Red Clay Now

DOE Provide Answers to Questions About Flexibility Waiver

2012-01-26T07:45:00.001-05:00

http://www.doe.k12.de.us/infosuites/ddoe/eseafaq.pdf

Audio Available On All Red Clay School Board Meetings

2011-12-10T08:35:00.003-05:00

Click on the below link, this will take you to Red Clay's site. Click on the audio link, in red under each month, to hear the monthly board meetings.

http://www.redclay.k12.de.us/boardmeetings1112/boardmeetings1112index.shtml

Frequently Asked Questions About the Upcoming Referendum

2011-12-10T08:16:00.004-05:00

Why was the Graves Road property not used when North Star was built?
At the time, the site did not have sewer service.

Why aren’t you building a bigger school?
We believe that 600 students is a good size for an elementary school and the CN was approved based on our student counts.

When would the school be open?
Final timeline will be developed upon successful referendum, but likely August 2015.

What happens if it doesn’t pass?
Adjust feeder patterns at elementary schools, reconsider BSS K-8, remove programs at city schools (Pre-K, Parent Centers, Boost Up, Small Class Size).

Will there be enough middle school capacity for the elementary students?
The middle schools don’t currently have the significant overcrowding that we see in our elementary schools. We believe that the additional options available to middle school students will prevent us from an overcrowding problem at middle school.

Why are you building a school when the overcrowding is a result of choice?
The overcrowding is not a result of choice. We have closed choice to our most overcrowded schools and the enrollment has still increased. We have parents who utilize choice at all of our elementary schools. Some of our choice is a result of NCLB required choice options.

Why are you not proposing new feeder patterns?
Adjusting feeder patterns is disruptive to schools and communities.

What is being done about Highlands which is equally overcrowded?
We have been working with some engineers to look at possible options to provide additional classroom space at Highlands. We will work with the Highlands community as we have options to consider.

What neighborhoods will go to the new school?
It would be premature to look at feeder patterns at this point. Once funding for a new school is secured, we will invite community members to work on the most appropriate feeder patterns. The goal would be to decrease the overcrowding at our most crowded schools.

Can’t you fix the problem by adjusting choice?
Although the number of In District and Out of District students has significantly decreased, there are still many parents who utilize the state Choice law for their students.

Choice is not just at our three most overcrowded elementary schools. As examples, Richardson Park (81) has as many choice students as Linden Hill (80) Marbrook (128) has more than North Star (89)

Will these projects be doing anything to help Red Clay be more environmentally friendly?
Yes. We believe that it’s critical that we are good stewards of the environment and set an example for our students. We hope that we will be able to build the new school to the LEED certification. In addition, many of the renovations will replace equipment with much more energy efficient equipment. We will also be replacing a number of roofs. This will enable us to explore additional solar projects. We are also looking to leveraging the referendum projects with some additional energy efficiency measures to make our buildings more energy efficient – thus saving energy as well as money.

Information On the Upcoming Referendum

2011-12-10T08:12:00.002-05:00

Visit the RedClayVote.org website, by clicking the above link.

Board of Education Meeting

2011-12-10T08:09:00.002-05:00

The next Board of Education meeting will be held on December 14, 2011 at 7:00 pm at Brandywine Springs School.

Click below to review the agenda.
http://www.redclay.k12.de.us/boardmeetings1112/121411.pdf

Choice is Now Open

2011-11-04T08:05:00.002-04:00

If you are planning on choicing your child for the 2012-2013 school year, you can choice between November 1, 2011 to January 11, 2012 at 4:30 pm. For Conrad Schools of Science and Cab Calloway School of the Arts, you must fill out a choice application and a school's application. If your child is already enrolled at Conrad and Cab for middle school and your child is going into 9th grade and he/she would like to continue to attend Conrad or Cab, you MUST again submit a choice application for your child. They are NOT automatically enrolled. Please click on the links below for more information or to fill out your on-line choice applications, included are the choice open house dates. Please feel free to send me your choice questions.

Choice Information
http://www.redclay.k12.de.us/pschoice/choiceindex.shtml

Choice Open House Dates
http://www.redclay.k12.de.us/calendars/Cals1112/ChoiceOpenHouse.pdf

Here is a link to Conrad Schools of Science choice information.
http://www.edline.net/pages/RCConrad/Admissions_Process

Here is a link to Cab Calloway School of the Arts
http://www.cabcallowayschool.org/application_process/

November 16th Board Meeting

2011-11-04T07:52:00.001-04:00

Next Board of Education meeting Public Hearing on Class Size Waiver will be held on November 16, 2011. The Public Hearing will begin at 6:30 pm and the Regular Session will begin at 7:00. The location of the meeting will be at Brandywine Springs School.

Family Resource Fair

2011-11-04T07:51:00.003-04:00

The Family Resource Fair will be held on Saturday, November 19th from 10 until 1 at Dickinson High School. Below is a link with more information.

http://www.redclay.k12.de.us/news1112/pdf/FRFflyerballoon.pdf

Bill Cosby Visits Red Clay Students

2011-10-27T08:58:00.002-04:00

Bill Cosby spoke yesterday to 10th grade Red Clay students about the importance of staying in school and earning a high school diploma. At the end, the students were able to ask Mr. Cosby questions. One student asked Mr. Cosby how many children did he have. Mr. Cosby went on to explain how his son had been murder while changing a flat tire. It was an excellent presentation. Mr. Cosby spent the afternoon over at AI Middle School. He truly is a remarkable man.

Click below to read the Delaware Online article.
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20111027/NEWS03/110270342/Funnyman-Cosby-gets-serious-about-education

Parents, You Need to Watch This Video

2011-10-25T09:34:00.001-04:00

Click on the link below to watch video.
http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/29384556/index.html

No Computers at This School

2011-10-23T18:52:00.002-04:00

Click on the link below to read the New York Time article.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/23/technology/at-waldorf-school-in-silicon-valley-technology-can-wait.html?_r=1&ref=education

Thoughts and Prayers Go Out to Anthony Skoutelas Family, Friends, and the students and staff at Odyssey Charter School

2011-10-23T18:44:00.004-04:00

Anthony Skoutelas died after a 4 month battle with cancer. Mr. Skoutelas helped found Odyssey Charter School. To read the entire article, click on the link below.

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20111023/NEWS03/110230346/Headmaster-Greek-focused-school-dies-47

Will Red Lion Close?

2011-10-22T10:05:00.002-04:00

Between declining enrollment, struggling to pay a debt and some recent financial choices, Red Lion Academy is in danger of closing. Remember, Red Lion was also involved in a recent controversy about the school violating state athletic rules which resulted in a investigation by the DIAA (Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association). To read more, click on the link below.

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20111021/NEWS/110210334/Red-Lion-Academy-danger-closing

First Marking Period Will Be Ending Soon, Check Your Child's HAC Account

2011-10-20T08:30:00.005-04:00

The first marking will be ending on November 4th. Please check your child's HAC account (Home Access Center) grades 4 to 12 to see if they need to makeup work. HAC is a way to stay up-to-date on your child's grades, classwork, and homework. If you do not know your user name and password, call the school's main office and they will be able to help you. Make it a favorite on computer and get into the habit of checking it every day, just like you check your Facebook account every day. This is such a useful tool.

Below is a link to the district's website pertaining to HAC.
http://www.redclay.k12.de.us/pshac/hacindex.shtml

Below is a link to HAC.
https://hac.doe.k12.de.us/homeaccess/

RCPAC Meeting - October 24th

2011-10-20T08:25:00.002-04:00

RCPAC meeting will be held on October 24, 2011, at Shortlidge Academy in their library. The address is 100 West 18th Street, Wilmington, Delaware. The meeting is from 6:00 until 7:30. Dinner and child care supervision is provided.

Below is a link to the RCPAC agenda for the evening.
http://www.redclay.k12.de.us/pscgpa/Meetings/agendas/AgendaOct24.pdf

Red Clay School Board Approves Referendum for February 28th

2011-10-20T08:10:00.003-04:00

Click on the link below to view a board presentation about the upcoming referendum. The board voted 6 to 0 last night to approve a referendum which would bring many needed upgrades and repairs to our schools and also to build a new school on Graves Road.

http://www.boarddocs.com/de/rccsd/Board.nsf/files/8MSTLX715146/$file/Building%20a%20strong%20foundation%20101911.pdf

5th Grade Smyrna Teacher Amber Augustus is the State's Teacher of the Year

2011-10-18T22:33:00.002-04:00

To read the Delaware Online article, click the link below.

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20111018/NEWS03/111018075/Smyrna-educator-state-s-Teacher-Year?odyssey=modbreakingtextHome

Modeling Schools After Google's 80/20 Innovation Model

2011-10-18T06:30:00.000-04:00

Designing Schools to Engage and Drive Learning
Written by Eric Sheninger,Principal at New Milford High School
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eric-sheninger/designing-schools-to-enga_b_1003868.html

Could schools be modeled after Google's 80/20 Innovation Model and would it work?

Click on the link below to read about Google's 80/20 Innovation Model>
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/21/jobs/21pre.html?_r=1

Listen to Jenny Dennis, a Senior at Dickinson High School

2011-10-17T13:56:00.003-04:00

After reading the article on the Athlete Profile, Jenny Dennis written by Chris Stevens, Staff Writer for the Community News, I really wanted to point out one of the questions that was asked to Jenny and her answer to the question.

Q What do you like about attending Dickinson?

A That's not a hard question at all. Waking up every morning knowing I’m going to a school where the teachers love to teach, are there for their students whenever is just a comforting feeling. We're a small school so everybody knows everyone, there is no drama. We have our slow days but then we have those fast days where we all ask at the end of the day, “It’s already 2:30?” -- like we don't want to go home. Dickinson to me is just an all-around good school, Mr. Murphy is a great principal that has turned the school around in an amazing way! You know, people say bad things about my school but it's such a loving, warm place where teachers enjoy going to work every day and students enjoy going to school every day. It's just reassuring knowing that they are there for me.

