Community

Transformation educators connect with the community

DTO BUS RIDE 1

Educators in the Duval Transformation Office schools kicked off pre-planning week with a meaningful and important activity. All teachers in the 36 schools boarded buses with their feeder pattern counterparts from other schools to tour the neighborhoods surrounding the schools via school bus. Learning about the area from community leaders and each other, the teachers also had a chance to connect with their colleagues in new ways.

QEA Program Director Imani Hope shared some reflections from the day on the Jacksonville Public Education Fund blog: http://jaxpef.org/news/2014/08/transformation-region-teachers-kick-off-school-year-with-community-bus-tour.aspx

District hosts community events to showcase QEA Fund investments

QEAmeetings

To engage the community surrounding the 36 schools that are the focus of the Quality Education for All Fund investments, Duval County Public Schools hosted three meetings at Andrew Jackson, William Raines and Jean Ribault high schools. The new Duval Transformation Office coordinated the events, held on July 28, July 31 and August 4.

The marching bands and spirit squads from each high school greeted attendees as they entered the auditorium. The program began with the Duval County School Board members who represent citizens in the area: District 4 representative Paula Wright at Jackson and Ribault and District 5 representative Connie Hall at Raines. Following their welcome, parents, students, teachers and community members in the meeting heard directly from Superintendent Nikolai Vitti on the details of how the QEA Fund came into existence and why it will focus on these three feeder patterns, as well as specifics on the investments to be made.

The presentation led directly into a panel discussion with a diverse group of speakers chosen to give their perspective on QEA will impact their school, community and city. Each panel had a representative from the school’s SAC and PTA, a teacher from the school, a student from the school, a QEA Advisory Board member, a member of The Community Foundation staff and the region chief for the entire Duval Transformation Office, Iranetta Wright. Moderated by Trey Csar, President of the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, and Torin Dailey, Vice Chair of the Jacksonville Public Education Fund Board of Directors, the panels gave the audience a variety of perspectives on what the QEA Fund investments will made in the DTO schools.

Audience members then had a chance to ask questions about the implementation and intended impact of the initiative. Parents, caregivers and community members shared their enthusiasm about this new approach to reform in the Raines, Ribault and Jackson feeder patterns. Many voiced the need for the community to do its part to ensure that the program is successful. The event ended with raffle giveaways and food from the local Red’s Food Truck.

These are the first of what will be many meetings and events geared towards engaging the communities that surround the Transformation region.

Check out another recap on the Jacksonville Public Education Fund blog: http://jaxpef.org/news/2014/08/the-last-quality-education-for-all-fund-community-meeting-is-tonight.aspx

Support transformation and learn more about how the Quality Education for All Fund will help schools who need it most

Duval County Public Schools will host three community meetings to share information about the Quality Education For All Fund (QEA). The QEA Fund is a large pool of private dollars that will be invested in recruiting, retaining and developing the best teachers and leaders for Duval County Public Schools.

The fund will be targeted at schools that have historically needed the most help, they are 36 schools in the feeder patterns of Raines, Ribault and Jackson high schools. But it’s not just about funds – the community’s support is vital to making sure that all schools in our city have what they need to help kids succeed. You can play an important role in helping teachers, leaders and students to have a groundbreaking year.

Here’s how to start: Plan to attend the meetings and learn what you can do to help be a part of the transformation. Bring a friend or two! It will be a fun event with refreshments and a panel discussion where you can hear directly from teachers and students who are being impacted by this initiative!

Here are the dates:

July 28      DTO Community Meeting – Andrew Jackson at 6:00 p.m.

July 31      DTO Community Meeting – Raines High School at 6:00 p.m.

August 4   DTO  Community Meeting – Ribault High School at 6:00 p.m.

For more information, visit www.duvalschools.org or call (904) 348-5312.