This spring, her students created puppets tied to their English-language arts unit on global water issues.

“The current unit for ELA is to read about problems related to water around the world. They learned about problems with people not having enough water, problems with people not being able to get to water and having to walk really far, and then also water pollution,” she said. “And we focus mainly on water pollution … because in Wilmington, pollution, like on the streets, is a problem and it is something that the students can relate to.”

The curriculum encouraged students to create a video public service announcement — but Salisbury saw an opportunity to take it further.

“We decided that the video itself is already sort of adding a little artistic element, but creating the puppet as well will add sort of another aspect to it,” she said. “We sort of brainstormed all these different questions that we might ask a scientist or someone who lives by water, or even if we could talk to an animal that lives in the water, what could we ask them about water pollution and its effects?”

Through this approach, students brought to life characters ranging from scientists to river otters affected by pollution. As they brainstormed, designed and sewed their puppets, they merged science, language and art into one unified project.

The impact was especially noticeable with students who arrived midyear.

“Even like this year, I had two students come sort of in the middle of fall … There’s one in particular, she really blossomed into being very artistic,” Salisbury said. “She’s made a ton of growth in reading this year, and writing as well, which is super exciting. And I remember right before winter break she even said to me … ‘Thank you so much for all that you’ve taught me. Like, my old school… I didn’t learn like this. I didn’t understand anything.’”

Salisbury believes immersing into the arts gives students more control over their learning — especially during a season that can be overwhelming.

“Opening myself up to adding arts in … helps to make things seem a little less serious and … adds a little more fun and joy into what we’re doing,” she added.

Detectives in New Castle County have pulled off a major drug bust in Wilmington that they say included crack, heroin, ecstasy and lots and lots of fentanyl.

Working with the FBI and a high-tech device that uses lasers to test the compounds of narcotics, county officials say they were able to arrest three in what they are calling a major drug ring.

“This is a great lockup, members of our high risk offenders team working with the FBI task force conducted since March,” said Master Cpl. Richard Chambers of the New Castle County Police Department.

The investigation began after county police got a tip that people were dealing drugs in Wilmington, and after a monthslong investigation, they were able to make arrests and seize drugs mainly from a home on Maple Street in the city.

The three suspected drug dealers now face a long list of charges, police say. However, they say the real story is the lives likely saved from getting the illegal drugs off the street.

“A tiny bit of fentanyl can kill a lot of people, and this is great to have this amount of drugs off the streets,” said Chambers. “This could save a lot of lives.”

According to police, the bust puts a major dent in the illegal drug market in the area, but the fight is never over for law enforcement as long as lethal drugs remain on the streets.

WILMINGTON, Del. (WPVI) — Wilmington police are investigating after a man’s 2-year-old French bulldog, Tooty, was stolen during a home burglary.

Police say the crime occurred around 1:15 a.m. Friday near N. West Street and E. Matson Run Parkway.

Tooty’s owner, Jahmeir Snow, says no one was home at the time. Snow says he usually takes Tooty with him to work, but he left her at home because she’s in heat. Looking back, he wishes he hadn’t strayed from his normal routine.

“Now that she’s gone, my mind is racing constantly. Sometimes it’s even hard to focus on the road. I’m constantly reminded of her because she’s right there as my passenger,” Snow said.

“I feel like someone kidnapped my child,” he added.

Police have not released any suspect information, but video obtained by Action News purportedly shows the moments the burglar walked off with Tooty in a cage in the middle of the night.

Snow says the burglar broke down the door to get in, then, for some reason, fired shots inside. There’s now plywood where glass used to be and a bullet still lodged in the door frame. Snow says important documents, electronics, clothes and shoes were also taken.

“All the other stuff is material, but the dog is the main thing we’re worried about because I can’t replace her, ever,” Snow said.

Police have been investigating since Friday but are now turning to the public for help in finding the dog and identifying the burglary suspect.

Snow says he has no idea if he was targeted, but French bulldogs are a popular and expensive breed. Law enforcement experts say thieves target them to possibly resell or demand ransom from owners.

Anyone with information is asked to call Wilmington police.