The students at Caesar Rodney School District’s Allen Frear and Stokes elementary schools are seeing amazing reading gains this year thanks to their use of high quality instructional materials (HQIM). Secretary of Education Mark Holodick and Deputy Secretary Cora Scott visited the schools to hear firsthand about the district’s implementation journey as well as see students present their work.

The district has been using American Reading Company (ARC) to promote reading in kindergarten through grade 5. Initially, the district piloted ARC in their upper elementary grades. At the same time, they focused on supporting teachers with professional learning to ensure HQIM was implemented with fidelity. After observing the excitement and culture of reading growth in the schools as well as the gains students made in reading, the district decided to adopt ARC for their primary grades as well.

Caesar Rodney is currently exploring adding some of these elements to pre-k instruction to further support early literacy and continuity in services.

In Caesar Rodney’s words:

High Quality Instructional Materials matter, but how teachers use these materials matters more. Caesar Rodney invested in professional learning from the very start. With the support of DDOE’s Reimagining Professional Learning grant, we were able to implement monthly elbow-to-elbow coaching that was differentiated to meet the individual needs of our teachers – and in real time with students. Additionally, our leadership teams meet monthly to review data, collaborate, and develop differentiated school plans that further support the district’s vision.

Coaching, feedback and building capacity to provide support across schools are crucial elements of our plan. During the HQIM showcase, Stokes Elementary Principal Freeman Williams shared that their coach-the-coach model, “works so well with the culture and climate of Team Stokes.” Stokes also uses the School Success Block (SSB) model to plan sessions for reviewing student data, developing teacher action plans, and sharing powerful moves made throughout the school.

Allen Frear Principal Julie Lavender believes the opportunity to grow instructional leaders in her building has allowed Allen Frear to develop a professional learning plan that supports teachers in between ARC coaching sessions. Teacher leaders are ensuring there is ongoing support and capacity to further strengthen teacher practices and student achievement.

New to Allen Frear, third-grade teacher Courtney Freebairn says she believes ARC has made her think about English language arts (ELA) instruction differently, which benefits her students.

“With all the professional learning and support from the school, I am confident my students will perform well,” said Freebairn.

Nicole Pennypacker, a fifth grade teacher at Stokes Elementary, credits the ARC Units of Study in grounding students in the reading and writing process as well.

“Through this work, we are building student stamina,” said Pennypacker. “The students are feeling confident in their ability to apply their learning, regardless of the task.”

 

Learn more about the great things happening in Delaware schools in this month’s Take Note: Education in the First State eNewsletter. Sign up to receive Take Note at Take Note Newsletter – Delaware Department of Education. Take Note is published the final Wednesday of each month.

 

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006.

Award honors schools, districts, and postsecondary institutions for reducing environmental impact and costs, improving health and wellness, offering effective sustainability education

The Caesar Rodney School District and the private Jefferson School are 2019 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon winners, federal officials announced today.

 

Across the country, 35 schools, 14 districts, and four post-secondary institutions are being honored for their innovative efforts to address the three “pillars” of the program: reducing environmental impact and utility costs, improving health and wellness, and ensuring effective sustainability education. A state education official is also being recognized for his efforts to advance school sustainability in the state of Minnesota.

 

The honorees were named from a pool of candidates nominated by 28 states. The selectees include 25 public schools as well as 10 nonpublic schools.  Thirty-six percent of the 2019 honorees serve a disadvantaged student body.

 

“The Caesar Rodney School District and the Jefferson School exemplify how our schools can reduce their environmental impact, save resources, improve the health and wellness of their communities and provide students with hands-on, engaging learning,” Secretary of Education Susan Bunting said. “This national recognition is well deserved.”

 

Delaware’s winners will be honored by Governor John Carney next week. The event is at 9:30 a.m. May 29 at Caesar Rodney School District’s W. Reily Brown Elementary, 360 Webbs Lane in Dover.

