Education Archives - Page 28 of 149 - Milford LIVE! - Local Delaware News, Kent and Sussex Counties

DelTech is seeking $525,000 in state funding for salary competitiveness.

DelTech questioned about extra salary funding, pay discrepancy

Jarek Rutz February 2, 2024Headlines, Education

It was higher education day in the Joint Finance Committee Thursday, in which the big three state institutions – University of Delaware, Delaware State University and Delaware Technical Community College – made their cases for millions in state funding. DelTech, which has $100,460,200 penciled in through the Governor’s Recommended Budget, is asking for additional $525,000 for salary competitiveness, which the …

Milford's literacy plan is focused on four main goals.

Milford school leaders encouraged by district literacy plan

Jarek Rutz January 23, 2024Education, Headlines

Officials in the Milford School District answered questions and gave updates Monday night about the progress of the district’s literacy plan. Kelly Carvajal Hageman, Milford’s chief academic officer, pointed out in the district’s monthly board meeting that Gov. John Carney and Education Secretary Mark Holodick have urged the state in the past two years to focus on literacy. A 2022 …

The assessment tool will help gauge the health and safety of school facilities.

State releases online tool to help schools evaluate facilities

Jarek Rutz January 19, 2024Headlines, Education

The Delaware Department of Education released a new tool to establish an evaluation and assessment system to determine whether a school facility is in good repair. The facility assessment tool will help school districts review and assess conditions in a standardized way. Structured like a rubric, the assessments will help identify areas in need of attention, so school facilities are …

Several school districts will hold a referendum this year to raise local revenue.

5 school districts to hold tax hike referenda in 2024

Jarek Rutz January 16, 2024Headlines, Education

Five of Delaware’s 19 school districts are asking their residents to head to the polls in 2024 and vote for a local tax increase. In the First State, districts must hold referendums if they want to increase their local school tax in order to increase local revenue. They include the Brandywine, Red Clay Consolidated, Colonial, Smyrna and Appoquinimink. Schools get …

DSU’s Tony Allen released a statement sharing his disdain for Elon Musk’s recent comments on X.

DSU President issues statement condemning Elon Musk tweet

Jarek Rutz January 12, 2024Headlines, Education

Just days before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the president of a top-ranked Historically Black College and University condemned remarks from one of the richest men in the world, Elon Musk. Delaware State University President Tony Allen Thursday stated that the tweets from Musk – the owner of X, formerly known as Twitter – were “unoriginal in their amplification of …

Goldey-Beacom College will host the school fair event on Jan. 27.

Delaware school fair on Jan. 27 part of national choice week

Jarek Rutz January 4, 2024Headlines, Education

An all-day event for students to explore the various educational opportunities in Delaware is coming to a state college later this month. The National School Choice Awareness Foundation is having dozens of school fairs across the country in January for National School Choice Week 2024. Independently planned by local organizations, these events provide parents with the opportunity to meet with …

The PECC has been working over the past year on recommendations for pay adjustments for Delaware educators.

Educator pay raise proposals to get joint hearing Jan. 11

Jarek Rutz January 3, 2024Headlines, Education

Delaware’s General Assembly will have its first public look and discussion about proposed educator pay raise recommendations next week. At 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, the House and Senate education committees will come together to listen to a presentation on the final report from the Public Education Compensation Committee. Watch the meeting here. The 15-person compensation committee – made of …

Delaware's school choice application window closes Jan. 10.

School choice window closes next week

Jarek Rutz January 2, 2024Headlines, Education

Parents have eight days to submit applications if they wish to send their children to a school outside of their residential district or assigned school. Delaware is one of the 13 states in the country that allows families to apply for their children to attend any public school – district or charter – rather than sending them to the neighborhood …

The Taylor Swift-themed course consists of eight workshops this year. (Original photo by Suzanne Cordeiro, AFP for Getty Images)

Taylor Swift economics workshops launched at UD

Jarek Rutz December 28, 2023Headlines, Education

The Swiftie lore has reached the University of Delaware. The largest university in the First State has recently introduced a Taylor Swift-themed data visualization course for undergraduate students. “Data Enchanted: Transforming Numbers Into Knowledge” is taught by Kathryn Bender, an assistant professor of economics who wasn’t a huge Taylor Swift fan herself until doing research for the class. “So I …

Cory Hafer from Middletown High School is this year's state teacher of the year.

