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December 19, 2015

Magnet Fair/ CHOICE Expo Jan 9

Magnet Fair
School CHOICE Expo

SAVE THE DATE:  January 9, 2016

Click here for more details:

Magnet and CHOICE Fair

Free to public


8th Grade Parent Night
SAVE THE DATE
January 26, Tuesday
Mandarin Middle Auditorium
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Everything you need to know to get ready for high school!

December 16, 2015

Tween USA

YOU COULD BE THE NEXT
MR. OR MISS ‘TWEEN USA’


A Program Component of  ACE
Presented by the
Women of Color Cultural Foundation, Inc.
Victory Scholarship Foundation, Inc.



‘Tween USA’ is an educational program established by the W omen of Color Cultural Foundation, Inc. (WOCCF). The purpose of
the program is to provide a supportive and congenial environment for self awareness, personal growth and respect for others from
diverse backgrounds. The program helps to nurture and build positive self image, creativity, healthy living and community
involvement. It also promotes self confidence, poise, and effective communication skills.
The objectives are to:
 Provide a forum to teach life skills (e.g., self awareness, financial management, basic research and communication skills).
 Empower young men and women to realize and embrace their inner beauty and self worth

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Young men and women currently enrolled in middle school may compete. Participants of this program must live or attend
middle school in the Fir st Coast of Flor ida ar ea (e.g., Baker , Clay, Duval, Flagler , Nassau, Putnam, and St. J ohns
counties). Completed Applications should be received by January 16, 2016.
Orientation with par ents and par ticipants is on
January 16, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. and orientation will be repeated on January 23rd at 12:00 p.m. at WJCT Public Broadcasting
located at 100 Festival Park Avenue (next to Metro Park, across from the Everbank Stadium) in downtown Jacksonville. It is
necessary to attend either the orientation on the 16th or 23rd.

PROGRAM PRODUCTION—DATE AND VENUE
Participants are expected to attend all workshops which include the mandatory “mock rehearsal.” Workshop topics include public speaking,
written and oral communication skills, essay writing, personal growth and development, interviewing skills, stage presence,
financial management, etiquette training, and community involvement. Participants must also complete assignments for their
selected state.

The crowning of Mr. or Miss Tween USA will be at the Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum, Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday, April
16, 2016.

AWARDS
The following awards will be given:
Mr. or Miss ‘Tween USA’ - $500
First Runner-Up - $250
Second Runner-Up - $100
Third Runner-UP - $100
Forth Runner-UP - $50

Certificate of Participation to each participant.

*Scholarship recipients are required to send a scholarship “request” letter to the organization along.

REQUIREMENTS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS
The program is open to young men and women who meet the criteria set forth in the Requirements, Rules, and Regulations.
Participants must also be able to fulfill the time commitment and responsibilities of the scholarship program.

Each participant must:
1. Be a legal resident of the United States or a U.S. citizen.
2. Be in good standing with their academic institution.
3. Attend the orientation and workshops. Workshops are from 1:00-3:00 pm and will be held at the W omen of Color Cultural
Foundation Office - WJCT Public Television, 100 Festival Park, Jacksonville, Florida unless otherwise pre-notified.
4. Be respectful to fellow participants, program administrators and staff.
5. Agree that all decisions of judges are final, irrevocable and binding.
6. Permit WOCCF the right to use their name and photograph for publicity purposes.
7. Understand that WOCCF reserves the right to change the date and/or location of the Universal Teen Scholarship Program
8. Be responsible for acquiring own wardrobe including evening/formal wear, business, and national/cultural attire. Provide a
typed-written description of each outfit, shoes and accessories to be read by the mistress or master of ceremony no later than
two weeks prior to the event.
9. Secure businesses, organizations, and private individuals as sponsors. Each participant is required to secure a minimum of
one and one half page ads in souvenir program book and ten passes by deadline established.
10. Any participant and/or family member or guest showing less than sportsmanlike behavior (i.e., teasing, disrespectful, etc.) will
lead to the disqualification of the participant. No refund or awards will be given under these circumstances.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Please contact the http://www.woccf.com /Phone: (904) 683-1757 or http://www.wcgl1360.com/ Phone: 904-766-9955 should you
have any questions or to obtain additional applications.

