IDEAS THAT SHAPE THE WORLD START HERE

ANNUAL REPORT & REFERENDUM GUIDE ON THE FRONT COVER

Carly Steckline, Dominika Nowakowicz, Jillian Morris, Jacqueline Bajek These AHS seniors organized a dance marathon called appoTHON that incorporated dancing, live music, student- run games and food in the Commons at Appoquinimink High. Hundreds of students participated, raising more than $13,000 for the B+ Foundation, an organization that provides support to children and families battling pediatric cancer.

Carissma McGee Carissma shared her love of science and the stars as a volunteer in the children’s program at ’s nonprofit Mount Cuba Astronomical Observatory. Topics she discussed ranged from “How to use a telescope” to cool facts about the solar system, constellations, planets and more.

Corey Sparks Corey founded a nonprofit organization that spreads joy to children in need. Dressed as the superhero Spider Man, he visited children in hospitals, special needs daycare centers and even made home visits. “There are so many kids who feel like they are less than others because of a disability. My goal is to bring out the inner superhero in every child I visit!”

Paul Butler Paul put together a Summer Jazz Benefit Concert in tribute to his late father. In addition to recruiting performance groups, he secured promotional coverage on TV, and played in an all-student band. The event raised $2,000, money that was distributed between the Colon Cancer Coalition and the AHS Music Department.

Appoquinimink issues an annual report to the community each fall. In it, we present standardized testing results and other key indicators including college acceptance rates and persistence. The report is distributed by mail to district residents and archived on our website & mobile app. AN ASD EDUCATION: CONNECTED, INNOVATIVE, ENTREPRENEURIAL

or more than a decade, the Senior Project has been a rite of passage in the Appoquinimink School District. While topics are selected independently, there’s a strong emphasis on undertaking challenges that build linkages with the F community. We encourage students to think about problems in their own neighborhoods and then take steps to tackle them. It’s a process called service learning.

We emphasize it (the service-learning model) at all grade levels as an important way to foster creativity, problem-solving skills, leadership, and the empowerment that results from pulling together to make a difference.

Our world is facing many problems, from environmental perils to poverty to human rights violations and war. We must increase the skills of the next generation, and give them the tools they’ll need to confront these and other emerging issues on the local, national and global scene.

Talking about these challenges is not enough. Citizenship is a set of skills that needs to be In just five years our District, which learned. Our school communities are providing opportunities to discuss, practice, reflect encompasses Middletown, Odessa, upon and hone these abilities. The beauty of this approach is that learning takes on a new Townsend and parts of Bear, has seen an dimension when students are engaged intellectually and emotionally with a topic. explosive increase in enrollment. We’ve grown by 19 percent (1,875 students) and And when it comes to service, the earlier you learn it the better. Research suggests are now the third largest PK-12 education the benefits of bringing this subject into the classroom include: increased self-esteem, system in the State. Each year, ASD adds heightened awareness of civic and social responsibility, long-term involvement in 400+ students, enough to fill an entire community work, higher voting and graduation rates, and decreased stereotypes elementary school if growth were limited and prejudice.* to primary grades. We’ve added trailers, put instruction on a cart, repurposed That’s why, this year, I’m proud to introduce you to members of the Class of 2019, a offices and storage space, and found other cross-section of young people who used their Senior Project as an opportunity to make creative ways to address the challenge. But a difference: training a service dog, founding an inclusive cheer team, staging a summer it’s not sustainable. When classrooms get jazz concert, creating an event to celebrate local veterans, teaching at the Mt. Cuba overcrowded, teachers can’t teach effectively observatory, developing a device to filter harmful chemicals from drinking fountains, and students can’t learn. bringing happiness to young people who are hospitalized or have special needs, hosting a dance marathon to battle cancer (B+ Foundation), and organizing a health 12000 advocacy fair. Their efforts represent just a fraction of the dozens of service-learning activities happening in our schools and/or developing from the Senior

