Senator Pride December 2023 Newsletter

Senator

NEWSLETTER Dec 2023

198 Commerce Way Dover, DE 19904 Phone: 302-672-1500 Fax: 302-672-1714

Advancing Educational Excellence Through Innovation

Dear Senator Nation, As we approach the holiday, I extend my heartfelt wishes to each of you for a restful and enjoyable break. The holiday season is a time for relaxation, reflection, and joy. I hope you find plenty of opportunities to cherish these moments with your loved ones.

As a district, we are navigating operational hurdles that will test our resilience and adaptability. I want to acknowledge your patience, understanding, and unwavering support during these times. Your cooperation and feedback have been invaluable in helping us address these challenges and improve our operations. I want to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone who supports the goals and vision of the Capital School District– advancing educational excellence through innovation.

Leadership through Inclusiveness

As we launch our new strategic direction, we are braving unprecedented times. To this, with sincere pride, we are launching the “Supporting Our Well-being Campaign.”

Capital School District Board Education and Leadership Team are hopeful that this will serve as a springboard to revitalize the audacity of hope as we confidently address new issues.

As we look forward to the new year, let's take this time to recharge and rejuvenate. Let us also remember the strength we have shown as a community and carry that forward into the coming year with optimism and a renewed commitment to excellence in education.

Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and a New Year filled with peace and happiness.

Dr. Vilicia Cade Dr. Vilicia Cade CEO & Superintendent Capital School District

Leadership through Inclusiveness

WELCOME TO THE SENATOR FAMILY Capital School District would like to welcome our newest team members!

Teresa Harrell – Teacher – East Dover Elementary Gerard Heldman – Teacher – North Dover Elementary Isaiah James – Teacher – Booker T. Washington Elementary Eboni Simson – Teacher – South Dover Elementary Gina Slansky – Band Director – Dover High School Justin Slansky – Teacher – School of Innovation Eric Cooper – Custodian – East Dover Elementary Travis Friedman – Technology - District Antonio May – Transportation - District Hope Bailey – Paraprofessional - William Henry Coraja Benson – Paraprofessional - School of Innovation Tara Durham – Paraprofessional - East Dover Elementary Zelena Harris – Paraprofessional – South Dover Elementary Januari Johnson – Paraprofessional – East Dover Elementary Denzel Jones – Paraprofessional – Dover High School Monica Jones – Child Nutrition – Middle School Campus Jonathan Lumpkin – Paraprofessional – Dover High School Sean McGrath – Paraprofessional – Dover High School Wislene Mondulus – Paraprofessional – KCCS Brittany Newton – Paraprofessional – KCCS Deja Rainey – Paraprofessional – East Dover Elementary

SENATORS ON THE MOVE

Barry Jones Safety Monitor Supervisor

Donna Mitchell Interim Associate Principal WH Campus

Nicola Pippin Supervisor of Child Nutrition

CAPITAL SCHOOL DISTRICT IS ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Capital School District is beginning its process for selecting the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. Parents, students, staff, and community members are encouraged to nominate teachers who are active in our district and community, who inspire students and other teachers, who model outstanding teaching techniques, and who demonstrate a love for education. This prestigious award is an excellent opportunity to recognize and honor the exceptional educators who have significantly impacted our students' lives.

Deadline for nominations is January 4, 2024

KENT COUNTY SECONDARY INTENSIVE LEARNING CENTER (KCSILC) HOSTS STUDENT & PARENT LUNCHEON

The Capital School District congratulates the Kent County Secondary Intensive Learning Center for orchestrating a wonderful luncheon for students and parents. Special thanks to Miss Coleman, Mrs. Laosebikan, Miss Williams and their team & Mr. Jenkins, Miss Jefferson, and the KCSILC Culinary Department. Kudos to the talented students for preparing the delicious meal!

Congratulations to East Dover Elementary School! The school was awarded $1,000 from the Hertrich Family of Automobile Dealerships for their Cash for Class Video.

Senator Pride is the Foundation for Educational Excellence through Innovation

DOVER HIGH SCHOOL JROTC WINS CASH FOR CLASS COMPETITION

Congratulations to the Dover High School Air Force JROTC Program! The program was awarded the "Fan Favorite" recognition from the Hertrich Family of Automobile Dealerships for their Cash for Class Video. Their video earned over 13,000 votes.

The Heartbeat of Delaware

Senator Pride is the Foundation for Educational Excellence through Innovation

Unity Through Love

LOVE SPOTLIGHT CAMPAIGN

Dr. Cade is shining her “love spotlight” on following organizations and community leaders for their partnership in providing shirts to Dover Middle School Campus students.

