Archived Articles
This page contains stories that were previously published on jcds.com.
JCDS Chorus Performs on TV
(December, 2009) The sixth grade members of the Chorus sang holiday tunes on First Coast News at 5 and 7 o'clock on December 9th. The Chorus performed several brief melodies, closed the 5 o'clock, and closed the 7 o'clock broadcasts. They also helped present the sports news, which featured a JCDS alumnus. (Video courtesy First Coast News.)
JCDS Teacher Featured on News
(November, 2009) Third grade teacher Shannon Johnson was featured as Teacher of the Week on First Coast News the week of Thanksgiving. Reporter Diana Fene came to the school and interviewed Ms. Johnson and her class.
Watch the video clip on First Coast News' website.
New Aquatic Center
(May, 2009) Jacksonville Country Day School is proud to announce the new Aquatic Center is now open. On Friday, May 29, the students of JCDS enjoyed their last day of school in the new Aquatic Center. It was a pure joy to watch the children laugh and play for the first time in the new facility.
The Aquatic Center consists of two pools — an eight-lane, 25-meter pool, and a 597 square-feet special purpose pool which ranges from 23" to 32" in depth. The new pool deck features light colored cool deck pavers to prevent patrons from burning their feet. The Aquatic Center is fenced in with a black wrought iron fence reaching 6 feet in height.
This new facility has opened the door to numerous possibilities for furthering our own educational programs, and bringing in local community swim programs. The JCDS community owes a debt of thanks to the many people who stepped forward in the past two Annual Funds to bring such a world-class facility to our campus.
JCDS 4th Annual Young Writer's Workshop
(April, 2009) Jacksonville Country Day School hosted its annual Young Writer's Workshop for 4th and 5th grade students from all over the Jacksonville area. Eight published authors attended, volunteering their time to help students by presenting two 45-minute writing workshops.
Over 75 local schools, churches, and youth groups were invited and over 80 students, most from at-risk neighborhoods and schools attended. Participating elementary schools included Biltmore, Fishweir, Andrew Robinson, Louis Sheffield, John Stockton, Justina Road, Mandarin Oaks, Lake Forest, M.A. Jones, and Carter G. Woodson.
The keynote speaker this year was Dr. Dennis M. Smith, Jr., from St. Augustine. Dr. Smith is a noted pathologist who has published numerous articles in prestigious medical journals throughout his illustrious career. He is currently working on the biography of artist Dean Mitchell. Local authors attending the workshop included Diane Wellman of Jacksonville, Gigi Morales David of Jacksonville, June Weltman of Jacksonville, Karen Putzke of St. Augustine, Laura Marlar of Jacksonville, Gina Martinelli of Jacksonville, and MerraLee Block of St. Augustine.
As a side bar, Girls Inc. of Jacksonville felt so strongly about this workshop that they sent staff members to drive two vans to transport 20 students to the workshop. Girls Inc. of Jacksonville is an organization dedicated to empowering young girls, particularly those in high-risk, low-income areas.
US Navy Helicopter Fly-in at JCDS
(April, 2009) The United States Navy landed a helicopter on the front field at Jacksonville Country Day School. Despite all the weather obstacles, Helicopter Squadron 44 out of Naval Station Mayport pressed on through the weather to bring a helicopter to the children at JCDS.
Once the helicopter landed safely, the two pilots, Lieutenant Greg Anderson and Lieutenant Junior Grade Russell Coble gave a 
presentation to the entire student body. The children had the opportunity to ask questions about the process of becoming a USN helicopter pilot and why each of the pilots chose their career path. The pilots explained what a unique opportunity it has been thus far, to serve their country, and how much hard work it has taken to complete the training process of becoming a helicopter pilot.
The children also learned about the type of missions the Navy does with their helicopters and what type of lifestyle USN officers lead. The students really enjoyed learning all about USN aviation ang getting up close and personal with the pilots.
JCDS Earth Day Tribute
(March, 2009) Jacksonville Country Day School's 5th grade performed the play "Every Day is Earth Day" in honor of the approaching Earth Day. The play included songs which challenged the audience to take a more active role in preserving our environment.
JCDS is making an effort to spread awareness about the environment by educating the students about environmental issues. The school has also implemented the Green Team, a new committee at JCDS this year, made up of faculty and students committed to projects that involve improving the local community's environment.
