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Inside This Issue: January 14, 2016
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Sixth Grader Braeden Mannering Attends the
President's Final State of the Union Address
Gauger-Cobbs Middle School sixth grader Braeden Mannering was invited by First Lady Michelle Obama to attend President Barack Obama's final State of the Union Address on January 12. The creator of Brae's Brown Bags was seated in the box with First Lady Michelle Obama, Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Senior Advisor to the President Valerie Jarrett.
At the age of 9, Braeden entered a healthy recipe into a While House contest and was invited to attend the 2013 Kid's State Dinner as a representative of the state of Delaware, and had the pleasure of sitting with First Lady Michelle Obama. The First Lady challenged the guests to "pay it forward" and find ways to promote healthy eating in their own communities. Since then, Braeden has started his own non-profit organization, Brae's Brown Bags (3B), which provides healthy food to the homeless and low-income residents living in his community. Through his organization, Braeden has provided more than 4,500 bags of healthy food, raised more than $52,000 for hunger relief and activated more than 2,600 volunteers. The now sixth grader also speaks on hunger relief at schools, conferences and legislative sessions throughout the country.
LEARN MORE:
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Newark High School Student Receives Leadership Award
from Widener University
Newark High School Junior Navjot Kaur has been selected to receive the Widener University High School Leadership Award, presented by Widener University and NBC10. This awards program is designed to recognize high school students like Navjot in the region who embody the university's commitment to develop and inspire leaders to affect positive change. With this award, the Widener University High School Leadership Awards Committee recognizes Navjot's ability to demonstrate courage by standing up for what is right, finding a way to address a wrong, or making a difference in a significant way. She will join other selected students at a special awards event at the National Constitution Center on March 23, followed by a unique leadership experience in fall 2016.
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Alumni Spotlight: Bonnie von Duyke
Newark High School, Class of 2008
University of Delaware, Bachelor of Applied Music, Violin performance degree
West Chester University, Master of Music Performance, Violin (assistantship)
Professional violinist, film and stage actress. YouTube: Sherlock, Violin Tribute / Twitter
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News this Week from the District 
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Christina Board of Education Approves Operating Referendum Request
On January 12, the Christina School District Board of Education approved an Operating Referendum request in the amount of $0.30 per $100 of assessed property value. This request is significantly lower than requests brought to voters in 2015, which failed to pass. The date of the Operating Referendum vote was approved for March 23, 2016.
The District reduced its operating budget in 2015 by cutting staff, materials, school budgets, and supplies. The 30 cent increase to the school tax operating rate would generate a total of $16.2 million. These increased funds would be used to hire additional teachers, improve school climate and discipline, plan for new school options, fund increased expenses, maintain new support levels, and address increased charter and choice payments.
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CSD Special Services Presents: Social Security Benefits
January 14, 6:00-8:00 pm
The Christina School District's Special Services Department is holding an information session entitled 'Social Security Benefits' on January 14 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at
Shue-Medill Middle School. Learn how your child can work and still receive social security benefits. [ more]
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3rd Annual Parents Make a Difference Day: January 15
The Christina School District has designated Friday, January 15 as the third annual "Parents Make a Difference Day." Parents Make a Difference Day was created to designate a day each year to celebrate and thank the parents, guardians, and grandparents who contribute so much to our schools.
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PK-12 SCHOOLS & OFFICES CLOSED
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, January 18
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PK-12 SCHOOLS CLOSED, Professional Development
Friday, January 29
(Offices Open)
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Make Sure Your Contact Information is Up to Date!
Winter is here and with it comes potential snow and ice. To receive District notifications promptly, make sure your contact information is up to date. If you have changed your phone number, email address, home address, etc., please contact the school office at your child's school.
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Stay Up to Date on School Closings and Delays
When bad weather or other factors interrupt the normal school day, we use the ParentLink notification system, text messages, news media, email notification, District website, State of Delaware School Closing Information website, Facebook, Twitter and Google+ to inform parents and the public. We encourage you to tune in early when bad weather is predicted as we try to make the announcement as soon as a decision is made. Click here for complete information.
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Change to District Calendar: April 26, 2016
PK-12 Schools Closed, Professional Development (Presidential Primary)
Parents please note, due to the scheduled Presidential Primary election to be held on April 26, 2016, the Department of Elections has required that all schools be closed for the primary election. Offices will be open and it will be considered a Professional Development day for teachers.
