JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- As teachers at Carter G. Woodson Elementary prepare for the new year they do so with a smile. For the first time, they're starting off at the top.
"There's a lot of teachers from Kindergarten to 5th grade that really did some incredible work this year," teacher Mary Wright said.
The school learned of it's "A" status last month. We wanted to know the secret behind the success so we sat down with Principal Cheryl Quarles-Gaston.
She says the answer is simple...resources. "We wanted to make sure our students were equipped and ready for day one. We didn't want to have anything that may actually hold them back so we made sure the resources are here. Anything that parents would need to actually help them," she said.
In this case, that meant community partnerships with businesses, and help with things like bill pay and food. Parents we spoke with agree, it was a joint effort.
"Uniforms. Teachers. They're awesome," father Shaka Floyd said.
Woodson received medical magnet status last year so the students are learning everything from biological sciences to radiology. It's one of many positive steps in the right direction.
"We did great least year, but we're going to do better this year to maintain that "A" Wright said with a smile.
Woodson is holding a Community Day Saturday, August 18th at the school. Kids will be able to meet their teachers, and parents will be able to get housing help, information on shots and bills and clothing for the youngsters if needed. It will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
