- Black History Month Recognitions
- Lunar New Year Celebrations
- 2026 Delaware School Nurse of the Year
- Celebrating our School Counseling Teams
- Nominate a Behavioral Health Professional of the Year!
- February is CTE (Career and Technical Education) Month
- Love the Bus Month
- February Board of Education Recognitions
- Girls in Sports Day
- OSE Works Towards Heart Safe School Designation
- Student Voice Showcase Features Powerful Seventh Grade Speeches
- Students at AHS Solve for Tomorrow
- Two Student Athletes Celebrated at MHS Signing Day
- OHS Continues "We Lead, We Read" Initiative
- In Case You Missed It: College and Career Readiness Night
- Sign Up NOW for 2026 Summer Camps
- Next Appo Families Connect/Parent Council Session is March 19
- School Board Filing Deadline is March 6
- Next Board of Education Meeting is March 10
- 2026 Preschool Interest Form Goes Live to Public on March 2
- Join the Appoquinimink Foundation!
- Upcoming Events & Meeting Reminders:
Black History Month Recognitions
Throughout the month of February, our schools hosted events and initiatives in celebration of Black History Month. Below is a snapshot of some of the events aimed at educating our students on the importance of teaching and honoring Black History Month. We will also have more photos in the coming days. Be sure to follow each link for pictures:
- At Spring Meadow Early Childhood Center, students learned about pilot Bessie Coleman, and at Old State Elementary, students learned about Olympian Florence Griffith Joyner during morning announcements
- Fourth and fifth graders at Bunker Hill Elementary School presented projects celebrating Black creatives who have made meaningful contributions in the arts, literature, music, and beyond at the school's Black History Month Living History Museum
- Brick Mill Elementary School hosted a Black History Month Expo
- Silver Lake Elementary School held a Black History Month event that featured singing, presentations, dancing, and more
- Members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Alpha Tau Omega Chapter visited Townsend Elementary School, where they read to students
Lunar New Year Celebrations
Anyone who's tried to learn another language knows — the best way to fully learn it is to immerse yourself in the culture of that language. That's why our district's language immersion programs take care to teach culture and celebrate traditions, while also educating students on language. For our Chinese Immersion Programs, the days leading up to and after February 17 were filled with educational opportunities to learn about the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Fire Horse!
- Spring Meadow Early Childhood Center held a Lunar New Year Parade throughout the school
- Old State Elementary School hosted a Lunar New Year Parade, as well
- Cantwell's Bridge Middle School held a Lunar New Year Market after school
- Old State Elementary School held an after-school Lunar New Year Celebration
2026 Delaware School Nurse of the Year
If you’re at all familiar with Aimee Hastings, it will come as no surprise that she has been selected as the 2026 Delaware School Nurse of the Year! This recognition is from the Delaware School Nurse Association, which noted Hastings “truly embodies excellence in school nursing, and we are proud to honor her accomplishments and have her as part of the Appoquinimink team!” Hastings has been a registered nurse for 30 years, with 19 years of dedicated service in our district. She consistently demonstrates an exceptional commitment to student health, professional excellence, and collaboration. Hastings’ leadership has led to transformative initiatives for students with critical health needs, particularly those living with diabetes. She pioneered and developed the Diabetes Support Nurse role in our district, enhancing the safety, well-being, and academic success of students while building staff confidence in managing diabetes in the school setting. Through her collaboration with the Lions Club, Hastings secured an $18,000 grant to provide diabetes training for schools and school nurses across Delaware through the Lions Empowering School Nurses for Children with Diabetes initiative. Most school nurses and educational staff statewide have benefited from this impactful program. Her work also contributed to the article Empowering School Nurses in Delaware: A Collaborative Approach to Improving Diabetes Management in Schools, published in NASN School Nurse. She will also present this work at the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) 2026 Annual Conference, further disseminating Delaware's innovative model nationally. In addition to her diabetes initiatives, Hastings has secured funding for vision screeners, expanding access to screening services for students from pre-K through 12th grade in both school and community settings. She is a lifeline for students requiring specialized care. Hastings also writes a weekly newsletter for colleagues on diabetes trends, updates, and educational opportunities, sharing information through Delaware's school health collaborative. Hastings dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit exemplify the best of school nursing. Her statewide impact and national contributions elevate the profession, making it a proud honor to recognize her as Delaware School Nurse of the Year. Way to go, Aimee!
