Superstars in Education - 2008 Winners

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce has announced eight winners in its 2008 Superstars in Education Awards program, which promotes and shares academic programs and best practices in education.

2008 Superstars in Education Winners:

High School Category
“Greenbank Mill Honors Engineering Course”
Delaware Military Academy, Wilmington
This course charges nine to 12 students with the task of rebuilding a water mill originally erected in the 1740s. Students learn 18th century engineering techniques and then apply them over the course of a weekend. Students are required to learn the history, engineering, physics, ecological, thermodynamics and social impacts of the era.

Middle School Category
“Conversations to Make Meaning: English Language Learners and Literature Circles”
Conrad Schools of Science, Wilmington
This program provides at-risk adolescent English Language Learners (ELLs) with opportunities to meet in small groups called Literature Circles to discuss complex literature. Results of this program include increased motivation levels, a better understanding of the English language, and an increased use of proficient reading strategies.

“Hip Kids”
Stanton Middle School, Wilmington
Stanton Middle School teachers developed this program to help students who needed extra attention in order to be successful on the Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP) and in the classroom. Each team of academic teachers meets with these students on a regular basis and reviews their instructional needs. Teachers and students develop a rapport, often having lunch or staying after school to work on homework together.

Elementary School Category
“Maximizing the School Day”
Lulu Ross Elementary School, Milford
Maximizing the School Day creates a schedule that encourages teacher collaboration, improves student achievement and meets the needs of diverse learners. Each school day begins earlier, and all students in a certain grade have their “special” (gym, art, library, etc.) at the same time, allowing a common time for teachers who teach the same grade to conduct meetings, plan together, receive professional development and tutor students.

“The East Dover Garden Project”
East Dover Elementary School, Dover
The East Dover Garden Project began as a school beautification initiative. Students and teachers built seven gardens surrounding the school. The garden project provided for the application of numerous state science standards and a method for cross-curricular application of content. After completing the spring and fall garden projects in 2006, 100 percent of fourth grade students met or exceeded the standard on the Science DSTP.

“Removing the Achievement Gap via Professional Learning Communities (PLC)”
Long Neck Elementary School, Millsboro
This program propels students forward while closing the achievement gap by instituting regular team meetings among teachers to discuss curriculum, grade assessments and lesson plans. It also schedules specialized teachers in math and reading to teach students for an hour so grade-level teachers have a time to meet. The results can be seen in DSTP scores: in 2001, 35 percent of the total population taking the fifth grade DSTP did not meet the standards. In 2007, 95 percent of all students met or exceeded the standards on the DSTP.

“TIC (Technology Infusion Catalyst) Tactics”
Brandywine Springs Elementary School/North Star Elementary School, Wilmington
TIC Tactics is a school-wide technology infusion model that was developed to create a learning environment where students would not only be learning from the computers but would learn with the computers as well.

Kindergarten – 8th Grade Category
“Learning through the Arts - A Magnet School”
Southern Delaware School of the Arts, Selbyville
This program combines the school culture and curriculum to increase student achievement. Teachers plan lessons that incorporate the arts, and the arts teachers plan lessons that incorporate effective teaching strategies that complement one another. As a result, SDSA has received statewide recognition for its consistently high DSTP scores.
 

Superstars in Education - Previous Winners

Since its inception in 1989, Superstars in Education has awarded more than 165 outstanding programs and best practices. Many worthwhile academic programs have been recognized such as: teaching math by using a fantasy hockey league and teaching chemistry as a traveling road show, as well as academic support programs including peer mediation, behavior modification, and school-to-work.
 

Previous winners include:

