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JOE LANDON

Title: Columnist - Collier Citizen
Contact: 239-377-0180 | Send JOE an email

Recent Work

Class Notes: Superintendent hosting town hall meeting to explain referendum Published 03/22/2012 at 11:53 a.m.
There isn’t a day that goes by where we don’t read or hear about Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul or President Barack Obama. While November’s general election day is still a few months away, we’re already focused ...
Class Notes: Barron Collier High named overall Academic State Champion Published 01/12/2012 at 2:47 p.m.
When we think of state championships brought home by Collier County high school sports teams, performance on the field of play or on the court is the first thing that comes to mind.
Class Notes: Many attendees seem appreciative of superintendent town hall meetings Published 11/10/2011 at 11:33 a.m.
“A town hall meeting is a great concept. Keep it up!” That’s what an attendee at one of the two superintendent’s town hall meetings held last week told us.
Class Notes: Gov. Scott’s trip showcased unique iTECH program Published 10/20/2011 at 5 p.m.
So we know Governor Rick Scott visited Immokalee last week, and we know he was here to tout his job creation and economic growth agenda. What I would like to share with you, as Paul Harvey used to say, is ...
Class Notes: New schools superintendent holding six town hall meetings Published 10/13/2011 at 3:45 p.m.
Let’s imagine, if you will, that we are back in the 18th century in Smalltown, U.S.A. You are standing on a street corner and you hear the cry of a town crier ringing a hand bell while yelling, “Here ye, ...
Class Notes: Veterans Memorial Elementary starts ‘Leader in Me’ program Published 10/07/2011 at 12:42 p.m.
If you consider yourself to be highly organized, I’m wondering if you got that way on your own or did you have some help? Maybe you follow the “Covey method” as many do. It’s the outgrowth of “The 7 Habits ...
Class Notes: Online ‘Parents K-12’ service coming soon to help parents Published 09/26/2011 at 4:41 p.m.
There is something new — something really exciting — for parents and guardians of our students. It’s called “Parents K-12” and the hope is this Web-based service will help bring parents and teachers together to support the academic success of ...
Class Notes: Making science come alive for district’s students Published 09/22/2011 at 4:54 p.m.
We like to say that our science department makes science come alive for our students. That’s truer than ever because of the sharp focus on science instruction this year both here and across the state. If you are a parent ...
Class Notes: Teachers show they care for fellow teachers as well as their students Published 09/16/2011 at 1:46 p.m.
Collier County Public Schools’ teachers are known for working shoulder-to-shoulder in creating a welcoming learning environment for their students, and we have a great example to share. Lely Elementary School in East Naples is home to about 120 new students ...
Class Notes: More teachers report on excellent start to a new school year Published 09/09/2011 at 11:24 a.m.
We have 3,000 Collier County School District teachers working in what many call the noblest profession. Last week, we shared the new school year observations of a few of our teachers in their own words. This week, we hear from ...
Class Notes: Teachers share their excitement of new school year Published 09/02/2011 at 12:48 p.m.
“Teachers teach because they care. Teaching young people is what they do best.” This quote from Horace Mann is especially appropriate as we put the new school year in perspective by sharing the observations of a few of our teachers ...
Class Notes: First day of school was a very successful one, many report Published 08/26/2011 at 12:27 p.m.
What a glorious day Monday was for everyone involved in any way with Collier County Public Schools. We saw a sea of smiling faces at the schools we visited. One principal described “a feeling of enthusiasm and excitement” as her ...
Class Notes: Let’s start off the new school year right Published 08/19/2011 at 12:20 p.m.
Here we are on the eve of the dawning of the 2011-2012 school year – an exciting time. These last couple days before school doors swing wide open once again, we want to share some “words of wisdom” gathered from ...
Class Notes: More advice on keeping children thinking during the summer Published 06/14/2011 at 2:10 p.m.
The average loss of knowledge for a student is 18 percent during the summer break and maybe as much as 30 percent for English language learners. We established that last week as we shared ways you can help keep learning ...
Class Notes: Even though summer is here, learning shouldn’t stop Published 06/10/2011 at 6 a.m.
School’s out for the summer as of yesterday. It’s officially summertime for our students. But even though classes won’t be in session again until August 22, that doesn’t mean learning needs to stop for 11 weeks.
Class Notes: 2,600 Collier County seniors graduating today Published 05/31/2011 at 2:13 p.m.
The song lyric goes, “It’s a time for joy, a time for tears, a time we’ll treasure through the years. We’ll remember always, graduation day.” And today is graduation day for about 2,600 seniors graduating from one of our Collier ...
Class Notes: U.S. Marines magazine features article on Naples alternative school Published 05/23/2011 at 4:50 p.m.