 

More about Delaware’s winners

 

• Caesar Rodney School District: Each of the 12 schools in the Kent County district has its own student-led EcoTeam, giving all students from prekindergarten to 12^th grade “an outlet to share and work out their ideas for Delaware green schools and to collaborate with each other.” Students have led reforms, such as the “share tables” started in some cafeterias. Children place unopened, unwanted items on the table for others in an effort to reduce food waste. The district’s Postlethwait Middle School, Frear Elementary and Charlton School comprise “the EcoCampus at CRSD,” which is evolving into “a district hub for green schools initiatives, teacher professional development and student field experiences.” Teachers across the district are provided resources to “facilitate installation or renovation of outdoor classrooms, community gardens, and compost centers on their campuses.” Rain gardens to manage storm water also were added. Community partnerships with environmental groups and government agencies has provided additional opportunities for educational experiences for students and resources to support environmental education and facility improvements. The district also has worked to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of its facilities.
• Jefferson School: The private Georgetown school, which adjoins the Redden Sate Forest, promotes “active, engaged learning via multi-sensory, hands-on experiences.” Educators incorporate into the curriculum the school’s 43-acre campus – which includes two ponds, trails with fitness stations, an outdoor classroom, a nature explore classroom area, pollinator and vegetable gardens, greenhouse, goats, chickens, beehives, numerous tree, bush and wildflower plantings, and purple martin nest houses. Since 2010, the school has worked with regional partners including environmental nonprofits and state agencies. The school also has worked in recent years to “create an educational facility that can be shared with the larger community,” including the hiring of an environmental science coordinator and summer outdoor program coordinator to facilitate such programming.

 

“I am extremely proud and appreciative of all the work that was done to help us earn this award.  This achievement is the result of sustained commitment. These aren’t changes you make overnight, and our work isn’t over. We will continue to seek more ways to reduce our district’s environmental impact, improve the health and wellness of our Rider community and provide our students with an exemplary education around the environment and sustainability.  Our students and their teachers under the guidance of Mr. Todd Klawinski made this happen, and I congratulate them for this prestigious honor.” Superintendent Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, said.

 

State Senator Harris McDowell III, chairman of the Oversight Board for Energize Delaware, praised the collaborative work of Delaware schools, nonprofits and government agencies: “It is so good to see that a program like Pathways to Green Schools results in teaching students about the importance of sustainability efforts.  They will shape the future in the energy efficiency landscape.”

 

DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin also lauded the winners.

 

“We congratulate the Caesar Rodney School District and the Jefferson School for this prestigious designation,” Garvin said. “Students are involved in research about local environmental issues that affect their schools, neighborhoods, and communities. They are reaching far beyond textbooks and connecting directly with the environment that surrounds them. Clearly, the Caesar Rodney School District and the Jefferson School have reached above and beyond to become excellent environmental stewards.”

 

The list of all selected schools, districts, colleges and universities, as well as their nomination packages, can be found here.  A report with highlights on the 53 honorees can be found here.  More information on the federal recognition award can be found here.  Resources for all schools to move toward the three pillars can be found here.

 

Media Contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

 

 

Students from Caesar Rodney High School will present “Independence or the Bayonet” – The Life and Times of Caesar Rodney” in an historical theater presentation.

DOVER – DNREC’s First State Heritage Park, in partnership with Caesar Rodney High School’s Stage Crew and Thespians, will present a historical theater production for the First State Heritage Park’s monthly “First Saturday in the First State.” A variety of other free events and activities will also be featured throughout the day.

One of Delaware’s greatest heroes, Caesar Rodney did much more than simply ride to Philadelphia to cast his vote for American independence. Under the glow of candlelight in The Old State House, step back in time to experience the life of the patriot who devoted his life to the service of his beloved Delaware. Caesar Rodney High School students will perform the historical theater piece under the direction of CRHS theater teacher John Muller.

