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New child care center coming to Wilmington in 2026: Education roundup

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New child care center coming to Wilmington in 2026: Education roundup


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As the winter holidays fade to memory, most Delaware schools should be heating back up.

In the Wilmington area, two Catholic schools – Archmere and Nativity Prep – have announced new leadership at their highest ranks. And in the same city this spring, the YMCA of Delaware is slated to bring its new Early Learning Academy on the East Side.

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Also just ahead of the new year, Delaware Community Foundation announced open applications for some 82 scholarships. Last year, that meant more than $850,000 in aid for Delaware students.

In this weekly roundup, we’ll catch you up on these and other education stories you may have missed.

(Did we miss another good education story? Let me know: kepowers@gannett.com)

Wilmington will soon see a new YMCA Early Learning Academy

YMCA of Delaware is looking to inject more affordable child care into Delaware’s largest city.

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As previously reported, the Community Education Building – or a Wilmington high-rise packed with four schools, seven nonprofits, some 1,500 students and family services – is bringing its new, 11,000-square-foot Youth Development Center next door, on Wilmington’s East Side. And thanks to this partnership, it will now include a YMCA Early Learning Academy.

Launching this spring, the academy will gear up to serve up to 100 children, according to a press release, from infancy through pre-K. Enrollment begins Jan. 5, according to the YMCA.

The academy will “focus on nurturing academic readiness, social-emotional development, and lifelong confidence during the most critical years of child development,” according to the nonprofit. All said, the goal is to ensure each child gets “a strong start.”

The overall youth center came together with well over $20 million in funding, fueling aims for athletic facilities, spaces for workforce development programs, an early learning center and more near the 1200 block of Wilson St.

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“This project is about opportunity – creating a space where families feel supported and every child has the chance to succeed,” said Jarrett Royster, CEO of the YMCA of Delaware, in a statement.

ICYMI: New scholarships for Delaware students available

The Delaware Community Foundation has opened applications for its 2026–2027 scholarships.

From Dec. 15, 2025, to March 15, 2026, students can apply for 82 scholarships covering a wide variety of majors, backgrounds, and financial needs. For the first time, according to the foundation, that also includes funding for students pursuing trade programs. The aid is fueled by community donors.

Awards range from a single $500 payment – to one-time awards of $20,000 or four-year scholarships of $10,000 a year.

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Just last year, the foundation said it awarded some $851,500 to 245 Delaware students, a 30% increase from the year before. This year they’re right back at it.

Interested students and families should check out the 2026-2027 Scholarship Compendium online.

Archmere Academy announces new head of school

Just before the holiday season hit full swing, Archmere Academy announced a new head of school to lead the historic, Catholic prep school’s next chapter.

That will be Daniel Hickey of Archmere’s own class of 1989.

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Hickey will have hefty shoes to fill. According to this Dec. 16 appointment announcement, Michael Marinelli has led the Claymont institution for the last 15 years. Marinelli is looking to retire, as he told his board of trustees about two years ago, after a long stint strengthening enrollment, enhancing campus and steering a school through pandemic shutdown.

Now, after an “extensive national and international search,” the board has approved Hickey to step up, effective July 1, 2026. The next head of school already maintains “deep ties” to Archmere, according to the school, alongside experience in leadership and Catholic education.

After graduating, he headed to Dickinson College to major in English and minor in fine arts, while also playing football. English remains his passion subject to teach. Later, he worked in admissions in both Dickinson and American University, where he also earned his master’s degree in literature. He returned to Archmere in 1998 to lead, teach and coach football.

By 2006, he was wrapping up his doctorate degree in educational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, according to Archmere, and he joined Tower Hill. There, he held various positions of leadership, including head of the Upper School. Since 2017, Hickey has been head of school at Upland Country Day School in Pennsylvania.

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As Hickey said in a portion of his first written statement to the Archmere community: “I am extremely excited and deeply committed to leading Archmere into its next chapter – solidifying its reputation as one of the finest independent Catholic schools in the nation, while preserving and renewing the heritage and communion that has meant so much in my own life.”

Wilmington’s Nativity Prep School names new president

The Nativity Preparatory School – a tuition-free, Catholic middle school for boys in the heart of Wilmington – also just named its next leader.

Tony Alleyne will serve as the next president of the school, effective Jan. 5, bringing more more than 20 years of experience in education and leadership to the school in its 23rd year. The board of trustees announced the hire on Dec. 29.

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“Dr. Alleyne brings a rare combination of educational excellence, visionary non-profit leadership and deep care for young people,” said Pat Blewett, chair of the board, in the announcement.

Alleyne most recently worked as the founder and executive director of Delaware College Scholars, a nonprofit promoting college access and more. That program has raised more than $10 million, according to Nativity Prep, while managing a $1.2 million organizational budget and other student supports.

Before that post, Alleyne also spent a decade at St. Andrew’s School near Middletown. The educator worked as a history teacher, coach, dorm parent, college counselor and senior admissions administrator – later rising to interim director of admissions. He has also worked in North Carolina, where his teaching career began, as well as a stint in Shanghai.

Here in Delaware, Alleyne has served on several boards, while also earning national and regional honors. The new president brings with him a doctorate in educational leadership from University of Pennsylvania, alongside a mater’s degree from Columbia University’s Klingenstein Center.

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“Nativity’s belief in the dignity, brilliance, and potential of young men – especially those from communities like the one I grew up in – aligns perfectly with my own values and life’s work,” Alleyne said in a statement.

Got another education tip? Contact Kelly Powers at kepowers@usatodayco.com.