11000 Project challenge. At Appoquinimink, we embrace our role as a leader in quality education. This report 10000 tells the story of how we’re doing and our plans to bring even greater value to our students, families and community in the future. The staff and I are enormously grateful for your support, which not only makes these programs possible, but provides the 9000 ongoing investment in facilities, staff and materials required to meet the demands of unprecedented growth. Together, we’re helping grow Delaware’s leaders, workforce 8000 and future. 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 If you are a member of a community or civic group and would like to request a More students mean we need more schools, presentation about our schools, I hope you’ll contact me. teachers, books and materials; face added safety and security considerations; and Yours sincerely, require support to lessen the gap in pay between ASD teachers and the rest of New Castle County. All of this has prompted a referendum on December 17, 2019. A guide at the back of our report is designed to educate you about the proposal. Matt Burrows, Ed.D. Superintendent Appoquinimink School District *Source: youth.org and Mission Measurement

REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY 1 HISTORIC MILESTONES

Cedar Lane Elementary was named Middletown High’s Class of 2019 hosted a National Blue Ribbon School, the a Community Festival to celebrate their second school in our District to earn own proud history. The school hosted this distinction, joining Olive B. Loss its 100th Commencement Ceremony in Elementary, a 2017 winner. The title, June. The event, hosted by the Class of National Blue Ribbon School is reserved 2019, included music, inflatables, athletic for institutions that demonstrate academic activities, campus tours, food trucks and excellence, strong school culture, more. opportunity for all students, and continued progress among all students. A new four-year old preschool program, featuring financial assistance for low- Louis L. Redding Middle School was a income and English Language Learner part of a special commissioning ceremony families, opened at Brick Mill Elementary. last spring, when a state historic marker was unveiled at the school. Hundreds of ASD celebrated the 50th anniversary students, staff, alumni and community of Middletown High’s Class of 1969 with members gathered to celebrate the a tour of their alma mater (now Meredith school’s proud history as a K-10 school Middle), including a preview of the two- for students of color in an era before year renovation process (beginning June the Civil Rights Movement ended 2020) that will transform the school into a We dedicated our newest school, desegregation. The effort was 21st century learning center. Lorewood Grove Elementary, home of spearheaded by the Redding Alumni the Lions. The event included more than Association, supported by State Senators 1,000 students, parents, staff and Board Stephanie Hansen and , and Members and featured special guests: featured a keynote address from U.S. Senator , Lt. Governor J.B. Redding, the daughter of Delaware’s Bethany Hall-Long, Secretary of Education luminary civil rights lawyer. Susan Bunting, and ASD’s State Senators, State Representatives and County Council Members. A video capturing the opening of our STEAM-focused grade 1-5 school is available on our website.

Nearly 300 teens, students who will be attending Odessa High as 9th Graders in Fall 2020, enjoyed a preview night with games, ice breakers and a beam signing ceremony at the Fairview Campus. This fall, the parents and teens began a series of meet-and-greet events with founding OHS Principal Dr. Veronica “Voni” Perrine that will continue into the summer. We’ll dedicate the new school in August 2020 with a grand opening that will include an original commissioned work debuted in the Performing Arts Center on campus.

