By Lynn Schofer
The Woodbridge School Board members and Dr. Kevin Long, superintendent presented a special recognition to student representative Kayleigh Vodvarka. The senior represented the school at each meeting providing a report on the activities and news of the students at Woodbridge high school.
Vodvarka is member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, student government, played varsity soccer, coaches Little Raiders field hockey, and will attend Shenandoah University where she will play field hockey and major in exercise science.
In the March budgetary report, Kim Judy reported that tax receipts are a little over 100 percent. All is trending well. Judy also reviewed set aside accounts and internal accounts, which are financially strong for the district.
Dr. Kevin Long, superintendent presented a special recognition to student representative Kayleigh Vodvarka at the recent school board meeting.
The second reading of the updated travel policy was held with no changes since the first reading. The policy which includes updates to baggage charges when traveling by airway, defines that state funds may not be utilized for priority boarding. The mandatory use of the PCard for rental cars and the approved lodging. Updates to the reimbursement allowance are also noted in the policy. Judy said the older policy did not align with the state of Delaware accounting rules and basic changes were made to align with state rules.
A first reading to the school district policy on code of conduct was reviewed and will return for a second reading in May. The focus on new revisions include important changes to modernize the policy to the vision statement and district core values. The policy identifies student and family rights and responsibilities to meet state and federal requirements. A student records and information policy was added as well as updated inclusion pieces to meet federal and state.
Other updates include a suicide policy, bullying, uniforms, athletics, and references where you can find the actual policy. The policy includes updated bus behavior recommendations as well as defining a gun free school zone. There is a section to update overall discipline processes and outline progressive discipline process using a matrix. The matrix is focused on individual buildings based on age. The family due process rights are included which is a state mandate and follows the current code of Delaware. New state of Delaware disciplinary codes are included as required by the state.
The Woodbridge Early Childhood Education Center (WECEC) second grade students toured the Ross Mansion and the kindergarten students will be going to Funland for their field trip. The first grade will host parent for their Annual author celebration on May 27 and 28.
The pre-k students will have their move-up ceremony May 23, and the second graders will visit Phyllis Wheatley before they begin their new journey in September. The fifth graders are preparing to move to middle school with the first annual fifth grade formal on May 23 and a celebration on June 5. The middle school eighth grade students will celebrate their move to high school with the BRIDGE ceremony on June 5.
Phyllis Wheatley Elementary school is preparing for assessment testing by helping students with “tips for success.” The fourth annual multiplication bee final is on May 22 and will also showcase artistic talents on May 20 with an evening of the arts.
Middle school students participated in the Special Olympics soccer tournament. There is an Evening of Arts on May 16 beginning at 6 p.m. which will showcase student talents. The National Junior Honor Society Induction will be on May 6.
The high school is preparing for testing throughout the school that includes the senior exams. The students will celebrate prom on May 10 and baccalaureate date is May 13. The senior walk in May 29 and each school will host the seniors and celebrate and cheer their accomplishments. The commencement for the class of 2025 is May 30 beginning at 6 p.m.
The S.C.O.P.E. program welcomed a local businessman Gary Shirey who spoke to the students about how he overcame a life of drugs and prison. Shirey, seven years in recovery, talked about how he’s built Bub’s Grubs, a successful food truck business. Shirey spoke to teens and young adults about changing their life and the importance of giving back. Shirey also led by example and worked at the south site building and with the staff and students, removed overgrown shrubbery and landscaping. The team power washed the building and Shirey plans to donate flowers, plants and mulch. Organizers of the program said they are extremely grateful for Shirey’s heart that he has shown for our students and program.
