Learn more about Luther Jackson Middle School's 50th anniversary.

BOARD MATTER

September 27, 2004

Mr. Chairman: Luther Jackson Middle School, which is a vibrant middle school located in Providence District, is celebrating its 50 year legacy of education and contribution to the community. In celebration of this milestone, it is important to journey through the school's unique history.

Luther Jackson Middle School was named after Dr. Luther P. Jackson who was a historian and an educator whose nationally recognized writings identified the contributions of African-Americans in Virginia's history. He was not only a scholar but also a man of action as his service in the fields of education and civil service will testify.

Originally known as the Luther Porter Jackson High School, the school opened its doors on September 1954 as a segregated high school for black students in Fairfax County. Prior to this, students were transported outside of Fairfax County for their education. After the integration of Fairfax County Public Schools, Luther Jackson Intermediate School opened its doors in September 1965. In July 1991, the school was named as the Luther Jackson Middle School.

Among its current highlights are the following: during the Spring of 1997, the former First Lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton, chaired a televised Luther Jackson forum; in 1997 Luther Jackson was selected for national recognition as one of only five schools in the United States to receive the nationally recognized award of "School of Excellence" presented by the Hispanic Magazine and Ryder System, Inc; and since February 1981, the Fairfax County School Board has called Luther Jackson "home," and holds its meetings there.

Therefore, I move that staff prepare a proclamation designating the week of November 8 - November 12, 2004 as "Luther Jackson Middle School Week" in Fairfax County and coordinate this designation with Fairfax County Public Schools and Luther Jackson Middle School.

Further, I would ask by unanimous consent that at the October 18 Board meeting, representatives of the school be invited to come before the Board in celebration of Luther Jackson Middle School's 50th Anniversary and to receive the proclamation.