A - G

H - L

M - P

Q - Z

Arnold (General Henry H.) Elementary School "All Day Kindergarten Program" 1997	When children are not quite ready to enter a formal learning environment, this program catches them before they enter a cycle of failure. Rather than a half-day of kindergarten, youngsters receive a full day of special attention. In addition to serving those identified as at-risk, a number of peer role models also spend the day helping the students.
Banneker (Benjamin ) Elementary School "Celebrating Magical Moments" 1996	With a focus on reading, this program is a replication of Smyrna Elementary School’s "Celebrating the Curriculum". Parents, older students and teachers portray storybook characters to share the joy of reading with students. A bizarrely-dressed, bus-driving science teacher named Ms. Frizzle is the focal point of this initiative. She takes the students on a bus ride of discovery to encourage reading. Parents track how much time their child spends reading on a bus-shaped chart. Students are rewarded for a "full bus" with bookmarks, folders and restaurant coupons. Other extras include listening to older students read stories, time with an actual storyteller and a day for dressing as their favorite character.
Brown (W. Reily) Elementary School "A Success Story: The Inclusion of Autistic and Moderately Mentally Disabled Students into an Elementary Setting" 1999	Through a partnership with the John S. Charlton School, children with moderate mental retardation and disabilities are able to gain educational experience in a loving environment. Integrated with a group of elementary school peers, students meet educational and socialization goals through regular interaction. Both groups of students attend art, music and physical education classes as well as eat lunch and take recess together.
Brown (W. Reily) Elementary School "The Beat Goes On" 2001	Instead of conducting a music class that delivers the traditional lectures, this program provides multi-cultural musical instruments so each student can experience playing a wide variety of instruments. Students explore each culture to gain an understanding of each instrument’s origin.
Caesar Rodney High School "10th Grade Writing Program" 1998	After the 1993 10th grade writing assessment produced poor results, a comprehensive writing program was designed to raise test scores. This initiative incorporates individual writing elements – writing, vocabulary and literature – not as isolated blocks, but as part of an integrated curriculum. It applies creative methods to teaching, and by teaching students the technical ins and outs of writing, it allows them to gain a true appreciation for the art. In 1997 the standardized writing test for 10th graders reflected a significant rise, scoring an average 3.2 out of a possible 4.0.
Campus Community School “The Jump-Start Early Intervention Program” 2007	This program pairs Wesley College junior-level teacher candidates with first graders who have been identified as academically at-risk in the areas of math and literacy. These struggling students are tutored every day for 45 minutes to an hour to get a “jump start” on the learning process. Eighty percent of jump-start students who have taken the DSTP met or exceeded the standard in both reading and math.
Cape Henlopen High School "Cape Gold Card Program" 1990	Through a partnership with local businesses, the Gold Card program has proven successful in motivating students to achieve. Students qualify for a Gold Card when their grade point average improves by 30 points or more, with no grade decreasing and none below 70 percent. The Gold Card allows them to receive various discounts at participating businesses.
Castle Hills Elementary School "A Beautiful Castle Hills School" 1995	This program is a replication of Carrie Downie Elementary School’s "It's As Simple As ABC" program. The original ABC Creed, Always Be Careful, Always Be Courteous, Always Be Caring, was enhanced by adding Always be Cooperative. This school-wide positive reinforcement program teaches students the importance of making positive choices and being rewarded for that behavior. Family members are invited to attend the special assembly where students receive "Super Stars" achievement certificates.
Christiana High School "Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds – Teen Mentoring Program" 2000	A disturbing media message rang out to school staff that stated that half of American youth between the ages of 12 to 21 are not physically active. Wanting to encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyles among ninth graders, this 18-week program soon became a reality. Three key components were implemented: physical activity integrated with education, teen mentoring and a personal improvement portfolio. Positive results include improved attendance, fewer suspensions, fewer academic failures and full participation in physical activities. Fitness data shows that 90 percent of students who participated improved their fitness components by at least 10 percent.
Christina School District "Teacher-to-Teacher Cadre" 2001	Realizing that effective teachers can be developed through a process of effective staff development and supervision, the district looked toward internal resources and created a cadre. Current teachers become facilitators of best practices and provide advanced teacher training among their peers.
Claymont Elementary School "Green Street Works!" 2000	Faculty, staff, parents and the business community work together on this program. It includes a weekly economics class for fourth and fifth graders, a monthly seminar for sixth graders, an on-site branch of Wilmington Trust, a school-wide workplace behavior system and a student-run store with opportunities for children to create their own ventures.
Claymont Fire Company "Fire Prevention - The Way To Save Lives" 1991	Firefighters visit local schools and present an educational puppet show to talk to children about fire safety. They dress in full rescue gear and tell children about the equipment.
Colonial School District "The Colonial School District Teaching and Learning Center" 2000	This nationally recognized Center promotes teacher effectiveness by altering teaching behavior. Each year eight teachers are freed from their classrooms to act as a teacher-to-teacher cadre. The Center also offers ongoing training and support for all school workers, from teachers and administrators to support staff, custodians, secretaries, cafeteria workers, paraprofessionals and bus drivers.