MT. ZION AME CHURCH DOVER, DE (DR. ERIKA CRAWFORD) CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH DOVER, DE (BISHOP W. JAMES THOMAS, II) WILLIAM HENRY HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI (B. WYATT & CALMETTA BRINKLEY) THE VILLAGE OF DOVER (CALMETTA BRINKLEY) KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY, INC. DOVER ALUMNI CHAPTER (TRACY CHAMBLEE & DONTE JOHNSON) ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY, INC. THETA ZETA ZETA CHAPTER (DOMINIQUE LAWSON) NATIONAL SORORITY OF PHI DELTA KAPPA, INC. DOVER CHAPTER (SHEILA GRIFFIN) The three cornerstones of Dr. Cade’s Core Values: 1. Excellence through Equity 2. Unity through Love 3. Leadership through Inclusiveness

CAPITAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION Here is an overview of the actions that were recently taken by the Board at the November 2023 Board of Education meeting: Board of Education Meeting Updates November 15, 2023 Superintendent’s Update: Dr. Jennifer Christman, Principal, presented the State of the School for East Dover Elementary School.

The Board approved Action/Discussion/Information Items: Central Campus Renovations Increase in Substitute Nurse Daily Rate Unit Count/K-3 Class Size Waiver 98% Waiver Request Action with regard to proceeding with a potential litigation matter Deferred the first reading of Revisions Policy #700-02 Student Attendance Regulations.

CAPITAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION Here is an overview of the actions that were recently taken by the Board at the most recent Board of Education meeting: Board of Education Meeting Updates December 6, 2023 Superintendent’s Update: Mr. Ronald Berry, Principal, presented the State of the School for Kent County Secondary Intensive Learning Center.

The Board approved Action/Discussion/Information Items: Dover Middle School Campus Painting Bleachers Maintaining the current guard rails and exploring ideas with the staff of painting the current guard rails at the Dover Middle School Campus Senator blue and white with art work.

December 15 and December 18, 2023 – asynchronous days for students at the Dover Middle School Campus Participation and attendance at the National School Boards Conference in April, 2024, for the all members currently serving on the Board of Education.

MLK VOICE 4 YOUTH MORE THAN $4,000 CASH PRIZES

ABOUT MLK VOICE 4 YOUTH To provide all youth an opportunity to creatively speak their truth, their way, the deadline to submit videos has been extended to 5 p.m. on Friday, December 29, 2023.

MLK VOICE 4 YOUTH empowers youth voices through respect, understanding, and compassion, promoting a just, inclusive, equitable society.

A platform for youth speaking up in pursuit of change.

1st Prize $2,000; 2nd Prize $1,000; 3rd Prize $500 $250 - Junior high school contestant with top score.

A certificate of participation, 3 service hours awarded to all semifinalists.

The Heartbeat of Delaware

Youth have creative freedom to express their views in their vernacular on issues that matter to them and share how Dr. King's legacy and principles speak to their dreams today.

To register, please visit https://mlkvoice4youth.org

CAPITAL SCHOOL DISTRICT UPCOMING EVENTS

STUDENT SERVICES CAPITAL SCHOOL DISTRICT RESOURCE LIST UPCOMING EVENTS

To check out district openings, please visit https://www.capital.k12.de.us and select employment and then select apply now.

THE RELAY/GSE CAPITAL RESIDENCY

For additional information, please visit www.capital.k12.de.us

CAPITAL SCHOOL DISTRICT HUMAN RESOURCES CORNER

Praxis Study Guides The Human Resources Office has Praxis Study Guides available for Capital School District employees to check out. If you are interested in requesting the use of these study resources, please use the link below to complete the form. https://shorturl.at/vyzT2 Our current Praxis Study Guides catalog contains: ETS #5081 Social Studies Content Knowledge ETS #5089 Middle School Social Studies ETS #5442 Middle School Science ETS# 5024 Education of Young Children ETS# 5001 Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (Subtests: Read, Math, SS, SC) ETS#5161 Mathematics: Content Knowledge ParaPro Assessment For further questions, please contact sherri.hollis@capital.k12.de.us

CAPITAL SCHOOL DISTRICT HUMAN RESOURCES CORNER

School Social Worker Certification If an educator uses the title of Social Worker or engages in social work, the educator is required to be licensed under DPR and DOE. From the DPR website: New rules, effective June 11, 2019, implement licensure for Masters Social Worker and Bachelors Social Worker (24 Del. C.§3907(c & d) and Section 2.0 of the Board’s Rules and Regulations).

From Delaware code: § 3903. License required. (a) It is unlawful for an individual who is not licensed under this chapter to do any of the following: (1) Engage in the practice of social work.

(2) Hold the individual out to the public in this State as being qualified to practice social work.

(3) Use in connection with the individual’s name or otherwise assume or use any title or description conveying or tending to convey the impression that the individual is qualified to practice social work. (b) It is unlawful for an individual to practice social work in this State if the individual’s license to practice social work is expired, suspended, or revoked.

CAPITAL SCHOOL DISTRICT HUMAN RESOURCES CORNER

Comprehensive Induction Program The Comprehensive Induction Program has been revised. The revisions will be effective statewide for the 2024-2025 School year.

ETS and Praxis Updates ETS has shared enhancements and modernizations to the website and to the supports they offer to test takers.

