IDEA Awards

 Cornerstone Award: For a Parent, Grandparent, Guardian, Board Member or a group of the same

Recognizing an individual parent, grandparent, guardian, board member or group of the same who demonstrate significant levels of commitment and involvement to Delaware’s public charter schools. The nominee is a visionary for significant educational improvements who inspires others and whose involvement addresses student needs. The nominee’s involvement has a positive impact on the community and has the potential to be expanded or replicated either locally or state-wide.

          Brooke Balan, Parent, The Charter School of Wilmington

 Community Ties Award: For a school, staff member(s), student(s), or a community organization

Recognizing a school, staff member(s), board member(s), student(s), community member(s), or organization(s) that has worked toward effective and rewarding community alliances/partnerships. The nominee shows a strong partnership between a charter school and the community or organization that affects students and positively impacts their education and the community at large. The partnership uses innovative and creative approaches that have the potential to be expanded or replicated either locally or state-wide. The partnership also provides opportunities to get the community involved in our schools.

         Neha Veeragandham, Senior, The Charter School of Wilmington

 Innovation and Dedication Award (Elementary, Middle, or High School): For a School Staff Member or Group of Staff Members

Recognizing an individual teacher/staff member or group of teachers/staff members that have shown selfless devotion to students and gone “above and beyond” by introducing a new or creative method into their classroom(s) that has positively impacted their students. The nominee shows “selfless devotion” to the craft and/or students that has produced significant educational improvements, while going above and beyond to address student needs in a creative, innovative, and collaborative way. The nominee’s work demonstrates a collaborative effort and inspire others to do the same. The nominee utilized existing resources in new ways and/or sought out new resources to help with implementation.

This award is presented to 3 individuals/teams, one each at the elementary, middle and high school level.

Elementary School:

        Daniel Primiani, Teacher, Academia Antonia Alonso

 Middle School:

        ASPIRA, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Team

             Nayelly Sanchez West, Kim Zapata, Sade Montano, Candace Henderson, Stephanie Saggione, Keiara Fana Ruiz, Nancy Labanda, De’Yanna Yancey Harris

High School:

        MOT COVID Team

            Mitch Weiss, Beth Twitchell, Jamie McNatt, Rebecca Dooling, Morgan Lemen, Kirsten Costagno, Denise Williamson, & Tara Barrow

Impact Too Award: For a Member of a School’s Leadership Team

Recognizing the second in command or another administrative staff member that has made a significant impact on Delaware’s education community. The nominee is a visionary for significant educational improvements who inspires others while utilizing innovative or creative approaches to address student needs. It is evident that the nominee is committed to sharing ideas and helping to sustain awareness of the charter movement.

         Katelyn Whelan, Assistant Principal of Student Services, EastSide Charter School

Impact Award: For a Charter School Leader

Recognizing the school leader that has made a significant impact on Delaware’s education community.

The Impact Award nominee should be a visionary for significant educational improvements who inspires others while utilizing innovative or creative approaches to address student needs. It should be evident that the nominee is committed to sharing ideas and helping to sustain awareness of the charter movement.

         Margie López-Waite, CEO of Las Américas ASPIRA Academy