The High Road School of Delaware opened March 26, 2004 and serves a unique population of sixth through twelfth grade students. Our school has decisively and compassionately bridged the gap in education for students in Delaware presenting a range of impairments including: learning disabilities, emotional disturbance, autism, and Asperger’s Syndrome.

Our program has been successful in meeting the various needs of our students by incorporating highly structured academic and behavioral instruction, social skills training, and through building and nurturing healthy peer relationships.  We hold our students to a high level of accountability for their education and their behavior while exercising empathy through the assessment of our student’s personal strengths and weaknesses.  Students are taught in our tutorial-style method, in which students are instructed one-on-one with their teacher for at least one hour each morning in the core academic subjects of reading, mathematics, and writing.  Academic skills are further developed and reinforced using computer programs and a curriculum individualized to cater to each student’s specific learning style.

Our students’ curricula are created in conjunction with the state of Delaware’s academic standards, and are based upon each student’s current Individualized Education Plan or IEP.  IEPs provide the roadmap for our school to guide academic and behavioral progress for each student.  It is our program’s mission to develop lessons hand-tailored for each child.  Small class sizes, individualized instruction, and positive reinforcement all play a critical role guaranteeing the opportunity for success in students attending the High Road School.

Healthy student relationships and social skills are fostered in all components of our program.  We set a high priority on our students utilizing manners, eye contact when speaking, and taking turns during conversation.  While education and behavior modification constitute the framework of our program, social skills training and character development form the bedrock of the High Road model.  Small groups, staff modeling, and our transition program are additional positive, effective conduits for student improvement in the areas of social maturity, personal awareness, values clarification and effective communication.  In these settings, students can feel comfortable exploring the nuances of both peer and adult relationships.

We are all very excited to be involved in the beginning of a new school in Delaware, and look forward to continued growth in our program.  It is the aim of the High Road School to be as involved with our students, their families, and the community as necessary for the benefit of the children and adolescents we serve.  Some opportunities we are exploring to further our commitment to our students include a parent support group, extra-curricular activities for our students, and the chairing and sponsorship of “Walk F.A.A.R. for NAAR” in April of 2005 to support research for students with Autism and Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

More news and updates will follow regularly.  Please check back to our webpage for events, activities, and news about our school.  If you have questions about our program or would like to come for a visit, please feel free to contact us.

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HERR’S POTATO CHIP FACTORY
 

The ESY program at the High Road School of Delaware was packed with fun incentive and activities and trips for the students. One of everyone’s favorite field trips during the summer was to the Herr’s Potato Chip Factory in Nottingham, PA. Upon arrival to the factory, students watched several short videos on the history of the company and were given a full tour of the factory. Students got a first hand look at the process and steps to make pretzels and potato chips from the very first step of making the dough to the final packaged products that are so easily available at local stores, kiosks and supermarkets nation wide. At each stage of production, the tour guide thoroughly explained each and every detail along with the various functions of the machines being used. And of course, the students were more than willing to carry out taste tests as they were awarded the opportunity to sample for themselves the delicious snacks hot off the press.

THE POND

What a great way to escape the heat! The High Road students in Delaware got away from the record-breaking heat this summer for a little while by spending part of their day at “The Pond”, an ice skating rink in Newark. The trip was incorporated into the weekly Tuesday activity. Blue and green level students got to experience, some of them for the first time, the joys of skating while learning about how an ice- skating rink is built and maintained. 

Fine Arts Festival 2010

Student performances make a lasting impression

This year, the 5th Annual Fine Arts Festival took place on April 29, 2010 at the Columbia Meeting House in Columbia, Maryland. This is our biggest and most spectacular event of the year and it’s the only time that all 10 Maryland Schools unite for a single event. 

To help ensure that the Fine Arts Festival is a success each year, a committee, featuring staff representatives from all of the schools, meets monthly to create, plan and implement the event.  Under the leadership of Carrie Spies (Chief School Director – Northern Maryland) and Greg Marancik (Chief School Director – Southern Maryland), the program signifies much of what our schools stand for including vision, hard-work, unity, dedication and passion. 