‘TWEEN USA’ EDUCATION PROGRAM
APPLICATION FORM

[PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE]
Name___________________________________________________________________
Address ________________________________________________________________
City________________________________ State________________ Zip___________
Telephone _________________ Alternate ___________ Email____________________
Name of School_________________________________ Grade_______
Age _____ Gender _____ Date of Birth ___/____/______ SS# ______-_____-______
Parent/Guardian__________________________________________________________
Address (if different from above)____________________________________________
City_______________________________________ State _____________Zip________
Telephone Number __________________ Alternate# __________Email______________
I have read and agree to the rules and regulations set forth by the Women of Color Cultural Foundation, Inc.
and Victory Scholarship Foundation, Inc. I certify that I meet all of the participant requirements, rules and
regulations. I further understand all monies submitted to the Women of Color Cultural Foundation, Inc. for the
Program are non-refundable.
Print Participant’s Name____________________________________________________
Participant’s Signature ________________________________ Date_________________
I have read and agree to the rules and regulations and I give permission for my son/daughter to enter the
‘Tween USA’ Education Program.
Parent’s Signature _____________________________________ Date_________________
Complete the attached Application, letter of recommendation and Personality
Form. Please mail to:
Tween USA Education Program
c/o Women of Color Cultural Foundation, Inc.
100 Festival Park Avenue
Jacksonville, Florida 32202

‘TWEEN USA’ EDUCATION PROGRAM
PERSONALITY FORM

[PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE]

Name:_____________________________________________________________
Favorite movie / T.V. Show:__________________________________________
Favorite hobbies:___________________________________________________
Favorite author:____________________________________________________
Favorite quote:_____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Most admired person:_______________________________________________
Career ambition:___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Favorite academic subject:___________________________________________
Community service activities:_________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Give 3 fun facts to describe yourself: ________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Proudest moment:__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

Complete the attached Application and Personality Form. Please mail the
completed Application Form, Personality Form, and one letter of
recommendation to:

Tween USA Education Program
c/o Women of Color Cultural Foundation, Inc.
100 Festival Park Avenue
Jacksonville, Florida 32202

‘TWEEN USA’ EDUCATION PROGRAM
REFERENCE FORM

[PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE]

DATE: ________________________
Scholarship Applicant’s Name: __________________________________
Dear Selection Committee,
________________________________________ has applied to us to become a recipient for
the Tween USA Education Program. I have known the applicant for ____________ years.
I would you rate his/her overall attitude and ability to get along with others as: (check one)
Outstanding ____ Good ___ Average ___ Fair ___ Poor ___.
I would you rate his/her overall competence as: (check one)
Outstanding ____ Good ___ Average ___ Fair ___ Poor ___
Briefly I believe his/her greatest strengths and weaknesses are (be specific):
Strengths _________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Weaknesses _______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Other comments about this applicant that I feel would make him/her deservant to receive this
scholarship: _________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Sincerely (Signature),
Print Name: ________________________________________
Contact information: ____________________________
____________________________

Please complete and return with application.
Women of Color Cultural Foundation, Inc.
100 Festival Park Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32202

December 11, 2015

Get Involved: Be a Part of a Contest

Talent Needed
Duval County Public Schools is looking for performances for its annual “School Choice Expo” on January 9, 2016 at the Prime Osborne Convention Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Performers will add to the fun and festive atmosphere and show off their skills and talents as families learn more about what options are available within Duval County Public Schools.  For more information, contact Director of Arts Jeffrey Smith at smithj1@duvalschools.org.  But hurry – spots are limited!

Poster Contest/Video Contest
Poison Prevention Partner has announced two contests for National Poison Prevention Week that is March 20-26, 2016.  Deadline for both contests is January 25, 2016.

