A mother and son enjoy a successful “Take A Kid Fishing!” outing at Dover’s Silver Lake. /DNREC photo

Full Schedule of Fun Fishing Adventures Ahead for Young Anglers

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control invites budding anglers ages 6 through 15 along with their parents, grandparents or guardians to join DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife aquatic resource educators and learn how to fish at an upcoming “Take a Kid Fishing!” event.

“Take a Kid Fishing!” outings are offered by DNREC from spring into summer, primarily at the DNREC Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC) near Smyrna but also at other locations throughout the state. The events are free of charge to all participants. All fishing equipment also is provided at no charge for use at the events. To ensure that enough supplies are on hand for each Take-A-Kid Fishing! adventure, preregistration is required at de.gov/takf.

Take A Kid Fishing! events will be held as follows throughout spring and summer:

• Tuesday, April 22, 9 a.m. to noon, AREC, Smyrna
• Thursday, April 24, Noon to 3 p.m., AREC, Smyrna
• Thursday, May 29, 5 to 7:30 p.m., Silver Lake Park, Dover
• Saturday, June 7, 9 a.m. to noon, AREC, Smyrna
• Thursday, June 12, 9 a.m. to noon, AREC, Smyrna
• Friday, June 20, 9 a.m. to noon, AREC, Smyrna
• Thursday, June 26, 5-7:30 p.m., AREC, Smyrna
• Sunday, June 29, 9 a.m.-noon, Bellevue State Park, Wilmington
• Thursday, July 10, 9 a.m.-noon, AREC, Smyrna
• Thursday, July 17, 5-7:30 p.m., AREC, Smyrna
• Saturday, July 19, 9 a.m.-noon, Lums Pond State Park, Bear
• Thursday, July 24, 5-7:30 p.m., Silver Lake Park, Dover
• Saturday, Aug. 2, 9 a.m.-noon, AREC, Smyrna

“Take a Kid Fishing!” teaches young anglers fundamental fishing skills and conservation concepts, including catch-and-release. Along with the angling experience, the free fishing events also feature activity stations and prizes. Parents, grandparents and guardians are encouraged to pack refreshments and a picnic lunch when taking part in in a Take A Kid Fishing! event.

Individuals 16 years of age and older who accompany “Take a Kid Fishing!” participants and engage in fishing themselves must have a current Delaware fishing license and a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number. Delaware recreational fishing licenses are sold online and by license agents statewide. License-exempt anglers, including Delaware residents 65 and older, may obtain a free FIN number online or from a license agent where recreational fishing licenses are sold. Online services available at DigitalDNREC include fishing license sales, FIN number access, and a list of participating license agents. Young people under age 16 are exempt from license and FIN requirements.

More information for anglers young and older, including the 2025 Delaware Fishing Guide, can be found on the DNREC website. The guide is also available in printed form from authorized license agents throughout the state.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on more than 68,000 acres of public land. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov 

###

A program that targets children in low-income areas to provide meals during the summer is seeking sponsors and meal sites.   The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a federally-funded program operated nationally by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered in the First State by the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE).  Sponsors are reimbursed for all eligible meals served at approved meal sites in eligible areas to children 18 years and under at no cost.

Who Can Participate?

• Sponsors – Units of local government, camps, schools, and private nonprofit organizations are eligible to operate SFSP as sponsors.
• Meal sites – Individual sites, such as camps, housing complexes, community centers, parks and homes are eligible to operate a SFSP as a site under a sponsor.   The sponsor would prepare and deliver the meals to the site (some locations may be served by a food truck, depending on availability).   An adult at the site is required to be the site supervisor to oversee the meals being served.
• Children – Children 18 and under may receive free meals and snacks through the SFSP. Meals and snacks also are available to persons with disabilities over age 18 who participate in school programs.

Sponsors and sites will receive training to help them operate a successful program and will have continued support from DDOE throughout the course of the program.  In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Sponsors of camps, closed sites, and conditional non-congregate sites must notify participants of the availability of free meals and inform them if an income eligibility form is required.

Eligibility for SFSP is based on free and reduced-price lunch school or census data for a particular area. To qualify as an open site that can feed all children, the site must be in an area where 50 percent or more of the children qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.  In addition, camps and enrolled programs may qualify based on individual income eligibility. The current income eligibility guidelines are as follows:

FOR USE BY SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM

INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR REDUCED PRICE MEALS

Effective Date July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025

Conversion Factors: Conversion is required if there are multiple income sources with more than one frequency (example: a ‘monthly’ Social Security check and a ‘weekly’ wage stub), the participating agency must annualize all income by multiplying: Weekly income by 52; Bi-weekly income (received every two weeks) by 26; Semi-monthly income (received twice a month) by 24; Monthly income by 12.