Conrad Middle School "Linked For Learning" 1995	This mentoring program enables students to use e-mail for direct communication with their mentors in the business community. To connect the relevance of academic goals to needed job skills, mentors visit the classroom and discuss their profession and related experiences with the students.
David W. Harlan Elementary School “H.A.W.K.S. (Helping All World Class Kids and Staff) Succeed” 2006	“H.A.W.K.S. Succeed” is designed to create a positive learning environment where students and teachers are provided with the assistance and resources needed to ensure success. The program is based on a philosophy and approach that carefully interweaves both positive behavior support and the collaborative sharing of teaching strategies designed to assist struggling learners.
Delaware State College (University) "Saturday Academy" 1990	This academic enrichment program offers instruction in laboratory science, mathematics, communication skills and computer science.
Delaware Technical and Community College "Htv - Homework on Television" 1998	Through a partnership with Comcast Cablevision, Delaware Tech was able to capitalize on a natural occurrence – kids and after-school television. Appropriately, Htv provides an opportunity for students to call in and ask for help with problems, and places an emphasis on math and English with specialty days for science, computer applications, language and arts. With six lines in the studio, phones ring off the hook not only from high school students, but home-schooled and GED students as well.
Delaware Technical and Community College "Skills Training For Offenders Program (STOP)" 1992	This program educates soon-to-be-released inmates in practical trades. A 13-week, on-campus occupational skills study component is followed by eight weeks of on-the-job-training to assist inmates in obtaining jobs and becoming a part of the work force.
Delaware Technical and Community College "Office Technician Job Training" (for homeless population) 1992	This program is designed to meet the needs of the homeless, giving them a chance to succeed. After an intensive program of 240 hours of job-specific training, students have the necessary skills to become competitive in today's work force.
Delaware Technical and Community College "Project BUILD" 1994	In partnership with Kingswood Community Center, Building Understanding and Information for Lifelong Development, provides residents with the resources they need to pursue their education and employment goals.
Delaware Technical and Community College "Program for Educational Alternative in Kent County (PEAK)" 1995	Through this partnership with Kent County school districts, PEAK gives students who have been expelled from school a second chance at a high school education. Located on campus, morning sessions focus on team-building activities and individualized instruction, while afternoon sessions address personal growth, conflict resolution, career exploration and computer use.
Delaware Technical and Community College "On Track! A College and Life Skills Course" 1997	Partnering with Brandywine and Colonial School Districts, Delaware Tech gives at-risk high school students an opportunity to experience a college environment. The program focuses on life and career skills. With the successful completion of this college course, participants develop greater confidence and a desire to learn.
Delaware Technical and Community College "Navigating the Information Superhighway" 2001	After the State of Delaware wired every public school classroom for Internet technology, Delaware Tech developed a two-tier Educational Technology Certificate (ETC) Program to teach teachers how to incorporate technology into teaching. This hands-on practical program allows teachers to demonstrate mastery through applications for immediate use in their classrooms.
Delcastle Technical High School “Career Success Academy Community” 2006	Delcastle’s “Career Success Academy Community” is a continuum of instruction and learning that successfully prepares students for life and a career in the 21st century through a cumulative approach. The expectation of this school-wide initiative is that students will be better prepared when they graduate whether they attend a post-secondary school or go directly into the world of work.
Delmar School District "Smithsonian Elementary Science Initiative" 1997	To comply with rigorous new standards for science and improve the level of elementary science education, a statewide consortium involving many school districts was formed. A five-year plan was developed that addressed the key elements of elementary science: curriculum, professional development, materials, assessment and community support. Teachers use pre-packaged kits containing various materials to teach the unit while giving students hands-on experience. Kits are based on the Science and Technology for Children curriculum developed by the National Science Resource Center. The curriculum also incorporates math, reading and language arts (through written journals), fostering development in other areas.
Diamond State Telephone "CHOICES" 1991	Representatives from Diamond State Telephone and other volunteers from Delaware businesses visit all ninth grade classes in Delaware’s public schools to spread the message that students’ choices today affect "all of their tomorrow." Recognizing that students will one day become employees, businesspeople stress the value of education and show the ramifications of dropping out of school through an exercise with play money that brings home the reality of a $5-an-hour job.
Division of Social Services "First Step Program" 1990	This program is designed as the initial step in a process of enabling individuals to make the transition from receiving welfare to becoming self-supporting.
John R. Downes Elementary School "Know YOUR History" 2006	"Know YOUR History" is a social studies/arts program that motivates students to appreciate history as a subject area and value their own histories, while developing the reading and writing skills necessary to meet the English language arts standards.
