Community Support, Professional Development, and Holiday Giving December 21, 2021

Dover School District Update: Community Support, Professional Development, and Holiday Giving

The December 21, 2021, Dover School District meeting celebrated achievements in professional development, highlighted engaging events, and showcased the district’s incredible efforts to support families in need during the holiday season. These initiatives reflect the district’s commitment to education, inclusion, and community care.

Professional Development and Educational Growth

The district recognized Dr. Kowalewski, a music teacher at Academy Street School, for being selected to participate in the Arts Professional Learning Institute (APLI) Professional Development Program. This initiative provides arts educators with inclusive, arts-based learning opportunities to reach the whole student, regardless of their background or perceived abilities. Congratulations to Dr. Kowalewski for this achievement!

As an affiliate school with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the district’s Social Studies Department continues to enrich its curriculum through unique opportunities:

• Participation in a Juneteenth virtual panel discussion alongside educators from Morristown and Madison High Schools.

• Two full days of in-person professional development exploring Latin American immigration and

Japanese internment camps, featuring lectures by prominent scholars and practical application workshops.

These efforts ensure Dover educators are equipped to provide a rich, inclusive, and informed education to their students.

Zufall Event Brings Resources to Families

On November 30, East Dover hosted a successful Zufall Event organized by the district’s community liaisons. The event connected families with valuable resources and included:

• Presentations from organizations like Morris County Organization of Hispanic Affairs, Legal Services, Norwescap, Reach Out and Read, SNAP-Ed, and more.

• A Q&A session with Dr. Suchon on COVID-19 vaccines and a presentation by Vanessa Diaz, LCSW, on managing children’s stress and anxiety.

• High school student volunteers providing homework help, a free dinner for attendees, and a dance performance by Paso a Paso.

• SNAP-Ed distributing free apples, lettuce, and recipe cards.

The event was a wonderful example of community collaboration, and special thanks were extended to Madeline Aragon and Mr. Jaime for their contributions.

Holiday Giving: Supporting Families in Need

The district has gone above and beyond to support families facing financial struggles during the holiday season. Initiatives included:

• Belmont Staff Contributions: Gifts for four families, including 16 children, with help from the Ray of Hope Foundation.

School Contributions:

• United Way provided gifts to 26 students at North Dover.

• East Dover provided gifts for eight students.

• Academy Street staff purchased a Christmas tree, ornaments, and clothes for a family in need.

• Dover police and fire departments partnered with the district to deliver gifts.

• The Ray of Hope Foundation donated food, clothing, and toiletries for homeless families.

• Catholic Charities donated hats, gloves, socks, and coats.

• Connecting Dover contributed coats, hats, and gloves.

These generous efforts highlight the district’s commitment to ensuring that every family feels supported during the holiday season.

Looking Ahead

As the district wraps up a productive and heartfelt first half of the school year, staff and students are encouraged to use the winter break to reconnect safely with friends and family. With robust professional development, meaningful community engagement, and unwavering support for those in need, Dover continues to foster a thriving and inclusive educational environment.