Meet Cory Hafer, Delaware’s 2024 Teacher of Year

Jarek Rutz December 27, 2023Headlines, Education

Newark’s Cory Hafer entered the University of Michigan in 2005 planning on becoming a marine biologist or doctor. Nearly two decades later, he’s making an impact in a different way: educating the youth in such an excellent manner that he was named the Delaware 2024 Teacher of the Year. RELATED: Middletown’s Cory Hafer named 2024 Teacher of the Year “Mr. …

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Milford Wellness Village expands primary care access with addition of new nurse practitioner
This is the latest step in the Wellness Village’s ongoing expansion to address regional healthcare shortages and improve access to preventive, relationship-based primary care in the Milford community. MILFORD, Del. — Primary care services at the Milford Wellness Village continue to grow as Village Primary Care announces the addition of nurse practitioner Juanquetta D. Howell, MSN, FNP-C, expanding access for families and seniors across the Milford area. Health leaders say the move reflects the Wellness Village’s broader mission to strengthen community-based care and address an ongoing shortage of primary-care providers in Sussex County and across Delaware. Howell is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with more than eight years of clinical experience serving patients in southern Delaware. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing with a family practice specialization and previously worked as a registered nurse before transitioning to primary care. Her clinical background includes chronic disease management, diabetes and asthma care, treatment of anxiety disorders, and support for patients with complex conditions such as end-stage renal disease. Prior to joining Village Primary Care, Howell practiced with I & O Diabetes Consultants in Millsboro and maintained professional affiliations with Bayhealth Kent Campus, Bayhealth Sussex Campus, and Beebe Medical Center. She is licensed in Delaware as a family nurse practitioner, accepts Medicare and participates in collaborative care teams designed to improve continuity for seniors and families managing ongoing health needs. Colleagues describe Howell’s care style as relationship-driven and compassionate, emphasizing listening, shared decision-making and personalized treatment plans—an approach that aligns with Village Primary Care’s patient-centered model inside the Milford Wellness Village. Her arrival is expected to increase appointment availability while preserving the practice’s relationship-based approach, which emphasizes longer visits, continuity with the same provider and coordinated care for patients managing ongoing health conditions. Village Primary Care is led by executive director and family nurse practitioner Kaitlin Fielder, APRN-FNP-C, who designed the practice around extended first visits, preventive screenings and close collaboration with other health services located throughout the Wellness Village campus. The integrated setting allows patients to access rehabilitation, skilled nursing, social services and other supports in one location, improving coordination and reducing transportation barriers. Local demand for primary care remains high. Recent analyses show Delaware faces one of the nation’s most significant shortfalls in primary-care access, with Sussex County needing dozens of additional providers to meet current population needs. Growth in southern Delaware, combined with clinician retirements and workforce shortages, has contributed to longer wait times and increased reliance on urgent care and emergency departments. “Expanding primary care at the Milford Wellness Village is part of our long-term commitment to meeting people where they are and ensuring Milford families can access consistent, coordinated care close to home,” said Lon Kieffer, executive director of the Milford Wellness Village. Village Primary Care currently operates from a temporary suite at 21 W. Clarke Ave. while a permanent, expanded space within the Wellness Village campus is under construction. Leaders say the larger facility will further increase patient capacity and strengthen the campus’s role as an integrated hub for health, wellness and supportive services in central and southern Delaware. “The continued growth of services across the Wellness Village reflects our focus on building a comprehensive, community-centered system of care designed to serve residents at every stage of life,” Kieffer said. The addition of Howell marks the latest step in the Wellness Village’s ongoing expansion as leaders work to address regional healthcare shortages and improve access to preventive, relationship-based primary care in the Milford community.
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Milford Wellness Village to Host Free Lunch & Learn on Advance Care Planning