2 APPOQUINIMINK SCHOOL DISTRICT POINTS OF PRIDE

Eight ASD schools were among the 45 Preschool Labs opened at both of our ASD proudly awarded Delaware’s honored statewide with an “Exceeds High Schools. Students in the School Certificate of Multiliteracy to more Expectations” rating. of Education and Human Studies now than a dozen high school students. We’re train alongside college-degreed, early proud to have graduated one of the first We were named one of America’s Best childhood educators in 4-year old and largest groups in the state. Students Communities for Music Education for classrooms. who earn this designation have attained the fourth consecutive year: 2016-2019 a high level of proficiency in one or more (NAMM Foundation). Nearly 400 ASD families helped us kick languages in addition to English. off our Summer Reading Program at the We were named Delaware’s Best School Appoquinimink Community Library. 90 percent of the students enrolled in District for the third year: 2018, 2019, Chinese Immersion Kindergarten earned a 2020 (Niche.com). ASD was awarded innovation grants perfect score on their state assessment of to launch new high school pathways interpretative listening. Bunker Hill 4th Graders and their teachers in Digital Communications Technology, were honored with the George Read Construction Trades and Manufacturing, We welcomed 10 international teaching Award at the 17th annual Delaware Day Natural Resources Management, Plant interns (native Spanish or Chinese Contest for their creative and historically Science, and Animal Science. speakers) into our immersion language accurate interpretation of the First programs where they assisted teachers, State’s influential role in crafting the U.S. Our industry-led, advisory board for the interacted with students, and lived with Constitution. National Academy of Finance (a career host families from the M.O.T. area. pathway) was recognized by the State for Appoquinimink became the first school their outstanding contributions. The Chinese Immersion program enjoyed district in Delaware to introduce an a visit from the Education Division of anonymous, 10-second reporting tool to Cross-curricular collaborations the Taipei Economic and Cultural students. The STOPit app allows students blossomed. The AHS Cafe (part of Representative Office who promotes to relay concerns in real time, removing the culinary arts experience) enjoyed education and cultural exchange barriers like the fear of retaliation. accounting support from the National opportunities between Taiwan and the USA. Academy of Finance, food from the FFA, Schools were introduced to ALICE and menu designs from Digital Volunteers from business partner the Training, a safety initiative that Design students. Dover Federal Credit Union introduced emphasizes options-based strategies to 8th graders to important concepts in respond to violent intruders. Our first paidinternships and/or financial independence like budgeting, opportunities for a practicum with credit saving and responsibly managing checking and credit accounts. We launched a Free Summer Meals experience debuted in selected pathways Program at Louis L. Redding Middle this year. School. ASD Schools launched Delaware’s first- Student ambassadors led tours and ever, Kids for Wish Kids campaign, The Appoquinimink Foundation hosted a pathway demonstrations during High raising funds to grant the wish of young people in Delaware struggling with a life- “Farm to Fork” fundraiser, collaborating School Preview Night events. with local farmers, developers and threatening illness. business owners for a one-of-a-kind dining Celebrity Chef Robbie Jester joined us at experience. Proceeds from the event fund showcase events celebrating the skills of Kindergarteners at the Cedar Lane efforts like high school scholarships and our culinary arts students. Early Childhood Center were part of an teacher mini-grants. Oklahoma teacher’s “Traveling Dress” We were one of three districts selected project, an effort to boost children’s creativity. We hosted our first,HBCU (historically to participate in a pilot program called black colleges & universities) Fair. An “PIPEline to career success,” a new onsite evaluation resulted in immediate initiative for students with disabilities. acceptance for qualified applicants.

REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY 3 POINTS OF PRIDE

The Spring Festival, a tradition We continued a strong emphasis on the Meredith Middle School created a embraced by Chinese families everywhere, performing arts in all schools. Student program for parents called Heads was marked by a performance from theatrical productions included: Together. The event featured a panel of kindergarteners in the Immersion Program Seussical Jr. Twinderella behavioral and mental health experts and at Spring Meadow and featured in a news Willy Wonka Kids Cinderella supportive local resources for families with story from TownSquare, a local online Mary Poppins Jr. Crazy for You an adolescent child struggling to news service. Press Start Beauty and the Beast find balance. Lion King The Crucible High schools hosted members of the Diary of Anne Frank Two teams from Waters Middle School Delaware Business Roundtable Education attended the 2019 Odyssey of the Mind Committee and the New Castle County Musical ensembles: wind, brass, and World Finals, a creative problem-solving Chamber of Commerce Business percussion from Middletown High and challenge attended by more than 900 Education Partnership. These groups the performed teams from around the globe. represent a consortium of business together in a holiday concert at Mitchell leaders and education chiefs. We Hall - the first time a local high school has Appoquinimink High’s Freshman “A” were proud to provide talks, tours and been selected for this honor. Team took first place at theregional Math demonstrations about our successful high League Meet and finished first overall in school pathways program. A collaboration with the Delaware their division. Symphony Orchestra provided an Students and teachers from Redding opportunity for DSO members to visit Appoquinimink High was one of 188 Middle School competed in TV’s newest Appoquinimink High and Waters Middle schools recognized by the United trivia game show, the Clash-H Room on School where they worked with students in Nations Association USA with a National Fox TV, and in return, received a donation small group and ensemble settings. Community Service Award. The honor for team bonding activities. paid tribute to students’ wide range of At their fall concert, the orchestra at service activities positively impacting Willey Farms, the family-owned market Middletown High performed a special community health & wellbeing. devastated by a fire last fall, was the tribute - Pie Jesu from Andrew Lloyd recipient of an $1,800 gift from students Webber’s Requiem - in memory of 31 adults earned a high school diploma and staff at Townsend Elementary. Dr. Marion E. Proffitt (1942-2018), the in our Adult Continuing Education Students in every grade developed ideas visionary educational leader responsible for program. ASD is one of only five adult for fundraisers and designs for the rebuild bringing a strings program to our district. education programs in the state to offer - which they proudly shared with Willey’s this program. representative Donna Cavender. In December, we celebrated the importance of family and education with Teachers provided more than two Silver Lake Elementary hosted Wreaths a day-long Education Showcase at every dozen different summer enrichment Across America, a convoy of Gold Star school and grade. This ASD tradition camp opportunities, everything from mothers, Blue Star families and Gold Star provides adults with an opportunity to sports to performing arts to science and Wives of American veterans on their way enjoy student presentations, experience Chinese. to Arlington National Cemetery for a the fun of learning together, and interact wreath-laying ceremony. with their child’s teachers and friends in a We unveiled new websites for Alfred fun, relaxed setting. G. Waters Middle School, Townsend MHS’ Shrek the Musical won the Elementary and Lorewood Grove Broadway World Delaware award for More than two dozen AHS and MHS Elementary; and introduced logos for the Best Student/School Production. students worked at polling places in New Odessa High Ducks, Lorewood Elementary Castle County during fall elections. Lions and Cedar Lane Eagles.

