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Matt Burrows, Ed.D.Superintendent
B O A R D
Norman AbramsRichard Forsten, Esq.Shawn RoheMichelle WallKelly Wright
A D M I N I S T R A T I O N
Tony J. Marchio BuildingMarion E. Proffitt Training Center
P R E S C H O O L
Age 3-4
Appoquinimink Preschool Center Brick Mill ECC
E L E M E N T A R Y
Early Childhood Centers | KindergartenBrick Mill ECC Cedar Lane ECCSpring Meadow ECCTownsend ECC
Grade 1-5 Schools
Brick Mill ElementaryBunker Hill ElementaryCedar Lane ElementaryLorewood Grove ElementaryOld State ElementaryOlive B. Loss ElementarySilver Lake ElementaryTownsend Elementary
S E C O N D A R Y
Grade 6-8 Schools
Alfred G. Waters MiddleCantwell’s Bridge Middle Everett Meredith MiddleLouis L. Redding Middle
Grade 9-12 Schools
Appoquinimink HighMiddletown HighOdessa High
A D U L T C O N T I N U I N G E D U C A T I O N
James H. Groves High
Tony J. Marchio Administration Building | apposchooldistrict.com 313 South Fifth Street, PO Box 4010, Odessa, DE 19730-4010 | 302.376.4128
Superintendent’s October 29 UpdateIn this newsletter, I share important information about the people-places-events making news in our District. The guidance presented here will be supported by detailed information from your child’s building administrators and teachers. Communication at all three levels happens on a regular basis.
Proud History, Exciting FutureA unique set of circumstances will make it possible to renovate and expand the historic Louis L. Redding School through a NO TAX INCREASE referendumLouis L. Redding Middle School has been an important part of the community since 1952. After 70 years of faithful service, the systems that keep our school running – plumbing, HVAC, electrical, technology, safety – suffer from numerous problems. Recent challenges have included flooding, sewer backups, and damage from the leaking roof.The State agrees that the building is well beyond its intended lifespan and that a rebuild (similar to the one at Everett Meredith Middle School) is the most cost-effective, equitable solution. We will keep what’s good (auditorium, historic entrance) but begin from the ground up on the rest of the physical structure. The State will provide 76% of the funding needed. The remaining 24% will be funded using money we’ve been saving – developer impact fees and growth in property taxes resulting from new home construction – money that would otherwise be spent on costly temporary fixes. In short, the State is offering us the ability to get a brand new, state-of-the-art building for only the cost of repairs. Before the state will spend the money, the district must pass a referendum to verify that our community supports the project. This is true even though taxes won’t increase. That’s why, on December 14, we are asking voters to go to the polls and let their voice be heard.More information will be coming out in the weeks leading up to the referendum. Volunteers from every school – our Redding Ambassadors – have signed on to help us provide education and outreach about this effort. You’ll see them staffing information stations at games, performances and activities this fall. Be sure to stop by and ask them questions and consider attending one of the virtual presentations happening in November. • November 10 at 9:30 a.m. / November 17 at 7:00 p.m. / November 30 at 4:30 p.m.• Link to all three, 30-minute presentations: https://bit.ly/ReddingReferendum
An architect’s rendering of Louis L. Redding Middle School in 2026
The Louis L. Redding School,established in 1952
Celebrating a Construction Milestone at Meredith MiddleOn September 27, the last structural steel beam was lifted into place at the new Everett Meredith Middle School, triggering a celebration called a Beam Topping Ceremony. In Fall 2022, the building will be completed, and the students and staff who call Meredith home will return from a two-year residency at Odessa High. The new Meredith Middle School replaces a 90+ year-old facility that served for many years as Middletown High before transitioning to a grade 6-8 facility. We were proud to have members of the Meredith Family join the Superintendent, School Board, local elected officials, and MMS Administrators at the Topping Ceremony, an event we captured in a photo album, https://bit.ly/MMS-Beam.
Nov. 15: Ground Breaking Ceremony for Crystal Run ElementaryThe Department of Education’s September 30 Unit Count verified that ASD has welcomed nearly 600 new students in the past 12 months. Thanks to long-range facility planning and your support, we’re working to stay on top of the challenge of being Delaware’s fastest-growing school district. The latest evidence of this growth is the site work now underway at ASD’s Summit Run Campus. On November 15, at 10:00 a.m., school officials will be joined by County Executive Matt Myers and State Senator Stephanie Hansen at a groundbreaking ceremony for the Crystal Run Elementary School. Approved by voters in a 2019 referendum, Crystal Run will open its doors in Fall 2023. It is situated on a plot of land that will eventually house three more buildings: an Early Childhood Center (PK-K), Middle School (6-8) and High School (9-12) – projects that will be approved in future referendums. To stay in touch with the status of construction projects across the district, be sure to join us at our monthly school board meetings where progress reports are accompanied by photos and aerial footage.