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News this Week from Elementary Schools
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District Fourth and Fifth Grade Robotics Teams Compete at Regional Event
Fourth and fifth grade Robotics teams from Gallaher, Leasure, Marshall, Smith and Wilson Elementary Schools spent January 9 competing against other regional teams at Salem Community College in New Jersey. The teams were coached by their Advanced Academics teachers over the past several months with many hours spent after school researching, programming and preparing for the competition. This year's theme was Trash Trek Challenge and the students were charged with finding a solution to pollution and coming up with innovative ways to improve recycling. Teams were judged in three areas: Core Values, Research, and Robotic Performance. All the teams from Christina represented themselves, their families and schools very well. Everyone learned so much through this experience.
Wilson Elementary School won an award for their Core Values presentation. This competition was a qualifier for the FLL Regional Championship that will be held at Delaware State University (DSU) in February. Gallaher Elementary School won the Judge's Award and placed in the top 10, advancing to the Regional Championship. Congratulations and good luck to Gallaher students and to all those who competed in this program.
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State Names Three Christina Educators to Common Core-Focused Dream Team
The Delaware Department of Education recently named forty-five educators to the 2016 Delaware Dream Team which includes three Christina School District teachers. These talented educators were nominated by their districts for their passion for learning, collaborative mindset and strong leadership in the classroom and will participate in an intense math and leadership-focused professional learning opportunity that will strengthen the Common Core State Standards in Delaware. This is the third year educators have participated in the Delaware Dream Team led by LearnZillion, a digital curriculum and professional learning provider.
Congratulations to Tina Kaczmarczyk, West Park Place Elementary School and Dyan Kaufmann and Kathryn MacDonald from Brader Elementary School. [more] |
Governor Markell Presents Tributes to Gallaher Student Winners of the Disability History and Awareness Month Poster Contest
Governor Jack Markell and Governor's Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens (GACEC) Executive Director Wendy Strauss met with the winners of the Disability History and Awareness Month poster contest on January 13. The top two winners from the Elementary category are both students at Gallaher Elementary School, Neela Moody (first place), and Binta Sow (second place). Hundreds of children state-wide submitted entries to participate in the 2015 poster contest. The Governor presented tributes to recognize a total of six students from the elementary, middle, and high school levels who were selected as the winners of this contest.
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Pulaski Advanced Academic Students Expand their Computer Coding Knowledge
with Help from the University of Delaware Computer Engineers
The fourth and fifth grade Advanced Academic students at Pulaski Elementary School have been learning computer coding and have participated in an ongoing course of differentiated lessons over the last four months during their Talented & Gifted classes. The students used the skills they were learning in math to write computer code that is used in their everyday world. These skills were put to the test during a recent visit from the University of Delaware Computer Engineers, where the students were challenged to write code in a different computer language. The Pulaski students were able to show their depth of understanding of coding and were able to keep pace with the college students as they wrote code. During the State of the Union Address, President Obama stated, "Don't worry, I've got plenty (of proposals), from helping students learn to write computer code..." At Pulaski the Advanced Academic students have already started!
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News this Week from High Schools
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High School Exams: Early Dismissal January 19-22
Christina School District's High Schools will hold exams on January 19-22. High Schools will have early dismissal on each day. Contact your child's school for additional information.
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Glasgow High School Sports Highlights - Week of January 4-9
In varsity Boys Basketball, the boys basketball team won the Ernie Troiano Sr. Memorial Boys Bracket at the Boardwalk Classic during the winter break. The Dragons defeated Lower Cape May High School, 57-50. Devon Earl finished with 14 points. The Dragons defeated Kings Christian Academy (NJ) 64-36. Devon Earl finished with 13 points andJainova Maple scored 9 points. The team started 2016 with a loss to St. Georges Tech High School 49-67. The Dragons were led by Kevin Truesdale who finished with 13 points and Jyair Fuller finished with 10 points. The team bounced back and defeated Hodgson Vo-Tech 63-53. Devon Earl led the dragons with 16 points and Isaiah Wilsonscored 13 points.
In Wrestling, the team defeated McKean HS 39-33. The team participated in the very competitive Delcastle Invitational. Tymere Wilson placed 6th in the 152 weight class. In Boys Swimming, although the boys lost to St. Elizabeth High School 76-59, Nicholas Al-Chokhachy, Ethan Reed, Lamare Wolford and Tyheir Williams won the 200 Freestyle Relay with a recorded time of 2:08.64. Jordan Watson won the 50 freestyle with a recorded time of 26.65. Nicholas Al-Chokhachy won the 200 freestyle with a recorded time of 2:35.11. Tyheir Williams qualified for States in diving. In Boys Indoor Track, the boys indoor track team ran at the Armory New York Invitational. Ja'saan Cunningham ran 22.60, and Martise Younger ran 26:61 in the 200 meters, Alex Nieves ran 2:06 in the 800 meters, and Darius Blalock ran 2:10. In the mile race, Alex Nieves ran 4:46 and Darius Blalock ran 6:64. Simeon Dailey ran 23:15 in the 200, and 51:42 in the 400 meters. Braulio Florentino ran 55:50 in the 400 meters. The Girls Indoor Track team also ran at the Armory New York Invitational. Feyi Solanke and Ashley Pearce both ran 1:05 in the 400 meters.
