Harlan Happenings

🍂 Hello Harlan Families!

It’s hard to believe that Holiday Break is next week—school will be closed the week of November 24th, and time is truly flying! We hope that during our time away from one another, you’re able to pause, breathe, and enjoy the beauty of being with the ones you love most.

To kick off the break, please plan to join us for Family Movie Night: Pizza & Pajamas on Wednesday, November 19th.

There are plenty of updates and events happening in our school, across the district, and within our local community for you to get involved in, so please be sure to check out this week’s newsletter.

If you need help understanding report cards, Lauren Johnson, Coordinator of Instructional Technology, has shared resources to assist families.
You can access these tools on the BSD website:
https://www.brandywineschools.org/learning/measuring-student-progress/bsd-grading-information

For now, know that we at Harlan are grateful for all of you!

Warmly,

The Harlan Team

Check out a few beautiful moments captured at this morning’s 4th Annual Grandparents’ Breakfast.

Our caterer was absolutely outstanding, and we’re thrilled to share her business with you for any upcoming events. Dana Moore, owner of Brown Sugar Catering, can be reached at 302-494-8314.

Elphaba and Glinda made it to Harlan all the way from Oz! Students enjoyed two musical performances, fun crafts, and photo opportunities with the witches.

Be sure to join us this Wednesday, November 19th, for Family Movie Night: Pizza & Pajamas. Our feature film will be Elio.

Did you know this is our 5th year of Bedtime Stories?! It’s such a hit—our students and families love it, and so do our cuddly friends! 🐻📚✨

Be sure to join us!

Join Zoom Meeting

https://bsd-k12-de-us.zoom.us/j/96798972794?pwd=m3boTFnYyEfIEy3h7nQE94uHfz475R.1

Meeting ID: 967 9897 2794

Passcode: 563486

Families interested in applying for School Choice for the 2026–2027 school year can now submit applications online at www.SchoolChoiceDE.org.

• The application window is open until January 14, 2026.
  
  

• Kindergarten applications remain open through the first day of school.
  
  

• 5th and 8th grade families: If your student wants to attend a middle or high school outside of their feeder school, you’ll need to submit a new application during this window.
  
  

For questions, contact Choice@bsd.k12.de.us or call (302) 793-5014.

Did you know that the Brandywine School District offers Gifted Education Services for students who demonstrate exceptional creativity, academic achievement, and task commitment?

Families, students, and teachers may submit student referrals between December 1, 2025, and January 30, 2026. All referral forms and instructions will be available on the district website during that time.

✅ Only one referral is needed to begin the review process.
📅 All referred students will be reviewed in the spring, and families will receive decisions by email no later than May 31, 2026.

For students entering 6th grade next school year, the review process will be completed before the middle school choice deadline, allowing families to make informed decisions for the 2026–27 school year.

If you have questions, please email giftedservices@bsd.k12.de.us.

Hello Harlan Families,

We hope your fall is off to a great start! Our neighborhood’s Harlan Park Civic Association (HPCA) is back in action after a busy summer of Summer Sparks in the Park events. Thank you to everyone who came out to support — your energy truly keeps our community strong!

🗓️ Next Civic Association Meeting

Wednesday, November 19
⏰ 6:30 – 8:00 PM
📍 North Wilmington Library

This month’s meeting will include:

• A visit from a Medicare representative to help seniors with open enrollment.

• Updates from local elected officials.

• A community working session to address neighborhood concerns.

All families are welcome to attend — your voice matters!

💧 Water Bill Assistance Programs

If your family or someone you know is behind on water or sewer payments, help is available. Wilmington’s Water Utility Assistance Program offers:

• Up to $1,500 in aid for delinquent bills.

• Up to $3,000 in assistance for eligible seniors.

• Additional discounts for disabled seniors.

Ways to Apply:

• Online: City Utility Payment Assistance Program

• By Mail or In Person at the City/County Building

• Call 311 (within city limits)

This program can help families avoid shut-offs and get back on track.

🏠 Property Tax Reassessment Information

Many community members have questions about the New Castle County property reassessment process.

• 📅 Taxes due: November 30, 2025

• 🧾 Refunds will be available online once new invoices are issued.

• 📅 Appeals open January 2026.

• 📨 Questions? Email assessments@newcastlede.gov or call (302) 395-5520.

The Harlan PTA would love nothing more than for you to join. It’s not too late to get involved, and your participation truly strengthens our school community.

The PTA application is attached below.

Thank you for your continued support!

The Wilmington Learning Collaborative (WLC) wants to hear from families throughout the school year!

We’re launching the WLC Fall 2025 Family Feedback Survey — an opportunity to share your honest thoughts about your experience so far this school year and help shape plans for the months ahead.

Your feedback is anonymous and will guide how the WLC allocates resources, builds partnerships, and supports schools in advancing our three Big Shifts:
🌟 Students First
🏫 Connected Schools
🤝 Purposeful Partnerships

🗓️ Survey closes Sunday, December 19, 2025
🕒 Estimated time: 7 minutes

Please see the attached flyer with a QR code or click the PDF attachment to access the survey directly.

Thank you for taking the time to share your voice — your feedback truly makes a difference!

Field trips are around the corner, and we can’t make the magic happen without our amazing parent volunteers! ✨ If you’d love to join the fun and be part of your student’s adventure, chaperone packets are ready for you in the main office. Don’t miss the chance to create memories right alongside your student! 🚌📚🎉