Cape schools back in action

School children and buses return as another school year begins.

“Some schools had their open houses this week, and everyone is ready to rock and roll,” said Cathy Petitgout, human resources director for the district.

There will be a renewed emphasis on writing this year as the district prepares for statewide writing tests. This includes summarizing texts and other reading sources and developing the writing process, Petitgout said.

Many teachers have participated in professional development throughout the summer bringing them up to speed with the Common Core initiatives. Petitgout said the district hired 27 new professional staff members and 54 support staff for the school year. A districtwide staff meeting Aug. 28 recognized the building Teacher's of the Year, and gave school board and district officials a chance to greet district employees, she said.

“It's the one time of the year that the whole staff gets together,” Petitgout said.

Student enrollment is 5,030 and district officials expect more to enroll before the Sept. 30 student enrollment count. Last year's Sept. 30 count was 4,938, Petitgout said.

Start time for district schools varies. Approximate start and finish times are as follows: Shields Elementary School 8:20 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.; H.O. Brittingham and Milton elementaries 7:20 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.; Rehoboth Elementary 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.; Beacon Middle School 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Mariner Middle School 7:55 a.m. to 2:55 p.m.; and Cape Henlopen High School 7:55 a.m. to 2:55 p.m.