CSD Staff Update: April 2025

• April 7-11 - Assistant Principals Week
• April 8, 2025 - Board of Education Meeting
• April 11 & 12, 2025 - CSD Art Show
• April 15, 2025 - Tech Life Steph Parent Event at WPHS
• April 17, 2025 - Professional Development Day
• April 18 - 25, 2025 - SPRING BREAK

• April 21, 2025 - Administrative Professionals Day

• April 23, 2025 - School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

Dear Benefit-Eligible Employees,

Take action now to prepare for Open Enrollment by making sure you can access Employee Self-Service through my.delaware.gov:

1. Visit the Employee Self-Service Assistance page. Here you will find helpful tips and FAQs.

2. Click the button “Access Employee Self-Service through my.delaware.gov.”

3. Sign into your my.delaware.gov account with your personal email address. If necessary, reset your password by following the prompts for “Forgot password?” or view the Password-Less Authentication Video for how to set-up Okta Verify as another security option to be able to log-in.

4. Make sure your Employee Self-Service tile is available when logged into my.delaware.gov.

Single Sign On (SSO) access to Employee Self-Service is only through my.delaware.gov. Checking your access now is important to make sure you will be able to actively participate in the annual benefits Open Enrollment (May 1 – 16, 2025). If you do not have access, it could take 24-48 hours for you to gain access to Employee Self-Service – do not wait until Open Enrollment to confirm your access.

Have questions? Review the Help Desk Support Chart for information on who you should contact with questions/issues.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a powerful tool in education—helping us save time, personalize instruction, and spark creativity in the classroom. Whether you're just getting started or looking to deepen your skills, there are several opportunities available to help you explore how AI can support teaching and learning located in our Continuous Learning Catalog.

As we explore the integration of AI into teaching and learning, we're guided by our Tech CSD Vision for AI: tools must be Safe, Education Focused, and Secure & Private. This means we only recommend AI platforms that provide protected access, are intentionally designed for educational use, and meet all federal and state compliance standards for student and staff data. Every tool we support has been vetted through this lens to ensure it enhances instruction while keeping our community safe and supported.

We’re also happy to announce a newly available AI tool that many staff have already started exploring and meets our above Vision for AI: Google Gemini. Gemini is now accessible for CSD staff and can be found by going to https://gemini.google.com while logged into your CSD Google account.

• We are heading into the home stretch for testing. While some students will be taking state tests, others will be taking benchmark assessments. Educators have worked hard to help students make progress in learning the standards and become well-rounded learners! Encourage your students to show what they know!

• Colonial’s first ever WE BElong Multicultural Day & Mental Health Fair!

• Details:

• Date: Saturday, May 17th

• Time: 10:00am-1:00pm

• Location: WPHS

• Link to Flier

• Do you or someone you know want to share your services, goods, or performances related to various cultures and/or mental health services? Use this link to sign up to be a vendor/community partner.

Delaware State University's Education Department and Master of Arts in Teaching Program is hosting an insightful workshop, "Exploring Equity Traps and Tropes," featuring Dr. Jamila Dugan, a highly respected expert in the field. Dr. Dugan's expertise will provide invaluable insights for all attendees, including school and district leaders, teacher leaders, and classroom teachers who are committed to creating more equitable and inclusive learning environments for all students. As a special highlight, Delaware's Secretary of Education, Cindy Marten, will also offer some words of encouragement and support of our work in Delaware schools and classrooms.

Workshop Details: Dr. Jamila Dugan Flyer (2).pdf (Scan the QR code on the flyer to register)

• Topic: Exploring Equity Traps and Tropes

• Presenter: Dr. Jamila Dugan

• Date: Monday, May 12, 2025

• Time: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM (light breakfast and registration begins at 8:30 AM; program begins at 9:00 AM)

• Location: Delaware State University, MLK Center, Main Campus, 1200 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE

Cost: Free!

Colonial School District Student Services HUB (Click Here)

All things related to special education and supporting students with disabilities.