Update for 11/6/2020

Senator Update for 11/6/2020

 

Dear Senator Nation,

Senator Update image

We are excited that in just three days we will have elementary students back in the classroom!. Elementary students whose parents or guardians have chosen to engage in Hybrid will start on Monday, November 9th for Group A students who will be at school on Mondays and Tuesdays. Group B students will be at school on Thursdays and Fridays. If you have any questions regarding your child’s schedule, please reach out to your school’s principal.

For those who chose to continue with Remote Learning, your student will continue with online learning until the end of the semester in late January.

We hope that you participated in the FREE COVID-19 testing at Dover High School and East Dover Elementary School that was arranged for by the State of Delaware.  While it is not mandatory for students to be tested, knowing your child’s COVID-19 status helps stop the spread of the virus. We want to do everything possible to ensure that everyone is safe at school  and we strongly urge parents to get their children tested.  If you were unable to take advantage of these two school testing dates, there are many free COVID-19 sites you can use to test your child and your family. A list of these sites is provided later within this update.

In this update, learn why Capital School District was recognized as a Champion District for Social and Emotional Learning and see features on Dover High School ESL teacher Mrs. Carmen Crowley, South Dover Elementary teacher Mrs. Alexis Huttie and Kent County Community school psychologist Amanda Wells. We look forward to the wonderful months ahead as we see some of our students back in the classroom! 

Please stay happy, healthy and safe as we navigate this new way of teaching and learning.

Sincerely,

 Dr. Sylvia M. Henderson


Dr. Sylvia M. Henderson
Interim Superintendent


Hybrid and Remote Learning Updates

  • Hybrid Model SchedulingThere is an example of a Hybrid Approach to Learning schedule in this update. There are three groups of students in our Hybrid Approach. One group of At-School students will be in the classroom on Mondays and Tuesdays while the other group will be in the classroom on Thursdays and Fridays.  Some families have elected to keep their children home all 5 days and students will participate with their classes. When a student is not in the classroom, they are engaged in assigned virtual learning activities. Wednesdays are “on demand” virtual classes for every student.


Capital School District Recognized as SEL Champion District

Capital School District was recognized as a Champion School District at the Delaware Social and Emotional Learning Collaborative  Quarterly Convening which took place on October 27.  Social and Emotional Learning image

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.

During the meeting, the journey that Capital School District has followed to integrate SEL into district and school wide practices to establish supportive classroom and school environments was shared and celebrated.  Capital School District has been invited to share social emotional learning supports and work that is underway to enhance the SEL competence of the students and staff within the district at a virtual session co-hosted by the State Board of Education and Delaware School Boards Association this month.

Our district remains committed to meeting the needs of the whole child by supporting their social and emotional needs.  To learn more about SEL, visit the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)  at CASEL.org.



Your child’s social and emotional well-being and mental health are important to us.  Take a moment to read how the Capital School District plans to support the needs of your child as we return to school.  Click Here To Read The Capital School District Social, Emotional and Mental Health Reopening Plan During the COVID-19 Pandemic.


 

Amanda Wells, School Psychologist for Kent County Community School


Amanda Wells, KCCS School Psychologist, shares with us some thoughts about how she and other school psychologists help and support students during remote learning. 

Amanda Wells

“The building closures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have presented a unique opportunity to further invest in fostering relationships with families.  More so than ever, we’ve had to attempt to meet students’ needs in the context of their home.  Although I had to adjust my usual approach for psychological consultation, the commitment remains the same- supporting students, families, and staff in meeting the needs of the whole child.  My communication with families continues via email and the Google Voice number I set up to remotely engage with families via phone and text.  Zoom meetings have also been a readily accessed option for both individual contact with parent/guardians and team-based discussions to promote student success.  I’ve also had opportunities to meet parents in the community to help meet their needs.  In addition to direct contact, psychoeducation and resource sharing via tangible methods (e.g., documents, websites) has been valuable in support efforts during this time.

Amanda Wells at KCCSKCCS/DAP has an exceptional tiered support process in place, conducive to the virtual modality.  It has been a pleasure to collaborate with staff program- and district-wide and be a part of a team of staff members going above and beyond to help families access resources to support their basic needs, behavior and mental health, and engagement in virtual learning.”

