State Board of Education Members Visits Cape Henlopen Schools to Hear Directly From Students

Cape Henlopen School District welcomed Justin Richards, Executive Director of the Delaware State Board of Education, for a visit to Cape Henlopen High School and Frederick D. Thomas Middle School. Richards was joined by Tim Banks a Senior Pastor and State Board Member representing Sussex County, and Cape Henlopen High School senior Caleb Marcus, who serves as the student representative to the State Board of Education this school year. The visit was also attended by Cape Henlopen School District Superintendent Dr. Jenny Nauman, Assistant Superintendent, Dr. LouAnn Hudson, Cape Henlopen Board of Education President Dr. Alison Myers, and Cape Henlopen High School Associate Principal Will Revels.

The visit provided an opportunity for the members of the State Board of Education to see classrooms firsthand, learn more about programs available to Cape students and hear directly from the students themselves about their experiences in their school. At Cape Henlopen High School, the group visited Career and Technical Education (CTE) classrooms and performing arts classes, seeing students engaged in hands-on learning and exploring their interests and career pathways. The group also visited Frederick D. Thomas Middle School to see learning in action and connect with students and staff.

A highlight of the visit was an open conversation with four Cape High student leaders. Students shared what they love about their schools, the experiences and opportunities they value, and areas where they would like to see their school continue to grow and improve. For Marcus, serving as the student representative to the State Board of Education provides an opportunity to bring the student perspective to conversations about education across Delaware. His participation in the visit also helped connect state-level leadership with the experiences of students within his own school community. “As a student representative, I think it is important that students have opportunities to share their experiences directly with the people making decisions about education,” said Marcus. “These conversations give students a chance to talk about what they value in their schools while also sharing ideas about how we can continue to make the student experience better.”

The conversation provided an opportunity for students to share their perspectives directly with state education leadership in an informal and candid setting. “Visits like this are valuable because they give our students an opportunity to share their experiences directly with education leaders,” said Dr. Nauman. “Our students have thoughtful perspectives on what is working well in their schools and where they see opportunities for growth. We appreciate the Board taking the time to listen to our students and experience our schools firsthand.”

Dr. Nauman is launching her Student Advisory to the Superintendent in October, where these types of converstions will continue alongside two Board Liaison members. “I’m very much looking forward to connecting with even more Cape High students later this fall,” continued Nauman. “To have their feedback, both positive and constructive, is something I value as the Superintendent. Everything we do at Cape is and should be centered around all students, so who better to provide their insight than the students themselves.”

Cape is committed to creating opportunities for students to share their voices, engage with leaders and play an active role in shaping the student’s educational experiences. Cape Henlopen School District is greatful to the State Board of Education for their support in this effort.