Join us this month as we celebrate February! First, we salute Black History Month with local highlights and events. We congratulate Delaware’s PAEMST Awardees from 2021-2023! We also award DFSME’s “The Air We Share” Environmental Art contest winners and showcase their winning entries. Additionally, we share this month’s presentation of the DFSME Shining Light Award to an exceptional Concord High School Engineering Educator.

In addition, DFSME will be participating in DO MORE 24 DELAWARE on March 6-7! This event is the state’s biggest day of charitable giving. By donating to DFSME during the "24 hours" from 6pm to 6pm March 6-7, your gift will go further than any other day during the year thanks to matching gifts, incentives, and prizes from generous sponsors! As you know, every penny counts.

And, we celebrate a focus on STEM and the STEM educators who do the hard lifting. You light a spark in students who might otherwise never be interested or see themselves having STEM careers. You are the ones who make it all happen. Because of your efforts and those of our other partners, January 15, 2025, was proclaimed Delaware STEM Day. Helping STEM teachers create excitement in their classrooms, and advocating for excellent STEM education is what DFSME is all about. Thanks for helping us achieve our goals!



— Randy Guschl, Executive Director

Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education



We hope you enjoy this Edition!

February 28 • 7 pm

The Twin Poets,

Delaware’s Poet Laureate

Local Legends. In Southern Delaware, the Alliance for Racial Justice will host The Twin Poets, Delaware’s Poets at Epworth United Methodist Church, and says their names should be amongst the greats. The Twin Poets, Former Wilmington City Councilman Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha, and his twin, Albert Mills, a community-based social worker, will perform original poetry they have written and published.

Words have Weight. Poetry has been a way Black people have expressed themselves when they weren’t allowed to speak up for themselves. Joseph Lawson works with the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice and says words have weight, and the way we express ourselves matters.

Power through Poetry. “All the way through Jill Scott Herring through Langston Hughes, it has inspired generations of African Americans and The Twin Poets are part of this latest generation of poets who have a powerful message, who perform it with magnificence and power.”

This event will entertain and educate. Join us Friday, February 28th from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Epworth UMC Church in Rehoboth, Delaware. Last year they sold out, so purchase yours today!

Local Educator Honored by Del Tech during Black History Month

A native of Wilmington who continues to educate and motivate young people while engaging the community has been honored by Delaware Technical Community College during Black History Month.

James "Ray" Rhodes is Eastside Charter School STEM Hub and Community Engagement Director. Rhodes also served as Executive Director of the Christina Cultural Arts Center. He is a former math instructor and has coached youth basketball for decades.

Rhodes spoke at the Wilmington campus of Delaware Tech about his first job sweeping streets, serving in the Navy, his studies in architecture and his ongoing collaborations to uplift local communities. Directing his message to young people, Rhodes said "whatever your dream is, just continue to pursue it. If it takes a little longer, if it follows an untraditional route, continue to pursue it. And when you are in a position – now is not too early – give back."

“We are proud to be recognizing James Ray Rhodes as this year’s honoree,” Delaware Tech Vice President and Wilmington Campus Director Dr. Lora Johnson said. “His leadership has expanded opportunities for students, inspired future generations, and fostered lasting change.”

With over 18 years of experience in architecture and project management, Rhodes has played a key role in construction projects across the State, including the design development and construction documentation of the $150 million Leonard Williams Justice Center in Wilmington.

To read the full WDEL.com article, click here.

Trailblazing Black Women in

STEM You Should Know About

Dr. Katherine Johnson’s legacy, highlighted in the movie Hidden Figures, is one that forever changed the trajectory of space exploration and mathematics. A brilliant mathematician, Johnson’s calculations were instrumental in sending the first American astronauts into space. She worked at NASA during the 1950s and 60s when women – especially women of color – were often overlooked in STEM fields. Despite the challenges of both racial and gender discrimination, she made remarkable contributions to space travel, calculating flight trajectories and launch windows for missions like John Glenn’s historic orbital flight says NASA.