Downes (John R.) Elementary School "I Spy Literacy: Empowering Students to Succeed" 1999	This program enables students to master math, science and reading through highly motivational hands-on exercises that empower students to learn by doing. After third grade, students complete specific lessons in these subject areas. They then become the teacher and in turn teach the same lesson to their first grade buddy. The "I Spy a Tutor" component entails third grade students reading I Spy books and then creating their own. Sharing their books with first grade buddies and then helping them make their own books is the "applying knowledge through teaching others" concept that initiated this program. The same concept is applied to math and science. As students study different types of literature from jokes and riddles to fables, poetry, mysteries and non-fiction, they are required to write their own examples of what they have just studied. Their works are published in Shark Bait, I Spy’s literary newspaper.
Downie (Carrie) Elementary School "It's As Simple As ABC" 1992	This program is a replication of Marbrook Elementary School’s "Positive Consequences for Positive Behaviors". The Carrie Downie Creed: Always Be Careful, Always Be Courteous, Always Be Caring, teaches students the importance of making positive choices and being rewarded for that behavior. Positive behavior is recognized with items such as stickers, ice cream and a monthly ABC awards assembly.
duPont (Pierre S.) Elementary School "Operation Cooperation: A School-wide Conflict Resolution Program" 1994	Student mediators help settle disputes and solve problems among other students through this school-wide initiative. The program has two major components: a 19-week curriculum (which emphasizes communication, understanding feelings and conflict resolution) and a mediation process. Its mission is to teach alternative means of managing anger and resolving conflicts to prevent disputes from escalating into incidents that require further disciplinary action and to create a more positive climate for staff, students and parents. Anytime a conflict arises, students have the opportunity to solve it themselves or request a mediator. A trained staff person and a student bring the parties together to work out the problem.
East Millsboro Elementary School "Project Open Door" 1993	A joint effort by Indian River School District and a Dover physician opened a school-based clinic to treat children with attention deficit disorders. The parents, doctor and teacher work together to make important decisions relating to behavior modification, strategies for classroom success and monitoring medication. Working with school personnel and family members, the doctor also evaluates students exhibiting persistent learning or behavior problems. The team then designs an individualized management plan to encourage maturation, development and academic success.
Eisenberg (Harry O.) Elementary School "The Eisenberg Conflict Resolution" 1997	To create a better learning environment, school officials addressed rising disciplinary problems. The school-wide initiative taught students how to resolve conflicts in a non-violent way. Dressed in peacemaker t-shirts, student mediators participate in various types of conflict resolution techniques. A teacher can call a "Town Meeting" regularly or in response to a situation, thus allowing students to speak their mind. A "Fish Bowl" involves placing chairs in the center of the room with a student who wishes to speak sitting in one of the chairs. The "Talk Show" is used in response to a situation. Members of the audience balance their comments with positive things about the student, but the student has to answer for his or her behavior. As a result, teachers can spend more time educating rather than disciplining their students.
Ennis (Howard T.) School "The Indian River Eagle Company" 2000	Creating a company to teach soft work skills to older students with developmental disabilities was the inspiration for this company. Offering diversified types of work such as bulk mail, silk screen, used clothing and paper shredding also provides valuable services to local employers.
Etta J. Wilson Elementary School   "WRAP Kindergarten Program” 2007	The WRAP Kindergarten Program identifies students who are academically at-risk and provides them with intensive instructional support, particularly with literacy skills and concepts. Students attend a full-day kindergarten, with half of their day spent in a regular classroom and the other half the day in the WRAP program. Their success is monitored monthly and teachers develop individual instruction for each student.
Etta J. Wilson Elementary School “Cape Henlopen – A Marine Life Exploration Program” 2006	The three-day “Cape Henlopen – Marine Life Exploration Program” exposes third graders to the marine environment, validates classroom instruction and gives the children the opportunity to experience first hand the workings of the Delaware Bay.  During activity periods, small groups of students study the history of the Cape and Lewes area, examine the structure function of various marine organisms and learn how sounding can predict underwater land forms.
Etta J. Wilson Elementary School “Quilts: Heirlooms, Gifts and a Journey through History”   2006	“Quilts: Heirlooms, Gifts and a Journey through History” is a comprehensive and unique teaching unit that centers around quilts and demonstrates the diverse and important role of quilts throughout the country’s history. Students use quilts to study history, literature, language arts, math and economic concepts. They also created lap quilts that were given to ill children in local hospitals and their families.
Frankford Elementary School "Afro-American Bowl" 1992	The Afro-American Bowl was designed to increase the awareness of the many contributions made by black Americans throughout the history of the United States. Staged each February, students of all ethnicities participate and portray a character or recite information about African-Americans in various skits. Other students then guess who the performers are portraying. As a result, the program fosters a better understanding between races and may help to curtail future issues.