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Financial Aid Workshop: Get FREE Expert Help!
January 26, 7:00-8:30 pm ~ Newark High School
FREE and Open to All CSD Students and Families
This free presentation will provide step-by-step instruction for completing the FAFSA, with actual screen shots from the FAFSA website. The goal is to familiarize students and their families with the FAFSA and provide them with answers to questions concerning the process. Don't miss this invaluable presentation with college funding expert Candace Kinard. Bring your questions!
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NHS PTSA Presents...A Preview of the Reality Tour (Attack Addiction)
Thursday, January 14, 6:30-8:30 pm
Addiction to alcohol and other drugs is the most pressing health and human rights crisis facing our country today, impacting more than 45 million Americans and is now the leading cause of preventable death - more than motor vehicle accidents. Fortunately, much can be done to turn the tide against addiction - in prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery, and research. Please join us for this important life impacting presentation to discuss these issues, for the students and their families of Newark High School and the Newark Community, on January 14, 2016. Please don't let this reality happen to your family, join us. [ more]
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Attention NHS Seniors: Sign Up Today for a FREE Individual FAFSA Appointment
February 12, 12:00-3:00 pm (During Parent Conferences)
Make an appointment (sign up sheet available in Room D001) for this FREE Individual FAFSA Appointment on February 12 from 12:00-3:00 p.m. (during Parent Conferences). [ Event Flyer]
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Newark High School Junior/Senior Prom
Friday, May 13, The Waterfall, Claymont DE
Early Bird Ticket Sales: January 11-22: $90; March 1-18: $95; April 4-15: $100
Help is needed from the juniors and parents on our next two fundraisers. Information will be given to students via ParentLink to assist in offsetting the costs.
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Sarah Pyle Academy Students Hold Toy Drive
to Benefit Children's Hospital
Sarah Pyle Academy (SPA) student Wendy Arroyo wanted to help the community during the holiday season and decided to organize a toy drive for the children's hospital. Wendy and advisory students Anthony Swarbrick and Brian Livingston created flyers to put around the school, provided information to all the advisory classes at SPA and collected toys. On December 16, the students delivered several boxes of new toys to the A.I. duPont Hospital for Children where the donations were added to the hospital's "workshop" where they will be distributed to patients throughout the year.
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News this Week from Specialized Programs
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Christina REACH Program Students Work Hard, Volunteer in the Community
The CSD REACH Program students work hard out in the community in many volunteer vocational opportunities. The REACH students, ages 14-21, go out into the community and volunteer at local businesses and animal shelters. With the opportunities given by the community, the students have learned new skills they will carry with them once they exit into a post-secondary agency. Special thanks to all of the local businesses who continue to support the Christina School District REACH students. All of your efforts are greatly appreciated! [ photo album]
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News this Week from Adult Education
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Register Now for Spring Continuing Education Classes
Registration Ends January 25, 2016
The Christina School District offers continuing education programs and classes through the Adult Education Office. Programs and classes include:
- Adult Dance, Music and Recreation
- Adult Exercise and Fitness
- Computer Classes for Adults
- English as a Second Language
- James H. Groves Adult High School
- and much more...
Click here for complete information on Spring 2016 Adult Continuing Education.
Learn more about Christina's Adult Education Programs.
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News this Week from Statewide Programs
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Parents as Teachers Activity Night: Pretend Play
Wednesday, January 20, 6:00-7:00 pm
Activities for children birth to age 5. (No babysitting services available). [ Event Flyer]
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Learn American Sign Language (ASL) at the Delaware School for the Deaf
Spring 2016 Family/Community ASL Class Registration Now Open!
