Sarah Pyle Academy Receives the State Sapphire Award

In honor of their commitment and influence, the Delaware Department of Education has recognized Sarah Pyle Academy (SPA) school counselors Amanda Applegate and Laura Malmstrom. Their dedication and hard work have made a significant impact on the students and the school community, leading Sarah Pyle Academy to receive the prestigious Sapphire Award for Excellence in School Counseling. This state recognition, celebrating its 5th year, recognizes school counseling programs that are comprehensive, data-informed, and designed to serve all students.

Amanda Applegate and Laura Malmstrom capitalize on the uniqueness of their program to provide targeted supports to their students. Sarah Pyle Academy students use their Personalized Learning Plan system to monitor their progress towards graduation. The school counselors work with the students both individually and in the classroom to ensure they not only know how to use the system, but that they also regularly reflect on their progress and write about it. Their interventions have increased student success, and the counselors are now working on a plan to utilize this same type of structure to help students review and reflect on their attendance as well.

Through the Delaware Department of Education’s partnership with the Delaware School Counselor Association (DSCA) and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), all Sarah Pyle Academy is now eligible to also receive ASCA’s Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) award.

Congratulations, Amanda, Laura, and SPA!

#ChristinaCelebrates #ChristinaStrong #SPAInspires