DOVER — Academy of Dover Charter School was full steam ahead for the 2024-25 academic year Monday.
According to head of school Dr. Michele Marinucci, the academy has 457 students enrolled, with over 100 still on a waiting list. She said the South Saulsbury Road facility could accept more children by increasing class sizes, but that would take away the one-on-one time that makes it special.
She also spoke about some steps the academy has taken toward its goals.
“For the past few years, our focus has been on increasing literacy and math, and just continuing to achieve more, have our students achieve the most they can (and) grow them to their potential,” she said. “This year, we’ve actually started with multiple reading specialists and a math specialist, so that we can really home in on those skills.
“We’re running a brand-new intervention program for reading, and in the summer, we saw amazing gains just in that short, little summer program. So, we’re super excited about what we’re going to see this year.”
This term also introduced an increase in teacher salaries, she added, combating a nationwide educator shortage and showing the staff that they are valued. There has been a lack of applicants lately, Dr. Marinucci continued, and the quality of those prospects has not been high.
The head of school gave credit to administrators, as well.
“I am confident that we have the best office team that I’ve ever seen. We are 100% in the game. We are excited. We are ready to go. And, because our office is so well oiled and ready to run smoothly, I’m confident that the entire academy will run smoothly as a result,” she said.
On Monday, Delaware secretary of education Dr. Mark Holodick visited to welcome students on their first day and to highlight education issues being faced statewide.
“We are still rebounding from the pandemic, and then, there are two key areas that we need to really pay attention to. One is the attendance of our students. Chronic absenteeism across the state and across our nation continues to be far too high. ... And, when we see a pattern of absenteeism with a particular student, we need to address it immediately,” he said.
“The other is, we really need to focus on early literacy, developing the skills and the knowledge that children need to be proficient readers. ... We know reading is sort of the gatekeeper for success in every subject area, and so, the focus needs to be there,” he added.
Dr. Holodick also spoke about why he chose to spend time at Academy of Dover on Monday.
“Today, it’s all about creating a sense of positive energy, if you would, for our kids and families (at) this school,” he said. “The reason I wanted to be here again this year, for the first day at the academy, is the leadership, and it’s just, selfishly, ... a great way to start a day.”
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