Celebrating our School Counseling Teams
The first week of February is recognized as National School Counseling Week, and we wanted to put the spotlight on our amazing team! Our school counselors are advocates, listeners, problem-solvers, and champions for students. From supporting academic growth and social-emotional well-being to helping students navigate challenges and plan for the future, their impact reaches far beyond their offices and into the lives of our students, families, and staff. Our school counselors show compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to serving students with care and purpose. Appoquinimink School District is stronger because of our amazing staff, and we are truly grateful for all they do.
Nominate a Behavioral Health Professional of the Year!
Do you know a school counselor, school social worker, licensed clinical social worker, school psychologist, or school nurse who is dedicated, inspiring, and making a difference? If so, please take a moment to nominate them for the Behavioral Health Professional of the Year (BHPOY)!
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION!
In 2021, the Delaware State Behavioral Health Professional of the Year Program was established under House Bill 35 of the 151st General Assembly. This program recognizes exceptional behavioral health professionals who positively impact individuals’ mental health. Each district selects its BHPOY, who then represents the district in the statewide program. The nomination window is officially open and will close on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 11:55 p.m. Eligibility Requirements:
- Candidates must have at least three (3) years of experience as a behavioral health professional (experience can include different districts, schools, or positions).
- Candidates must be district employees (not contracted employees) and hold a license through the Delaware Professional Board of Regulation and/or the Delaware Department of Education.
- Candidates must hold a certification or licensure credential through the Department of Education and/or the Professional Regulation Board.
- Candidates must continue to serve in a behavioral health position for the 2026-2027 award year.
- Candidates must be exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled.
- Candidates must promote a positive, supportive, and professional image of behavioral health professionals within their workplace and community.
This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the vital role behavioral health professionals play in our schools. If someone comes to mind, please take a moment to submit a nomination. Thank you for helping us honor and recognize these incredible professionals!
February is CTE (Career and Technical Education) Month
We've celebrated Career and Technical Education Month by putting the spotlight on our amazing educators and the programs that allow our students to earn early college credits, industry-recognized credentials, and work experience while still in high school! Throughout February, we've posted videos we produced a few years ago with information about our pathways. We've also visited our schools to get pictures of our CTE teachers in action. Stay tuned as we continue to post those pictures on our social media pages. You can also find more information about our district's pathways here!
Love the Bus Month
February is nationally recognized as Love the Bus Month, and we wanted to show some appreciation for our team of dedicated school bus drivers! These are just a few of our many drivers, who work tirelessly to ensure our students are safely transported to and from school each day. Our school bus drivers go above and beyond by participating in trainings, creating safety programs for younger students, and even putting their skills to the test at the annual “School Bus Roadeo” event. We can't emphasize enough the role our drivers play in supporting education and community connection. Love the Bus Month reminds us that safe, reliable transportation is foundational to student access, learning, and success — it's the perfect time to celebrate the friendly faces that help learning happen! Please join us in thanking our amazing school bus drivers!
February Board of Education Recognitions
Pictured above are members of the community and organizations that helped support our students during the holiday season, who were recognized at the February 10 Appoquinimink Board of Education meeting. Those donors are, in no order, Tony Immediato, Blackbird Community Center, Atlas Volleyball Club, and Michelle Mac-Williams.
Pictured above, Randall Mercier, a former constable at Silver Lake Elementary School, was recognized at the February 10 Board meeting for his quick action following a vehicle pursuit and crash that happened in front of the school in November. “He brought a sense of safety, security, and assurance to the students and families at Silver Lake,” SLE Principal Christy Boyd commented. Pictured, from left, are lead constable Jeff Hale, Mercier, Boyd, and Superintendent Matt Burrows.
Pictured above, second from right, Teresina Raphael was recognized with a BEATS Maker Award during the February 10 Board meeting. Raphael is a bus driver and was noted for her critical thinking skills. Pictured, from left, are Executive Director of Human Resources Ed Small, Supervisor of Transportation Stacey McIntosh, Raphael, and Superintendent Matt Burrows.
Pictured above, third from left, Benedetta Rieser was recognized with a BEATS Maker Award during the February 10 Board meeting. Rieser is a student support facilitator at Everett Meredith Middle School and was noted for her collaboration and engagement skills. Rieser is pictured with Executive Director of Human Resources Ed Small, EMMS Principal Beth Everett, and Superintendent Matt Burrows.
