Table of Contents
- Dean’s Welcome Back Letter
- Cab Fest 24: Back to School Event
- New Student Orientation Recap
- RCCSD 24-25 SY Calendar At A Glance
- RCCSD 24-25 SY Calendar Detailed
- CCSA Calendar
- Parent and Student Support: Contact List
- Remind App
- Arrival and Dismissal Procedure
- Voluntary Accident Insurance
- Free and Reduced Lunch
- Life Touch Senior Portraits and Packages
- Important Upcoming Dates
Welcome New Staff to Cab Calloway School of the Arts
Mr. Atilano Rodriguez’s educational background includes an A.B. from Bowdoin College with a double major in Mathematics as well as Sociology and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from the University of Delaware with a focus on secondary math education. He is currently finishing up a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Mathematics from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Mr. Rodriguez spent the first 11 years teaching various math courses at Middletown High school including dual enrollment Trigonometry through Delaware State University, and AP Calculus. He coached the Math League team, administered the AMC test, and hosted a variety of clubs that were started by interested students such as Korean Club.Mr. Rodriguez resides in Newark with his wife and two cats. He enjoys puzzles, mobile games, cooking, and making groan-worthy puns.
Mrs. Natalie Ganc (last name rhymes with “dance”) is ecstatic to be a new teacher at Cab Calloway! This will be her 25th year of teaching. She has taught every grade level from 2nd-12th. She lives in Hockessin with her husband, 15-year-old daughter, Allie, and their four cats. Mrs. Ganc is originally from Delaware, but I lived in Louisiana for 10 years and is a HUGE LSU Football fan!She is a VORACIOUS reader. “So when I’m not spending time with my family or cheering on LSU football, my head is buried in a book. Some of my favorite books are: The BFG by Roald Dahl, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and any/all true crime books. I also like Hello Kitty, Barbie, chocolate pretzels, Coca-Cola, andmy favorite color is PURPLE. Fun fact: I can twirl batons, knives, and fire!”
Mrs. Faythe Daniels is a certified secondary school counselor. She earned her Master’s Degree in school counseling at Wilmington University. She attended the University of Delaware where she studied Human Services and earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She has been working with youth for over 20 years and has been working in schools for 16 years. Faythe recently participated in the ASPIRE program through the Delaware Academy of School Leadership where she earned a certificate of completion. This lends to her desire to be teachable and willingness to grow as a leader. Faythe enjoys serving in her community as well as her church. She is married with two children and loves spending time with her family.
Ms. Olivia Rayfield is a graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Elementary Education- Concentration in Middle School Science. Outside the classroom, “I have a love for travel. My most recent adventure took me to Alaska. Additionally, I cherish my family trips to the Outer Banks each summer.”
Amanda Wise-Harris enjoys a diverse and active career as an educator, accompanist, music director, and vocal coach. She is a classically trained pianist and has taught instrumental, vocal, and general music at every grade level including college and has taught in both public and private school settings in addition to maintaining a private piano studio. Mandy stays busy as a freelance musician and music director in the Philadelphia area and is often called upon to serve as an audition accompanist for regional theaters such as the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia. Her nurturing style of instruction and collaborative approach has allowed her to thrive in a broad range of musical genres as she works with musicians of all ages and backgrounds to help them discover and communicate the artistry and storytelling of the music they are performing. She has Bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Music Therapy, and a Master’s Degree in Music Education from East Carolina University and is currently finishing her Ph.D. in Music Education from Temple University. When she is not doing music, she enjoys traveling, gardening, camping, and spending time with her amazing husband, three grown children, and five perfect grandchildren.
Teaching and Learning Updates
Schedule UPdates
- Note: All student schedules will be updated throughout the remainder of the summer.
- Anything that you have seen in HAC (Home Access Center) may not reflect accurately.
- Bell Schedule: Changes made to Activity and Homeroom Period
Chromebooks
- In order for students to receive their Chromebook for the 2024-2025 school year, families are required to complete the RCCSD Technology Agreement form and pay the $20 Protection Plan fee.
- We are currently accepting forms and payments in advance of the school year's start. Chromebooks will be distributed during the first week of school to students who have submitted both items (technology form and payment).
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Arrival Procedures:
- Doors open for students at 6:50 AM. There is no supervision for students prior to 6:50. Middle school students (grades 6-8) will report directly to the cafeteria upon arrival. High school students will report to the gym.
- Any student wishing to purchase breakfast will report to the cafeteria. Middle school students will eat in the cafeteria.
- High school students will eat breakfast in the lobby area at designated tables prior to reporting to the gym.
Dismissal Procedures:
- The student day ends at 2:10. Any student not staying for an extracurricular activity must leave campus by 3:00. Afterschool activities run from 2:30-4:30.
- Middle School students must remain on campus from 2:10-2:30.
- High school students may leave campus prior to their after school activity if their parents have given permission for them to leave by completing the below form:
Cab Calloway staff and administration remain dedicated to nurturing a sense of belonging and community after the pandemic. We understand the significance of embracing, celebrating, and supporting the diversity within CCSA community.
Anti Harassment Statement
- The Red Clay Consolidated School District strictly prohibits acts of harassment based on a student's actual or perceived race, color, or national origin, including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics like antisemitism. Any such act will not be tolerated, and immediate action will be taken.
- If any student feels that they have been subjected to harassment or a hostile environment based on race, color, or national origin, they are strongly urged to report it to a school administrator or counselor without any delay. The district is committed to conducting a prompt and thorough investigation into such cases.
- Any student found engaging in acts of harassment that create a hostile environment based on race, color, or national origin will face strict disciplinary actions, which may include suspension and expulsion.
- To prevent acts of harassment, students, parents/guardians, and school district staff are expected to take responsibility and work together.
Senior Pictures Schedule and Lifetouch
- We will be using LifeTouch as our vendor for the 2024-25 SY.
- We are working on scheduling Prestige Senior Picture for students who missed it.
- Life Touch Fall Picture Schedule
On behalf of the Cab Calloway School of the Arts Administration Team, we would like to extend a warm welcome to our incoming and returning families to the upcoming 2024-25 School Year. We look forward to your support and commitment to making CAB a remarkable place where the energy of the arts and academics unite.
Important Upcoming Dates
- August 19st-Aug 22nd- Teacher Inservice Week
- August 21st- School Board Meeting @ 7:00 PM
- August 22nd- Cab Fest @5:00-7:30 PM
- August 22nd- N. DuPont Rd Street Feasibility Study Presentation @ 5:00 PM
- August 26th- First Student Day for 6th and 9th Grades(Only)
- August 27th- All Secondary Students Report to School
- August 30th- School Closed
- September 2nd: School Closed
- September 3rd: All students return back to school.
Sports Physicals and Winter Sport Information
Please visit Forcessports.com and click your interested Fall sport. Under the “Team Info.” Tab, you’ll find try-out dates, locations, times, and general information along with coaches contact email.
Voluntary Accidental Insurance
The Red Clay Consolidated School District offers a voluntary low cost accident insurance for your student. Families can choose either during the school day or 24-hour coverage. The brochure is attached. Applications and fees should be sent directly to the Philadelphia Insurance Companies. There is no obligation to purchase this insurance.
Community Check/In Survey
- We would love to hear from you on how we can better serve our students and families.
- Please share any questions, ideas, or suggestions.