Glasgow High School "The Mesocosm Environmental Education Program" 1995	This program is a greenhouse-like working model of the mid-Atlantic estuaries and bay areas of Delaware. Students are required to study and maintain the mesocosm. This hands-on learning process enhances teamwork, research and Internet skills in addition to writing and math skills.
Holy Rosary School "We’re BAD (Bears Against Drugs)" 1997	Concerned about the rise of alcohol and drug abuse among elementary and middle school students, Holy Rosary administrators developed this program to build awareness and encourage drug-free behavior. Tied to its mascot name, the program incorporates essay contests, videos, posters, puzzles, contests and pep rallies to convince students they are "too cool to do drugs".
Holy Rosary School "Holy Rosary has the "WRITE" Stuff" 2000	Students work interactively with teachers on their writing assignments, striving to become published in the schools’ Literary Magazine, Inner Thoughts. Students are involved from concept to publication and experience all aspects of publishing from collating to typing, to writing and artwork. All students, kindergarten through eighth grade, submit their best work.
Howard High School of Technology "Quest For Quality" 1996	Partnered with more than 60 businesses and community agencies, this program creates opportunities for students to be involved in work-based learning including job shadowing, practicum and co-op. Each student receives a multi-functional Performance Guide, which helps with planning, and assessing employment and academic skills.
Indian River School District "Meet the Challenge" 2006	The "Meet the Challenge" program researched best practices, analyzed data and created a school-wide program at Selbyville Middle School and Sussex Central Middle School to improve achievement in reading and math for all students through the implementation of daily, standards-based activities.
Indian River School District "Childcare Providers Workshop" 1994	Through this program the school district partners with local caregivers to offer free workshops which are designed to enrich the early education experience. The objective of these workshops is to improve the quality of childcare, to develop a partnership between providers and the school system and to encourage early referrals for students at risk for failure.
Indian River School District "Project V.I.L.L.A.G.E." 2000	The district recognized that low-income children with language barriers needed a special type of education. Through Project V.I.L.L.A.G.E. (Verbally Intensive Literacy and Language Activities for Growth in Education), teachers use games, such as play acting, to help students gain language skills. Parents also play a key role in the program’s success by attending meetings, reading books to their children at home and participating in crafts that accompany the stories.
Indian River School District "Science Without Boundaries" 2001	The district took an exciting approach to fulfill the State’s science standards. By partnering with the Outdoor Education Center at Ingram Pond, students participate in hands-on, science-based activities that inspire them to become thinkers and problem solvers.
Indian River School District “Leadership Institute; The 2% Solution” 2006	“The 2% Solution” provides administrators at the Indian River School District with strategies for recognizing, understanding, promoting and supporting professional learning communities in schools. It also gives them advanced training on best-practice classroom instruction and strategies to change current ineffective instructional practices. In addition, administrators have honed leadership skills that will increase learning for all students.
Jones (Albert H.) Elementary School "Teaching Teachers to Teach Writing" 2001	The teachers and principal at Jones Elementary School formed a strong commitment to work with the Delaware Center for Teacher Education – specifically its Delaware Writing Project – to raise the school’s statewide writing scores. A Writing Retreat was held for teachers to provide assessment of student writing skills, one-on-one teacher training and administrative leadership. All students participate in a daily Writers Workshop.
Junior Achievement "The Warranty Process" 1995	This partnership with the Christina School District offers a flexible alternative to traditional high school curriculum. It teaches teamwork, goal setting and problem solving to equip students to compete in the global economy. It consists of a two-part process for ninth through 12th graders beginning with businesspeople giving classroom presentations, which include an overview of their occupation, and the necessary skills required to perform the job. Students later visit these businesses for a specialized tour and then are paired off to get a flavor of the job and an understanding of what is required of them.
Junior Achievement "Success Now" 1992	This hands-on program is aimed at students who may not be receiving a high school diploma due to absences, suspensions and lack of school credits. The curriculum attempts to influence students’ attitudes and arouse their interest in education by giving them the opportunity to set up their own company and empowering them to make decisions. It incorporates communication and disciplinary skills, computer technology, English, math and business skills. The program exposes them to everyday business practices including selling stock, balancing a checkbook, bookkeeping and marketing.
Kasey, Robert – founder "Creative Grandparenting Mentoring Program" 1993	Adults are matched with children in an after-school program in order to teach them trust, honesty, tolerance, respect, responsibility and spiritual renewal.
Lake Forest School District "Project Spartan Success" 2006	"Project Spartan Success" joins Lake Forest School District with community agencies to provide research-based before-school, after-school and summer programs to the children in grades K-6.
Lake Forest School District "Lake Forest PAR 3" 1995	Program for Assistance in Reading (PAR) begins in the summer at the district’s three elementary schools and makes books come alive. Students participate in activities related to the stories they read, and while they're having fun, they're also learning.