Pictured above and both nominated for their collaboration and communication skills, Richard Leverage and Charles Gravenor were recognized with BEATS Maker Awards at the February 10 Board meeting. Both are members of the district custodial team. Both were nominated by Terre Taylor, senior coordinator of student services, who noted both Leverage and Gravenor work tirelessly to ensure the district’s facilities stay in space. “When you walk by our facilities, and you see how beautiful they are, it is because of them,” Taylor said. Pictured, from left, are Executive Director of Human Resources Ed Small, Gravenor, Taylor, Leverage, and Superintendent Matt Burrows.
Pictured above, Thomas Klein, a student at Alfred G. Waters Middle School, was recognized at the February 10 Board meeting for his acceptance into Junior Band, part of the Delaware All State Instrument Ensemble. Pictured, from left, are band teacher Joann Talley, Klein, and Superintendent Matt Burrows. Jayden Chen was accepted into the orchestra ensemble, but was unable to attend the meeting.
Pictured above are students from Cantwell’s Bridge Middle School who were accepted into a Delaware All State Instrumental Ensemble were recognized at the February 10 Board meeting. CBMS students accepted to Junior Band are, in no order, Emmanuel Arhin, Liam Buczynski, Sydney Hibbert, Calvin Mincey, and Marcus-Anthony Yates. Please note, not all students could be in attendance at the meeting. Also pictured are CBMS Principal Kelyn Marmolejo, band director Amanda Ostrusky, and Superintendent Matt Burrows.
Pictured above are students from Louis L. Redding Middle School who were accepted into a Delaware All State Instrumental Ensemble were recognized at the February 10 Board meeting. Students accepted to Junior Band are, in no order, Charlee Dessin-Anderson, Matthew Eldredge, and Carter Farrar. Please note, not all students could be in attendance at the meeting. Also pictured are LLRMS band director Jeffrey Leager and Superintendent Matt Burrows.
Pictured above, students from Appoquinimink High School who were accepted into a Delaware All State Instrumental Ensemble were recognized by the Board at the February 10 meeting. Ethan Rich was accepted into Senior Band, and Violet Sullivan was accepted into the Orchestra Ensemble. Also pictured are band director Ryan Moseley, orchestra teacher Nicole Paulk, and Superintendent Matt Burrows.
Pictured above, Middletown High School student Claudia Hores was recognized at the February 10 Board meeting after being accepted into Senior Band, a Delaware All State Instrumental Ensemble. Hores is pictured with band director Jeffrey Leager, MHS Principal Nell Jean, and Superintendent Matt Burrows.
Pictured above, students from Odessa High School who were accepted into a Delaware All State Instrumental Ensemble were recognized by the Board at the February 10 meeting. Those students accepted into Senior Band are Benjamin Beird, Valeria Lemus, Emmanuel Oppong-Adjei Jr., Brayden Stafford, and Matai Rouse (Matai was also accepted into Senior Jazz Band and Senior Orchestra). Kingsley Xie was accepted into Senior Orchestra. Also pictured are OHS band director Brian Endlein, OHS orchestra director John Gordon, OHS Principal Deangello Eley, and Superintendent Matt Burrows.
Girls in Sports Day
These pictures are from our third Girls in Sports Day! This event invites girls in kindergarten through fifth grade to try out a wide range of sports. With help from middle and high school-aged female athletes, who provide instruction, the younger students cycle through stations, including volleyball, field hockey, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, softball, track, cheer, wrestling, and more! Girls in Sports Day aims to help our girls build confidence, make friends, and find a sport they'd like to play in a few years!
OSE Works Towards Heart Safe School Designation
The dedicated staff at Old State Elementary, along with school nurse Jennifer Zakrzewski, recently partnered with New Castle County Paramedics, Odessa Fire Company, and Nemours Cardiac Clinic to take an important step toward becoming a Heart Safe Designated School. Together with our local first responders, during our district professional learning day, staff participated in a mock drill for a sudden cardiac arrest, strengthening preparedness and teamwork when seconds matter most. February is Heart Health Month, making this collaboration even more meaningful. We are proud to stand with the American Heart Association and its powerful message: “Be the help until help arrives.” Thank you to our staff and community partners for their commitment to keeping our students and school community safe. You can find more pictures here!
