Dr. Marcia V. Lyles Details Superintendent's First 100 Days:
Listen, Learn, and Lead

Message from Superintendent Dr. Marcia V. Lyles
As I embarked upon my Christina journey I pledged to listen attentively, learn quickly and lead boldly.  It has been a fascinating, illuminating, challenging and rewarding 100 days, and I thank every member of the Christina community for being gracious, welcoming and informative guides.  I’ve spoken with hundreds of people having different relationships with and perspectives
of the Christina School District. I’ve spoken with community leaders and met with PTAs.  I’ve hosted
a legislative breakfast, met with our mayors and attended community events. 

Our schools and district administrators contributed a great deal to my Christina education, but my most powerful experiences have been during my school visits. This is where I saw our educators in action and I met firsthand Christina’s greatest asset, Christina’s most precious resource – our children, our future.

School Closing Schedule ~ November 20-27

Barnes & Noble Bookstore Grand Opening Benefits Christina Libraries

Who Loves to Hear a Story?  How About Belle the Cat!

Newark High School Students Win Top In USA Awards

Ferguson Achievement Award Recipients Announced

Delaware's Department of Education (DOE) and the Delaware Higher Education Commission (DHEC) are pleased to announce the awarding of 272 Michael C. Ferguson scholarships of $1,000 each to 235 students statewide who have attained high scores in reading, mathematics and writing on the March 2009 Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP) in grades eight and ten.

In the Christina School District, the following students have been awarded Ferguson Scholarships:

Gauger-Cobbs Middle School
  •  Adam Ginn, 8th Grade Reading - $1,000
  •  Yolanda Morales, 8th Grade Writing - $1,000

Kirk Middle School
  •  Angeliki Adamopoulos, 8th Grade Math - $1,000
  •  Tashreefa Zunaid, 8th Grade Math, 8th Grade Reading, 8th Grade Writing - $3,000

Shue-Medill Middle School
  •  Zain Azzaino, 8th Grade Math - $1,000
  •  Emily Bourne, 8th Grade Reading, 8th Grade Writing - $2,000
  •  Jonathan Deputy, 8th Grade Math - $1,000
  •  Jasmine Hill, 8th Grade Reading, 8th Grade Writing - $2,000

Christiana High School
  •  Erica Lane, 10th Grade Math - $1,000

Glasgow High School
  •  Sola Choi, 10th Grade Math - $1,000
  •  Christina Simmons, 10th Grade Math, 10th Grade Reading - $2,000

Newark High School
  •  Amanda Bartholomew, 10th Grade Math, 10th Grade Reading - $2,000
  •  Arturo Gourentchik, 10th Grade Math - $1,000
  •  Camille Harris, 10th Grade Writing - $1,000
  •  Isaac Watkins, 10th Grade Math - $1,000
  •  Leslie White, 10th Grade Reading, 10th Grade Writing - $2,000

Christiana High School Class Will "Adopt" Coach Salfas
When He Goes to Iraq

Christiana High School School Resource Officer and Assistant Basketball and Baseball Coach Dan Salfas will be deployed to the Middle East at the end of December, but for many students he will continue to be a presence at the school.  History teacher Barbara Land's A.P. U.S. History class will be “adopting” Salfas while he is in the Middle East, communicating with him via webcam from their classroom, as well as sending him personal care packages. Detective Salfas has explained that because he has been so active in so many aspects of the school, he wanted to have an educational impact on students while he was away, so that they understand what occurs when a soldier is sent to war.  Salfas has found the student and staff reaction to be very positive and eye-opening, because to many students and staff members,  he is the first person they have known who has gone off to war.

Since advising the School Administration of his active military status, Detective Salfas has been invited to speak to many of the history classes, speaking about the military process and how he was activated and will ultimately be deployed.  While Detective Salfas sees the importance of serving his country, he is having difficulty with leaving his wife and 5-month old son, saying, “I am proud to be sent as part of the U.S. presence in the Middle East, but leaving my family is the hardest thing I have ever had to do – my son will be walking by the time I return home and I will have missed that and many other “firsts” he will never have again.”

Salfas has been the State Police Detective at Christiana High School for two years and with the State Police for approximately 10 years.  His involvement in the school extends beyond his duties as a police officer to Assistant Basketball and Baseball Coach.  He has been activated with the military as of November 2009 as a member of Air National Guard.  He is a Sergeant within the Civil Engineering Squadron.  Detective Salfas and the students from Barbara Land’s AP History class will be featured in an upcoming article in the Wilmington News Journal.

