December 5, 2012

CSD News
A weekly newsletter from Christina School District
 
Inside this Issue
Top Story
Two Christina Teachers Recognized for their Outstanding Christina Teachers Recognized Teaching of Geography

On November 21, the Delaware Geographic Alliance held its 2013 Awards Banquet in Dover.  Two Christina School District teachers were honored with significant awards.  Erica Varites from Brookside Elementary School was named Delaware Geography Teacher of the Year.  This title is awarded annually to the Distinguished Teacher who best exemplifies the values and standards of the Delaware Geographic Alliance as judged by the Professional Development Committee.  Erica will now be nominated for recognition by the National Council for Geography Education.  Paul Sedacca from McVey Elementary School was honored with The Distinguished Teaching Award, presented annually to recognize demonstrated excellence in the craft of geography teaching.  Christina School District is proud that out of the six teachers nominated across the state, two were from Christina!  Congratulations!

 
News this Week from the DistrictDN
Christina School District Receives College Access Grants

Congratulations Graduate! The Delaware Department of Education has awarded two sets of sub-grants to support increasing access to higher education.The first targets college readiness and funds partnerships between schools and supporting nonprofit organizations. The second set of grants focuses on family readiness. Christina School District received grants in both categories. The state is using its federal College Access Challenge Grant to fund both sets of awards.

  • $35,000: Through a partnership with $tandByMe and the University of Delaware, the district will provide a hands-on program to persistently guide seniors through the college application, financial aid and college transition processes. It will provide support on the college application process through advisory period, professional development for teachers, College Readiness Scholar Institute and counselor support for graduates during the summer between graduation and fall college enrollment. Programming will be at Christiana and Glasgow high schools.
  • $5,000: The award will support free "College Application Completion Workshops" and "FAFSA Completion Workshops" throughout the districts for parents. Workshops will be facilitated by $tandByMe. In addition, summer sessions will be held to support parents/guardians during the transition to college.
Holiday Concerts It's Holiday Concert Season!

As the holiday season approaches, many Christina School District schools will highlight their performing arts programs.
  • December 9
    • 6:30 pm:  Downes Elementary School Winter Sing-a-long at Newark High School 
  • December 11 
    • 9:00 am, 2:00 pm, 7:00 pm:  Marshall Elementary School Winter Concert
    • 7:00 pm:  Brader Elementary School Chorus Concert
    • 7:00 pm:  Newark High School Choir Winter Concert
  • December 12 
    • 9:45 am, 2:15 pm, 6:00 pm:  Keene Elementary School Winter Concert 
    • 6:00 pm:  Smith Elementary School Winter Concert
    • 6:30 pm:  Jones Elementary School Winter Concert
    • 7:00 pm:  Leasure Elementary School Chorus Concert at Kirk Middle School
  • December 13 
    • 10:00 am:  Oberle Elementary School Winter Concert at Gauger-Cobbs Middle School
  • December 14
    • 11:00 am:  Jones Elementary School Chorus Performs at Christiana Mall
Click here to view the complete Visual & Performing Arts calendar.
 
New School Websites!
Christina School District Networks Program
You may notice that your child's school has a new website! Please add the address to your bookmarks so that you can visit often.  New school websites that are now live include:
News this Week from Elementary Schools ES
Common Core Implementation: Delaware Department of Education Spotlight on Oberle and Wilson Elementary Schools
 
As Oberle Elementary School moves forward with its Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Implementation Plan, staff have been engaged in school-wide professional development that began in August and continued in early October. Most recently, Oberle Instructional Staff and Christina School District (CSD) Curriculum Specialists participated in close reading training. Deep training on close reading is assisting the Oberle staff with meeting the academic needs of their diverse student population. Oberle's regular 90 minute, grade-level professional learning communities (PLC) allow teachers to work closely to plan CCSS-aligned close reading lessons and activities. Plans were implemented and staff engaged in discussions providing peer feedback and reflection of lessons. In addition, Oberle began year-long parent/guardian PTA education sessions with an overview of CCSS, facilitated by Mrs. Dollard, Principal; this was followed by a question/answer session with an interpreter providing English to Spanish translation for the families. The materials provided to the Oberle families can be found on the  National PTA website, which has all PowerPoint presentations and Parent Information Sheets in both English and Spanish.
 