Student Voice Showcase Features Powerful Seventh Grade Speeches
Nine seventh graders from our middle schools took to the stage on February 12 to deliver moving speeches in the district's fourth annual Appoquinimink Project Soapbox: Student Voice Showcase! Project Soapbox is our seventh-grade civic engagement public speaking project that invites young people to write and deliver a speech on issues that affect them and their communities. Topics the students chose to write about ranged from bullying to mental health to school violence to the cost of cancer treatment. One Spanish Immersion student, Lily Sappington, wrote and delivered her speech in Spanish and translated her speech into English for the audience to read. Follow this link to see pictures from the event! The student speakers and their topics were:
- Connor Rovira (CBMS), LGBTQ+ related hate crimes
- Lily Sappington (EMMS), mental health
- Ellie Billings (AGW), negative impact of AI
- Felicity Williams (CBMS), women’s healthcare
- Joshua Flewelling (LLRMS), the dangers of drug abuse
- Lakshika Nekkanti (EMMS), cyberbullying
- Zoey Friend (AGW), school violence
- Safiya Sheik (EMMS), suicide awareness
- Reyaansh Somaiah (AGW), cost of cancer treatment
Thank you to our teachers who supported their students through the speech-writing process and helped prep them for public speaking: Alfred G. Waters Middle School
- Alicia Cedrone
- Jaime Churchill (Delaware Project Soapbox Lead Teacher)
- Chrissie Curcuru
- Melissa Harrison
Cantwell’s Bridge Middle School
- Cormelle Pyatt
- Dan Ramer
- Gina Scheiber
- Feng (Matt) Shuxiong
Everett Meredith Middle School
- Tyler Brennan
- Andrea Quintero
- Sarah Street
Louis L. Redding Middle School
- Chris DiMascio
- Kristin King
- Sean McGuigan
We would also like to extend a special thank you to the civic partners who provided feedback after each speech — they were state Sen. Stephanie Hansen; Susan Mitchell, board member of the League of Women Voters; state Rep. Sherae'a "Rae" Moore; and Michelle Wall, former Appoquinimink Board of Education member.
Students at AHS Solve for Tomorrow
Huge congratulations to seven Appoquinimink High School students, who won $1,000 after participating in Samsungs’ Solve for Tomorrow Challenge. Devkrishna Manappattu, Kaushal Praveen, Rithvik Sundar, Violet Sullivan, Prishu Gaire, Elishia Liu, and Yunting Yang, all juniors, worked together to complete an entry for the challenge where students can submit STEM ideas and project ideas to address real-world problems for a chance to win prize money, mentorship, and more. Students create the submissions, and a teacher submits the application.
Two Student Athletes Celebrated at MHS Signing Day
In February, we celebrated Brooklyn Erney and Jacque Wilson, Middletown High School seniors who signed letters of commitment to play their respective sports at the college level. Families, friends, coaches, and other special guests attended to help celebrate Brooklyn and Jacque’s athletic achievements thus far, and those to come. You can see photos from the signing day here!
OHS Continues "We Lead, We Read" Initiative
Odessa High School students in the Education Pathway have been visiting our elementary schools as part of We Lead. We Read. events, where they share their love of reading and practice their teaching skills. OHS students visited Spring Meadow Early Childhood Center and Old State Elementary School. In addition to our Education Pathway students, SMECC was treated to two guest literacy ambassadors from OHS's Technology Student Association. These students wrote, illustrated, and printed two original children's books — one of which they entered into a state leadership competition!
In Case You Missed It: College and Career Readiness Night
Earlier this month, our district held a College and Career Readiness Night. If you missed it, we have a recording on our YouTube page from our College and Career Readiness Night. This webinar included information on:
- How your high school schedule impacts the college admission process
- AP, Dual Enrollment, and Articulated Course offerings
- AP and Dual Enrollment courses connect to the high school scheduling process
You can view the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COOBhVBkyx0
Sign Up NOW for 2026 Summer Camps
The time is here for summer camp registration! We've got a summer full of fun planned — performing arts, athletics, arts and crafts, language camps, science, and enrichment — more than 30 different options in all! Campers make friends, have fun, learn new things, and develop their talents in a supportive environment at ASD's Bunker Hill Campus, which is home to both Bunker Hill Elementary and Appoquinimink High. Follow this link for more information and to register for our summer camps!
