IRSD Spotlight: Recent Episodes
IRSD Spotlight
Emily Wright has been quoted as saying, “Nothing interested me as much as being a teacher.” On May 7, Emily’s lifelong commitment to the profession was rewarded when she was named Indian River School District Teacher of the Year for 2026-2027. Administrators and colleagues have described the Sussex Central Middle School science teacher as a dedicated, compassionate, creative and student-focused educator who is also a leader in the school environment. In this episode, Emily joins us to talk about her career in education and the complex role teachers play in today’s society.
Transitioning from one grade level to the next is a part of every student’s educational journey. But while many students handle this time-honored tradition with minimal disruption, it can present a unique set of challenges for special education students, especially when those students are transitioning from elementary to middle school, or middle school to high school.
To celebrate IRSD Spotlight’s 100th episode, we are looking back at some of our favorite moments from the past 10 years. These moments are funny, poignant, informative, powerful and even sad.
In order to regulate and manage a child’s behavior in the classroom, it’s often imperative to find out why certain behaviors are occurring in the first place. In the Indian River School District, this done using tools such as Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans. In the latest in our series of special education-themed episodes, IRSD Director of Special Education Melissa Whisted and Supervisor of Special Education Patricia Harris stop by to discuss the district’s strategies for managing problem behavior in the classroom.
Hailey Mack is a 2024 graduate of Indian River High School and the current Miss Delaware title holder. In September, she competed in the Miss America Pageant in Orlando, Florida. Hailey joins us to discuss her experience as Miss Delaware, her “Shoot for the Stars” platform and how her experience in the Indian River School District helped shape her college and career goals.
In the world of public education, there are acronyms galore. But perhaps nowhere are those acronyms more prevalent, and important, than in the realm of special education. Melissa Whisted, IRSD Director of Special Education, and Patricia Harris, Supervisor of Special Education, explain the meaning behind terms such as IDEA, FAPE and IEP.
Stefanie McElhinny, Sam O’Shields and Jesse Steele have all experienced glory on the athletic field. In this episode, we hear their stories.
In this episode, we speak with four administrators – Renee Jerns, Jenna Argo, Corey Dietrich and Kristina Gosnell – who are moving into new positions for the 2025-2026 school year.
It took five years, a global pandemic, extensive value engineering and a lot of uncertainty, but the new Sussex Central High School is finally ready to open its doors to students, staff and the community. In our first back-to-school episode for 2025-2026, we speak with two people for whom the opening of the new school has special meaning.
On the surface, the concept of co-teaching seems rather straight-forward and self-explanatory. But the concept is much more layered and nuanced than you might think. It’s also a key component of the Indian River School District’s special education services. Melissa Whisted and Patricia Harris explain the practice of co-teaching for IRSD families.
Amanda Howard has been a kindergarten teacher at Long Neck Elementary School for the past 11 years and it has been the fulfillment of a life-long dream. On May 8, she received the Indian River School District’s highest teaching honor when she was named IRSD Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026. Amanda's enthusiasm for teaching kindergarten is infectious, engaging and funny. And according to many of her colleagues, she possesses all of the qualities of a truly gifted educator.
Students with disabilities have many more educational opportunities than they did several decades ago. One of those opportunities is inclusion, the practice of having special education students learn in the same classroom as their typical, general education peers. Since gaining traction in the 1990s, inclusion is now standard practice in most school systems and the benefits have been far-reaching.
A special announcement from Superintendent Dr. Jay Owens regarding the upcoming current expense referendum on March 20.
AI, or “Artificial Intelligence,” is a topic that has become increasingly prevalent in our society. It’s been the subject of numerous media reports, of intense debate in the educational community and even of a hilarious Saturday Night Live sketch. Jeff Kilner, IRSD instructional technology specialist, is an expert on AI at both the local and national levels. Recently, he conducted an AI seminar for district secondary teachers that informative, funny and even a bit disturbing. In this episode, he stops by to discuss AI’s benefits and drawbacks and what parents should know about this technology. (Saturday Night Live audio courtesy of NBC Universal Media, LLC 2024.)
It’s been said that all behavior happens for a reason; that it’s a form of communication. Managing a child’s behavior from PreK through their teenage years is never an easy task, as almost every parent can attest. Each age group presents its own unique set of challenges. In this episode, IRSD Director of Special Education Melissa Whisted and Supervisor of Special Education Patti Harris discuss strategies that parents can use to regulate behavior in the years where children’s brains are still developing.
