Superintendent’s September 12 Update

Superintendent's September 12 Update

In these updates, I share news about the Fall 2020 return to school. The guidance presented here will be supported by detailed information from your child's building administrators and teachers. Communication at all three levels happens on a weekly basis.

Reflection on the First Week of Virtual School

Remote teaching has undergone a significant transformation in a matter of months. One of my colleagues compares it to the difference between plugging a leak in the dike and building a brand new dam.

On Friday, our first week in Virtual School came to a successful close. There was much to celebrate. Students followed a full slate of classes daily. They interacted with every teacher every day. They experienced large group, small group & independent assignments designed to provide everyday evidence of engagement. And they discussed reinforcements including: homework help hours, meetings with small groups for support and connection, and 1:1 check-ins with faculty members uniquely trained to provide guidance and help. Soon, an enhanced Schoology portal will offer more information to parents-guardians about how their student is engaging with the class, including the opportunity to see assignments that are underway (or turned in), attendance metrics, grades, and teacher feedback on projects. Finally, by adopting tools like Flipgrid, we are doing a better job at helping students express themselves, bringing their own voice and creativity to life.

I am inspired by all that I witnessed, and the comments and feedback you shared throughout the week. A strong connection between students, teachers and families is at the heart of quality education. Our first week of Virtual School offered proof positive that these ties can persist regardless of the physical setting. I want to express my congratulations and thanks to every single one of you. We are all members of the team!

l First Day of Virtual School photos from across the District.

Did you launch the survey asking families to choose between virtual or hybrid instruction for their student(s)?

Yes! Schools sent the online survey out on Friday. We are asking ASD families to respond on or before Tuesday, September 15. Due to the complexity of planning/ supporting two educational models simultaneously, each building has launched its own survey. As a parent/guardian, you have the ability to select different learning models for each of your students. Only one parent/guardian from each household should reply to the online survey. If you have questions, direct them to the building leader at your child's school. Here is that list of contacts.

Didn't see the email from your principal? Please be sure to check the JUNK and TRASH mailboxes on your computer before contacting your student's school for a copy of the survey link.

Will ASD Schools serve as polling places for State Primary Elections next week?

Twelve schools and the Marion E. Proffitt Training Center will be polling places on September 15. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. There is no school for students, but offices will remain open. (Staff will be in PD.) For information about voting, go to the Delaware Department of Elections, .

September 15 Polling Places: l Alfred G. Waters Middle ??Gymnasium l Appoquinimink High ?Gymnasium l Brick Mill Elementary -Multi-purpose Room l Bunker Hill Elementary ?Gymnasium l Cedar Lane Elementary ?Cafeteria l Lorewood Grove Elementary ?Library l Louis L. Redding Middle ?Front Lobby l Marion E. Proffitt Training Center ?Board Room l Middletown High ?Cafeteria/Commons Area l Old State Elementary ?Gymnasium l Olive B. Loss Elementary ?Gymnasium l Spring Meadow Early Childhood Center ?Gymnasium l Townsend Early Childhood Center ?Multi-purpose Room

Do we have enough bus drivers this year?

We need more Bus Drivers and Substitute Teachers to meet increased demand! In last week's message, I noted that Appoquinimink continues to experience fast-paced growth. As of Monday, we had 333 new students, a number that continues to climb daily.

BUS DRIVERS. If you, or someone you know is 18 or older, enjoys children, and would be interested in helping young people start (and end) their day on a positive note, please check us out. l No experience necessary l Paid training l Full and part-time openings l You're off when the kids are l Salaries start at $15.50/hour l Call (302) 376-4132 or email Stacey.McIntosh@appo.k12.de.us l Note: ASD does not own or operate buses. After discussing

the opportunity, we will forward your information to our valued bus contractors.

SUBSTITUTES. If you're enthusiastic and experienced at working with children and teens, we encourage you to apply at .

Requirements: l High School diploma l Delaware and FBI criminal background check l TB test

If a student tests positive for COVID-19, what is the process for re-entering school and school-based activities?

The Department of Education offered clear guidance this week, "Students who test positive should not be permitted to return to school or any activities on school grounds until they are cleared to do so by the Division of Public Health (DPH). DPH is in direct contact with ASD's health liaisons, our School Nurses. In the event of a positive case, school and District-level COVID coordinators will coordinate the re-entry process. Health and safety procedures adopted to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 will be the subject of an in-depth presentation during our Sept. 23 School Board workshop.

What's the status of construction projects in the District?