Other noted amazing women include: Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, first African American woman to earn a PH.D. from MIT in physics; Dr. Mae Jemison, first African American woman to travel to space in 1992 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour; Dr. Gladys West, one of the key mathematicians behind the development of the Global Position System, technology that has transformed the way we navigate the world today; and Dr. Alice Ball, first woman and first African American to earn a degree in chemistry at the University of Hawaii.

To read more about Dr. Johnson and four additional trailblazing women in STEM, click here.

Congratulations PAEMST Winners from 2021-2023! (L to R): Mathematics Awardees Michael Reitemeyer,

Jason Orlen, and Brittney Stewart; Science Awardees Michael Doody, Maria Cobb and Brian Heeney.

Six Delaware Educators Receive National PAEMST Awards

On January 13, 2025, 306 STEM teachers nationwide were named as recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

Awardees for mathematics include: Dr. Michael Reitemeyer (2021) Brandywine School District, Jason Orlen (2022) Indian River School District, and Brittney Stewart (2023) Caesar Rodney School District. All three recipients have been active leaders in Delaware’s statewide mathematics education community and have presented at the annual Delaware Math Equity Conference.

Awardees for science include: Michael Doody (2023) Colonial School District, Maria Cobb (2022) Brandywine School District, and Brian Heeney (2021) New Castle County Vocational Technical School District.

Presidential Awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a trip to Washington D.C. to attend a series of recognition events, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. PAEMST recipients also join an active network of outstanding educators from throughout the nation.

Forwood Elementary student contest winners, Arpit Naik and Amira Fulton receive congratulations from

(L to R): Chris Hood, Head of Manufacturing, Croda; Joe Iannone, Sr. Manager, Process Engineering, Bloom Energy; Randy Guschl, Executive Director, DFSME; and Carolmarie Brown, Sr. Director Global Corporate Affairs, Ashland.

"The Air We Share" Environmental Awareness

Art Contest Winners

This month, Forwood Elementary and Newark Charter School winners of DFSME’s "The Air We Share" Environmental Awareness Art Contest were presented with Awards and goody bags supplied by Bloom Energy and Croda. The contest challenged students grades 3-5 to design artwork that shows how we can make a positive impact on our community's air quality.

Congratulations to Our Contest Winners!

Grade 5 - Newark Charter School

1st Place: Aarohi Chaudhari

2nd Place: Maya Bonis

3rd Place: Ahana Shashank

Grade 4, Forwood Elementary

1st Place: Arpit Naik

3rd Place: Amira Fulton

Winning Entries:

Dr. Jordan Estock (center) is surrounded by students from his Concord High School engineering class. Joining the presentation was Kevin Palladinetti, Principal, Concord High School; Randy Guschl, Executive Director, DFSME and Michelle Kutch, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Brandywine School District and DFSME Board member. Photo courtesy of Mikaelyn Austin, Brandywine School District.

DFSME’s February “Shining Light Award”

Honors Dr. Jordan Estock, Engineering Educator

Jordan Estock is an exceptional engineering teacher at Concord High School, recognized for his innovative approach to education that emphasizes authentic, hands-on learning. With over eleven years of experience, he has transformed his engineering classroom into an industry-level environment where students collaborate to tackle real-world problems, often focusing on the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Jordan equips students with not only technical skills but also the empathy and social responsibility necessary to navigate complex challenges. By fostering collaboration and inclusivity in his engineering courses, he cultivates a generation of informed citizens who understand the impact of their work on diverse communities. His contributions to district-wide initiatives further enhance the STEM landscape in Delaware, ensuring that students are well-prepared to succeed in an increasingly competitive global environment.

Most recently, the engineering program was recognized by the Delaware Chamber of Commerce, Superstar in Education Award for not only its attributes but its ability to be replicated. Schools can emphasize hands-on, project-based learning, allowing students to tackle authentic problems that resonate with their communities. By incorporating the engineering design process, educators can encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity among students as they work in teams to develop solutions.

Among Jordan’s exemplary highlights are: Presidential Awardee for Delaware 2019; Samsung Solve for Tomorrow – multiple years; Ability One Challenge National Winner; Superstars in Education Award 2024; and Delaware STEM Educator Award 2024.

We are pleased to recognize Dr. Jordan Estock as a Superlative Educator!

