The STOPit app has been rebranded in the state as the SAFE DE app.

Appo onboards new SAFE DE app for mental health help

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

An app created to stop bullying in schools has been rebranded and expanded to help prevent suicides and connect struggling students with support services.  The SAFE DE app was introduced Wednesday at Appoquinimink’s Middletown High School. Formerly known as the STOPit app, SAFE DE has two new sections: a crisis text line and a resources tab.  The STOPit app originally …

After a string of chaotic and confusing events at high school football games, Appo and Howard are changing their policies.

Appo, Howard change football admissions policies

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Sports fans shouldn’t just assume that incidents like the ones that rocked recent Howard and Appoquinimink high school football games are inevitable, says the superintendent of New Castle Vo-Tech. “As a lifetime educator, most of the kids we interact with every day are doing wonderful, and even in these incidents, you discover it’s only a few kids,” said Dr. Joseph …

Odessa High School's marching band members have said extracurricular activities have prepared them for adulthood. (Courtesy of Odessa High Facebook page.)

Appo’s band show underscores value of extracurricular activity 

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Saturday’s Sounds of Champions marching band competition at Odessa High Stadium shines a light not only on the bands, but on the importance of extracurricular involvement for high school students. “Band has become a huge part of my life,” said Emma Sipes, pit section leader in Odessa High’s marching band. “It’s always the highlight of my day because I can …

Middletown High School hosted a 9/11 memorial ceremony Friday, where dozens of military and law enforcement officers gathered.

Hundreds attend Appo’s annual 9/11 ceremony Friday

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

The somber trumpet notes of “Taps” rang outside of Middletown High School Friday, as the Appoquinimink School District held its annual 9/11 memorial ceremony. About 200 members of the military, students and community members gathered to remember the nearly 3,000 people who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that killed people in the Pentagon, Twin Towers and a …

It's been 21 years since the tragic events of 9/11.

9/11 in Delaware: 7 ways to honor those we lost

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

America’s schoolchildren weren’t alive for the horrors of Sept. 11, 2001, now dubbed Patriot Day by many. The First State will honor the nearly 3,000 people killed and the thousands of first responders who risked their lives to protect civilians that in a variety of programs. “It’s important because there’s a whole generation that did not experience what many of …

Reading Assist helps about 1,000 students annually develop and build their reading skills.

Reading nonprofit helps 4th grader learn to love library

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

In spring 2021, Ameilia Carrubba’s struggles with reading because of her dyslexia meant she shied away from books and reading. Today, “she wants to read,” said her mom, Kelli Carruba. “She wants to go to the library and get a book out and she definitely has a much more positive attitude and pushes herself more when it comes to reading.” …

WilmU and Delaware's school districts are working to recruit and retain teachers in the First State.

WilmU’s grow-your-own teacher pipeline results in fast jobs

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Delaware Live, Education

Angelie Ross-Jimenez is 19 years old with an associate’s degree and a full-time job, and she has Wilmington University to thank for that. The university has created a grow-your-own teacher pipeline program in order to address the teacher shortage in Delaware.  Not only did teachers leave classrooms because of COVID, the state has 4,000 educators eligible for retirement within the …

Many First State districts had a graduation rate above 90%.

Here are the graduation rates for each district, charter

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Delaware Live, Education

There are wide disparities among Delaware’s public school districts and charters in the percentage of seniors crossing the stage to graduate each spring.  Department of Education officials indicated that the most recent data is from 2021 graduation rates.  Recommended: Colonial’s dropout prevention program shows impressive results This year’s data will likely not be published on the State Report Card until …

Appo will be giving away free school supplies at their Aug. 6 event.

Appo family fun festival, school supply giveaway Aug. 6

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Delaware Live, Education

Appoquinimink School District is calling on all parents and children to attend its Aug. 6 Family Day festival. The event will include food, music, face painting, games and giveaways — and it’s completely free for Appo families.  The day of fun will be held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Louis L. Redding Middle School, located at 201 New …

Christina, along with a few other districts, have partnered with Giant Food Stores in an effort to eliminate food insecurity.

Christina School District partners with Giant to fight hunger

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Delaware Live, Education

Christina School District has partnered with Giant Food Stores to help combat food insecurity this summer.  “Round up for Christina” is an initiative that encourages people to do just that when they check out at the register. If a customer’s grocery tab comes out to $56.40, for example, a prompt will appear on the pinpad asking if they want to …