ParaPro Overhaul with Platofrm and content updates coming late 2024.

More support for test takers Improved Proctor Training PPAT fixes Praxis Readiness Support Webinars with strategies for test-taking Praxis Prep 101 Understanding score reports Sample reading, writing, math questions

CAPITAL SCHOOL DISTRICT HUMAN RESOURCES CORNER

Classroom Readiness Praxis blog Finding right schools, school culture Interview tips Opportunities for income - tutoring Online courses for continuous learning Live teacher support Easier navigation and registration – links from state DOE pages Mobile accessibility Salary Stipends-6% To clarify information concerning Salary Stipends for our SLPs, OTs ,PTs, and School Psychologists, please read below.

SLP's must apply for the 6% stipend increase annually in their DEEDS account. Before completing the application, all documentation must be uploaded by an HR specialist. PT's do not currently have an expiration date; DOE is requesting their PT exams along with their Delaware Professional License. These items must remain updated in their DEEDS account. OT's must renew their NCBOT or AOTA license before it expires to renew their stipend. School Psychologists only renew their stipend when their National Board license expires.

Please send your questions to Sherri.hollis@capital.k12.de.us

HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTORY Our Human Resources office is comprised of the following dedicated personnel. Please reach out for assistance according to your specific needs.

Damien Burke, Acting Director of Human Resources Kim Mills, Senior Secretary (302) 857-4215, is our HR point of contact and manages substitute teachers and questions regarding AESOP Coverage.

Michelle Eisenbrey, HR Specialist (302) 857-4216 Contact person for Benefits and HR-related services for employees Maureen McCambridge, HR Specialist (302) 857- 4219 Contact person for Benefits and HR-related services for employees Evanthia Durant, HR Specialist (302) 857-4218 Contact person for Benefits and HR-related services for employees Sherri Hollis, Certification and Recruitment Specialist (302) 857-4260 Contact person for Licensure/Certification, ARTC/Emergency Certification, Retention/Recruitment, Mentoring, GSI applications, DEEDS 3.0 ***Capital School District Employees who wish to obtain their W-2 Taxes, must access this in their my.delaware.gov account. Human Resources no longer has the capacity to print or access this information.

Please contact your administrator or the human resources office directly for payroll concerns.

Please remember to include your direct supervisor or principal on any concerns before you escalate them to the district office. District policy requests that we attempt to resolve concerns at the building level before escalating them to the District Office.

School SC HOOL DIRECTORY

Booker T. Washington Elementary 901 Forest Street Dover, DE 19904 Phone - 302-672-1900 Fax - 302-672-1902 School Website: https://btw.capital.k12.de.us

Hartly Elementary 2617 Arthursville Road Hartly, DE 19953 Phone - 302-492-1870 Fax - 302-492-1883 School Website: https://hartly.capital.k12.de.us

Towne Point Elementary 629 Buckson Drive Dover, DE 19901 Phone - 302-672-1590 Fax - 302-672-1595 School Website: https://townepoint.capital.k12.de.us

East Dover Elementary 852 South Little Creek Road Dover, DE 19901 Phone - 302-672-1655 Fax - 302-672-1663 School Website: https://east.capital.k12.de.us

North Dover Elementary 855 State College Road Dover, DE 19904 Phone - 302-672-1980 Fax - 302-672-1985 School Website: https://north.capital.k12.de.us

Dover Middle School Campus 1 Patrick Lynn Drive Dover, DE 19904 Phone - 302-674-6100 Fax - 302-672-1733 School Website: https://mse.capital.k12.de.us https://msi.capital.k12.de.us

Fairview Elementary 700 Walker Road Dover, DE 19904 Phone - 302-672-1645 Fax - 302-672-1654 School Website: https://fairview.capital.k12.de.us

South Dover Elementary 955 South State Street Dover, DE 19904 Phone - 302-672-1690 Fax - 302-672-1697 School Website: https://south.capital.k12.de.us

Kent County Secondary Intensive Learning Center 631 Ridgely Street Dover, DE 19904 Phone - 302-736-5355 Fax - 302-736-5263 School Website: https://kcilc.capital.k12.de.us

Kent County Community School 65-1 Carver Road Dover, DE 19904 Phone - 302-672-1960 Fax - 302-672-1579 School Website: https://kccs.capital.k12.de.us

William Henry Campus 65 Carver Road Dover, DE 19904 Phone - 302-672-1620 Fax - 302-672-1633 School Website: https://wmhenry.capital.k12.de.us Dover High School One Dover High Drive Dover, DE 19904 Phone - 302-241-2400 Fax - 302-672-1565 SchoolWebsite: https://doverhigh.capital.k12.de.us

BOARD OF EDUCATION Felecia R. Duggins, President Dr. Chanda Jackson, Vice President Sean P. M. Christiansen John C. Martin, Jr. Dr. Anthony J. DePrima Dr. Vilicia Cade, CEO & Superintendent