Laurel High School "PACE - Program of Academic Challenge and Enrichment" 1994	This program for gifted students challenges them outside of the regular classroom environment by using computers to play the stock market.
Leach (John G.) School "MOVE Program" 2001	Mobility Opportunities Via Education is a top-down, activity-based curriculum designed to teach students with disabilities functional motor skills related to sitting, standing and walking that are needed in the home, school and community. It integrates student, parent and classroom goals to develop an educational plan for each student that addresses his or her individual motor skills needs.
Linden Hill Elementary School "Links" 1999	With a strong focus on parental involvement, this program’s goal is to make the link between home and school stronger through enjoyable reading experiences that students share with their parents.
Lord Baltimore Elementary School "Teacher Assistance Program - T.A.P." 1998	With support from the Indian River School District and donated computers from Delaware Technical and Community College, this program assists Lord Baltimore’s third grade and North Georgetown’s fifth grade teachers with individualized instruction using computer software to address a diverse student population.
Maple Lane Elementary School "Balanced Calendar” 2007	In order to provide extra instructional time for students in need, Maple Lane Elementary School adopted a Balanced Calendar with a shorter summer break and Intersession periods when at-risk students can get extra help. The result has been improved student performance on the DSPT, with students meeting and exceeding state standards.
Maple Lane Elementary School "AM Academy" 1999	Being first in line for breakfast is the inspiration for first through third graders who arrive early each day for school. These 30-minute sessions are geared toward students who are having difficulty reading but are not in a remedial program. Teachers use an intensive phonics course not currently being taught in the regular classroom. Students also read in groups, write journals and share their writing with others.
Maple Lane Elementary School "Extended Kindergarten for At-Risk Students" 2001	Students who enter kindergarten without any pre-school or educational experience may be at risk socially and academically. This program focuses on bringing these students up to academic speed as well as learning classroom routines and rules.
Marbrook Elementary School "Positive Consequences for Positive Behavior" 1991	This program brings attention to the skill of doing the right thing. Students strive to follow the Marbrook Motto, which specifies treating and talking to others they way you want them to talk to and treat you in return as well as caring for school property and being responsible for your own behavior. Upon their success students are rewarded with small tokens like pencils, ice cream, having their picture in the lobby or being recognized on the daily announcements. Students are also rewarded with a monthly assembly featuring entertainment like jugglers, clowns, theater and musicians. During the assembly, students with exemplary behavior are rewarded with an Eaglegram certificate.
Marbrook Elementary School "Garden of Knowledge" 1990	This six-week summer camp offers at-risk children the opportunity to cultivate and grow a 400-square-foot garden at the school. They use the skills they learned during the school year to do things such as experiment with recipes that incorporate their vegetable products, build a stand to sell the products; and finally use the profits to take educational trips.
McCullough (Calvin R.) Elementary School "Love & Logic in McCullough School" 1999	Based on the creed, "Love allows children to grow through their mistakes; logic allows them to live with the consequences of their choices", children gain control by sharing thinking and decision making.
McIlvaine (J. Ralph) Early Childhood Center "Boost Up" 2001	This early childhood program creates conditions for stimulating brain growth by using a variety of toys and activities. During the half-hour session children move from station to station in 19 areas as they gain important brain stimulation that facilitates learning abilities in the future.
McKean (Thomas) High School "C.A.L.C. (Computer Assisted Learning Center) Laboratory" 1994	This program helps at-risk students improve math skills while using computers, doing lab work and solving applied math problems.
Milford Middle School/Delaware Art Museum "An Introduction to Social Studies: Using Art as Primary & Secondary Source Material" 1996	Through this partnership students participate in an instructional unit to learn about history, geography, economics and civics by analyzing and categorizing works of art.
Milford High School "Drop Out Prevention Program" 1990	This program uses a high-tech, high-touch approach to cut its dropout rate. Using personal contact and constant coaxing, students have come a long way.
Moore (John Bassett) Middle School "APEX - Alternative Program for Educational "X"cellence" 1993	This program is a replication of Smyrna High School’s "SHAPE" program. APEX fills the gap that exists between the regular classroom environment and special education, addressing the needs of students who do not qualify for special education, but still run the risk of dropping out of high school. This self-paced program brings students up to grade level in reading and math, and also goes beyond academics to address underlying problems, which cause them to fall behind.
Mount Pleasant Elementary School "PM Academy" 2001	School buses pick up children and their parents to participate in this after-school program which teaches parents how to teach their children to read. Enhanced by pizza, the first session of PM Academy yielded 327 children for this one-night-a-week, 10-week program. Parents rotate through four reading stations to identify key strategies in helping children learn to read. Pre and post testing showed that 73 percent of students who began the program below grade level came up to or gained a grade level.
New Castle Middle School “Math Counts at New Castle Middle School” 2006	“Math Counts at New Castle Middle School” is a student-based program to ensure that all students succeed. Emphasizing best teaching practices, teacher professional development, and offering multiple opportunities for students to receive extra mathematics instruction during the school day became the driving force of the administration and mathematics department at New Castle Middle School.
