Seventh graders wow at Project Soapbox
Public speaking is no easy task, but our students did a phenomenal job on February 6 when they delivered speeches to an audience at Alfred G. Waters Middle School in the Mikva Challenge’s Project Soapbox. Students from our four middle schools spoke about topics such as bullying, standardized testing, misuse of handicapped parking, school safety, and more. Project Soapbox is Mikva Challenge’s public speaking program that calls young people to speak out on issues that affect them and their communities. As part of the seventh-grade curriculum, students choose a topic that interests them, write a speech, and present it to their classmates. A few students from each school are then invited to participate in the event at AGW. Project Soapbox is not a competition, but rather a space for students who are interested in bettering their public speaking skills to practice delivering speeches on a larger scale — the camaraderie that develops among the students is one of the more rewarding aspects of the show. Please join us in congratulating these students on a job well done!
Celebrating Black History Month in our schools!
As February comes to a close, we're reflecting on how our students celebrated Black History Month, using it as a jumping off point to teach the important contributions Black people have made throughout history. At Bunker Hill Elementary School, the booster club organized the school’s first Black History Living Museum (pictured above)! Guests rotated through stations that explored Black history and culture as well as the contributions of Black inventors. There was also an inventors station with hands-on learning opportunities and performances by a drum-line and step team.
Did you know Bob Marley, a former Delaware resident, would have celebrated his 80th birthday on February 6? Pictured above, BHE welcomed members of Bob Marley’s family to the school for a presentation on his life. Judy Malcolm, CEO of the Jamaican Heritage and Reggae Museum and a cousin of Marley, delivered a presentation about Black History Month and Bob Marley's life. Malcolm and her family read the picture books "Every Little Thing" and "Get Up, Stand Up," which were adapted by Cedella Marley, Bob Marley's daughter. Led by music teacher Maria Parks, students also participated in a "Three Little Birds" sing-along in celebration of Marley's 80th birthday.
Using tri-fold display boards, Alfred G. Waters Middle School students created presentations (pictured above), which highlighted the achievements of notable Black figures in history. These people included William Edward Burghardt Du Bois, an American sociologist, socialist and historian; Janet Collins, a prima ballerina and choreographer; and author Phillis Wheatley — just to name a few.
Cantwell’s Bridge Middle School created a Periodic Table of African American Scientists and more hallway displays detailing Black history. The above pictures clearly show the amount of effort and time CBMS staff put into creating these detailed installments.
Cedar Lane Elementary School invited guest speakers from Phi Beta Sigma, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Lambda Gamma Chapter, University of Delaware), and Delta Lambda Chapter (Delaware State University) as guest readers to their classrooms (pictured above). These sororities also donated books to the school!
These are just a few examples of how our schools celebrated Black History Month — be sure to follow your school’s social media accounts to see more!
National FFA Week in our schools
Did you know that February 15-22 was National FFA Week? Our schools celebrated in a number of ways, from giving back to their community to presenting at Legislative Hall to educating the community about the importance of agriculture! We’ve highlighted a few of the many action items our FFAs engaged in throughout the week. Be sure to follow each school’s FFA page (middle school FFA pages too) and to see all the activities they do throughout the year!
Odessa FFA’s Read to Lead Initiative
More than 45 Odessa FFA members had the incredible opportunity to share their passion for agriculture with the young minds at Old State Elementary! Through engaging agricultural literacy books, our members introduced students to topics like food and fiber production, ag mechanics and technology, food security, and consumer awareness—connecting real-world agriculture to classroom learning.
To make the experience even more impactful, each reading was paired with a hands-on learning or engagement activity that reinforced key concepts from the book, helping students make meaningful connections to agriculture.
A huge THANK YOU to the 21 amazing educators who welcomed us into their classrooms and helped make this experience possible! Together, we’re cultivating curiosity and a deeper understanding of agriculture in the next generation.
Appoquinimink FFA’s Legacy of Leadership Breakfast
In celebration of National FFA week, AHS had the distinct honor of hosting an Appoquinimink Legacy of Leadership Breakfast. The 2024- 2025 chapter theme for this year is a legacy of leadership. This theme was inspired by the creation of the alumni supporters chapter the previous year, along with the success of many of the past members, supporters, and advisors.
AHS's FFA is currently seeing the fruits of its labor from their previous alumni and wanted to invite them today to help share their stories and inspire those who are new to our organization in celebration of FFA week. They hosted speakers, alumni, supporters, and previous advisors alike present to members and hold a Q and A session about their roles in agriculture.
