JRA: Assistant Principal: Cecilia Blankenship

Dear Parents,

I am delighted to welcome you to the 2009 - 2010 school year at Julie Rohr Academy. We are expecting an exciting, learning-filled year.

This will be my 21½ year at JRA.  This year I will be teaching the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th 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 - 4:30 daily except for the time I am teaching science.  You can also reach me by email through my website at www.teacherweb.com/FL/JulieRohrAcademy/CeciliaBlankenship.  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