The Delaware Department of Education has released the Delaware Literacy Plan, a framework that outlines strategies to improve the literacy proficiency of Delaware students.

The work of the plan is focused on four strategic intents:

• Align Core Instruction to the Standards
• Implement Curriculum using High Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM)
• Enhance Early Literacy Instruction
• Support Educators through Institutes of Higher Education (IHEs)

Key activities within these strategic intents are provided for teachers, school leaders and partners with family resources included in each area. Additional educator and family resources to support children’s literacy are available on the department’s website here.

“Students spend their earliest years learning to read. They need strong literacy skills to absorb information in math, science, social studies, the arts, and every other subject. Having a strong literacy foundation is crucial for Delaware children’s success in school and life,” Secretary of Education Susan Bunting said. “That is why improving third-grade literacy has been a key education initiative of Governor John Carney since before he took office. Recognizing how critical literacy skills are for our young learners, he has directed focus and resources to this work.”

The plan is the result of the work of a 37-member committee, which included representatives from early childhood, K12, higher education and nonprofit organizations. The goal is to unite stakeholders across schools and the public/private sector to better focus on and meet students’ literacy needs.

“That is why educators, families, policymakers and community and nonprofit partners must collaborate if we are going to successfully support our children’s literacy growth. The state’s students cannot afford to have our efforts be well-meaning but disjointed. I am excited this plan provides clear opportunities for us to work together in a coordinated manner,” Bunting said.

DOVER – Have you planned your vacation yet? DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation encourages you to mark Tuesday, Jan. 29, on your calendars, to join “National Plan for Vacation Day,” reminding Delawareans and out-of-state visitors to beat the crowds and plan their park visits at the start of the year.

Visitors can discover a world of possibilities for vacationing at Delaware’s state parks. You can soak up the sun on a vacation to Cape Henlopen State Park, named one of the most scenic state parks in the country by USA Today. For more fun in the sun, enjoy Delaware Seashore or Fenwick Island state parks. Or, paddle your way through the baldcypress trees at Trap Pond State Park, soar through the trees with GoApe!Treetop Adventure at Lums Pond State Park, or make a splash at the Killens Pond State Park’s Water Park.

“The fact that a record 108,256 nights of lodgings were booked last year, up three-and-a-half percent, is a testament to the excellence of our award-winning state parks,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “This is a good reason for Delawareans – and out-of-state-visitors – to plan their vacations in our state parks early, and not wait till warm weather, so they won’t miss out on the adventures and experiences that await in our 17 parks throughout the state.”

Perhaps best of all, the Division of Parks & Recreation is offering 50 percent savings on weeknight camping, cabin or yurt stays through May 15, which can be used now. Just enter the code SMORES5019 at checkout to take advantage of the offer. Some restrictions may apply, so learn more on www.destateparks.com.

A recent study by the U.S. Travel Association found that 54 percent of Americans don’t use all of their vacation time each year, leaving 659 million paid vacation days unused. Aside from letting earned vacation days go to waste, studies have found that vacation is essential for strong bonds with family and friends, a productive workforce, and a fulfilled life.

So what are you waiting for? Plan your vacation now at Delaware’s state parks and take advantage of the 50 percent savings.

Contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 49, No.15

DOVER – The third of four open houses to gather public input on creating a master plan for the future of White Clay Creek State Park in Newark will be held 4-7 p.m., Wednesday Aug. 1, at Deerfield, 507 Thompson Station Road, Newark, DE 19711.

DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin announced in May that DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation is beginning the process of creating a master plan for the future of the park and will be holding four open houses this summer to gather public input before a plan is drafted.

The Aug. 1 open house will focus on roads and trails, for public input on topics such locations, surfacing, widths, uses, and connectivity. Posters on existing roads and trails will be provided for discussion, and staff will be available to answer questions. The open houses are an opportunity for members of the public to convey what they enjoy about the park and what concerns or ideas they might have for the future. This is an important, initial step in the planning process.

The fourth and final open house is scheduled from 4-7 p.m., Monday, Aug. 20, at Deerfield focusing on current and future recreation opportunities in the park.

White Clay Creek State Park is the second-largest park in DNREC’s park system. The park hosts more than 322,000 visitors each year and contains the most trail miles. The park also holds popular summer concerts, a well-attended summer camp program, the high school cross-country state meet, and other events. Visitors enjoy birding, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and horseback riding.

In addition to the open houses, the public is encouraged to participate in a brief online survey to provide comments. A second survey with more specific questions will be developed later. To submit general comments, please email DNREC_WCCmasterplan@delaware.gov, or write to DNREC-DPR, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, Attn: WCCSP Master Plan.

The public is also encouraged to visit the White Clay Creek State Park Master Plan web page  for the latest information and updates, and to check back frequently for the latest news and draft documents for review once developed. In addition to the webpage, announcements will be made by DNREC press releases, signs in the park, and other means.

Media Contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902