Middletown FFA’s Growing Project gets a shoutout!
Middletown FFA's Growing Project is in its second year and centers around a student-managed greenhouse where they grow and sell a variety of plants. The funds raised through these sales support local FFA activities and contribute to Growing Hope Globally. A portion of the profits is donated to agricultural development programs that teach people around the world how to grow food for their families. While the plant sale may not be a long-term focus, it remains an important part of the chapter’s efforts to make a global impact. This initiative gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in horticulture and business management while connecting to a greater cause.
Middletown FFA’s involvement will continue in the future. The chapter plans to choose a different project to contribute to annually. While they may not continue with the spring plant sale as the primary fundraiser, they will explore other options, including partnering with community agriculture businesses or local farms to raise funds. They plan to spread the word to other Delaware FFA chapters and encourage them to be a part of this impactful global organization.
Chinese Immersion students perform at DSU
On February 15, the Chinese Immersion team was honored to join Delaware State University's Chinese Language & Culture Research Center, along with other area districts, community members, and state leaders to celebrate the Year of the Snake! Students from Old State’s 1st, 4th, and 5th grades, as well as 6th graders from Cantwell’s Bridge Middle School, performed traditional dances and songs to welcome 2025 as a part of our continued partnership. They did such a great job representing ASD’s Immersion Program!
Author Erin Entrada Kelly visits our schools
Award-winning author and Delawarean Erin Entrada Kelly engaged in a whirlwind tour of our schools in February to speak to students about her journey to becoming an author, how she finds inspiration for her books, getting published, and more! Over the course of the month, Kelly has delivered presentations at: Middletown High, Silver Lake Elementary, Cantwell’s Bridge Middle, Odessa High, Alfred G. Waters Middle, Olive B. Loss Elementary, Townsend Elementary, Old State Elementary, Louis L. Redding Middle, Brick Mill Elementary, Everett Meredith Middle, Cedar Lane Elementary, Lorewood Grove Elementary, Crystal Run Elementary, Appoquinimink High, and Bunker Hill Elementary. The above pictures were taken at Cedar Lane Elementary School! Please join us in thanking Kelly for taking the time to prepare presentations specific to the grade levels she was visiting and for presenting to so many of our schools!
Girls in Sports stuns for second year!
The above pictures are from our second annual Girls in Sports Day! This event helps introduce young athletes to sports while also building their confidence and getting them excited about joining one of our district’s teams later on! The girls cycled through various sports — like volleyball, field hockey, wrestling, soccer, cheer, track, and much more — and were taught the basics by female athletes at our secondary schools. Thank you to all the girls and their families who attended, and thank you to all the students who volunteered their time on a Saturday to help introduce these girls to sports in our district!
The above picture was taken when some of our student-athletes helped Governor Matt Meyer proclaim February 7 Delaware Girls and Women in Sports Day! The students, representing our three high schools, are pictured with Appoquinimink School Board member Michelle Wall.
MHS’s second signing day of the school year
On February 5, we celebrated four Middletown High School seniors who signed letters of commitment to play their sport at the college level. Those students are Juno Joshua, Spencer Russell, Skylar Schrader, and Sara Watson. Families, friends, coaches, and other special guests helped celebrate these athletes and their athletic achievements thus far and those to come.
Juno Joshua — soccer, Pratt Institute
Juno is a defender on the varsity soccer team — they played on the varsity team for three years including this school year. The women’s varsity team was 18-0 last season and boasts back-to-back state championship wins in 2023 and 2024. The team was runner-up state champions in 2022, and the only public school to go undefeated for a season.
Their coach, Robert Jamison, commented “Juno played their way onto the varsity team their freshman year and has been to the state championship game in all three years of their playing career here at Middletown High School. Juno is one of the best 1v1 defenders on the team and is an important player on a backline who gave up the least number of goals in the state last year. They have always been a big personality and have helped create a positive culture on and off the field. On top of being a good soccer player, Juno is a standout art student. Being able to combine art and soccer at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn sounds like the perfect fit for Juno in the next chapter of their life."
Juno commented: “I chose Pratt Institute because it is one of the highest ranked and prestigious art schools in the world. I am positive I will receive an incredible education and further my artistic skills at this institute. Additionally, New York City is a beautiful location full of new opportunities and sites to see. Finally, I look forward to furthering my soccer career with a welcoming and kind team, and hardworking coach.”
