Friday Update

The end of the school year will be here soon – June 1 for Seniors, June 9 for Preschoolers, June 11 for Grades K-11. I want to take this opportunity to express my thanks to our staff, families, students and community partners for the collective hard work and dedication that made it possible to reach this point. The pandemic has fundamentally changed the way we think, interact, educate and live our everyday lives. But working together, we have orchestrated a multitude of amazing accomplishments.

On Tuesday, the Department of Education announced guidance on holding outdoor graduations. While there are a number of stipulations (gathering size, social distancing, strict cleaning & disinfecting protocols, signage), it is welcome news here in Appoquinimink where we announced last week that an outdoor commencement would be taking place on July 14 for AHS, and July 15 for MHS. As these dates draw closer, we will follow up-to-date guidance on social distancing. High Schools will communicate details to our graduates and their families when they become available.

Summer Reading: Grades KG-5

Reading for pleasure during the summer months really does make a difference. Not only can it help prevent “summer slide” (the tendency for children to lose some of the achievement gains they made during the school year), enjoying four or more books during the break can boost children’s reading proficiency.*

Next week, our Elementary Schools will be sending home information about an exciting partnership with the New Castle County Public Library System that will let your child track his/her reading and earn prizes. Our community libraries offer free print and eBook borrowing privileges, and a wide variety of subject matter. But you can find great children’s books anywhere – at home, at the booksellers, garage sales, Little Free Libraries (Google it!), second-hand stores, or neighborhood exchanges. Apps like Audible and Libby are a great option for those who prefer to listen to stories.

Even if your child is too young to read independently, it’s good to set goals. If you’re the parent of a preschooler, I encourage you to read to your child for 15 minutes or more every day.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school librarian with questions about this year’s program and be sure to visit the public library for assistance over the summer.

Reading Resources: • 2020 Summer Reading Flyer • ASD’s Suggested Summer Elementary Reading List • Beanstalk Tutorial (instructions for registering to discover great books and earn incentives) • Beanstack Reading Challenge link, https://nccde.beanstack.org/reader365

Elementary School Librarians: • Brick Mill: Amy Leitzke • Bunker Hill: Susan Austin • Cedar Lane: Ashley Gillespie • Lorewood Grove: Patty Abrams • Old State: Patricia Crilley • Olive B. Loss: Megan Zarzycki • Silver Lake: Jodie Klein • Townsend: Carolyn McGinnis

*Kim, Jimmy. “Summer Reading and the Ethnic Achievement Gap,” The Journal of Education for Students Placed at Risk (2004).

June 1: Marching Band & Color Guard Information Night– AHS, MHS & OHS current and incoming students

Attention students and families. Please join us on June 1, 2020 at 7:00 pm for a Virtual Information Night! At these meetings you’ll receive important news about the start of the High School Marching Band Season, including: field show concepts, our marching band staff, important dates, and practice information. A link to the YouTube broadcast for your school community is provided below. (Click on the Channel’s SUBSCRIBE button to learn when additional content is posted.)

What: AHS and MHS/OHS Marching Band & Color Guard Information Meetings When: Monday June 1, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. Who: Any student interested in Marching Band and/or Color Guard Where:

• AHS Meeting: Go to the AHSMusicAdmin Channel on YouTube,https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbfgsQ8G0wymGcDJ7D3Qnlg

• MHS/OHS Meeting: Go to Band Director Brian Endlein’s YouTube Channel,https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdcEcO0leVpiwE76pAVdwbg

Contacts: • Ryan Moseley, Appoquinimink High School• Brian Endlein, Middletown/Odessa High Schools

Can’t participate in the livestream event? Don’t worry, copies of the video will remain on these YouTube channels for viewing at a later time.

AHS’ Ryan Nkongnyu Named National President of the Business Professionals of America

Business Professionals of America (BPA) is a national student organization considered the leader in standards-based preparation for young people pursuing careers in Finance; Business Administration; Management Information Systems; Digital Communications & Design; and Management, Marketing & Communications.

Each year, the 45,000-member organization (active in 25 States and Puerto Rico) elects a slate of National Officers from its Secondary and Post-secondary Divisions by means of a popular vote of its member delegates.

Ryan was elected by his peers from across the USA last week. He will serve as the National President during the 2020-2021 school year, when his duties will include participation in local and national efforts to promote BPA and student participation in its programs.

Asked what it means to lead one of the largest student organizations in the nation, Ryan explained, “I am humbled and excited to have been elected to this position… (It) was a process that took a lot of determination, hard work, prayers, perseverance, and passion.”

He explained his trajectory, “I first served at the Chapter level for three years, then I was elected to serve as the Delaware State President. I now have the great opportunity to represent my community, my Appoquinimink School District, and most importantly, the State of Delaware as BPA’s National President. I look forward to working with my team to achieve amazing things for BPA.”

He concluded his remarks by stating, “This organization does exactly what it is set out to do, give purpose to potential. Business Professionals of America has helped me to find my passion: Service. I find joy when I help people around me and can help inspire/influence others to do great things. BPA has challenged me to exceed the expectations I had of

myself, it has also helped make many of my dreams a reality. This organization means a lot to me and I hope that through the work of my Team and I, we can ensure that this organization continues to impact, influence, and inspire students nationwide.”

