Delcastle Technical High School
Preparing Students To Be Career & Post Secondary Ready
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Quarterly Newsletter - Summer
Back to School Principal Letter
Dear Delcastle Families,
Today is a great day to be a Cougar! On behalf of the Delcastle staff, I want to officially welcome all of you to the 2019-2020 school year! We are celebrating our 50th anniversary this year. For the past 50 years, we have been building the state, and now the global, workforce. Prior to the start of the school year, we will be deploying Chromebooks (computers) to all of our students through the 1:1 initiative. It is imperative that parents/guardians complete all of the paperwork for this process. All information including the required paperwork can be found on the school website (delcastleths.com). Please check the website regularly for updated information regarding this initiative and others. Also, be sure to download the Delcastle School Info App.
This has been a busy summer. We are excited about some of the new school improvements that we have received over the summer such as new flooring in the math classrooms, resurfaced track, and building safety enhancements. However, we are most excited to receive board approval for updating the AC unit this coming October.
We are looking forward to partnering with you to ensure that our students achieve at a very high level. So, this year’s theme will be “Taking it to the next level!" We are committed to your student’s success. With a collaborative effort from parents/guardians, the school community, and business partnerships our students will be able to take it to the next level and achieve their post-secondary aspirations.
This newsletter will provide you with some of our summer highlights, important information, and various changes. Again, welcome to Delcastle and here’s to a fabulous school year.
Guidance Staff and Opening Calendar
Secretaries: Ms. Wise-Bowen and Mrs. Wynn
Counselors:
Mrs. Kim Denhardt 995-8040
CL, SM, TD, WG, PC
Mr. Rick DiPietro 995-8086
AV, BT, CA, ET
Ms. Sandy Jenkins 995-8082
CO, DA, DM, GA
Ms. Kim Taylor 995-8169
BM, MA, NT, ST
Mr. Mark Wells 995-8087
AB, AC, AT, CY, IT, PL
Opening Calendar:
August
19 – Teacher Leader Mtg. C100 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
20, 21, 22 – Professional Development Days
21 – New Student Orientation, 6:30 p.m.
22 - Senior Class Meeting & Chromebook Distribution
23 – No School/Offices CLOSED
26 – First Day of School Freshman & Seniors
27 – First Day of School Sophomores & Juniors
28 – All Students Attend School
30 – No School/ Offices Open
September
2 – No School/Offices CLOSED
19 – Parent Night, 6:30 p.m.
Welcome New Assistant Principal
This past summer Dr. Vasta retired after faithfully serving our district and staff as a science specialist, administrative intern and assistant principal. We would like to thank Dr. Vasta for her many years of service.
Now, l would like to introduce and welcome Kevin Thomas to the Delcastle administrative team. Mr. Thomas has a long connection with vocational education which began when he attended and then graduated from Delcastle in 1982. After graduating from Delcastle, he completed an apprenticeship in both the sheet metal and HVAC trades. In 2001, he was hired to teach the sheet metal program at Delcastle. In 2008, he became the cooperative employment (co-op) coordinator. In addition to working at Delcastle during the day, Mr. Thomas taught post-secondary students enrolled in an apprenticeship program and the past eleven years he has served as the night school principal for the adult education programs.
Mr. Thomas holds a Skilled and Technical Sciences (STS) certification and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational and Vocational Education. In the spring of 2008, he earned a Master’s Degree from Wilmington University in Career and Technical Education with an emphasis in school leadership. In addition, he currently holds a CTE teaching license and a Principal / Assistant Principal Certification.
Mr. Thomas has been involved in career and technical education for most of his life, first as a student and graduate from Delcastle Technical High School, instructor, and now administrator. Additionally, both his daughter and son, Heather and Matthew, are Delcastle graduates. Please join me in celebrating Mr. Thomas and his new role.