Spencer Russell — baseball, Ottawa University-Surprise
Spencer is a catcher who has played on the varsity team for two years. He earned the Cavs Award in 2023. The baseball team’s highlights include making it to the DE State Quarter-Finals in 2024 and the Blue Hen Conference Flight A Conference Champions in 2024.
His coach, Fran Clark, commented: “Spencer is the definition of hard work. Over the last two seasons, Spencer’s dedication to his craft and his team has been paramount to our success. He is constantly trying to improve and, through his efforts, stepped up for his team in big spots. Spencer’s hard work on the field and in the classroom is a testament to the student-athlete Spencer is. Spencer will be a big part of the team's success this year, and there is no question he will be successful at the next level.”
Spencer commented: “Ottawa University (OUAZ) brings me closer to my faith and family. OUAZ allows me to play the sport I love year-round with no interruptions. Along with their very high-quality education and facilities. OUAZ has the programs I want to study, and the coaching staff cares about their players, both on and off the field. Also, Arizona winters are Delaware summers.”
Skylar Schrader — cross county / track and field, Salisbury University
Skylar is a distance runner who has been part of the varsity for three years. Skylar’s athlete highlights include: five All Conference Honors (XC and Track combined), and being named a State Qualifier, Rookie of the Year Award, Captain’s Award winner, and MVP Award winner. Her team’s highlights include: Flight A Champions, Blue Hen Conference Champions, State Runner Up (Track 2024).
Her coaches, Mary Kay Waltemire and Erin Rinaldi commented: “Skylar has been a varsity member of the cross country, indoor track, and spring track teams since her freshman year. She has contributed to those teams being Blue Hen Conference champions over several seasons. Last year as a distance runner, she helped the spring track team to a 2nd place finish at the DIAA state meet. Over the past four years, Skylar has contributed to her cross country team winning several Fall GPA awards. I am looking forward to watching her continued success as she continues to college.”
Skylar said: “I look forward to attending Salisbury University because they have a top-notch Business program as well as a highly competitive Division III Athletic Program. I see myself thriving at Salisbury University inside and outside of the classroom.”
Sara Watson — field hockey, Elizabethtown College
Sara has played left forward on the varsity field hockey team for three years. Some of her career stats are 1st team All Conference, second-most career goals, and third-most single-season goals (program record). Her team’s current win-loss record is 14-1. Her team’s highlights include conference champions and state semifinalists.
Her coach, Stefany Krygier, commented: “Sara is a true demonstrator of intrinsic motivation and determination when she steps on the field. Her drive, focus, and commitment will be a great addition to the Elizabethtown College field hockey program.”
Sara commented: “I chose Elizabethtown for the amazing team environment and excitement from coaches and players. I immediately felt at home and knew Elizabethtown was the right place for me.”
Job Fair draws hundreds of applicants!
Thank you to everyone who attended our Job Fair on February 8! We had hundreds of job applicants attend the event to learn more about openings in our district. So far, we've already hired a number of employees, including several substitute teachers for our district. If you or someone you know is interested in working in our district, our openings can be found here: https://www.applitrack.com/apposchooldistrict/onlineapp/
The above pictures give a behind-the-scenes look at the prep work that went into creating a successful fair.
Students coordinate life-saving blood drive
Our work-based learning program touts job-specific training and experiences, and that type of real-life on the job experience was in full display when our Allied Health students, from all three high schools, helped coordinate a blood drive. Students worked with the Blood Bank of Delmarva to organize and promote the blood drive, which was held on February 20 at the Middletown Fire Hall. Thank you to all the community members who took the time to donate!
Construction students stop by AHS’s PreK Lab
Appoquinimink High School's PreK Lab had some special visitors! Our Construction Machinery Operator Pathway students delivered a presentation detailing the job description for a construction worker, how builders work safely, and what construction students have learned in their classes. AHS's PreK lab students even saw some of the tools our construction students use on the job! The Construction Machinery Operator Pathway students are currently visiting our youngest learners to help showcase career-embedded learning at all grade levels as aligned with our district Profile of a Graduate.
Profile of a Graduate: Future-Focused
We are committed to the success of our graduates - and a hallmark of this commitment is the completed Profile of a Graduate.