DSD Students' Work Exhibited at
Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts
November 18-January 3

The Christina School District community is encouraged to visit a new art exhibit on display through January 3 featuring artwork by students from Delaware School for the Deaf, now on view in the DuPont I Gallery of the Center for the Contemporary Arts in Wilmington.

The exhibit, entitled "Elettrostatica," features original pieces developed during an 8-week artist in residence program that paired middle school students from DSD with Philadelphia artist Ben Volta.

Volta facilitated the students’ exploration of concepts of identity and representation by asking them to consider and select objects and symbols that reflected their self-perceptions and interests.  Their abstracted drawings and personal emblems comprise the basis for the collaborative artworks.  

"Elettrostatica" incorporates Volta’s own identity, referencing his ancestral relation to Alessandro Volta, the Italian physicist whose groundbreaking work in electrochemistry led to the invention of the votaic pile, the first electric battery. The students each selected an individual color as background for their respective works in Conductors, a series of laser disks with collaged layers of drawings and emblems superimposed on their photographs. These colors are represented in Resistor, the interactive light box table and seats that the students helped build and paint.  Gigahertz is a large print that features composed elements of the collages laid over digital frequencies in the individually selected colors and stands as a powerful visualization of the exchange of creative energy, thought, and personal iconography.  For more information on the exhibit, please visit the following link: www.thedcca.org/Galleries/dupontI.html

FMC BioPolymer Grants Benefit Christina Schools

Downes Elementary School
  •  Kelly Dent, PK-5th Grade - $479.94
     Project:  QX5 computer microscope

Leasure Elementary School
  •  Timothy Werbrich, 4th and 5th Grades - $295.00
     Project:  10-player buzzer system to practice for academic tournaments

Maclary Elementary School
  •  Kendra DiOrio, Kindergarten - $239.80
     Project:  "Three Blocks Math Kits" to supplement threes science unit
  •  Pam Lewis, Kindergarten - $387.76
     Project:  Trees Discovery Kit" and books to aid observational activities
  •  Suzy Seamans, Kindergarten - $466.06
     Project:  Materials to supplement Five Senses Science Unit

Marshall Elementary School
  •  Kelly Stoneman, K-5th Grades - $428.34
     Project:  Digital microscopes to allow clear viewing access for all students
  •  Amy Selheimer, 5th Grade - $255.00
     Project:  Books to enhance science curriculum on ecosystems and chemistry
  •  Nancy Ventresca, K-5th Grade - $367.50
     Project:  "RM Easiteach Mat Bundle" to incorporate multi-sensory lessons

Porter Road Elementary School
  •  Marilyn Patel, K-5th Grade - $500.00
     Project:  After-school science club to allow students to engage in hands-on science experiments and   
     activities

Smith Elementary School
  •  Beverly Westcott, 2nd Grade - $235.55
     Project:  Materials to enforce science concepts of how organisms undergo changes

Newark High School
  •  Robert McDowell, 10th Grade - $499.40
     Project:  Scientific inquiry focused on experimental design of ecosystems (students will assemble
     simulated climates and conduct experiments on plant growth)

McVey 5th Graders Attend GIS Event in Dover

Fifth grade students from McVey Elementary School attended the second annual GIS Day event on November 18, held at the Air Mobility Command Museum in Dover. The event is celebrated as part of National Geography Awareness Week. The field trip was designed for 5th  grade classes to create awareness and enhance the knowledge of students about Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and how GIS affects everyday life.  A Geographic Information System (GIS) is the set of tools used to relate information to geography and is an integral part of the technology platform used today.  Applying geographical perspective to life situations by showing relationships of people places and environments, aids decision making in business, government, education and the culture at large.

Students enjoyed hands on activities which include the Earth balloon from the Delaware Children’s Museum, a Geography Game show, a paramedic van, flight simulator, and other activities relating to working with GIS/GPS systems and compass navigation.  McVey was the only elementary school in New Castle County to participate in this event.

REACH Students Tour Lowe's Eden Square

On November 5, students in Gauger-Cobbs’ REACH Program were given a tour of Lowe’s in Eden Square Shopping Center by Sales Manager Michael Steckel.  Mr. Steckel was able to show students how trucks brought products to the store and how boxes were recycled.  Some students used adaptive maps to look for key points along the tour which included learning how carpet was cut, paint was mixed, and keys were made.  Mr. Steckel demonstrated for the students how each task was completed with an emphasis on proper safety procedures. 

