Robert Poore, a physical education teacher at Southern, representing Colonial, was among the statewide finalists who represented Colonial at the Delaware Department of Education's celebration for Teacher of the Year. Rob was also a keynote speaker at Colonial's WE Celebrate banquet (see below). He was pictured on the left with his mother Barbara and wife Donna. On the right, he is pictured with Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Nicholas Baker, Superintendent, Dr. Jeffrey Menzer, Southern Principal, Jeffory Gibeault, and Board of Education member Lucy Kennedy. Thank you Rob for representing Who WE are!

Jennifer Dunford was chosen as the district's 2020-2021 ESPY winner. Dunford is a member of the Nutrition Services Division that was tasked with feeding students during the pandemic by providing a mobile feeding program and drive-through food pick-up sites. Dunford grew up in the district and jumped at the opportunity to join the nutrition services staff at Colwyck. Dunford goes out of her way to show her love for students and staff. Thank you Jennifer for representing Who WE Are! 

WE pulled it off! COVID restrictions did not stop Colonial from celebrating all of the 2022 Teachers of the Year (TOY), and Support Professionals of the Year (ESPY). A beautiful banquet was held under a tent at William Penn with a catered dinner, live music by William Penn alum Khari Hayden, "mocktails" created by culinary arts student from George Read, and culinary arts students from William Penn serving food prepared by Cafe' Gelato. Horticulture students made lovely red and black centerpieces to make the evening even more festive. District  TOY winner Robert Poore, and ESPY winner Jennifer Dunford from nutrition services, were the keynote speakers. It was a great evening,!

New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer showed up at Carrie Downie to surprise Lead Secretary Dominique Spencer with a proclamation. Teacher LaShanda Wooten wrote to Meyer about all of the selfless work Dominique has done for students and staff during the pandemic.  From spearheading fundraisers to gathering donations of food and backpacks, Dominique has done it all. She is a 2016 graduate of William Penn. Meyer proclaimed October 20, 2021, as Dominique Spencer Day. How cool is that! 

After an on-site visit to William Penn and Wallin, two students from Wallin decided to sign on the bottom line, and both have already gone to Baltimore to be processed. Pictured above is Navy recruiter Darrin Jainlett, student Kenneth Vargas with his mother Diminga, student Steven Fernandez and his stepfather Kenneth Henry. Way to go Wallin!

Wild About School Lunch was the theme of the week from October 11th-15th. The school cafeterias were decorated for the part and so were some of the nutrition services staff. The kids always enjoy this annual week that features some of their favorite nutritious foods. Special guests also pop in to help serve the students like Assistant Superintendent Betsy Fleetwood pictured on the left, Health and Wellness Director Dr.Jon Cooper in the center, and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Peter Leida on the right. First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney (bottom left)  took special delight in talking to the student scholars at Castle Hills Elementary School. Our kids love Colonial's Nutrition Services staff for all they do!

At Southern, Crazy Hat Day was a hit, and at Wilmington Manor students enjoyed wearing colors that represented their grades. Spirit Days are always fun for all!

 

On October 13th, School Board Member, Mr. Robin Crossan, visited William Penn. He toured several classrooms and spoke to teachers and students. Thank you to Mr. Erickson (Honors US History on left), Mr. Phillips (Digital Media-center), and Mr. Sopkanich (Music and William Penn’s Teacher of the Year) for being among the teachers who hosted Mr. Crossan.  William Penn would also like to thank  Mr. Crossan for spending time with our teachers and students! 

The Dolphins got a visit from Billy Penn much to the delight of students and the 4th-grade teachers above, and kids have been showing their talent by making haunted houses out of cardboard boxes. Always mixing fun with learning at Carrie Downie!

 Recently Wilmington University held post-graduate ceremonies. Jessica Pierce (top left), a 2nd-grade teacher at Eisenberg received her Bachelors of Science degree in Elementary Education since her originally scheduled graduation was canceled due to the pandemic. Sarah Phillips, a Reading Specialist at Southern (top right), earned her Master's degree in  Literacy. You can call them Dr.- that's Talent and  Development Director Jennifer Alexander (bottom right) and Nikki Jones (bottom left), Director of Schools Division; both earned their Education in District Leadership Ph.D.'s. Many others from Colonial Nation earned degrees from WilmU that day because our educators love to learn!

Tiana Sirmans, who has gained national attention as a child reporter recently interviewed Ms. Opal Lee known as the "grandmother" of Juneteenth." Lee, a retired teacher, led the fight to have Juneteeth declared a federal holiday. Juneteenth commemorates the day enslaved people in Texas got word about the Emancipation Proclamation on July 19, 1865, some two and a half years after slavery officially ended. Lee was invited to the White House ceremony by President Barack Obama. To view Tiana's interview go to her youtube channel called "Lights, Camera, Action hosted by Tiana Sirmans."

We're Back! the Annual Pumpkin Chunkin' contest was held at Leach. Pumpkins decorated by students and staff are hurled from a catapult in the parking lot of the school. Students and teachers look forward to not only decorating the pumpkins but seeing just how far they'll be hurled so the winning class can have bragging rights until next year.