You know the old saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover!"

Dickinson High School Volleyball Team’s 5-3 Start This Season

2011-10-17T12:03:00.004-04:00

Click below the link to read a Q&A with Jenny Dennis a senior at Dickinson High School.

By Chris Stevens, Staff Writer
Community News

http://www.communitypub.com/topstories/x940613113/Athlete-Profile-Jenny-Dennis

What Are Your Thoughts About a Major Capital Referendum in Red Clay?

2011-10-17T08:34:00.002-04:00

Click on the below link to view a district presentation about the need for a referendum.
http://www.boarddocs.com/de/rccsd/Board.nsf/files/8LUMSC5C79F2/$file/Building%20a%20strong%20foundation%20081711.pdf

New Underage Drinking Trend: “Drunk” Gummy Bears | Parenting Advice

2011-10-16T21:14:00.002-04:00

Click on the link below to read.
New Underage Drinking Trend: “Drunk” Gummy Bears Parenting Advice

Thank you to Darnell for sending this info to Red Clay Now.

Children Must be Able to Read

2011-10-13T08:08:00.009-04:00

Click below to read the Delaware Online article.
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20111010/NEWS03/110100321/Teacher-ratings-linked-tests-first-time

I usually go to Delaware Online in the morning and view the Education articles. Once in a while, I will look at the comments people leave and when you read their comments they come off as being really angry and bitter. I believe it is more of a frustration they are feeling about our educational system and everything associated with it today. Every day, you hear and see words being used like Race to the Top, Partnership Zone, Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP), Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), Delaware Comprehensive Assessment System (DCAS), Data Coaches, Leadership Coaches, Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), and this list could go on. What do you see in the list of words that the state and districts use everyday now? I see testing and more testing. I see ideas that have been started with very limited funds and then I think what is going to happen when these funds go away. I think of the financial stress it will put on our districts, districts who already feel the state's budget cuts, Red Clay's cuts are in the millions. These cuts were funded by the state of Delaware and now have been left for our local taxpayers to fund or for the districts to cut out of their school budgets. I see coaches and all I think of is more money being wasted instead of going in to classrooms. What don't you see? You do not see the important words like students, children, reading, learning, or teaching.

Below is a comment that was left today on Delaware Online. It is labeled middleschoolteacher
posted at 4:55 AM on October 10, 2011. You can read the entire comment online, but I wanted to point out something that this commentor said and I have asked this question over and over.

Little "Johnny" came to our school system several years ago with a very limited vocabulary. He had rarely been read to as a child...did not know basic things like colors or shapes, but was tossed into a mix with kids who had 200 more vocabulary words than he.

Fast forward 5 or 6 years....

Johnny hasn't been to school a few days this week. He is now reading 3-4 grades below level and when he does come to school he cannot stay up with his classmates. His home life is awful which is why he never does any work outside school. He is frustrated in class because he doesn't understand the resources we use, is far behind, and cannot stay after to get the help volunteered to him. Despite this, he has been promoted year after year......

Why do we promote year after year when a child cannot read? How can we promote year after year when a third grader cannot read? What do you think will happen to this child? Will this child behave in class not being able to read? Will this child want to come to school or be on time to school when he or she cannot read? Will this child turn in homework or do classwork when he or she cannot read? Will this child be able to receive a 3 on DCAS if he or she cannot read? These children must be able to read in order to be successful. We must tell them about all the wonderful things that can and will happen to them if they stay in school and learn, but they must be able to read. We cannot afford to keep passing children who have not mastered reading. Reading is the one and only thing that will determine if a child is successful in school and will determine the rest of his or her life. If a child can read early on, a lot of the other problems will go away, not all, but a lot. If we really knew the amount of children who are sitting in classrooms today and cannot read or are two plus years below grade level, I think we all would be surprised. I believe reading is the key word here and until we start making sure every child can read on grade level by third grade nothing will change. Just my opinion.

Red Clay Teacher of the Year Dinner

2011-10-12T21:37:00.003-04:00

Tonight, I attended the Red Clay Teacher of the Year dinner, what a wonderful event. The room was filled with dedicated and outstanding teachers from every school in our district. Congratulations to Sally Fraticelli, Red Clay's 2011 Teacher of the Year. To read more about Sally, please click on the link below.

http://www.redclay.k12.de.us/news1011/051611toy.shtml

Listen to John Young, a Christina Board Member, Speaking About the Partnership Zone on WDEL

2011-10-12T15:00:00.003-04:00

http://www.wdel.com/features/2011-10-10YoungBayard.mp3

Top 10 SAT and ACT Test-Taking Tips

2011-10-12T14:51:00.001-04:00

Click on the link below to read Family Education.com article.
http://school.familyeducation.com/college-tests/college-tests/37684.html

What Happens Next Year If Warner is Selected to be Placed in the Partnership Zone?

2011-10-11T12:14:00.006-04:00

Click on link below to view Delaware Online article.
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20111011/NEWS03/110110334/Bayard-Middle-School-chosen-reform-by-mistake-state-says

I just want to point out one part of the article, "State law gives Lowery the power to bypass the ranking system's order and pick which schools she wants in the Partnership Zone. But until now, schools were placed in the Partnership Zone based only on test score data.

For example, Warner Elementary, a Red Clay Consolidated school, was next on the list. However, Lowery opted to skip it, saying the district already has three schools in the Partnership Zone and adding a fourth would be too cumbersome for the district's staff."

I find all of this very fascinating. Dr. Lowery decides to skip over the next school in line, Warner, why? Because it would be too cumbersome for Red Clay staff. One person gets to decide to bypass the ranking system's order and pick which school she wants in the Partnership Zone. Oh, and then next year when the state decides again which schools will be placed in the Partnership Zone, it could be Warner. Guess what, there will be no money left. Last year the schools that were selected received about $700,000 and this year's schools selected will receive about $200,000 to $300,000 and next year zero dollars. So if Warner is picked next year, no money will follow, Red Clay will have to foot the bill. Amazing!

Bayard Middle School no longer in the Partnership Zone

2011-10-10T11:24:00.001-04:00

Click on the below link to read.
http://blogs.delawareonline.com/delawareed/2011/10/bayard-middle-school-no-longer-in-the-partnership-zone/

The Secrets of a Principal Who Makes Things Work

2011-10-05T12:23:00.000-04:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/26/nyregion/the-secrets-of-a-good-principal.html?_r=2&src=me&ref=general

Board of Education Workshop

2011-10-05T06:30:00.001-04:00

There will be a Board of Education Workshop on Thursday, October 13, 2011 starting at 5:00 p.m. at the District office, 1502 Spruce Avenue, Wilmington.

Presentations: Curriculum Council and Partnership Zone School Plans (Lewis, Marbrook, Stanton)

AI High School Community Day October 8th

2011-10-03T17:26:00.005-04:00

Please join us and help the National Honor Society raise money for Cystic Fibrosis Research. The National Honor Society is also hosting a Community Day on October 8th from 2-5. Details can be obtained from Terri Pruitt, National Honor Society Advisor.

Saturday, October 8, 2010 from 2:00 – 5:00 PM
LOCATION: A.I. du Pont High School, sports fields and back lots

Featuring:

LIVE ROCK BANDS battling for the title of the Community Day Best Band
DJ Mike
Drinks donated by WaWa
Soft Pretzels donated by Philly Soft Pretzel, Co.
Products donated by Coca‐Cola
Food donated by Moe’s
Water Ice donated by Rita’s
Sponsored by Wilmington University
Moon bounce
Kids’ games and prizes
Kids’ activities (including face painting, hand print making, cookie decorating, and tattooing)
BPA booth and kids’ games
CAR WASH!! Hosted by the PTSA from 12‐3
Ramsey Farms display and contests
Ashland Nature Center booth
Performance Area: Missing Link (break dancers), AIHS poms, silks, twirlers, cheerleaders
Dance‐off competition
Mini soccer, softball, wrestling, baseball, basketball, volleyball, and lacrosse clinics (offered by AI sports teams)
Project Unify booth
Mini dance and cheer lessons
50/50 raffle
Silent Auction (including boxed Hall of Fame seats to a 2012 Phillie's game, a front lot parking spot for a student, and Ramsey’s Farms admission tickets)
National PTSA booth promoting CCSS
Smart Drive tailgate and demonstrations
Accent Music booth
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation booth
Thunder Six Batting Cages
Pizza donated by Season's Pizza

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond. Since 1955, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been the driving force behind the pursuit of a cure.

Please contact Terri Pruitt with ideas or to volunteer at 651-2626 or terri.pruitt@redclay.k12.de.us

Delaware High School Rankings

2011-10-02T14:14:00.001-04:00

Click on the link below to see where your child's high school ranks.
http://www.schooldigger.com/go/DE/schoolrank.aspx?level=3

Admitting More Red Clay Students to Cab Calloway

2011-09-30T06:30:00.001-04:00

Below is a link to Kilroy's post about choice programs in Red Clay.

http://kilroysdelaware.wordpress.com/2011/09/29/red-clay-choice-program-can-exclude-in-district-students-over-out-of-district-students/

For the last year, I have been arguing the point of the district accepting more Red Clay students to Cab Calloway School of the Arts. Cab is a Red Clay Magnet School and Cab Calloway's middle school should be filled with Red Clay students. Cab's Mission Statement for middle school states the following: To provide a quality education to those who have a desire to explore the creative and performing arts. For those who have a desire to explore, the word desire means to wish for the word explore means to travel in or through, an unfamiliar area in order to learn about or familiarize oneself with it. I would say if a Red Clay student has a desire to explore the arts, according to Cab's mission statement, Red Clay students should have the first opportunity to explore the arts at Cab Calloway before an out of district student.