Positive Tee Shirt TuesdaysCedar Lane Principal Jerod Phillips has introduced a new idea to our district, Positive Tee Shirt Tuesdays. “The idea is to wear shirts with inspirational or supportive text to show students we care,” explained Dr. Phillips. He continued, “It’s a small win every week, a way to encourage and uplift each other while tending to the students and families we serve.” The response from students and staff has been overwhelming.Phillips credits a colleague, Dr. Edney at the Early College High School in Dover, with introducing him to the idea. But school communities across the nation are embracing the movement. We hope you will too. There’s a hashtag for anyone who wants to join in and post, #PositiveTeesTuesdayDE. You follow our positivity guru Dr. Phillips on Twitter at @japhillips0722.
Nov 1: AHS Students Partner with the Biggs Museum for a Day of the Dead ExhibitionAppoquinimink High School launched an ASPIRA Club this year. ASPIRA is the name of a national, co-curricular organization dedicated to developing the educational and leadership capacity of Hispanic youth. The program provides leadership training, cultural enrichment activities, and community action projects that teach students how to develop their abilities to become effective leaders of their communities. One of the Club’s first public-facing activities represents an exciting partnership with the Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover. Students active in ASPIRA, as well as Spanish classes at the school, have had an opportunity to contribute artwork to a Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) exhibition debuting at the Biggs Museum on November 1, 2021 from 6-8 pm. This project aims to highlight the cultural significance of Día de los Muertos – a day that honors deceased loved ones – by inviting the community to experience and engage with the tradition, learn, and draw connections. Opening night admission is free. We hope you’ll join us there!Our thanks to Club Advisor Señora Kathryn Rump, a 2021 finalist for the Teaching of Foreign Languages Teacher of the Year-North East Conference, for bringing ASPIRA to our school.
Intra-District Middle School Sports DebutsThis year, we are launching intra-district competitive sports at the Middle School level: Cross Country in the Fall, Basketball in the Winter – providing opportunities for young athletes to train together and represent their school in athletics.On October 26, more than 100 runners gathered at Blackbird Forrest State Park for the third and final meet of the cross country season. Competitors raced over a challenging, 2.2 mile course to determine individual and team winners. Top 10 placements are listed below. Congratulations to Alfred G. Waters Middle School who placed first in the team standings at the inaugural district championship meet.
Girls Top 10:School First Last Time PlaceAGW Lyra Ardila 15.29 1AGW Maddie Vari 15.35 2AGW Kelsey Beatie 15.4 3CBMS Mariah Aviles 15.44 4CBMS Layla Dukes 15.45 5RMS Breanna Brown 15.46 6MMS Maddie Washburn 16.05 7MMS Sophia Miller 16.08 8AGW Giana Ruggeri 16.17 9AGW Madi Parajon 16.19 10
Boys Top 10:School First Last Time PlaceAGW Logan Elmore 12.11 1AGW Aiden Calvy 12.12 2CBMS Xavier Gordy 12.41 3CBMS Dylan Clark 13.14 4CBMS Austin Haysel 13.19 5CBMS Oliver Hemphill 13.24 6AGW Zachary Sullivan 13.38 7AGW Morgan Cushing 14.05 8AGW Luke Talley 14.08 9AGW Eli Soko 14.09 10
In March, the basketball season will begin• February 11: Deadline for athletes to submit a DIAA Physical Form• February 24-26: TryoutsStudents or parents with questions are asked to reach out to the Athletic Director at their school.• Alfred G. Waters Middle School: [email protected]• Cantwell’s Bridge Middle School: [email protected]• Everett Meredith Middle School: [email protected] • Louis L. Redding Middle School: [email protected]
Immersion Information Nights / Kindergarten RegistrationAs an ASD parent, you can enroll your child in a traditional kindergarten program or “choice” him/her into a stimulating immersion setting where children learn the same content, but have the added advantage of lessons taught in two languages (Spanish/English or Mandarin Chinese/English) instead of one, If interested, we encourage you to attend an Information Night happening from 6:30-7:30 pm this month at participating Early Childhood Centers (ECCs). For an interactive postcard with more information, click here.Immersion Information Nights• November 15: Townsend ECC, 10 Brook Ramble Lane, Townsend, DE 19734• November 16: Spring Meadow ECC, 611 Campus Drive, Townsend, DE 19734• November 17: Brick Mill ECC, 360 Brick Mill Road, Middletown, DE 197092022 Kindergarten Registration Kickoff • November 22: In-person event from 9-12 noon and 3-7 pm at Alfred G. Waters Middle SchoolNote: Kindergarten Registration and Immersion Information Nights are adult-only events. If possible, please find a babysitter for your child.