Everett Meredith Middle (MMS) l By the end of October, demolition work will be

complete and site work for the new Everett Meredith Middle School will commence. l The building's date stone has been preserved and will be featured on the History Wall in our new school together with other memorabilia celebrating the proud 90-year history of the original structure. l Become part of our history with "That's My Brick!" Current and former students, families and staff can sponsor an engraved brick in the new building. For $125, you will receive up to three lines of text (21 characters per line). Your brick will be installed on the History Wall at the school and you'll be invited to attend a special dedication ceremony. For more information or to purchase a brick, go to the school's website.

l Access to the Appoquinimink Preschool Center is unfettered. A sign marks the new entrance. l Parking for Cavalier Stadium, unavailable in the Spring/Summer months, will be in place when sports resume. l During the two-year construction process, the MMS Learning Community has been relocated to Odessa High.

The school's phone number and website have not unchanged: 302-378-5001, . Students and staff will return to their new building in Fall 2022.

Silver Lake Elementary (SLE) l Demolition work is nearly complete. Structural steel for the school's new gymnasium has already been erected.

Work on a classroom addition begins at the end of the month. l SLE will call Cantwell's Bridge home for the 2020-21 school year. During that time, the school's phone and email

address remain unchanged: 302-378-5023, . Our learning community will return to a renovated school in Fall 2021.

Brick Mill Early Childhood Center (BMECC) l A new 40,000 square foot building, adjacent to Brick Mill Elementary School, will house 20 classrooms

dedicated to kindergarten education. Site work has begun on the building pad and foundation. We will open the new Center in Fall 2021.

Fairview Campus: Odessa High, Cantwell's Bridge School l Teachers, administrators and staff from OHS, MMS and SLE have moved into their classrooms and offices at

Odessa High and Cantwell's Bridge School. A virtual Dedication Ceremony is planned for October 15. We'll be sharing details in an upcoming newsletter. l On October 19, we look forward to welcoming hybrid learners to both buildings.

A detailed description of active construction projects, including aerial drone footage, is part of the monthly Construction Report presented during School Board Meetings. You'll find an archived copy on ASD's YouTube channel.

What is our current enrollment?

As of September 8, the District had 12,070 students enrolled. Applications for another 84 students have been started, but the enrollment process has not (as yet) been completed by the parent/guardian of record.

Is there a new Code of Conduct for the 2020-21 school year?

Yes! Updated annually, Appoquinimink's Student Code of Conduct outlines the rules and expectations for appropriate conduct in both school and virtual learning environments. The handbook is required by state law and is intended to promote a positive learning environment and safe schools. We ask that all parents/guardians review this information with their student in order to promote understanding and compliance.

l 2020-21 Code of Conduct_English l 2020-21 Code of Conduct_Spanish

Is there a School Board Workshop this month?

The School Board will meet on Wednesday, September 23, at 6:00 p.m. for a virtual session that will be live streamed over our YouTube channel. Presentations will revolve around survey results and planning (instruction, transportation, safety) as we move forward with efforts to support both virtual and hybrid learning models beginning October 19. School Board Meetings do not include an open Q&A period, but we have created an email address: SB-Questions@appo.k12.de.us to ensure that we're in touch with your concerns. Please submit your questions as soon as possible so that the superintendent and/or other presenters can attempt to address the matter in the context of the meeting.

Has the student meal program been expanded to include 7 days' worth of free meals?

Yes, a 2nd waiver, received this week, has allowed us to expand our free meal program. For the first time ever, we can now provide families with a child between the ages of 1-18 with a free breakfast and lunch seven days a week.

Monday through Thursday, families will receive a student breakfast and lunch for each child. On Friday, school nutrition staff will distribute three days' worth of breakfasts and lunches - enough to carry families through Sunday. The new program begins on Friday, September 25, 2020.

Details: l Hours: Monday through Friday, 11am-1pm l Five locations to serve families:

Appoquinimink High Alfred G. Waters Middle Brick Mill Elementary Louis L. Redding Middle Old State Elementary l Meals for any child between the ages of 1-18 l Children do not need to accompany an adult or attend an ASD School l To speed service, you can order weekday meals in advance on the PayPAMS website. Weekend meals will be comprised of an assortment of student favorites ? frozen breakfast and lunch entrees that can be prepped at home. Sides and milk will accompany the weekend meals.

Who are the new administrators on campus?