Poster Contest:
Three divisions: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8.
Themes: “Children Act Fast, So Do Poisons,” and “Poisonings Span a Lifetime.”
Important Note: Entries should be no larger than 11x17” and copies will not be accepted.

Video Contest:
Two divisions: Middle School and High School.
Themes: “Children Act Fast, So Do Poisons,” and “Poisonings Span a Lifetime.”
Important Note: No more than four students are allowed to participate in the video.

For more information, contact Phyllis Bell-Davis at bdavis@poison.ufl.edu.

Art and Writing Awards
Registration is now open for the 2016 Scholastics Art & Writing Awards! Students in grades 7th-12th are invited to submit their exemplary visual art and writing to this prestigious scholarship award program. Many DCPS students have received awards, recognition, and scholarships through this program! The deadline for local submissions is December 17, 2015.
Check out past award winners, create your profile, and submit your work at: http://www.artandwriting.org/

2016 Positively Jax Student PSA Contest

WJXT Channel 4 wants to hear what issues are important to teens through the “2016 Positively Jax Student PSA Contest.” Students in grades 5-12 must create a storyboard for a 30-second Public Service Announcement on an issue that affects teens.  The concept must be an original idea.  Individuals or a team of students (not more than three per team) enrolled in public, private, or home schools in the Jacksonville, Florida television market can enter.  One winner from an Elementary School, Middle School, and High School will be chosen to have their PSA professionally produced to air on WJXT Channel 4, ThisTV Jacksonville and News4Jax.com.  No video entries will be accepted.  For more information, visit www.news4jax.com/positive or contact Tracy Gaffney (gaffneyt@wjxt.com).

Deadline: December 17, 2015

December 10, 2015

We need your talent!

Duval County Public Schools is looking for performances for its annual “School Choice Expo” on January 9, 2016 at the Prime Osborne Convention Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Performers will add to the fun and festive atmosphere and show off their skills and talents as families learn more about what options are available within Duval County Public Schools.  

For more information, contact Director of Arts Jeffrey Smith at smithj1@duvalschools.org.  But hurry – spots are limited!

December 8, 2015

Englewood Early College

Englewood Early College

Eligibility for the Academy includes:

 Entering 9th Grade with an Algebra I credit
 Entering 9th Grade with a 2.5 unweighted GPA
 An interest in working with a diverse and highly
motivated faculty focused on preparing students
for a successful collegiate and
career-focused journey

Englewood High School & Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. present
The Academy of Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering

Tour the Early College wing of Englewood’s High School campus which includes a state-of-the-art learning lab dedicated to the Advanced Academy students.

Now accepting applications for the 2016-2017 school year
 Guaranteed Paid Summer Internships
 Priority Job Interviews at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. after Graduation
 One-On-One Mentoring
 School-To-Career Pathway into a STEM-related profession
 Dedicated area of school campus and dedicated cohort of teachers trained to work with high performing learners

- Early College Program at Englewood High School -
Students will earn an Associate of Science Degree from Florida State College at Jacksonville along with their High School Diploma.

Visit www.duvalschools.org/ehs or call 739-5212 ext.123 for more information.

December 1, 2015

Art and Writing Scholarship Awards and Recognition

Registration is now open for the 2016 Scholastics Art & Writing Awards! Students in grades 7th-12th are invited to submit their exemplary visual art and writing to this prestigious scholarship award program. Many DCPS students have received awards, recognition, and scholarships through this program! The deadline for local submissions is December 18th, 2015.

Check out past award winners, create your profile, and submit your work at: http://www.artandwriting.org/




November 23, 2015

Visit with Santa


December 3rd, 2015
  5:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Join the UF Developmental Pediatric staff as we host An Evening with Santa. Join the celebration as our halls ring with cheer, enjoy holiday snacks, crafts, and activities in a friendly, accepting environment. Also, remember to bring your wish list for Santa’s mailbox and your camera to capture all of the special memories. Click here for a flyer.

