JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Duval County Public Schools, Project One Health JAX, and the Jacksonville Public Education Fund are launching a new multi-year initiative called ReconnectED to promote student wellness through screen-free, outdoor learning.
Supported by a $350,000 grant, the program will debut this spring at three pilot schools: SP Livingston Elementary School, Jacksonville STEM Academy and North Shore Elementary School.
The initiative is designed to help students rebalance screen-heavy school days by moving structured, standards-aligned lessons into natural spaces. The project will unfold in three phases through June 2028, beginning with the hiring of an outdoor learning specialist and the identification of specific learning zones at each pilot campus.
Research compiled by the Children & Nature Network, a partner in the initiative, shows that access to nature can improve children’s well-being. One review of 20 studies involving more than 3,200 primary school children found positive outcomes in mental health, academic performance, focus and social-emotional development.
Districts leaders say the program responds to issues they see daily, including students struggling with focus and emotional regulation due to increased screen time.Dr. Heather Albritton, director of health and physical education for Duval County Public Schools, co-leads the initiative. “Our goal is to make screen-free outdoor learning routine, not occasional, by helping teachers use outdoor spaces more intentionally across subjects and grade levels,” Albritton said. “We know from research and practice that outdoor learning supports student wellness, attention and engagement.”
The program is built around four core components: simple outdoor learning areas with basic seating, ready-to-use screen-free lessons, teacher training, and clear district guidelines for safety and instruction.
District leaders selected the three pilot schools to represent different grade levels and needs. SP Livingston Elementary will focus on early wellness habits, while Jacksonville STEM Academy will engage adolescents through nature-based learning to promote social connection. North Shore Elementary will use outdoor exploration to help students build curiosity and healthy routines.
The Jacksonville Public Education Fund provides support for grant management and partnership coordination. Rachael Tutwiler Fortune, president of the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, said the initiative aligns with the district’s strategic priorities regarding school climate and academic performance. “JPEF is proud to support this work by helping connect resources and partners while the investment goes directly into the district and schools,” Fortune said.
“The timing is right and the alignment is strong.”The effort is part of the broader Project One Health JAX initiative, which works to reduce harmful screen time for children and families.
“Project One Health JAX CEO Sylia Obagi said the school-based partnership reflects a local effort to support youth through place-based solutions. “This initiative takes a simple but important idea – more time outdoors, less time in screen-heavy routines – and puts it into practice in ways that can support both learning and well-being,” Obagi said.
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