- Summer Camps run Monday through Thursday the weeks of June 22, July 6, July 13, and July 20, with morning and afternoon camp options.
- The morning camps run from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and the afternoon camps run from 12 – 3 p.m.
- Camp fees are $115 per student per week. Please note, registration rises to $125 after May 1.
- Parents must provide their own transportation to and from camp.
Next Appo Families Connect/Parent Council Session is March 19
All are welcome to attend our Parent Council Session, presented by the Special Education Department in partnership with Appo Families Connect. The next meeting is on March 19, 2026, with the topic of "Child Development and Supporting Children with Disabilities." The meeting will take place at Louis L. Redding Middle School. This workshop provides an overview of key stages of child development and how disabilities can affect growth in various areas. Families will learn practical strategies to support their child's development, build on strengths, and collaborate effectively with educators and service providers. Use THIS LINK to register. If you have questions, please email Patrique.OGilvie@appo.k12.de.us.
School Board Filing Deadline is March 6
Have you considered running for the Appoquinimink School Board? In Appoquinimink School District, all School Board seats are at-large. There are two seats up for election this year. School Board members set up and approve educational goals and policies; are active in recognition, special events, and advocacy efforts; help address the impact of growth in our community; and have fiscal responsibility for approving the annual budget. Candidates wishing to run must register with the New Castle County Board of Elections by Friday, March 6, 2026, to appear on the ballot. This is a four-year, unpaid position. To run, you must be at least 18 years old, a citizen of the U.S. and Delaware, and a resident of the Appoquinimink School District. School Board members set and approve educational goals and policies; are active in recognition, special events, and advocacy efforts; help address the impact of growth in our community; and have fiscal responsibility for approving the annual budget. The 2026 School Board election will be held on May 12, 2026. You can find more information here: https://elections.delaware.gov/school/index.shtml
Next Board of Education Meeting is March 10
The next Appoquinimink Board of Education meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the Marion E. Proffitt Training Center. All members of the public are welcome to attend in-person. All meetings are also live-streamed on our district YouTube channel: bit.ly/appoyoutube
2026 Preschool Interest Form Goes Live to Public on March 2
The Preschool Programs in Appoquinimink School District are a popular option for families with a child/children ages 3-4. However, space is limited! That is why it’s important to pay attention to the registration dates and process. We have all of the information regarding the upcoming 2026 Preschool Interest Form process on our website, learn more here.
Join the Appoquinimink Foundation!
Did you know? The Appoquinimink Foundation was formed in 2010 to independently support the educational goals of the Appoquinimink School District. The Foundation maintained 501(c)(3) non-profit status in 2012. This allows groups and individuals the opportunity to make tax-free donations to the educational process in the Appoquinimink School District and help meet the three major constituents of the local educational system: students, educators, and the community. The Appoquinimink Foundation is seeking new members for the organization to help grow the impact. Connect with us here: https://www.appofoundation.org/volunteer
Upcoming Events & Meeting Reminders:
- Delaware's "March for the Arts" Month
- Music in our Schools Month
- Theatre in our Schools Month
- National Social Worker Month
- 1-6 March - National School Social Worker Week
- 4 March PreK-12 evening conferences
- 5 March No school PreK-8 (day and evening conferences) High School - parent/teacher evening conferences
- 5-7 March - All State Choir - time and location TBD
- 6 March No school PreK-12 (PreK-8 day conferences) High School PL
- 10 March School Board meeting, 7 p.m. at the Marion E. Proffitt Training Center, 118 S. Sixth St, Odessa. Tune in virtually here.
- 11 March - National Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist Day
- 11 March - Workforce Readiness Fair - school day event at Del Tech
- 12-14 March - All State Band - time and location TBD
- 13-14 March - OHS Spring Musical: SpongeBob the Musical - times TBD, in OHS's theatre
- 17 March - District Elementary Choir Festival - school day event at AHS (students only)
- 20 March - World Behavior Analysis Day
- 20-21 March - OHS Spring Musical: SpongeBob the Musical - times TBD, in OHS's theatre
- 21 March - MHS Spring Fling Dance - time TBD, at MHS
- 26-28 March - AGW Spring Musical - times TBD, at AGW
- 27-28 March - CRE Spring Musical - times TBD, at CRE
- 27-28 March - TES Spring Musical - times TBD, at TES
- 28 March - BHE Spring Musical - 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at BHE
