Harlan Happenings

🍂 Hello Harlan Families!

It’s officially the first week of November, and time just keeps flying by! We hope you take a moment to pause, breathe, and enjoy the beauty of the changing leaves — a gentle reminder that change brings growth.

Just like the falling leaves, our students are growing every day — whether it’s a bigger shoe size or a new skill that once felt challenging but now comes with ease. These are the beautiful gifts of growth we get to witness together.

This week’s newsletter includes four sections:

1. Harlan Happenings – Events taking place this week and our ongoing literacy initiative.

2. District Updates – Important information about installing the Guardian app, School Choice applications, and Gifted Education Services.

3. Save the Dates – Upcoming family engagement events, including our Grand Breakfast (Monday, Nov. 17) and Movie Night: Pizza + Pajamas (Wednesday, Nov. 19).

4. Community Corner – Highlights from our neighborhood partners, including the Harlan Community Civic Association, The Music School of Delaware, WLC, City of Wilmington and a Water Infrastructure Event.

As always, we welcome volunteers for upcoming field trips — stop by the main office to sign up!

Warmly,
The Harlan Team

Galinda and Elphaba are on their way! The monkeys are finally under control after a wild Halloween, and they can’t wait to meet all the students at Harlan Elementary tomorrow — Wednesday, November 5, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM!

Join us for storytime, crafts, photos, and fun — it’s going to be a wicked good time! 💚✨

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.

Join the Music School of Delaware for their Centennial Celebration — a fun-filled event for the whole family! Enjoy live classical and jazz performances by students, faculty, and community musicians, explore the instrument petting zoo, and have fun with food trucks, a photo booth, and raffles.

📅 Sunday, November 9, 2025
🕓 4:00–7:00 p.m.
📍 4101 Washington Street, Wilmington, DE

Admission is free with RSVP or $5 at the door.

👉 A flyer with more details is attached!

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!

🥕 Northside Food & Culture Market at Haynes Park

There are just two more Thursdays left this season!
🕓 4:00 – 7:00 PM | 📍 Haynes Park

• October 23: Free Book Giveaway 📚

• October 30: Pumpkin Painting 🎃, Costumes 👻, and Trick-or-Treat Fun 🍬

This is a wonderful, family-friendly way to connect with neighbors and enjoy the fall season.

💧 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.

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🏘️ Landlord Engagement Town Hall

Hosted by Council Member Shané Darby

📅 Wednesday, November 12
🕔 5:00 – 6:30 PM
📍 North Wilmington Library (3400 N Market St)

This event is a chance for residents to hear updates, ask questions, and share concerns directly with their council representative.

💌 Looking Ahead

HPCA will begin biweekly newsletters in November with more updates on neighborhood cleanups, beautification projects, and opportunities to get involved.

Our school is proud to be part of a vibrant, connected community — we encourage families to participate and stay informed.

The community organizers are seeking residents to share their thoughts on local water infrastructure and identify areas where water is a concern. Your feedback will help guide future improvements in our community.

Participatory Mapping: Green Stormwater Infrastructure Tickets, Mon, Nov 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM | Eventbrite

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! 🚌📚🎉