Future Health Professionals Attend 46th Annual Leadership Conference

On June 21-25, over 150 students and advisors from across the State of Delaware joined over 12,000 other members at the 46th annual HOSA-Future Health Professionals International Leadership Conference in Dallas. Delaware students represented the first state in competitive events that included: Medical Math, Public Health, Behavioral Health, Community Awareness, and more.

Delaware HOSA is a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) dedicated to students who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. Through HOSA-Future Health Professionals, members have the opportunity to participate in career focused competitive events, take part in community service work, and become leaders for the organization in their school, state, and at the international level. HOSA-Future Health Professionals incorporates curricular and co-curricular experiences to emphasize the importance of knowledge, leadership, skill development, and teamwork.

The following students and advisors were recognized in their competitive event:

Competitive Event School Student Place Advisor
Health Career Photography Odessa High School Elissa Kouemeni Top 10 Kim Hines
Human Growth & Development Middletown High School Arjun Bharath Bronze Deb Otto
Interviewing Skills Sussex Central High School Maria Pulido Top 10 Christine Frazier
Medical Assisting Delcastle High School Fatima Cruz -Ocampo Top 10 Jessica Henry
Pharmacology Newark Charter School Abdel Abounabet Top 10 Melanie Mundell
Public Health Newark Charter School Guo; Kim; Liu; Nabung Top 10 Melanie Mundell
Academic Testing Center

Leadership

Charter School of Wilmington Sahaana  Rajagopalan Top 10 Margit Olson

 

*Outstanding HOSA Achievement Cape Henlopen High School Emily McCullough

Lily Joyce

Kyli Doyon

Linda Sapienza/Carrie Evick
Barbara James

Service Award

Padua Academy

Milford High School

Newark Charter School

Newark Charter School

Sanya Dudeja

Kenet Perez-Rasales

Aaliyah Sheikh

Siddharth Danthuluri

Gold

Bronze

Bronze

Bronze

ABC Blood Drive Recognition William Penn High School

Cape Henlopen High School

Sussex Technical High School

Silver

Silver

Honorable Mention

 

*The HOSA Outstanding Achievement Award is in recognition of the work performed in partnership with the Delaware Department of Public Health in creating a Public Service Announcement and sharing valuable information about substance abuse. The Substance Abuse PSA team from the Cape Henlopen HOSA chapter received the award. Details related to the competitive event for Delaware HOSA chapters are below:

The Substance Abuse PSA will highlight Delaware’s substance abuse statistics and educate peers about dependence, as well as, to begin the conversation about addiction and finding counseling and support. The goal of this PSA will be to educate peers in the school community and larger community around the concept of substance abuse and treatment.

To learn more about Delaware HOSA, please contact Peg Enslen by phone at 302.857.3339 or by email at: peggy.enslen@doe.k12.de.us. A list of all international finalists can be found online at Competitive Event Winners – HOSA.

 

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


Future Educators Win Awards at State Conference

More than 200 middle school, high school, and collegiate students attended the annual state conference of Delaware Educators Rising in March. The two-day Wilmington event was packed with competitions and professional learning opportunities for aspiring educators to showcase their knowledge, skills, and leadership in education. The event concluded with 70 students qualifying for the national competition in Orlando in June.

In addition, 12 students received scholarships from Delaware State University, University of Delaware and Wilmington University. Find more information, including conference competition results, at www.delawareeducatorsrising.org.

 

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


2023 Delaware Finalists Announced for White House STEM Recognition

The Delaware Department of Education has named four Delaware teachers as state finalists for the 2023 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the highest recognition that K-12 STEM teachers can receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Finalists’ applications will now move forward to the national level for final selection of the 2023 PAEMST National Awardees.