Wilson Elementary School administration realized immediately the scope and depth of the work it would take to implement the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).  With the support of the Delaware Department of Education (DOE) staff and the use of distributive leadership, the initial plan was to complete a book study with the leadership team using the online tool Ed Modo. The work began over the summer with a focus on developing a leadership team that would be charged with professional development in professional learning communities (PLC). The work of the book study continues in PLCs with teachers discussing their readings during two PLCs per month and applying what they are learning to actual lesson plans and units of study during this time. Other professional development days were devoted to Text Complexity training where teachers examined text and learned how to use placemats to determine the complexity level of text. Training on the topic of Close Reading and Writing - Meeting the Needs of All Students complemented the previous trainings. Teachers learned about the shifts, how to determine the complexity level of a text, Academic Vocabulary, how to teach students to read closely, and how to create text dependent questions. Close reading lessons were then created and taught in the classroom. In PLCs, teachers continue to reflect and evaluate the effectiveness of the lessons while examining student work. The Wilson administration is excited about the level of CCSS implementation observed in classrooms and the results in student learning. 
 
Enrichment Grant Bancroft Elementary Awarded $5,000 Grant from The Fund for Children's Literacy Awards

Bancroft Elementary School has received a grant of $5,000 from The Fund for Children's Literacy Awards, administered through the Delaware Community Foundation. The project is entitled, "Building the Common Core Classroom and Career and College Ready Scholars" and will bring Scholastic News Magazines to every student in kindergarten through grade 3, novel sets for literature circles, writing workbooks, and much more. Scholastic News magazines are periodicals that provide non-fiction/high interest articles for students, with topics such as News, Math, and Super Science. On May 22, 2014, a "Sharing Reception" at the University of Delaware's Arsht Hall will be held and grantees will have the opportunity to display their programs as well as see other innovative ideas supported by this grant. 

 

Brader Elementary Kindergarten Teacher Utilizing Donors Choose Grants to Help Students Focus

Brader Elementary School kindergarten teacher Mrs. Grunow is requesting four Hokki Stools for students to use during independent work time or guided reading time. The Hokki Stool is a backless stool with a curved bottom. The stools will allow the teacher to address the physical needs of her most active students but there are several benefits for all students. Hokki Stools are cleverly designed stools that allow students that need to wiggle to move their bodies while they remain sitting at their tables. Research proves that the relationship between movement and brain activity leads to better academic results. The stools will also force all students to sit upright, strengthen their core, improve posture and fine motor skills.
 
Elbert-Palmer Wins Pulaski Holiday Basketball Tournament

Elbert-Palmer ES Wins Holiday Basketball Tournament  

The Elbert-Palmer Elementary School basketball team earned the right of champions by winning the First Annual Pulaski Holiday Tournament.  Elbert-Palmer won in three straight nail-biting games versus Pulaski Elementary School (22-20), Richardson Park Elementary School (12-7) and in the championship round defeating Harlan Elementary School (13-12). In the championship game, Lamar Church was fouled on the 3 point line with 2 seconds left. Church then made all three foul shots and won the game for Elbert-Palmer. Church was named Outstanding Player of the Tournament. The team is coached by Andrew Corrigan and Tamar Perez. Other members of the team are Hasan Hackett, Julius Clark, Le'Mar Wright, Vy'Onje Joquin, Malachi Gray, Taron Whaley, Jaiden Mason, Dajour White, Enyzah Harding, Zephaniah Byrd, Sequoiah Hodges, Lamar Church and Ny'Asiah Coleman. 

 
Elbert-Palmer Elementary School Community Garden Provides Produce for Southbridge Community Event

A delightful aroma permeated the room at Neighborhood House on November 21st as over forty Southbridge Community members enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner hosted by Healthy Kids Delaware.  In celebration of the fall harvests at Elbert-Palmer Elementary and the Southbridge Community Garden, families tasted garden-fresh arugula salad, lettuce and turnip salad, as well as kale chips as they mingled and visited exhibitor tables. During dinner, Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids, a nonprofit specializing in school garden programs, recognized parent and student volunteers for weeding, watering, and maintaining the Elbert-Palmer Elementary School garden. Known as the "Garden Guardians", Donae Hackett, Eddie Hunter, Kendre Dixon, and first grader, Kelie Dixon, were all recognized for their hard work and dedication to the school garden. This year Elbert-Palmer elementary students planted cool-weather, fast-growing crops and enjoyed their first harvest of arugula and radishes. The students look forward to harvesting lettuce and turnips after the holiday break with the Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids school garden program.

 
Elbert-Palmer Elementary School Preschool Students share what they are thankful for this year!

Students were served their Thanksgiving meal by Christina School District Child Nutrition Services on November 21.  Elbert-Palmer preschoolers shared what they were thankful for this year with Principal Dr. Gina Moody and Senior Director, Elementary Education Mrs. Heather Bordas.  