Last year's choice numbers were 417 Red Clay students and 413 out of district students, 50% of the students at Cab were out of district students. Why?

What+NCLB+Flexibility+Means+for+You

2011-09-29T16:02:00.001-04:00

Click the above title to read the article.

Obama Administration Offers Flexibility from No Child Left Behind

2011-09-29T16:01:00.001-04:00

Click the above title to read the article.

NCLB Reprieve is Worth Celebrating

2011-09-26T13:50:00.004-04:00

Information provided by Delaware Online. To read the Delaware Online article click on the below link.

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20110926/OPINION11/109260318/NCLB-reprieve-worth-celebrating

Below in red is part of a comment which was left by a Delaware Online reader and I found the comment interesting. The commenter states "restricting those programs, as Red Clay is doing to in-district students, is hurting Red Clay and the schools involved. When a school has available space and students are not allowed to attend that school, there is something wrong at the policy-making level." The commenter full comment is below.

The problem is there is no space in these schools which are closed to choice. I would suggest having a conversation with a feeder parent or a teacher who teaches in a closed choice school and ask them if they think their schools are hurting because of our decision to close choice to their schools. I would say the feeder parents and teachers would agree with the board's decision. There are only so many seats available, only so many classrooms available.

What is the point of this article? Is it to say that Red Clay is the only district offering what parents want for their children's education?

If so, you should know that Red Clay's Choice, Charter, and Magnet programs are what parents and students want.

RESTRICTING those programs, as Red Clay is doing to IN-DISTRICT students, is hurting Red Clay and the schools involved. When a school has available space and students are not allowed to attend that school, there is something wrong at the policy-making level. This has absolutely nothing to do with NCLB!!!

This should be the big news for parents in Red Clay, especially parents who want to exercise those options in the future

Three Partnership Zone Schools Selected in Red Clay

2011-09-26T09:05:00.001-04:00

At our September Red Clay School Board meeting, DOE School Turnaround Unit (STU) spoke about the Partnership Zone (PZ). Below is a link to the Delaware Turnaround website if you would like to read more about Partnership Zone. Three Red Clay Schools were selected this year, Lewis Elementary, Marbrook Elementary and Stanton Middle. Last year the state provided $700,000 to each PZ school, this year each school will ONLY receive about $200,000 to $300,000 and next year each PZ school selected will receive NO MONEY. If a school board decides to vote against the PZ the state could/would take over the selected schools. The state is giving the districts 120 days to come up with a plan, not enough time in my opinion. Once the plan is approved, the districts will have this year as a planning year and then the schools must make AYP during the 2014 school year. If these schools make AYP this year or next year, that would be wonderful, but all PZ schools selected this year must make AYP during the 2014 school year in order to be turned around and released.

http://www.deturnaround.org/

DEDOE Lowery to Join Duncan, Cerf for Press Call on No Child Left Behind Reform [Delaware Department of Education]

2011-09-25T13:19:00.005-04:00

WASHINGTON – In an effort to support local and state education reform across America, the White House today outlined how states can get relief from provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act – or No Child Left Behind (NCLB) – in exchange for serious state-led efforts to close achievement gaps, promote rigorous accountability, and ensure that all students are on track to graduate college- and career-ready.

States can request flexibility from specific NCLB mandates that are stifling reform, but only if they are transitioning students, teachers, and schools to a system aligned with college- and career-ready standards for all students, developing differentiated accountability systems, and undertaking reforms to support effective classroom instruction and school leadership.

“To help states, districts and schools that are ready to move forward with education reform, our administration will provide flexibility from the law in exchange for a real commitment to undertake change. The purpose is not to give states and districts a reprieve from accountability, but rather to unleash energy to improve our schools at the local level,” President Obama said.

Release of this package comes nearly a decade after NCLB became law, and four years after it was due to be rewritten by Congress. NCLB shined light on achievement gaps and increased accountability for high-need students, but it also encouraged states to lower standards and narrow curriculum, focused on absolute test scores instead of student growth and gains, and created one-size-fits-all federal mandates.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan said, "We want to get out of the way and give states and districts flexibility to develop locally-tailored solutions to their educational challenges while protecting children and holding schools accountable for better preparing young people for college and careers."

In recent months, states have led a “quiet revolution” to move beyond NCLB’s vision. States have taken the lead in pursuing reform and innovations, including widespread adoption of college- and career-ready standards, development of new assessments, and other reforms in areas including teacher and principal evaluation and support, and turning around low-performing schools.

The ESEA flexibility package announced today, developed with input from chief state school officers from 45 states, will spur momentum across America to implement a new educational system aligned to college- and career- readiness, even as the more comprehensive reforms outlined in the President’s Blueprint for Reform await Congressional reauthorization of the ESEA.

This flexibility package was developed under the waiver authority explicitly granted to the U.S. Department of Education under the ESEA, and has been exercised under the previous Administration. The flexibility will begin to have an impact during the 2011-2012 school year and will have increasing impact in subsequent years.

Information provided by Delaware DOE's website.
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Red Clay Now Reopens

2011-09-22T13:03:00.003-04:00

I will be posting information here on Red Clay Now. I will try to post information as often as I can, but I am extremely busy, like everyone these days. There is so much going on in the district and I would like to share it with you. Please do not come on this site and use foul language or talk about anyone, I am not running a gossip blog.

I love being on the board it is extremely rewarding and can be extremely busy. On Monday, I attended Dickinson's Open House; Dickinson just defeated Conrad Schools of Science in a rival football game. Tuesday, I attended Baltz Open House which was well attended by parents and students. Wednesday was our Board Meeting at Warner Elementary School. Tonight, I am attending a Partnership Zone School informational meeting for staff and then I will attend Mote Elementary School Open House.

I am glad to be back to hope some of my old followers will be back posting as well.

Red Clay Parent Advisory Council

2011-09-22T12:32:00.008-04:00

The Red Clay Parent Advisory Council (RCPAC) will be held on September 26 at Stanton Middle School in the cafeteria from 6:00 until 7:30. Stanton is located at 1800 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Delaware. The council is always looking for parents to participate. Monthly RCPAC meetings serve as a link between parents, schools and the school district. RCPAC members make recommendations concerning parent involvement, communication issues and support initiatives to improve student achievement in all schools. For more information contact your school principal or Chris Miller, district parent involvement liaison at christine.miller@redclay.k12.de.us or 552-3815.

Click above title for more information.

Thank You to All Red Clay Now Readers

2010-07-19T13:10:00.006-04:00

My family and I just got back from Daytona Beach and Disney World. This was my kids first trip to Disney World and Daytona Beach. The water in Daytona was so clear and just as warm as the hotel's pool. My husband and I celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary at Disney World. He proposed to me at Daytona Beach 16 years ago and we eloped in Key West. We took the kids to the spot where he proposed to me. We had great weather and a wonderful time. Being on vacation, I started to think about how much time I give to the blog, volunteering at my children's schools, and the time I spend on various school board committees, visiting schools and attending various school functions. I came to the conclusion that I need to give some things up and to spend more time with my family. I have decided to stop blogging. I appreciate every one's support over the last few years, starting with Fix Red Clay and ending with Red Clay Now. I feel the district is moving in the right direction and hopefully will continue moving forward. If you would like to contact me, you can email me at kim.williams@redclay.k12.de.us which is my board email address. Thanks again to everyone.

Kim

Board Meeting, Wednesday August 18th at Warner Elementary School

2010-07-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

Next Board Policy Review Committee Meeting Will Be Held on August 25th

2010-07-14T06:00:00.001-04:00

The next Board Policy Review Committee Meeting will be held on August 25th at Linden Park at 5:30 pm. There will be no July meeting.

To view policies under review, click on the link below.
http://www.redclay.k12.de.us/boardprc/prcreview.shtml

Visit Delaware Children's Theatre

2010-07-13T06:00:00.001-04:00

Next Season: Our opening show will be the acclaimed "Annie"
Annie will run from October 17th through November 7th, 2010.
For information or to purchase tickets, please call the theatre at 302.655.1014.

Click on the link below for more information.
http://www.dechildrenstheatre.org/

Librarians Nurture Students’ Passions

2010-07-12T06:00:00.005-04:00

Information provided by Ed.gov.

In his remarks to about 75 leading members of the American Association of School Librarians on Monday, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan identified libraries as often being “at the heart” of school success stories.

“Libraries are integral to helping kids figure out what that big world looks like. You (librarians) help people find their passions,” Arne said, jokingly bringing up the seemingly endless supply of books about snakes that his son brings home from school, much to his wife’s chagrin.

Secretary Duncan spoke to school librarians June 28.

The Secretary pointed to the Obama administration’s support for libraries and librarians through a proposed $450 million fund for literacy under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. States and school districts could apply that money toward library services and other uses that improve student literacy. This larger, broader fund would replace an existing $19 million fund expressly for school libraries.

The proposed literacy fund, along with the Department’s Race to the Top and Investing in Innovation (i3) programs, intentionally allow for greater spending flexibility at the state and local level, but AASL’s incoming president expressed concern that school libraries were not explicitly named components of these grant programs.

“If we’re not on the roster, we can’t get into the game,” Nancy Everhart said, employing a sports metaphor with the basketball-playing secretary.

With the Department’s shift toward more flexible, and less narrowly defined, funding, Duncan encouraged librarians to advocate for a seat at the table when states and school districts apportion their budgets, including the money they receive from the federal government.

“We want our money to follow your successes,” Duncan said, assuring the crowd that, “we don’t want to fund things that might just feel nice or look good.” He acknowledged the role that school libraries can have in transforming “pockets of excellence” into “systems of excellence.”

Leaders of the American Association of School Librarians were among 20,000 librarians gathered in Washington, D.C., for the American Library Association's annual conference.

