Hawk Highlights
March 2023 Edition
I want to thank our parents and business partners for a successful winter of learning and positive growth. Please review this edition of the Hawk Highlights. It contains information that you need understand in order to successfully transition into spring learning. It contains some highlights as well as important news and announcements. As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to the appropriate administrator or staff member for further information.
~Chad Harrison, Ed.D.
Principal, St. Georges Technical High School
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Hello, Hawk Families! As we roll into Spring, I’d like to take this opportunity to celebrate some of the amazing equity-related accomplishments we saw here at St. Georges this winter.
In February, our student affinity groups kicked off an amazing Black History Month. Working in collaboration, the Black Student Union, Leading Ladies, and Men and Money clubs offered the St. Georges family a host of exciting events, including a Spirit Week, Movie Night, Living Wax Museum featuring African American historical figures, and A Show for the Culture - featuring fashion, music, poetry, and dance.
That same month, our Pride/Gen-Z club hosted State Senator Marie Pinkney, an NCCVT graduate. Senator Pinkney spoke with our students about her experience as a politician who is also a member of the LGBTQ community. Pride also hosted a luncheon where Senator Pinkey dined with club members and spoke to many one-on-one.
March is Women’s History Month, and our Leading Ladies club has once again sponsored several events, including a Women in Construction panel featuring members of the National Association of Women in Construction, a women’s self-defense class, and Painting with a Sis - a paint night for our female students.
Although not sponsored by the school, St. Georges is excited to be the host site for the Second Annual Black Student Summit on March 18th, hosted by the United Way of Delaware, and featuring several of our alumni.
We continue to prioritize equity work with our staff this Spring and beyond, and look forward to a strong finish for the 2022-2023 school year.
~Jessica Bell
St. Georges Educational Equity Coordinator
News You Can Use
- Marking Period Update: Marking period 3 ended on Tuesday, March 28th. Report cards will be available in HAC for students and parents/guardians by April 7th. We encourage our parents and guardians to actively monitor their student’s academic progress and remain in communication with their teachers. Please reach out to your school counselor if you have any questions.
- Master Scheduling SY 2023-2024: School counselors will be meeting with students in Grades 9-11 over the next few weeks to input course requests for next school year. Please let your school counselor know if you have any questions about this process.
- State Testing: Students in Grade 10 will be taking the state Science examination (DeSSA Biology) and students in grade 11 will be taking the state Social Studies examination (DeSSA History) during the fourth marking period. PSAT for Grade 10 students is scheduled for April 25th. Students in Grade 11 completed their SAT on March 22.
- School Safety & Security: On March 10th, the staff at St. Georges Technical High School conducted a reunification exercise using a statewide protocol taken from the I Love U Guys Foundation. The purpose of the exercise was to give our staff and administration practice reuniting parents and students following a crisis or emergency. Our staff had the opportunity to assume a critically responsible role. They also had the opportunity to assume the role of a parent and student to get a better understanding of the processes they each will follow during reunification. As a result of the exercise our level of readiness was enhanced and we are more prepared if ever faced with a real life scenario when reunification is necessary.
- Reapplication Process: The reapplication process is in the concluding phases. All current freshmen students will be placed in a career area. Career area notifications will be mailed home and should be received during spring break.
Student Advisor's Office Update
The 2022-2023 SY has been filled with grace, flexibility, and understanding as we continue to normalize post the pandemic.
Students have been provided time and empathy in regards to attendance and dress code, including but not limited to lates to school, hats, hoods, and belly shirts. Please take this communication as an example of our commitment to restorative practices and transparent/clear communication with our families.
We are writing to share that as we begin the 4th marking period, we will be enforcing the attendance policies as outlined in the 2022-2023 Student/Parent Handbook. Please refer to pages 32-38 in the Handbook. Our attendance policies are based on Delaware State Code and board approved by the NCCVT School Board of Directors.
Please take the time to review the tardiness policy below.
TARDINESS TO SCHOOL
All students are expected to be punctual to school. Students who arrive after the late bell are tardy. A student who is tardy or late to school should present a written explanation for the tardiness. An excused tardy is given when the student provides, at the time of the tardiness, a written note of explanation from the parent/guardian for reasons such as personal illness, medical appointments, or appearance in court. Students should recognize that a written explanation from home does not automatically cause the tardy to be “excused.” An unexcused tardy will be given for such reasons as car trouble, personal business, heavy traffic, child care, needed at home, etc. Students tardy for unexcused reasons will be referred for disciplinary action.
