Q: Can you give an update on the Saturday School Showcase?
A: The date of this year’s school choice expo, called “Saturday School Showcase” has been moved to Jan. 7, 2023 in order to avoid a conflict with ACT testing that will be held on the original date I announced in the column last month. This will give parents even more time to research and prepare for their school visits. As a refresher, this year parents and students have an opportunity to visit their school(s) of choice in person, meet the principal, and tour the school instead of the virtual events held the past few years. Every school will be open on Jan. 7, 2023 and I encourage parents to keep their neighborhood schools in mind when considering school choice.
Q: What are some of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) choices available at District 7 high schools?
A: In addition to accelerated learning programs Cambridge AICE (at Mandarin High School) and AP (at Atlantic Coast High School), these schools offer a range of CTE programs. At Atlantic Coast, they are: Digital Video Technology, Engineering, Information Technology, Medical Academy and a Teaching Academy. Both the Medical Academy (which focuses on nursing) and the Teaching Academy are offered in conjunction with the University of North Florida.
At Mandarin High School, the academies are Center for Medical Studies,
Culinary Arts and VyStar Academy of Business and Entrepreneurship. I believe that the Medical Academy at Mandarin High School is one of the best CTE secrets in Duval County Public Schools. It offers a great opportunity for students to experience the medical field before going to college and some students can go directly into the workplace upon graduation.
Q: What can you tell us about the Medical Academy’s new anatomage table?
A: This is very exciting. It’s the only one we have in the district and it was purchased through a grant. It is the most technologically advanced 3D anatomy visualization system for anatomy and physiology education and is being adopted by many of the world’s leading medical schools and institutions. It should arrive in the spring and it is exciting particularly as we look forward to the new wing to be added to Mandarin High School as part of the half-cent sales tax that will expand the medical arts and film programs at the school.
Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 7?
A: I’d like to congratulate the Mandarin Mustang football team, which won its district championship. They moved on to the Florida High School Athletic Association Region 1-4M high school football quarterfinal (delayed a few days by Tropical Storm Nicole) and barely lost to Sanford Seminole, 30 – 28.
Finally, I’d like to wish everyone a very happy Holiday Season and Happy New Year!
Q: How can our readers contact you?
A: They can email me at HersheyL@duvalschools.org or call me at (904) 390-2375.