Responding to a question about the best way to identify and convey exemplary library programs to the public, Duncan encouraged the school librarians to keep lines of communication open with both the Department and their association’s parent organization, the American Library Association (ALA), which convened about 20,000 librarians in Washington, D.C., this week. Confident that the best ideas in education will come from the local level, Arne assured the audience that the Department will continue to take its cues from successful schools, and will work with librarians to shine a spotlight on what works.

In addition to Arne’s appearance, members of the Department’s outreach staff and librarians from the National Library of Education were on hand in the ALA conference’s exhibit hall to answer questions about the federal education agenda and distribute Department publications.

Mallory Easton
Office of Communications & Outreach

Red Clay Now Will Be Returning on July 19th

2010-07-12T06:00:00.001-04:00

A few posts will be posted during this time.

Teach For America: A Review of the Evidence

2010-07-09T06:00:00.004-04:00

Click on the link below to read an independent review on Teach for America.
http://www.greatlakescenter.org/docs/Policy_Briefs/Heilig_TeachForAmerica.pdf

A New Look at Teach for America and the High Costs Involved

2010-07-09T06:00:00.001-04:00

Information provided by EducationNews.org

Here's a new look at the independent research on the effectiveness of Teach for America teachers. Around the country today thousands of young Teach for America recruits are getting a crash course in how to teach students in low-income urban and rural schools, a job they have promised to do for the next two years.

The recruits are recent graduates from elite colleges, most of whom do not have a background in education, and they have been the subject of a running debate about how well they can serve needy schoolchildren.

Teach for America began in 1990 with 500 teachers in six communities and has grown to more than 8,200 individuals teaching in 39 rural and urban areas, including the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, the Mississippi Delta, and the Washington D.C. region.

Following are highlights of a new review of independent research evidence on the program, an analysis conducted by Assistant Professor Julian Vasquez Heilig of the University of Texas at Austin and Assistant Professor Su Jin Jez of California State University at Sacramento.

They conclude:
*More than 50 percent of Teach for America teachers leave after two years and more than 80 percent leave after three years. [About half of all teachers nationwide quit after five years, according to the National Education Association.]
-Teach for America proponents say that the program is aimed not only at supplying teachers to needy schools but also improving the teacher labor supply and shaping individuals who will care about education in their future jobs on Wall Street, in Washington, or elsewhere outside the classroom.

Click here to read the entire Washington Post article.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/teachers/a-new-look-at-teach-for-americ.html

Red Clay School District Tax Rate Fiscal Year 2011

2010-07-08T09:32:00.004-04:00

Cick on the link below to view last night's board presentation.
http://www.redclay.k12.de.us/boardpresentations1011/PST070710fy11taxratejf.pdf

Martin Wilson and Cathy Thompson Were Sworn In at Last Night's Board Meeting

2010-07-08T09:30:00.002-04:00

Christina School Board Member Says He's Resigning

2010-07-08T09:23:00.001-04:00

Click on the title above to read the Delaware Online article.

Jack Buckley Will Remain Red Clay's Board President

2010-07-08T09:18:00.001-04:00

Last night the board elected Jack Buckley as president and Lee Davis as vice president.

Bill to Save Teachers' Jobs Would Slash Reform Programs

2010-07-08T06:00:00.001-04:00

Information provided by Education News.org.

ONLY A SMALL portion of the $100 billion the federal government directed to states in school stimulus spending funds last year was directly tied to reform. But even those relatively small amounts have had a sizable impact as states rushed to make needed changes to compete for Race to the Top dollars.

Yet Congress is considering taking precious dollars from this and other reform programs of the Obama administration to fund a suspect effort to preserve education jobs.

Rep. David R. Obey (D-Wis.), chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, wants to take money set aside for reform initiatives to help fund the $10 billion Keep Our Educators Working Act. To help come up with spending offsets to advance the long-stalled bill, Mr. Obey proposed cutting about $500 million from the $4.35 billion Race to the Top fund, $200 million from the Teacher Incentive Fund that supports creation of pay-for-performance programs and $100 million from the Charter Schools Program. The plan, unveiled Tuesday, set off howls of protests from advocates for education reform, who see it as major setback to their efforts. Mr. Obey, though, was unapologetic, telling us that reform is rendered meaningless when massive numbers of teachers are in danger of losing their jobs.

We have made no secret of our skepticism about this jobs bill -- as opposed, for example, to an extension of unemployment benefits, which Congress should approve without delay. The jobs bill's stimulative effect has been exaggerated, as has been the need for it. When the bill was first advanced, its advocates warned about looming layoffs of some 300,000 teachers. However, school districts across the country are finding other cost-cutting ways -- freezing pay, increasing class size, consolidating administrative functions -- to save jobs. Mostly, though, we were suspicious of throwing yet more money into stopgap measures to sustain an educational status quo that is not working. Why, for instance, would the federal government want to give additional funds to a system that blindly allows effective teachers to be laid off but keeps those who do poor work but have been on the job longer? Why wouldn't the federal government insist that any new federal money be conditioned on districts making reforms in how teachers are evaluated or compensated?

University of Delaware raises in-state tuition to $9,040 a year

2010-07-07T09:29:00.001-04:00

Information provided by ESTEBAN PARRA • The News Journal • July 7, 2010

The University of Delaware has raised tuition for the coming school year.

Tuition for in-state undergraduate students will rise by $500, bringing the annual in-state tuition cost to $9,040, the school announced Tuesday. Undergraduate students from outside Delaware will pay $2,000 more in annual tuition, a cost of $24,240.

To read the entire Delaware Online article, click on the link below.
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100707/NEWS03/7070341/1008/UD-raises-in-state-tuition-to--9-040

Are Changing Coming to the Christina School District?

2010-07-07T09:20:00.005-04:00

John Young and Elizabeth Scheinberg were both elected last year, Eric Anderson was sworn in last night, and Dr. John Mackenzie announced his resignation at last night's board meeting. Now the board will have to appoint a replacement for Dr. Machenzie's seat - are changes coming to Christina?

Eric Anderson Was Sworn In As Christina's Newest Board

2010-07-07T09:17:00.002-04:00

Information about Mr. Anderson was provided by Christina School District's website.

Mr. Eric M. Anderson is a native Delawarean and a graduate of William Penn High School and the University of Delaware. Mr. Anderson began his teaching career with the Christina School District, teaching math for five years at Christiana High School. In addition to teaching at Christiana, Mr. Anderson was also a varsity soccer coach for the Glasgow High School boys’ varsity soccer team and the Christiana High School girls’ varsity soccer team. Currently, Mr. Anderson is a math teacher at the Charter School of Wilmington, where he serves as the math league advisor and Junior Varsity soccer coach. Mr. Anderson resides in Wilmington.

Dr. John Mackenzie Announces His Resignation at the Christina's School Board Meeting Last Night

2010-07-07T09:12:00.002-04:00

Information about Dr. Mackenzie was provided by Christina School District website.

Dr. John Mackenzie is an Associate Professor of Natural Resources and Environmental Economics, and Geographic Information Systems in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Delaware. His 27-year teaching career also includes one year of physical education and coaching at a sheltered workshop program for mentally handicapped adults, and one year of middle-school social studies. Dr. Mackenzie served on the Delaware Open Space Council from 2002 to 2007, and has been a trustee of the Delaware Chapter of The Nature Conservancy for 13 years. He is an elder at Head of Christiana Presbyterian Church, and has served as chair of missions, chair of Christian Education and chair of Personnel, during two terms on the church’s Session. He was instrumental in starting the dinner program for the Andrew’s Place Men’s Shelter in Wilmington in 1991, and still serves occasional meals there. He is the founder and director of the Triple Crown Trail Races, an annual trail-running series benefiting four local faith-based homeless shelters. He was co-founder of the Trail Dawgs Athletic Club, president of the Nottingham Swim Club, and has coached youth soccer and cross-country. Dr. Mackenzie lives in the city of Newark and has four children: Sam is a medical student in Syracuse University; Becky works for Fidelity Investments in Boston; and Sarah and Katie attend Newark High School.

Christina School Board Elects a New President

2010-07-07T09:00:00.004-04:00

Congratulations John!

Information provided by WDEL - LeAnne Matlach

Taxes are going up in the Christina School District but not as much as anticipated.

The district operating referendum approved in May increases taxes by 20 cents per $100 assessed property value but the debt service, tuition tax and match tax are being lowered by 5 and a half cents.

District CFO Bob Silbur says the reduction in some of the tax rates does not mean services to students will be cut.

The Christina School Board elected a new board president and vice president at Tuesday night's board meeting.

John Young will serve as president and Shirley Saffer vice president.

Young said the board is a unit where no one has more power than any other but he will do his part with whatever he can.

Dr. John Mackenzie announced his resignation at the meeting and Eric Anderson took the oath of office and became the boards newest member.

Board Meeting Tonight

2010-07-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

Board Meeting
Wednesdy, July 7, 2010 - 7:30 pm
Warner Elementary
Click here for details

In Blow to Bloomberg, City Must Keep 19 Failing Schools Open

2010-07-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

Information provided by The New York Times - Jennifer Medina

A state appellate court ruled unanimously on Thursday that New York City must keep open 19 schools it wanted to close for poor performance, blocking one of the Bloomberg administration’s signature efforts to improve the educational system.

The ruling, by the Appellate Division, First Department, in Manhattan, upheld a lower court finding that the city’s Education Department did not comply with the 2009 state law on mayoral control of the city schools because it failed to adequately notify the public about the ramifications of the closings.

Because many eighth graders assumed the schools would be closed and the Education Department discouraged them from attending the schools, few applied. Some of the schools could begin September with just a few dozen freshmen. School officials said they expected enrollment to grow with students who move into the city, but the number will still likely be far smaller than in past years.