STUDENTS WHO DO NOT ATTEND AT LEAST HALF OF THE PERIODS ON A GIVEN DAY WILL BE MARKED ABSENT AND WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES FOR THAT DAY (ATHLETIC EVENTS, SCHOOL DANCES, etc.).
The superintendent of the New Castle County Vocational Technical School District is responsible for enforcing State attendance laws and may delegate such authority to excuse a student for necessary and legal excused absence, subject to the provision of the Delaware
Code, Title 14, Chapter 27. ATTENDANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
PARENT
1. Provide written requests for early dismissal with telephone number for verification.
2. Provide written explanation for student absence by 3rd day of return to school.
3. Provide written excuse for late arrival at time of return to school.
4. Attend conference at school to discuss attendance problems.
STUDENT
1. Attend school regularly.
2. Be responsible to ask teacher to provide make-up for all assignments or tests missed due to absenteeism.
3. Provide written documentation when absent or tardy to school. Regardless of time of late arrival, students must sign in.
4. Must be in assigned class unless student receives prior approval in writing (hall pass) to be in another teacher's classroom.
Progressive discipline consequences for tardiness will be administered as follows:
3rd Late - Administrative Warning
4th/7th/10th Late - 1 Hour Detention
13th/16th/ Late - 3 Hour Detention
20th Late - In-School Suspension
21st Late and Every Late After - Options may include Out of School Suspension/Parent Meeting
All detentions will be served on Tuesdays. One hours are 3-4 p.m. and three hours are 3-6 p.m.
If you receive an attendance notification about student discipline and you feel it is inaccurate, contact the Attendance Office with your concern. Attendance will work with Discipline to verify records and adjust the discipline accordingly. Discipline will only follow-up with you if the consequence is to be adjusted.
DRESS CODE
Hats, hoods, and belly shirts are Prohibited to be worn in school. Please make sure you reiterate that to your child. Consequences will be issued for students who consistently violate this rule. We will remind them once or twice but after that, consequences will be issued and communication home will follow. Our hope is that this clear, consistent communication to parents/guardians along with progressive and appropriate consequences strengthens the home and school relationship and diminishes the amount of tardies.
Any questions or concerns about this updated process or the attendance policy as detailed in our handbook, please contact Assistant Principal, Dr. James Connor (james.connor@nccvt.k12.de.us or 302-449-3605).
Secretary of Education Academic Scholars
The state has named Secretary of Education Scholars every year since 1984. Principals nominate honorees based on both academic record and community service. Each school year, St. Georges has the opportunity to nominate two Secretary of Education scholars. Please see image above and information below on this year's Secretary of Education Scholars.
Sierra Hammett (far left) is an exemplary student displaying an exceptional level of maturity as demonstrated by her prioritization and ability to achieve supernal balance. Sierra maintains distinguished honor roll while participating in many extracurricular activities including cheerleading, lacrosse, and National Honor Society. She has been able to participate in these activities while meeting the demands of her co-op employer, Infectious Disease Associates who plans to offer her a full-time position upon graduation. Sierra always goes above and beyond to make her fellow classmates feel valued, and after speaking with Sierra, you will be in awe of her positivity and genuine kindness.
Jamal Stewart (far right) has earned distinguished honor roll and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is an intern at McBride & Ziegler, a prestigious business partner. Jamal is also a dual enrollment student earning college credits while being an entrepreneur running his own YouTube video production business. He is a critical thinker and very communicative being able to share his thoughts on specific topics related to the designed world. Jamal knows how to combine his creativity, determination, and positive attitude to reach great heights. When spending time with Jamal, his warm smile and eager ambition will win you over.
EDiS Essay Competition
Winter Sports Recap
WINTER TRACK ‘22-’23
The Boys and Girls Indoor Track team participated in 5 invitational track meets and had a strong showing at the Indoor State Championship Meet. Finishing the season on a high note and well prepped for the outdoor season, the hawks are pleased with the results and excited for the next season. Brooke Shubert and Kwame Miller received a plaque and was recognized at the state championship meet by DIAA for high academic achievement during the season. Sage Phillips, Kam’Dyn Thomas, Elijah Burke, Lyee Simms, and Skyler Juchem all placed in the top 15 in their individual events. The girls and boys 4x200 relay teams finished in the top 5 of the state. Finishing the winter season on a high note and well prepped for the outdoor season, the hawks' future is shining bright. The Girls finished 8th in state meet ranking and the Boy’s finished with a state meet ranking of 14.