In this episode, we speak with three IRSD staff members – one whose father was a champion professional boxer, one who taught a reality TV star and another who served in the U.S. Marine Corps and parachuted into some hazardous areas during the Iraq War.
Many of us have probably heard the acronym “IEP,” but do we really know what it means and what it’s all about? Director of Special Education Melissa Whisted and Supervisor of Special Education Patti Harris are here to explain this essential tool for students receiving special education services in the Indian River School District.
October 5 will be a special day in the Indian River School District, as we host our first-ever We Are IRSD Community Festival on the campuses of the Howard T. Ennis School and Sussex Central High School. Nika Reid, IRSD Supervisor of Support Services, gives us all the details about this exciting event. “Stay” courtesy of Hotel Apache and California Pop is Not Dead, 2017.
They’ve come from far and wide to join the Indian River School District team and bring with them a wealth of skills and talent. In this Back to School episode for 2024-2025, we meet four new IRSD administrators – Dr. Melissa Whisted, Patricia Harris, Carolyn Fries and Dr. Andrew Davis. All have come from outside the district, with one relocating nearly 3,000 across the country to join the IRSD team. “Stay” courtesy of Hotel Apache and California Pop is Not Dead, 2017.
On May 9, Deborah Treherne of the Howard T. Ennis School was named IRSD Teacher of the Year for 2024-2025. In this episode, we sit down with Deborah to discuss her interesting career path and what it's like to work with special needs students on a daily basis.
In November, Indian River High School senior Brynn Crandell captured her third consecutive state cross country championship and solidified her place among the most-decorated athletes in school history. Meanwhile, Sussex Central High School music teacher Phoebe Marvel marched in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City as a member of the Band Director’s Marching Band. In this episode, we speak with both Brynn and Phoebe about their recent experiences. (“Friday Night Lights Theme” courtesy of Snuffy Walden and Arrival Records/Scion Music Group, 2010. “Everyday Glory” courtesy of Rush and Atlantic Records/Anthem Entertainment, 1993.)
After serving four years as an assistant principal at Indian River High School, Dr. David Carter has moved into a new position as the principal of Georgetown Middle School. Throughout his time in the Indian River School District, he’s forged a strong bond with students and has never hesitated to sing their praises on his school’s social media pages. In this episode, Dr. Carter sits down with us to discuss his new position and his career in education and beyond.
There were some new faces around the Indian River School District office when the 2023-2024 school year began this past summer. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Alexis MacLeish, the district’s new Talent Acquisition and Certification Specialist, and Mr. Matt Schifano, the new Adult and Community Education Coordinator. Both are former teachers who are taking on new challenges in their professional careers.
Bennett Murray wants anyone who has graduated from Indian River High School during the past 55 years to know that they are a part of a larger family. That is why he was one of the founding members of the Indian River High School Alumni Association more than a decade ago. In this episode, Mr. Murray talks about the association’s numerous scholarship awards and its involvement with the IRHS Hall of Fame. For more information about the IRHS Alumni Association, visit irhs.irsd.net and click on the “For Alumni” link under the Resources tab.
The opening of the 2023-2024 school year is only days away and we provide families with some important information, including an overview of the district’s new English Language Arts curriculum and updates on school construction projects.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on May 22, 2023.
To watch Kasey Revel teach is to watch someone who is in her element; who truly loves what she does. Her enthusiasm for the job is not only evident, but infectious. In this episode we speak with Kasey, who was recently named IRSD Teacher of the Year for 2023-2024.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on April 24, 2023.
Sussex Central High School recently hosted its annual International Baccalaureate Visual Arts Exhibition. We speak with a student artist and two teachers who helped make the show a reality.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on February 27, 2023.
In honor of National School Counseling Week (February 6-10), we speak with two of IRSD’s best – Leslee Hazzard and Stephanie Wilkinson.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on January 23, 2023
Located in the middle of the county seat a few blocks from The Circle, the Georgetown Public Library is a community gem. Library Director Rachel Culver tells us why.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on December 19, 2022.
Phillip C. Showell Elementary School music teacher Debby Dudley has 42 years of service in the Indian River School District, by far the most of any district teacher. Her remarkable career began in the late-1970s and has included stints at four IRSD schools. She consistently earns high praise from administrators, colleagues, parents and students. Debby joins us in this episode to talk about a distinguished career in education that has spanned more than four decades.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on November 28, 2022.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on September 26, 2022.