November 20, 2015

Enter a Contest


Poison Prevention Partner has announced two contests for National Poison Prevention Week that is March 20-26, 2016.  Deadline for both contests is January 25, 2016.

Poster Contest:
Three divisions: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8.
Themes: “Children Act Fast, So Do Poisons,” and “Poisonings Span a Lifetime.”
Important Note: Entries should be no larger than 11x17” and copies will not be accepted.

Video Contest:
Two divisions: Middle School and High School.
Themes: “Children Act Fast, So Do Poisons,” and “Poisonings Span a Lifetime.”

Important Note: No more than four students are allowed to participate in the video.

November 19, 2015

10-2-2 Note Taking











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                November- WICOR Strategy of the Month

10-2-2 NOTE-TAKING STRUCTURE

10 Minute Whole Group Instruction
The instructor lectures/presents information or gives and audio-visual presentation for ten minutes while the students take Cornell Notes. Encourage students to use abbreviations and short-cuts while taking notes.

2 Minutes with a Partner
The instructor then pauses for two minutes while the students take time to process the information by working collaboratively in partners/small groups to do the following:
·         Sharing notes
·         Revising/refining notes
·         Filling in gaps in notes
·         Clarify information/concepts presented
·         Create questions on the left side
During this time students are not allowed to ask the instructor questions; students should rely on the support of peers to assist them in processing the information.

2 Minutes Independently
The students then take two minutes silently to individually process the information and create a one-sentence summary to be placed across the page just below the chunk of notes. The teacher may choose to have students share out their sentence summary as a way to check for understanding.

November 17, 2015

Positively Jax Student PSA Contest

2016 Positively Jax Student PSA Contest

WJXT Channel 4 wants to hear what issues are important to teens through the “2016 Positively Jax Student PSA Contest.” Students in grades 5-12 must create a storyboard for a 30-second Public Service Announcement on an issue that affects teens.  The concept must be an original idea. 

 Individuals or a team of students (not more than three per team) enrolled in public, private, or home schools in the Jacksonville, Florida television market can enter.  One winner from an Elementary School, Middle School, and High School will be chosen to have their PSA professionally produced to air on WJXT Channel 4, ThisTV Jacksonville and News4Jax.com.  No video entries will be accepted.  

For more information, visit www.news4jax.com/positive or contact Tracy Gaffney (gaffneyt@wjxt.com).

Deadline: December 17, 2015


November 13, 2015

DA and Wolfson IB at MMS

Douglas Anderson School of the Performing Arts 
and 
Wolfson IB Program Presentations 
will be on 
Monday, November 16 
at 
Mandarin Middle School 
in the Auditorium.

DA Presentation - 9:45
       auditions, portfolios, different programs, expectations, Q&A

Wolfson IB - 11:00

Each presentation will be approximately 45 minutes in length.

Questions?  Contact a MMS counselor:

Mrs. Fletcher  ext 122
Mrs. Wilhelm  ext 179

November 9, 2015

Chat with the Supe!

Chat with the Supe!

Chat with the Supe is an opportunity for the general public to engage in an informal conversation with Dr. Vitti to discuss the key issues, challenges, and concerns for our schools.  Topics include school programs, boundary updates, uniform polices, safety, standardized testing, literacy, implementing STEM curriculum, and improving student performance.

The next gathering will be held Tuesday, November 10 from 6:00 - 7:00 P.M. at the The Lodge at Evangel Temple, located at 5755 Ramona Blvd.  To watch a video invitation from Dr. Vitti, click here.

November 4, 2015

How to Communicate Like a Champ

The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is offering a FREE course, “Resolving Conflict: How to Communicate with Your Child Like a CHAMP”, at Bonefish Grill on November 9, 2015. This course is open to parents, caregivers, or other community members.  A limited menu will be provided at this course

For more information on this and other courses, please visit www.duvalschools.org/parentacademy.  