Jordan was nominated by Dr. Michelle Kutch, Director of Curriculum and Instruction,

Brandywine School District.

Nominate Your Favorite Educator to be a Shining Light!

Anyone may nominate a STEM formal, informal or community Educator for the Shining Light Award.

Honorees receive an award, a $100 gift card and a mini heavy-duty mag flashlight.

For more details, got to dfsme.org/shining-light-award

Email completed form to drses48@aol.com or Michelle.Kutch@bsd.k12.de.us.

Save The Date! March 6-7 6pm-6pm

DO MORE 24 DELAWARE

Why give through Do More 24 Delaware on March 6-7?

Designed to be a fun and easy way for the entire community to donate to nonprofits,

Do More 24 ignites a culture of community-wide giving and allows everyone the opportunity

to be a philanthropist, and to encourage the next generation of donors

to be inspired to give to causes they care about.

Example of Your Support: "Microscopes for Middle School"

"Microscopes allow what is unable to be seen to be visible. Microscopes create awareness of a new world within a tiny drop of water that we might not have ever thought existed. Microscopes not only teach content, but teach concepts like size and scale, identifying patterns, understanding how structure can affect function, and that systems can be large or small. Microscopes unlock doors to potential STEM career pathways with their keys of sparking curiosity and wonder. My students deserve to see what is out there for them in the STEM fields and that was made possible through your kind donation that allowed me to obtain some working microscopes that directly went to our kids."

— Skyline Middle School Teacher

Join us March 6-7 from 6pm-6pm and help us #DoMore24!

To set up a donation reminder for the Do More 24 Delaware, click on the link below: https://www.degives.org/fundraisers/delaware-foundation-for-science-mathematics-education

Participating in the proclamation celebration along with DFSME board members were Capital School District students, teachers, and administration, and Jennifer Kmiec, Founder of Inspiring Women in STEM and Delaware Chair of Million Women Mentors-DE.

Governor Bethany Hall-Long Signs Proclamation in Observance of

“Delaware STEM Day”

During her two-weeks as Delaware’s Governor, Bethany Hall-Long signed a state proclamation declaring January 15, 2025 as Delaware STEM Day. The signing was held at DFSME’s board of directors meeting at Dover High School, Capital School District on January 15. The proclamation states:

“Whereas, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills promote critical thinking abilities needed to spark innovation and solve the complex problems of our world; and

Whereas, building a stronger STEM citizenry can be accomplished by connecting education, community, mentorships, and business development for tomorrow’s workforce; and

Whereas, on January 15, 2025, we celebrate and honor the contributions and accomplishments of STEM innovators across our state and nation; and

Whereas, Delaware STEM Day encourages mentorships and honors young entrepreneurs who are making changes in the STEM fields.”

This year, DFSME celebrates its 30-year anniversary of being the nexus of all things STEM in Delaware, connecting education, business, and government to make systemic improvements in science and math education in order to develop a STEM-skilled homegrown workforce and knowledge citizenry.

Engineering Your Tomorrow

A STEM Career Day for Girls

in Grades 6-8

February 22, 2025

Engineering Your Tomorrow (EYT) is a FREE program for middle school girls who will participate in a fun-filled day of hands-on lab activities. They will discover how STEM impacts the world around us while also encouraging their enthusiasm for learning.

At EYT, middle school girls will spend the day with scientists and engineers testing scientific hypotheses and exploring STEM careers. The girls and their parents/caregivers will experience how exciting engineering and science can be!

The Feb. 22 event will be held at Conrad Schools of Science from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will include workshops, demos, and panels.

Click here for FREE registration thanks to our generous sponsors.

2025 Delaware Outstanding Women in STEM

Call for Nominations: Deadline February 28

Please nominate a mentor, colleague or other notable female scientist, researcher, technologist, or engineer for recognition by Million Women Mentors - Delaware. Nominees should have ties to Delaware by birth, education or career, and may be living or deceased.   

Up to ten honorees will be selected for recognition during the 5th Annual Celebration of Delaware Women & Girls in STEM Day in March 2025 at Legislative Hall in Dover, Delaware.