National Competitions
Over the summer, 31 students represented Delcastle as part of Team Delaware at the National SkillsUSA Leadership Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. There, our students competed against nearly 6,000 students from around the country. All of the students did an outstanding job representing Delcastle and the great state of Delaware. Congratulations to each of the students who participated and their career area instructors. I am most proud to report that 13 students were top 10 national finalists with one student winning third place for National SkillsUSA 2019!!! The top ten students are listed below:
o Niderah Goldsborough (Silver Medal) - Automotive Refinishing Technology
o Luca Teoli (4) - Employment Application Process
o Tania Malave, Malik Hardin, Tamye Wilson (5) - Promotional Bulletin Board
o Julia Valcarcel (5) – Sheet Metal
o Shane Montgomery, Benjamin Geiser, Bjorn Cummins (7) – Welding Fabrication
o Baron Smith, O’Shea Smith (8) – Community Action Project
o Maxwell Calvert (8) – Aviation Maintenance Technology
o Savion Hollis (10) – Welding Sculpture
Delcastle Car Show
New Student Orientation
Summer Work
Chromebook Deployment
Senior Class Meeting
Del Tech's Annual Drafting Contest
· Congratulations to 10th grader Jayson Guzman-Castillo for being awarded first place in the 26th drafting contest sponsored by Del Tech Stanton. One hundred and thirty students competed from eight different high schools. Jayson received a one year full scholarship, Solid Software, Bentley Software, Drafting and Design textbook, and $50.00 Wawa gift card. Also, Kudos to Mr. Baeriswyl for preparing him.
2019 Graduate Makes the Team
Ignite the Night
· We would like to thank all of those who participated in Delcastle's 50th "Ignite The Night" 5K. There were over 140 people registered to run. In addition to running, food trucks, bouncy houses, cotton candy and more were made available. This event would not have been a success without the help of so many staff and student volunteers. Also, kudos to Mrs. Anderson and Mr. Hollis for coordinating this wonderful event!
ABC Outstanding Co-op Awards
Congratulations to Alex Vega (Welding) and Miranda Marenco (Sheet Metal) for receiving the ABC Outstanding Co-op Award. This award recognizes co-op students in the construction field who demonstrate initiative, strong work ethic, excellent attendance, desire to learn and a positive attitude while on the job site. There pictures are posted below. Excellent job!
SPORTS!!!
Student Transporta-tion
*If you have not received your post card by August 26, or if you simply have questions, you may contact the office of transportation at (302) 994-8544.
Student Schedules
If you are an upperclassmen and have your HAC password, log on and view your schedule.
Students will receive course schedules in homeroom on the first day of school. Students’ names will be posted on lists in alphabetical order throughout the school. Please find your name and report to the designated area. Freshmen who attend new student orientation will receive their schedule that evening.
Ribbon Cutting at Service Source
On Friday, May 24th, two Delcastle students, currently in our district’s FrameWORK for Success program, were selected to formally ‘open the doors’ to ServiceSource of Delaware’s new training facility during an inspiring Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Special guests present for the event included U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt-Rochester and Delaware Senator Nicole Poore. Delcastle and district leadership were also present to support our students and to affirm our partnership with ServiceSource.
FrameWORK for Success is a transition-focused vocational training program for students aged 18-21. The programming structure provides real-work experiences to prepare the students for successful employment. The program focuses on challenges that every student faces entering the adult world: transportation, functional living skills, social/interpersonal skills, organizational skills, safety, and employability skills. The staff of the FrameWORK program works closely with Delcastle administration and STEP Program instructors to coordinate work experiences with local businesses to support students as they discover their unique vocational talents and gifts. Delcastle students who participated in the FrameWORK program achieved nearly 100% job placement prior to exit.
During the ceremony, Rep. Lisa Blunt-Rochester commended ServiceSource for its long history of promoting inclusion in the community and providing the right level of support that students can build upon in making post-secondary transition decisions regarding education, career, and independent living. We are very proud of our students who were selected to serve as representatives of the program because they exemplify the positive student outcome that we are able to achieve through our inclusive school culture and great staff who continues to work hard to make academics and CTE accessible to all learners. ~ Princilus
Drum Line
If you are interested in trying out for the drum line this August, please contact Mr. Keeper at samuel.keeper@nccvt.k12.de.us.
Bullying
The Delaware Department of Justice School Crime and Bullying Prevention Contact (Ombudsman) Anonymous Tip Line is 1-800-220-5414.