They say “Once a Marine, always a Marine,” but unless you are a Marine, my guess is that you don’t read “Leatherneck,” the magazine of the U.S. Marines. As unlikely as it may seem, there’s a piece in this month’s ...
Class Notes: ‘Get Help Clinic’ helps Golden Gate families in need Published 05/17/2011 at 12:12 p.m.
We told you last week about all of the folks the Collier County School Board would be recognizing at this week’s board meeting — the volunteers of the year and employees of the year. One of our community recognitions highlighted ...
Class Notes: School Board to name employees, volunteers of the year Published 05/10/2011 at 10:48 a.m.
Next Tuesday’s School Board meeting will be all about the people who make education happen here in Collier County — the employees and volunteers. Together, they help make our world go ‘round.
Class Notes: High school students produce PSAs for state contest Published 05/03/2011 at 2:51 p.m.
What’s super about public schools? Sure, I’d like to hear what you think (send me an email at landonjo@collier.k12.fl.us), but I also want you to know that the same question was posed to Florida’s high school students recently by the ...
Class Notes: Tune into the Education Channel for Golden Apples and more Published 04/25/2011 at 4:55 p.m.
Six of our outstanding teachers will literally be in the spotlight, on stage at the Phil, during the Education Foundation of Collier County’s 21st Annual Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Celebration at 7 p.m. Tuesday (May 3rd).
Class Notes: Celebrating the seasons by sharing news you can use Published 04/18/2011 at 3:06 p.m.
It seems to me that there’s always a reason for a “season” (of some sort) for those of us living and working here in Collier County. During my time out and about in the community this past week or so, ...
Class Notes: Parent forums, new online tool available to combat bullying in schools Published 04/11/2011 at 3:37 p.m.
With the safety of our students as our number one concern, bullying is a high priority topic for those of us with the Collier County School District. And we are doing something about it. To help heighten awareness we’ve launched ...
Class Notes: Come see the superintendent candidates Published 04/04/2011 at 4:48 p.m.
On behalf of the Collier County School Board, I wish to invite you to join us as board members welcome the superintendent candidates who will be visiting our school district April 18th through the 20th.
Class Notes: Check out the new online tool for parents Published 03/29/2011 at 1:55 p.m.
There’s a new web tool for you, mom and dad, one that will help you understand what’s going on with Florida standards and assessments and your child. The Florida Department of Education (DOE) is launching a new web resource designed ...
Class Notes: Our student-athletes are fortunate to have trainers readily available Published 03/21/2011 at 12:40 p.m.
We love to celebrate wins, our favorite high school team putting one in the “win” column. And should there be a district, regional or even state title resulting from a win…that would be cause for a big time celebration. But ...
Class Notes: School district looking to unveil new high school diploma option Published 03/15/2011 at 11:34 a.m.
Up until now, high school students in our district wanting to be challenged, and those who really enjoy getting involved with their studies, would seek an Advanced Placement Laureate Program diploma. The Laureate Program was created in the late 1990’s ...
Class Notes: Education Channel to put spotlight on students Published 03/08/2011 at 10:23 a.m.
We always put students first on the Education Channel, and I’m here today to prove it. It’s all about students, students, students, especially over the next couple of months. Right now we’re airing several television specials spotlighting students.
Class Notes: Florida schools ranked fifth in the nation Published 02/28/2011 at 5:12 p.m.
I saw a recent news story about Florida ranking 47th in the nation in teacher salaries. While we’re looking at reports on education, I want to share the results of an annual survey released in January, but not really reported ...
Class Notes: Jacques Cousteau’s grandson pays a visit to Collier schools Published 02/22/2011 at 10:39 a.m.
In our district, technology is used to enhance the education taking place in our classrooms each and every day. Folks in our Instructional Technology department do a wonderful job with that, making sure teachers have the tools they need to ...
Class Notes: The kind of services we provide for students Published 02/14/2011 at 4:53 p.m.
Last week was Student Services week here in Collier County and across the state of Florida. So you’re probably wondering, what student services? A bunch is my best answer. There’s actually a Student Services department (used to be called Pupil ...
Class Notes: Tell the School Board what kind of superintendent to hire Published 02/07/2011 at 4:22 p.m.
What are the qualities you’d like to see in the superintendent who’s being hired by the Collier County School Board in a few months? What characteristics do you feel board members should be looking for? School Board members are looking ...
Class Notes: Here’s how to keep track of your child’s school bus Published 02/01/2011 at 11:41 a.m.
Does it seem like there’s more traffic than ever this season? This season seems busier than any I’ve experienced in my 22 years here. In any case, it sure takes longer to get from here to there. And if it ...