November 3, 2015

Report Cards and Survey

           As report cards are sent home with students this week, they will also be receiving a Federal Impact Aid Survey Form.  It is important that parents fill out this form if they are an active duty member of the military, or a civilian or contractor who works or lives on any of the federal properties, housing communities and/or military bases listed on the form.  Parents, please  return the form as soon as possible. 
           This program helps the district receive federal funding for the purchase of books, materials, technology, capital improvement, and much more. For more information about this program or to download additional forms, click here or contact the Department of School Choice at 390-2144.

October 29, 2015

AICE Tours for Duval County Public Schools

School
Date
Time
School Contact
Email
Fletcher High School
January 28th
6:30 PM
Virginia Hays
haysv@duvalschools.org
Mandarin High School
November 5th
6:00 PM
Jennifer Oglesby
oglesbyj@duvalschools.org
Terry Parker High School
Tours will be every Tuesday in November. Please contact to RSVP.
8:30 AM
Christy Thacker
bergstromc@duvalschools.org
Paxon High School
November 5th
6:30 PM

Krystal Culpepper
apolonk@duvalschools.org
November 10th
November 12th
9 AM
Ed White High School
November 2nd
6:00 PM
Dustin Cark
clarkd@duvalschools.org
November 9th
Samuel W. Wolfson High School
November 19th
8:30 AM
Brandi Benga
farwellb@duvalschools.org

October 27, 2015

Mandarin AICE Program

COME LEARN ABOUT THE AICE PROGRAM AT MANDARIN HIGH SCHOOL

Parents will be able to learn about the expectations of students in the AICE program. AICE coordinator, Mrs. Jennifer Oglesby, School Administrators, Guidance and current AICE teachers will be available to meet and to discuss our excellent program. In addition, current AICE students will be present to give tours of the school as well as answer any possible questions. In order to be considered for the AICE program, students must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Students must obtain a level 4/5 on the eighth grade FSA and have taken Algebra 1 by the end of the 8th grade. Private school candidates must submit a copy of standardized test scores. We look forward to seeing you!

“One of the things we find with students who have studied Cambridge International AS and A Levels is that they have a real depth of understanding of the subject matter that they have had classes in, and a real engagement with it.” - Stuart Schmill, Dean of Admissions, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Contact Information: Email: oglesbyj@duvalschools.org 
Address: 4831 Greenland Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258
You’re Invited to Open House
Date: Thursday, November 5
Time: Tours will begin at 5pm, followed by an informational program at 6pm
Location: Mandarin High School Auditorium


October 26, 2015

College: Support for Students with Disabilities

    **New** College Bound – Transitioning to College: What Are the Support Services for Students with Disabilities?


November 2, 5:00P.M. -6:30 P.M., Speaker: Denise Giarrusso, Associate Director of Student Engagement, FSCJ – Deerwood Center. This presentation will review the process for students who are transitioning from high school to college. We will review Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the ADA and the ADAA as they relate to the responsibilities of the student and the college.  We will discuss the types of academic and support services available to the student who self-identifies their disability to the college and review the various program and degree options  and extracurricular activities offered at the college. Register online at http://collegeboundfscj.eventbrite.com.   

Red Ribbon Week Activities

Mandarin Middle School 
Red Ribbon Week Activities

Monday - Wear crazy socks

Tuesday - October 27 - Pledge Signing During Lunch

Wednesday - October 28 - Wear Black

Thursday - October 29 - Wear RED and SUNGLASSES
                   Winners for Door Decorating Contest will be announced!
                    1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Winners Receive a Pizza Party!

Friday - October 30 - No School - Planning Day for Teachers

Free Test Taking Strategies Session

Test Taking Strategies That Work

Where?
Bonefish Grill
10950 San Jose Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32223

When?
Monday
October 26, 2015
6:00-7:00pm

To register go to www.duvalschools.org/ParentAcademy
Walk-ins are welcome

This FREE course will include ways to master reading skills that can be used to reach proficiency on classroom and standardized tests.

October 21, 2015

Kids Together Against Cancer

Kids Together Against Cancer. Support for families dealing with a parent's cander journey.

