Sports
Fun
Tradition
State champs get their rings
Best-selling author talks new book
Memorial Day honored locally
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MAY 30, 2025
THE LOCAL VOICE OF YOUR COMMUNITY.
Mentorships support the staff who support the kids
Volume 22, Issue 22
FREE
Deep thoughts
By Laura Walter Staff Reporter New jobs can be exciting but a little disorienting — especially for a new educator in the middle of the school year. But the Indian River School District is one of Delaware’s first districts rolling out a new program to help paraeducators be even more comfortable and effective in the classroom. They just celebrated the Para Peer Mentor Program’s pilot year in two schools and will bring it to all 15 IRSD schools in autumn 2025. New hires receive one year of peer mentor support and professional development during their first year of employment. The mentees can ask advice on handing classroom challenges but can also ask those “silly” questions about HR rules, the lunch line or chains of command. “It just amazing to have new paras come and feel supported in their job,” said Cassie Queen, the district’s program coordinator and a longtime paraeducator herself. “And it’ll help keep quality paras that we need in our district.” She raised her hand in 2021, when the National Education Association asked the state affiliate if anyone was interested in trying this program. “I’m the vice president for paraeducators for our local union, so I thought it would be very valuable for our loSee PARAS page 5
J. Conn Scott to close Selbyville store after more than a century Third-generation furniture retailer begins total liquidation After 101 years, family-owned furniture retailer J. Conn Scott is preparing to close the doors of its flagship Selbyville store. Final liquidation at the century-old store was set to begin May 29. The Rehoboth store will remain open as an interior design center. J. Conn Scott was founded in 1924 by James Conn Scott, who laid the foundation for what would become a three-generation legacy of service in furnishing homes. Passed down to his son, William, and now owned by grandson Richard and his wife, Lisa, the company has grown from modest beginnings into a pillar of the communities it served, representatives noted. “We’re deeply thankful to our loyal customers, dedicated staff, and everyone who has been part of the J. Special to the Coastal Point • Maryfrances Berger
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