The Fine Arts Festival is an amazing showcase of projects and performances submitted by High Road’s most creative and talented students.  For months, the students at each of the 10 schools work diligently to prepare artwork and practice stage performances.  This year, as a result of the committee leadership, this year’s event was the best ever.  With over 300 people in attendance (including several school district representatives from Baltimore City, Prince George’s County and MSDE), the students showed off their creativity on the canvas and on the stage.

The show began with an art show featuring student displays from each of our schools.  There was an artistic tribute to Michael Jackson from High Road School of Prince George’s County, art inspired by endangered species from High Road School of Cecil County and a nature themed collection from High Road School of Southern Maryland. There were also numerous collages, sculptures, jewelry pieces, artistic photographs, and paintings on display.

The performances were kicked off by Ju’Not Joyner, a singer who was among the top 36 finalists on American Idol last season. He briefly spoke about his experience attending non- public schools in Maryland and sang his version of “Hey there, Delilah”.  More specifically, Ju’Not spoke to the students about commitment, hard work and desire. 

The New Hope Academy student drummers and pep squad were the first to deliver a heart pounding performance.  The beat of the drums reverberated throughout the room and energized the audience instantly.  For the next 90 minutes, our students rocked the stage with exhilarating singing, dancing, and even poetry by Dalton B from the High Road School of Cecil County. A modern day rendition of Kyo Sakamoto’s SUKIYAKI was given by Joey P from the High Road School of Baltimore County, and a hip dance routine was performed by the students from the High Road Academy of Prince George’s County.

The show was concluded with the Bulldogs Band from the High Road Upper School of Prince George’s County and a Michael Jackson and Jackson 5 medley from the High Road School of Prince George’s County.

The DVD of the 2010 Fine Arts Festival is coming soon!!!!!!

Plane Pull

On April 18th, 2010, The High Road School of Perryville joined efforts with the High Road School of Elkton and the High Road School of Delaware in a plane pull competition.  The event was held at the Delaware Air National Guard Base in New Castle, DE.  Team High Road competed against 20 other teams to see who could pull the C-130 aircraft 12 feet in the fastest time.  This aircraft weighs 100,000 pounds, is 97 feet long, has a wing span of 132 feet, and stands 38 feet high!

Staff from all three High Roads worked as a team to complete the pull and finished seventh overall.  More importantly, staff enjoyed a great outing, spending time with family and friends, and raising $750.00 for the Special Olympics.

Since the inaugural pull, 16 years ago, 316 teams have participated in the Delaware National Guard Plane Pull raising over $217,000 for Special Olympics Delaware!

Adopt a Highway

The High Road School of Delaware is proud to announce that we will be participating in the Delaware Department of Transportation’s “Adopt a Highway” Program. The program is part of Delaware’s Anti-Litter Campaign to make the community a better place. The purpose of the program is “to educate citizens of all ages about the responsibilities of land stewardship- the care and repair of our environment.”

High Road School’s adopted portion is located on Kirkwood Highway from Centerville Road to Union Street. Students and staff will be responsible for conducting at least three cleanups per year. Our participants will wear safety vests provided by DelDOT to clean up debris on the edges of the roadway.

To adopt a highway, individuals, organizations, or businesses agree to keep a two mile stretch of road free of litter for a period of two years.  Volunteers are provided with trash bags and safety vests to assist them with their clean-ups, all at no cost.  They also have the option of recycling any litter collected, and keeping the money for their organization.  In recognition of each group’s involvement, DelDOT posts signs bearing the sponsor’s name at the beginning and end of the adopted section.  Anyone interested in participating in DelDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway Program should call 1-800-652-5600 for more information.

Student Response to Haiti

After hearing the news about the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the students and staff at HRS of Delaware wanted to do something to help. Ms. Coqk, our dedicated Transition Coordinator, organized a money drive by giving students the option of donating at least $2 from their High Road account. Special thanks go to Marvin, Talisha , Antwon, Jeremy, Jon, Ray, Chuck, Mary, Sean P., and James for their generosity. The money was used to buy medical supplies that will be sent to Haiti through the organization Shoes 2 Share. Students and staff are also collecting and donating shoes (new and used) for the Operation T.H.E.R.E. (The Haiti Earthquake Relief Effort) program sponsored by Shoes 2 Share. A large bin has been set up in the front lobby to collect donated shoes. More information about the program can be found online at www.shoes2share.com. 

