award only if warranted, not necessarily annually. It is the “Excellence in Risk Management” and considers safety and the incidence of workman’s compensation claims. It is such an honor to receive this award as it shows we worked hard to provide not only for the safety of our children, but also the safety of our staff as well.
Secondly, we received, for the ninth year in a row, a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by both the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and the Association of School Business Officials International recognizing our commitment to financial accountability and transparency. Compliments go out to our chief financial officer, Cathy Weber, and her staff.
Q: Should parents start registering new students for next school year?
A: Yes. Registration for new kindergarteners or students new to our schools opened up on March 1. Parents should register online at their zoned school’s website. It’s particularly essential to register early this year due to universal vouchers and a new charter school opening — we need to know how many children are coming to us so that we can plan for adequate staffing.
Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 1?
A: I hope everyone had a restful Spring Break and comes back ready for the fourth quarter of the school year.
Q: How can our readers contact you?
A: They can email me at beverly.slough@stjohns.k12.fl.us or call me at (904) 547-7510.