The 2023 DE State Finalists are:

  • Michael Doody, science,  William Penn High School, Colonial School District
  • Yavet Respes, mathematics,  P.S. duPont Middle School, Brandywine School District
  • Brittney Stewart, mathematics, Caesar Rodney High School, Caesar Rodney School District
  • Scott Woodring, mathematics,  Middletown High School, Appoquinimink School District

The goal of the PAEMST award program is to exemplify the highest standards of mathematics and science teaching (including technology, engineering and computer science) in addition to honoring individual achievement. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of STEM education.  The award alternates between teachers of kindergarten through 6th grade and those teaching 7th through 12th grades.  Every year each state selects up to three mathematics teachers and three science teachers as state finalists. A national selection committee reviews state finalist applications and selects up to one awardee in each content area for every state. These teachers are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning and their ability to help students make progress in mathematics and science. As part of the recognition process, the selected national awardees will take part in a weeklong series of networking and professional development activities in Washington, D.C., and receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation.

Find photos of the honorees online here.

For more information about PAEMST and to see future nomination forms and application instructions, visit paemst.nsf.gov.

 

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


Governor Carney Announces Updates to COVID-19 Vaccination Program

Educator vaccinations expanded through state events and federal partnership with Walgreens; Vaccinations also to begin at poultry plants

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday announced an expansion of Delaware’s COVID-19 vaccination program for educators, school staff, and child care workers – in line with President Biden’s commitment to provide at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to school personnel by the end of March.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), and the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) will host large vaccination events on Saturday, March 13 and Sunday, March 14 for educators, school staff, and child care workers at Dover International Speedway. Early next week, DDOE will extend invitations for the Speedway event to educators, school staff and child care workers who have expressed interest in vaccination.

Additionally – through a partnership between the federal government and Walgreens pharmacies – educators, school staff and child care workers can also sign up for appointments at Walgreens to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. To prioritize educator vaccinations in Delaware through March and in accordance with federal guidance, Walgreens will pause new vaccination appointments for other eligible populations.

Educators, school staff and child care workers can visit Walgreens.com to seek a vaccination appointment at Walgreens. Due to supply constraints, there are a limited number of appointments currently available today. Several thousand appointments will be available starting next week, as Walgreens receives additional supply from the federal government. Educators, school staff, and child care workers will be notified when these additional appointments become available.

The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE), in partnership with Albertsons Pharmacy, already has vaccinated more than 5,500 educators and school staff, or roughly a third of those who expressed interest in vaccination, and more than half of the 5,500 are fully vaccinated. More than 2,200 Delaware child care workers have also received at least their first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. DDOE will continue to host regular K-12 and child care vaccination events and notify educators as additional appointments become available at Walgreens. 

Delaware is currently in Phase 1B of its COVID-19 vaccination program. Visit de.gov/covidvaccine to learn more.

Also on Friday, the State of Delaware began shipping doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to poultry companies to begin vaccinating their most vulnerable workers. The State of Delaware and its partners have administered 253,535 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as of midnight Friday, March 5.

“We are building on our ongoing efforts to prioritize vaccinations for educators, school staff and child care workers across our state who have stepped up throughout this COVID-19 crisis,” said Governor Carney. “Our goal remains the same. We want to distribute this life-saving vaccine in a way that’s fast and fair. Until we can vaccinate enough Delawareans, let’s continue to follow the basic health precautions. Wear a mask. Avoid gatherings. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Stay vigilant.”

DDOE, through its partnership with Albertsons Pharmacy, has coordinated the vaccination of education personnel and child care providers since late January. More than 16,000 educators and school personnel requested vaccination through DDOE. Roughly 4,000 child care providers also requested vaccination.

Learn more about Delaware’s COVID-19 vaccination program at de.gov/covidvaccine

Find testing events and locations at de.gov/gettested.   

Download COVID Alert DE in the App Store or Google Play.   

Anyone with a general question about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.orgHours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.  

Visit de.gov/coronavirus for the latest information on Delaware’s COVID-19 response.

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Gov. Carney: Delawareans for Educational Opportunity, DE NAACP Agreement Makes Significant Investment in DE Schools

Settlement agreement in Chancery Court case would make Opportunity Funding permanent and expand funding for high-needs schools

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Monday announced an agreement with Delawareans for Educational Opportunity and the Delaware NAACP to make significant new investments in Delaware public schools and dedicate additional funding for Delaware’s most disadvantaged students to help close achievement gaps.

The settlement agreement announced on Monday suspends litigation currently pending in Delaware’s Court of Chancery and creates a path forward to provide substantial additional support for Delaware schools, high-needs students and educators.