The Profile of a Graduate ensures all students who learn in Appoquinimink School District have the knowledge, skills, and mindsets needed for the future. The Profile of a Graduate was created in collaboration with our students, staff, families, local community, and other stakeholders. This cumulative effort helped create the final profile.
We are committed to ensuring all Appo families have a thorough understanding of this important work. That work will continue over the coming weeks and months - in this newsletter, in our school communications, and throughout our communication channels such as our website and social media.
The Profile of a Graduate has six focus areas:
- Academically Ready
- Life Ready
- Future-Focused
- Workplace Ready
- Civic-Minded
- Financially Savvy
This month, we’re highlighting Future-Focused.
Within each of these areas – there’s additional detail about what this means for each student. We encourage all families to learn more here: https://www.appoccr.com/future-focused-or-plans-for-the-future/
Next month, we’ll continue our series and share more about what it means for students to be Workplace-Ready.
Request for volunteers! Workforce Readiness Fair
We need your help! Are you an industry professional with an interest in helping shape the next generation of the workforce? If yes, consider volunteering for our Appoquinimink School District Workforce Readiness Fair! The fair will be held on Wednesday, March 12, at the Delaware Technical Community College – Terry Campus in Dover. Volunteer hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. As a volunteer, you would have the opportunity to provide feedback to students on their interview and professional skills, and share networking tips. You also will be able to discuss your experiences as a professional in your industry and your journey to your profession.
Work-Based Learning Parent Information Night
All 11th grade families are invited to join us for a webinar, facilitated by the work-based learning team, to find out more about work-based learning at Appoquinimink. The webinar will begin at 6:30 p.m. on March 4.
During the webinar, families will:
- Learn about work-based learning graduation requirements
- Hear examples of immersion experiences
- Understand what is required prior to beginning a work-based learning experience
If you have questions, please reach out to WBL@appo.k12.de.us.
CLECC’s Lindsay MacBeth represents our district at recognition event
Lindsay MacBeth, school counselor at Cedar Lane Early Childhood Center, was our district's representative at this year's Delaware School Counselor Association National School Counseling Week recognition event! Please join us in thanking MacBeth and all of our school counselors for their invaluable work in our schools!
Celebrating Love the Bus Month!
Throughout February, our schools have been showing their support and appreciation for their bus drivers! Love the Bus Month reminds us that these buses are not just cool rides; they’re the superheroes of safe and dependable school transportation, making sure every child gets to their learning adventure safely and on time! On Friday, February 21, Townsend Early Childhood Center celebrated Love the Bus Month and Bus Driver Appreciation Day by surprising their crew of drivers with special care packages. The drivers received certificates of appreciation and candy! Superintendent Matt Burrows was on hand to express his appreciation for the drivers, too!
Shavaun Serrano is our January Transportation Employee of the Month!
Shavaun (Ms. Shay) Serrano has been a bus driver with a bus contractor for many years. She joined the team at Appoquinimink when our district began operations in 2022. She has serviced Louis L Redding Middle School, Appoquinimink High School, Cedar Lane Elementary School, and Cedar Lane Early Childhood Center. During mid-day, she transports some of our youngest learners from Appoquinimink Preschool Center. Just recently, she began to take her experience and caring nature to Lorewood Grove Elementary School. There, she is providing excellent service to our families and an enjoyable bus ride to the Lorewood Lions. Ms. Shay is not only an employee of our district, but she is also a parent! Her student attends Cantwell's Bridge Middle School.
Game on! LGE Video Game Design Showcase continues
On February 18, fourth graders at Lorewood Grove Elementary School harnessed the power of the engineering and design process to create their very own video games using MakeCode Arcade! Through brainstorming, prototyping, testing, and refining their ideas, students brought their creative visions to life with coding and game design. Their hard work culminated in an exciting Video Game Design Showcase, where they proudly presented their games to peers, teachers, and families.
Adding a special family connection, students had the optional opportunity to build an arcade stand at home to display their game in a true arcade-style experience. This hands-on project blended innovation, problem-solving, and collaboration, making learning both engaging and meaningful!
Instrument preview at MHS
What better way to get younger students excited to play an instrument than having high schoolers show them what makes music cool? On February 10, third graders from Brick Mill Elementary School visited Middletown High School for an assembly where they got to see MHS band students play their instruments, learn more about what it's like being in a band, and ask questions! We love to see this kind of district collaboration at work!