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Delaware woman charged in Jersey shore hit-and-run that injured 92-year-old man

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Delaware woman charged in Jersey shore hit-and-run that injured 92-year-old man


VENTNOR, N.J. (WPVI) — A Delaware woman is behind bars in connection with a hit-and-run crash in November at the Jersey shore.

(The video in the player above is from previous coverage.)

The incident happened around 6:16 p.m. on Nov. 20 in Ventnor, New Jersey.

READ MORE | Video shows Jersey shore hit-and-run crash that left 92-year-old injured

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Police said the 92-year-old victim was struck at Ventnor and Newport avenues. He sustained serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

Investigators said the driver, Leslie Myers, 51, of Weldin Park, Delaware, fled the scene after the crash.

She was arrested Wednesday on charges of assault by auto, leaving the scene of an accident and other related offenses.

Myers is being held in the Allegheny County Jail in Pennsylvania, awaiting extradition to New Jersey.

Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.

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Delaware announces plan to tackle climate warming emissions

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Delaware announces plan to tackle climate warming emissions


This story is part of the WHYY News Climate Desk, bringing you news and solutions for our changing region.

From the Poconos to the Jersey Shore to the mouth of the Delaware Bay, what do you want to know about climate change? What would you like us to cover? Get in touch.


Delaware’s top environmental regulators have proposed steps to reduce climate-warming fossil fuel pollution, while protecting residents from threats like extreme heat and floods.

The state’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control on Wednesday released its 2025 Climate Action Plan. The nonbinding proposal outlines a path to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, as required by the state’s Climate Change Solutions Act.

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Officials said Delaware residents continue to experience the impacts of climate change including severe storms like the 2021 Hurricane Ida, which forced people out of their homes, with some remaining unhoused a year later. In addition, sea level rise and beach erosion has flooded coastal communities and damaged critical infrastructure.

“Flooding, extreme storms and heat damage infrastructure that wasn’t built to withstand these conditions, including our energy systems,” said Susan Love, the agency’s climate and sustainability section administrator. “Sea level rise is drowning wetlands and uplands, and impacting water quality and availability. Damage from storms has increased costs for infrastructure and insurance coverage, and all of these impacts can negatively impact human health as well.”

Recommendations include strategies to reduce emissions from vehicles, industrial activities and electricity production — the source of the state’s top climate emissions.

The plan, which builds on similar goals set in 2021, comes as President Donald Trump’s administration has cut clean energy funding and prioritized U.S. reliance on fossil fuels.

“There is no doubt that the reduced funding in a lot of these areas from the federal government makes these goals and strategies harder to implement,” said DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson. “It is up to us to keep trying to work towards them, even knowing that it’s going to be a little harder to do without the federal resources that even a year ago we thought we could count on.”

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Delaware officials plan to promote public transit, electric vehicles and clean hydrogen

The plan calls for increased bus and train ridership while improving access to electric vehicles and charging stations. Though lawmakers repealed a mandate that would have required manufacturers to produce a set number of electric vehicles, DNREC wants to expand programs that incentivize the optional sale of electric vehicles.

However, Love emphasized the state “can’t EV our way out of transportation emission.”

“A lot of work needs to be done as well to reduce the amount that we drive vehicles, by good land use choices, mass transit and making it easier for people to walk, bike and roll to their destinations,” she said.



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Can you legally ride e-bikes and scooters in Delaware

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Can you legally ride e-bikes and scooters in Delaware


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Sure, cars and motorcycles are popular ways to get around. But if you can’t afford either one, an electric bike might save the day like Delaware’s own Superman.

Then again, is it legal to cruise around on an electric bike or electric scooter in Delaware?

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Here’s a guide to help you stay out of trouble when traveling in the Small Wonder:

What are Delaware laws for riding electric bikes?

An electric bicycle may be ridden anywhere bicycles are allowed (unless posted otherwise), which includes streets, highways, roadways, shoulders and bicycle lanes.

Delaware prohibits anyone under the age of 16 from operating an electric bicycle, which features pedal assist only and tops off at 28 mph.

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Difference between electric scooter, triped and moped explained

A motorized skateboard or scooter is any vehicle with two wheels on the ground, handlebars and a hand-controlled throttle or brake, designed to be stood or sat upon by the operator, according to Delaware law.

While mopeds and tripeds are similar in design and size, mopeds have two wheels and tripeds have three wheels.

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Where can you legally ride motorized vehicles?

Delaware law states that motorized skateboards or scooters can be used on public streets or highways as long as they are in the neutral position or the powertrain function is disengaged. However, in Newark, you can be fined $100 for riding motorized scooters on streets and sidewalks.

Mopeds and tripeds are prohibited on interstates and operating railroads, according to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.

Do you need insurance for a triped or moped?

No motor vehicle insurance is required for operating a moped or triped, according to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.

What rules are there for riding a scooter?

Delaware state law states that a person cannot operate a motorized skateboard or scooter while under the influence of alcohol or any drug.

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Are there license and registration requirements for electric bikes?

If you want to operate scooters, they must be tagged and registered by the Division of Motor Vehicles, and the operator must have a valid driver’s license.

The Delaware DMV states that a basic driver’s license is required to travel with a moped or triped on public roadways.

The state of Delaware does not have any licensing or registration requirements for electric bikes.

Who can legally ride an electric scooter?

The minimum age to operate a scooter is 16.  No person under 12 can operate a scooter unless they are under adult supervision or a parent or legal guardian.

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Is there a law for wearing a helmet on a motorized scooter or skateboard?

To operate a motorized skateboard or scooter, bicycle-type helmets are required for those under 16, according to Delaware State law.

If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters



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