Jay Elementary Finalist for Elementary Reading Leadership Team of the Year
Jay Elementary was selected as a Finalist for the Elementary Reading Leadership Team of the Year. The Department of Education’s Just Read, Florida works with community groups and volunteer organizations throughout the state to support the goal of making reading a priority in Florida public schools.
The Jay Elementary Reading Leadership Team is a core part of Jay Elementary School. The team consists of one representative from each grade level and special area teachers that have a particular interest in reading. There are 13 members in all. The team meets monthly to plan school reading initiatives, professional development for teachers, and motivation for students. Each year the team picks a reading theme to set the tone for reading excitement. In 2010, the team submitted an essay of their activities with data to substantiate their progress to Just Read, Florida! The team was selected as a state finalist for Reading Leadership Team of the year.
Florida school districts were invited to nominate outstanding literacy leaders in four categories for consideration as a finalist. The top two individuals in each category were identified from the list of finalists and a winner from each category was selected. Each state finalist will receive a commemorative certificate and statewide winners will receive a plaque in appreciation of their literacy efforts.
Santa Rosa County had one winner and several finalist. Well Done!
Middle School Literacy Leader of the Year Winner
- Joann “Joie” DeStefano, Principal, Holley-Navarre Middle School, Santa Rosa County
Elementary School Literacy Leader of the Year Finalists
- Dana King Smith, Principal, Pea Ridge Elementary School, Santa Rosa County
Middle School Reading Teacher of the Year Finalists
- Paula “Suzie” Temple, Martin Luther King Middle School, Santa Rosa County
Elementary Reading Leadership Team of the Year Finalists
- Jay Elementary School, Santa Rosa County
Middle School Reading Leadership Team of the Year Finalists
- Gulf Breeze Middle School, Santa Rosa County