To read the NCC Vo-Tech School District Policy for Bullying Prevention and Cyberbullying, please see the Student/Parent Handbook at
http://www.nccvt.k12.de.us/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Student-Parent-Handbook-2018-19.pdf
Student Accident Insurance
The NCC Vo-Tech School District provides parents with the option to purchase student accident insurance coverage. For information on the coverage and how to purchase, please visit www.BollingerSchools.com. Brochures are also available in the school's main office.
School Breakfast & Lunch Information
Student Breakfast Free Student Lunch $1.75
Free Breakfast
Nutrition Services is very excited that again for the 2019-2020 school year, all students will receive free breakfast in the New Castle County Vocational Technical School District. Students that are eligible for reduced price meals will also continue to receive lunch at no cost. Meal benefit forms can be found at wwww.nccvtns.com by clicking on the icon on the left side of the page. Please contact the Nutrition Services Office if you have any questions or need assistance. Free/reduced meal benefit forms are also available in the school guidance office or ask any cashier.
Pre-Paid Breakfast & Lunch
A student may pre-pay for breakfast and lunch by cash or check with any cashier or cafeteria manager. Checks are accepted until May 8th; cash is accepted any time. Any money left on a student’s account is carried over to the next school year.
PAYPAMS (Parent Account Management System) Pre-pay for school meals at www.paypams.com using MasterCard, VISA or Discover. Money goes directly into your child’s account. No more lost money!!
Questions?
Contact the Nutrition Services Office at 302-995-8066 or 302-995-8021. Or visit us online at www.nccvtns.com for menus, nutrition information, and other resources.
Parental Involvement needed
Delcastle’s Boosters Association is a group of parents who provide support for all of our students. The Boosters represent all high school sports: Football, Cross Country, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Soccer, Cheerleading, Wrestling, Basketball, Golf, Track, Softball, Lacrosse, and Baseball. We also support other school-related student activities. If you are interested in joining the Delcastle Boosters, please call our Athletic Director Jeff Hewes at (302)-995-8126.
Cell Phone policy
Payment Policy
Delcastle School App
Delcastle has a school app that enables parents, students, alumni, faculty, and staff to quickly access all of the who, what, when, and where for Delcastle Technical High School. The Delcastle Technical High School app by SchoolInfoApp is free and can be found in the Apple App Store℠ and Google Play by searching for “Delcastle Technical High School.” With it, you can:
• Opt-in to receive push notifications
• Keep up with the latest news and information
• View calendars for general events, athletics, clubs, and school organizations
• Add events & calendars to your device calendar or share calendars
• View a map of event locations & get directions to off-campus events
• Find faculty and staff contact info
• Get important documents & other media
• Access quick links to school menus, online
• Have a virtual assignment book for students and more
Please download the Delcastle Technical High School App today and stay in the loop!
Art Club
Our Delcastle students did an outstanding job showing their creative talents at the Delcastle Creative Art Club student expedition. This club is so important because it gives an outlet for students to express their creative talents and to explore their ability to design, which is a part of every career area in our district. Special thanks goes to Andrew Hudson and John Rykaczewski for working with the students and art instructors all year.
Join the Delcastle PTA today!
The Parents and Teachers
of
Delcastle Technical High School
Welcomes you to the 2019-2020 School Year
and invites you to join
The Delcastle PTA!!
Meetings will be held the First Tuesday of the Month, beginning September 3, 2019
For more information you may contact:
Elaine Davis
Membership Chair, Delcastle PTA – 302.239.9462 – wendellandelaine@aol.com
Gail Webb
President, Delcastle PTA – 302.998.0886 – shupegs@comcast.net
Warren Howell
Parent and Community Engagement Coordinator - 302.995.8106 - warren.howell@nccvt.k12.de.us
PTA®
Every child. One voice®
Class Meetings
Does your child have a 504 Plan?
If your child is an incoming student and has a 504 Plan and received 504 accommodations at his/her previous school, please contact your school counselor to ensure they have the information.
College is within your reach!
To learn more about attending a Delaware college tuition-free or at a reduced cost, check out the SEED Scholarship Program and the Inspire Scholarship Program.
