Expect the Unexpedted

We were pleased to have Dr. David Kikoler, head of American Education Solutions, as our unexpected guest on Friday afternoon, September 26. Dr. Kikoler and his associates collect data from forty-four school districts spread across the nation who have been awarded federal grant dollars as seed money to begin new magnet programs. Our school is one of ten Duval County schools receiving grant money from the Dreams Begin Here grant. Continued grant funding is contingent on completing and documenting requirements established by the U.S. Department of Education. It's Dr. Kikoler's job to review our data and present it to the DOE in such a way that clearly represents the work being done at Julia Landon.

Following a morning meeting with the principals and CIS's from the Dreams Begin Here schools, Dr. Kikoler and Ms. Ann Edgecombe from the magnet office paid an unexpected visit. Dr. Kikoler and Dr. Coker-Daniel are shown in the photo as we began our unexpected tour of the facility and classrooms, providing Dr. Kikoler with a glimpse of the good things happening every day at Julia Landon. Even though good leaders begin with the end in mind, they must always be ready to expect the unexpected.

Leadership is not a race. It is a journey.

Ms. Bravo, assistant principal for curriculum and organizer of Pathfinders, met with a room full of 6th grade girls for the first Pathfinders meeting on September 22. Pathfinders is a non-competitive club for 6th grade girls. The focus is to empower young girls and to enhance their self-image and leadership potential. Physical activity will be done only to the capability of the individual student's ability and potential.

The group meets for two hours, twice a month. During the two hours, half of the time is spent indoors working on leadership activities, engaging in group discussion, journaling, and reading. The rest of the time is spent outdoors stretching, walking, and running.

From the looks of the group, it's going to be an interesting journey.

FCAT Bell Ringer...Leadership...Spanish

What do FCAT Bell Ringers, leadership skills, and Spanish have in common? Nothing, unless you're in Ms. Dennis' Spanish class.

Each day our elective teachers begin class with an FCAT Bell Ringer designed to reinforce computational skills. After giving students time to complete the math problems for the day, Ms. Dennis reminded students that good leaders give genuine praise when they see something being done well. The entire class practiced Spanish phrases that could be used to compliment someone on a job well done. One student was appointed as leader while other students were called upon to give answers to the problems (in Spanish, of course). The leader rewarded correct answers with a compliment in Spanish.

Again, what do FCAT Bell Ringers, leadership skills, and Spanish have in common? Everything, if you're in Ms. Dennis Spanish class where she practices leadership by example!

"Roadways" in the Sky

Imagine this.... You're traveling at a speed of more than 450-miles per hour and you're more than 38,000 feet above the ground. You're getting close to your destination, but there are about 60 other airplanes heading to the same place and getting ready to land pretty much at the same time. How will all the planes land safely? The answer is simple. Air traffic controllers like Mr. Tony Collazo, father of 6th grade student Nick Collazo, watch the skys through modern technology and safely guide pilots to the right place at the right time.

Mr. Collazo, a former military air traffic controller, visited Mr. Manias' 6th grade science class and explained how it all happens. Mr. Collazo is one of those unseen leaders who makes travel through the "roadways" in the sky safe for hundreds of travelers every day.

Thanks to Mr. Collazo for visiting Julia Landon and sharing his interesting profession with our students.

An Army of One...or Two...or Three.... or....

ILT Matthew MacLeod (center) and two of his soldiers met with our 7th grade teachers to explain a five day Youth Leadership Program being presented to our 7th grade students during November. While the program will be presented primarily through Ms. England's geography classes, all teachers on the team will be involved with supplemental activities. Each of the classes will begin with a short period of instruction followed by group activities designed to put leadership skills into practice. The closing activity promises to "rock"our students' worlds! We look forward to having ILT MacLeod and his men with us at Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School.

....Breaking News!

"Lights! Camera! ACTION!" Each Tuesday and Thursday at the end of first period, our morning news team goes live and broadcasts coverage of school news and current events at Julia Landon College Prep.


As seen in the pre-broadcast photos, it takes teamwork behind the scenes as well as in front of the camera to produce the show.
In the coming weeks, our crackerjack news crew will be roaming the halls and classrooms with press badges and cameras in hand as they search for fast breaking local news at Julia Landon.



Our sincere thanks are extended to Ms. Peacock-Preston and her production crew for making it happen.