For information on becoming a SFSP sponsor or site, or to locate a sponsored site in your area, call (302) 857-3356 or visit:https://education.delaware.gov/educators/whole-child-support/nutrition/sfsp/.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. mail:
   U.S. Department of Agriculture
   Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
   1400 Independence Avenue, SW
   Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. fax:
   (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. email:
   Program.Intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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

Students across Delaware benefitted from multiple enrichment programs this summer designed to enhance literacy skills and overall well-being. Backed by the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE), Governor John Carney, and key community partners, the programs were offered in school districts and charter schools statewide.

Nearly $1 million in federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds were dedicated to enrichment programs entered on the science of reading, ensuring students received evidence-based instruction to improve their literacy skills. In addition to literacy, programs also emphasized health and wellness, social and emotional learning, and exposure to the arts and STEM fields. Many schools also provided high-dosage tutoring, an intensive tutoring approach that involves frequent, consistent sessions – often conducted one-on-one or in small groups – to accelerate student learning.

Through high-dosage tutoring this summer, Delaware students grew in three out of the three measures of foundational literacy by August. Measures included students’ abilities to segment spoken words into their parts, to produce correct letter sounds, and to read nonsense words correctly. Ninety-four percent of 5th graders grew in at least one of these measures, as did 90% of 3rd and 4th grade students. Kindergarten and 2nd grade students also made significant progress toward benchmarks in nonsense word fluency. This progress aligns with the goals of the Delaware Early Literacy Plan and implementation of the state’s science of reading legislation.

“We know that summer programs make a significant impact on students when school is out of session and will continue to do so in the upcoming school year,” Secretary of Education Mark Holodick said. “We are incredibly grateful to the dedicated school staff and community partners who are making this possible.”

At Academia Antonia Alonso, students also participated in a unique program that included equine therapy, providing an innovative way to support students’ emotional and mental health.

“Our summer program, supported by the DDOE Summer Learning Grant, had a profound impact on our students at Academia Antonia Alonso Charter School,” Academia Executive Director Mercedes Alonso said. “The resources we were able to provide empowered our students to explore new learning opportunities and reinforced their academic skills, setting a strong foundation for the upcoming school year. We witnessed increased engagement, confidence, and enthusiasm among our students, and we are truly grateful for the support that made this possible.”

In Seaford School District, the summer program took a family-oriented approach, inviting families of pre-kindergarten students to engage in reading activities together. The program also offered parents strategies they can use at home to support their children’s literacy development.

“We are grateful for this generous grant, which will provide our families with the tools and resources they need to support their children’s literacy development. This partnership will have a lasting impact on our youngest learners, setting them on a path to success,” Superintendent Sharon DiGirolamo said.

The Caesar Rodney School District partnered with Capital School District to provide the Freedom School to students in grades 1-8. The district also offered Camp Aloha, a program designed for incoming kindergarten students. For eight days, students attended half-day sessions to help them prepare for their full-day kindergarten experience this fall.

“The Freedom School partnership provided reading enrichment in a camp like environment that was both engaging and entertaining for the students,” Caesar Rodney Assistant Superintendent Jessilene Corbett said. “At Camp Aloha, students made new friends, played games, sang & danced to music, all while practicing the alphabet and learning numbers.”

Innovative programs were also available in Appoquinimink, Brandywine, Cape Henlopen, Christina, and Red Clay Consolidated school districts as well as Kuumba Academy, Odyssey, and Sussex Montessori charter schools.

As the state continues to focus on educational equity and student success, the summer enrichment programs are an essential component in preparing students for the challenges of the next academic year.

School is out and summer is finally here! As Delawareans and visitors participate in the activities that we look forward to the most during the summer months, the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office, along with the Delaware State Fire School, and the Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission, want to remind Delawareans and visitors to consider fire safety. Following these simple fire safety tips, whether you’re grilling, boating, or floating, will help ensure your family stays safe.

There isn’t anything quite like firing up the grill and cooking outdoors. While grills come with barbeques and delicious food, they also come with the risk of fire and burns if caution is not taken. Nationally, July is the peak month for grill fires. A grill placed too close to a house or combustible item, is surely a recipe for disaster!