Middle schools shined a spotlight on the battle against opioid abuse with a forum for 8th graders that featured first-hand accounts from individuals and service providers impacted by the crisis.

4 APPOQUINIMINK SCHOOL DISTRICT

OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUALS

Superintendent Matt Burrows was named School Board Member Norm Abrams The Appoquinimink High School Women’s Delaware’s Chief School Officer of the received a Governor’s Outstanding Swim Team was the Blue Hen Conference Year for 2018-19. Volunteer Award recognizing his Champion. First place finishes included: longtime service to the students and staff Marissa Bittner, Emma Forman, Jordan MHS’ Justin Chan was named a 2019 of the Appoquinimink School District. Tierney. In men’s competition, Kevin Presidential Scholar, one of only 161 Lewke (AHS) had a first place finish. students in the USA to earn the honor. Governor Carney announced the appointment of former ASD and State Thirteen student-athletes from AHS signed Four high school students were Teacher of the Year Lea Wainwright to letters of intent to play college sports, nominated for the U.S. Presidential the State Board of Education, the first an offer that is typically accompanied by Scholars Program: Jessica Burtell, Justin teacher to hold this position. generous scholarship support. Chan, Daria Willis and Colleen Wright. The Jaycees named Appoquinimink AHS Senior Ben Stewart won the Beau Appoquinimink High School mathematics School Board Member Michelle Wall their Biden Foundation, “I can do great teacher Steve Landry was named District Outstanding Young Wilmingtonian for things,” scholarship. Teacher of the Year (TOY). Building- 2018. level TOYs included: Beverly Barton- AHS Junior Aubrey Shearer, her father, BHE, Milton Downing-AGW, Melissa Award-winning art educator Milton teammates and other supporters kicked Grieshober-CLE, James Hanzely-CLECC, Downing and the students at Alfred G. off a 24-hour endurance run to raise Kelly Hanzely-APC, Jasmyn Hart-OSE, Waters Middle School participated in a awareness about veteran and teen suicide Colleen Hughto-TES, Caitie Layton-SLE, 3-month installation of student artwork rates. Sarah Llewellyn-MHS, Franny Linus- at Nemours/A.I. duPont Hospital for SMECC, Adriene Lopez-MMS, Beth Children. The MHS Boys Track Team posted a strong Moody-TECC, Melissa Rendon-OBL, Kelly performance at the State Championships. Ryser-BME and Peter Trotto-RMS. Delaware’s first Middle School Debate First place finishes included: Brahmir Team, eighth graders Esther Cho and Vick; Bryce Pepukayi; Elijah Wilson; and Middletown High’s Sarah Finley was Sarah Rathore from Alfred G. Waters, the 4x100 relay team: Trevon Lane, Tyson named Teacher of the Year by the earned an invitation to attend the Baronette, Brahmir Vick, Bryce Pepukayi. Delaware Council on the Teaching of National Debate Tournament. Foreign Languages and went on to Girls Track included a first place finish by represent our state at the national level. Brick Mill principal Rebecca Feathers Kayla Moody (AHS). was named president of the Delaware Middletown High teacher and FFA advisor Association of School Administrators. Brian Schneider was the state wrestling Jeff Billings was named Delaware’s champion in the 170-lb class. Schneider Outstanding Agriscience Teacher of Bunker Hill leaders Principal Ed Gurdo and teammates Will Carl (132 lb) and the Year. and Asst. Principal Amy Jones won the Cassidy Chas (113 lb) were Blue Hen Delaware Association of School Librarians Conference Champions. Their coach, Clif AHS student Naiya Rodriguez was Administrator’s Award for Excellence. Bakhsh was named Blue Hen Conference honored by the Latin American Flight A Coach of the Year. Community Center as their Outstanding The Appoquinimink High School Baseball Student of the Year for 2019. Team went undefeated (22-0) and capped Appoquinimink family The Carrow’s: off the season with a perfect ending, the Erin, Chris, and children Molly, CJ and Appoquinimink High teens Ryan State Championship Title. The Jags are Charlie were featured in an international Nkongnyu and Pankti Desai were elected only the third team in DIAA history to exchange newsletter talking about the State President and Vice President achieve this accomplishment. unforgettable experience of hosting an of BPA (Business Professionals of international teaching intern. America). Ryan, and 25 other members of AHS’ Tayler Vitola was named the our high school and middle school teams Gatorade Delaware Softball Player also competed nationally for our State. of the Year, joining an elite group that includes sports icons like Abby Wamback, Peyton Manning and Derek Jeter.

REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY 5 OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUALS

35 students from the Allied Health Appoquinimink Middle and High Schools pathway qualified to compete at the had more than 50 students selected for HOSA International Leadership All-State Music Events. Conference. HOSA represents more than 245,000 students (USA, Europe) studying Appoquinimink’s fifth annual STEM Fair to become healthcare professionals. Our winners included: Ethan Fink-TES, Natalie ASD teens returned home with 25 medals Holdren-MMS, and Nadiyah Fisher-MHS. (gold, silver or bronze) in 19 different events. Olive B. Loss Elementary won New Castle County’s, “Great Schools, Clean Delaware’s Secretary of Education Streams” Challenge for the second announced a list of top public school consecutive year.` students, the Secretary of Education Scholars. 2019 Honorees included: Jessica Bunker Hill Paraprofessional Mari Biscieglia Burtell-AHS, Alison Candy-AHS, Benjamin was named the Delaware State Education Stewart-AHS, Justin Chan-MHS, Deanjeani Association’s Educational Support Harjanto-MHS, Daria Willis-MHS. Professional of the Year. Presidential Scholar Justin Chan was part of our annual Grad Walk MHS Senior Ethan Nylander was named Cedar Lane principal Gina Robinson was tradition in June. to the prestigious, National Association profiled in an interview withMiddletown for Music Education’s where All-East Band Life Magazine. the “best of the best” are showcased. Ethan has the honor of being named 2nd Olive B. Loss principal Jenine Thomas Chair-Flute for the Eastern Division. rappelled down a 17-story building to raise money for Special Olympics Lillian “Lily” Thornburg (Alto 2) and Delaware. Brynne Williams (Soprano 1) were selected to perform with the All-National Choir, an educational experience featuring 550 of the USA’s rising young performers in Orlando, FL.

The MHS Jazz Ensemble was named the Atlantic Coast Champion in Scholastic A Class Jazz, earned best section awards for trumpet and rhythm, and performer Zuri Brown took home a soloist award. The ACC’s represent a culminating event for the indoor arts season.

Sister school AHS had multiple top 5 finishes at the ACC’s and won the award for best saxophone section.

Thanks to the work of the Louis L. Redding Alumni Association, our school received a historical marker this year.