 
Gallaher Elementary First Graders Celebrate
Geography Awareness Week

Gallaher ES Geography Awareness Week  
During Geography Awareness Week,  November 18-22, Gallaher Elementary School first graders participated in activities in map making, discovering continents, and exploring land forms.
 
Christmas Wish Jones Elementary Chorus to Perform at Christiana Mall December 14

The Jones Elementary School Chorus will perform in front of the Target Store at the Christiana Mall on Saturday, December 14 at 11:00 a.m.  The school has been involved in Operation Christmas Wish, and the Christina community is invited to join local sponsors in adopting and shopping for needy families in New Castle County, including families from the Jones Elementary School community. Live radio broadcasts begin at 6:00 a.m. on WDSD 94.7 and 92.9 TOM-FM.  [Event Flyer]


Food Drive
McVey Students Collect 328 Pounds of Food for the Food Bank of Delaware

McVey Elementary School students really got into the season of giving this holiday season. During the month of November, students in grades K-5 collected non-perishable food items for the Food Bank of Delaware.  The students filled over 10 boxes of food, a total of 328 pounds of food.  That food will feed many families in need this holiday season.  


Happy Thanksgiving
Pulaski Elementary School Hosts Thanksgiving Dinner for More than 450

Pulaski Elementary School partnered with Faith Victory Christian Center to serve Thanksgiving Dinner at the school on November 28 between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Volunteers decorated the gymnasium with beautiful seasonal  decorations.  Pulaski was excited that the school could be used as a place that served the needs of the community.

 

"I am blessed to be afforded the resources to help in this way for the people in and around Pulaski," said Pulaski principal Tracey Roberts. "This event has opened my eyes to the many ways that our schools can be true community schools and resources to our neighbors."


News this Week from Middle Schools MS
Snowman  
Kirk Middle School and 4H Winter Festival Scheduled for December 12

Kirk Middle School and 4H will be holding their Winter Festival on December 12 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.  The event will include a talent show, spelling bee (Kirk vs. Gauger-Cobbs), Health Fair, Vendors/Holiday Shop, Basket Raffle, Bake Sale, Glow-in-the-Dark Volleyball and more.  [Event Flyer]
 
News this Week from High Schools HS
Christiana High School Students Attend
National Hispanic College Fair 

Christiana HS Students Attend National Hispanic College Fair   
Thirty-seven Christiana High School students attended the National Hispanic College Fair at Goldey-Beacom College on Thursday, November 21.
 
Christiana High Hosts Special Olympics
Basketball Skills Event on November 22

Special Olympics DE Basketball Skills Event at CHS  

Christiana High School (CHS) was the chosen site, for the second year in a row, to open the 2013 Special Olympics Basketball Skills event, which featured more than sixty CHS student volunteers from the DECA program, singing of the National Anthem by choral student Dorothea Wright, presentation of flags by the NJROTC, an announcement of the opening of the games by Assistant to the Superintendent Mr. Ed Mayfield, and opening ceremonies.  The Basketball Skills Competition included competitors of all ages that attend school in the Christina School District.

 

Special Olympics Delaware sent the following thank you to Christiana High School:  "Special Olympics Delaware wishes to thank Christiana High School for hosting the 2013 Special Olympics Basketball Skills Event for our athletes in the Christina School District. The event was a wonderful way for us to showcase the spirit of Special Olympics athletes, as well as involve the school community and families. Special thanks to Principal Ms. Noreen Lasorsa, DECA Advisor Mr. Martin Tuohy, and Athletic Director Ms. Elizabeth Moodie for their invaluable assistance, as well as the exemplary volunteerism of their 60+ students.  Special Olympics Delaware appreciates the hospitality of Christiana High School and we thank you all for your ongoing support!" 

 

[View Special Olympics Delaware Photo Gallery]


2013 Tournament of Bands All-Star Marching Band Glasgow High School Band Member Performs in All-Star Marching Band

The Christina School District and Glasgow High School had a representative in the Tournament of Bands All-Star Marching Band at the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. 
Danielle Jacoby, a junior and the colorguard captain for the Red Dragon Marching Band, was selected to perform in the oldest Thanksgiving Parade in the country this year.  The All-Star Band is comprised of students from all the competing bands from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, southern New York and eastern West Virginia.

