Beacon Middle, Shields Elementary earn awards

Sussex County schools scored well on recent state tests, winning cash awards for two Cape Henlopen schools.

The state's annual reward and recognition ceremony for Sussex County schools was held Nov. 18 at Beacon Middle School – one of the 15 schools earning a $50,000 cash reward.

Delaware State Superintendent Mark Murphy congratulated all the schools that earned honors, noting more schools in Sussex County received recognition than either Kent or New Castle counties.

“This is a special day … it's a day that we celebrate the achievement of our students,” Murphy said before announcing this year's winners.

Locally, Beacon Middle School, Richard A. Shields Elementary, Sussex Academy and Sussex Technical High School received awards.

Beacon, Shields and Sussex Tech were named recognition schools for exceptional student performance based on state test results or closing the achievement gap for students taking the test.

Beacon Middle Principal Dave Frederick thanked his students and staff for all their hard work.

“It really is an honor to be your principal,” he said.

Frederick said his staff has high expectations for students, which has translated to success on the state tests.

“It's about hard work and planning … looking at each kid to move them forward,” he said.

Shields Principal Jenny Nauman looked out at the gymnasium full of Beacon students and saw a lot of familiar faces.

“Most of you went to Shields,” she said, congratulating them on their continued academic achievements while noting most of her former students are now quite a bit taller.

Nauman spoke about a triangle of success that includes parents, students and staff as the reason for Shields repeated success on state tests.

“The love of learning is instilled by parents and also the staff,” she said. “Students really want to be there.”

Sussex Tech Principal John Demby said his school has a vision for what is best for students, which is part of the school's educational success.

“We strive to be contributing members of society,” he said.

Schools earning the $50,000 will appoint a committee of teachers, administrators, support staff and parents who will decide how the school will use the money, Murphy said.

Shields last won a $50,000 award in 2012 and used most of it toward purchasing iPads for the school. Money also went to professional development and rewards for staff and students, Nauman said.

Beacon gave each teacher $500 and treated students to a day at Jungle Jims and held a field day at the school with its 2012 award.

Murphy concluded the awards ceremony by asking all the winners to pause and consider all the hard work that was completed to earn the education awards.

“Take the minute to celebrate,” he said.

Other Sussex County winners were Indian River School District's John M. Clayton Elementary School, Lord Baltimore Elementary School, Phillip C. Showell Elementary School, Long Neck Elementary School and East Millsboro Elementary School.

Sussex Academy, East Millsboro and Long Neck elementaries earned  continued excellence honors because the schools continue to perform well on state tests, but they were ineligible for a cash reward because they had already received $50,000 in 2012 and 2013.