Lori Smyth’s roots in the Indian River School District run deep. She is an Indian River High School graduate, a district parent and a local business owner. Her husband is also an Indian River graduate and her father was an IRSD employee for 32 years. Lori also has an incredible story of escaping Lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001. She shares that story in this episode. (“Your Hand in Mine” courtesy of Explosions in the Sky and Temporary Residence, 2003.)
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on August 22, 2022.
With the start of the 2022-2023 school year only two weeks away, we speak with Superintendent Dr. Jay Owens about what’s happening around the district and what families can expect when schools open their doors in September. We also meet with two new members of the IRSD administrative team – Monica McCurry, principal of East Millsboro Elementary School, and Dr. Richard Evans, principal of Southern Delaware School of the Arts. (“Sleepwalker” courtesy of The Killers and Island Records, 2021. “Time Stand Still” courtesy of Rush and Mercury/Polygram Records, 1987.)
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on July 25, 2022. (Beginning of public session missing due to technical problems.)
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on June 27, 2022.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on May 23, 2022.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education special meeting on April 27, 2022.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on April 25, 2022.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on March 28, 2022.
In this episode, Superintendent Jay Owens joins us to answer questions submitted by “residents” of the Indian River School District.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on February 28, 2022.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education special meeting on February 11, 2022.
In this episode, we take a look at the Girls on the Run program, which has become extremely popular at elementary and middle schools throughout the Indian River School District.
In this episode, we speak with Sussex Central High School teacher Phoebe Walls about her experience at the Tournament of Roses Parade and with Greg Hockman about the upcoming Career & Trade Fair at Indian River High School.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on January 24, 2022.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on December 20, 2021.
In this episode, we celebrate Southern Delaware School of the Arts and its recent National Blue Ribbon School Award by speaking with Principal Travis Bower and teachers Mary Litchfield and Mary Caligiure.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on November 29, 2021.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education special meeting on November 1, 2021.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on October 25, 2021.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on September 27, 2021.
In this episode, we celebrate Gemma Cabrera, a bilingual community liaison at North Georgetown Elementary School. We speak with Gemma about her life’s journey and hear from a few people who have had the privilege of knowing and working with her.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on August 23, 2021.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on July 26, 2021.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education organizational meeting on July 1, 2021.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on June 28, 2021.
In this episode, we wrap up what has been an unusual, challenging and often difficult school year by celebrating our district’s many accomplishments in the classroom, in the community and on the athletic field. (“Your Hand in Mine” courtesy of Explosions in the Sky and Temporary Residence, 2003; “Friday Night Lights Theme” courtesy of W.G. Snuffy Walden and Arrival Records/Scion Music Group, 2010.)
In this episode, we highlight the district’s yearlong teacher residency program. Guests are IRSD Teacher Recruiter Lori Hudson and yearlong teacher residents Samantha Whelen and Alexandra Kuck.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on May 24, 2021.
In this episode, we speak with Haley Mears, the 2021-2022 Indian River School District Teacher of the Year.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on April 26, 2021.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on March 22, 2021.
We speak with five district teachers about why they chose the teaching profession and the aspects of teaching that they find the most rewarding. We also find out if there was ever a time in their lives when they thought about doing something other than teaching. Their responses are both poignant and funny.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on February 22, 2021.
In this episode, we highlight the Women of Will program at Indian River High School with Athletic Director Todd Fuhrmann, field hockey coach Jodi Stone and all-state volleyball player Raychel Ehlers. Sponsored by Under Armour and BSN Sports, Women of Will offers a robust support system for female athletes with the goal of changing lives and inspiring the next generation of women to strive for greatness. (“Friday Night Lights Theme” courtesy of W.G. Snuffy Walden and Arrival Records/Scion Music Group, 2010.)
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on January 25, 2021.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on December 21, 2020. This meeting was conducted online using the Zoom video conferencing platform.
In this episode, we wrap up 2020 with some important informational items for IRSD families and hear a special message of hope and gratitude from Superintendent Dr. Jay Owens. (“Friday Night Lights Theme” courtesy of W.G. Snuffy Walden and Arrival Records/Scion Music Group, 2010.)
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education special meeting on December 4, 2020.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on November 23, 2020.
In this episode, we speak with Brandon McCabe, the 2020-2021 Indian River School District Teacher of the Year.
In this episode, we highlight Kindergarten Registration Awareness month with Audrey Carey, IRSD Supervisor of Early Learning.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on October 26, 2020.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education special meeting on October 14, 2020. This meeting was conducted online using the Zoom video conferencing platform.