The Lunch & Learn program is designed for busy schedules, allowing participants to grab a boxed lunch, learn the essentials of advance care planning, and return to work with practical takeaways. MILFORD, Del. — The Milford Wellness Village is hosting families and caregivers for a practical introduction to Advanced Care Planning so that future medical decisions are made before a crisis occurs. The session will be held on Thursday, Jan. 29, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Conference Center Main Board Room at the Milford Wellness Village. The educational presentation will take place during the first 30 minutes, followed by an informal discussion. Lunch will be provided at no cost. Seating is limited, and advance registration is required. Kieffer said the Lunch & Learn reflects the Wellness Village’s commitment to helping families and caregivers prepare before difficult situations arise. “Advance care planning is one of the most important conversations families can have, but it’s often delayed until a crisis,” Kieffer said. “Our goal is to give people clear, practical information in a setting that feels approachable, supportive, and respectful of their time.” Kieffer added the program is designed for busy schedules, allowing participants to grab a boxed lunch, learn the essentials of advance care planning, and return to work with practical takeaways. Advance care planning helps individuals document their healthcare wishes and identify a trusted person to make medical decisions if they become unable to speak for themselves. Delaware encourages all adults age 18 and older to complete an Advance Healthcare Directive. Without advance planning, caregivers and family members are often left making critical decisions during medical emergencies, frequently under intense pressure and with limited information. Clear plans can reduce confusion, prevent family conflict, and ensure care aligns with a person’s values and preferences. The Lunch & Learn format is especially geared toward family caregivers, working adults supporting aging parents, and professionals who regularly interact with older adults or individuals managing chronic illness. Advance registration is required, as space is limited.Seats can be reserved online at:https://form.jotform.com/253554029214150 Those with questions are encouraged to contact the Milford Wellness Village directly. Call Mona Boyer, Director Campus Operations & Workforce Partnerships, Milford Wellness Village Mobile:302-300-5563.
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The Balancing Act: How Milford Caregivers Juggle Work, Family, and Caring for a Loved One
As more families in central and southern Delaware take on caregiving roles, local experts say support, flexibility, and self-care are key to avoiding burnout. MILFORD, Delaware— For many families in Milford and throughout central and southern Delaware, caregiving is not an abstract concept — it is part of daily life. Whether caring for an aging parent, a spouse with a serious illness, or a loved one with disabilities, caregivers often balance demanding responsibilities at home while trying to maintain full-time employment and family commitments. That balancing act can take a toll. A recent AARP and S&P Global survey found that 67% of family caregivers nationwide struggle to manage both work and caregiving responsibilities, often reporting stress, guilt, exhaustion, and emotional strain. Locally, caregivers say the pressure can feel even heavier when support services are difficult to find or navigate. This article — part of an ongoing Milford LIVE series examining the caregiver experience — highlights practical strategies to manage stress while pointing readers to local resources, including Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore at the Milford Wellness Village, Oasis Senior Care, and Delaware Hospice. Caregiving at Home: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone Caregiving is rarely meant to be a one-person job, yet many Milford-area caregivers find themselves managing everything from medical appointments and meals to finances and household maintenance. Experts recommend starting with a realistic assessment of what your loved one needs — and identifying where help can be shared. Sharing the Load Delaware Hospice, Easterseals, and Oasis Senior Care all encourage caregivers to list daily and weekly tasks and determine which responsibilities can be delegated. That may include asking a family member to manage paperwork, a neighbor to help with transportation, or arranging part-time in-home support. When loved ones live out of town or cannot provide hands-on care, financial contributions toward respite care or professional support services can ease the burden significantly. Caregivers are also encouraged to be specific when asking for help. A clear request — such as “Can you stop by Tuesday at noon to help with lunch?” — makes it easier for others to step in and provide meaningful assistance. Local Support in Milford: A Growing Network of Care Easterseals at the Milford Wellness Village One of Milford’s most important caregiving resources is Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore, located within the Milford Wellness Village, a