At Milton Elementary, new principal offers new initiatives

This year, students at Milton Elementary got a head start on their studies at a late-August open house featuring school-supply giveaways, frozen treats and information from nearly 25 community organizations eager to help kids prepare. New Principal Beth Conaway wanted students and families to get to know what’s available in their community, so she invited students, parents and families to meet their teachers and explore local organizations at information stations at the elementary school on Federal Street.

“It’s a way we are trying to get community resources into the school,” Conaway said of Milton Elementary, where she plans to offer dynamic education for nearly 750 students from Kindergarten through fifth grade.

From the local Little League to the Boy Scouts of America, youth organizations and resource agencies donated supplies for students and offered educational materials for young minds.

Conaway said she’s excited for new literacy initiatives at Cape Henlopen School District that are expected to improve student performance.

“It’s going to be more small-group instruction,” Conaway said. “We are are excited because we are going to be able to meet all children at their instructional level.”

Her sentiments were echoed by third-grade teacher Karen Warner, who greeted her new students in a colorful classroom.

“We are starting a new reading program that is very differentiated for kids,” Williiams said. “It meets them where they are and gives them room to grow.”