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(Wilmington, Del.) New Castle County Head Start, Inc. (NCCHS) celebrated a favorable Federal Monitoring Review from the Administration for Children & Families at its 2013-2014 Annual Luncheon on May 22, 2014 at the Chase Center. NCCHS 2014 Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) scores were at or above the highest 10% of scores for all national Head Start grantees in 2013.* The CLASS assessment tool measures classroom quality for all Head Start grantees. All NCCHS staff members received a “Top of the CLASS” tee shirt as a thank you for their efforts in achieving the outstanding CLASS scores.
Also at the luncheon, NCCHS presented the following awards:
- 2013-2014 Ethel M. Cooper Award: Since 1995, the prestigious Ethel M. Cooper Outstanding Service Award has been awarded by the NCCHS Board of Directors to individuals who make outstanding contributions to the agency and the greater community. This award embodies the spirit of Ethel M. Cooper who touched many lives in her lifetime commitment to better the lives of children in the community. The 2013-2014 Ethel M. Cooper award was presented to Governor Jack Markell for his continued support of early childhood education in the State of Delaware.
- 2013-2014 Lucy H. Borda Award: Since 2004, the Lucy H. Borda Award has been bestowed on the staff member who best represents the character of deceased staff member Lucy H. Borda. Borda held a strong belief in continued professional growth, regardless of personal challenges, and an ongoing determination to accomplish professional goals. This year’s Borda award was presented to April Walton. Walton began her career at NCCHS in October of 2000 and has been an asset to the agency, students and staff. Her positive, upbeat attitude makes everyone around her comfortable from the children to the staff. Walton is cooperative and willing to pitch in wherever needed.While working at NCCHS, Walton has pursued professional development, achieving a Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate. From encouraging parents to volunteer in the classroom to working with other staff members to help them or fill in, April is an exemplary employee.
- 2013-2014 Eunice A. Thomas Employee of the Year Awards: Each year NCCHS recognizes those staff members whose individual efforts contributed to the program’s success throughout the year. Staff members from each of the eight Head Start centers and the administrative office voted for the person who best demonstrates a professional and positive attitude and willingness to go out of his/her way to help others. The 2013-2014 winners are Annie Philip of Rose Hill, Latrece Lewis of Marshallton, Wendy Walker of Lambson, Cathy Ruhle of Bear, Carmen Rodriguez of Manor Park, Patty Horner of the Administrative Office, Brighid Delawski of Claymont, Kristen Cunningham of Newark and Melissa Parks of Absalom Jones.
Eunice A. Thomas Employee of the Year Award winners are (from left to right) Annie Philip of Rose Hill, Latrece Lewis of Marshallton, Wendy Walker of Lambson, Cathy Ruhle of Bear, Carmen Rodriguez of Manor Park, Patty Horner of the Administrative Office, Brighid Delawski of Claymont, Kristen Cunningham of Newark and Melissa Parks of Absalom Jones.
New Castle County Head Start, Inc. Executive Director Jeff Benatti and Administrative Assistant Melissa Langshaw congratulate April Walton (center) on receiving the 2013-2014 Lucy H. Borda Award.
New Castle County Head Start, Inc. Executive Director and Board of Directors hold a tee shirt saying “Top of the CLASS.” Shirts were given to all staff members as a thank you for their efforts in achieving the outstanding CLASS scores. From the left are Executive Director Jeffrey E. Benatti and Board of Directors J.D. Lee, Vice Chairperson; Leslie Lee; Michael Mood; and Eric DeFeo.
*Note: 2014 national CLASS Scores have not yet been released by the Administration for Children & Families.