By Lynn Schofer
The Woodbridge School Board approved a rebranding and new logo for the district which was presented by Superintendent Dr. Kevin Long last week. The new design also officially names the mascot, “Blue Raiders” and the district colors royal blue and grey. In the presentation Long said the change is important for several reasons including the multiple different logos that are currently being used that make it confusing. The district owns the rights to the new logo and school identity package.
The district launched the new logo designs on Friday. Long stated he believes the updates honor the history while moving forward in the future to secure the deep rooted traditions of the Woodbridge School District.
Director of Finance Kim Judy presented the budgetary report and reviewed the accounts of each school, reporting that the district is financially on target for the fiscal year. The board approved the school calendar for the 2025-26 school year which begins on Aug. 25-27 and includes a two week winter break in December, spring break in early April, and tentative final student date of June 4, 2026.
Standing with the different logos and trademarks are school board members Moraima Reardon, school board member John Campbell, president Rita Hovermale, Superintendent Kevin Long, Assistant Superintendent Kelley Kirkland, and board members Julleanna Seely, and Jeffrey Allen, vice president. Photo by Lynn Schofer
The board approved am overnight field trip for Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Conference in Florida from May 5-11. The students who are representing Woodbridge are chosen because they were in the top three in Delaware. The BPA provides an avenue for student leaders to grow their skills and dreams through opportunities in learning, professional growth, and service. The program holds competitions and members participate in community service, educational opportunities, and personal development.
The school administrators presented the absent student data, focusing on the chronic absences and the interventions and incentives for improvements. The Early Childhood (WECEC) and Phyllis Wheatley (PWES) schools reported improvements in absenteeism from last calendar school year. The school’s percentage of chronically absent, federal standard of 10 days, are 3.4 percent for WECEC and seven percent at PWES student population. The two schools use family contact, attendance letters, counselor attendance groups. PWES also has an attendance banner for the top homeroom each week, monthly raffles, quarterly awards, and prizes through a school wide team attendance challenge.
The Woodbridge Middle School reported a 21 percent chronic absenteeism. The administration works to contact family after three absences, followed by a letter home. A visiting teacher will go to the home and work with the student on an attendance contract, and the school counselors have attendance groups.
The high school report was 32 percent chronic absenteeism and Principal Terri Sharpe told the board the numbers are unacceptable and there are ideas and plans to make changes. At SCOPE, which provides educational services for multiple districts, reported the school nurse will call a parent/guardian if a student is not in school by 9:30 a.m. and will notify the home district after three unexcused absences. After five absences there is a home visit and student transport by administration if appropriate and necessary. The program also provides perfect attendance awards every month.
The next school board meeting is scheduled for April 10 at Phyllis Wheatley Elementary library.