OCTOBER 1, 2020

Update on Re-Opening Schools

Our buildings have been prepared for a safe return to school for our students. Beginning the week of October 19th, we will start bringing some groups of students back.  A decision as to what groups will return will be announced on Monday, October 5th.  Workgroups are finalizing their plans and we will also share when other groups of students will be able to return to face to face instruction.   
If you are a parent of  Pre-K to 8 students 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.

Also, October 9th is a Professional Development Day for our teachers, virtual learning will be assigned to students. The Nutrition Services Division will provide extra meals on October 8th so students can complete their studies with a nutritious breakfast and lunch.

CSD to Host COVID Testing Sites for Students 

As we finalize our preparations for our return to school for some students beginning the week of  October 19, we'd like to share details with you on how you can get your child tested for COVID prior to the start of in-school classes.  To prevent the spread of COVID in our schools and community by children who may be unaware they have COVID or are displaying no symptoms (asymptomatic), we are STRONGLY URGING you to get your student tested.  To facilitate this process, we are working closely with New Castle County  (NCC) to offer a variety of testing options for you. Students participating in Colonial’s Virtual Academy are encouraged to get tested as well. Here are your options:

NCC will host drive-through testing sites at a variety of locations in our District between Oct. 5th and Oct. 15th.  

You should PRE-REGISTER for your COVID test online using the link below.
Today the DE Curative site will have the testing sites below "live" for pre-registration.  Next week, the remaining sites listed will be available for pre-registration.  Go to this website TODAY to register if you plan to go this week.  Each site can test approximately 1,200 students.

https://delaware.curativeinc.com/welcome

State of Delaware | COVID-19 Testing
Free COVID-19 testing is being provided within the State of Delaware. The tests provided through this program are mouth swab tests that do not require assistance.
delaware.curativeinc.com

In addition to the NCC drive-through testing sites, parents have the option to have a student tested at a State Service Center, Walgreens, or Public Health Clinic.  These are permanent testing sites, organized by the DE Dept. of Public Health.  This is the link:
https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/177/2020/09/ENG-NC_Permanent_Covid_Testing_sites-1.pdf
 
WEEK ONE -pre-registration available TODAY
Friday, Oct. 9th-William Penn 2:30-7:30 PM
Saturday, Oct 10th- William Penn 9-3 PM
 
WEEK TWO testing - registration opens on Oct. 8th
Wednesday, October 14th -  Gunning Bedford Middle School
Thursday, October 15th -  William Penn High School

It's College Application Month!

Delaware’s College Application Month (CAM) will run from October 1st – November 30th. During that time, Delaware high school seniors can apply to all of Delaware’s colleges & universities for free. As we do every year, the William Penn School Counselors are available to Seniors and their families during this exciting and important time. CAM information will be shared with families through emails and Schoology messages. While School Counselors will be checking in with Seniors on their application progress, it’s VERY important that Seniors and their families keep their School Counselor in the loop and aware of any questions/concerns they’re having. The Counseling Department put together a slideshow specific to CAM steps: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQPBfFiV2naLRTd_yZ12S0hOoeJOQ-YaqKMzahC0RJtqVMqGUVgknipFfxciD6RT4UQdVpsweniOY4j/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000

News from Dept. of Education for High School Students

The information on our 17 Delaware Student Success webinars is now live and posted on our Delaware Student Success web site.  Attached a pdf listing the sessions. All information, including descriptions and zoom registration details, are here: www.delawarestudentsuccess.org.  These sessions are for students and families. School counselors, other educators, community organizations are welcome to attend. There is a master calendar on the homepage, which includes DOE’s webinars, as well as admissions events from our DE IHEs, and StandByMe financial aid/FAFSA/scholarship virtual sessions. Given the virtual learning environment, we are providing this information as additional supports for students, families, school counselors, and any educator who may find it helpful.

Update on High School Sports

Fall sports are underway, but COVID restrictions mean a number of changes for players and fans. All players are required to take temperature checks, answer health-related questions before each practice and game, and wear face masks. Social distancing is being followed in locker rooms and equipment is being sanitized periodically throughout practices and games. William Penn’s first football home game will be Saturday, November 7th at 1:00 PM but there will be no open admission for fans. Each player, band member, and cheerleader will be issued two free tickets per game for spectators. Seats in the stands are marked so social distancing will be practiced. The football season will consist of seven games, four of which will be played at home. In other sports, the same COVID restrictions apply, however, players will be allowed to invite two spectators, but no tickets will be issued. The first home games are as follows:

Boys volleyball- October 20th at 4:00 PM
Girls volleyball- October 20 at 4:30 PM
Boys soccer October 24 at 12:00 PM
Field Hockey- October 23rd at 3:45 PM
Cross Country- November 11-Tri Meet at Bellevue State Park 


The concession stand will remain closed this season. Spectators MUST wear masks. For all team, schedules visit https://www.colonialssports.com/.  Athletic Director Matt Sabol was interviewed by 6ABC about the football team's first practice. Click the link below to view.

https://6abc.com/sports/football-practice-resumes-for-some-students-in-philly-catholic-league/6635328/

Go Colonials!

Parents - Virtual Help is here!

Colonial is creating a Parent University to provide some technical support and training for parents during this remote learning period. These weekly, live sessions will give parents insight on remote learning tools such as Schoology, Kami and much more. Details are available at http://www.colonialschooldistrict.org/parents-students/parent-university/

Who will be the CSD Educational Support Professional of the Year?

We invite you to join our virtual celebration as we recognize support staff from across Colonial Nation who have been named the Support Professional of the Year for their school! We will also announce the District Support Person of the Year winner at this online event at 7:00 PM!

Visit http://www.colonialschooldistrict.org/about-us/support-professional-of-the-year/

Have Your Say

The Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO) invites Colonial students, their families, and their neighbors to take a survey about improving walking and biking around the Route 9 Corridor.  Responses will help better plan for the network of neighborhood pathways described in the Route 9 Master Plan.  These walking and biking paths will better link communities to schools, parks, shops, and other destinations.  Take the brief survey for a chance to win a $25 Visa gift card by visiting: http://www.wilmapco.org/route9pathsplan.


Please share this survey with friends and neighbors! 

Realice la "Encuesta del Plan de Vías en la Ruta 9" para tener la Oportunidad de Ganar $25

El Consejo de Planificación del Área de Wilmington (WILMAPCO) invita a todos los estudiantes del distrito escolar, a sus familias y vecinos a realizar una encuesta sobre cómo mejorar las vias peatonales y rutas para montar bicleta alrededor del Corredor de la Ruta 9.  Las respuestas ayudarán a planificar mejor el sistema de caminos vecinales descritos en el Plan Maestro para el Corredor de la Ruta 9.  Estas vías peatonales y rutas para montar bicicleta conectarán mejor a las comunidades con escuelas, parques, tiendas y otros destinos. Realice esta breve encuesta para tener la oportunidad de ganar una tarjeta de regalo Visa de $25 en: http://www.wilmapco.org/route9pathsplan/#es.

Colonial Nation Let's Show our Support!

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 mask and all yare 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 make an order. 


Get Your Gear On!

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/

WE Must Keep Teens Informed

Help your teenager stay informed about fighting COVID-19 by sharing the videos below
powered by emma
Subscribe to our email list.