Registration for the Spring 2016 American Sign Language (ASL) classes is now open! Classes will be held February 4, 11, 18 and 25; March 3, 10 and 17; or April 7, 14, and 21. Registration is open until February 1. [ more]
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CSD In The News
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Christina sets date, rate for tax referendum
Newark Post: January 13, 2016
Christina School District residents will go to the polls to vote on a tax increase again on March 23, less than a year after two failed tax referendums forced the district to cute more than $9 million from its budget. [more]
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Christina School Board approves new referendum request
WDEL 101.7FM: January 13, 2016
The Christina School Board passed date and amount for its next referendum request, calling for a $.30 tax increase per $100 of assessed property value, per household, to be voted on by residents on March 23, 2016. This marks the district's third attempt at a referendum in the past year to generate an additional $16.2 million and alleviate cuts to staff, materials, and supplies made in 2015. [more]
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Christina School District to try another referendum
Delaware Public Media, WDDE: January 13, 2016
For the third time in just over a year, the Christina School District will ask residents to approve a tax hike to help hire back teachers and pay school bills. [more]
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Delaware Boy Who Provides Healthy Food for Homeless Among First Lady's Guests for State of the Union
NBCPhiladelphia.com: January 11, 2016
A Delaware boy who started his own nonprofit to provide
healthy food to the homeless and poor will be one of First Lady Michelle Obama's guests during President Obama's final State of the Union address. [more]
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12-Year-Old Delaware Boy Guest of First Lady at
State of the Union Address
6abc.com: January 10, 2016
In 48 hours, Braeden Mannering will be heading with his mom, Christy, to Washington for the big event. In response to the announcement, Braeden tweeted Sunday morning, "Still pinching myself to make sure I'm not dreaming #SOTU #DreamBigger Thank you." [ more]
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Meet the 12-Year-Old Who Will Join the First Lady at the State of the Union
Time.com: January 10, 2016
On a typical Tuesday night, Braeden Mannering is tucked into bed by 9 p.m. His bedtime, he told TIME via telephone Saturday morning, is 8:30 p.m. on school nights and 30 minutes later on Fridays. But January 12 is no typical school night and at 9 p.m. his evening will be just getting started. On Tuesday, the Delaware sixth grader will attend the president's final State of the Union address as an invited guest of the First Lady. And though his mom, Christy, is worried he may do a little nodding off, there's a very slim chance he'll be sleeping when he's perched in the First Lady's box. [more]
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Christina officials lay out plans for another referendum
Newark Post: January 7, 2016
Christina School District officials are preparing once again to ask voters to authorize a tax increase, less than a year after two failed tax referendums forced the district to cut more than $9 million from its budget. [more]
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News this Week from Community Partners
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Latin American Community Center Seeks Nominations for Hispanic Student Recognition Program
Please join the Latin American Community Center (LACC) in its 36th year celebrating the successes, triumphs, and contributions of Hispanic students in Delaware. LACC is delighted to showcase the best of the best during its annual Hispanic Student Recognition Program (HSRP). The HSRP ceremony will take place Saturday, April 9, 2016. Nominations will be accepted until Wednesday, March 9. [more]
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Service Academy Information Night for Students, Parents, and Educators
Wednesday, February 17 ~ 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Delaware Technical Community College, Dover Campus
U.S. Senator Tom Carper will host an information session for students, parents, teachers and counselors who are interested in attending a Service Academy after high school. This FREE information session will be held on Wednesday, February 17 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Delaware Technical Community College's Dover Campus. On hand will be representatives from the Congressional Delegation offices, United State Naval Academy, United State Air Force Academy, United States Merchant Marine Academy, United States Military Academy, United States Coast Guard Academy, Delaware National Guard, U.S. Navy, Air Force and Army R.O.T.C. programs as well as other organizations.
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5th Annual Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition
Registration Closes January 25
The Delaware Division of the Arts and the National Arts Program presents the 5th Annual Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition. This program is designed to give Delaware state employees and their families, at any skill level, a unique opportunity to exhibit their artwork and to compete for cash prizes. [ more]
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Community Camp Fair at Tower Hill School
Thursday, February 4, 2016 ~ 3:30 pm-7:00 pm
Tower Hill School Field House, Rising Sun Lane, Wilmington, DE
FREE admission * FREE parking * OPEN to the Public
Information on over 100 day and overnight camps.
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Calendar Reminders
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- 6:00-8:00 pm: CSD Special Services Presents: Social Security Benefits, Shue-Medill Middle School, 1500 Capitol Trail, Newark, DE 19711 [more]
Friday, January 15
- 3rd Annual Parents Make a Difference Day [more]
Monday, January 18
- PK-12 SCHOOLS & OFFICES CLOSED - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Tuesday, January 19 - Friday, January 22
- High School Exams, Early Dismissal (High Schools Only)
Wednesday, January 20
- 6:00-7:00 pm: Parents as Teachers Activity Night: Pretend Play, Christina Early Education Center (CEEC), 620 E. Chestnut Hill Road, Newark, DE 19713
Tuesday, January 26
- 7:00-8:30 pm: Financial Aid Workshop: Get FREE Expert Help!, Newark High School, 750 E. Delaware Avenue, Newark, DE 19711 - FREE and Open to the Public [more]
Friday, January 29
- PK-12 SCHOOLS CLOSED, Professional Development (Offices Open)
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