 

 

2013 Tournament of Bands All-Star Marching Band The National Judges Association, the organization that administers the Tournament of Bands, decided that the best students in the region deserved an opportunity to be recognized for their talents and their responsibilities in going to competitions.  Five years ago the Tournament of Bands (TOB) All-Star Marching Band was started to bring together the best students from all the chapters in the competition circuit.  Delaware and the eastern and western shores in Maryland are considered Chapter 9 which had 37 All-Star representatives this year out of nearly 200 total.  Other Delaware schools that sent students include Caesar Rodney, Middletown, Lake Forest and William Penn.  

 

Danielle had to apply for a spot in the band and audition by spinning both the standard flag and the more advanced rifle.  Out of the nearly 30 students chosen to be in the colorguard for the parade, only ten were selected to spin rifle and Danielle was one of those ten.

 

"We're all very proud of Dani here at Glasgow," Mr. Rogalski, GHS Director of Bands said, "She's been a fantastic student and much of the colorguard's success the past few years has been due to her leadership in the band."  Danielle has been colorguard captain since her sophomore year.

 

Mr. Rogalski also hopes to have more students participate in the 2014 All-Star Band next year and have continued success in competitions next fall with the marching band and the colorguard.  If students are interested in being a part of the Glasgow High School marching band or for more information on Danielle's participation in the TOB All-Star Marching Band, contact Mr. Rogalski at (302) 220-6048 or [email protected]

 

Glasgow High School Students Recognized for Earning Honor Roll Status for the 1st Marking Period  
 
Glasgow HS Senior Class Students Earning Honor Roll Status 1st MP  
On November 22, freshmen, sophomore, junior and senior students at Glasgow High School were recognized for earning Honor Roll status for the 1st marking period.  Each student was awarded a certificate and photographs were taken of the students by grade level. Pictured are 12th grade students.  Click on the following link to view photographs of honor roll students in other grades. [View additional photos]
 
Craft Fair 22nd Annual Winter Craft Fair at Glasgow High School Scheduled for December 14
 
The Glasgow High School Swim Team is hosting its Annual Winter Craft Fair on Saturday, December 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the school.  The Craft Fair will take place in the large gym, cafeteria and several main hallways.  Breakfast and lunch items will be available for sale.  
 
Networks Program Holiday Gift Shop  
Networks Program Offers Extended Gift Shop Hours for Holiday Shopping

On Wednesday, December 11 and Thursday, December 12, the Christina School District Networks Program will offer extended gift shop hours for the community and will remain open until 7:00 p.m. on both days.  Networks is located at 30 Blue Hen Drive in Newark (behind Eastern Marine off Rt. 72.)  map
 
Gifts and decorations are available!  
 
More information:  
www.NetworksProgram.org  or 302-454-2233
 
 
A Christmas Carol Poster Newark High School Presents...
"A Christmas Carol"

Newark High School (NHS) is presenting a holiday production of "A Christmas Carol" December 5-7 in the NHS auditorium. 
Ticket prices are $5.00.
  • Thursday, December 5  at 7:00 p.m.
  • Friday, December 6 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 7 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Thanksgiving Turkey
NHS Students Assist with 31st Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Give-A-Way

On November 26, Nor Enterprises Inc. President, Norman Oliver, hosted the 31st Annual Turkey Give-A- Way. This year's Turkey Give-A-Way is in partnership with Farnan LLP, The Kenny Family Foundation, United Distributors of Delaware and the Delaware Jefferson Awards Students In Action (SIA) program lead by the Jefferson Council at the Charter School of Wilmington. Newark High School was one of several area schools involved in the activity. The schools alone raised a total of over $3,500 this year in support of the Give-A-Way. The Turkey Drive has helped thousands of families over the past 30 years with food for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Joining in this effort were community volunteers, Jefferson Awards Student Leaders from the participating high schools and staff from the Jefferson Awards who gave their time and generosity to assist in the distribution of the turkeys to senior residences throughout the city.


School Choir Clipart Four NHS Students Chosen for 
2014 All-State Choir Ensemble

Congratulations to all the students that auditioned for the Delaware All State Choirs on November 23.  Four Newark High School (NHS) students were selected for the 2014 ensemble and will perform in a concert to be held in February 2014. The students chosen were Stephanie Becker, Zoe Coffing, Josh Dill, and Isabel Tague. Isabel is also recognized as receiving First Chair for the sopranos in the mixed choir.

 
Newark High Hosts Annual Volunteer Fair

All students in Christina School District are required to complete 60 hours of community service by September of their senior year. On November 20, Newark High School hosted its annual Volunteer Fair.  About seven hundred 9th-11th grade students were circulated through this fair to help the students find community service opportunities. Students also spoke to Clare Garrison from the Office of Volunteerism to find out about the Delaware Volunteer Credit (DVC).  Only 90 hours of community service in one year makes a student eligible to earn this prestigious award from the Governor. The work cannot be done at a for-profit organization. Newark High School has earned the highest number of DVC's in the state for the last four years.  Any student who completes over 100 hours in a year, is also eligible for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award from the President of the United States. For more information about volunteering, see your school counselor.