Students learned about the soft skills required to hold a job, such as being able to listen, follow directions, and act appropriately as well as functional skills such as using arithmetic and basic reading.  An emphasis was placed on how Lowe’s gives people the opportunity to work, and how, if you work hard and have the skills, there is no limit to how far you can go in the company.  Throughout the tour students had the opportunity to identify key sight words and numbers.  Students were taught how to call for the help of a sales associate using a push button system and they learned how Lowe’s works to be a full service provider by selling products and coordinating installation services.

After the functional tour of Lowe’s, students were taken to the back room where Mr. Steckel provided them with tools and work kits.  They were also given cookies, patches, and stickers.  Students worked with staff members Mr. Barry, Ms. Mimi, Mr. Kevin, and Mr. Gilpin to follow directions to put projects together using materials that can be purchased at Lowe’s.  The tour concluded with a purchase. The Gauger-Cobbs REACH class would like to thank Mr. Steckel and the associates of Lowe’s for taking the time to give them the tour and for their incredible hospitality and generosity.    

Local Brownie Troop Earns Community Service Badges
for Helping Porter Road Students

A local Brownie troop in the Route 40 area chose Porter Road Elementary School as the focus of their community service badge.  The girls collected money, then went shopping at Kohl's for Porter Road students, and donated shirts, outfits, pants, sweaters, hats, gloves and scarves for students who need them.  Porter Road Elementary School nurse Karen Kleinschmidt was invited to speak at the group’s meeting recently, where she presented them with their community service badges.  Many thanks to Troop Leader Mrs. Jeffrey Samif, and the troop members for their thoughtfulness and community spirit.

Great Things Happening at Maclary Elementary School

Students in Ms. Denise Hall’s Enrichment Classes at Keene Elementary recently finished a service project benefiting the people of the Philippines, who have suffered from a recent destructive monsoon. Through the school secretary, Diannia Hayes, students were asked to help the organization “Helping Hands Around the World.”  The volunteer group was about to go to the Philippines to lend help.

The students were asked to donate personal hygiene items, such as wash clothes, toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap.  Ms. Hall encouraged the students to do chores at home on their day off on Veteran’s Day.  This would be a way to make payment for the items their families shared. It also emphasized service to others, as our veterans have done for us.

The volunteer from Helping Hands was very pleased with the Keene students’ generous outpouring of contributions.  The volunteers will soon be on their journey to the Philippines, and they promised to send the students pictures once their gifts are received.

Local Family's Brave Story to Be Featured on HGTV

Downes Elementary School counselor, Donna Jeandell, organized a Mix it Up Day recently. Students were asked to sit with someone at lunch they don't normally sit with to discuss
ways to solve problems in school.  Students took a paper brick to their seat and then worked on solutions to different situations. The school also held its annual Barn Dance on October 30, organized by music teacher Joseph Ambrosino. Students had a great time dressing up in country-inspired outfits, learning to square dance, and enjoying a fun evening with parents
and friends.    

From November 17-21, the University of Delaware will host the 2010 Eastern Sectional Figure Skating Championships at the University's Fred Rust Ice Arena.  The event will feature approximately 250 competitions from the eastern regions of the United States.  Two of the competitors include Gauger-Cobbs Middle School 6th grader Emmanuel Savary the UDFSC 2009 intermediate men's junior national champion, as well as Newark High School Class of 2008 Alumna Melissa Bulanhagui, the 2006 U.S. Junior National bronze mentalist and winner of the 2008-2009 ISU Junior Grand Prix event in Italy.

Click here for more information about the Eastern Sectional Figure Skating Championships at the University of Delaware.

Click here to learn more about Melissa Bulanhagui.

Click here to learn more about Emmanuel Savary.

McVey, Porter Road and Pulaski Elementary Schools
Host Career Awareness Program

McVey Porter Road and Pulaski Elementary Schools will host the Business, Industry, Education (BIE) Alliance’s “What In The World?” career awareness program.  McVey Elementary 5th grade students participated on November 13, Pulaski Elementary 4th grade students participated on November 18 and Porter Road Elementary 4th grade students will participate on November 20.  What in the World?” is an interactive program designed to introduce students in grades 3 through 12 to a wide variety of careers in the math, science and technology fields.