One student who was not able to donate money decided that he would like to write a letter to the citizens of Haiti who were affected by the earthquake: 

Student Letter

Baltimore Museum of Industry

This January students from Ms. Rosemary’s class and Mr. Fred’s class had the opportunity to visit The Baltimore Museum of Industry. Housed in a former oyster-packing house on the harbor's southern bank, the museum gave students a look at the industries that made Baltimore a manufacturing capital in the 1880s -- canning, printing, and garment-making. Students had the opportunity to walk through an actual blacksmiths shop and watch the tour guide operate and explain the different tools and technologies used in that day and age. The students also got to see the major advancements made in the printing industry from as early as the 19th century to present day. Witnessing an operational lithograph was quite a treat for the students and staff alike. Wall-size pictures recalled the days before child labor laws. Other displays included a collection of antique delivery trucks and one of only two working steam tugboats in the country.

Student Spotlight

 Congratulations to Joe W. for earning “Student of the Month” for his second time this year! Joe is a leader in the classroom as well as on the basketball court. During the last game against Perryville, he led all scorers with 7 points. His sportsmanship and leadership are the reasons Joe was also selected as the Player of the Week. In the classroom, Joe leads by example, always putting forth his best effort behaviorally and academically. Joe consistently strives to do his best in all subject areas. His favorite subjects are math and science. In addition to working hard, Joe is always willing to help his fellow students. At home, he enjoys playing with his dog, drawing, listening to Jay Z & Lil’ Wayne and playing video games. Keep up the great work Joe!

Look What We’re Egg-pecting!

Ms. Melissa’s class will be expecting baby chicks this spring!  On March 15th, a farmer from Quiver Farm Projects Inc., an educating farm in Pennsburg, Pa., will drop off 12 eggs and an incubator to begin the hatching project. The students will have the responsibility of monitoring and caring for the eggs until they hatch.  They will care for the baby chicks until 1 week after they hatch when the farmer returns to take them back to the farm. Ms. Melissa hopes this project gives her students a greater appreciation and respect for nature. This will be an experience they will never forget! Check back to see photos of the High Road chicks next month! 

News from the Nurse Update

The holidays are over and the end of February is near. The staff and students at High Road of Delaware faired very well escaping the flu and strep throat that was so prevalent during that period. Thank you to all the staff, parents and guardians who have encouraged the students to keep their hands washed, cover their coughs and sneezes, etc. As it gets a little warmer, I want you to encourage your child to go outside after school to get some fresh air and sunshine, which promotes a good appetite and restful sleep. Four weeks until spring!
-Ms. Mary Anne

Basketball Team

The High Road School of Delaware is excited to have the 2009-2010 basketball season underway. Key players returning from last year’s roster are Antwon, Marvin, James and Darius who led the Devils to their first winning season in five years!

The Delaware Devils have started off the basketball season with a strong performance against the High Road School of Cecil County. Delaware defeated their rival in a 17-9 game led by Antwon. Antwon was named Player of the Week for leading the Devils with 7 points. Other high scorers included Marvin with 6 points and Joe with 5 points. 

Home games are played at the Fraim Boys and Girls Club with tip off at 11:00am. Check the enclosed calendar for upcoming game dates!

Service Learning Project

Students at the High Road School of Delaware were invited to participate in the construction of the new playground at the Clarence Fraim Boys and Girls club, which is located next door to the school. The students and staff utilize the club for athletic games, special events and gym class at times and were happy to give back to the facility. Thanks to the efforts of High Road and the other volunteers, the children who attend the boys and girls club now have a safe and fun place to play outdoors!

Athletic Teams

The High Road Schools and New Hope Academy are committed to providing services, programs and activities that provide opportunities for students to grow both inside and outside of the classroom. For several years, our schools have had an Inter-High Road School/ New Hope Academy Sports league.

The Maryland North region of schools including Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Delaware, Elkton, and Perryville compete throughout the school year in three sports.

Fall – Flag Football
Winter – Basketball
Spring – Volleyball

These teams provide an opportunity for our students to gain knowledge and skills in team sports and sportsmanship.  Only students (on green or blue level) that have demonstrated the ability to make sound decisions can participate in practices and games.  The league provides students a chance to interact with students from other regional schools and to show school pride for their own.

