Governor’s Weekly Message: Helping Students Transition to College or Career

(Dover, DE) – In his weekly message, Governor Markell highlights a statewide effort to help ensure high school seniors have the assistance they need to continue their education or training beyond high school.

“This past week we started a tour of high schools across the state to speak with our senior classes – urging them to take advantage of future educational opportunities and letting them know they have our support,” said Governor Markell. “By supporting our students’ transition to education and training beyond high school, we’ll give them the best chance to reach their potential, and we’ll have the talented workforce we need to grow our state’s economy. That will keep Delaware moving forward.”

Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

 

YouTube:http://youtu.be/aRElRewQghg
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: www.facebook.com/governormarkell
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Transcript of The Governor’s Weekly Message: Helping Students Transition to College or Career 


Smoking meats, hearth cooking, and candle making to be featured at Dover, Del.’s John Dickinson Plantation in September 2014

 –Listing of plantation events through December 2014 also included–

During the month of September, Dover, Del.’s John Dickinson Plantation will present seven special programs that explore different aspects of everyday life as it would have been lived during the 18th century when John Dickinson was in residence at the property. Admission is free. For additional information, call 302-739-3277.

On Saturday, Sept. 27, the plantation will feature two programs. Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., “Arts in the Estuary,” a partnership with the St. Jones Reserve, will celebrate National Estuaries Day from the artistic viewpoint including the work of artisans, performers and authors. Between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., the plantation will present “Smoked, Pickled and Salted for Survival,” a program in which visitors will learn how smoked, pickled and salted meats helped stretch food reserves in the winter. Visitors will also participate in pickling meats with brine and smoking meats in the property’s smokehouse. On Saturday, Sept. 20, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., the site will present a hands-on workshop exploring hearth cooking; while on Thursdays, Sept. 11, 18 and 25, between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., the plantation will present “Taper Thursdays,” hands-on programs in which visitors will learn to make their own candles and help the plantation dip 200 candles that John Dickinson would have required from his tenants as part of their leases.

The John Dickinson Plantation was the boyhood home and country estate of John Dickinson, one of the founding fathers of the United States, signer of the U.S. Constitution and “Penman of the Revolution.” The plantation features Dickinson’s original 1740 brick home, reconstructed farm buildings and a log’d dwelling, surrounded by rich agricultural lands stretching down to the banks of the St. Jones River. Following is a schedule of plantation events through December 2014. All programs take place at the John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, Del. The property is open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Times for special programs are indicated. Admission is free for all events listed. For additional information, call 302-739-3277.

John Dickinson Plantation special events through December 2014

Ongoing
Simple Machines.” Exhibit demonstrating the six “simple machines”—incline ramp, screw, wedge, pulley, lever and wheel—that constitute the elementary building blocks of which many more-complicated machines are composed.

Thursdays, Sept. 11, 18 and 25, 2014
“Taper Thursdays.” Learn to make your own candle and help the plantation dip 200 candles that John Dickinson would have required from his tenants as part of their leases.11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturdays, Sept. 13, Nov. 8 and Dec. 13, 2014
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program explores spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. 1–3 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014
“Hearth Cooking Basics.” Hands-on workshop. 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014
Arts in the Estuary.” Celebrate National Estuaries Day from the artistic viewpoint including the work of artisans, performers and authors. Partnership with the St. Jones Reserve. 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Saturday Sept. 27, 2014
“Smoked, Pickled and Salted for Survival.” Learn how smoked, pickled and salted meats helped stretch food reserves in the winter, and participate in pickling meats with brine and smoking meats in the plantation’s smokehouse. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014
“A Day in the Life of the John Dickinson Plantation.” Visitors of all ages will enjoy a day of music, food, entertainment and hands-on activities from Colonial trades to hearth cooking in the 18th-century setting of the home of the “Penman of the Revolution.” The featured performers will be the Swordmasters demonstrating Colonial muskets and rifles, and giving fencing presentations. 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 24, 2014
“Lantern Tours of the Plantation.” Programs explore the parties, games, dances and entertainment that would have abounded at the plantation during the nighttime in the 18th century. Activities will also include wagon-ride guided-tours conducted by staff of the St. Jones Reserve exploring the nocturnal life of the estuary. Programs 6–7 p.m. and 7:30–8:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-739-3277.

Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014
“An 18th-Century Sweet Tooth.” Hands-on workshop in which visitors can learn how to create 18th-century sweets and goodies. 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Thursdays, Nov. 6, 13 and 20, 2014
John Dickinson’s Birthday Month. Visitors celebrate the birth of John Dickinson by helping to make a great cake and decorate it using royal icing and shaped marzipan.11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014
Candle-making workshops. Bayberry-candle workshop from 10 a.m.–noon examines bayberries and their use in creating bayberry candles. Presented in partnership with the St. Jones Reserve. Reservations required by calling the St. Jones Reserve at 302-739-3436. “Light Me Up!” workshop on candle dipping and discussion of lighting devices of the 18th century from 1–3 p.m. Reservations required by calling 302-739-3277 no later than Nov. 14.

Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014
“Handmade for the Holidays.” Seasonal program in which visitors can learn to create and decorate cards through the art of paper quilling and stenciling, and write a personal note with a quill pen. 11–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014
“Handmade for the Holidays.” Seasonal program in which visitors can create a sachet with herbs and spices. 11–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014
“Handmade for the Holidays.” Seasonal program in which visitors can create a plaster ornament. 11–2:30 p.m.

-End-

Contact:
Jim Yurasek Delaware
Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone:  302-736-7413
E-mail:  Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web:   http://history.delaware.gov


Governor Signs Bill to Accelerate, Enhance School Safety Efforts

Includes additional activities for schools to prepare for emergencies

Dover, DE – Building on his 2013 pledge that all Delaware schools would have a “state-of-the-art school safety plan” by the end of 2014, Governor Markell today signed legislation that requires schools to have a comprehensive and up-to-date plan by this month.HB340

House Bill 340 amends the Omnibus School Safety Act that Markell signed in 2012, which initially said schools and districts must, by September 2017, be in compliance with the Act’s provisions regarding preparation for potential emergency situations, ranging from armed intruders to natural disasters.

In his 2013 State of the State address, Markell said the initial five-year timetable in the Act was “a laudable goal, but we can do better.” Since then, the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) has worked with districts to speed up their work and, currently, 78 percent of schools are ahead of schedule and have compliant plans.

“We have no more important obligation as a state than to ensure a safe environment in the places where our students learn,” said Markell, who signed the bill at Caesar Rodney School District’s W. Reily Brown Elementary School, where he was joined by state legislators along with school and district officials.

“This bill marks another important step in our never-ending process to ensure schools are as prepared as possible to protect their students and staff in any contingency. It has been impressive and gratifying to see the hard work by administrators and faculty throughout our state to make the two year timeframe possible and update all of their safety plans to the maximum extent.”

Plans must be thorough, coordinated with first responders, tailored to the layout and location of each facility, and compliant with the National Incident Management System, a framework for emergency response developed by the federal government that stresses collaboration with first responders.

“As a father with two boys who went to public school, there’s nothing more important than making sure they get a high-quality education in a safe and secure environment,” said the bill’s prime sponsor, Rep. Darryl Scott, D-Dover. “This bill accelerates our efforts to ensure each and every school across the state has a school safety plan in place and that our teachers, administrators and emergency responders review and practice those plans regularly.”

In addition to completing the process of accelerating the development of school safety plans, HB 340 provides for school districts to conduct table top exercises annually and at least two lockdown/intruder drills per school year. They must submit verification of the exercises to DSHS.

“The Delaware public and charter school community have fully committed to providing their students with the most comprehensive and complete safety plans in the country,” said Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Lewis D. Schiliro. “The progress we’ve made is indeed a tribute to the dedication and perseverance of our teachers, administrators, school personnel and our public safety partners.  As a parent and grandparent, we should all be thankful for what they have accomplished.”HB340

Tabletop exercises allow school officials to work through their plans to identify any possible gaps and make adjustments, and intruder drills allow school faculty, staff, and administrators, as well as students, to become more familiar with procedures and expectations so the response becomes second nature.

“We are pleased W. Reily Brown Elementary School was selected as the site for the signing of HB340,” said Caesar Rodney School District Superintendent Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald.  “We are fortunate that Governor Markell, the state legislature and the Department of Safety and Homeland Security have made the safety of our students their number one priority in Delaware.  We look forward to continuing our relationship with Homeland Security, local law enforcement agencies and fire companies to ensure all of our schools have up-to-date school safety plans and conduct exercises to validate our plans.”

