Cape’s Day and Hoffman are September GEMs
Cape Henlopen School District selected high school social studies teacher Jon Day and long-term multilingual learner substitute Mary Jane Hoffman to receive Going the Extra Mile awards for September.
School board members presented the two awards, which are given each month to a staff member and a substitute who’ve demonstrated outstanding dedication and service, during their Sept. 25 meeting at Love Creek Elementary.
“Mr. Day and Ms. Hoffman truly embody what it means to go the extra mile,” said Principal Kristin DeGregory in a release. “Their dedication, creativity and care for our students make a tremendous difference in our school community, and we are proud to celebrate their contributions with the GEM award.”
Day currently teaches American history, sociology and psychology. As Cape’s student government advisor, he consistently provides student leadership opportunities, including helping to launch a club forum and Schoology group to boost student involvement and awareness.
“Over the summer and into the start of this school year, Mr. Day has gone the extra mile in preparing for our Homecoming events,” said board member Jessica Tyndall. “He even scheduled summer meetings so our student leaders could come together and plan.”
Hoffman, affectionately known by her co-teacher as “the Hoffinator,” co-teaches science, English language arts and social studies in Cape’s multilingual learner program. She tailors assignments to meet students where they are, adjusting her lessons based on their varying levels of English proficiency, and uses her expertise as a certified reading specialist to provide reading support.
Outside the classroom, she enjoys making artistic baked goods to support Cape’s band and theater programs.
“Ms. Hoffman has without a doubt gone the extra mile beyond her role as a long-term multilingual learner substitute,” board member Jason Bradley said. “She develops strong relationships with students through kindness and support.”
The board thanked both Day and Hoffman for their hard work and dedication.
Ellen McIntyre is a reporter covering education and all things Dewey Beach. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Penn State - Schreyer Honors College in May 2024, then completed an internship writing for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. In 2023, she covered the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand as a freelancer for the Associated Press and saw her work published by outlets including The Washington Post and Fox Sports. Her variety of reporting experience covers crime and courts, investigations, politics and the arts. As a Hockessin, Delaware native, Ellen is happy to be back in her home state, though she enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures. She also loves live music, reading, hiking and spending time in nature.