Once again this year, Appoquinimink sought, and found, top talent to join the ranks of our school & district leadership teams. We continued our commitment to inclusion and equity and look forward to the contributions the "Class of 2020" will make to support and serve our students and staff. I invite you to join me in welcoming our new Assistant Principals and Program Coordinator. Let them know who you and your child(ren) are, and what types of help and support we can provide to make the year ahead a successful one for all. A list appears on the next page.

Appoquinimink's New Administrators

ADRIELLE BERNINI

L'TANYA CAIN

JERMAINE LEMON

SHELBY GORDON

SHERRIE SUDLER

Adrielle Bernini, M.Ed.

? Title: Coordinator of Autism Programming ? a District-wide leadership role ? Email: adrielle.bernini@appo.k12.de.us ? Education: Doctoral candidate?Special Education (graduation 2021), Master's Degrees?School Leadership and

Special Education, Bachelor of Science?Education ? Experience: 10+ years in special education instruction and leadership positions in Delaware ? Joining us from: The Caesar Rodney School District, DE

L'Tanya Cain, M.Ed.

? Title: Assistant Principal, Alfred G. Waters Middle ? Email: ltanya.morrow-cain@appo.k12.de.us ? Education: Master's Degree?Education, Bachelor's Degree?Elementary/Early Childhood Education ? Experience: Seasoned educator with 15+ years in teaching and educational leadership roles in DE and PA ? Joining us from: Woodbridge Middle School, DE

Jermaine Lemon, M.Ed.

? Title: Assistant Principal?Special Programs, Everett Meredith Middle ? Email: jermaine.lemon@appo.k12.de.us ? Education: Master's Degrees?School Leadership and Counseling, Bachelor's Degree?Business Administration ? Experience: Seasoned educator with 10+ years in teaching and counseling including alternative settings ? Joining us from: The Wallace Wallin School, DE

Shelby Saulsbury-Gordon, Ed.D.

? Title: Assistant Principal, Bunker Hill Elementary ? Email: shelby.gordon@appo.k12.de.us ? Education: Doctoral Degree?Educational Leadership, Master's Degree?Instructional Systems Development,

Bachelor's Degree?Education ? Experience: 15+ years of teaching experience in DE and PA. Certification includes KG-6 and Teaching

Exceptional Students ? Joining us from: Bunker Hill Elementary (in-District promotion)

Sherrie Sudler, M.Ed.

? Title: Assistant Principal, Everett Meredith Middle ? Email: sherrie.sudler@appo.k12.de.us ? Education: Doctoral candidate, Master's Degree?School Leadership, Bachelor's Degree?Elementary Education ? Experience: Seasoned educator with 15+ years in teaching, including departmental leadership and instructional

coaching roles ? Joining us from: Appoquinimink High (in-District promotion)

NOTE: ASD is careful not to exceed its quota of state-supported administrative positions. The individuals listed above are filling openings created when staff move on to new roles (in, or outside the district) and new positions "earned" by student growth.

How did the District recognize Patriot Day this year?

September 11 marks a tragic day in U.S. history. Our nation's flag was flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset at every school and the District Office and we continued the ASD tradition of raising the Freedom Flag to honor the 2,977 people who lost their lives and the 6,000 more who were injured at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and on U.S. Air Flight 93 in Shanksville, PA. The annual remembrance ceremony hosted by Middletown High's Air Force JROTC program was cancelled due to COVID-19, but it will return again next year. AF Chief Master Sergeant Michael Conway of the JROTC leadership team has prepared a special message for our families, click here. To learn more about how you can bring the Freedom Flag, an emblem of remembrance and education, to your school or organization click here.

What happened when the DIAA met this week?

On Thursday, the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association's Board of Directors voted to allow high school sports practice to begin on September 28. Competitions would begin on October 19 (October 23 for football), and State Championships would take place in November and December. As reported by WDEL Radio, "Football's tournaments would likely be reduced to four teams per division, with a seven-game regular season. Other fall sports will be allowed up to 12-game regular seasons." The DIAA proposal envisions winter sports beginning on November 30, with spring sports starting March 1. The plan must now be approved by the State Board of Education. That group meets on September 17.

That concludes this week's update.

Yours in learning and with gratitude,

Matt Burrows Superintendent

LINKS:

? Calendar ? School Administrators ? Registration Secretaries / Registration ? School Counselors ? School Social Workers ? School Psychologists ? Educational Diagnosticians ? School Nurses ? Community-based Health & Wellness Resources ? PK-5 Virtual Learning Parent Handbook ? ASD's Mobile App: Google Play iTunes ? ASD's YouTube Channel

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