“Independence or the Bayonet – the Life and Times of Caesar Rodney,” will be presented at The Old State House at 11 a.m., 1, 3 and 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6. Performances are roughly 45 minutes long. Tickets are free, but space is limited, so reservations are recommended by calling 302-739-9194. This production is a part of a four-play series, presented in rotation each year in October. This successful partnership has been in place for five years, and has provided an exceptional student opportunity.

Other programs during the day on First Saturday will further emphasize the importance of Caesar Rodney to Delaware. Visit Caesar Rodney Headquarters at the John Bell House to learn about the many contributions he made to the First State during his lifetime, or go on a walking tour featuring Dover’s other heroes of the revolution.

Here is a list of programs and activities for First Saturday in the First State:

First Saturday – Oct. 6
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Caesar Rodney Headquarters
  John Bell House on The Green, 43 The Green
  Learn about all of the places in Delaware that are connected to Delaware’s hero, Caesar Rodney, and explore his life as you prepare for the “Independence or the Bayonet” historical theater presentation.
• A Capitol Experience
  Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Avenue
  Tour Delaware’s state capital building, and experience Delaware history. Photo ID is required for all adults entering the building.
• Biggs Kids: Bird Prints
  Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street
  Help welcome our visiting flock of John James Audubon bird prints with a special bird craft. Feathers will fly! For ages 5-10.
• Early 1900s Music Education
  Johnson Victrola Museum, 275 South New Street
  In 1911, the Victor Talking Machine Company started its education department. The mission was to take music appreciation courses to rural schools and standardize music education. Learn more about the department and its mission.

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Tours of the Governor’s House
  At Woodburn – The Governor’s House, 151 Kings Highway
  Enjoy guided tours of the official residence of Delaware’s Governor since 1965, and Hall House, the Governor’s guest house.

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour
  Meet at the John Bell House on The Green, 43 The Green
  Dover was a hotbed of activity during the struggle for American Independence. Tours begin on the half hour.
• Hands-On Archaeology
  John Bell House on The Green, 43 The Green
  Get down and dirty with state park archeologists, and take part in an actual archaeological dig. Experience the thrill of discovery as you uncover small pieces of Dover’s past. For ages 10 and older. Weather permitting.

10:30 a.m.

• Preserving Documents, Photographs, and Digital Memories
  Delaware Public Archives, 121 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
  This program will highlight some of the cost-effective steps every home archivist can take to preserve precious family records.

11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

• ”Independence or the Bayonet – The Life and Times of Caesar Rodney” – Historical Theater Presentation
  The Old State House, 25 The Green
  Step back in time to experience the life of the patriot who devoted his life to the service of his beloved Delaware. Space is limited and pre-registration is recommended by calling 302-739-9194. Presented in partnership with Caesar Rodney Stage Crew and Thespians.
• Biggs Kids: Bird Watching Basics
  Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street
  Do you have a Biggs Kid who loves birds? Join a Delaware Nature Society Teacher/Naturalist for “Bird Watching Basics,” to learn the traits of a bird, how to use binoculars, and tips for beginners in the great outdoors on The Green and Legislative Mall.

1:30 – 4:00 p.m.

• The Once and Future Courthouse
  Kent County Courthouse, 38 The Green, Courtroom #1
  From the 1690s to the present, find out how this site went from a courthouse to a hotel and back again.

Admission to all park sites and programs is free. Centrally-located free parking is available at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, located at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard North. For more information about “First Saturday” events and all First State Heritage Park programs, please call 302-739-9194 or visit www.destateparks.com/heritagepark.

The First State Heritage Park is Delaware’s first urban “park without boundaries,” linking historic and cultural sites in the city that has been the seat of state government since 1777. The park is a partnership of state agencies under the leadership of DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation, working in collaboration with city and county government, nonprofit organizations and the private sector.

Contact: Sarah Zimmerman, DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation, First State Heritage Park, 302-739-9194 or sarah.zimmerman@delaware.gov.

Vol. 48, No. 263