Help for children with a parent with cancer
  Please join us on TUESDAYS for our monthly art workshop
ages 5 to 17
We invite parents and children to join us for a fun art project and have the opportunity to meet others facing the same challenges
 Tuesday, October 27th 2015
6:00pm to 7:15pm 
Neviaser Educational Institute
4266 Sunbeam Road, Bldg 100
Jacksonville, FL  32257
Open to all families who have a parent with cancer.  KTAC supports children when mom or dad are facing a cancer diagnosis.  Please call 742-2916 to register for our monthly groups or for more information. 





Art brings families together at our programs


October 20, 2015

Fall Family Festival


AVID: WICOR Strategy of the Month

AVID – WICOR Strategy of the Month:
Socratic Seminar
A Socratic Seminar is dialogue where students seek deeper understanding of complex ideas. Students evaluate ideas, issues, and values in texts and share different perspectives. The discussion is a dialogue not a debate. Students are encouraged to share these ideas and think out loud, while asking higher order questions in a polite manner. 

October 17, 2015

How Did Red Ribbon Week Start?



The Meaning of Red Ribbon Week


Red Ribbon Week: How Did it Start?



How did Red Ribbon Week start?  It started with a true life story about a federal agent named Kiki Camarena.  He had a passion to end substance abuse and crime in the USA.  Read his story here.  The questions at the end of the story will help you have good discussions with your children. 
The Meaning of Red Ribbon Week
                When Kiki Camarena was young, he decided to join the Marines.  After serving his country as a Marine, he joined the police force.  His career brought him further when he next joined the Drug Enforcement Agency as an agent for the government of the United States.  He felt this was the best thing to do because he truly cared about helping people and stopping drugs.  His mother was very concerned about Kiki’s career path and the dangers of his job.  She tried to talk him out of it.  Kiki told his mother that in his heart he could not quit his work.  He said, “I’m only one person, but I want to make a difference.” 
            In 1985, the DEA sent Kiki to work undercover in Mexico.  For weeks he lived among the drug cartel and gathered information and evidence.  He was ready to wrap up his assignment when the drug dealers figured out what he was up to.  They discovered his identity.  He was kidnapped and tortured to death. 
            People that knew Kiki felt sorrow when they learned of his death.  To honor his memory, friends and neighbors wore red badges of satin.  They wanted to continue Kiki’s work against illegal drugs.  Parents who worked together in local coalitions to fight against the drug problem made Kiki their model.  They embraced his belief that one person could make a difference.  They adopted the symbol of the red ribbon as their own. 
            From this grass roots beginning grew Red Ribbon Week.  This is held the last week of October nationwide.  In Jacksonville, Florida we campaign against drugs and work hard to warn children and students in school about the dangers and effects of drug use.  When you see red ribbons around Jacksonville and our country, we hope you will remember the story of Kiki and others like him who work hard to “Say No to Drugs.” 
 
By Grace Wilhelm
  1.  What is the DEA?
  2. How and why was Kiki murdered?
  3. What did Kiki tell his mother about why he wanted to work against drugs?
  4. What does working undercover mean in the second paragraph? 
  5. What does the phrase “wrap up his assignment” mean in the second paragraph?
  6. Write two sentences to describe the career path of Kiki Camarena.  Tell what jobs he held after high school and why he chose those jobs. 
  7. What is a coalition?  (in the third paragraph)
  8. What will you now think of when you see a red ribbon?
  9. Do you think it is important to say “no” to drugs?  Tell why or why not. 
  10. Where is Mexico?
  11. What are some ill effects of drugs on your body?  

October 7, 2015

Chat with the Supe!

Chat with the Supe is an opportunity for the general public to engage in an informal conversation with Dr. Vitti to discuss the key issues, challenges, and concerns for our schools.  Topics include school programs, boundary updates, uniform polices, safety, standardized testing, literacy, implementing STEM curriculum, and improving student performance.

The first meeting will be held on Monday, October 12 from 6:00 -7:00 P.M. at the Town Center Barnes and Noble Bookstore.