For questions, please email mwm.dfsme@gmail.com.

Million Women Mentors is the premier network dedicated to encouraging girls and women around the world to pursue, persist and succeed in STEM careers. The Delaware STEM Council and DFSME are partners in the event along with MWM-DE and the Office of the Governor, State of Delaware.

Less than a Month Away!

Delaware Science Olympiad 2025

Delaware Science Olympiad inspires students to achieve the next level

in their science education through exciting and challenging competitions.

2025 Delaware Tournaments

High School Tournament • March 1st

Junior High Tournament • March 15th

Team Registration Is Open

Schools are encouraged to register their team(s) as soon as possible.

For more information, location updates and registration, click here.

Delaware Science Olympiad is an all-volunteer organization and welcome new volunteers to help with tournaments. There are 24 events at both high school and junior high tournaments, and 10 events at elementary tournament. If interested in sharing your expertise and join our team, contact us at DEScienceO@gmail.com.

Although team registration fees are a primary source of our funding, Delaware Science Olympiad relies on donations from individuals, corporations and other organizations. We welcome Corporations or organizations to become an event sponsor. Email us for info!

Delaware Science Olympiad is a Delaware 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Reach out to us to make a donation or sponsor an event at DEScienceO@gmail.com.

Apply now!

Girls Who Code Summer Programs!

Who is this for? 9th-12th grade girls and non-binary students. Click here to apply.

Two exciting options available! Choose the adventure that fits your vibe: Click here for the Flyer.

•  Join the ultimate summer squad in the Summer Immersion Program (SIP)! Over two weeks, you’ll design and build your own computer games, make new friends, and connect with mentors. Plus, get insider college and career tips from industry pros — all in live virtual classrooms!

•  Learn at your own pace with Pathways! You'll explore cutting-edge tech like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science through step-by-step video tutorials and real-world projects. Connect with industry pros and join an exclusive Discord community along the way!

Key Dates:

Click here to apply by February 26, 2025 for priority consideration.

Application closes: April 11, 2025.

Need more info? Join a webinar or email us at summer@girlswhocode.com.

Bellen's More than Peach™ Multicultural Crayons

Box of 12 More than Peach™ brand crayons

in the variety "Multicultural."

In 2019, Bellen Woodard founded Bellen’s More Than Peach™ Project. She developed the project in response to her school peers referring to a peach-colored crayon as “the skin color crayon.” Bellen began by creating kits containing a range of skin color crayons and sending them out to local school children in Loudoun County, Virginia where she lives.

Crayons, markers, and other coloring media in shades labeled as "flesh" or "nude" often exist solely in soft pink or light tan tones. The use of white skin as the default for "flesh-color" excludes people of color. Bellen named her multicultural crayons after natural landmarks and named all of them “skin color." More Than Peach™ celebrates diversity and promotes inclusivity.

— Science History Institute

February 22, 2025 • 9:30am-3:30pm

Engineering Your Tomorrow

FREE STEM Career Day for Middle School Girls

REGISTRATION IS OPEN

Calling Future Engineers and Scientists!

Girls in grades 6-8 will spend the day with scientists

and engineers exploring STEM careers through fun, hands-on lab activities!

Parents/caregivers/teachers are encouraged to attend.

We'll have info sessions to help you guide girls in making academic choices

that will prepare them for higher education and careers in STEM fields.

Registration is FREE thanks to our generous sponsors. Lunch will be provided.

Conrad Schools of Science, Wilmington, DE

To register, click here.

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February 28, 2025

The 6th annual YES! Delaware Youth Environmental Summit

FREE! Bigger and even better this year!

Planned by students, the 2025 YES! Summit will be held at Chase Center at the Riverfront.

Free for Delaware high school students and educators who are advisors to school teams.

Students explore the most pressing state, national and global environmental issues

and engage in steps they can take on campus and beyond.

We welcome ALL Delaware schools to participate!

For more information and to register, click here.

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March 1, High School • March 15, Junior High • April 12, Elementary

2025 Delaware Science Olympiad Tournaments

Delaware Science Olympiad inspires students to achieve the next level

in their science education through exciting and challenging competitions.

