OCTOBER 2023 EDITION 

Keeping Up with Colonial


Dates to Remember


  • Nov. 6: Staff Development- NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
  • Nov. 10:Veterans Day-SCHOOLS & OFFICES CLOSED
  • Nov 14: School Board Meeting 7 PM William Penn Innovation Center. Livestream  www.colonialschooldistrict.org.
  • Nov. 20-21: PreK to 12 Conferences-NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
  • Nov. 22-24:SCHOOLS & OFFICES CLOSED

It's a Groove to Support CEEP!

Colonial's Early Education Program (CEEP) was shown some love by a former student worker and members of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. Corlin Robinson (right) was a student worker during the 2020-2021 school year. To show his appreciation he partnered with his fellow Groovers at Delaware State University and the student sector of NAACP to provide breakfast treats to the staff and left a few other gifts for the classrooms. The Power of WE was in full effect!

Bocce Tournament

Thanks to Special Olympics Delaware and student volunteers from William Penn, students with physical and cognitive challenges were able to participate in a Bocce Tournament. Every athlete tried their very best, making each one a champion! Check out this story on WDEL.

Operation Hair Care

An ongoing community partnership with Paul Mitchell the School meant another group of elementary students got free salon services. The makeovers made the kids smile, while the cosmetology students got hands-on experience. It's been a win-win partnership for many years and WE thank Paul Mitchell for making our students look and feel great!

Picture Perfect!

Thanks to Communities in Schools Coordinator Andre Harris, students at Eisenberg got free haircuts, curls, and braids for Picture Day. Harris solicited help from Desiree Spearman, owner of Lovelyhair (left), Kash Evans, Kutz by Kash (middle), and Loctician, Jahkeah Houi. WE love our community partners who give back to benefit students!

First Lady Served Up Southern Hospitality

Delaware First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney served students squash at Southern. It was Tasting Tuesday and the kids loved sampling the squash grown on our own Penn Farm, but it was extra tasty because a very important guest encouraged the kids to try the dish!

Pumpkin Chunkin' at Leach

It's that time of year again and students and staff at Leach love it...a good time was had by all.

It's Fall Festival Time

It gets bigger and better every year! Southern's Fall Festival is a great time for students, their families, and all of the administrators,  teachers, and staff who make it so much fun!

Trunk or Treat at Pleasantville

Pleasantville's  PTA got plenty of help making their Trunk or Treat event extra special for Polar Bears. The staff, community businesses,  members of  Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Colonial Education Association, and Wilmington Manor Fire Company came together to make a creative fun-filled event!

Another Community Partnership Pays off

Waste Management made a  $25,000.00 donation for security upgrades at McCullough!  Waste Management is also interested in partnering with the Mustangs on programming initiatives that they offer. Pictured with company representatives are Executive Director of Business, Emily Falcon (far left) School Board member Ron Handy (to the right of Ms. Falcon), and McCullough Principal Hyacinth Lewis (right). 

Thanks, Christiana Care!

William Penn's Allied Health students participated in their annual Allied Health Career Day. This year's event took place at the John Ammon Education Center at Christiana Care's Medical Campus in Stanton. Learning stations included Ambulance and EMT experiences, learning from WP Alumni in the field, talking with nursing and flight medics, and an afternoon career fair with industry partners. 

Legendary Coaches Honored

It was like a huge class reunion when William Penn held a social to honor former unforgettable coaches at William Penn. Mel Gardner (top left) Bruce Reynolds (top middle), Roe Bianchini (top right), and Jack Holloway (lower left) all have sports fields and facilities named after them now because of their winning ways as Colonial coaches. From line dancing to catching up, it was a great time for all!

WE Had a Night!

Colonial honored Behavioral Health Professional of the Year, Courtney Waters (top left in red) Educational Support Professional of the Year Nicole Gebhart (center right), and Teacher of the Year Michelle Reutter with a night to be remembered. There was live music, excellent food, and great company with all building winners, their guests, and administrators!

Safety & Wellness 


Beginning next week, we will be releasing updates to our students and families regarding applications Colonial utilizes to monitor student use of district technology (GoGuardian) as well as report safety concerns (StopIt).  To make sure you are receiving the most up-to-date information, please make sure your email address is up to date with your school and that you follow Colonial School District on social media.


School-Based Wellness Centers are Open

School-Based Health Centers are a resource for getting physicals, immunization, or seasonal vaccines such as the flu shot.  Please see the contact information below to register your child for your school’s health center and to schedule an appointment.

*Nemours School-Based Health Centers (Elementary Schools)
Phone: (302) 429-4083
Hours: Monday-Friday 8-4:30

*William Penn School-Based Health Center (High School)
Phone: (302) 324-5740
Hours: Monday-Friday 8-3:30


Get four free at-⁠home COVID-19 tests this fall on COVIDTests.gov

Every Single Day Counts!

As we prepare for the upcoming holiday season, it is important to make note of the days when school is scheduled to be closed by reviewing the school calendar.  These dates are great times to schedule appointments so students don't have to miss additional time. 

As long as your child is healthy, please make certain your student shows up to class when school is in session. Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to learn as well as connect to peers and their teachers.  If your child is ill and going to be out of school for a couple of days, please notify your school nurse.

If your family is struggling and in need of support, please reach out to your school counselor or building administrator.  

powered by emma