State school board sets virtual meeting Monday to discuss virus
DOVER — As school boards across the state determine new academic calendars, the state school board will meet virtually at 5 p.m. Monday to discuss COVID-19’s impact on public and charter schools throughout Delaware. The board plans to discuss updates from the Delaware Department of Education regarding the coronavirus. On the agenda is a discussion […]
We Can Week goes online in Smyrna
SMYRNA — This year was supposed to be the biggest iteration of the New York-based singer Jesse Ruben’s community service program, We Can Project, for the Smyrna School District yet. Like many other things this past month, however, it was postponed as a safety measure due to COVID-19. Despite that, organizers wanted the show to […]
Speak Out: Schools to close through May 15
Gov. John Carney Monday ordered all public schools to close through May 15 in response to COVID-19. That directive extends his original two-week closure that would have ended March 27. In his announcement, Gov. Carney said schools will work with their staffs to create remote instruction plans so students can continue learning. • Schools will […]
School districts gearing to keep students connected to learning
With school out across Delaware until mid-May, school districts are launching ways to keep students in learning mode while not in classrooms. Gov. John Carney Monday extended the existing two-week school closure, set to expire March 27, to May 15 to limit the spread of COVID-19. That decision followed his Sunday mandate that non-essential businesses […]
Commentary: Reading to kids easiest way to boost literacy
By James Spadola During these stressful times with closed schools, parents and caregivers can do something very simple to ensure their childrens’ continued educational development: Read aloud to them one-on-one! Not only does reading aloud one-on-one help build a bond between the child and adult, it helps teach the child to empathize, instill a desire […]
Letter to the Editor: Don’t leave out student loans
While listening to all the concerns about the financial crisis, I have yet to hear about the repayment of student loans. Many recent graduates obtained good employment and are paying on a variety of student loans. Now many are being laid off and find themselves facing a severe financial crisis. Will student loan “giants” like […]
Therapy dogs add comfort for students at Delaware schools
BRIDGEVILLE — Sam loves coming to work at Woodbridge Middle School, principal Tara Downes said — “and the kids truly love seeing him,” she added. Sam, an 11-year-old golden retriever, recently joined the school as a therapy dog. “The students are always asking for him. They have said that he lifts their spirits, and he […]
Maryland public school closure extended four weeks
CAMBRIDGE, Md. — Superintendent of Maryland Public Schools Dr. Karen Salmon announced Wednesday morning that schools will remain closed for an additional four weeks, until at least April 24. The original shutdown, tentatively set to expire Friday, was declared in response to the spread of COVID-19. “It is too early to say when schools will […]
Sussex Tech, other school districts donating medical supplies to combat virus
GEORGETOWN — School districts are stepping to the plate to help Delaware’s health care workers battle the coronavirus. Sussex Technical School District announced Tuesday it has donated extra medical supplies and protective equipment to staff at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in Seaford and Beebe Healthcare in Lewes. “In this fight, everyone has to do their part. […]
Commentary: Screen time and your child’s digital health
By Joey Melvin With the closure of schools across the United States, students will have some unexpected free time for weeks to come. Thousands of parents are now grappling with the question of how that time should be best filled. I’m a School Resource Officer (SRO), not a physician, but understanding the development of the […]