DECEMBER EDITION 2024

Gifts from the Heart

Click the arrow to view a story that will warm your heart for the holidays.
Dates to Remember
Dec. 23 to January 3 Winter Break Schools & Offices CLOSED
 January 14 Board of Education Meeting, 7 PM, William Penn Innovation Center or live stream at www.colonialschooldistrict.org
January 17 Staff Development NO SCHOOL
January 20 Martin Luther King Holiday- Schools & Offices CLOSED

Thanks Neighbor 

When a Dot Foods truck pulls up to Southern Elementary School it can only mean one thing, the company's Neighbor to Neighbor program is back in action. Thanks to DOT Foods, the pantry is fully stocked just in time to help our families during the holidays. WE love our community partners!

Tis' the Season

Members of the New Castle County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Associates adopted a family from Southern for the holidays (left), while Deputy Superintendent Dr. Nneka Jones asked everyone in the administration building to adopt a family from McCullough and William Penn (right). Both Adopt-a-Family efforts mean our students will be supported with things they want and need because WE care!

Sneaker Giveaway

Thanks to a national organization called Shoes That Fit, the Colonial School District received 267 pairs of new sneakers for needy students. The giveaway included new socks, hygiene products, and a Christmas stocking.

Toy Drive

Students and staff at William Penn were in the spirit of giving when they collected new toys for area children to enjoy for the holidays.

Coat Giveaway

Every student at Eisenberg received a free coat and a warm holiday send-off that included fire trucks, a coat parade, the 76ers drill team, volunteers, and of course, Santa Claus. This awesome event was sponsored by The Delaware KIDS Fund, Harvey, Hanna & Associates, Operation Warm, and 30 area businesses. It was a great day for Berg Nation, the kids were overjoyed! 

Ho, Ho, Ho!

Santa returned to Castle Hills to thrill students and staff like he has year after year. Special thanks go out to the Goodwill Fire Company for giving our own St. Nick a ride. Supervisor of Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction, Dr. Nick Baker makes special appearances for Santa when he's busy preparing for Christmas Day.

Santa Hitched a Ride

The US Coast Guard gave Santa a ride to Leach where he was greeted by students and staff outside. Inside, he took pictures with his young friends just like he has year after year.

Let's Party!

William Penn's Culinary Arts students prepared a holiday feast for New Castle Senior Center members. Students with Future Farmers of America also made the trip to help serve the meal, but not before all of the students danced the day away with the seniors. The holiday party was sponsored by Croda, a local chemical manufacturing company that generously supports Colonial. Everyone had a ball!

Health & Wellness

School-Based Health Centers in Colonial: Support for Your Child’s Physical and Emotional Well-Being

As winter weather sets in, we often see an increase in physical illnesses as well as cases of the "winter blues." Our school-based health centers are here to support your child’s health, both physically and emotionally. If your child needs assistance, please reach out to a member of their care team using the contact information below.

Nemours School-Based Health Centers
Available at all district elementary schools, and McCullough Middle.
Phone: (302) 512-7500
Website: app.nemours.org/sbhc

Christiana Care School-Based Health Center
Available at: William Penn
Phone: (302) 324-5740
Website: WP Wellness Center

Looking Ahead to 2025: Let's Make Every Day Count!

As we head into the new year, we encourage our students and families to set the goal of showing up for school each and every day. We know that for students to grow academically and succeed, consistent attendance and engagement are key.

We understand that there will be times when a student may need to miss school due to illness, doctor’s appointments, or other reasons. If you are unsure whether your child is too sick to attend school, we encourage you to consult with the school nurse or your physician for guidance. Additionally, whenever possible, try to schedule appointments on days when school is closed to minimize disruptions to your child’s learning.

We appreciate your partnership in helping us “make every day count” for our students. If you have any questions about your child’s attendance, please reach out to your school counselor. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on January 6th!
Nominate our next Behavioral Health Professional of the Year

Do you know a CSD staff member who is dedicated, inspiring, and making a difference?

A BHP Award is given to a school employee whose position is health care practitioner or social or human services provider who offers services for the purpose of improving an individual’s mental health, such as

• School counselors

• School social workers

• Licensed clinical social workers

• School psychologists

• School nurses

If you have questions or comments please email Cheri Woodall,

Supervisor of Health and Wellness, at cheri.woodall@colonial.k12.de.us

Please submit nominations by Friday, January 17, 2025 HERE

Winter Break Support and Resources

While schools are closed for the winter break, we want to remind you that you are not alone. If you or your family need assistance, the SafeDE application is available to connect you with resources from our community partners. You can also use the app to request support from the school once it reopens.

Additionally, the SafeDE app allows students and families to report any safety concerns anonymously.

For more information and to access the SafeDE application, please visit:
SafeDE Information
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