Each sport season has its own playoff and crown champions for that season.  In flag football, the playoffs are in a bowl format similar to the NCAA.  Naturally, we have our own form of March Madness to crown our Basketball Champions.  

Each year, all the schools get together for a Sports Banquet where the students are celebrated for their athletic performance and sportsmanship.  All participating students receive a participation award at the banquet.

For more information about our Sports League Programs, please contact your child’s school and ask for the team coach.

School-to-Work Programs

We are proud to announce that at the High Road School of Delaware, 100% of the student body participates in the School-to-Work Program. Some school jobs that make up the program are menu collectors, cooks, servers, dishwashers, grocery shopping aides, stockers, and organizers. Other positions include trash collectors, cleaners, accountants, clothing designers, photographers, team managers, store clerks and managers, and mail couriers. As students work and earn money in their school accounts, they have the responsibility of monitoring their account balance. Some students have taken what they’ve learned from the School-to-Work Program and applied it to the real world! Several students have gained employment outside of school at local grocery stores, fast food restaurants and retail establishments.

One student, in particular, has made great strides within our program and serves as a role model to other students. Andrew M. maintains a positive work ethic and is now volunteering his time to an organization that is important to him. Andrew volunteers his free time to help take care of some animals at the local Pet Smart store as they await adoption. Andrew enjoys working with animals and prefers spending time with them outside of their cage, allowing them to run, play and love life!

College Visit

On September 25th, seniors from the High Road School of Delaware visited The Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades. This school, located in Pennsylvania, helps prepare deserving young men be productive, respected members of society by providing a free academic, trade, technical, moral and religious education to those individuals that qualify. The college offers 6 programs of study: carpentry, masonry, horticulture, machine tool technology, paint and coatings and power plant technology. Students live on campus while receiving their education and are able to participate on several different athletic teams.

During the visit, students watched a presentation about all aspects of life on the campus of Williamson and toured the buildings and facilities. Students learned about the required entrance exams and how to begin the application process. Ms. Rosemary, teacher at the High Road School of Delaware, accompanied the students on the visit and is excited to help them get ready for a new chapter in their life!

Transition Program

All of the programming that is designed to transition the student from school to work emphasizes preparation for productive employment after graduation. To make this employment as successful and fulfilling as possible, we help the student explore his or her interests and then build upon natural talents in choosing possible career paths. As students mature, we encourage them to gradually become more self reliant. Our Transitional Services staff aids in this process by giving the students just the right amount of independence and interaction with the wider community, while still providing the supports necessary for the students to feel secure and confident.

School-to-Work Program
Our School- to Work Program offers students the opportunity to participate in true- to- life jobs within the school setting. The end goal of the program is to develop the student’s employment skills and social skills in order to maximize their potential for success in the real world. As such, students seek to obtain jobs by first filling out an application and interviewing for the position they are interested in, as they would in real life. Once the student obtains a suitable position at school, they are held accountable for their attendance and performance, so we work with them on such aspects of employment as punctuality, responsibility, and working independently. Many of the jobs the students procure involve our student - run on the premises retail business. Students participating in the School-to-Work Program are trained to operate many of the state- of- the- art machines that make customized products for sale through this retail business.

Community Work
New Hope Academy affords students the opportunity to take their learning outside of the classroom and transfer it into the community. We work with our students to practice the proficiencies they have mastered in the School- to- Work Program, and then, when a student is ready, a job coach accompanies them to volunteer or paid job sites out in the community. We partner with a wide array of local- area businesses, including restaurants, hospitals, preschools, and retail shops, to expose the students to real - life work experience and social interactions. In this way, students can explore numerous career avenues and gain valuable work experience to list on their resumes.

Official Public School District Websites

www.apposchooldistrict.com

www.brandywineschools.org

www.christina.k12.de.us

www.colonial.k12.de.us

www.redclay.k12.de.us

The High Road School of Delaware is pleased to announce that there will be a new parent seminar series beginning in the fall of 2010. Each month the school will host a gathering for parents and community members to discuss and learn more about important topics affecting our students and their families.

Mike Tyler, school director, is excited about the scheduled guest speakers and panel discussions. “Our parents and families play an integral role in the services we provide to our students. Giving them more opportunities to be present, feel heard and more connected is a priority for us”
Please check back soon for details on dates, times and topics!