Padua Academy "Chemistry Demonstration Road Show" 1992	A team of about 20 Padua students travels to different elementary schools teaching hands-on chemistry. For first and second graders the show focuses on colors. Solutions are used that either change color or glow in the dark. For third through fifth graders, they demonstrate the synthesis and properties of polymers. Sixth through eighth graders observe how gases are affected by temperature and energy. All of the children actively participate and take home their "results" such as nylon or slime.
Padua Academy "Model United Nations for Elementary Schools (KIDDIMUNC)" 1994	Padua partners with eight elementary schools to simulate the United Nations. Since the Model UN Program is typically for high school students, KIDDIMUNC allows seventh and eighth graders an opportunity to experience the program by representing a country and attempting to solve world problems from their countries' perspective.
Padua Academy "Shakespeare In The City: As We Like It" 1999	Designed with a two-fold purpose – performance and teaching, specifically inner-city children – this program pairs Shakespeare with all aspects of theater including costume and set design, and memorizing and interpreting lines. The fourth graders at St. Peter’s Cathedral, St. Paul’s and Christ Our King also enjoy a teaching component from the Padua students. The girls lead discussions about the scenes to be portrayed, give the children a modern day summary they have written for them and then enact the scene. The younger students enjoy getting into costume and portraying a character.
Padua Academy "Spanish HOSTS" 2001	The beginning Hispanic students at William C. Lewis Elementary School often read, write and speak English and Spanish at varying levels. Through this partnership with Lewis’ Spanish HOSTS program, Padua students provide one-on-one mentors to help the children become truly bilingual.
Penn (William) High School "William Penn Food Service Class" 1998	Career-oriented educational programs are rare in high schools, but William Penn recognized that a food service program would prove successful for their special needs population. Students apply writing and math skills and are responsible for menus, shopping, packaging, delivery and clean-up. Each participant maintains a model bank account. Students prepare "take-out" dinners available for faculty members, complete with desserts. They also bake for Parents Night and other school activities including holiday sales. The success of the program is measured by the first-come, first-served basis while the measure of student success is their ability to obtain and hold entry-level food service jobs – an accomplishment they would not have achieved without the focused training they received.
Phoenix School (The) "Critical Thinking Through Structured Controversy: The Death Penalty" 1993	This program makes students think about critical issues by using a variety of creative methods. Each year a different topic is selected that delves into grey areas, questioning the basis of controversial beliefs and opinions. The tension that results prods the mind into new ways of thinking, including developing sharper communication skills, the ability to analyze and reasonably defend a position, and thoroughly investigate information presented by authorities, the media, peer leaders and others.
POLYTECH High School "The POLYTECH Advisement Support System (PASS)” 2007	Since 1995, this program has provided POLYTECH students with the academic and life skills needed to make good education and career decisions. The program’s major goals include ensuring consistent curriculum exposure to all students, establishing a timeline for career planning, enabling students to obtain the skills and background to make choices about their future upon graduation and improving the relationship between the school, parents, businesses and the community.
POLYTECH High School "POLYTECH's Success Plan for Ninth Grade Students" 2006	"POLYTECH's Success Plan for Ninth Grade Students" eases the transitional year of ninth grade while infusing a culture of excellence in performance and behavior through the adoption of a strict discipline program and the institution of the "Continuity of Contact" with inbound students.
POLYTECH Adult Education "Machinist Skills Training" 1993	Through this 18-week program, unskilled laborers become ready machinists prepared for entry-level work in many machine shops throughout Delaware.
POLYTECH High School "Career Exploration/Career Paths" 1993	Incoming ninth graders are given an opportunity to experience all of the school’s 19 shops before making a final curriculum decision, while developing personal, academic and business skills needed in every career.
POLYTECH High School "New Tech City: A Transdisciplinary Integrated Project" 1994	In this student-run city, hallways become city streets, classrooms serve as local businesses and students become technologically skilled employees. Carpentry and masonry students formed Poly Products, a business that builds birdhouses, doghouses and benches. Business students operate a bank and provide accountant services to the other "companies". A student-run town council and classes act as civic organizations, such as a local theater and newspaper to round out the community.
POLYTECH High School "Integrating Technology Into The Math Curriculum" 1996	This fantasy hockey league brings students cooperative, semester-long cumulative projects that require creativity, strategy and mathematical ability, while using the latest technology, TI 82 calculators and the Internet.
Pulaski (Casimir) Elementary School "World Languages International Studies" 1998	Recognizing that mastering another language has become a fundamental educational goal, Christina School District developed this comprehensive kindergarten through 12th grade world language program that aims to produce students who are fluent in two languages by the time they graduate. The Spanish initiative at Pulaski consists of a number of closely linked facets. Students may select intensive study, which is five days per week for three years and includes speaking, reading, writing and cultural activities. All other students receive three days of Spanish per week, primarily basic conversation. All students participate in Hispanic awareness activities across curriculum areas, involving the entire staff. They also receive computer instruction with English/Spanish software. Through the school’s International Studies Program, students are also introduced to different countries and cultures through a distance learning satellite that takes them to different countries and exposes them to local traditions, history and culture.
