Martin Luther King
Jr. Day is not only a day that commemorates Dr. King and his countless
accomplishments as a Civil Right Leader, but it is the only federal holiday
that has been designated as a “Day of Service” to help others and communities.
The quote below reflects his great wisdom and his ability to inspire each of us
to do something to build a better future for everyone.
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Capital School
District is very proud of our students and staff who have been eagerly
participating in this year’s Day of Service through a wide range of different
activities and so many acts of kindness.
Dover High School’s Day of Service
As part of their Day of Service to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dover High School donated $500 to Code Purple, an organization that provides shelter and food to the homeless during freezing winter temperatures. Code Purple’s director Ennio Emmanuel was pleased to receive the money, which will help feed the people Code Purple are currently housing. #CapitalCares
From Left to right: Dr. Voshell, DHS Principal, Code Purple Director Ennio Emmanuel and DHS teacher Anthony Cain
DHS students and staff pick up the grounds and work in the school during Dover High School’s Day of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
North Dover Elementary’s Day of Service
4th grade North Dover students Javier and Faith with Mrs. Orona put together care packages to support the homeless population in Dover as part of the school's service project for a Day of Service that honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and gives back to the community. These care packages include toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant, a pack of tissues, a small container of hand sanitizer, and a mask. The items inserted into a plastic bag, and everyone sanitizes between each bag. In the bag, they also included a card made by a North Dover student, a quote card, and something smaller and colorful that students created.
Javier with Mrs. Orona
Javier fills a care bag of essentials for the homeless
Faith adds items to the care bags.
Care bags are ready to go!
Towne Point Elementary - Day of Service
The students of Towne Point Elementary held a Day of Service to clean up school grounds. First, second and third graders all worked to pick up trash. They wore rubber gloves while they worked to clean their community.
1st graders pick up trash at Towne Point Elementary.
Gloved 2nd graders work hard to clean up school grounds.
The 2nd grade cleaning crew!
3rd graders put on gloves and get ready to head outside to pick up trash in the front of the school.
Towne Point remote-learning students give a Day of Service to pick up trash in their neighborhood.
At Capital School District, we believe the right to equitable educational opportunity is universal. Achieving equity in education means providing the access, opportunities and supports needed to help students, families and staff reach their full potential. Equity does not mean equal or giving everyone the same thing, but it means giving each person what they need when they need it.
We are looking for stakeholders to join us in this important work. If you are interested in learning and growing with us as we continue to build on the work of the Equity Core Team, please complete this interest survey. If you have questions and would like to discuss equity and our work in Capital, please contact LaWanda Burgoyne at 302-857-4236 or lawanda.burgoyne@capital.k12.de.us or Dr. Jocelyn Brown at 302-857-4224 or jocelyn.brown@capital.k12.de.us.
As a teacher in the Capital School District for 20+ years, teacher Vanessa Johnson had the pleasure of mentoring many new teachers, as well as hosting a plethora of student teachers in training from Delaware State University. “Being a mentor teacher allows me to reach out and help fellow educators. Some may think that a mentor is a time to teach a new educator all the tricks of the trade; honestly, there are no tricks. It is a time where you learn from each other with sharing and implementation”.
At some point in time, teachers were/are the "New" person at a workplace, she said. “I remember my days as a novice teacher all too well. Worrying, confused, late nights, and being overwhelmed is an understatement of how some novice and seasoned educators feel at many points throughout their career. Receiving a warm greeting and knowing that someone will be there to assist you is the calm that many new teachers need and look forward to. It is an honor to be able to give back the same comfort and support I received many years ago to those wanting to give their time and commitment to children.” Ms. Johnson has been mentoring Tyrah Irving, a 2nd year teacher at William Henry Middle School.
Meet Tyrah Irving, 2nd Year Teacher at WHMS
WHMS teacher Tyrah Irving was born and raised in Jamaica, Queens, New York. She came to Delaware to attend Delaware State University. “Go Hornets!” she said. “This is my 2nd year teaching 5th grade English and Social Studies at William Henry Middle School.”
Ms. Irving said if she is being completely honest, she feels like every day is a learning experience. “My feelings towards virtual learning fluctuates. There have been times where I feel like I am surviving, and just trying to make it through the day. For instance, trying to find different ways to build relationships with my students and parents as well as managing my workload that changes daily with this new form of teaching. Other days, I feel like I am a sponge and just taking in any and everything that is coming my way.”
Having a mentor and other staff in the building volunteering to help, she said, is a great reminder that she is not alone during this crazy time. “I remember I once explained to someone who works in a different field that, in order to be a teacher, you have to be willing to learn… My mentor Vanessa Johnson is patient and always willing to answer any questions that I may have. She reassures me at times when I may not be feeling my best, and she is very supportive. Ms. Johnson has shared different methods that have been working in her virtual classroom and that I've begun to implement in mine as well. This has been a learning experience for everyone, school administration, teachers, students and definitely parents. Meeting with other teachers who are going through the mentor program at other schools have helped me become more vocal, learn new skills and more knowledgeable about making connections. In our meetings, I become one of the students, learning on Zoom. I'm able to be on the other side and have similar virtual learning experiences like my students, from answering a question while still on mute or being placed in a breakout room where no one is speaking. Having a mentor and other people who are going through the same process, with such beautiful ideas and words of encouragement makes the crazy days' worth it.”