growing hub for health and community-based services. Easterseals offers a range of programs designed to support both caregivers and those receiving care, including adult day services, respite care, counseling, and caregiver support programs, as well as services for individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions. Crystal Baynard, a caregiver herself and a member of the Easterseals Community Outreach Program, said caregivers often put every ounce of energy into caring for others while neglecting their own needs. “Most caregivers fully devote themselves to the role of supporting and providing for their loved one,” Baynard said. “Having connections of their own by socializing with friends or family, finding the right support group, and not ignoring signs of stress or burnout are critical to the journey.” By offering services locally through the Milford Wellness Village, Easterseals helps reduce travel time and stress while strengthening community-based support for families throughout Sussex and Kent counties. Oasis Senior Care: Guidance When Families Need Direction In addition to hands-on services, many families need help understanding care options and coordinating next steps. Oasis Senior Care works with families as a consulting and care-planning resource, helping caregivers navigate complex healthcare decisions, coordinate services, and develop clear care plans as needs change. For caregivers feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, having professional guidance can provide clarity and confidence during difficult transitions. Planning Ahead Reduces Stress Unexpected medical events and sudden care needs are part of the caregiving reality. Preparing in advance can prevent last-minute panic. Experts recommend caregivers keep medical, legal, and financial documents organized and up to date, maintain a list of trusted contacts for emergencies or home repairs, and create a folder with medications, care instructions, and provider information. Preparation allows caregivers to respond calmly and decisively when challenges arise. Taking Care of the Caregiver Caregivers often put their own needs last — but burnout is one of the most serious risks they face. Even small, intentional breaks can help restore balance. Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. Short walks, quiet moments with coffee or tea, reading, stretching, or time with a pet can all help caregivers recharge. Experts recommend scheduling personal time on a calendar and treating it like an appointment that should not be skipped. Caregivers are also encouraged to resist the urge to be “perfect.” Managing a household, a career, and caregiving responsibilities simultaneously is not always realistic — and comparing one’s situation to others only adds unnecessary pressure. Every caregiving journey is different. Balancing Care and Work in the Milford Area For working caregivers, open communication with employers can make a meaningful difference. Many workplaces offer flexible schedules, remote or hybrid options, or Employee Assistance Programs. Caregivers should also be aware of their legal protections. Employees at workplaces with 50 or more staff members may qualify for job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also protects caregivers from discrimination related to family responsibilities. Managing Stress and Staying Connected Chronic caregiving stress affects both physical and emotional health. Tools such as shared digital calendars, medication apps like CareZone, and structured routines can help bring order to busy days. Caregiver support groups — including those offered through organizations like Easterseals — help reduce isolation by connecting people facing similar challenges. Recognizing warning signs such as fatigue, irritability, sadness, or withdrawal and asking for help early can prevent long-term health problems. The Takeaway for Milford Families Balancing work, family, and caregiving is not about doing everything perfectly. It is about setting boundaries, planning ahead, asking for help, and using trusted local resources. For Milford families, organizations such as Easterseals of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore at the Milford […]
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Founder of Milford Wellness Village honored on National Rural Health Care Day by State and Community Leaders