Second State of the District is March 18
Following our district referendum that took place in April 2024, we have committed to connecting with our community to share regular updates about ongoing initiatives, our financial outlook, and upcoming projects. We hope you’ll join us on Tuesday, March 18, at Alfred G. Waters Middle School, beginning at 6:30 p.m., for our second State of the District meeting.
As part of this meeting, we will discuss the continued impact of the community’s support, our district’s strategic plan, reassessment, and our newly completed “Profile of a Graduate.”
We will also allow time for questions and answers.
We hope to see you there!
Delaware Department of Education Guidance on Website
In early February, Delaware Secretary of Education Cindy Marten launched a website with guidance and resources for educators and families concerned about immigration action in Delaware public schools. Click here to access the website created by Delaware Department of Education. This information is also available on the ASD website here.
Appo Families Connect — Final workshop of the school year is March 13, 2025!
You're invited to attend our Appo Families Connect workshops, where we will be discussing important topics that impact our students and families. These events are open to all families.
The final workshop of the school year will begin at 6:30 p.m. on March 13, 2025, at Everett Meredith Middle School, 504 S. Broad St, Middletown.
Spring & Summer Strong:
Spring and summer breaks are great opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment. Let’s explore ways also to keep the brain engaged and maintain momentum for academic growth.
Third annual STEM Showcase is March 29, 2025
You're invited to see 250 students from across Appoquinimink School District present their STEM Fair projects at the third annual STEM Showcase (2025)! The STEM Showcase is a one-stop shop for science fair projects from all of our elementary schools! The showcase is open to all ASD students and their families. Come for grade-level challenges, interactive STEM activities, chemistry demonstrations, and meet senior engineering students from ASD's high schools!
Our STEM Showcase is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Performing Arts Center (at Odessa High School — park behind the school).
This event is open to students of all ages and their families. For more information, or if you're interested in being part of the showcase, email todd.dunn@appo.k12.de.us or call 302-376-4133.
Thank you to the Appoquinimink Foundation for sponsoring the prizes!
TECC has a new website!
Look what’s new - Townsend Early Childhood Education Center has a brand-new website! The website helps families navigate important information and also showcases the school’s brand-new mascot!
Summer Camps - 2025
The time is here for summer camp registration! We've got a summer full of fun planned – performing arts, athletics, arts & 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 – home to both Bunker Hill Elementary and Appoquinimink High. This year, Summer Camps run Monday through Thursday from either 8:30–11:30 a.m. or 12 – 3 p.m.
Camp fees are $115 per student per camp if you register by May 1. If you register after May 1, each camp will be $125. Parents must provide their own transportation to and from camp.
Click this link to learn about our camp offerings.
Click this link to complete registration.
Summer 2025 Course Offerings
The Appoquinimink School District is proud to announce our Summer 2025 course offerings.
These courses are for original credit only (not credit recovery) and offer many benefits for students, including:
- Taking courses in the summer allows students to take the next level course during the school year
- Taking courses in the summer can free up space on your schedule to take other electives
- Summer courses are a great way to build a competitive transcript for college applications
- Advanced Standing Coursework can earn college credit
You can find information about summer course offerings here.
Click here to register for summer courses.
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
2-8 March - National School Social Worker Week
10 March - Honor Orchestra Festival - time TBD at OHS
11 March - Honor Ensemble Concert - time TBD at OHS
11 March - School Board meeting, 7:00 PM at the Marion E. Proffitt Training Center, 118 S. Sixth St, Odessa. Tune in virtually here.
12 March - National Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist Day
13 March - Tri-M Induction Recital & Ceremony, time TBD at OHS Black Box Theatre
13-16 March - AHS Spring Musical - times TBD at AHS
14-15 March - LGE Spring Musical - 7:00 PM on 3/14 & 3:00 PM on 3/15 at LGE
17-18 March - Fairview Campus Gradess 3-12 Instrumental Event - school day
19 March - SAT Grade 9-11; Grade 12 Asynchronous Day
20 March - World Behavior Analysis Day
20-22 March - All-State Band - time and location TBD
21-23 March - MHS Spring Musical - 7:00 PM at MHS
26-27 March - New Castle County Honor Band - school day event location TBD
27 March - End of Marking Period 3
28 March - No school PreK-12 - Staff PL Day; Gr 12 Asynchronous Day
31 March - No school PreK-12; Staff grading day
29 March - STEM Showcase - 10 AM-12 PM at OHS