Since taking office in 2002, the mayor has closed 91 schools that regularly posted low test scores or graduation rates and has replaced them with smaller schools, on the premise that the more intimate environments served struggling students better. Studies have shown that students in the new schools have fared better than their predecessors in the larger schools, but some other large schools have suffered from having to absorb more struggling students.

To read the entire article, click on the link below.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/02/education/02schools.html?_r=1&ref=education

What Do You Think About Schools Grouping Students by Ability?

2010-07-05T08:47:00.002-04:00

Information provided by HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH • Associated Press • July 4, 2010

Forget about students spending one year in each grade, with the entire class learning the same skills at the same time. Districts from Alaska to Maine are taking a different route.

Instead of simply moving kids from one grade to the next as they get older, schools are grouping students by ability. Once they master a subject, they move up a level. This practice has been around for decades, but was generally used on a smaller scale, in individual grades, subjects or schools.

Now, in the latest effort to transform the bedraggled Kansas City, Mo., schools, the district is about to become what reform experts say is the largest one to try the approach. Starting this fall, officials will begin switching 17,000 students to the new system to turn around trailing schools and increase abysmal tests scores.

"The current system of public education in this country is not working," said Superintendent John Covington. "It's an outdated, industrial, agrarian kind of model that lends itself to still allowing students to progress through school based on the amount of time they sit in a chair rather than whether or not they have truly mastered the competencies and skills."
Here's how the reform works:

Students -- often of varying ages -- work at their own pace, meeting with teachers to decide what part of the curriculum to tackle. Teachers still instruct students as a group if it's needed, but often students are working individually or in small groups on projects that are tailored to their skill level.

For instance, in a classroom learning about currency, one group could draw pictures of pennies and nickels. A student who has mastered that skill might use play money to practice making change.

Students who progress quickly can finish high school material early and move forward with college coursework. Alternatively, in some high schools, students who need extra time can stick around for another year.

Advocates say the approach cuts down on discipline problems because advanced students aren't bored and struggling students aren't frustrated.

To read the entire article, click the below link.
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100704/NEWS03/7040333/1008/Troubled-Kansas-City-schools-do-away-with-grade-levels

Next Community Financial Review Committee Meeting Will Be On August 9th

2010-07-05T06:00:00.002-04:00

The next CFRC Meeting will be held on August 9th at 6:30 at Brandywine Springs. There will be no July meeting.

Hike Up Your Skirts and Cowboy Up!

2010-07-04T08:23:00.003-04:00

Information provided by GINGER GIBSON • The News Journal • July 4, 2010

There is a Delaware Online article titled: "Delaware government: Markell's spending reforms fall flat" and the first page of the article talks about how our elected senators decided not to to vote for a health insurance bill when it came up for a vote in the Senate. The proposal was to eliminate free premium-quality health insurance for couples who work for the state. Not current employees, just husbands and wives hired in the future. Our elected officials did not vote "NO" or "YES" they avoid voting by entering a position of "NOT VOTING" into the record. The article also mentions that election-year politics played a role and three-fourths of the General Assembly is running for re-election. Maybe, when Delaware voters go out to vote, they should have an option as well, "Not Voting Today" and send a message home to these elected officials!

That sad showing was the only time the Senate voted on one of Markell's fiscal reform bills.

The House never did.

No lawmaker would even agree to sponsor his proposals to make future employees pay more for health care and pensions.

"There weren't many people willing to jump on," House Majority Leader Pete Schwartzkopf said. "He ran into the brick wall at Legislative Hall."

Markell, a Democratic governor in a Legislature controlled by Democrats, scored victories in other areas, such as support for environmental and economic development bills.

A day after the session ended, Markell announced a deal to bring Sallie Mae's headquarters from Virginia to Delaware, along with 1,500 jobs.

But Markell failed to motivate lawmakers with his cost-cutting initiatives.
The cuts would have made a difference to taxpayers, Markell said, as much as $27 million this year and more than $200 million over five years.

There was no single theme to Markell's failure to rally support for fiscal reform. A year after he fought with lawmakers over ways to balance the budget, Markell preferred to work behind the scenes.

To read the entire Delaware Online article, click on the link below.
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100704/NEWS02/7040362/Markell-s-spending-reforms-fall-flat

Enjoy Your 4th!

2010-07-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

Enjoy the Holiday Weekend, Red Clay Now Off Until July 19th

2010-07-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

I am taking time off from Red Clay Now, but I will be posting a few posts throughout the next two weeks.

DSTP Scores Were Mailed Out to Red Clay Parents

2010-07-02T10:25:00.002-04:00

Sallie Mae Moving HQ, 1,500 Jobs to Delaware

2010-07-02T06:00:00.005-04:00

Information provided by ERIC RUTH • The News Journal • July 1, 2010

The state’s good fortune at pulling local employers back from the edge of disaster continued today with the announcement that student lender Sallie Mae will move its national headquarters from Virginia to Delaware by March 31, bringing a significant number of jobs -- with sources say as many as 1,500 -- over a period of years.

That marks a major reversal for, as recently as this spring, the focus was not on job gains at the student lender’s Stanton center. State officials worried about how many of the 900 jobs there might be cut as a result of national legislation that effectively cut Sallie Mae out of the subsidized student lending business.

But for the third time during the recession, Gov. Jack Markell and his economic development team used financial incentives and persistent coaxing to fend off a potentially major blow to the state’s employment picture.

In the fall of 2009, they convinced Fisker Automotive to build its new hybrid electric cars at the former General Motors plant near Newport. Earlier this year, they found a new company to buy the refinery near Delaware City that was shut down by Valero late last year.

This time, the state put together a $19.9 million incentive package that will become available to Sallie Mae as employees come on line. It is unclear how many of the new employees will come from the Virginia headquarters, but new openings are expected to be created in Delaware.
Sallie Mae said the move is being made as part of realignment made necessary by the new law’s impact on its business.

To read the entire Delaware Online article, click on the link below.
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100701/BUSINESS/100701042/Sallie+Mae+moving+HQ++1+500+jobs+to+Del.

Board Meeting, Wednesday July 7th

2010-07-01T12:33:00.000-04:00

Board Meeting
Wednesdy, July 7, 2010 - 7:30 pm
Warner Elementary
Click here for details

Lawmaker Wants Shift in 'Race to the Top' Funds

2010-07-01T12:29:00.002-04:00

Information provided by Education News.org.

A senior House Democrat proposed Wednesday to slice President Obama's Race to the Top fund and other school reform initiatives to help pay for a $10 billion measure to save education jobs.

The proposal by Rep. David R. Obey (Wis.), chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, would eliminate about $500 million from the $4.35 billion Race to the Top fund and another $300 million in other education programs through an amendment to a supplemental war spending bill.

The amendment, pending in the House Rules Committee, is still a long way from becoming law. But Obey's proposal crystallized a debate among Democrats about federal aid to schools. Some say it should be spread as widely as possible to alleviate local budget cuts. Others argue that a significant portion should be set aside for states and schools that are the most innovative.

Race to the Top is the most prominent education initiative so far in Obama's presidency. The lure of funding has prompted many states in recent months to draft plans to expand teacher performance pay and take other steps to improve schools. The District, Maryland and more than 30 other states are applying for the grants. Tennessee won $500 million and Delaware $100 million in March in the competition's first round.

Ellis Brachman, an Obey spokesman, said the appropriations chairman believes the most important issue facing public schools is the threat of massive layoffs across the country. Estimates have ranged from 100,000 to 300,000 education jobs in jeopardy, although those figures might be questionable. Many states in recent weeks have imposed furloughs and other spending cuts to save teaching jobs.

Session Draws to Close Without Tax Increases, Pay Cuts

2010-07-01T12:28:00.002-04:00

Click above title to read Delaware Online article.

Race to the Top - What Funds Are the Districts Receiving?

2010-07-01T12:22:00.002-04:00

Information provided by NICHOLE DOBO • The News Journal • July 1, 2010

Half of Delaware's Race to the Top funds -- or $59,561,064 -- will be divided among school districts and charter schools on a need-based formula. Here is how much each will receive.

Academy of Dover $200,574
Appoquinimink $215,163
Brandywine $5,003,399
Caesar Rodney $3,227,192
Campus Community $197,009
Cape Henlopen $2,138,953
Capital School $5,683,477
Christina School $9,922,366
Colonial $5,034,670
Delaware College Prep $81,230
Delaware Military $24,769
Delmar $340,857
East Side $396,110
Family Foundations $219,270
Indian River $3,212,062
Kuumba $219,275
Lake Forest $1,683,503
Laurel $1,453,584
Maurice J. Moyer Academy $343,060
Milford $1,763,698
MOT $17,061
New Castle Vo Tech $1,144,528
Newark Charter $57,248
Odyssey $71,924
Pencader Business $38,083
Poly Tech $256,424
Positive Outcomes $44,916
Prestige Academy $74,271
Providence Creek $218,899
Red Clay $7,908,498
Seaford $3,683,728
Smyrna $1,591,706
Sussex Academy $25,406
Sussex Tech $284,769
Thomas Edison $880,638
Wilmington Charter $0
Woodbridge $1,902,745

These allocations are reflective of the calculations done in accordance with USED guidelines using data available to DDOE as of June 2010.

To read the Delaware Online article, click below.
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100701/NEWS03/7010364/1008/More--Top--dollars-go-to-neediest-schools

A Breakthrough for Local-Control-Loving U.S. Schools

2010-06-30T08:10:00.000-04:00

Information provided by Newsweek.

It’s a moment many education reformers have dreamed of for decades and many thought they’d never see: a set of high-quality national education standards designed to set a higher bar for American schools that states seem eager to adopt. The goal, much discussed since George H. W. Bush was president, was finally accomplished because the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers (rather than the federal government) took the lead, and states were invited to join the process voluntarily. In a country where local control of schools often outranks other educational considerations, the key to success was finding a way to create national but not federal standards.

