Q: Do you have any updates on the renaming of a portion of RG Skinner Parkway in front of Atlantic Coast High School to Stingray Parkway?
A: This was proposed by the school’s SAC committee and over the summer, with the support of the Skinner family and the approval of the Jacksonville City Council, the name change was approved. As of mid-December, the new street signs signifying “Stingray Parkway” were installed and we will have an official celebration on Jan. 9 at 2:30 p.m. at Atlantic Coast High School. At this time, we will also unveil a historical marker that will recognize the history of the Skinner family in the area.
Q: Has the school board made progress on the Master Facilities Plan?
A: We plan to have a workshop to revisit the Master Facilities Plan and make any adjustments in February. The goal of the Master Facilities Plan is to right-size the district; some projects may be re-prioritized based on current student enrollment.
Q: Do you have any technology updates to share?
A: Greenland Pines Elementary has just had some IT upgrades to include the installation of interactive Smart Boards in classrooms. I visited the school to see them and was very impressed. The features are incredible and they bring learning to life. This upgrade makes for an engaging learning environment. Teachers are excited to have this resource in their classrooms.
Q: Do you have any kudos to share?
A: We are very proud that two teachers from District 7 have been recognized as Top 5 finalists for the Duval County Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to Ana Andematten from Mandarin Oaks Elementary and Katrice Shorter from Atlantic Coast High School. The district’s Teacher of the Year will be announced in January.
Finally, I am very proud of the Mandarin High School Mustangs, who competed in the state championship football game on Dec. 8. They fell a little short this year, and finished second in the state. It was so great to see the community show up and support the team and nice to see people travel for the games; this team had four consecutive games on the road on their way to the title game.
Q: How can our readers contact you?
A: They can email me at HersheyL@duvalschools.org or call me at (904) 390-2375.