In this episode, we speak with new IRSD Superintendent Dr. Jay Owens and new Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Karen Blannard about their careers, their philosophies on education and their vision for the Indian River School District.
In this episode, we talk with Superintendent Dr. Jay Owens about the COVID-19 pandemic and the district’s reopening plans for the 2020-2021 school year.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on September 28, 2020.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education special meeting on September 23, 2020. The purpose of the special workshop meeting was for board members to receive training provided by district counsel with regard to the Freedom of Information Act, board liability, and board member roles, responsibilities and best practices.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular monthly meeting on August 24, 2020.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education special meeting on August 19, 2020.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education organizational meeting on August 3, 2020.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education special meeting on July 1, 2020. This meeting was conducted online using the Zoom video conferencing platform.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular meeting on June 22, 2020. This meeting was conducted online using the Zoom video conferencing platform.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular meeting on May 18, 2020. This meeting was conducted online using the Zoom video conferencing platform.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular meeting on April 27, 2020. This meeting was conducted online using the Zoom video conferencing platform.
In this episode, we highlight Youth Art Month in the Town of Selbyville and hear about a special art show featuring works from students at Phillip C. Showell Elementary School, Selbyville Middle School, Southern Delaware School of the Arts and Indian River High School. Special guest: Jackie Bates.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular meeting on February 24, 2020.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular meeting on January 27, 2020.
In this episode, we highlight the upcoming major capital improvement referendum on February 13. Superintendent Mark Steele talks about the importance of this initiative and its impact on the future of the Indian River School District.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular meeting on December 16, 2019.
In this episode, Walt Smith, Supervisor of Alternative Programs, discusses the issue of homelessness in the Indian River School District and the services provided to students who are in transition.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular meeting on November 25, 2019.
In this episode, we go inside the Howard T. Ennis School to get the staff’s perspective on what it’s like to provide services to students with moderate to severe disabilities on a daily basis. Guests: Angela Graham and Tom Spiezio.
An audio recording of the Indian River Board of Education regular meeting on October 28, 2019.
In this episode honoring national Disability Awareness Month and IRSD’s upcoming Special Education Week (Oct. 28 - Nov. 1), we explore Unified Sports, which brings together students with and without disabilities in the spirit of athletic competition, friendship and understanding. Indian River High School Athletic Director Todd Fuhrmann, unified basketball coach Steve Kilby and students Kaylee Hall and Clara Shepherd join us to talk about the Unified Sports program at their school. (“Your Hand in Mine” courtesy of Explosions in the Sky and Temporary Residence, 2003.)
In this special episode, we look back at the contentious issue of school consolidation and the formation of the Indian River School District in 1969. In Part 1, we review the history of consolidation and the merging of five small school districts 50 years ago. In Part 2, we speak with two people who were students at the time of consolidation and ask about its impact on their schools. In Part 3, we pay tribute to the man who was considered “The Father of the Indian River School District.” In Part 4, we discuss consolidation’s impact on high school athletics. In Part 5, we analyze the impact of consolidation during the past 50 years and look ahead to the future.
Information for this episode was obtained from the archives of The News Journal and from James Marvel’s Indian River School District History of Consolidation. “Spirit in the Sky” courtesy of Norman Greenbaum and Reprise Records, 1969.
In this episode, we provide some important information to parents and community members in advance of the 2019-2020 school year. We also speak with three gifted teachers about their careers in education and their expectations for the new year.
An audio recording of the Board of Education regular meeting on July 29, 2019. (Portion of meeting following executive session not available due to technical problems.)
In this episode, we expose the secret life of Sussex Central High School drama teacher David Warick.
Jeopardy! footage courtesy of King World and Merv Griffin Enterprises, 1990.
In this episode, we talk with Millsboro Middle School teacher Art Henry, who was named the Indian River School District’s Teacher of the Year for 2019-2020.
A special announcement about the IRSD major capital improvement referendum on Tuesday, May 7.
What is the Sussex Central Shuffle? In this episode, Principal Bradley Layfield, student Braeden Swain and teacher Shelby DiCostanzo attempt to answer that question while discussing the challenges they face on a daily basis in an overcrowded Sussex Central High School. Superintendent Mark Steele also discusses the importance of the district’s major capital improvement referendum on May 7.
In this episode, we visit with Indian River High School senior Kathleen Carter, a highly-decorated musician and honors student. IRHS band director Nathan Mohler also joins us to talk about one of his most gifted students.