Rotary Youth Leadership Award Logo
Four NHS Students Chosen as Candidates for Rotary Award

Newark High School is proud to announce the following candidates for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards: Cole Bedford, Timothy Deska-Kahn, Emily Lapp, and Megan Peters. The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program is an intense leadership training experience designed to recognize, encourage, and further the knowledge and skills of 11th grade (or mature 10th grade) high school students who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to community service. Selected students will participate in a conference in Ocean City, Maryland in February. 

 
Newark High to Host First Art Show Exhibit Showcasing Works by ACE Art Students  Student Art Show

Newark High School will be hosting its first art exhibit showcasing the work of the Academy for Creative Expression (ACE) art students.  The students' work will be on display December 11-17 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in "The Gallery" at Newark High School.


News this Week from Community Partners CP
WHYY Logo WHYY to Sponsor a Forum on School Safety on December 7 at the University of Delaware

Parents, teachers, and community members are invited to attend a special forum on school safety hosted by WHYY. On Saturday, December 7, almost the 1-year anniversary of the school shootings/massacre at Sandy Hook, WHYY will sponsor a morning forum focusing on what makes a school safe.  The forum will feature a panel of experts who will talk about school safety from three different perspectives: school culture and climate, physical safety, and increased police/armed presence.  Panel presentations will be followed by small group discussions and then a question and answer period with the panelists and other participants.  For more information, please click here.

 
Calendar Reminders Calendar
Calendar DECEMBER 6
  • 5:00 pm:  Jones Elementary School Red Robin Restaurant Fundraiser, 101 W. Main Street, Newark 
  • 5:30 pm:  Yearbook Fundraiser Night at Brookside Elementary School, 800 Marrows Road, Newark 
  • 7:00 pm:  Newark High School Holiday Production of "A Christmas Carol", 750 East Delaware Avenue, Newark [more]
DECEMBER 6
  • 7:00 pm:  Newark High School Holiday Production of "A Christmas Carol", 750 East Delaware Avenue, Newark [more]
DECEMBER 7
  • 2:00 pm:  Newark High School Holiday Production of "A Christmas Carol", 750 East Delaware Avenue, Newark [more
  • 7:00 pm:  Newark High School Holiday Production of "A Christmas Carol", 750 East Delaware Avenue, Newark [more]
DECEMBER 9
  • 6:30 pm:  Downes Elementary School Winter Sing-a-long at Newark High School, 750 East Delaware Avenue, Newark [more]
DECEMBER 10
  • 7:30 pm:  Board of Education General Business Meeting Public Session, Gauger-Cobbs Middle School, 50 Gender Road, Newark [more]
DECEMBER 11
  • 9:00 am, 2:00 pm, 7:00 pm:  Marshall Elementary School Winter Concert, 101 Barrett Run Road, Newark
  • 7:00 pm:  Brader Elementary School Chorus Concert, 350 Four Season Parkway, Newark 
  • 7:00 pm:  Newark High School Choir Winter Concert, 750 East Delaware Avenue, Newark
DECEMBER 12
  • 9:45 am, 2:15 pm, 6:00 pm:  Keene Elementary School Chorus Winter Concert, 200 LaGrange Avenue, Newark 
  • 6:00 pm: Smith Elementary School Winter Concert at Glasgow High School, 1901 S. College Avenue, Newark  
  • 6:00 pm:  Winter Festival at Kirk Middle School, 140 Brennen Drive, Newark [more
  • 6:30 pm:  Jones Elementary School Winter Concert, 35 West Main Street, Newark 
  • 7:00 pm:  Leasure Elementary School Chorus Concert at Kirk Middle School, 140 Brennen Drive, Newark 
DECEMBER 13
  • 10:00 am:  Oberle Elementary School Winter Concert at Gauger-Cobbs Middle School, 50 Gender Road, Newark
 
DECEMBER 14
  • 9:00 am:  22nd Annual Winter Craft Fair at Glasgow High School, 1901 S. College Avenue, Newark [more
  • 11:00 am:  Jones Elementary School Chorus Performs at Christiana Mall [more]

Questions or comments regarding the CSDNews may be directed to the Christina School District Public Information Office at 302-552-2670 or [email protected] 

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Christina School District, 600 N. Lombard Street, Wilmington. DE 19801 
302.552.2600   i[email protected]