News Briefs 3/20/26
Cape board OKs district calendar
The Cape Henlopen School District Board of Education held a workshop meeting March 12 at Love Creek Elementary School, during which members unanimously approved the 2026-27 district calendar.
The calendar includes a staggered start, with Tuesday, Sept. 8, as the first day of school for kindergarten, sixth grade and ninth grade, and Wednesday, Sept. 9, as the first day for all other grades.
It’s the first year the district is implementing a staggered start in an effort to help students in kindergarten and transitional grades more easily acclimate to their new environments before their older peers arrive. Read more at tinyurl.com/5x42ju7n.
Other calendar highlights include spring break, set for Friday, March 26 to Sunday, April 4, 2027; high school graduation, set for Tuesday, June 8, 2027; and the last student day, a half-day, Friday, June 11, 2027. The district calendar can be viewed in English and Spanish at capehenlopenschools.com/district-calendar.
Cape school board amends travel policy
The Cape Henlopen School District Board of Education unanimously approved an amended district travel policy, which includes updated rates and guidelines for reimbursing employees and officials for authorized travel expenses incurred during district-related business, in a meeting March 12. The new policy is consistent with the state and General Services Administration meal allowance rates.
The board also reviewed and discussed policies relating to the assignment of students within the district, student enrollment, student records and the release of students.
Assistant Superintendent LouAnn Hudson presented these policies and proposed combining the enrollment policy — enrollment of students, releasing students from school, correspondence and student records — and the assignment policy — school boundaries within the district, grouping of students in classrooms, transfer from out of state or district and the enrollment process.
Hudson also proposed a new stand-alone policy, Releasing Students to Persons other than their Parents, Guardians, or Relative Caregiver. This information is currently found in the enrollment policy.
The board will do a second reading at its next meeting, Thursday, March 26. It will also be reviewing additional policies, including those relating to the keeping and release of student records.
Lewes parking group to meet March 20
The Lewes Parking Working Group will meet at 9 a.m., Friday, March 20, at city hall.
Members will discuss possible recommendations to mayor and council.
See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Lewes to hold budget meetings
Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold two special meetings on a proposed FY27 budget.
The first will be at 12 p.m., Friday, March 20, and the second will be at 4 p.m., Monday, March 23, both at city hall.
Council is expected to review a final draft budget March 20 and pass a budget March 23.
See both agendas and meeting links at lewes.civicweb.net.
Myeloma support group meeting March 21
The Delaware Multiple Myeloma Support Group will meet from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 21, at the Milton library, 121 Union St.
Becky Bosley, BSN, RN, International Myeloma Foundation director of support groups, will present an overview of the American Society of Hematology in observance of March as Myeloma Awareness Month. Lunch will be provided.
Meetings are open to anyone who has multiple myeloma or cares for someone who does. To learn more, go to myeloma.org/delaware or email Sue Iwahashi at Delaware@imfsupport.org.
Men’s Day service set March 22
Israel United Methodist Church, under the direction of the Rev. Marjorie Belmont, will hold its annual Men's Day Worship Service at 10 a.m., Sunday, March 22, at 20230 Plantation Road, Lewes, and online via Zoom. The guest speaker will be Brother Roger Le Blanc of Lewes, with Israel UMC Men's Choir singing the songs of praise. The theme is Men Who are Equipped to Do God's Work.
UUSD to meet March 22
The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, March 22, with the topic, “The Women of Now … and We, the People of Today.” The Rev. Heather Rion Starr said, “What wisdom do we still have to learn and build upon from the women who founded the National Organization for Women in 1966, 60 years ago this summer? Join us for this Women’s History Month service of reflection and community, building energy for these times we are in now.” Learn more at uussd.org.
DART poster contest entries due March 23
Passport to Discovery: Where Could DART Take You? is this year’s theme for the DART Poster Contest. Dartley, DART’s mascot and traveling companion, invites school-age children in grades six to 12 to imagine the adventures that begin with a ride on the DART bus. Students are encouraged to illustrate experiences and new places they can travel to with Dartley while using public transportation, turning everyday bus rides into moments of discovery, imagination and memories.
Posters must be submitted by Monday, March 23, to DART Poster Contest, Marketing Dept., 900 Public Safety Blvd., Dover, DE 19901. Prizes and certificates will be provided by DART and its business partners.
Interested schools are asked to conduct the contest within the appropriate grade levels and forward the entries to DART for judging. Individuals in grades six to 12 who wish to enter apart from their school may do so. For details and contest instructions, call 302-760-4829 or go to DartFirstState.com.
The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation, operates DART First State.
Rehoboth BoA hearing set March 23
The Rehoboth Beach Board of Adjustment will meet at 1:30 p.m., Monday, March 23, at city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda calls for a hearing related to a variance request at 69 Oak Ave. to permit the deck elevation height to be 15-feet-9-inches above the crown of the street.
Agenda, meeting materials and a livestream are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net.