In this episode, Indian River School District Superintendent Mark Steele talks about the major capital improvement and current expense referendum scheduled for February 5, 2019.
In this episode, Sussex Central High School football coach John Wells discusses his team’s 2018 Delaware Division I state championship. He also talks about his highly-successful 23-year coaching career.
In this episode, Ann Marie Dalton of the Ocean View Police Department talks about her career in law enforcement and her commitment to helping the students of Lord Baltimore Elementary School through mentoring and other activities.
In honor of IRSD Special Education Week (October 22-26), we talk with two gifted teachers – Audra Mitchell of East Millsboro Elementary School and Jennah Truitt of Lord Baltimore Elementary School – about their careers, their classrooms and their philosophies on special education. We also highlight some of the activities happening in our schools during Special Education Week.
In this episode, Sussex Central High School drama teacher David Warick discusses the Take II Drama Club’s upcoming season and reveals the name of the “Fall Mystery Play.”
An audio recording of the Board of Education regular meeting on August 27, 2018. Due to technical difficulties, this recording contains only the portion of the meeting following executive session.
This episode sets the stage for the 2018-2019 school year, which begins on September 4. First, Superintendent Mark Steele addresses the state of the school district and the important initiatives on tap for the coming months. Directors of Education Kelly Dorman and Renee Jerns then stop by to talk about the K-12 curriculum and what parents need to know entering the new school year. Finally, Supervisor of Early Learning Dr. Audrey Carey discusses preschool services in the district.
An audio recording of the Board of Education organizational meeting on July 3, 2018. (Portions of the recording missing due to technical problems.)
In this episode, Superintendent Mark Steele discusses the district’s future major capital improvement needs and we highlight the recent accomplishments of our students and staff. We also share some important information that parents will need as the 2017-2018 school year draws to a close.
A conversation with Courtney White, 2018-2019 IRSD Teacher of the Year. Courtney discusses the Teacher of the Year award, her philosophy on classroom instruction and her interesting journey to becoming a decorated teacher.
In Part 2 of our Indian River “Glory Years” retrospective, Chris Shelton visits the Spotlight again to discuss the success of the 1980 and 1981 IRHS boys’ basketball teams.
From 1979-1981, Indian River High School reached the pinnacle of athletic success in the State of Delaware. The accomplishments of the school’s football and boys’ basketball teams whipped the community into a frenzy and made Indian River a force to be reckoned with in Delaware high school athletics. A special guest who was member of all of these teams steps into the Spotlight to discuss the IRHS “glory years.”
Selbyville Public Library Director Kelly Kline and social worker Dorian Baker talk about a unique partnership that is making social workers available to Indian River School District residents.
Lord Baltimore Elementary School Assistant Principal Travis Bower and two district students – Addison Lane and Ruby DiSabatino – talk about the upcoming “SuperBot Saturday” VEX IQ robotics competition. The competition will be held on Saturday, February 17 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Georgetown Elementary School.
As 2017 draws to a close, Superintendent Mark Steele offers a special thank you to parents, staff and community members for their support during the past year.
In this student profile episode, Sussex Central High School senior Holly Williams discusses the school’s mock trial team, the International Baccalaureate program and her interests outside of school. Holly is joined by teacher and mock trial coach Jordan Marvel.
What happens when eight high school teachers get together to discuss their favorite comic book and superhero movies? You’ll find out in this episode as we go inside the Sussex Central High School “Nerd Circle,” where the discussions are passionate, funny and highly intellectual.
In this episode, we highlight some of the district’s recent awards and accomplishments while passing along important information about school choice, Smart911 and the upcoming parent focus group meetings for special education.
Michele Murphy, IRSD Parent Center coordinator, stops by to discuss the adult and community education program, the Harry K Foundation food pantry, mentoring activities for district students and the various services offered by the parent center.
Why did you become a teacher? That’s the question we’re posing to district teachers Laurie Hall, Angela Wilson, Rob Gibson, Sara Baker and Jesse Steele. We’ll also find out if they ever thought of pursuing a career other than teaching and what aspects of the teaching profession they find the most rewarding. Their responses are both funny and moving.
In the second of our Back to School episodes, Dr. LouAnn Hudson discusses new instructional programs for the 2017-2018 school year while Dr. Jay Owens talks about special education services in the Indian River School District.
In the first of two Back to School episodes, Superintendent Mark Steele discusses the upcoming 2017-2018 school year while Tyler Bryan talks about bus transportation in the Indian River School District.