The agreement announced on Monday will:

  • More than double funding for Opportunity Funding to $60 million annually by Fiscal Year 2025, and make the weighted funding program permanent. Funding will increase automatically with enrollment beyond 2025.
  • Double funding for the Early Childhood Assistance Program (ECAP) to expand access to affordable early education.
  • Provide full funding for K-3 basic special education, consistent with grades 4-12.
  • Provide additional funding for teacher recruitment and retention in high-needs schools.

Opportunity Funding provides targeted funding – for the first time in Delaware’s history – for low-income students and English learners statewide. Members of the Delaware General Assembly must approve terms the agreement as part of the regular budget and legislative process.

“It’s important to make clear that both parties viewed this case and these settlement negotiations as an opportunity to make real progress for Delaware’s children,” said Governor Carney. “This is a path forward to support our most disadvantaged students and families – and one that will help close the persistent achievement gap in our schools.

“But our work is just getting started,” said Governor Carney. “The General Assembly will need to consider these changes as part of its regular budget process in Dover. I look forward to discussions with legislators. Delaware’s General Assembly has supported increased investments in public education over the last four years and I believe legislators of both parties will see the merit in this proposal.”

“Every student – regardless of zip code or background – deserves a high-quality public education. And yet, Delaware’s current education funding formula fails to account for the simple fact that in order to succeed, children with the greatest needs require the most support,” said Senator Elizabeth Lockman. “That is the reform we are all working towards and the settlement announced today marks a potential step forward in our efforts to create a funding formula that is truly equitable for all students. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to fully discuss the details of the proposal with my colleagues, parents, educators and taxpayers in the weeks ahead.”

“As a mother of two children who were identified very early as developmentally delayed, I know firsthand how important it is to have teachers in place to provide quality services,” said Representative Kim Williams, a longtime advocate for K-3 special education funding. “Research has proven that early identification and intervention are critical to a child’s overall success. By the time a child reaches third grade, they should be transitioning from learning to read to reading to learn. If we are committed to fundamentally improving the quality of education in our state, then we must make a commitment early on.”

“In 2015, while serving as Chair of the Wilmington Education Advisory Committee, WEAC received input from thousands of Delawareans up and down the state – parents, lawmakers, educators, community partners, politicians alike,” said Dr. Tony Allen, President of Delaware State University. “That input continued when WEAC morphed into the Commission. At that time, not one person said that the last 60 years of K12 education for students from economically distressed communities was sustainable,  appropriate, or fair. The settlement reached today proves the point and represents a principled commitment to what I believe is a fundamental American right — every child’s access to a quality education.  In the spirit of the indomitable Louis L. Redding, Chancellor Collins Seitz, and many more, may we forever be compelled to a higher purpose and greater sense of responsibility for our fellow citizens – particularly the most vulnerable among us.”

“This agreement will continue our work to support the Delaware students and educators who need our help the most,” said Dr. Susan Bunting, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Education. “Through our Opportunity Funding program, low-income students and young English learners already are receiving additional support, and that work will expand statewide. We will provide new services for young students with special needs, and early childhood education. Our team at the Department of Education looks forward to working with educators to make a real difference for Delaware children with these additional resources.”

“For years, our members have been advocating for the resources needed to meet the needs their of English Learners, low-income, and k-3 basic special education students,” said Stephanie Ingram, President of the Delaware State Education Association. “This sustainable funding will do just that and continue to supply educators with the resources they need. We are hopeful that the General Assembly will make this a permanent part of our funding, and address the structural short comings in education funding in Delaware.”

“On behalf of the Delaware Hispanic Commission and the many English Learners and their families, we want to thank Governor Carney and Secretary Bunting for their leadership in bringing the much-needed permanent funding for children who are at risk in Delaware,” said Javier Torrijos, chair of the Delaware Hispanic Commission. “Children of poverty and English learners need the resources to keep pace with their peers. School districts will be able to look at long-term programs and provide the resources to meet these students’ needs.  We are extremely grateful and after many years of advocacy we see this as a major victory for all Delawareans and more importantly the future of our children and this great state.”

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