Photos from the event


Governor’s Weekly Message: Motivating Students to Succeed

(Wilmington, DE) – In his weekly message, Governor Markell highlights education efforts in Delaware focused on ensuring students are motivated to learn by making their studies relevant to their future. “This year our STEM Council is bringing new, hands-on science activities into our middle and high schools, and our students will be exposed to career paths in our fastest-growing industries by working directly with professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math,” said Governor Markell. “By committing to make school relevant and engaging for our students, and asking our students to work hard and push themselves, we’ll have a successful school year and we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.”

Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: http://youtu.be/hdJ_fSa7vdA
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter: www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Transcript of The Governor’s Weekly Message: Motivating Students to Succeed


Governor signs legislation enabling changes in investment funding for the Delaware Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund

Change will increase grant funding for statewide outdoor recreation programs

Bellevue State Park – Joined by DNREC Secretary David Small, Lewes Mayor Theodore Becker, and Delaware State Parks Director Ray Bivens, as well as state legislators and members of Delaware State Parks and recreational organizations, Governor Jack Markell signed legislation today that will change the structure and management of the Delaware Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund (DTF) and is expected to generate additional funding for outdoor recreation throughout the state. Senate Bill 75 will allow the management of the DTF as an endowment, producing higher yields from the fund’s investments which will continue to be used to fund grants to improve county and municipal parks, trails, playgrounds and other active recreation facilities, and to purchase additional land for outdoor recreation.

“Just as each of us seeks to maximize our income on investments, this legislation enables the state to do the same,” said Governor Jack Markell. “Changing the investment of the DTF from cash to true endowment management is expected to yield greater returns to fund outdoor recreation projects statewide for generations to come.”

The Cash Management Board and Treasurer’s office will remain the custodians and managers of the Fund. The Board’s expertise will provide valuable oversight and direction to strengthen the management of the investment, resulting in increased recreational opportunities statewide.  Since its inception in 1986, DTF has awarded grants to more than 300 projects such as Soroptomist Park in Seaford, Schutte Park in Dover and the James F. Hall National Recreation Trail in Newark.  Grants to county and municipal governments have leveraged over $64.5 million in local and other investments in outdoor recreation.

The endowment investment income is allocated through a formula that provides two-thirds of available funds to DTF grants, and the final third to stewardship projects for DNREC’s Divisions of Fish and Wildlife and Parks and Recreation, Delaware Department of Agriculture for forestry projects, and the Division of Historic and Cultural Affairs.

“Our municipal, county and state parks, trails, state forests and historical and cultural sites are incredible assets to our citizens and visitors and are an important part of our tourism economy, “ said DNREC Secretary David Small. “We need to assure that we are investing in this infrastructure and this legislation will help provide that funding. We appreciate the support from our Parks’ Friends groups which got behind this bill and does so many valuable services and projects for our Parks and our visitors.”

The legislation will increase the effectiveness of the DTF by enabling the state to lower match requirements for municipal and county projects from 50 percent to 25 percent. The bill also establishes an infrastructure account which will provide $1 million annually for improvements in state parks, and fish and wildlife areas statewide.

“Lewes has been the recipient of several Delaware Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund grants over the past 20 years,” said Lewes Mayor Theodore Becker. “These funds have leveraged local, private and foundation resources enabling Lewes to expand recreational opportunities at Smith Park at Blockhouse Pond, Canalfront Park, and a yet-to-be-built trailhead adjacent to the future library.  Once a forlorn and inactive boatyard, Canalfront Park is now a gathering place and a gem along the Lewes & Rehoboth Canal.  DTF grant awards totaling $1.57 million have improved the quality of life for Lewes residents and created great places for visitors.”

Governor Markell was joined at the bill signing by Sen. David McBride – the legislation’s primary sponsor.

“We’ve worked hard to get this legislation through for some time,” said McBride. “Higher returns on the endowment will generate more funding for outdoor recreation projects throughout the state; projects for which there is great need. I want to thank the legislature and Governor Markell for their support of this legislation – a bill we’ve looked forward to for several years.”

“This bill is a big win for everyone involved – the state, our counties and municipalities, especially smaller towns,” said House sponsor, Rep. Debra Heffernan. “We all know that increasing funding to enable more outdoor recreation projects is good for the health of all Delawareans – especially the health of our children. These projects can also bring tourism dollars and many other benefits to our state, without costing Delaware any additional funds.”

Ray Bivens, Director of DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation said, “This bill takes a great program and makes it better by giving it tools to fight inflation and be sustainable for generations to come.”

Photos from the event