IRSD Superintendent Mark Steele discusses his 36-year career as a teacher, coach and administrator in the Indian River School District. Mr. Steele was named district superintendent in January 2017 and also talks about the challenges he’s faced during his first six months on the job.
An audio recording of the Board of Education organizational meeting on July 3, 2017. (Recording abbreviated due to technical difficulties.)
In this special episode, school counselors Erin Crooks and Marie Keffer give their impressions of the popular television series “13 Reasons Why” and discuss what parents and students can do to prevent teen suicide.
Suicide prevention resources are available on the Indian River School District website at irsd.net. Go to the Parents & Students tab at the top of the page and click on “Bullying and Suicide Prevention Resources” in the drop-down menu.
Erin Crooks of Georgetown Middle School discusses her role as school counselor and her recent selection as Delaware's School Counselor of the Year for 2017.
A conversation with Lisa Richardson, the Indian River School District's Teacher of the Year for 2017-2018. Lisa discusses her teaching career and her philosophies on education.
Phil Shultie discusses his 41 years as Sussex Central High School's wrestling coach and the Golden Knights' 2017 dual meet state championship.
A conversation with Indian River High School senior Erin Haden, who is ranked second in her class, is a three-sport varsity athlete and has performed numerous community service activities.
Interim Superintendent Mark Steele discusses the upcoming current expense referendum on March 2 and its importance to the future of the Indian River School District.
In this episode, we revisit the controversial 1983 Sussex Central-Indian River football game. John Wells and Jim Smith share their recollections of perhaps the most bizarre chapter in this long-time high school gridiron rivalry.
“Smoke and Mirrors” courtesy of Gotye and Eleven Records, 2011. “Your Hand in Mine” courtesy of Explosions in the Sky and Temporary Residence, 2003.
John Wells discusses his more than two decades as a football and softball coach at Sussex Central High School.
"29" courtesy of the Gin Blossoms and A&M Records, 1992
Dr. Heather Statler and Dr. Jay Owens discuss the district's first-ever Special Education Week to be held February 27 through March 3.
Audio recording of the regular Indian River Board of Education meeting on January 31, 2017.
Audio recording of the special Indian River Board of Education meeting on January 18, 2017.
Audio recording of the regular Indian River Board of Education meeting on December 19, 2016.
Adamari Rodriguez is a senior at Sussex Central High School. She is an honors student who is ranked in the Top 10 of her class, she is senior class president for 2016-2017, she is captain of the cheerleading team and she is enrolled in the school’s International Baccalaureate program. She also has an impressive list of community service activities. Adamari is the featured guest in this student profile episode of IRSD Spotlight.
“Halo” courtesy of the Foo Fighters and RCA Records, 2002.
Sussex Central High School drama teacher David Warick offers a preview of the Take II Drama Club's upcoming season, which includes productions of "Throne of Blood," "Cinderella" and "David Copperfield."
“Limelight” courtesy of Rush and Mercury Records, 1981.
Indian River High School senior David Clark is an honors student, a two-sport athlete and a state officer in Business Professionals of America. David also has the honor of being first student guest in the IRSD Spotlight.
Superintendent Susan Bunting discusses the district's upcoming current expense referendum on November 22, 2016.
Superintendent Susan Bunting and Director of Instruction LouAnn Hudson discuss the upcoming 2016-2017 school year, which begins on September 6.
What does it take to feed more than 10,000 children on a daily basis from September through June? Clifton Toomey, Supervisor of Nutrition Services for the Indian River School District, talks about what goes into running food service operations at 15 school cafeterias.
Preston Lewis, district Administrator of Student Services, and Douglas Hudson, school safety monitor at Indian River High School, discuss the impact of the district’s groundbreaking school safety monitor program, which was implemented in 2013.
Belinda Waples, Director of Special Education, and Kim Taylor, Special Outreach Services Coordinator, discuss student mental health services in the Indian River School District.
A conversation with Melissa Grise, the Indian River School District's Teacher of the Year for 2016-2017.
Audrey Carey, Supervisor of Elementary Instruction, discusses the district's Spanish Immersion program and its benefits to elementary school students.
Instructional Technology Specialist Mike League discusses the district's use of Schoology and its impact on classroom instruction and teacher professional development.
Lori Hudson discusses her role as a teacher recruiter and mentor in the Indian River School District.
Board of Education President James Hudson discusses his career in education and how an increase in enrollment has impacted the Indian River School District.
Dr. Susan Bunting discusses her role as IRSD superintendent and talks about the challenges presented by unprecedented enrollment growth in the district.