The lack of nation-wide education standards has long been a key difference between US schools and those of most other developed countries, many of which score higher on international comparisons.

It didn’t hurt, however, that the need for such standards became more apparent by the day. While President George W. Bush’s No Child Left Behind hoped to accomplish a similar goal by urging states to create their own standards and tests, the results were disappointing. While some states, like Massachusetts, set their sights high, many more states set the bar low to give the illusion of more progress than was actually being achieved, or diluted their standards over time, when progress failed to materialize, in order the avoid federal sanctions. Rather than increasing school accountability, the resulting patchwork of standards (defined as “what all students are expected to know and be able to do”) made it impossible to compare student achievement in one state with another, or even to monitor how many individual states were faring year to year.

One of the coups of the new math and English standards: They are designed to encourage educators to teach deeper knowledge and understanding, rather than laundry lists of superficial facts, but don’t specify how teachers should transmit information. If those goals are achieved, the result should be less worry about teaching to the test, and more schools encouraging students to do higher-level thinking. At least, that’s the theory. Skeptics have reason to worry whether reality will match the hype. After all, not every state participated. Texas and Alaska were high profile decliners who said they preferred to go their own way. But reformers are encouraged that the Obama administration’s second round of the $4 billion Race to the Top reform competition will reward states that adopt the new standards by Aug. 2. In the meantime, Massachusetts should get extra points for setting their standards so high from the start.

The Outgoing Director of Moyer Academy Charter School Sent Out a Message Tuesday to Parents: Take Your Children Elsewhere This Fall

2010-06-30T08:03:00.004-04:00

Information provided by NICHOLE DOBO • The News Journal • June 30, 2010

In automated phone messages and e-mails sent to hundreds of parents, Theo Gregory told parents that efforts to keep the school open had failed, school records would be shipped to Dover, and parents should enroll their children at another school.

But state officials haven't given up on reopening the Wilmington school, which lost its state charter, this fall.

"As we work on a plan to transition the students of Moyer to other schools, we also look to do what we can to have Moyer students return to the same facility but under new leadership," state Secretary of Education Lillian M. Lowery said in a statement.

The school will close today under its current management. Who will take it over has not been decided yet, but the state has been in negotiations with a Virginia-based company, K12 Inc., to reopen it this fall. Finalizing that arrangement hinges on having Moyer's building and its contents to use this fall, according to a letter dated Sunday from the state to Moyer officials.

Click on the link below to read the entire Delaware Online article.
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100630/NEWS03/6300344/1008/Moyer-chief-tells-families-to-enroll-elsewhere

Recycling in Delaware

2010-06-30T07:51:00.005-04:00

My family are big believers in the recycling program. We pay extra each quarter to our trash company to have all our recycling picked up. Our trash is about half of what it use to be before we started to recycle. The only thing that our company does not take is the grocery bags and egg cartons and we drop the grocery bags off to our local grocery store and the egg cartons we save up and drop off to a place called Flo-Pac in Newark in the Harmony Business Park, right off of Harmony Road on Ruthar and Alan Drive - 302-731-8691.

Below is a Delaware Online article about a universal curbside recycling law in Delaware. Information provided by JEFF MONTGOMERY • The News Journal • June 30, 2010

Passage of a universal curbside recycling law and clean-energy initiatives helped turned 2010 into a landmark year for "green" legislation, despite budget pressures and competing issues in the General Assembly.

The recycling law -- written after Gov. Jack Markell outlined a compromise plan and called for talks in January -- requires haulers to offer recycling pickups to every single-family home statewide by September 2011, and all other homes and businesses by 2014.
Approval marked a giant step toward large-scale recycling and conservation of landfill space across Delaware, after decades of measuring progress by the inch and watching neighboring states adopt more ambitious goals.

"It was a pretty good finish this year," said Brenna Goggin, environmental advocate for the Delaware Nature Society. "I think that the General Assembly session has worked out pretty well, given the economic constraints we're again facing and all the peripheral issues."

Click here to read the entire Delaware Online article.
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100630/NEWS02/6300339/Recycling-law-caps-landmark-year

Great Day Trip, Canoe or Tube Down the Brandywine

2010-06-29T08:17:00.002-04:00

My family has taken this trip many times and our dog has even gone with us. This is a great day trip and a lot of fun. We go for the four hour trip (tubing is only 2 hours), wear your bathing suits, pack a lunch, and bring your camera; it will be a memorable trip.

For 35 years Wilderness Canoe Trips, Inc. has specialized in canoe and kayak rentals down the historic Brandywine River. If you are looking for a relaxing day on this beautiful section of the Brandywine, a gentle ride down this perfectly calm river is the best way to enjoy it. Perfect for families, children, and large groups of people including businesses, youth/church groups, Boy/Girl Scout troops, and schools. We offer canoe, solo and tandem kayak, and tube trips, along with paddles, life jackets, and transportation.

We pride ourselves in providing you with a fun-filled day on the Brandywine River. We are also very conveniently located within an easy drive from south-east Pennsylvania, Maryland, and southern New Jersey. Check out our River Trips section for more information and rates!

Wilderness Canoe Trips, Inc. also has a full-service retail store with over 150 canoes and kayaks in stock! We carry most major brands offered today. We have a very knowledgeable staff that will be willing and able to fit you for the right canoe or kayak to satisfy your paddling needs. Check out our canoes and kayaks section for more information on what we carry. Remember, Delaware is the home of TAX-FREE SHOPPING!!

We are currently open Monday through Saturday from 10am until 5pm, and Sunday from 10am until 3pm. Our summer hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day), are 9am until 5pm seven days a week.

It is an inexpensive trip, click here to view their prices.
http://wildernesscanoetrips.com/rates.dws

RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST, SO CALL BEFORE YOU COME TO SET UP A TIME AND DATE!!302-654-2227

Click here to visit Wilderness Canoe website and to view photos.
http://wildernesscanoetrips.com/index.dws

Looking for Something to Do, Attend a Blue Rocks Game This Weekend

2010-06-29T08:15:00.002-04:00

Click here to go to the Blue Rocks website.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/schedule/index.jsp?sid=t426

Houston Superintendent Terry Grier Says He Can't Sugarcoat Some Things, Such as the 70,000 Students Not Reading at Grade Level

2010-06-28T16:54:00.004-04:00

Information provided by EducationNews.org.

6.28.10 - In 10 months, Grier's frankness wins some over - but not others. Houston's new school Superintendent Terry Grier didn't flinch as 750 teachers packed a meeting in February to protest a policy that puts their jobs at risk if student test scores don't rise enough.

Houston school district Superintendent Terry Grier says he can't sugarcoat some things, such as the 70,000 HISD students not reading at grade level.

The teachers booed as more than two dozen parents and business leaders voiced support for the hard-line approach. In the world of public education, job security traditionally is a given.

At the time, Grier had been leading HISD for six months, and while the school board drove the policy, he said he backed it "110 percent." Grier became the hero or the villain, depending on who's telling the story.

"I didn't hear me getting booed," Grier joked with reporters after the board vote. "In my job, you get as old as I am … you do what's right for children. I don't expect everyone to agree with what I do or what the board advocates."

To Grier's supporters, his thick skin, independence and kids-come-first mantra are proving a successful recipe for shaking up the status quo in Texas' largest district.

But his rapid rollout of reforms in his first school year — including ousting staff, shutting down the regional offices, removing razor-wire fencing around campuses and ordering schools to serve students breakfast at their classroom desks - has cut short the happy honeymoon with teachers, principals and parents skeptical of hasty decisions.

"Terry's first 10 months have shown him to be all about children and results," said HISD board member Paula Harris. "Through this process, he's definitely ruffled the feathers of adults.

"I have told Terry and other people have told him that we're nice here in the south," she said. "We say things nice. And I don't think that's a skill he has or he cares to have."

Grier, while more charismatic than his predecessor, Abelardo Saavedra, speaks bluntly about the problems he sees in the district. While most HISD schools aren't failing under Texas' rating system, Grier, a North Carolina native, has focused instead on the national Stanford test and on the dismal college graduation rates among HISD students. Grier, like his teachers, ultimately will be judged on whether his ideas improve those statistics.

"How do you celebrate when 70,000 kids (out of 200,000) cannot read on grade level?'" Grier said. "How do you sugarcoat that?"

Such frank talk appeals to the business community. "He isn't trying to succeed by setting the bar low," said Larry Kellner, the vice chairman of the Greater Houston Partnership and former chief executive of Continental Airlines.

'Gestapo tactics'

But Grier's decision to close the powerful regional offices and his "Apollo 20" school improvement plan - which forced 160 teachers and principals out of their jobs - have shaken morale.

Principals generally keep quiet during their monthly meetings with the superintendent, though some have begun speaking out, which Grier says he encourages.

State Sen. Mario Gallegos, a Democrat who has blasted the new superintendent since day one, said Grier rules with "Gestapo tactics."

"Principals are scared," Furr High School Principal Bertie Simmons said, before adding that the fear isn't all bad for the district. "We've been complacent for a long time, and I think a little tension causes people to really be more productive."

Grier, the first outsider to run HISD in 15 years, has brought in consultants and auditors, costing more than $386,000, to help with facilities, communications, special education, literacy curriculum and grant writing for magnet programs.

The 60-year-old Grier has stumbled some in assembling his new leadership team - with his new chief of high schools abruptly resigning this month - and the district has lost five principals to the popular charter school network KIPP, which Grier himself has praised.

"You always hate to lose good principals," Grier said, "but some of the principals that left for KIPP had a track record of being successful principals and some did not."

