district level; and 6) similar open- ness a thomuniriapnalk d number one in the area of quality control, noting our rigorous accountability systems and comprehensive data systems. Duval County is one of only six districts in the state that uses a pay for performance program for teachers and school administrators, using individual student data to show the academic movement of students. Last year, the district implemented On Course, an online gradebook sys- tem that gives parents an opportu- nity to review individual student grades, homework assignments and attendance. This tool enables teachers and administrators to col- laborate and effectively communi- cate with parents on their student's performance. Deepest sympathies: A sad note. Nancy Winn, the bookkeeper at Crown Point Elementary School for the past 25 years, passed away on September 5. Loved by all who worked for her and with her, Winn will be deeply missed by the Mandarin school community. Our sympathy goes out to all of her family, friends and colleagues. Important dates: October 5: School Board Meet- ing, 6:00 p.m.; Cline Audito- rium, 1701 Prudential Drive October 6: Student Early Release Day October 20: Student Early Re- lease Day October 25: Teacher Planning Day (No school for students) Don't forget to vote on Novem- ber 2 Election Day. Thought for the Day: The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson. -Tom Bodett L allanPetr/// News Line Now delivered to 32223 32258 32257tselectroutes) Don't miss your chance to place your ad in the only community newspaper with a monthly circulation of 27,000 addresses! 886 4919 Page 4, e 7:/art,1,2;/ N~ews Li ne Octobe r 2010 www. Man dari n Iews Li ne.com * ^ * * ^ I II * -. ... . . . : - * - The 2010-11 school year has begun with flawless openings throughout the district. There were, of course, the expected trans- portation/schedule issues with our buses; and other minor problems, but all were minimal. Each year, our openings get better and better, thanks to our staff, school person- nel, students and parents. Trans parency makes a big difference when you communicate plans and actions. Congratulations! To Timothy Kenney, a math teacher at Mandarin Oaks Elemen- tary. Kenney was selected as a state finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the nation's highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teach- ing. Kenney was also a finahst for the award in 2008. The PAEMST, which is administered by the National Science Foundation, was enacted by Congress in 1983. The program authorizes the president to bestow up to 108 awards each year on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. . In addition to teaching math- ematics to fifth-grade students at Mandarin Oaks, Kenney serves as a facilitator for the professional development of other math teach- ers in the district. He also teaches math courses at the University of North Florida and serves as a member of the Florida Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Kenney is one of three finalists in the state in the field of math ematics and was chosen by a state selection committee, which in clouded prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics and science educators and past awardees, The finalist selected as the state recipient will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, as well as a trip for two to Washington, D.C., for a weeklong series of recognition events and professional develop- ment opportunities. Award winners will be announced right before the trip, which occurs this spring. Zachary Champagne, also a teacher at Mandarin Oaks and Duval County's 2010 Teacher of the Year, won the PAEMST in 2006. Jacksonville ranks in top 5 best cities for school reform A recent study released by the Thomas B. Fordham Insti tute, named Jacksonville as the fifth best city in the country for school reform based on a variety of indicators. In the study, the authors examined six domains that are cru cial to a reform-friendly climate: 1) access to a steady flow of talented individuals; 2) a pipeline of readily accessible funding from public and private sources; 3) a thriving charter school market; 4) atten- tion to quality control metrics that guide and regulate entrepreneurial ventures; 5) openness to nontradi- tional providers and reforms at the For the third year in a row, in an effort to promote a safe and healthy Halloween for children, Krantz Dental Care will buy back the candy that young trick-or-treaters collect this year. The candy will then be do- nated to our troops serving overseas. Candy can be brought to Krantz Dental Care at * 12058 San Jose Bou- levard, Suite 102, from Monday, No- vember 1 through Thursday, Novem- ber 4 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Krantz Dental Care will pay $2 for each pound of candy brought in ($1 goes to the Feed a Needy Neighbor (FANN) program and $1 goes to the child). Children can also bring in notes with personal messages to the United States troops that we will include in the shipment. Everyone wins at this an- nual event put together by Dr. Alan Krantz and his team at Krantz Dental Care. For more information, visit our website at www.krantzdental- care.com. As part of the Mandarin Garden Club's 65th anniversary celebration this year, members have compiled a cookbook of their favorite recipes. In addition to 500 dehcious recipes, the cookbook contains a history of the Mandarin Garden Club and measuring, cook- ing and helpful hints. The cook- books will be available for $12 each from any garden club member and can be purchased at our upcoming October Trash to Treasure Sale, circle and general meetings and Other events throughout the year. They will also be sold at several activities around Mandarin. The Mandarin Garden Club is located at 2892 Loretto Road in Mandarin. Behind our clubhouse are wonderful demonstration gardens that are lovingly tended by a group of very devoted master gardeners. The public is invited to drop by to view the gardens at any time. Please call 268-1192 or view our website at http://dir.garden web.com/directory/mgc for more information about activities and events at the club. SchoolBodRersnaveDsrct7 ROBERT E. BURKE Under tei eNehe alue. Certified Public Accountant Tax Preparation Tax Planning Financial Statements Estate & Gift Planning Business Solutions Bookkeeping Quickbooks Pro Advisor@ 3000 Hartley Road, Suite 7 Jacksonville FL 32257 904.260.3812 www.reburkeepa.com Wanted... Fussy Customers! Since VARSITY 1990 INSURANCE INC 7 * 268-6365 Auto Home Boat Motorcycle Business Better Agents Better Companies Better Coverage Wins Your Business! Call MS We Love Competition. Andrew Laino, CFP@, CLU, CLTC Financial Planner (904) 313-4553 , Sound Advice, Comprehensive Financial Planning > Prudential Growing and Protecting Your Wealth* Financial panning and investment advisory services offered through Prudential Financial Planning Services, a division of Pruto Securities, LLC, Nework, NJ. 0156581-00001-00 Support troops with Halloween candy buy back prog ram Mandarin Garden Club 65th Visit Wayne