New learning programs will make children 3 and older ready to learn

Programs help 'reverse the number of students falling behind,' officials say

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Duval and Columbia county public schools resumed Monday. Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Nikolai P. Vitti visited S.P. Livingston Elementary School and Wolfson High School to highlight some of the district's new initiatives and programs.

S.P. Livingston and Hyde Grove elementary schools both unveiled their new early learning centers. It’s a program designed to have children ages 3 and up in the classroom ready to learn.

"Our vision is to start working with students at a very young age, 3 years old." Vitti said. "They will learn their numbers, their letters and their sounds. By second grade, they're going to be at grade level."

Vitti said such initiatives will help bridge the gap and reverse the number of students who are falling behind.

Vitti said another part of the program is to have full parental support.

Vitti participated in the "Million Father March" by taking his own children to school. The Million Father March is a national effort in which fathers and other men make a commitment to their children and their families.

Deounce Harden dropped off his 3-year old son, Carter, Monday morning at Livingston Elementary.

"It's very important, it's very important," Harden said. "Being a part of that helps the kids understand where they need to be headed -- in the right direction. It's very important for others to see that as well."

Duval County Public Schools redesigned programs for 14 schools. The programs include gaming, cybersecurity, sports broadcasting, visual and performing arts, early Head Start, digital arts and military leadership.

Also, new students and employees will be able to buy affordable laptops through the Laptop Recovery Program. Healthier options are now on the breakfast and lunch menus, including whole grains, vegetables and fat-free foods.

Labs have been added to 11 elementary schools, raising the number to 26.

First Lego League Teams have been expanded into 50 DCPS schools.

Click here for more information on Duval County Public Schools.


About the Author:

Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She reports for and anchors The Morning Show.