Parent Notification - Release of Student Information
Requests for student directory information - which is limited to a student's name, home address, and telephone number - are routinely received by our school from colleges, military recruiters, financial aid programs, and similar organizations. On occasion, and at the expressed approval of the principal, we do make this information available. Parents who do not wish to have their son’s/daughter's name included on student directory listings can elect to do so by logging into the Home Access Center (HAC) at https://hac.doe.k12.de.us/homeaccess/ using your parent password or you may notify the school in writing. Please send your notification to the Guidance Office or email michael.kittel@nccvt.k12.de.us.
The New Castle County Vocational Technical School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or covered veteran status in employment, admission to, or participation in its programs, services, and activities, in accordance with state and federal laws. The lack of English language skills shall not be a barrier to admission or participation in the district’s activities and programs.
The District offers additional services to students with limited English language skills or with disabilities so that they may benefit from these programs.
This notice is provided as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding these laws may be forwarded to the designated school district compliance coordinators:
School Admissions/Programs: Kathy Demarest, Supervisor - Admissions
Special Ed/Section 504/ESL: David Jezyk, Supervisor - Programs for Exceptional Children
Employment/Discrimination (Title IX): Gerald Allen, Director - School Operations
NCC Vo-Tech School District
1417 Newport Road
Wilmington, DE 19804
Tel: (302) 995-8000
Senior Year: Co-op Questions
If you have co-op questions and need to speak with Mr. Thomas, please call (302) 995-8187. There is no better experience than putting your learned skills to the test during your senior year. This is a rewarding and important step in preparing you for success after graduation. As a Vo-Tech student, this is the capstone of your education.
Title I Parent Involvement Policy
The Parent Involvement Policy is included in The New Castle County Vocational Technical School District Student/Parent Handbook pages 97-99.
Federal Programs
Schools that receive federal funds under Title I of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) must disseminate adequate information about the Delaware Department of Education’s written complaint procedures for resolving issues of violation(s) of a Federal statute or regulation that applies to Title I, Part A programs. The complaint procedure is posted on the Delcastle website at delcastleths.com. Copies may be requested by contacting the Delcastle main office at (302) 995-8100.
Title I Information
“Title I” is a federal program that provides funds to meet the needs of at-risk students. Delcastle participates in the Title I Program. School districts that receive Title I funding are required to create a Parent Involvement Policy. The NCCVT School District Parent Involvement and Partnership Guidelines is found with other important information in the Student/Parent Handbook (pp. 97-99). Parents are encouraged to offer feedback on this policy. That feedback and any other Title I questions may be directed to:
- At Delcastle; Assistant Principal Michael Kittel 995-8096 and michael.kittel@nccvt.k12.de.us
- At District; David Jezyk, Ed. D.; (302) 683-3760 and david.jezyk@nccvt.k12.de.us
Also as part of Title I, a School/Parent/Student Compact must be in effect. This Compact, which is an agreement outlining process and procedures, describes the responsibilities of Delcastle parents and students. Please read this Compact, located below, with the understanding of how it will benefit your child and his/her future goals.
Title I School-Parent-Student Compact 2019-2020
Delcastle Technical High School and the parents of the students participating in activities, services, and programs funded by Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), agree that this compact outlines how the parents, the entire school staff, and the students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement and the means by which the school and parents will build and develop a partnership that will help students achieve the state’s high standards.
Parent Responsibilities
Support their child’s learning by:
· Monitoring attendance
· Monitoring academic performance and homework completion
· Monitoring time given to watching television, playing video games, participating in social media and other online activities
· Monitoring sleeping, nutrition, grooming and hygiene
· Engaging in conversation about school with your child
· Being aware about upcoming events and activities at the school and participate/volunteer as possible
· Participating as appropriate in decisions relating to the education of your child and attending meetings when requested
Student Responsibilities
Students will be a self-advocate for their own learning by:
· Being a good citizen of Delcastle
· Participating in class and completing homework to the best ability
· Being aware of class grades and work completion
· Being responsible to provide parents/guardians important school information
· Keeping school counselors aware of issues that significantly interfere with learning
School Responsibilities
Delcastle Technical High School will:
Provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive an effective learning environment that enables the students to meet the state’s student academic achievement standards as follows:
· All Delcastle teachers utilize Learning Focused Strategies, a nationally used and proven instructional framework for teaching where students see strong learning outcomes.
