Meet the Teachers!

General Information

It is the intent of JRA middle school teachers to provide a safe, educationally sound 

environment which provides students with the opportunity to be successful. Every 

attempt is made to meet the needs of our middle school students during their 

adolescence.

The middle school, encompassing grades six, seven, and eight, was established 

as a separate program during the 1987-1988 school year. Curriculum consists of 

daily instruction in language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, music, and 

health/physical education. Spanish class is taught four days per week for forty-five 

minutes per day. There are four core academic teachers for the middle school area, 

along with five enrichment teachers. Students attend classes from 8:30 AM to 3:45 PM 

each day. Homeroom periods are from 8:00 - 8:30 AM and 3:45 - 4:00 PM each day.

As classroom teachers as well as administrators, the principal and assistant principal 

have immediate knowledge of the issues, concerns, and curriculum expectations facing 

their middle school teaching peers. Consequently, the communication between the 

administration and the middle school faculty benefits from close proximity and shared 

experiences. The faculty receives an ample amount of creative and academic freedom 

from the administration to work within the framework of the school's philosophy.

In addition to middle school teaching duties, the social studies and math teachers 

instruct intermediate level classes. The social studies and math teachers also supervise 

homeroom daily. There are two times daily that the language arts and social studies 

teachers are able to offer learning support for students who need extra help, acceleration, 

or make-up in any subject.

Basic skills classes are currently housed in Buildings II and III. 

The middle school curriculum complies with the Sunshine State Standards. The faculty and 

administration recognizes the fact that many of the students will move into the public 

high schools upon graduation from Julie Rohr Academy. The math curriculum includes 

a traditional sixth grade mathematics program, pre-algebra in seventh grade, and 

algebra in eighth grade. JRA requires that the students electing to apply to the 

International Baccalaureate Program earn an "A" in algebra for the year and score 

a minimum of 90% on the final exam to receive high school credit for algebra. 

Students not seeking high school algebra credit do the same coursework with the 

intent to repeat in ninth grade. The Spanish curriculum is a grammar-based course so 

that a Spanish I credit could be issued. The social studies curriculum includes world 

history, world geography, and American history. Maps, globes, and atlases are 

incorporated into the program at all levels. Language arts classes include literature, 

writing, grammar, and vocabulary. The students maintain a portfolio of written work. 

An activity and process-oriented approach is used in the science curriculum. 

Students are exposed to foundational material in life science, earth/space science, 

and physical science. In all of these area, the emphasis is on laying a foundation for 

high school courses.

Recognition is given to the developmental needs of the students as well as academic 

needs. The Middle School Student government sponsors social and community service 

projects in which students participate. This extends the students' responsibilities beyond 

the classroom and helps in the development of the total person.

The small class sizes of the middle school greatly facilitates learning and aids in the 

implementation and integration of our philosophy of meeting students' needs. The 

student to teacher ratio in the middle school averages 14 to 1. Small class sizes 

facilitate a close relationship between teachers and students. This allows teachers to 

effectively focus on each child's educational and developmental needs. Remedial or 

accelerated work may be administered when deemed necessary. Each middle school 

teacher is available for learning support twice a day.

When behavior problems occur with students, our philosophy and flexibility allow for 

several options. Close personal contact with parents is encouraged by the 

administration and is pursued by staff. Staffing at the middle school level allows for a 

complete assessment of the student. Comprehensive behavior plans can be made at 

that time to affect changes in the student's behavior.

Small class size, a strong curriculum and administrative support are the assets of the 

middle school entity. Prompt and thorough consideration is given to the individual needs 

of students which adds to the overall family atmosphere of this division of Julie Rohr 

Academy.

Return to top of page

Cecilia Blankenship
Julie Rohr Academy
4466 Fruitville Road  
Sarasota, Florida 34232

941-371-4979

jracademy@msn.com

August 18, 2008 

Dear Parents, 

            I am delighted to welcome you to the 2008-2009 school year at Julie Rohr Academy.  We are expecting an exciting, learning-filled year.

            This will be my 20 ½ year at JRA.  This year I will be teaching the 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade science classes, coordinating curriculum for the school and directing the middle school program.  As assistant principal, I am involved in the administrative duties relating to the school including student discipline and supervision of teachers.  If there is any way that I can assist you, please don’t hesitate to ask.

            I have been teaching since 1969 with four years off when my children were young.  I attended James Madison University earning a degree in Secondary Education with endorsements in biology, general science, and chemistry.  I later returned to Virginia Commonwealth University to earn an endorsement in Elementary Education.  I received a Master of Science degree with concentration in Earth/Space Science and Teacher Supervision from Longwood University and began work towards a doctorate in educational leadership at the College of William and Mary.  I am continuing classes in curriculum and science education through online courses because there is so much new information constantly available in the field of education.  Since joining the staff of JRA, I have taught third through eighth grade science, fourth grade language arts, preschool and second grade language arts remediation.

            I am the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren, five here in Florida and two in Virginia.  My oldest son, Michael, lives in Virginia with his wife and two children.  Jason, my middle child, lives in Cape Coral with his wife and son.  My daughter, Sharon, has four children; she and her husband live here in Sarasota.  They own SRQDance and SRQDance Preschool of the Arts.  Four of my grandchildren are attending Julie Rohr Academy this year.  My husband is a retired school administrator, so you can see we are a very education-oriented family.

            I am in the office from 8:00 – 5:30 daily except for the time I am teaching science (12:30 – 2:30).  If I can help in any way, please do not hesitate to call or come by.  I look forward to seeing all of you again and getting to know our new students and parents. 

                                                                                    Sincerely,

                                                                                    Cecilia R. Blankenship

August, 2007     

August, 2008

Return to top of page