William Penn’s Band Director John Sopkanich was supposed to wed the love of his life, Joanna, on May 8th. The couple planned a big wedding but due to the pandemic, they rescheduled it for September. With all of the uncertainty regarding the future, they didn't want  to risk postponing it again so the lovebirds decided not to wait.”We applied for a marriage license and within four days we planned a spontaneous wedding in my grandmother's garden with just us and our immediate family,” he said.  The newlyweds say they’ll host a big celebration when it’s safe for all to attend, but thanks to social media they did have guests. “We shared the day virtually with our close friends and other family members via zoom. It wasn't what we originally planned, but we wouldn't trade that day for anything. Even in the midst of a global pandemic, Sunday, May 10th was the happiest day of our lives!” he said. Congratulations from Colonial Nation!

Castle Hills teacher Lozetta Hayden (center) is used to having her son Khari Hayden, play his saxophone for her on Mother’s Day.  Khari, who goes by the performing name Khayden, is a professional saxophonist who graduated from William Penn in 2014. About five years ago, he began playing for his mother at restaurants so others could also enjoy his music.  Due to the pandemic, Khari knew he wouldn’t be able to perform at a restaurant, but he was determined to continue the tradition in a very special way. “Instead of just playing at my house, he met up with me and some of my Castle Hills family and friends and held a socially distant concert!” Hayden said. Some people listened from their cars, while others sat beside them but Hayden says all enjoyed the outdoor concert held in the school’s parking lot. “It was so well received that a neighbor listening in his home, jumped in the car to request one more song,” Hayden said. Khayden didn't hesitate and played,” It's a Wonderful World.” Later, Hayden learned the gentleman who made the request had to place his wife of 30 years in a facility and was at home alone because visitors are no longer allowed.  “During these uncertain times, Khayden reminded all of the healing power of music!” the proud mother said.

Students had fun while learning during Scavenger Hunt Week. Each day the kids were asked to post pictures of them finding certain objects. Above, students and staff were asked to find items with numbers on them. From things made of metal to things that make noise, the Castle Hills Scholars had a great time playing the virtual game!

Unit DE-20051 at William Penn High School has been selected as one of 50 units to receive the 2019-2020 Air Force JROTC Outstanding Organization Award!  This award recognizes Air Force JROTC units that have performed well above and beyond normal expectations and have distinguished themselves through outstanding service to their school and community while meeting the Air Force JROTC citizen development mission for America. Colonial Nation salutes William Penn’s Air Force JROTC for a job well done!

Colonial administrators personally delivered yard signs to all of the building Teachers of the Year. Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Menzer is pictured above making a delivery. All of the candidates were nominated by their peers, and a committee will select one to be named the District Teacher of the Year. That teacher will attend a banquet hosted by the Delaware Department of Education along with other district Teachers of the Year from public schools in the state. One outstanding educator will be named Delaware’s Teacher of the Year.  The outgoing Delaware Teacher of the Year is our own Rebecca Vitelli, who teaches preschoolers in Colonial’s Early Education Program  

Members of the community continue to show their thanks to the Nutrition Services and Transportation staff. Homemade cupcakes were dropped off at William Penn by one appreciative mother, and an anonymous person dropped off a gift bag with four face masks inside.

To date, Colonial has delivered 229,990 meals to students. Remember, on Wednesday, May 20th, five breakfasts, and five lunches will be distributed for the long Memorial Day weekend.   The bags will be heavy, so please consider accompanying your child or providing a wagon for pick up. No meals will be distributed on Monday, May 25th.  

During the week of June 15th, schools will allow families to pick up any necessary belongings through a curbside pickup. Specific details will come at a later date for each school. 

 This Virtual Block Party will include a live DJ. Youth Engagement Specialists will also be sharing key facts and figures to help youth during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.“Especially in the time of COVID-19 where we are physically distancing, it’s important to have connections such as these” said the sponsors. Visit http://www.systemofcarevirtualblockparty.com/ on Saturday, May 16, from 2-4 p.m. to tune in.