Orange Park High School opens new front office

Orange Park High School and Clay County Public Schools officials unveiled the campus’s new front office during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday morning, Jan. 4.

Principal Ivan Gunter thanked his staff for their patience during the remodeling project.

“We all had to move out of the old front office and move into closets and classrooms for about six months while they did construction,” he said.

Gunter said the new front office features the latest safety and security technology.

“We have also taken steps to ensure that it is a welcoming and comfortable place for our students and their families,” he said. “We have added comfortable seats, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and a friendly staff that’s always ready to help.”

Clay County Schools Superintendent David Broskie lauded Orange Park High School’s achievements over the past year, saying that among the district’s secondary schools, the Kingsley Avenue campus recorded the most significant academic gains.

Broskie told the crowd at the event that three groups of people are critical in students’ success at any school:  district employees, parents, and community members.

The superintendent noted that during the school year, students only spend 14% of their total time at school.

“That means that 86% of the hours in a year are spent with their parents,” he said. “That tells me two things as a superintendent. One, you better use your 14% well. The other thing is we need parents to do their part.”

Broskie said the third group: community members, were well represented at the ribbon cutting. He pointed out Clay County Chamber of Commerce personnel and several school district business partners in the audience.