Ms. Amanda Wells has been named School Psychologist of the Year for 2020-2021 by the Delaware Association of School Psychologists. She is also the Specialist of the Year for Kent County Community School. 

Learn more about her here.




Dover High School ESL teacher Carmen Crowley featured twice during Hispanic Heritage Month!

Mrs. Carmen Crowley, DHS ESL teacher

Mrs. Carmen Crowley, a ESL teacher at Dover High School, has been helping ESL students to be successful with online learning. Not being able to speak the language is a barrier for these students, she explained recently to TV station WRDE, but it is even more of a challenge when families are not able to support their children with technology. “I’m a teacher from my heart,” she said. “I want to be able to help everybody.” She took matters into her own hands to teach non-English speaking families how to use technology and to understand virtual learning.”

Now she no longer has to do this alone. Dover High School’s latest effort is offering one-on-one help for Hispanic families, which allows students to participate better and at a higher level  with online learning. 

Last month was Hispanic Heritage month, and Mrs. Crowley had the spotlight on the First State Educate website. She answered questions about English Language Learners and teaching Hispanic students. One question was:

What do you find challenging and rewarding about being an ELL educator?
Her answer:  In general, being an educator is challenging and rewarding all at the same time. One minute you’re challenged by students who sometimes feel frustrated and unmotivated. The next minute you’re holding back tears as they cross the stage at graduation or as you’re watching them light up with excitement during a college/career mentoring session.

Read more about Carmen Crowley’s Spotlight here. 


The Experience of Remote Teaching and Learning: Mrs. Alexis Huttie, Teacher at South Dover Elementary

Mrs. Alexis Huttie, South Dover Elementary teacher
Mrs. Alexis Huttie has always been a teacher who strives to make her instruction meaningful and memorable for her students. “The 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years have definitely taken that memorable part to an entirely new level,” she said. 

Mrs. Huttie feels fortunate to be teaching in the great Capital School District for 14 years. “Currently, I am the English partner in the Second Grade Spanish Immersion Program at South Dover Elementary School. Along with my amazing partner, Sra. Silva, and my awesome Wesley Teacher Candidate, Miss Lovelace, I have 46 of the most spectacular students and 46 of the most dedicated and patient families. With their support, we have been able to continue to deliver quality instruction to our students using a variety of techniques. Yes, many of them being digital components, but I feel the key strategy we are using is being ourselves. My students and their families receive the same drive and passion as they would from “In Class” Mrs. Huttie even through Remote Learning.” 

She still wears her Wonder Woman attire, finds goofy ways to deliver a concept, and still has fun even through a Zoom Screen. “When met with the challenges of Remote Learning, I could have thrown in the towel and given up on my passion.” But Mrs. Huttie chose to say “GAME ON!” instead. “I am dedicated and determined to make this hurdle we are facing into a meaningful and memorable experience for my students. For me Remote Learning, and Hybrid Learning waiting in the wing, have allowed me to grow in my craft. I have had the opportunity to network and to form stronger relationships across the district as we all collaborate to do what is best for all children.” She told us that she had the opportunity to collaborate more with her mom, Mrs. Christiansen, a Second Grade Teacher at Towne Point.

“Though we are physically far apart,” she said. “I do feel that this experience has brought me closer to my students and their families, my teammates, and the entire Senator Nation. I would like to say, not only as an employee of the Capital School District, but also a parent of a student, thank you to the entire Senator Nation for all you do for our students, for our families, and for each other!” 



Hybrid Model Scheduling

 There are three groups of students in our Hybrid Approach. One group of At-School students will be in the classroom on Mondays and Tuesdays while the other group will be in the classroom on Thursdays and Fridays.  Some families have elected to keep their children home all 5 days and students will participate with their classes. When a student is not in the classroom, they are engaged in assigned virtual learning activities. Wednesdays are “on demand” virtual classes for every student.

Example of Hybrid Scheduling

Keeping Our Senators Safe

All students must wear masks at school. Parent’s please send your child to school with a mask. Please ensure that the mask sent is clean. Face coverings will be worn in classrooms according to CDC guidelines. 

Face Mask Guidance for Children

  • Ages: 5 and above required
  • Ages: 2-4 strongly recommended (only If student can remove mask independently)

Face coverings will be worn outside the classroom in all shared/public spaces (hallways, bathrooms, etc.) If your child cannot wear a mask, you will need to submit medical documentation to the school nurse.  

