Colonial Nation joined the nation in celebrating all of the dedicated people who prepare nutritious meals for our students. As part of National School Lunch Week Superintendent, Dr. Jeffrey Menzer spent a day helping nutrition services and transportation workers deliver meals to neighborhoods in the District. Delaware's First Lady, Tracey Quillen Carney, also stopped by to express her appreciation to workers and to Nutrition Services Supervisor Paula Angelucci pictured above on the right. Other administrators and staff also picked days to ride along and help with food distribution. Action News was on the scene to see Dr. Menzer lending a hand. Take a look at the video below.

William Penn football players were featured in The News Journal. Check out the videotaped report by clicking the link.https://www.delawareonline.com/videos/sports/high-school/2020/10/07/delaware-hs-athletes-mask-up-safety/5902632002/ 

Rebecca Vitelli,  Delaware's Teacher of the Year was featured in Delaware's Business Times.  Last school year Vitelli was named Colonial's District Teacher of the Year and she later earned the state title. Click the link to read about her in an article featuring  40 of the top Delawareans age 40 and under.  https://delawarebusinesstimes.com/events/dbt40/dbt40-2020-rebecca-vitelli/

Peggie Buchanan (top left) and Cheryl Sill ( top right) have a lot in common. Both love their jobs. Both love kids, and both work for Colonial’s Transportation Division. What is uncommon is both have worked side by side for 12 years. Buchanan is the driver on bus 100, and Sill is her aide.

“We even finish each other’s sentences when it comes to the kids, or I can just look in the mirror and she knows to have a certain kid sit down or something like that. We just know, we read each other,” Buchanan says. 

Over the years the co-workers have developed a special relationship. “We’re friends, I look up to her. I value her opinion,” Sill says. Sill has been a bus aide for a total of 15 years and Buchanan has spent 30 years behind the wheel, with plans to retire at the end of December.

“She keeps telling me when I retire I have to pay her alimony and all this crazy stuff!” Buchanan laughed.  Sill admits she’s not looking forward to losing her road partner. “I get upset just thinking about it. It’s not going to be good. I don’t know how I’m going to adjust to this but I know I have to.”

Until that day, the driving duo will continue doing what they love together. Both saying they consider themselves lucky because not all partners get along as well as they do with Buchanan adding, “We’re both in it for the same thing, which is the kids. We both care dearly about our children, our students.”  Both are now helping Nutrition Services workers deliver meals to students who are learning remotely but the route is not near their usual one where they might see familiar faces. “I miss my kids, and I mean my kids. Once they’re on my bus they’re mine and I miss them dearly. I worry about them and I can’t wait to see my babies again!” Buchanan says, with her partner nodding in agreement knowing she would echo the very same sentiments.

Virtual learning is a lot more fun when you put a little spirit into it. Students and teachers were all smiles for the Wildcats' first virtual Spirit Day!

This month there were designated national days to celebrate those who are a major part of the Power of WE. Administrators, custodians, technology, and transportation workers all had a special day where they were acknowledged by Colonial Nation. This year, more than ever,  these team employees have stepped up to the challenges presented because of COVID 19. Thanks to all for your hard work and dedication!

Castle Hills Guidance Counselor Heidi Gerhard got to see the Power of WE in action when she dropped off a Chromebook for one of the school's scholars who had a broken one. The student's grandmother was not only helping that student but all nine of her grandchildren with remote learning.  "What I saw was pure awesomeness!! This grandparent, Bonita Finney, had all of the children at independent work stations, she had an incentive wall, she had a prize box the children could pick from if they received a shout out from their teacher, and so much more.  I was in awe of her organization and all that she is able to do for our scholars. Thanks to families like this #WeGotThis," Gerhard said. Way to go Ms. Finney!