Prepares for a New Academic Year August 16, 2022

Dover School District Prepares for a New Academic Year

As the start of the 2022-2023 school year approaches, the Dover School District is making significant strides to ensure a smooth and successful launch for students and staff. Here are the key updates and initiatives shared during the August 16, 2022, board meeting:

Supporting English Learners Through WIDA Screenings

The district’s WIDA screening team, led by Dr. Molina and Ms. Heisterman, has been hard at work identifying students eligible for English Language Services (ELS).

• Screenings Completed: 75 students have been screened so far, with more screenings scheduled through September.

• Collaborative Efforts: The team worked closely with registrars, including Mr. Jose Cruz, Ms. Barbara Dominguez Lopez, and Ms. Doris Marulanda, to meet this goal.

• Acknowledgment: A special thank you to the WIDA screeners—Mary Pakovsky, Marissa Laverde, Vivian Fontes, Melissa Montoya, and Christine Marconi—for their dedication.

Child Study Team and ESY Accomplishments

The Child Study Team (CST) and Extended School Year (ESY) staff have been proactive in preparing for the new year:

• IEP Meetings: 50 IEP meetings were conducted, with 40 IEP documents finalized, covering evaluations, eligibility, and transfer students.

• Mine Hill Students: Over 40 students from Mine Hill were added to the system as part of a shared services agreement.

• Extended Services: More than 65 students received services through the ESY program.

Curriculum Development Progress

Curriculum writers, under the leadership of district supervisors, have completed 17 new curricula with 340 hours of dedicated work logged so far.

• Focus on Quality: Curricula are being integrated into the Atlas program, providing a robust framework for educators.

• Future Goals: Additional curricula will be completed and presented for approval in September.

New Dover Early Learning Center

The new Dover Early Learning Center (formerly St. Clement’s) is nearing completion, offering an exciting environment for preschool learners.

• Facility Highlights: Spacious classrooms and a large gym provide ample space for learning and activities.

• Enrollment: Currently, 255 preschool students are enrolled, with registrations increasing daily.

• Leadership Recognition: Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Ms. Hardenberg, Ms. Adames, Mr. O’Brien, and Mrs. Soltis, the center is shaping up to be a stellar learning space.

New Partnerships to Expand Opportunities

The district is fostering partnerships to enhance educational opportunities for students:

1. County College of Morris (CCM):

• Collaborative discussions with Dr. James Hart aim to align district ESL programs with CCM’s placement and admission processes.

• The partnership seeks to bridge gaps and expand higher education opportunities for graduates.

2. Howmet Aerospace Corporation:

• The partnership provides access to STEM resources, teacher training, student internships, and career exploration.

• Future plans include participation in Avenues in Motion’s Solar Car Sprints and Hydrogen Car Challenge.

Community Support and School Supplies Donations

Local businesses and organizations are stepping up to support Dover students:

• Applebee’s, Greenbrier at Fox Ridge, and Staples donated backpacks and supplies to ensure students are ready to start the year strong.

• Community Liaisons will distribute these materials at district events.

Farewell to Principal Dave Marion

The district bid a heartfelt farewell to Mr. Dave Marion, principal of Academy Street School, as he moves on to new opportunities.

• Impactful Leadership: Mr. Marion’s positivity and commitment to building a strong school community were highlighted and celebrated.

• Well Wishes: The district wishes him the best in his next chapter.

Looking Ahead

As Dover gears up for another academic year, the focus remains on collaboration, preparation, and creating opportunities for student success. The district is grateful for the hard work of staff, partnerships with the community, and the support of families as they move forward together.