6 APPOQUINIMINK SCHOOL DISTRICT STANDARDIZED TESTING

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL SAT SMARTER ELA SMARTER ELA READING 80 80 80 70 70 70 60 ASD 68% 60 60 ASD 63% ASD 62% 50 50 50 STATE 54% STATE 53% 40 40 40 STATE 48% 30 30 30 20 20 20 10 10 10 0 0 0

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL SAT SMARTER MATH SMARTER MATH MATH

80 80 80 70 70 70 60 60 60 50 ASD 59% 50 50 STATE 50% 40 40 ASD 46% 40 30 30 STATE 39% 30 ASD 38% 20 20 20 STATE 28% 10 10 10 0 0 0

AP EXCELLENCE: HOW WE STACK UP* 30 ASD DE PUBLIC DELAWARE U.S. PUBLIC U.S. ALL SCHOOLS ALL SCHOOLS 25

AL4 20 24% AL4 AL4 AL4 20% 20% 15 AL4 19% AL5 17% AL5 AL5 10 15% 14% AL5 14% AL5 13% 11% 5

0

*SY18 obtained from College Board

REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY 7 FALL 2018 FACTS AND FIGURES

ENROLLMENT STUDENT BODY MAKEUP KINDERGARTEN 724 PRESCHOOL 155

894 HISPANIC/ LATINO 2,988 8% AFRICAN GRADE 9-12 1,212 AMERICAN 3,374 OTHER 26% 11%

K-12 GRADE 1-5 4,300 ENROLLMENT 11,317

GRADE 6-8 2,764 6,223 CAUCASIAN 55%

ENROLLMENT TECHNOLOGY DEVICES PREPARATION FOR COLLEGE One year growth 4% PER STUDENT # AP courses 34 Five year growth 16.1% Kindergarten 1:4 % taking 1+ AP course 20.1 District size: 3rd largest Elementary 1:1.4 AP attainment: PL 3 30% Middle School 1:1 AP attainment: PL 4 24% High School 1:1 AP attainment: PL5 15% KEY INDICATORS # Dual Enrollment (DE) courses 13 # Students per teacher 15.5 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS % Seniors with 1+ DE course 23 # Students per administrator 298 Appoquinimink High $14 million Funding per student $12,723 Middletown High $24 million Children with a disability 15% COLLEGE PERSISTENCE: Total awarded $38 million FRESHMAN TO SOPHOMORE Children living in poverty 12% 4-year institution 95% Daily attendance 94.4% 2-year institution 71% Graduation rate (4-year) 95% Dropout rate <1% # Suspensions per 100 4.16 # Expulsions per 100 .009%

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS % Student Population 3.2% Composition Spanish 28% Mandarin Chinese 4% Vietnamese 3% Teluga 3% Arabic 3%

8 APPOQUINIMINK SCHOOL DISTRICT PER PUPIL FUNDING COLLEGE BOUND ENROLLMENT 4-YEAR 2-YEAR TOTAL 16 SCHOOLS SCHOOLS BOTH TYPES 15 80 STATE 70 14 $15,154 ASD 76% 13 60 STATE 67% 50 ASD 12 ASD 58% 11 $12,723 40 STATE 10 30 44% 9 20 STATE 8 10 ASD 23% 18% 0

PSAT TESTING RESULTS

GRADE 9 GRADE 9 GRADE 10 GRADE 10 READING MATH READING MATH 80 70 60 ASD 68% STATE ASD 50 62% 66% STATE 40 ASD STATE 57% 51% ASD 30 45% 42% STATE 20 36% 10 0

55 ADMIN. 3.9% STAFF RESOURCE ALLOCATION

265 STAFF 19% 41 SCHOOL LEADERS 2.8% TOTAL 729 100 TEACHERS STAFF 1,417 SPECIALISTS 51.4% 7%

228 INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT STAFF 16%

REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY 9 2019 APPOQUINIMINK REFERENDUM GUIDE