To read the entire Education News article click on the link below.
http://www.educationnews.org/educationnewstoday/93579.html

Watch Video of "The Perry Initiative" Which Was Held at Conrad Schools of Science on June 26th

2010-06-28T16:31:00.004-04:00

Click on the below link to watch video footage of the event held at Conrad Schools of Science.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foDF212d8XU

A hands-on program designed to encourage young women to pursue a career in orthopedic surgery and biomechanical engineering is coming to the Conrad Schools of Science this summer.

"The Perry Initiative" was begun in 2009 by Drs. Jenni Buckley and Lisa Lattanza, two University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) faculty members. Dr. Jenni Buckley is a mechanical engineer and the Director of the Biomechanical Testing Facility at San Francisco General Hospital. She is a John Dickinson High School graduate and daughter of Red Clay School Board President Jack Buckley. Dr. Lattanza is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremities. Drs. Buckley and Lattanza collaborate on numerous research projects to improve the quality and safety of orthopaedic implants to treat upper extremity injuries.

The program is named after Dr. Jacquelin Perry, a pioneering surgeon who in 1955 became the first woman to graduate from UCSF's orthopedic residency program. Dr. Perry was Dr. Lattanza’s mentor and encouraged her to become an orthopaedic surgeon. Dr. Perry’s practice of one-on-one mentoring and leading by example extend to the program named in her honor.

The one-day program will consist of hands-on activities focused on the treatment of orthopaedic injuries and the design of the technologies used for treatment. Examples include dissection of adult pigs, learning to suture, and repairing fractures with plates and screws using anatomical models. Participants will also hear lectures from prominent women engineers and surgeons and have the opportunity for one-on-one mentoring with these individuals.In the Bay Area pilot program last summer, students built a finger using an erector set, created and repaired a fracture using synthetic bones and repaired a pig’s tendon using pig tissue. USCF faculty members donated their time, giving lectures and offering workshops.

The idea behind the program is to show young women they can thrive in these traditionally male dominated disciplines. ``You don’t have to be a brute to be an orthopedic surgeon,’’ said Dr. Lattanza. ``I say you have to be stronger than the bone, not smarter than the bone.’’

Women account for just 3 percent of board-certified orthopedic surgeons and less than 10 percent of all orthopedic residents nationwide, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

In engineering, only 19 percent of undergraduate engineering degrees are earned by women and just 11 percent of working engineers are female, research by the American Society for Engineering and the Society of Women Engineers has shown.

Participating organizations and sponsors include Chevron Energy Solutions, which awarded The Perry Initiative with a large grant to expand its local and national programs, and the University of Pennsylvania, University of Delaware, AI DuPont Hospital for Children, Christiana Care, KCI Technologies, Stryker Corporation, Acumed, Medtronic, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. The program’s organizers are seeking funding from private donors and other sources to continue expanding the program.

The program is scheduled for June 26 and will admit up to 20 female high school students from Red Clay high schools. Red Clay is one of four sites nationally to host the program this summer. Other sites include San Francisco, Shriner’s Hospital in Sacramento, California, and Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

Meet Miss Delaware, Kayla Martell

2010-06-28T16:24:00.002-04:00

Information provided By Rachel Rossitto Monday, June 28, 2010 3:00 PM ET and the CBS Early Show.

Kayla Martell suffers from alopecia areata, a rare disorder in females that causes baldness, but that didn't stop her from being crowned Miss Delaware. The inspiration came to her from a 5-year-old girl named Lily who suffers from the same disease. Martell and Lily became close and the young girl told Martell that she was "her Miss America," giving her the encouragement to continue strong in the competition. Lily's sweet and honest words seemed to do the trick because Martell is now a role model for other women with this disease, proving that anything is possible.

Click here to watch the video.
http://www.tonic.com/article/miss-delaware-bald-and-beautiful/

Delaware State Fair - July 22nd to July 31st

2010-06-26T19:49:00.001-04:00

Click on above title for more information.

Moyer Academy Charter School Are Considering Selling Property to Satisfy a Budget Deficit

2010-06-26T19:30:00.000-04:00

Information provided by NICHOLE DOBO • The News Journal • June 26, 2010

While leaders of the soon-to-be-shuttered Moyer Academy Charter School are considering selling property to satisfy what could be a six-figure budget deficit, the state Department of Education warned Friday that the move would likely end the possibility of reopening the school this fall.

To read the entire Delaware Online article, click on the link below.
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100626/NEWS03/6260317/1008/Property-sale-may-doom-Moyer

Update on Progress of John Dickinson High School

2010-06-25T11:49:00.004-04:00

Click on the above title to view report.

Warner Elementary School Board Report

2010-06-25T11:49:00.002-04:00

Click on the above title to view report.

Red Clay School District Strategic Plan 2010-2015

2010-06-25T11:48:00.000-04:00

Click on the above title to view.

28 Delaware Schools Are Eligible to Apply for a Grant

2010-06-25T08:41:00.001-04:00

• Christina's Stubbs, Bancroft and Pulaski elementary schools; Christiana, Glasgow and Newark high schools; and Shue-Medill, Kirk and Gauger-Cobbs middle schools
• Seaford's Seaford High and Seaford Middle schools
• Red Clay Consolidated's Warner and Baltz elementary schools and McKean and Dickinson high schools
• Colonial's William Penn High, McCullough Middle and New Castle School
• Brandywine's Mount Pleasant High, Harlan Elementary and Talley Middle schools
• Laurel's Laurel Intermediate
• Positive Outcomes Charter School
• East Side Charter School
• Academy of Dover Charter
• New Castle County Vo-Tech's Delcastle Tech High and Howard High School of Technology
• Capital's Kent County Alternative

DOE Awarded $10.5 Million School Improvement Grant To Help Schools With Struggling Students

2010-06-25T08:36:00.002-04:00

Information provided by NICHOLE DOBO • The News Journal • June 25, 2010

The money will be shared by up to 11 Delaware schools, which will be selected in about a month by state Department of Education officials. School districts will have to submit school reform plans to compete for the grant. Only schools that have low test scores or graduation rates are eligible to apply.

"It's a tremendous opportunity for our districts and charter schools to make some significant changes," said Amelia Hodges, acting associate secretary in the state Department of Education.

Click here to read the entire Delaware Online article.
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100625/NEWS03/6250350/1008/Education-Dept.-awarded--10.5M-improvement-grant

Whose Job Was It to Make Sure Moyer Students Had Summer School Available to Them?

2010-06-25T08:28:00.002-04:00

Information provided by NICHOLE DOBO • The News Journal • June 25, 2010

Some Moyer Academy students who need remedial help could be held back next year because no one determined where children from the Wilmington school, which lost its state charter, could attend summer school.

School leaders, who will be off the job as of Wednesday, say they aren't allowed to offer the classes and referred parents to district feeder schools for help. But leaders at some of those schools told the parents they can't accept children who aren't their students. State Department of Education officials say they didn't know there was a problem until contacted by The News Journal. They say Moyer leaders should have told them the children need services.

Stuck in the middle is an unknown number of students. Neither Moyer nor state officials could say Thursday how many children are affected.

"This is another example of how children and families are negatively impacted when adults responsible for their well-being fail to act in a timely manner," state Secretary of Education Lillian M. Lowery said in a written statement.

In report cards sent home by Moyer on June 16, some parents were told their children would need summer school because they failed at least one class. Then, on June 18, the charter school sent another letter saying only students who failed two classes would need summer school. In both letters, charter leaders said they could not offer the classes and indicated parents should "explore summer school options" with the school district in which the family lives.

"The state of Delaware did not renew my charter," said Theo Gregory, the charter school's director. "We are out of business as of June 30. I have absolutely no authority to do summer school or to issue grades for summer school."

To read the entire Delaware Online article, click on the link below.
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100625/NEWS03/6250373/Moyer-students-could-be-held-back

Board Meeting, Wednesday July 7th

2010-06-25T06:00:00.001-04:00

Board Meeting will be held on Wednesdy, July 7, 2010 - 7:30 pm at Warner Elementary School

State Releases FY 2011 Operating Budget

2010-06-24T15:35:00.002-04:00

The state has released it’s Fiscal Year 2011 operating budget more than a week before the June 30 deadline. After years of criticism for letting the public look at the document only hours before it’s enactment, House Speaker Bob Gilligan pushed to change the DEFAC date and get it printed early.

To view budget, click on the link below.
http://legis.delaware.gov/LIS/lis145.nsf/vwLegislation/SB+310/$file/legis.pdf?open

Red Clay Four-Year Old Title I Preschool Program

2010-06-24T12:36:00.000-04:00

For children who live in Warner Elementary and Shortlidge Academy feeder patterns
Click here for feeder patterns.

Must be four years old by August 31, 2010

NO COST to parents

Parent provides transportation

LIMITED SPACE —> ENROLL

Additional Information
Postcard
Letter to Parenst/Guardians
Registration Information

New York School Test Scores

2010-06-24T09:07:00.001-04:00

Click above title to view.

Birthday Parties Available at Delaware Children's Museum

2010-06-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

(June 23, 2010—Wilmington, DE) The Delaware Children’s Museum (DCM) has begun accepting reservations for birthday parties. DCM is offering an interim birthday party package named “Let’s get this party started!” available now through September 6, 2010, which allows parents to bring their own food, cake and paper products. After September 6, parents will be provided with an on-site catering menu with their reservation.

Guests of birthday parties can enjoy all-day access to the 37,000 square foot Delaware Children’s Museum and its seven exhibits. Parents will be given access to a party host and a party room for one hour, with setup time beginning one half hour before the party commences. A minimum 1-to-5 ratio of adults to children is required to allow for a safe, interactive and FUN experience for all. The cost of this interim package is $250 for members (up to 25 people, including all adults and children; each additional person up to 35 total is $10) and $280 for non-members (up to 25 people, including all adults and children; each additional person up to 35 total is $12). DCM can provide paper products for $25; please inquire about allowable decorations. Pricing is subject to change after September 6.