More than a month in, students say mandated masks are worth the inconvenienceWHYY Reporter Cris Barrish visited Odessa High School to report on school climate this month. He spent half a day in “embedded” in our newest high school talking to teachers and students about their experiences. We’re proud of the way our students and staff represented themselves. They were thoughtful and honest about their opinions. You can listen to the story, published on WHYY’s website, or read the transcription here, https://bit.ly/3nJEzUG.
ASD’s COVID-19 case rate for the week ending October 29 Active Cases• <1% of students (39/12,104) – represents in-person learners• <1% of staff (7/1,591)Quarantined• <1% of students (67/12,104) – represents in-person learners• <1% of staff (4/1,591)Students enrolled in a virtual learning program (602/12,719) are not represented in these numbers.
College Application MonthIn October, Appoquinimink and Middletown High Schools once again sponsored free College Application Month events. Daytime activities for seniors targeted the tools and resources needed to apply – including assistance with the Common App, essay writing help, establishing a Parchment account for transcript requests, and how to research scholarship opportunities. An evening event, the National College Fair, introduced families to more than 75 different colleges, universities, military academies and technical schools – all eager to discuss the programs, activities, admissions requirements, and financial aid process at their schools. This popular activity attracted more than 500 people, and provided an easy way for ASD families to compare what the various institutions had to offer their student.In November, High Schools will be partnering with $tand By Me/NexGen to offer an evening workshop where families will receive assistance to complete the Free Application for Scholarship Assistance (FAFSA). Specially trained volunteers will be on hand to address questions, make suggestions, and clarify any sections of the application that may seem confusing, allowing families complete the process using workstations at the school. Advance registration is required.
• REGISTER: Middletown’s FAFSA Completion Event on 11/3 from 6-8 p.m., https://bit.ly/MHS-FAFSA• REGISTER: Appoquinimink’s FAFSA Completion Event on 11/9 from 6-8 p.m., https://bit.ly/AHS-FAFSA If you have a senior and need help navigating the college application process, reach out to one of our college and career counselors: AHS [email protected]; MHS [email protected].
Bagels with a Board Member: November 15 at 8:30 a.m.Once a month, parent and School Board President Michelle Wall hosts a relaxed conversation about education news, issues and concerns. On November 15, from 8:30-10:00 a.m. she’ll be at Manhattan Bagel, located at 400 West Main Street in Middletown. We hope you’ll stop by to discuss what’s on your mind. But please remember: School Board Members do not receive a salary, so if you order refreshments you will be responsible for the bill.
School Board Meeting: November 9 at 7:00 p.m. (Live and Live-streamed)The School Board will meet on November 9, 2021 to discuss agenda items that include, but are not limited to: Superintendent’s Report; Transportation Report; Construction Update; Monthly Financial Report, Class Size Waivers, Construction Contracts and Construction Change Orders. The session will be live streamed over our YouTube channel, http://bit.ly/AppoYouTube-2021. For a complete agenda, open this story. Note: School Board Meetings do not include an open Q&A period, but we have created an email address: [email protected] to ensure that we’re in touch with your concerns.
Now-December 6: Delaware School Counselor of the Year NominationsDuring childhood and adolescence, students are trying to figure out who they are and what they want out of life.School counselors are uniquely positioned to provide supports that reinforce their well-being, remind them of their resilience, allow them to be present and succeed academically. The separation caused by the pandemic interrupted the identity-building process last year, and made the social-emotional supports school counselors provide more important than ever. To show our appreciation for all that they’ve done over the past 12 months, we’re asking families to consider nominating the professional in your building for consideration as Delaware’s School Counselor of the Year. Nominating a School Counselor is easy. Please use and share this simple form, https://bit.ly/CounselorNom.
That concludes this week’s update. Yours in learning and with gratitude.Matt BurrowsSuperintendent
REFERENCE:2021-22 Academic CalendarBuilding AdministratorsEducational DiagnosticiansFront Desk StaffSchool CounselorsSchool NursesSchool PsychologistsSchool Social WorkersSchool Start/Dismissal Times