For more information, location updates and registration, click here.

……………………………………………………………

Save the Date! March 7, 2025

2025 Sussex County Science Fair

The science fair provides an opportunity for students in grades 6-12 to

present their original research in science, mathematics, or engineering.

Any student in Sussex & lower Kent Counties is welcome. Sponsors need not be teachers;

any responsible adult qualifies. Students in New Castle and upper Kent Counties

should contact the Stanton Campus of Del Tech for their Science Fair.

Owens Campus of Delaware Technical and Community College

For more information, click here.

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March 14-23

National STEM Week 2025

National STEM Week 2025 is a ten-day celebration of science, technology,

engineering, and math, is March 14-23!

Join in with a vibrant lineup of events hosted by museums, libraries,

and top STEM organizations nationwide.

From hands-on activities to interactive workshops and inspiring talks,

each free event is crafted to ignite curiosity and inspire learners of all ages.

Whether you're engaging in your local community or from home,

dive into a world of STEM discovery and innovation!

For more information and activities, click here.

 ……………………………………………………………

March 26

Junior Achievement (JA) Inspire Career Fair 2025 • 9am

Join the JA Inspire virtual Career Expo (now in its fourth year) and help bring

the world of work to life. You’ll be joining sixty leading companies

to share information and resources business and the exciting career opportunities!

For more information and activities, click here.

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March 29

Appoquinimink STEM Showcase • 10am-12pm

A showcase of STEM-oriented projects created and designed

by Appo School District students.

Students and families can also enjoy

STEM-based activities and local STEM organization.

All K-12 students and families welcome.

Odessa High School Performing Arts Center.

 ……………………………………………………………

April 11 • Final Deadline for Application

Girls Who Code • Summer Programs

Two exciting options available for 9-12 grade girls and non-binary students! 

1) Join the ultimate summer squad in the Summer Immersion Program!

During two weeks, you’ll design and build your own computer games,

make new friends, and connect with mentors. Plus, get insider college and

career tips from industry pros — all in live virtual classrooms!

2) Learn at your own pace with Pathways! Explore cutting-edge

tech-like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science through

step-by-step video tutorials and real-world projects.

Connect with industry pros and join an exclusive Discord community along the way!

Click here for the flyer. Click here to apply.

 ……………………………………………………………

Save the Date! April 29, 2025

Delaware Pathways Conference

Explore the future of career pathways in Delaware,

connect with leaders in education and industry,

and learn innovative strategies to empower students.

Don’t miss this impactful event shaping the workforce of tomorrow.

Event location: Bally’s in Dover. Registration details forthcoming.

For more information, contact mike.fitzgerald@doe.k12.de.us.

DFSME thanks the following organizations for contributions to STEM education in Delaware.

STEM Legacy

DuPont | LabWare

STEM Heritage

Ashland | Mountaire Farms | Verizon

STEM Sustainer

Bloom Energy

STEM Network

Croda | Delmarva Power | Walmart



STEM Business

Agilent Technologies | American Chemical Society Delaware Section | Autumn Arch | Chesapeake Utilities

STEM Gifts in Kind

ChristianaCare | Corteva Agriscience | Delaware Department of Education

Delaware Design Company | Delaware Technical Community College | Delaware Nature Society

DelawareBio | Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

EDiS | FAME, Inc. | Junior Achievement | Million Women Mentors | STEMconnector

Stroud Water Research Center | University of Delaware | Whisman Giordano & Associates

Partners Community

Delaware Afterschool Network | Delaware Department of Education

Delaware Pathways | Career and Technical Education Cadre | Delaware Math Coalition

Delaware Science Coalition | Delaware STEM Council Healthy Food for Healthy Kids

Wilmington Urban STEM Initiative

Delaware Foundation for Science and Math Education

100 W. 10th Street, Suite 612 

Wilmington, DE 19801 

Tel: 302.397.0034 | Fax: 302.397.0036 

Email: anne.dfsme@gmail.com

www.dfsme.org

©2023 Delaware Foundation for Science and Math Education

501(c)(3) Education nonprofit dealing with K-16 STEM education in Delaware schools.