MEDALIST
High Jump: Lyee Simms, Silver Medal (2nd), 55m Hurdles, Lyee Simms, Bronze (3rd), High Jump, Eli Burke, Bronze (3rd), 4x200m (A), Amari Burke, Kwame Miller, Sage Philips, Eli Burke Bronze (3rd), 4x200m (A), Lyee Simms, India Motley, Brooke Shubert, Kam’Dyn Thomas (4th)
BOYS BASKETBALL ‘22-’23
The St. Georges Hawks concluded their season with a 15-5 record and earned the #10 seed in the DIAA state basketball tournament. In the state playoffs, St Georges defeated archrivals Hodgson and advanced to the Sweet 16 in the state playoffs. The backcourt combination of Aaron Rambert Class of 2023 and Jaeden Bull 2024, were key contributors and both were voted on by the conference coaches and selected to the Blue Hen All Conference Team. Rambert earned 2d team and Bull garnered 3d team Honorable Mention. Coach Rod Griffin was named Blue Hen Conference Coach of The Year. Additionally, Jaeden Bull was selected Delaware Athlete of The Week for Week 9 for his stellar performance in victories over Howard, Newark and Havre de Grace. The Hawks were led in scoring by Aaron Rambert, 12.5 points per game, Jaeden Bull, 10.6 points per game and Blair Thomas, 9.6 per game. Blair Thomas was our top rebounder with 136 rebounds for the season. Our JV team amassed a 13-4 season record and the Freshman team went 13-5. In total our program achieved a combined 41-14 season record. Fantastic season for The Hawks. Thanks to all our supporters this season.
GIRLS BASKETBALL ‘22-23
The Girls Basketball team finished with a regular season record of 13-7 earning the 16th seed in the State Tournament. In the first round the girls defeated #17 Red Lion CA in overtime 58-53 to advance to the second round before losing to State champions Stanford. 8 players made academic All-conference Honors with a 3.2 GPA or better. Elia Richardson earned 1st team All-Conference and All-State honorable mention. Amiya Mills and Donyae Samuels were named 2nd team All-Conference, and Rayna Ferris earned All-Conference Honorable Mention Honors.
WRESTLING ‘22-’23
The Wrestling Team finished the season with an 11-8 dual meet record, earning the 7th seed in the DIAA Dual Meet Championships. The Hawks fell to Cape Henlopen in the quarter finals, but finished strong in the Individual Conference and State Tournaments. The Hawks finished in 2nd place at the Blue Hen Conference Championships placing 8 wrestlers in the finals. Louis Zitofsky, Rusty Lloyd, and Nolan McHale won titles while Nigel Wood, Nick DiTomasso, Gavin Sheehan, Ali Cheeks, and T.J. Arrowood each finished 2nd. 3 Hawk Wrestlers reached the podium at the State Tournament with Sophomores Nick DiTomasso and Gavin Sheehan taking 8th, while Freshman Rusty Lloyd reached the semi-finals and finished in 6th place.The Hawks were equally impressive in the classroom with a Varsity Team GPA of 3.44 and 16 of 21 wrestlers earning Academic All-State Honors.
WINTER CHEERLEADING ‘22-’23
The Winter Cheerleading Program this year was comprised of 26 Varsity Athletes. The Program was led by Senior Captains who managed practices, organized choreography, and built collaboration and camaraderie among the group.
Coach Cynthia and Coach Conny enjoyed working with the ladies this season! Our Program supported both the Girls and Boys Basketball programs at all Home Games, as well as at away and home State Tournament games. The Ladies demonstrated skillful preparation, extreme positivity, infectious energy, and incredible school spirit during all those contests. We wish our graduating Seniors the best of luck and look forward to a bright future with our underclassmen. Thank you Ladies for all your efforts this season!
GO HAWKS!
St. Georges Technical High School
Email: chad.harrison@nccvt.k12.de.us
Website: https://stgeorges.nccvt.k12.de.us/
Location: 555 Hyetts Corner Road
Phone: 302.449.3600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stgeorgestech/
Twitter: @St_GeorgesTHS