The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and its affiliate, The Partnership, Inc., announced the 2019 Superstars in Education award winners.
Winners will be recognized at a reception and awards ceremony on Monday, May 13. The event will be held at 4:45 p.m. in Wilmington University’s Doberstein Admissions Center Auditorium.
Programs range from single classroom programs to collaborations between classes and other schools, or through community partnerships. Beginning in 1989, the Superstars in Education program welcomes three new Superstars:
Latino Family Literacy Project (LFLP)
Blades Elementary School, Seaford School District
The Latino Family Literacy Project (LFLP) supports culturally responsive teaching practices and additive bilingualism by developing family reading routines. It builds community and cultural exchange among Latino families and bridges connections between home and school. There are three components to the program: literacy,
connections, and community, that focus on the value and benefit of family reading routines, regardless of language. Bilingual texts are shared each week with families through a lending library system. Trained educators work with adult family members, creating a shared family experience during which both parents and school-age children learn English vocabulary together.
BARK Builders
Springer Middle School, Brandywine School District
The BARK Builders program was created to develop critical leadership skills among middle school students already exhibiting an interest in leadership, like those in student government, student ambassadors, and other leadership clubs. The student applicants are selected based on those who demonstrate academic achievement, the ability to work with others, a positive attitude, and the ability to become a spokesperson for their peers. They are examples of the SMS principles that are encouraged from every student. B.A.R.K is an acronym for: Best effort, Academic achievement, Responsible actions, and Kind gestures.
Wizards of Words: “Book Bling” Program
Woodbridge Early Childhood Education Center, Woodbridge School District
Woodbridge ECEC and its WOW (Wizards of Words) Team developed the “Book Bling” program to encourage reading both in and out of school. Students earn charms that they can wear on a necklace at school. For every 10 books/chapters read, a ticket is completed and can then be redeemed for a charm. Book Bling tickets are verified by the student’s ability to verbally summarize or answer questions about what they have read. Students are entered into additional prize drawings with each ticket completed.
Superstars in Education ecognizes educational programs and individual achievements. This program highlights innovative teaching, integrated classroom technology practices, and school-to-career pathways.
“It also serves to leverage the business community’s investment in the future workforce. Delaware’s economic outlook is dependent upon the foundation we build in our schools. Whether it is ensuring our children are globally competitive, are ready to hit the ground running at a trade job or are prepared to excel in institutions of higher education, The Partnership, Inc. is committed to educational progress,” a release stated.
The Superstars in Education Selection Committee considered nominations from public, private, magnet, charter and parochial schools from around the state. Leaders from both the education and business worlds will make appearances during the reception and awards ceremony on May 13. The cost to attend is $35 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information about the event, or to register, visit www.dscc.com.
The Partnership, Inc. is the 501c3 education affiliate of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. It was created to promote charitable and educational activities by developing and fostering programs that encourage private sector involvement in workforce development and education.
