APRIL EDITION 2025

Keeping Up With Colonial

Click above to view this month's feature on William Penn's Garage Band.

Dates to Remember

May 6 - Board of Education Meeting- 7 PM, William Penn Innovation Center or live stream at www.colonialschooldistrict.org

May 9- Staff Development- NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

May 26- Memorial Day- SCHOOLS & OFFICES CLOSED

Leach Prom was a Hit!

Students, staff, and families had a blast at Leach's "Under the Sea" prom. Check out these video clips:

NBC10 with Tim Furlong

Leach's Tom Winkler video

Also at Leach...a First!

Delaware State Police (DSP) unveiled the "Elevate Initiative" at Leach with a special ramp so students with physical and cognitive challenges can also experience a DSP chopper demonstration. DSP Captain Jeffrey Whitmarsh, a proud Colonial grad, spent two years spearheading the project, which is believed to be the first in the nation. WE are thankful that Capt. Whitmarsh remembered his roots and launched the "Elevate Initiative" at Leach.

WDEL covered the story. Click HERE to view.

Vertical Magazine- Click HERE to read.

WE Count as Winners!

Say congrats to Gunning Bedford student Miles Young (left). He won a poster contest sponsored by the Delaware Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The competition is designed to offer an avenue for math students to express their creativity and discover the usefulness and pervasiveness of mathematics. This year's theme was Mathematics and Games. Miles created an “Intergalactic Math War.” He will go on to compete against other middle school students across the state in the quest for a cash prize!

Congratulations also to GB students Kai Trivett and Camryn Reilly for submitting posters. Panther Pride is riding high!

Castle Hills Celebrates Cultures

Students and their families traveled around the world thanks to an evening that embraced different cultures. It was a great way to learn, and the children loved the activities and tasty food!

Art, Art, and More Art

Colonial's Annual Art Show is always a showstopper and this year did not disappoint. Students and families came out to see our students' wonderful creations. Kudos to the kids and our fantastic art teachers!

Busy Days at Wilbur

Time Warp Day was enjoyed by students, teachers, and staff, and so was a special assembly featuring a yo-yo artist who delivered a message about facing challenges and never giving up.

WE Salute our Scholars

Governor Matt Meyer and Secretary of Education Cindy Marten recognized 90 public school students from the Class of 2025 including William Penn's standout scholars. Say congrats to Alexandra Mercado-Ruelas (top left), Oyinladun Akinroluyo (top right), Kayla Hewes (bottom left), and David Mayo ( bottom right). These William Penn students excel academically while balancing their studies with working part-time, participating in school clubs, and volunteering in the community. Wow!

WE Salute our Colonials

Southern paraprofessional Jade Johnson pictured with Assistant Principal Kimberly Hayman (top) was recently given an award by the Newark Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., for her community advocacy work as a trained doula- a professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to pregnant women before, during, and after childbirth.

Dr. Nick Baker, Supervisor of Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction, and Maryann Koziol (bottom), formerly from Colonial's Early Education Program (CEEP), were also recognized for their outstanding work. Both were awarded the University of Delaware College of Education and Human Development Alumni Excellence Award. We are proud of our Colonials!

Health & Wellness Updates

You Are Not Alone- SafeDE Application

Please remember to 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:

https://www.colonialschooldistrict.org/safe-de/.

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow- Attendance Works

As we welcome the warmer weather and sunshine, 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!

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New Castle, DE | 19720 US

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