2007-2008 District Report Card

As Delaware's fastest growing school system (approximately 500 new pupils per year), we've learned to thrive on change. In August 2008, we celebrated the opening of the Appoquinimink High School and the Townsend Early Childhood Center. Another new school, Bunker Hill Elementary, will open in Fall 2009. In the meantime, our Teacher Training Center was expanded. This state-of-the-art facility now offers the unparalleled support for educational professionals.

CONNECTING OUR CHILDREN TO THE FUTURE
The 2007-2008 school year marked the introduction of world languages and culture (Japanese, Chinese, French and Spanish) at the elementary school level, making Appoquinimink the first public school system in Delaware to adopt strategically important 21st Century languages in every elementary, middle and high school. By the time they graduate, our students have the option of sampling a total of six different languages, including a college-level course in Spanish.

Other globally-focused initiatives include: virtual courses, cultural exchange opportunities, world affairs programs, service learning to emphasize the connection between community responsibility and global citizenship, and entrepreneurial activities at earlier ages and for longer and more meaningful periods of time.

In addition to developing cultural awareness, an International Education Task Force is working to define the critical skills students will need to be successful global citizens. These 21st Century skills include: essential thinking and reasoning, the ability to work collaboratively, learn new technologies, communicate electronically, and develop a positive work ethic.

Two more referendum-funded enhancements, activity buses and career counseling centers, have also become a reality. After-hours transportation is now available for middle and high school students allowing them to take advantage of a host of extracurricular activities including band, drama, sports and school-based clubs. At our High Schools, a Career Counseling Center is filled with the latest resources and staffed by skilled professionals who help students and their families research college and post-secondary careers.

As you can see, we are working in concrete ways to "give our kids the world". Our goal, as always, is to make it a time of unparalleled success for ALL our students.

In closing, let us note that parents are partners in our district. That means we want and need to hear back from you regularly. So please be sure to attend open house events and conferences. Take advantage of one of our Parents Academy workshops. Communicate with your child's teacher on a regular basis, and consider attend Board of Education Meetings the second Tuesday of each month. We're looking forward to a great school year and to working with you to make Appoquinimink the pride of Delaware.

LOCATION
Appoquinimink Schools offer a traditional small-town atmosphere in a location that provides easy access to major business and entertainment centers. Residents are just 30 minutes from Delaware's largest city (the corporate headquarters for Fortune 500 Companies DuPont, MBNA and AstraZeneca), one hour from the beach, and minutes from nationally recognized colleges and universities.

Since 1997, Appoquinimink has opened eight schools, added additions at five more buildings, and completed a massive schedule of renovations at all our locations. We can confidently state that our educational facilities are among the best in the tri-state area.

To learn more about the Appoquinimink School District, we encourage you to visit our community and arrange for a tour of our schools. Feel free to call, write, or contact us using the simple online information form.

Dr. Tony Marchio Superintendent

Dr. Marion Proffitt Assistant Superintendent