Redding (Louis L.) Middle School "RESPECT: A Schoolwide Prosocial Behavior Program" 2000	In an effort to take a proactive approach to disciplinary referrals, RESPECT defines school-wide expectations for all teachers and students. The theme, "respect yourself, others and the world around you", was broken down into various components to ensure that areas of concern (respect for rules, self, others, teachers, community, public and personal property, and education and environment) were addressed.
Richardson Park Learning Center and Charter School of Wilmington "A Growing Partnership" 2006	"A Growing Partnership" is a partnership between Charter School of Wilmington and the special needs children from Richardson Park Learning Center (RPLC) that provides RPLC students with better role models and gives Charter School students the opportunity to learn more about disabilities.
Richardson Park Elementary School "Today’s Marketplace" 1997	This program was designed to improve reading, writing and math test scores, and provide students with an opportunity to create and manage their own entrepreneurial ventures. Students develop business plans, secure venture capital, manufacture products and sell their goods. While loans must be repaid, students keep their profits. The initiative has given some business-savvy youngsters an early chance to try their hand at running their own companies while improving test scores.
Richardson Park Elementary School "Parenting Block" 1992	This program allows teachers and students to spend time relating like parents and children. This new approach not only helps students with reading, writing and arithmetic, but also values such as honesty, integrity and tolerance. Each Friday teachers reserve the final class period as informal time for special lessons that emphasize life, survival and stress skills. Using a combination of class discussions, silent reading and writing, and art projects, the children have the opportunity to express their concerns and worries and learn about the importance of a healthy value system. The staff recognized the program’s results through reduced office referrals and suspensions, raised test scores and increased parental involvement in school activities.
Richardson Park Learning Center "Go For The Gold" 1994	This program is a replication of Marbrook Elementary School’s "Positive Consequences for Positive Behaviors". Students at Richardson Park practice daily, weekly and monthly reinforcement of appropriate social and academic behaviors. Based on a points system, they are rewarded with extra recess and picture postings. Those who achieve "Gold Card" status for four weeks of top behavioral performance earn the privilege of attending that month’s event (bowling, swimming, ice cream party, etc.).
Richardson Park Learning Center "Today’s Children Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs" 1999	This program for educable mentally disabled students in fourth through sixth grades is developing and employing a variety of skills to prepare them for effective, participatory citizenship. By partnering with several organizations to create student-run businesses, this program allows the children to establish and operate businesses that require research, creation and tracking of inventory, problem solving, money management and conducting sales. Businesses include Kidwormco, which supplies worms for school projects; Plants for Profit, which raises and sells plant to students, family and staff for holidays; and Classroom Caters, which enable students to profit from cooking skills as well as learn math and communication skills by selling goods at biannual bake sales.
Seaford Senior High School and Seaford Middle School, Seaford “Seaford School District Secondary Schools Advanced Placement Incentive Program” 2007	This program was designed to increase participation and the diversity of students in Advanced Placement (AP) classes at the High School level, as well as increase grades on the Advanced Placement Tests. The schools identify students who have potential to take these courses, offer preview mathematics courses to prepare students for the AP courses, provide access to a summer reading program and encourage parental involvement in choosing classes.
Science Alliance "SEEDelaware" 1998	This program partners the Science Alliance with the Delaware Department of Education, the American Chemical Society, DuPont and the Business, Industry, Education Alliance, creating summer internships for teachers and high school students to gain hands-on experience in business and industry.
Seaford School District "E.I. duPont/Seaford School District Partnership" 1991	This partnership, which includes a number of educational programs, seeks to improve the academic performance of students and supplement the district's curriculum in the area of the DuPont company's expertise: science and technology.
Seaford School District "Seaford's Summer Success Camp" 1991	This camp targeted 45 first and second-graders who, it was felt, would benefit most from the five-week program. The long-term goal of the camp is to maintain school attendance by enhancing the self-esteem and learning of students and developing their social skills.
Shields Elementary School   “Always Room for Improvement: Enhancing 2nd Grade Reading in a Superior School”   2007	The second grade teachers at Shields Elementary School wanted to help their students strengthen their reading skills. To do this, they organized their students into groups based on their reading level and added an additional reading period a day that focused on specific instructional needs. At the end of the year, the teachers analyzed their students’ DSTP scores and found that the students made remarkable strides in reading fluency.
Smyrna Elementary School "Celebrating the Curriculum"<