OPERATING PROPOSAL: BALLOT SECTION I CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION PROPOSAL: BALLOT SECTION II The impact of rapid growth extends beyond construction needs. Only schools with critical enrollment issues receive a certificate of The first item on the ballot item will ask for your support to necessity from the State. Recognizing the challenge we face, the address the following: state has agreed to pay 76% of all new school construction and land acquisition costs. The remaining 24% will be funded locally • Staff recruitment and retention. We are in a competitive environment and recognize that great outcomes require by a 20-year bond obligation. great teachers and support staff. Appoquinimink’s average • We are requesting support to purchase land at Summit teacher compensation is the lowest in New Castle County, a Bridge Road for what will become our next KG-12 campus. challenging situation we’re hoping to address by gradually The first project there will be the construction of the closing that gap. It’s a move we believe is crucial to maintain 840-student Summit Bridge Elementary which will open our status as Delaware’s #1 District. in Fall 2023. The remaining buildings: an Early Childhood Center, Middle School and High School will be completed in • Safety and Security. Ensuring the safety and security of your child is our top priority. A district Task Force made up future referendums. of local law enforcement, safety experts, first responders, • We were able to acquire property next to Brick Mill educators, elected officials and parents has recommended Elementary at no cost, thanks to a land swap with the Town establishing a commissioned State of Delaware Constable at of Middletown. We wish to establish a 330-student Early every campus. The Constables would provide rapid response Childhood Center there to relieve overcrowding at our during an emergency, and develop positive, trusting other ECC’s. Our new Brick Mill ECC will open in Fall 2021. relationships with students throughout the year to cultivate safety from within and act as a deterrent. CAPITAL RENOVATION PROPOSAL: BALLOT SECTION III • Replacement of instructional technology. The SMART • New Roof & HVAC System at Middletown High. Board is a staple of 21st century learning. We must replace The state is unable to fund renovation or replacement older models, and establish a break-fix cycle, because projects. However, the roof at Middletown High has manufacturers no longer provide parts/support for the first exceeded its lifespan. A portion of the gym roof blew generation equipment, now 10+ years old. off during a Nor’easter. We cover computers, books and • Operating expenses associated with enrollment growth. other expensive educational materials with plastic in As a growing District, hundreds of additional staff must certain classrooms to prevent water damage. Likewise, be hired each year. Likewise, textbooks, materials for new the HVAC system, located on the school’s roof, is old and classrooms, and the necessary expansion of school erratic. We are unable to regulate temperature resulting bus routes. in vastly different learning conditions in different parts of the building. Our students, who are preparing to enter the competitive world of college and career, need an environment that supports, not distracts, from their lessons.

• Replenishment of four turf fields. Our turf fields, in use 7 days a week by school and community groups, need to be replaced. Damage from the sun has caused compaction of the playing surface and could result in injuries if the situation is not addressed. Turf represents the most economical way to support the heavy usage our fields encounter. A move back to grass would not only be costly, it would force us to reduce or eliminate community access.

10 APPOQUINIMINK SCHOOL DISTRICT HOW WILL TAXES BE IMPACTED?

Ballot Section I: Operational Request Local Share (100%) = 6,203,624 Cost = 26.9 cents / $100 assessed

Ballot Section II: Capital Construction Request State and local partnership for land acquisition and new school construction State Share (76%) = 44,115,700 Local Share (24%) = 13,931,400 Cost = 1.0 cents / $100 assessed

Ballot Section III: Capital Renovations Request MHS Roof & HVAC Replacement, Turf Field Replenishment Local Share (100%) = 16,795,900 Cost = 0.47 cents / $100 assessed

A QUICK SNAPSHOT Passage of all three parts of the referendum – capital construction, operating and capital renovations – would be 28.37 cents for every $100 assessed for property taxes. A referendum calculator on our website apposchooldistrict. com can help you accurately determine the increase for your household, but since most properties are assessed for taxes at around 1/3rd of their market value, we’ve prepared this quick snapshot. Examples: $150,000 Market Value Assessed for taxes at $46,500 = $10.99/month $250,000 Market Value Assessed for taxes at $77,500 = $18.32/month $350,000 Market Value Assessed for taxes at $108,500 = $25.65/month $450,000 Market Value Assessed for taxes at $139,500 = $32.98/month

REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY 11 CAST YOUR VOTE ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17. POLLS WILL BE OPEN FROM 7 AM – 8 PM

GOOD SCHOOLS = GOOD PROPERTY VALUES A strong school system benefits everyone. Good schools help make our communities safer. They attract new businesses, which bring jobs and income to the area. They prepare students for careers so they can SAMPLE BALLOT one day support us through their Social Security contributions. Drop by at the end of the day and you’ll see our buildings are teeming with community groups, clubs, recreational leagues, civic meetings and faith-based organizations that value the opportunities good schools offer for everyone in our community.