Milford Wellness Village founder Meir Gelley named 2025 Community Star MILFORD, Del. — Mr. Meir Gelley, founder and owner of Milford Wellness Village, was honored Thursday morning with the 2025 Community Star award for his leadership in expanding services for older adults and improving access to care in rural Kent and Sussex counties. Gelley was recognized during a National Rural Health Day event at Milford Wellness Village from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, in the Conference Center lobby at 200 Kings Highway in Milford. The celebration is being held by the Delaware Rural Health Initiative in partnership with members of the Governor’s Health Cabinet and local officials. Speakers included Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Christen Linke Young, Office of Public Health Nursing Director Kyle Phillips, Milford Mayor F. Todd Culotta, and Bayhealth President and CEO Terry Murphy. Gelley is expected to address the delegation and share his vision for the Milford Wellness Village. The honor comes as southern Delaware continues to wrestle with deep-rooted healthcare challenges. Sussex County is one of the fastest-growing and oldest counties in the state, with more than a quarter of residents age 65 and older. Health assessments show higher-than-average rates of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, as well as persistent shortages of primary care, behavioral health, and specialty providers, particularly in rural communities. Limited public transportation, long travel distances to hospitals and clinics, and pockets of poverty and food insecurity create what advocates describe as “care deserts” for seniors, farmworkers, and low-income families. These gaps have prompted Governor Matt Meyers to launch a $1 billion rural health infrastructure plan to strengthen facilities and expand services in Kent and Sussex counties. Christen Linke Young, Cabinet Secretary for the Delaware Health and Human Services reported that Delaware ranks last for access to primary care services, especially in Sussex County. Against that backdrop, Betsy Wheeler, Executive Director of the Delaware Rural Health Care Initiative, recognized that Meir Gelley and this team have taken action that has made Milford Wellness Village a model for how rural communities. Built on the former Milford Memorial Hospital site, the 264,000-square-foot campus at 21 W. Clarke Avenue now houses more than 25 healthcare and social service providers. The site is anchored by Polaris Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, a 150-bed skilled nursing facility offering post-acute care and therapies. Rather than simply replacing the hospital with a single nursing home, Gelley led the effort to create a multi-use wellness campus that brings together primary care, rehabilitation, behavioral health, adult and child day programs, pharmacy services, transportation, and social supports under one roof. The site has created over 750 jobs and provides services to 200 patients living at one of the providers every day. Gelley, CEO of Nationwide Healthcare Services, has described the approach as breaking down barriers between providers and patients. “This facility has walls, but imagine that it has no walls,” he has said. “Following a patient after they leave the home is what we found to be successful.” For seniors, the campus offers a practical path to aging in place by coordinating medical care, rehab, pharmacy and social programs in one location. Adult day services, transportation and the WeCare support program help families who are juggling work while caring for aging loved ones. The Village is also home to innovative programs such as PACE Your Life, launched in 2022 to help seniors remain in their homes while receiving comprehensive medical and social services. Mayor F. Todd Culotta points to the project’s economic impact as another reason for Gelley’s recognition. Transforming the former hospital into a wellness village preserved a key community asset, created more than 220 jobs, and continues to attract providers, nonprofits, and businesses to Milford’s downtown corridor. Culotta believes that Milford will soon become the Heart of Health Care in Sussex and Kent Counties. He concluded by saying, “It’s our industry now!” For Kent and Sussex counties, where hospitals and clinics are clustered in a few areas and rural residents often travel long distances for care, the Village offers what advocates call a “one-stop” hub. Seniors can see a primary care provider, attend rehab, pick up medications, participate in day programs, and connect with social services in a single trip. Executive Director Lon Kieffer says that an integrated, walkable campus is especially important in a county where there is roughly one primary care provider for every 2,000 residents, behavioral health services are limited, and families often rely on nonprofits and churches to close gaps in transportation, food, and basic needs. By pairing healthcare with education and workforce development programs, Milford Wellness Village is also helping train the next generation of nurses, therapists and support staff to serve in rural Delaware—an important step in addressing long-term workforce shortages. The 2025 Community Star award recognizes those efforts and Gelley’s role in turning a vacant hospital into what many now see as a lifeline for seniors and families in lower Delaware. The National Rural Health Day event is open to guests and community partners. Organizers say it is intended not only to honor Gelley but also to spotlight the continuing needs of rural residents and the role community-based hubs like Milford Wellness Village can play in closing care gaps.
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