There was little cheering news Tuesday when Delaware released its 2023 state assessment results. The numbers are still grim, with the majority of students across the board failing to reach proficiency in math and reading. “I can’t imagine anyone looking at these test results and saying they are good enough,” said Julia Keleher, the new executive director of First State …
Here’s how to help children get ready to return to school
Most of the 19 school districts in the First State kick off their academic year the week of August 28, and there’s several ways families can ensure their children have a smooth transition back to the classroom. “Parents should slowly start to wean their kids back to go to bed earlier so they wake up early,” said Bridget Amory, superintendent …
Milford board scraps restorative practices from code
In opposition to the wishes of some residents, the Milford School District’s board voted Monday night to strike restorative practices from its student code of conduct. Restorative practice is a method that aims to build and strengthen community relationships. Instead of focusing on solely disciplining a child for their behavior, restorative practices aim to improve their behavior and evaluate the …
Tips to avoid heat stroke emergencies this summer
Delaware challenge: take a walk outside for 15 minutes and try not to sweat – mission impossible. In the heart of the summer season, the Delaware Division of Public Health warns First State residents – and their animal companions – to beware of extreme heat conditions that cause serious threats to health. “Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to …
Del. gun advocate groups furious over State Fair weapons ban
Gun owners and gun rights advocates are upset about a no-gun policy at the Delaware State Fair, even though the policy has been in place for decades. The addition of weapon detectors and screening devices at the fair entrance this year seemed to raise awareness of the policy. “The Delaware State Fair is now officially anti-gun,” read a statement from …
Our guide to 2023 Delaware State Fair
The Delaware State Fair returns Thursday, with something for everyone: Rides, livestock shows, carnival games, blue ribbon food competitions, a circus, racing pigs, a camel show, a magic show, concerts – and people watching. It adds up to more than 200 hours of entertainment in a single day – not including the carnival or grandstand concerts, said Danny Aguilar, assistant …
Ed leaders detail what they consider legislation highlights
With the 2023 General Assembly session ending in June, educational advocates are cheering the legislature’s action on early education, mental health support and transparency relating to school boards. One leader, though, would like to see bills that focus on letting parents know clearly and precisely what’s happening in the classroom, starting with easy to find proficiency ratings. About 60 bills …
Teacher absenteeism calls for staff flexibility, strategies
A human resources director for the largest school district in Sussex County shocked a House Education Committee hearing in April when she told them about 300 of its 1,000 educators are off on any given school day. About 800 of those educators are teachers, and their absenteeism rains down problems for the district, said Celeste Bunting, director of human resources …
Milford votes to decrease taxes for next year
Residents of the Milford School District are officially getting a tax decrease for the seventh straight year. After the district’s chief financial officer Sara Hale presented the tax proposal for the 2023-24 school year at the school board’s June meeting (to much applause and gratitude from members), the board voted unanimously Monday night to approve next year’s tax rate. “Since …
Your guide to July 4th holiday in Delaware
July Fourth – a celebration of America’s independence and often a day full of fun with family and friends – is next Tuesday. With AAA Mid-Atlantic expecting around 14% of Delaware’s population to be traveling, here’s what to know about Independence Day in the First State: Travel AAA predicts 142,000 Delawareans will travel at least 50 miles over the weekend, …









