Public schools celebrate 150 year milestone

Posted on February 6, 2014 By Editor Junior Residents

Students share their stories at School Choice Expo

According to historical records, Florida’s first free public school opened in Jacksonville in 1864. Five years later, Duval County’s first Board of Public Instruction was appointed by the State Board of Education, making this year the 145th for the Duval County School Board.
As part of its 150th year as a school district, Duval County Public Schools introduced a new branding campaign and kicked it off at the annual School Choice Expo, where students from each school shared what they like about their school of choice.

“We are excited about the progress and future of our school district as evidenced by several recent successes within our district including the highest graduation and college readiness rates recorded in district history,” said Dr. Nikolai P. Vitti, Superintendent of Schools. “Our new brand is a reflection of our vision and the community of educators, administrators, students and citizens who share our commitment to quality education to make Jacksonville a national model.”

The new branding includes a new logo, redesigned website, and district mascot named “DJ” (Duval Jacksonville). DJ is a smart, friendly dog with an attitude for fun and learning, representing the spirit of students in a community dedicated to building and supporting quality education for all students throughout the city. DJ is available to visit schools and community sites throughout the year to share his passion for learning. DJ can be reached for appearances by contacting (904) 390-BARK (2275) or [email protected].

I love the teachers at Hendricks. They are so nice, sweet, and smart. They teach us so much like Algebra during Math. My teacher helps me learn how to do difficult Math such as subtracting with stacking. I also love Reading! Our library is so full of books. I love to talk about how characters feel and how they express their feelings. I love all of the things that I get to do outside of school. I am in running club and chess club. We have so much fun at Hendricks while learning every day. I feel so lucky to be at a school like Hendricks. It feels like my home away from home. Madison R., Hendricks Avenue Elementary

I love the teachers at Hendricks. They are so nice, sweet, and smart. They teach us so much like Algebra during Math. My teacher helps me learn how to do difficult Math such as subtracting with stacking. I also love Reading! Our library is so full of books. I love to talk about how characters feel and how they express their feelings. I love all of the things that I get to do outside of school. I am in running club and chess club. We have so much fun at Hendricks while learning every day. I feel so lucky to be at a school like Hendricks. It feels like my home away from home.
Madison R.,
Hendricks Avenue Elementary

My school is Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School, where teachers are always aiming to make school interesting and engaging. I learn more from film and literature than from text books. I learn how to be a leader and the different ways I can demonstrate our leadership. My teachers prepare me and teach me the expectations of high school and beyond. This school prepares me for life. Kiyomi B., Julia Landon College Preparatory School

My school is Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School, where teachers are always aiming to make school interesting and engaging. I learn more from film and literature than from text books. I learn how to be a leader and the different ways I can demonstrate our leadership. My teachers prepare me and teach me the expectations of high school and beyond. This school prepares me for life.
Kiyomi B.,
Julia Landon College Preparatory School

I really like writing, math and science. I like writing because you can put almost anything down on paper, and it becomes a story. I also like math because math is kind of like a mystery. In a mystery, there is always something missing just like in a math problem, and you need to figure it out. I love science because I love experimenting, and taking tests. School is just a lot of fun. Katelyn C., Ortega Elementary

I really like writing, math and science. I like writing because you can put almost anything down on paper, and it becomes a story. I also like math because math is kind of like a mystery. In a mystery, there is always something missing just like in a math problem, and you need to figure it out. I love science because I love experimenting, and taking tests. School is just a lot of fun.
Katelyn C.,
Ortega Elementary

I have gone to Fishweir for three years. I love the teachers and staff, and the different choices of programs, like Girls on the Run and Ceramics. These programs are teaching me to be strong and responsible. Isabel L., Fishweir Elementary

I have gone to Fishweir for three years. I love the teachers and staff, and the different choices of programs, like Girls on the Run and Ceramics. These programs are teaching me to be strong and responsible.
Isabel L.,
Fishweir Elementary

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