For more than a decade, “What in the World?” program volunteers from the local business community have gone into area schools, bringing with them job-related “mystery objects” designed to spark the students’ curiosity and inspire them to learn more about the skills and education necessary for success in these jobs.  Participation in “What in the World?” broadens students’ horizons by exposing students to unfamiliar occupations and motivates them to explore career options in a whole new way.

Representatives from the following business partners are among those who will be sharing their time and expertise with the students at McVey Elementary School:

McVey Elementary School
  •  University of Delaware Cooperative Extension
  •  Christiana Care Health System
  •  Christina School District
  •  U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
  •  Delaware State Police
  •  New Castle County Conservation District
  •  DuPont Company

Porter Road Elementary School
  •  University of Delaware Cooperative Extension
  •  Christina School District
  •  Howard High School of Technology
  •  New Castle Conservation District
  •  Brandywine Zoo

Pulaski Elementary School
  •  University of Delaware Cooperative Extension
  •  Christina School District
  •  U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
  •  City of Wilmington - Public Works Department

BIE is currently recruiting volunteers to present the “What in the World?” program in New Castle County.  To learn more, visit our website at www.bie.k12.de.us or contact:  Andrea Majewski, BIE Alliance, 226 West Park Place, Suite 2, Newark, DE  19711; phone: (302) 368-4372, fax: (302) 368-1254, email: amajewski@bie.k12.de.us

Kirk Middle School to Host Award Winning CHOICES Program

Kirk Middle School will host the nation-wide, award-winning CHOICES program for their 8th grade students on Friday, December 4.  CHOICES is a powerful, interactive workshop designed to help middle school students take charge of their lives.

Trained local business and community volunteers have taught the CHOICES program in Delaware schools since 1986.  The goal of the CHOICES program is to encourage students to stay in school and to look more closely at their futures. The program stresses self-discipline, motivation, time and money management, academic decisions and career consequences.  Through real-world exercises and eye-opening role-play, CHOICES workshops empower teens to achieve academic success in pursuit of their career and life aspirations. They inspire students to get involved and make concrete connections between school and work. 

Representatives from the following business partners are among those who will be sharing their time and expertise with the Kirk Middle School students:

• Bank of America

• Prudential Financial

• Caffe Gelato Restaurant

• HFM Investment Advisers, Inc.

• DuPont Company

• State Farm Insurance

BIE is currently recruiting volunteers to present the CHOICES program in New Castle County.  To learn more, visit our website at www.bie.k12.de.us or contact:  Andrea Majewski, BIE Alliance, 226 West Park Place, Suite 2, Newark, DE  19711; phone: (302) 368-4372, fax: (302) 368-1254; email: amajewski@bie.k12.de.us

Congratulations to the Newark High School Marching Band for receiving a "Superior" rating during the recent New Castle County Field Band Festival.

The 2nd Annual Volunteer Fair was held on Friday, November 6.  Over 500 students attended the event looking for opportunities to fulfill their sixty hour community service requirement for graduation.  Fourteen organizations were on hand including The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House and Volunteer Delaware.

The charitable efforts of the NHS chapters of Delta Epsilon Chi (DECA) and Business Professionals of America (BPA) really paid off this fall.  The DECA/BPA Charity Links project involved individuals writing their names and decorating a link to be attached to other contributors' links.  DECA students contributed over $70 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association while the BPA group contributed $20 to the Delaware Special Olympics.  At the BPA/DECA Fall Leadership conference on Monday, November 9 it was recognitions goes to Newark student Mohamad Ibrahim who collected thirty-seven links.

Newark High School will become the first high school in Delaware to host a full-service student-run credit union.  This opportunity will provide students with the opportunity to hone the skills learned in class while using them in a real world environment.  The credit union is available to all staff and students and will be open every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Anyone opening an account may choose between a free USB key or discounted movie ticket.  The credit union is an example of the business department's groundbreaking, hands-on approach to education.  Please contact Kristen Gamgort for further information:  gamgorta@christina.k12.de.us

The Delaware School for the Deaf (DSD) will hold a Winter Bazaar Fundraiser on Saturday, December 12 with proceeds benefiting the 2009-2010 DSD Family Events.  The event will include crafts, pictures with "Signing Santa," "Inflatable Funland," raffles and prizes.  Snacks, goodies, and drinks will also be available for sale.  Admission to the bazaar is free.  Bracelets for the "Inflatable Funland," $10 each and a photo
CD of pictures with "Signing Santa," $5 each.

Click here to for additional event and vendor information.

Calendar Reminders...