Only in-person attendees may make comments. For more information, contact the city at 302-227-6181 or information@cityofrehoboth.com.
Rehoboth shade tree meeting canceled
The Rehoboth Beach Parks and Shade Tree Commission has canceled its meeting set for Monday, March 23, because there are no agenda items to consider.
For more information, contact the city at 302-227-6181 or information@cityofrehoboth.com.
Robinsonville Road paving to begin
Delaware Department of Transportation said there will be intermittent lane closures on Robinsonville Road between Harts Road and Conleys Chapel Road from Monday, March 23 through Friday, March 27 (weather permitting) for milling and paving operations.
Motorists are reminded to slow down in work zones and to expect minor delays while traveling in the area.
For more information, go to deldot.gov.
Boardwalk task force meeting set March 24
The Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk Historic Designation Task Force has scheduled a meeting for 9 a.m., Tuesday, March 24. The agenda calls for an introductory review of the members and the goal of the task force.
The meeting will be the task force’s first. The task force is time-limited, with an end date coinciding with completion of pursuing a historic designation from Delaware Public Archives and the National Register of Historic Places.
The meeting will be conducted in the commissioners room of city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. A full agenda, meeting materials and a livestream are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. Only in-person attendees may make comments. For more information, contact the city at 302-227-6181 or information@cityofrehoboth.com.
Lewes bike group to meet March 24
The Lewes Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee will hold its monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, at city hall.
The agenda includes discussion and possible action on Savannah Road parking changes.
Meeting for families affected by addiction set March 24
Be a Part of the Conversation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families and communities understand substance use, addiction and related health issues, will host a peer-to-peer meeting at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, at Long Neck Methodist Church, 32051 Long Neck Road, Long Neck.
The meeting is open to all community members seeking a supportive space to share experiences, listen and learn from others. “Our peer-to-peer meetings provide a safe, judgment-free environment where individuals can connect and support one another,” said Kim Porter, executive director of Be a Part of the Conversation. “We’re thrilled to expand our reach into the Long Neck community and encourage anyone interested to join us.”
To learn more and view the calendar, go to conversation.zone/partnership.
Be a Part of the Conversation is a nonprofit organization committed to creating spaces where people can openly discuss addiction, mental health and other difficult topics. Through peer-to-peer programs, workshops and community events, the organization aims to reduce stigma and build stronger, more empathetic communities.
Millsboro student scholarship applications due April 1
The GFWC Women’s Club of Indian River welcomes high school seniors living in 19966 ZIP code within the boundaries of the Indian River School District to apply for a $1,000 scholarship to go toward postsecondary education or career training. The application deadline is Wednesday, April 1. To be selected, a student must show a long-standing commitment to leadership, their studies and their community through volunteerism. Applications can be obtained from school guidance counselors. To learn more, email Janet Dubbert at jmdubbert2@gmail.com.
Women’s Fest expo set April 11 in Rehoboth
CAMP Rehoboth Women’s Fest will host an expo from 9 a.m. to to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 11, in the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.
Vendors will feature a wide range of products, information and assistance, with particular focus on items and resources of interest to women. It is free and open to the public.
The expo will showcase artworks including original watercolor paintings, reverse glass painting, handmade jewelry and wall art, and one-of-a-kind crafts such as handmade leather and metal bracelets, shell and sea glass items, carved wood, stained glass, artistic garden décor and pride items. There will also be apparel such as jazzy sunglasses, hats and T-shirts. Other products and gift items available will include body and bath items, soy candles, scented products and home décor.
Community organizations and service providers will offer resources for women’s health, cancer prevention and LGBTQ+ support. Also participating will be groups offering information on elder care and family services.
Downtown Milford to present Bug & Bud Festival April 25
The 23rd Annual Bug and Bud Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 25, in downtown Milford. The free event will take place rain or shine, and volunteers are needed to help everything run smoothly.
Celebrating the arrival of spring, the event will feature more than 100 vendors, family-friendly activities, local shopping, food and entertainment.
“Bug & Bud is one of those special days where our entire community comes together to celebrate Milford,” said Sadé Truiett, Downtown Milford coordinator. The festival celebrates the ladybug as Delaware’s official state bug.
To learn more, go to downtownmilford.org or call 302-393-6808.
Georgetown chamber to host women’s event April 28
The Greater Georgetown Chamber of Commerce will host its second annual Women’s Empower & Indulge Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, at the Clubhouse at Baywood in Long Neck.
Inspiring women to be recognized this year are: Joshua M. Freeman Foundation Executive Director Patti Grimes; Laura Gendreau, secretary of the Delaware Hispanic Commission; Lillian Harrison, Elevated Community Development Corporation founder/executive director and affordable housing expert; and Chef Tish Dismuke of Taste of Jazz and Cape Henlopen Culinary.
Event proceeds will benefit women’s causes in Sussex County. For details, call 302-856-1544.
