SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

WE are Prepping for the Safe Return to School

We realize that many families are wondering about our plans for in-person learning. This week, our Safe Return To School planning teams are re-engaging in conversations to phase in the return to in-person learning. The intention is for some groups of students to begin in-person learning beginning October 19th. In order for us to make this occur, we sent emails to families (K to 8) to reaffirm their intentions for in-person or virtual learning for the first semester. Please be on the lookout for this email and respond accordingly. Here is a copy of the email. 

If you are a parent of a K to 8 student and did not submit your preference, or wish to change your mind CLICK HERE to share your plans when we have an in-person opportunity. It is possible that our in-person learning experiences at the elementary and middle schools will not be offered at your child’s feeder school.  If this occurs, we will provide transportation.

William Penn HS will continue to operate virtually but may begin bringing certain classes into school depending on the type of class and experience needed for learning. We will provide you with regular updates and advanced notice of possible changes. 


Expectations for in-person learning for students in grades K-8:
  • Parents must complete a COVID-19 self-screener for their child each morning +
  • All students MUST wear a face covering at all times unless eating.
  • Students must be spaced 6 feet apart in classrooms with approximately 15 to 25 students per room.
  • Students will remain in the same seat/desk in one classroom throughout the day and staff will rotate into the classrooms; this includes lunchtime.
  • Students will continue to use technology on a daily basis and are expected to bring devices to and from school.
  • Students must follow all safety protocols regarding handwashing, use of hand sanitizer, and social distancing.
  • All bus riders MUST wear masks, sit socially distanced, and sanitize hands before boarding.
  • There will be no in-person clubs or sports for K to 8 students.
  • Students may not have the same teacher for in-person that they have had for virtual learning.
  • If the school nurse determines that your child is sick, they must be picked up as soon as you are notified.
  • Students will be required to follow all Division of Public Health (DPH) guidance on self-quarantining if necessary.

    In the meantime, it is our expectation that the Virtual Academy experiences are proving to be more robust and aligned with the promise of high-quality learning in Colonial than in the spring.
  • Please CLICK HERE to take a brief survey to share your reflections so far. We urge any parents that have questions to speak directly with their child’s teacher or principal.
  • If a child’s device is not working properly, our technology team is here to assist via http://www.colonialschooldistrict.org/technology-help/
  • Also, our Home Learning sessions have been great for parents...there are still sessions remaining. 

CSD Parent University

Colonial is creating a Parent University to provide some technical support and training for parents during this remote learning period. Beginning later this month, these live sessions will give parents insight on remote learning tools such as Schoology, Kami, and much more. 
Details will be available soon on our website and social media.


Virtual Learning can be Challenging but...

While Colonial’s Virtual Academy is now more robust, engaging, and even fun for students, it can still be a challenge for kids and adults. The following link has tips for parents/guardians/Child Care Providers on how to motivate children under our “new normal” which includes remote learning.

https://reliefweb.int/report/jordan/how-motivate-your-children-during-remote-learning-tips-parents-enar

Some students may be mastering their academic work but need emotional support because they miss the traditional school setting and their friends.  Gunning Bedford School Counselor Shaheda Pine wants families to know they can contact their child’s school for help saying,   “Although we are remote, school counselors are available to provide services for your child. They are still meeting with students for check-ins, individual and group counseling as well as classroom advisory lessons. Please reach out to your child’s school counselor to schedule a time to chat.” 

WE are prepping for Fall Sports

High School sports have been approved by the DIAA and the State Board of Education. Practices will begin Monday, Sept. 28th, and will be held from 4-6 PM throughout the month of Oct. All athletics MUST bring a face mask and their own water bottle to every practice. Field hockey, cross country, boys soccer, and volleyball, contests will be on Monday, Oct. 19 and each sport will be allowed up to 12 contests. For football, contests will begin on the weekend of Oct. 23 and will hold a  seven (7) game schedule.

William Penn will be participating with Varsity level sports with a hope to add some JV level games for all fall sports.  Freshman level contests will not be held this year.  

Please refer to Colonialssports.com for up-to-date information about times and other details. Questions should be directed to Athletic Director Matt Sabol at matthew.sabol@colonial.k12.de.us

Given the increased need for safety measures and protocols, Colonial will not be offering middle school sports during the fall season. We continue to remain focused on safely returning to face-to-face instruction and as mentioned above, high school fall sports. We hope to resume middle school athletics during the winter season.

WE Support our Community- Hands Across the 9

Community organizers along the Route 9 corridor have invited everyone in Colonial Nation to join them in an event intended to show unity and social awareness. On Saturday, October 3rd, participants are encouraged to meet in the parking lot across from Sunbelt Rentals at 3128 New Castle Avenue. Parking will be limited, so carpooling is STRONGLY encouraged. Participants can also park in the surrounding area and walk up to the meeting site where there will be a tent and music. Registration begins at 8:45 am, but the event starts at 10:00 sharp. Howard Laws, the resident who envisioned this community gathering says, “ for seven ( 7) minutes and 20 seconds (New Castle’s area code), we will celebrate unity!  It will just be fun to socially distance and hang out together!” Click here for more information
Participants MUST wear a face mask and all are welcome to come. Students and staff from the school district are encouraged to wear their Colonial Nation T-shirts. Don’t have any? Click this link to order. 

Get Geared up for the School Year! 

Get your CSD gear delivered right to your door! Click on the school below to shop for some great CSD school apparel and more! 
http://www.colonialschooldistrict.org/apparel/

Free Books for our Youngsters!

Thanks to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, children from birth to age five can receive a free book in the mail each month. These quality books were selected by a national panel.

This program is brought to you by Delaware Libraries, a program of First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney's First Chance Initiative.

To sign up a child, visit: https://lib.de.us/imagination/  because our kids love to read!

Poetry Recital Contest

Harlem is a community in New York.  During the early 1900’s Harlem was the place where many African-American artists lived--including many writers.  There was so much outstanding artwork, music, and literature that it was called “The Harlem Renaissance Period.” Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. encourages you to learn about some of these outstanding artists—particularly the poets.

This year’s contest will be held on Saturday, October 24th   at 2:00 p.m. and will be done via ZOOM.

By participating in this Poetry Contest, you will have a platform to perform your chosen poem from the Harlem Renaissance Period. You will compete with others from your Grade Group (Grades 4-6; Grades 7-9; Grades 10-12) in New Castle County. Each participant will receive a certificate.  Additionally, all 1st Place, 2nd  Place, and 3rd Place winners in each Grade Group will also receive monetary ($$$) awards!  For more details and eligibility information contact arts@zetaomegadelaware.org

WE Must Continue to Keep Kiddos Informed!

Below are animated videos to help young children understand more about fighting coronavirus.
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