Class Notes: Take a look inside area schools on the School Zone TV show Published 01/24/2011 at 3:22 p.m.
When’s the last time you had the chance to visit a school? The Education Channel gives you an opportunity to kind of visit one each evening by taking a “virtual tour” of one of Collier’s 50 schools when we invite ...
Class Notes: Two new teachers receive National Board certification Published 01/11/2011 at 10:57 a.m.
I’m guessing that most of the 137 Collier County teachers who have been through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification process will tell you that it’s grueling! But at the same time, they’ll also tell you that achieving ...
Class Notes: Reminder about upcoming school rezoning meetings Published 01/03/2011 at 1:58 p.m.
So we begin a new year and a new decade with a reminder about something that’s been on the radar of some elementary school parents for a few weeks now — rezoning. By now, you certainly know if your child’s ...
Class Notes: Elementary school rezoning meetings scheduled Published 12/27/2010 at 12:18 p.m.
If you are the parent of an elementary school student attending one of the schools affected by rezoning, I just want to remind you about the all-important parent meetings that are being held beginning next week.
Class Notes: Free meals available to those in need during holidays Published 12/20/2010 at 2:10 p.m.
The song proclaims that “this is the most wonderful time of the year,” but that’s not the case for people who may be struggling financially. Yes, the various agencies in place to help those in need by providing food and ...
Class Notes: Find answers to your school-related questions on district’s website Published 12/13/2010 at 12:57 p.m.
We’ve got a whole bunch of school and school district communication opportunities available to you; and every once in awhile, I like to take a moment to remind you of some of them.
Class Notes: Youth Resource Center a sensational resource for area youth Published 12/06/2010 at 4:41 p.m.
It’s always nice to see good people coming together for a cause, getting behind something that’s really important; but when it’s all about kids, community collaboration is an even better idea.
Class Notes: FCAT going through a revision of its own Published 11/29/2010 at 1:24 p.m.
We’ve been hearing so much for a year or more now about Windows 7.0 — TV commercial after commercial from people taking credit for the latest release of the Windows operating system software. In each TV ad, we’ve endured PC ...
Class Notes: Here’s what we’re thankful for at the school district Published 11/22/2010 at 4:13 p.m.
Here we are giving thanks. As we reflect on what’s really important in life, from where I sit in the school district’s Communications Services Department, we find there is much to be thankful for.
Class Notes: UF Lastinger Center helping district’s teachers, students Published 11/15/2010 at 3:17 p.m.
When you think about the University of Florida, high academic standards come to mind — or perhaps a Gators game in the “Swamp.” It isn’t likely that the Collier County Public Schools’ relationship with the university would be the first ...
Class Notes: New ‘Smartpen’ technology almost like cloning our teachers Published 11/08/2010 at 2:43 p.m.
What’s cool at school? Lots of stuff is the easy answer. We’re proud to be viewed as a leader in the state of Florida when it comes to technology. We have more than 27,000 networked computers in use district-wide. And ...
Class Notes: Education Exchange debuting soon on Education Channel Published 11/01/2010 at 12:10 p.m.
You’ll have a direct line, basically, to the superintendent, two of our high school principals (from Golden Gate and Lely), two of their involved parents, and a couple of high school teachers (from Barron Collier and Gulf Coast), during a ...
Class Notes: Collier school district recognizes long-time employee Published 10/25/2010 at 3:33 p.m.
The Collier County School District is recognizing a milestone in the career of one of our outstanding principals. But to do that, and to frame the accomplishment, we need to travel back in time.
Class Notes: School Board candidate, state amendments forums on Education Channel Published 10/19/2010 at 1:18 p.m.
We’re a little more than a week away now from the big day — Election Day 2010. Whether you are a traditional voter like me, one who actually prefers voting on the day, or you’re one who likes taking advantage ...
Class Notes: New math program in elementary schools featured on ‘Parent Connection’ Published 10/11/2010 at 1:16 p.m.
New math. Those of us who were around in the 1960’s recall hearing about it or maybe even learning it. Basically, it was the way math was being taught in some of our schools back then. By the end of ...
Class Notes: Get prepared to vote by watching amendment, candidate forums Published 10/04/2010 at 4:20 p.m.
So we’ve received our sample ballot from the Collier County Supervisor of Elections, but with Election Day now less than a month away, we’re all wanting to learn more about the candidates and the issues we’ll be voting on on ...
Class Notes: There is such a thing as a free lunch in Collier schools Published 09/27/2010 at 11:22 a.m.
While they may say there’s no such thing as a free lunch, “they” apparently don’t know about what happens here in Collier County in the summertime.
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