Desks will be arranged at least six feet apart to allow for social distancing. All desks will face the same direction toward the front of the classroom. Students will maintain social distancing while eating meals.

Capital School District has established a cleaning protocol against COVID-19. Custodial Staff is to wear appropriate PPE when performing all cleaning activities.  High-touch surfaces (stair rails, doorknobs, push-bars on doors, bathrooms, classroom work areas, etc.) will be wiped every 15 minutes to 2 hours using an EPA-approved cleaning and disinfecting agent.  The Capital School District utilizes products that are listed on the EPA’s List N as approved for COVID-19 use.

The Senator Facilities Team continues to maintain the air handling systems in our schools with regular filter changes and preventive maintenance by qualified experts.  The age of our schools vary, however, the systems that cool and heat each of our schools meet the guidelines established by the CDC for maintaining a safe exchange of air in our buildings. Our team will remain focused on air quality as part of providing a safe place for our children to learn.  

Classroom Supplies that will be provided for each classroom (custodial staff will check the supply and replenish daily):
●     Disinfectant Wipes
●     Hand Sanitizer
●     Extra Supply of Masks
●     Glove Supply


A Reminder for Visitors to a Capital School District building or facility

 

All visitors are required to wear a mask or face covering that fully covers the nose and mouth at all times.  Neck gaiters and bandanas are not acceptable face coverings as they are too thin and testing shows that they do not provide sufficient protection.  Visitors who arrive without a mask may request one at the front desk. 

 No Neck GaitersNeck Gaiter                      


  Wear a Face Mask     


Guests are required to stand behind the plexiglass shield installed at reception desks.

All visitors will be subject to the following COVID-19 screening questions. Guests who answer “Yes” to one or more of these questions will be prohibited from entering the school and be advised to contact their healthcare provider.

  • In the past 14 days, have you been near (within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes) a person who has a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19, or have you had direct contact with their mucus or saliva?
  • In the last 48 hours, have you had any of the following symptoms?
    • New cough
    • New trouble breathing, shortness of breath or severe wheezing
    • New chills or shaking with chills
    • New muscle aches 
    • Sore throat
    • Nausea, Vomiting or diarrhea
    • Fatigue
    • Congestion or runny nose
    • New loss of smell or taste, or a change in taste
  • In the past 48 hours, have you had a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher?

Approved visitors, including parents and guardians, will only be granted access to identified meeting rooms and offices. No visitors will be allowed in classrooms or at lunches. In all cases, a building administrator will make the final decision as to whether a visitor will be provided access to any part of the facility. Volunteers are not permitted to visit our schools at this time. When possible, we will provide virtual access to mentors, college representatives, guest speakers, etc.

 

 

Kent County - Know your COVID-19 Status image


Click here for a printable guide to Free COVID-19 Testing in Kent County.


Free COVID-19 Testing in Kent County, Delaware

Capital School District is partnering with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency to offer COVID testing PRIOR to the start of in person learning.  Our goal is to identify any possible risk of asymptomatic students who could accidentally spread the virus.  We are strongly encouraging EVERY STUDENT to get tested. To facilitate this process, we are working closely with Kent County to develop and communicate testing options. There are free COVID testing sites throughout Kent County. If you are interested in receiving a free test, please visit any of the locations listed below. You can click here for a printable guide to Free COVID-19 Testing in Kent County.  


Walgreens in Kent County, Delaware
1215 S. State Street, Dover:  Monday - Saturday, 9 am-5 pm 52 W. Birdie Lane, Magnolia: Monday - Saturday, 9 am-5pm and Sunday 10 am-5pm State Service Centers Smyrna State Service Center, 200 S. Dupont Blvd #101, Smyrna: 8:30 am-4 pm (closed daily from noon until 1 pm) Public Health Clinics
Williams State Service Center, 805 River Road, Dover: Monday-Friday, 8 am-4:30 pm, call for appointment 302-857-5150

Milford State Service, 13 Front Street, Milford: Monday-Friday, 8 am-4:30 pm, call for appointment 302-424-7140

Click here for a printable guide to Free COVID-19 Testing in Kent County.

For more testing information, visit http://www.de.gov/gettested

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