The Brandywine School District's Board of Education held its Regular Monthly Board meeting on Monday, September 18, 2023.
Hispanic Heritage Month
The Brandywine School District recognized Hispanic Heritage Month with a formal declaration. Talley Middle School Spanish Immersion Program student Zyah Douen read the declaration in Spanish. Hispanic Heritage Month has a story of its own. In 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim the week of September 15th as National Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988, the observance was expanded to a month-long celebration. The celebration acknowledges Latinos, who are known for their diverse cultures that embrace family, food, music, and dance.
Recognition of Summer School Coordinators
Brandywine School District's Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Michelle Kutch, and Director of Educational Services, Dr. Nicole Warner, recognized the District's Summer School Coordinators for providing successful summer programming for students. From extended school year to academies to summer camps, BSD's Summer School Coordinators helped to provide a robust slate of programming for our students throughout the summer months. Gloria Matthews, Dr. Avery Sherrod, Laura Carlson, Gina DiBattista, Rebecca Sheakoski, Julie O'Connor, Matt Janicki, Emily DiPietro, Darcie Toone, Tina Shelton, Dave Walls, Casey Lazartic, and Heather Gebhart were recognized for their hard work and efforts that made BSD's summer school a success.
Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Lincoln Hohler presented his monthly update during the meeting. Here are a few highlights from that report:
Students Return!
Students in BSD eagerly returned to their schools for the start of the 2023–2024 school year. Excitement could be felt throughout all BSD schools as students reconnected with classmates, met new teachers, and learned about the upcoming school year. Each of our buildings did an outstanding job with organizing and opening this year. Superintendent Hohler shared a special BSD Back to School 2023 Video.
Governor John Carney, Secretary of Education Holodick, and Wilmington Learning Collaborative Executive Director Dr. Burgos were kind enough to greet and spend time with students at Harlan Elementary School.
Top Schools in Delaware
All three BSD High Schools have been ranked among the best comprehensive, traditional high schools in the State of Delaware for 2023–2024 by U.S. News and World Report. Numerous factors, including the graduation rate, proficiency rates, state test scores, college readiness, curriculum strength, and more, are taken into account when determining the rankings.
Grandparents Day Breakfast
Both Forwood Elementary and Harlan Elementary School recently hosted a special breakfast in honor of Grandparents Day. Grandparents enjoyed a school breakfast alongside their grandchildren in the school’s cafeteria. BSD is proud to celebrate and recognize the important contribution made by grandparents to the well-being and education of all our children.
Mount Pleasant High School Army JROTC 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Mount Pleasant High School Army JROTC Program held its annual 9/11 National Day of Remembrance Ceremony on Monday, September 11, 2023. Students, staff, local law enforcement members, and first responders gathered for a program that included remarks by Mount Pleasant High School Principal Lacy and members of the Mount Pleasant High School JROTC along with a flag ceremony and the playing of Taps.
Community Peace Walk
Lombardy Elementary School, Springer Middle School, and Talley Middle School recently joined forces to support Safe United Neighborhoods (SUN) for their 10th anniversary celebration in downtown Wilmington. Staff and students from all three BSD schools participated in a community walk for peace and safety in the neighborhood, which is home to many of their students.
Fall Sports in Full Swing
Fall sports are in full swing, and we have numerous exciting events, games, and recognitions to look forward to this season. On Thursday, September 14, 2023, Brandywine High School’s Football Team hosted Concord High School for a great evening game filled with energy, sportsmanship, and, most importantly, community. It was Military Appreciation Night, and the Bulldogs were outfitted in Black and yellow custom uniforms that were supplied by the Army National Guard. Student fans from both schools wore patriotic attire to show their support for the red, white, and blue. Pregame festivities included the arrival of a Blackhawk helicopter. Both schools were supportive of their teams, and the evening was enjoyed by all in a highly competitive battle for bragging rights. Brandywine High School Senior Sean Sopirak was honored at halftime for his enrollment in the military and his participation in boot camp over the summer.
The next Brandywine School District Board of Education Meeting will take place on Monday, October 16, 2023, at 7 p.m. at Brandywine High School. More information can be found here.
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