MARCH EDITION 2025

Keeping Up With Colonial

Click above to view this month's feature from New Castle Elementary School.
Dates to Remember
April 8- Board of Education Meeting, 7 PM, William Penn Innovation Center or live stream at www.colonialschooldistrict.org
April 17- Staff Development-NO SCHOOL
April 18- Spring Break  Begins- SCHOOLS & OFFICES CLOSED 
April 21-25 Spring Break- SCHOOLS CLOSED
True2U Mental Health Assembly
A Family Feud-style mental health awareness assembly was held for 10th-graders at William Penn. It was a big hit with students who won prizes for responding to questions. What a great way for teens to learn about mental health supports and resources. Thank you LaVante Dorsey and Sharon Kelly Hake for bringing the program to your alma mater!

Penn Farm Petting Zoo

Penn Farm students hit the road and headed south to Southern Elementary School. The youngsters loved touching the small animals and hearing stories read by their role models from Colonial's student-run farm.

Top Eagles Fan

William Penn teacher David Wienner  (middle) was the only Delaware educator honored at a special gathering in Philly after being named an Eagles All-Pro Teacher of the Year. He brought home the gear to prove it and this avid fan got to rub elbows with defensive end Brandon Graham (left).

Steam Showcase

Families had a blast seeing all of the creations and activities students have done this school year related to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math at the annual STEAM Showcase. The kids loved showing off their work and learning experiences.

WE Connect

Once again district employees gathered at William Penn for a day of learning, collaboration, and growth. The professional development day was a chance for everyone to engage and learn how to better serve students while supporting each other. There were also opportunities just to laugh and have fun!

Saint Patty's Day 

Colonial students and staff traded in their cherry red and black for a day and went green, making St. Patrick's Day fun for everyone!

WE Read!

I Love to Read and Women's History Month was celebrated in a big way at Southern with a series of guest readers. Members from the Newark chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. spent a morning reading to kiddos. Andrea Haritos, co-owner of Huck & Buck Farm in Smryna, thrilled students when she came to read and included her roosters! Chester PA  firefighter and children's author Donye Price shared her book, Girls Can Be Firefighters Too, with 3rd-graders. Other admirable women included registered nurse Daria Fields and Delaware State Police Trooper Cindy Williams. WE appreciate community volunteers who support our students!

WE All Read at Gunning Bedford!

Students, staff, and families created a huge paper link chain after collectively reading the book Linked, a story about the Holocaust. Everyone was encouraged to write words describing what makes them unique to the Panther community. Literacy Coach Kelli Hughes led the One Book One School project saying, "Everyone is unique in their own way, and together we create the fibers of our school community." Everyone "linked" to Gunning Bedford appreciated the thought-provoking activity.

Amazon Delivers 

 Amazon generously donated two thousand blank notebooks to Colonial. They were dropped off at Eisenberg, but counting and boxing them to be shared with our other schools was a problem until Eisenberg's student leaders stepped up. The "Big E" kiddos did the job in no time!  WE encourage students to help others so let's thank them:
Santiago Lira                    Hiliana Hernandez                      Emiliano Nogueron
I’Mani Aikens                    Richard Edwards                        Janiya Lee             
Kamen Davis                    Evonnah McMullen                     Bo’Kee Montanez
Adrian Hernandez            Janai Mitchell-Green  

Health & Wellness Updates


You Are Not Alone- SafeDE Application

In just a few short weeks, Colonial students will be out of school for spring break.  While the school buildings are closed, SafeDE is still here to meet our students' and families’ needs.  Please use the SafeDE to search for resources or connect with a crisis counselor.


If you see or hear something that does not seem right and is a safety concern, we ask that you say something by using the “Ask for Help” button on the SafeDE app to anonymously report concerns to your school.  District and building staff will be alerted to the concern and follow up as appropriate.

For more info on the SafeDE app, please visit:
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow-Attendance Works

As we welcome the warmer weather and sunshine of spring, we also notice that students may start missing more school days. While it's great to enjoy the season, consistent attendance is crucial for student success. Every day in class provides valuable opportunities for learning, building connections with peers, and engaging with teachers to support academic growth.

If your child is experiencing physical or behavioral health challenges that might impact their attendance, please don’t hesitate to contact your school. Our support staff is here to assist you and ensure your child receives the care and guidance they need.

Let’s work together to make sure your student stays engaged and on track throughout the school year!
National School Social Workers Week

In March, Colonial recognized the work of our school social workers.  School social workers help students navigate academic, social, and emotional challenges and work with teachers, parents, and school administrators to support student success. WE thank our school social workers for all they do!! 

Say Congrats!

Tanya Aviola, School Counselor at New Castle Elementary School, is Colonial's 2025-2026 District Behavioral Health Professional of the Year. Governor Matt Meyer will recognize Tanya's well-deserved honor later this year. Way to go!
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