If your family plans on boating this summer, we remind you that fire is a very real threat, not only to your boat, but more importantly to your passengers. Fires that occur on boats or in marinas pose a unique challenge for emergency responders due to hazardous conditions, rapid growth, and limited access. Be sure to have the appropriate fire extinguishers and make sure they are easily accessible. While fire extinguishers are very important, ultimately, the best defense against fire is always prevention. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in all sleeping areas or as specified by the manufacturer’s instructions.

Everyone loves a pool day on those hot, summer days. If you have a pool, hot tub, or spa at home, we urge you to inspect all electrical connections. Be sure to keep all electrical appliances, cords, or equipment, at least 6 feet away from the water. When skin is wet, or when surrounding surfaces are wet, the risk of electrocution where electricity is present, is much greater.

Please follow these simple tips so your family has a fun, safe summer, full of happy memories, free from injury and fires.

Grilling Safety
 Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
 The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
 Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
 Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
 Never leave your grill unattended.
 Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
 There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
 If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
 Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
 There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
 When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
 Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.
 Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles.
 If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off both the gas tank and the grill.
 If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
 If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
 If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
 If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off, and wait at least 5 minutes before re-lighting it.

Onboard Boat Safety
 Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to alert occupants to a fire.
 Have a fire emergency plan and practice it.
 Inspect electrical wiring, connections, cords, and battery-charging equipment to ensure they are installed properly and in good condition.
 Have the appropriate fire extinguishers and make sure they are easily accessible. Train all boaters on how to use them.
 Check your cooling and exhaust systems. Make sure they work properly.
 Turn off portable heaters when you leave the boat or go to sleep.
 Only use certified chargers for personal electronic devices.
 Don’t overload power outlets on the boat.

Electrical / Water Safety
 If you are putting in a new pool, hot tub, or spa, be sure the wiring is performed by a licensed electrician.
 Outdoor receptacles must have covers that keep them dry even when appliances are plugged into them.
 Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are special devices designed to protect against electric shock and electrocution.
 Electrical appliances, equipment, and cords should be kept at least 6 feet away from the water.
 Avoid handling electrical devices when you are wet.
 Make sure that any overhead lines maintain the proper distance over a pool and other structures, such as a diving board.
 Do not swim during a thunderstorm.
 Have a qualified electrician periodically inspect and— where necessary—replace or upgrade the electrical devices or equipment that keep your pool, spa, or hot tub electrically safe.
 Have a qualified electrician show you how to turn off all power in case of an emergency.

A program that targets children in low-income areas to ensure they have meals during the summer is seeking sponsors and meal sites for meal locations.   The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a federally funded program operated nationally by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered in Delaware by the Department of Education (DDOE).  Sponsors are reimbursed for all meals served free at approved meal sites in low-income areas to children 18 years and under.

Who Can Participate?

• Sponsors – Units of local government, camps, schools, and private nonprofit organizations are eligible to operate SFSP as sponsors.
• Meal sites – Individual sites, such as camps, housing complexes, community centers, parks and homes are eligible to operate a SFSP as a site under a sponsor.   The sponsor would prepare and deliver the meals to the site (some locations may be served by a food truck, depending on availability).   An adult at the site is required to be the site supervisor to oversee the meals being served.
• Children – Children 18 and under may receive free meals and snacks through the SFSP. Meals and snacks also are available to persons with disabilities, over age 18, who participate in school programs.

Sponsors and sites will receive training to help them operate a successful program and will have continued support from the Delaware Department of Education throughout the course of the program.  All sponsors and sites must agree to serve meals to all children regardless of their race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), age, or disability.

Eligibility for SFSP is based on free and reduced lunch data for a school for a particular area. To qualify as an open site that can feed all children, the site must be in an area where 50 percent or more of the children qualify for free or reduced lunch.  In addition, camps and enrolled programs may qualify based on individual income eligibility. The current income eligibility guidelines are as follows:

FOR USE BY SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM

INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR REDUCED PRICE MEALS

Effective Date July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024

Conversion Factors: Conversion is required if there are multiple income sources with more than one frequency (Example: a ‘monthly’ Social Security check and a ‘weekly’ wage stub), the participating agency must annualize all income by multiplying: Weekly income by 52; Bi-weekly income (received every two weeks) by 26; Semi-monthly income (received twice a month) by 24; Monthly income by 12.

For information on becoming a SFSP sponsor or site, or to locate a sponsored site in your area, call (302) 857-3356 or visit: http://www.doe.k12.de.us and search “Summer Food Service Program.”

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. mail:
   U.S. Department of Agriculture
   Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
   1400 Independence Avenue, SW
   Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. fax:
   (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. email:
   program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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