Q: Do you have an update on the Chat with the Superintendent you hosted in February?
A: I’d like to thank everyone who was a part of this event and to the community members who attended. The superintendent gave many updates, including on the coronavirus and COVID dashboard (https://c19sitdash.azurewebsites.net/) and the master plan for the half cent sales tax (www.ourduvalschools.org). Allison Busuttil, who represents District 7 on the Citizens Oversight Committee for the half cent sales tax, was at the chat as well. Visit https://dcps.duvalschools.org/Page/310 to see that committee’s dashboard.

Q: Can you give information about the upcoming end of the year assessments for students?
A: While the Florida Department of Education has allowed online learning, such as Duval Homeroom, for students, the state requires testing to occur in school facilities. This includes the Florida Standards Assessments, Next Generation Sunshine State Standards Assessments, and end-of-course assessments. Seniors who need to meet testing requirements for graduation must come to the campus for the SAT, ACT, PSAT Math, PERT, Algebra 1, or the Geometry end-of-course assessment to meet these requirements. Each school is prepared to ensure that all COVID-19 safety precautions are used during the assessment time. These precautions include temperatures taken at the front door, masks required for all students and staff, a well-ventilated room away from other students who normally attend school in person, and social distancing adhered to within the testing classroom. At this time, the state has informed the district that there will be no waivers of the state standards assessments or the high school end-of-course exams. The state is not expected to waive testing requirements for this year’s potential graduates.

Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 7?

A: I’d like to congratulate the following athletes from Mandarin High School who have signed to play their sport in college: Summer Alexander, softball, East Georgia State; Brennan Baker, baseball, Tallahassee Community College; Zach Mizrahi, baseball, Daytona State College; and Madison Price, diving, Indian River State College.

From Atlantic Coast High School, congratulations to: Rachel Bernard, volleyball, Ursinus College; Rian Covington, swimming, FSU; Dominic Dominguez, soccer, American University; Rutledge Feltel, baseball, Wheaton College; Emma Fisher, softball, Pitt Community College; Shurell Jefferson, softball, Tallahassee Community College; Allison McMullen, volleyball, St. Joseph’s College; Erin Moon, softball, University of West Florida; Aaron Potter, baseball, St. Johns River State College; and Niklas Shaffer, soccer, University of North Florida.

Additionally, I’d like to remind families of Spring Break this month, from March 8 – 12.

Q: How can our readers contact you?

A: They can email me at HersheyL@duvalschools.org or call me at (904) 316-3609.

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