This summer, Ryan and the National Officer Team will participate in leadership development training, identify their Program of Work for the upcoming year, and begin planning for the 2021 National BPA Conference.

Congratulations to Ryan, his father Nicodemus Nchiko, mother Mercy Lum Ngenevu and AHS/RMS BPA Advisor Shawn Smith.

About BPA. The mission of BPA is to contribute to the preparation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership; citizenship; academic, career and technological skills. BPA’s signature initiative, the Workplace Skills Assessment Program, provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate real-world business skills and problem-solving abilities in 70+ competitive events offered at the regional, state and national level.

Your sponsorship has made it possible to grant a child’s wish!

For the second straight year, Appoquinimink Schools held a district-wide campaign in support of the nonprofit organization dedicated to giving hope and joy to children with serious healthcare challenges – Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley.

Surmounting the challenge of a virtual campaign, ASD staff and families rallied to raise $11,966 this year, with several additional gifts expected to take that total even higher.

The average value of a wish is $11,000, meaning our learning community has been symbolically paired with the fulfillment of a local (Wilmington) child’s request.

About our recipient. Fifteen-year-old Sara has a genetic disorder that resulted in deafness. Furry family members Zeke and Angel bring companionship and comfort, helping to ease the isolation of sheltering at home during the pandemic. When Sara found out she would be receiving a wish from Make-A-Wish® Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley, her thoughts turned to an effort that would improve their quality of life. Both dogs are large German Shepherds and can be difficult to control while out walking. That meant that Sara’s independence, and her dogs’ freedom, has been limited. For her wish, she requested a fenced-in yard where they could run freely and play. Earlier this month, that wish was fulfilled.

The request represented an important milestone for Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley. Sara was the 7,000th child in our region to have her request fulfilled. While an in-person celebration wasn’t possible, M-A-W officials organized a car parade that included ASD campaign chair Tanya Heyse. Sara’s mom later related that the experience has given Sara “more energy forces” to cope with her condition and treatment. Even though she must stay home for her health and safety, Sara can now enjoy time outside with her companions. That’s the power of your caring in action!

Observed M-A-W Associate Ms. Amy Stidham, “I know that right now it feels like a ‘normal life’ is stalled for most of us; that is how wish children and their families feel throughout their medical journey. The work that Appoquinimink is doing to give these families the hope of a positive experience in the midst of a difficult time is invaluable.”

Pictured above: Sara and her mom celebrate with M-A-W supporters during a car parade.

Our thanks to Appoquinimink’s M-A-W Leadership Team: • District Leader/Coordinator: Tanya Heyse• Alfred G. Waters Middle: Katelynn Scott• Appoquinimink High: Lisa Regler• Appoquinimink PK Center: Kelley Hanzely• Brick Mill Elementary: Krystal Buczynski

• Bunker Hill Elementary: Joanne Willits• Cedar Lane ECC: Maty Young• Cedar Lane Elementary: Heather Patricco• Lorewood Grove Elem.: Jennifer Dunkelberger• Meredith Middle: Sandie Prather

• Middletown High: Marianne Sullivan• Old State Elementary: Michelle Romeo• Olive B. Loss Elementary: Jen Barnett• Redding Middle: Jennifer Mounts

• Silver Lake Elementary: Jodie Klein• Spring Meadow ECC: Amy Plummer• Townsend ECC: Sarah Wheatle• Townsend Elementary: Beth Vaughn,

Holly Walters

10-Week Summer Meal Program begins June 15

• What: Free Grab-N-Go Meals for children ages 1-18.• Where: Louis L. Redding Middle School, 201 New Street

in Middletown.• Hours of Operation: 11-1 on Monday and Wednesday.

o On Mondays, families will receive 2 breakfastsand 2 lunches for each child.

o On Wednesday, families will receive 3 breakfasts and 3 lunches for each child.• Note: Children do not need to be present to collect the meals.• A list of participating Summer Meals locations is available here, https://www.doe.k12.de.us/page/4149.• The Summer Meals program is funded by the USDA (an equal opportunity provider) and administered locally by

the Delaware Department of Education.

PTA-sponsored School Board Candidates Forum

The Delaware PTA is hosting a virtual forum for school board candidates. On June 29, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. Mrs. Michelle Wall and Mr. Wayne Meadows have been invited to participate in a Q&A session dedicated to our district. The event will be streamed on the Delaware PTA website, https://www.facebook.com/Delaware-PTA-104208183987/.

Dates to Note: • June 1: Last Senior Day• June 2: No school for students, staff PD• June 3: AHS Virtual Awards Ceremony, 7 pm• June 4: MHS Virtual Awards Ceremony, 7 pm• June 9: Last Student Day for Preschool; School Board Meeting, 7 pm• June 11: Last Student Day for Grades KG-11• June 15: Free Summer Meal Program begins, 11-1 at RMS• July 14: AHS Graduation at Jaguar Stadium (rain date: July 16)• July 15: MHS Graduation at Jaguar Stadium (rain date: July 17)• July 21: School Board Election–rescheduled date• July 23: AHS Prom at Deerfield• July 30: MHS Prom at the Chase Center

That concludes today’s update.

With you in learning and with gratitude.

Matt Burrows, Ed.D. Superintendent