Greetings, Senator Nation!
It’s my privilege to share my bi-weekly update for the weeks of February 25th and March 4th.
This past Tuesday was the start of the month of March, also signifying Women’s History Month. Today, I spent some time reflecting on women who have made an enormous impact in American history and Ida B. Wells came to mind. She was an American investigative journalist, educator and early leader in the American civil rights movement. This month we will honor various women and their many contributions to American history. Please check out our social media channels for highlights of women who have made a significant impact in our lives as Americans.
Since my last update, I had the pleasure of visiting the following schools: Hartly Elementary School, William Henry Middle School, Dover High School, Central Middle Middle School, Towne Point and North Dover Elementary. I also had the privilege to enjoy the presentation of School House Rock Jr. Live, a musical performed by students from William Henry Middle School and Central Middle School, directed by Mr. Donavon Higbee and Mrs. Heather Akers.
I also met with Mike Kopp, Director of Murphey School which provides 24 hour care for live-in students. During these visits, I had the opportunity to meet with school staff and administrators to discuss ways to work collaboratively in supporting our students.
Throughout the past two weeks, I have met with my executive team and the Elementary and Secondary Principals to discuss our shared goals and vision for the Capital School District. I had the opportunity to engage with community members such as the new Executive Director of the Dover YMCA and the President of the Special Education Advisory Council. I met with the respective presidents of the Capital Educators Association, Capital Paraprofessional Association, Capital Support Association, and the Capital Educational Secretaries Association.
This past week the Superintendent’s Ladies Network convened at Dover High School. During our meeting we finalized our activities for getting together with our mentees. On Tuesday we held our Trauma and School Connectedness Task Force meeting where we heard from Mrs. McKinzie-Mack, Program Coordinator from the Court Appointed Special Advocates in Delaware and Walter D. Nichols from the DE Burn Camp and the Reality Program. Through programs such as these we continue to address the needs of our students through a Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework designed to address their academic, social, emotional, behavioral and mental health needs.
The highlight of my bi-weekly update was spending time with the students who planned and convened the 2nd Annual Black History Expo, attending Senior Night at the DHS Boys Basketball Game and visiting with students during their participation in the LAN party at Dover High School sponsored by the Japanese Club. I want to send a shout out to our Boys Varsity Basketball team and celebrate with them for winning the Henlopen Conference Championship. I so enjoyed the School House Rock Jr, presentation that our students from William Henry and Central Middle School performed.
I concluded my week with various one–on-one meetings with members of the Board of Education and a two-day conference with the Delaware Chief School Officers Association meeting where we discussed Self Care for the Superintendency, met with Governor John Carney and Delaware’s Secretary of Education Dr. Mark Holodick. We also had presentations regarding financial solutions and technology apps.
These past two weeks have been difficult for our entire Senator Nation as we continue to deal with the loss of Senator Blue Evans. We will continue our efforts to extend our sympathies to the families involved while providing social emotional support to our students and staff. Please continue to keep the entire family in the forefront of your thoughts. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Vilicia Cade
CEO and Superintendent
Capital School District