Birthday party reservations are subject to availability. Weekend party times are 9:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm; weekday availability is by appointment. For more information, or to make birthday party reservations, contact Tiffany Perry at 302-442-6860 or email tperry@delawarechildrensmuseum.org.

The Delaware Children’s Museum is open 362 days a year, seven days a week, 9am-4:30pm. General admission is $12 per person (children under 12 months are free). Memberships, benefits of which range from free admission to gift shop discounts to exclusive event invitations, are available for purchase. For details, visit the DCM online at delawarechildrensmuseum.org.

Reminder - Special Workshop Tonight

2010-06-24T08:32:00.000-04:00

This Special Workshop will be held on June 24, 2010 - 5:30 p.m. at Linden Park.Click here to view agenda http://www.redclay.k12.de.us/boardmeetings0910/meetings/6-24-10-Special%20Workshop.pdf

Reminder - Special Workshop Tonight

2010-06-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

A Special Workshop will be held on June 24, 2010 - 5:30 p.m. at Linden Park. Click here to view agenda. http://www.redclay.k12.de.us/boardmeetings0910/meetings/6-24-10-Special%20Workshop.pdf

Report Cards Went Out Yesterday and Today

2010-06-23T09:05:00.003-04:00

In an earlier post posted last week, I stated that report cards were mailed on Friday, June 18th, I was following the district calendar. When I did not receive my children's report cards on Saturday or Monday, I knew that the date had been changed. I assume because of the snow days the report card distribution date was moved. I emailed the district and asked when the report cards were going out and the answer is, some report cards were mailed yesterday and some will go out today.

Don't forget, you can also view your child's report card on Home Access Center.

To visit Home Access Center, click on the link below.
https://hac.doe.k12.de.us/homeaccess/default.aspx

The News Journal Article - Parent Notification Legislation Pushed in Delaware Assembly

2010-06-23T08:01:00.003-04:00

Information provided by SARAH LAWSON • The News Journal • June 23, 2010
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100623/NEWS02/6230356

More information about the bill is in the next post.

As Parents and Teachers, Do You Support S.B. 293 or Not?

2010-06-23T07:56:00.001-04:00

Information provided by the Delaware General Assembly

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN SCHOOLS.

Synopsis: This Bill would require schools to notify parents of information being taught to their children relating to human sexuality issues, sexual acts, profanity, violence, drugs and/or alcohol. Such policy would ensure parent/guardian notification no less than 48 hours prior to introduction or instructional use. Such policy would afford parents or guardians the flexibility to exempt their children from any portion of said curriculum or materials through notification to the school principal.

Current Status:
Senate Education Committee On 06/10/2010

To read more about this bill, click the link below.
http://legis.delaware.gov/LIS/LIS145.nsf/vwLegislation/SB+293?Opendocument

Reminder - Board Policy Review Committee Meeting Tonight

2010-06-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

Board Policy Review Committee meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 - 5:30 p.m. at Linden Park. Click here for details.

"She's not banned," New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman, Well, She Should Be!

2010-06-22T18:21:00.003-04:00

Information provided by Andrew MarchandESPNNewYork.com

Lady Gaga is still welcome at Yankee Stadium, but just not in the clubhouse. Especially not after a loss.

"She's not banned," New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman said on Sunday afternoon. "Celebrities aren't banned. If Michael Jordan showed up here he would have access [to the clubhouse], but not after a loss."

Following the Yankees' loss to the New York Mets on Friday night, Lady Gaga talked her way past security and into the Yankees' clubhouse. She reportedly met with some players, including Robinson Cano. The media, which is supposed to be allowed into the clubhouse 10 minutes after the final pitch, was held out.

"That was the wrong time and the wrong place," Cashman said. "It's been taken care of."

The New York Post reported on Sunday that Yankees co-chairman Hal Steinbrenner was furious at the display Lady Gaga put on in the clubhouse -- dressed in a half-buttoned Yankees jersey and a bikini bottom, she swilled whiskey and fondled her chest, the Post said, citing sources -- and that Steinbrenner had permanently banned Gaga from the team's clubhouse. Cashman downplayed that, but added that the Yankees have other places in the Stadium where players can interact with celebrities.

"There is just a time and place," said Cashman. "It is not her fault."

Cashman, I would like to know, whose fault is it, if it is not hers?

To read the entire article, click on the link below.
http://comcast.eonline.com/uberblog/b186780_lady_gaga_takes_herself_out_ballgame.html

Lady Gaga Gives Citi Field the Finger
http://www.1010wins.com/Not-So-Ladylike--Gaga-Loses-Her-Manners-at-Citi-Fi/7444832

Bear Man Charged in Gunpoint Rapes in the Stanton Area

2010-06-22T14:15:00.001-04:00

Information provided by TERRI SANGINITI and and DARA McBRIDE • The News Journal • June 22, 2010

A 40-year-old Bear man was charged early today in connection with two rapes this month in the Stanton area. Alfred Hubbard was arrested after DNA evidence came back linking him to the attacks, said state police superintendent Col. Robert Coupe.

To read the entire article, click on the link below.
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100622/NEWS01/100622026/Bear-man-charged-in-gunpoint-rapes

Red Clay Now

DOE Provide Answers to Questions About Flexibility Waiver

Audio Available On All Red Clay School Board Meetings

Frequently Asked Questions About the Upcoming Referendum

Information On the Upcoming Referendum

Board of Education Meeting

Choice is Now Open

November 16th Board Meeting

Family Resource Fair

Bill Cosby Visits Red Clay Students

Parents, You Need to Watch This Video

No Computers at This School

Thoughts and Prayers Go Out to Anthony Skoutelas Family, Friends, and the students and staff at Odyssey Charter School

Will Red Lion Close?

First Marking Period Will Be Ending Soon, Check Your Child's HAC Account

RCPAC Meeting - October 24th

Red Clay School Board Approves Referendum for February 28th

5th Grade Smyrna Teacher Amber Augustus is the State's Teacher of the Year

Modeling Schools After Google's 80/20 Innovation Model

Listen to Jenny Dennis, a Senior at Dickinson High School

Dickinson High School Volleyball Team’s 5-3 Start This Season

What Are Your Thoughts About a Major Capital Referendum in Red Clay?

New Underage Drinking Trend: “Drunk” Gummy Bears | Parenting Advice

Children Must be Able to Read

Red Clay Teacher of the Year Dinner

Listen to John Young, a Christina Board Member, Speaking About the Partnership Zone on WDEL

Top 10 SAT and ACT Test-Taking Tips

What Happens Next Year If Warner is Selected to be Placed in the Partnership Zone?

Bayard Middle School no longer in the Partnership Zone

The Secrets of a Principal Who Makes Things Work

Board of Education Workshop

AI High School Community Day October 8th

Delaware High School Rankings

Admitting More Red Clay Students to Cab Calloway

What+NCLB+Flexibility+Means+for+You

Obama Administration Offers Flexibility from No Child Left Behind

NCLB Reprieve is Worth Celebrating

Three Partnership Zone Schools Selected in Red Clay

DEDOE Lowery to Join Duncan, Cerf for Press Call on No Child Left Behind Reform [Delaware Department of Education]

Red Clay Now Reopens

Red Clay Parent Advisory Council

Thank You to All Red Clay Now Readers

Board Meeting, Wednesday August 18th at Warner Elementary School

Next Board Policy Review Committee Meeting Will Be Held on August 25th

Visit Delaware Children's Theatre

Librarians Nurture Students’ Passions

Red Clay Now Will Be Returning on July 19th

Teach For America: A Review of the Evidence

A New Look at Teach for America and the High Costs Involved

Red Clay School District Tax Rate Fiscal Year 2011

Martin Wilson and Cathy Thompson Were Sworn In at Last Night's Board Meeting

Christina School Board Member Says He's Resigning

Jack Buckley Will Remain Red Clay's Board President

Bill to Save Teachers' Jobs Would Slash Reform Programs

University of Delaware raises in-state tuition to $9,040 a year

Are Changing Coming to the Christina School District?

Eric Anderson Was Sworn In As Christina's Newest Board

Dr. John Mackenzie Announces His Resignation at the Christina's School Board Meeting Last Night

Christina School Board Elects a New President

Board Meeting Tonight

In Blow to Bloomberg, City Must Keep 19 Failing Schools Open

What Do You Think About Schools Grouping Students by Ability?

Next Community Financial Review Committee Meeting Will Be On August 9th

Hike Up Your Skirts and Cowboy Up!

Enjoy Your 4th!

Enjoy the Holiday Weekend, Red Clay Now Off Until July 19th

DSTP Scores Were Mailed Out to Red Clay Parents

Sallie Mae Moving HQ, 1,500 Jobs to Delaware

Board Meeting, Wednesday July 7th

Lawmaker Wants Shift in 'Race to the Top' Funds

Session Draws to Close Without Tax Increases, Pay Cuts

Race to the Top - What Funds Are the Districts Receiving?

A Breakthrough for Local-Control-Loving U.S. Schools

The Outgoing Director of Moyer Academy Charter School Sent Out a Message Tuesday to Parents: Take Your Children Elsewhere This Fall

Recycling in Delaware

Great Day Trip, Canoe or Tube Down the Brandywine

Looking for Something to Do, Attend a Blue Rocks Game This Weekend

Houston Superintendent ﻿Terry Grier Says He Can't Sugarcoat Some Things, Such as the 70,000 Students Not Reading at Grade Level

Watch Video of "The Perry Initiative" Which Was Held at Conrad Schools of Science on June 26th

Meet Miss Delaware, Kayla Martell

Houston Superintendent Terry Grier Says He Can't Sugarcoat Some Things, Such as the 70,000 Students Not Reading at Grade Level