Greetings Senator Nation!
It’s my privilege to share an update for the Week of December 3, 2021.
Today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This day was established to help us become more compassionate and understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. The spirit of the day serves as a reminder of the importance of our core value—Excellence through Equity. We must always be reminded that everyone needs different supports to excel and realize success!
This week’s schedule was full of valuable meetings with our Board of Education, staff members and various community partners. I started my week by meeting with our Special Education Team that will be co-presenting at the Council for Exceptional Children with our partners from the John Hopkins Ideals Institute located at John Hopkins University. I met with Dr. Paul Morris, Associate Vice President, Workforce Development and Community Education at Delaware Technical Community College focused on continuing our ongoing conversations regarding a future partnership to support our students, staff and parents. This week, I attend a meeting sponsored by the Kent County Coalition and learned about how CEO’s across our county are working to bring more economic opportunities to central Delaware.
On Wednesday, a special board meeting was convened. The board of education and I received valuable training on understanding how trauma can impact the development of children’s brains. This week, I participated in the Statewide Schools Chiefs Meetings and the Kent County Chiefs Meeting. These meetings have been very helpful for me as I continue to transition into my role as the Chief Executive Officer of the Capital School District. I have been able to foster important relationships and learn from the more experienced Superintendents in our state and county. One highlight from this week was my CEO’s Presidents’ Council Meeting and sharing the plans with the presidents of our collective bargaining association to get feedback and to solicit their ideas.
As I reflect back on this week, I am happy that we were able to collaborate to convene community clinics by offering vaccinations for Covid-19 and the Flu. I want to thank our partners with Atlantic Apothecary, the United Way and the Kent County Coalition, we successfully operated three vaccination clinics at our schools.
Finally, last week I shared that we were exploring a partnership with Moms Demand Action. This potential partnership generated considerable concerns from some members of our community. To this end, the district will not be fostering the partnership. The district will continue its tradition of remaining neutral and focus on remaining in face to face learning especially with the uncertainty of COVID. In hindsight, I value all of the diversity and beauty of our community. I am grateful for the complexities that come with serving others! It’s good to be a senator and embrace our differences.
As we launch this season of charity and love, I wish you joy and peace.
With Senator Pride,
Dr. Vilicia Cade
Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent
Capital School District