· Additional opportunities to make up credits in an online summer school are provided.
· Supports are built into the general classrooms for students with identified learning needs and with a language barrier.
· Late transportation is provided one day each week after school where students have access to their teachers in order to reinforce skills or make up assessments
Be available for parent-teacher conferences during which this compact will be discussed as it relates to the individual child’s achievement.
· Parents are recommended to directly contact the specific teacher for questions about their child’s performance in a certain class.
· For overall student performance, parents are requested to contact the school counselor who can arrange a face-to-face meeting at the parent’s convenience.
Provide parents with frequent reports on their children’s progress.
· Teachers enter grades on the online Home Access Center (HAC) that gives parents timely information on how their child scored on tests and assignments.
· In the middle of each report card cycle, interim grades are available in order to give parents information on the grade that the student would be earning if the marking period was over at that time.
Provide parents reasonable access to staff.
· The guidance office at Delcastle is the nerve center where parent communication is ongoing. In this office are located: school counselors, administrators, special education team leader, ESL bilingual paraprofessional, Co-op Coordinator, and support staff.
· All teachers and administrators are easily available by email and by phone.
Provide parents opportunities to volunteer and participate in their child’s class, and to observe classroom activities
· Parent should contact the child’s school counselor in order to observe classroom activities
TITLE 14 EDUCATION DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 1
200 Administration and Operations
258 Federal Programs General Complaint Procedures*
1.0 Programs Covered by the Complaint Process This complaint process shall apply to the following programs: Title I Part A Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Education Agencies; Title I Part B-1 Reading First; Title I Part B-2 Early Reading First; Title I Part B-3 William F. Goodling Even Start Family Literacy Program; Title I Part C Education of Migratory Children; Title I Part D Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who are Neglected, Delinquent, or at Risk; Title I Part F Comprehensive School Reform; Title I Part G Advanced Placement; Title II Part A Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund, Grants to States; Title II Part A-5-2151(B) School Leadership; Title II Part D 1 and 2 Enhancing Education Through Technology; Title III Language Instruction for Limited English Proficient and Immigrant Students; Title IV Part A Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities; Title IV Part B 21st Century Community Learning Centers; Title V Part A Innovative Programs and Title V Part B-1 Public Charter Schools.
2 DE Reg. 217 (8/1/98) 7 De Reg. 161 (8/1/03)
2.0 Right to File a Complaint An organization or an individual may file a complaint regarding an alleged violation of Federal Program Statutes or regulations by the Delaware Department of Education or the NCC Vo-Tech School District. A written and signed complaint shall be filed with the Delaware Department of Education. 2.1 The complaint shall include a statement specifying the alleged violation by the State Education Agency or the NCC Vo-Tech School District. Such statement shall include facts and documentation of the alleged violation. 2.2 The Delaware Department of Education shall investigate the complaint and issue a written report including findings of fact and a decision to the parties included in the complaint within sixty (60) working days of the receipt of the complaint. An extension of the time limit may be made by the Delaware Department of Education only if exceptional circumstances exist with respect to a particular complaint. 2.3 The Delaware Department of Education may conduct an independent onsite investigation of the complaint, if it is determined that an on site investigation is necessary. 2.4 The complaint shall allege a violation that occurred not more than one (1) year prior to the date that the complaint is received. 2 DE Reg. 217 (8/1/98) 7 De Reg. 161 (8/1/03) 12 DE Reg. 208 (08/01/08)
3.0 Complaint Made to the NCC Vo-Tech School District An organization or an individual is encouraged to file a written, signed complaint with the NCC VoTech School District prior to submission of the complaint to the Delaware Department of Education, concerning an alleged violation by the NCC Vo-Tech School District of a Federal statute or regulation that applies to the NCC Vo-Tech School District’s program. 3.1 The complaint shall include a statement specifying the alleged violation by the NCC Vo-Tech School District. Such statement shall include facts and documentation of the alleged violation. 3.2 The superintendent of the NCC Vo-Tech School District shall investigate the complaint and issue a written report including findings of fact and a decision to the parties involved in the complaint within sixty (60) working days of the receipt of the complaint.