CHARTER SCHOOLS BENEFIT IF YOU CAN VOTE IF YOU THE REFERENDUM IS SUCCESSFUL BALLOT SECTION I • Live in the Appoquinimink FOR: Charter schools are public schools. If School District Approves operational funding for Appoquinimink taxpayers approve an • Are at least 18-years old, a citizen of • Staff Recruitment & Retention operational referendum, a per-pupil Delaware and the USA • Safety & Security increase will be passed along to the • Show proof of identity and address: • Replacement of Technology charter school your student(s) attend. driver’s license or state I.D. • Growth-related Expenses • You do not need to be a registered voter AGAINST: THERE IS TAX RELIEF FOR SENIORS • You do not need to own property Denies funding for same Individuals 65 and older, who meet a • You can vote at any registered 10-year residency requirement, are polling place BALLOT SECTION II eligible for a school tax credit of up to • Every member of the family is entitled FOR: $400 on their principal residence. (If you to vote provided you meet the requirements above Approves capital construction for moved to Delaware between 1/20/2013 • Land Acquisition and 12/31/2017, the residency require- POLLING PLACES ON EVERY CAMPUS • New School Construction ment is only 3-years.) To qualify, complete AND IN THE COMMUNITY AGAINST: a School Tax Credit Application, found Denies funding for same at https://www.nccde.org/182/Tax-Ex- • Alfred G. Waters Middle • Appoquinimink Activity Center emptions and return it to the New Castle BALLOT SECTION III County Assessment Office by April 30. • Brick Mill Elementary Once you apply and are accepted, you • Bunker Hill Elementary FOR $30,727,300: Approves capital renovations for need not reapply. Seniors may also qualify • Carvel State Office Building • MHS Roof and HVAC for additional reductions in sewer and • Everett Meredith Middle • Replenished Turf Fields county property tax based on income. For • Lorewood Grove Elementary more information about these programs, • Louis L. Redding Middle FOR $13,931,400: Denies funding for same call the County at 395-5520. • Marion E. Proffitt Training Center • Middletown High • New Castle County Conservation Center • Old State Elementary • Olive B. Loss Elementary • Silver Lake Elementary • Townsend Elementary • Townsend Fire Hall

12 APPOQUINIMINK SCHOOL DISTRICT ON THE BACK COVER

Evie Knox Evie raised a service dog, Warrick, for a program called Canine Companions for Independence. The program provides service dogs, free of charge, to children and adults with disabilities. “I know this project took all year, but you’re going to have challenges just as big in college. I have absolutely loved this experience and wouldn’t change a thing.”

Matt Hetrick, Will Quintana Football players Matt and Will organized a Military Appreciation Game at Jaguar Stadium. The team played in camouflage jerseys emblazoned with the name of an MOT veteran who served our community with honor. The event included a pre- game salute to vets and their families, and the gift of the jersey to that family at the end of the evening. Proceeds from the fundraiser were donated to the Warriors Helping Warriors House in Middletown.

Luc DuBois Luc used 3-D modeling, an activated carbon screen, and engineering processes to develop a two-piece, portable device capable of filtering lead and other con- taminants from public water fountains like those found in schools. The work included multiple prototypes in the search for a du- rable, reliable, affordable delivery system.

Chijundu “Chi” Ogbunamiri Chi has his sights set on a career in medicine. “In healthcare, we need to meet people where they are with support and guidance.” Working with his local church, he organized a Health Fair that included preventative screenings as well therapeutic, emotional and inspirational services.

Tori Hibbard Tori founded and coached our first inclusive cheer team, an outgrowth of her experiences as the Cheer Sport Captain at Middletown High and as a mentor in the the Best Buddies program there. Her work included recruiting volunteers; organizing practices; teaching cheer skills; scheduling appearances for the group; making uniforms; and establishing strong student- school-home communication. Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Wilmington, DE 313 South Fifth Street, PO Box 4010 Permit No. 650 Odessa, DE 19730-4010

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