(ThyBlackMan.com) As the energy builds at Andrew Robinson Elementary, students understand the importance of Monday, April 16th and the implications of the FCAT – Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test 2.0.
This does not stop the energy and excitement of parents, teachers, support staff and administrators eager to show that the students are more than capable of excelling on this state assessment.
To channel the energetic enthusiasm, the Pep Rally at Andrew Robinson #262 of Duval County Public Schools organized by Regina Thomas, Math Coach and the hard work of Mrs. Jorge, Math Interventionist had surprises guaranteed 
to motivate the third, fourth and fifth grade students. Assistance from Dr. Donnie Horner, Mayor Alvin Brown’s Education Commissioner organized the visit by three Jacksonville Jaguars to encourage and help instill the idea of success and goal setting for academic success.
The visiting Jaguars were Uche Nwaneri, Jarett Dillard, and D’Anthony Smith, each sharing personal stories and examples of how to build success and the value for education. Each of the players talked about how each students future is shaped by their education and not to allow a test to stop them from achieving their goals in life.
Preceding the Jags, the First Coast High School Drum Major/Drum Line dazzled the students with musical action that had the students cheering. The MC’s of the event were Coach William Jackson PE Coach and School Technology Contact and Math Coach Regina Thomas, they kept the students pumped up and excited during the event and assistance from Mr. Marcus White, 4th/5th Grade EBD Teacher who helped introduce the Jaguar players.
Special thanks to Principal C. Lewis for all her support. Mrs. Lewis believes in a 5 Star Service approach to anything that encourages and supports academic and social responsibility and accountability to the students at ARE.
Additional support from administrators Assistant Principals – Michelle Walsh-Lopez and Talitha Harris, Mr. Marcus White, 4th/5th Grade EBD Teacher, 3rd -5th Grade teachers for their skits and stepping actions, Stephanie Manabat, Executive Director, Elementary Turnaround Cluster, Aubrey Simmons, Band Director at First Coast High School, Mrs. Landry-Gaines, Director of Special Events and Dr. Donnie Horner, Education Commissioner from the Mayor’s Office, Renzo Sheppard, Communications Assistant, and Bahati Van Pelt, Manager, Player Relations and Youth Football of the Jacksonville Jaguars Organization.
Special thanks to Action News Channel 47 of Jacksonville, Florida for recording and televising the event.
This year the students will be faced with FCAT 2.0 and the standards have been raised, but the enthusiasm and pride in these Rockets of ARE will not be diminished and the Rockets will soar high past the FCAT.
Photo shows: D’Anthony Smith, Crystal Lewis, Principal, Jarett Dillard, Regina Thomas, Uche Nwaneri, William Jackson
Links to pictures:
http://photobucket.com/fcat2012 (—–
Special thanks to Angelica, Javion and Issac 4th grade students, they were the photographers for the day.
Staff Writer; William D. Jackson
Find out more about this talented writer over at; OCS For Education.
Also check out; http://www.About.Me/WilliamDJackson