Colonial Clippings July 9, 2020 | Colonial School District

[http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20200709/0c/00/58/2e/463e1b227ca8683fdb3f6ddc_1280x410.png] JULY 9, 2020 The Power of WE & the New Normal Much work and discussions have been centered around the return to school for our students and staff. Please know that planning continues on a daily basis among administrators, teachers, and staff who are considering input from parents, students, and legislators who represent the Colonial School District (CSD). The decisions are difficult since no one can predict the course that COVID-19 will take, but the safety and well being of students and staff remains a top priority. Many decisions made for the CSD will hinge on directions from the governor and the Department of Education, which are forthcoming.
We promise to keep you informed!
Beginning with this email, we will send you weekly updates to communicate our plans and give you details as those plans are in place for a return to school.
We will update several media platforms to do our best to keep students, staff, and families informed. Some tips to stay informed:
Bookmark our website at Colonialschooldistrict.org<nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ft.e2ma.net%2Fclick%2Fm5ka1d%2Fimj9ay%2Fiauhz4&data=01%7C01%7CGabriel.Phillips%40colonial.k12.de.us%7C0d8a147b5e33461857c508d82453d64e%7C21b…> Follow us on social media – www.colonialschooldistrict.org/newsroom/social-media<nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ft.e2ma.net%2Fclick%2Fm5ka1d%2Fimj9ay%2Fy2uhz4&data=01%7C01%7CGabriel.Phillips%40colonial.k12.de.us%7C0d8a147b5e33461857c508d82453d64e%7C21b…>/ Sign up for email alerts – www.colonialschooldistrict.org/subscribe-to-colonial-clippings/<nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ft.e2ma.net%2Fclick%2Fm5ka1d%2Fimj9ay%2Fevvhz4&data=01%7C01%7CGabriel.Phillips%40colonial.k12.de.us%7C0d8a147b5e33461857c508d82453d64e%7C21b…> Download our mobile app – www.colonialschooldistrict.org/newsroom/mobile-app/<nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ft.e2ma.net%2Fclick%2Fm5ka1d%2Fimj9ay%2Funwhz4&data=01%7C01%7CGabriel.Phillips%40colonial.k12.de.us%7C0d8a147b5e33461857c508d82453d64e%7C21b…>
As our current situation is constantly evolving, please understand that planning could change based on a resurgence of the virus, just as plans could change based on developments with testing and treatment. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we adapt to the changing environment throughout the summer. We would like to provide some updates about what’s happened this summer in CSD:
In the last month . . . We have asked parents to complete a short survey and we received almost 2,000 responses. The survey showed: 39% of parents indicated they would prefer their children to return to school 37% prefer a combination of remote learning and in-school instruction or a hybrid model 22%indicated they want remote learning to continue.
This was very important data for us to utilize in our planning, so we want to thank everyone who participated in the survey. District leadership and staff conducted 27 one-hour virtual focus groups with a combined total of over 250 participants, who represented groups from every building in our District, as well as parents and students. We are very appreciative of not only the time given by our participants but also their thoughtfulness and engagement in this difficult process. The feedback received from the groups was productive, with participants providing ideas and suggestions on topics such as masks and face coverings, transportation, social distancing, and more. Our administrative team will use these ideas in conjunction with the latest guidance from local and state agencies as we finalize our plans. Over 100 staff members from throughout CSD have been meeting virtually often to have thoughtful discussions around current issues and decisions being made in our state and how these decisions will impact Colonial. These discussions are weighing heavily on our planning for any possible back to school plans for this upcoming school year.
In closing, please continue to make every effort to contain the virus in our community by maintaining good personal hygiene, practicing social distancing, and wearing masks in public. We can’t thank you enough for your support and the part you play in the Power of We.

The Power of WE -Safety in the New Normal While most families are already taking safety precautions at home, now is a good time to remind children of the expectations at school. In order to ensure the safety of all students and staff, please stress the best prevention for COVID-19, and any other virus such as the flu or cold is to:
* Wash hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds (young children can recite their ABC’s) * Use hand sanitizer if water is not available. All classrooms will have an ample supply of hand sanitizer. * Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth as much as possible. * Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Classrooms will also have an ample supply of tissues. * Avoid contact with people who are sick. * Stay at home when feeling sick.
[http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20200709/d7/e0/25/01/1fd9544c93a9b4ca5f273d2e_262x554.jpg] [http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20200709/b7/cb/2b/0b/ed505ebfb131b0f5896afb96_416x554.jpg] [http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20200709/5c/91/61/97/c023943c3deefd8003fd0d7b_460x554.jpg] Hunger Never Takes a Break & Neither do WE! Partnering with our Transportation Department, Nutrition Services workers load up buses and Care A Vans and deliver to numerous locations twice a week. Every Monday, children receive four (4) meals, and every Wednesday they receive six (6) meals. While children are not required to be present at pick up, the staff loves seeing their smiling faces and excitement as they receive bags full of nutritious meals, including fresh fruits and vegetables!
Last week, in collaboration with the Route 9 Library, children also received library books with their meals! What could be better than a nourishing meal and a good book during the hot summer months?
The Summer Feeding Program is a USDA federally-funded program to ensure that low-income children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. Free meals that meet Federal nutrition guidelines are provided to all children 18 years old and under.
Adults picking up meals are required to wear a facemask.
Please invite your neighbors with children to participate. For routes and pick up times, please visit the Colonial webpage: www.colonialschooldistrict.org/community/summer-food-program/<nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ft.e2ma.net%2Fclick%2Fm5ka1d%2Fimj9ay%2Fagxhz4&data=01%7C01%7CGabriel.Phillips%40colonial.k12.de.us%7C0d8a147b5e33461857c508d82453d64e%7C21b…>
[http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20200709/3a/3a/73/d3/03ce04c52695cf7accfdebfd_310x414.jpg] [http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20200709/80/63/21/b9/c4137f53c6efaf6d1a9a78df_414x414.jpg] [http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20200709/d6/43/a8/6f/d7b80a3c2803f31971e32d84_414x414.jpg] What’s Happening Down on the Farm Penn Farm Manager Toby Hagerott has been hard at work through these tough times. Early on Hagerott received hands-on help from community volunteers. Staff from the District’s Nutrition Services Division also spent several weeks helping him on the farm. The extra hands were appreciated and desperately needed because Penn Farm usually has students working and learning about farming. Every summer Penn Farm supplies produce for the community through a Community Supported Agriculture program, and thanks to all of the support that hasn’t changed.
While Nutrition Services has continued its Grab -N- Go meal program on Mondays and Wednesdays for the summer, a new service has been added– Grab-N-Go Farm stands at William Penn and Southern Elementary are now open. Reasonably priced fresh produce will be available to the public every Wednesday from 11:00-12:30. Hagerott says, “This has been a neat way to get fresh grown produce out to our community. The Power of We is strong on the farm, with three interns and the return of six students from the New Castle County Summer Youth Employment Program who help us provide wonderful fresh produce at prices that can’t be beaten.” Be on the lookout for Penn Farm fresh tomatoes, fresh local fruit, and corn soon at the Grab-N-Go farm stands every Wednesday!
Pleasantville Student is in the News! Tiana Sirmans is still getting attention from the media for her work as a young reporter to celebrate her very special day. Check out what Colonial’s popular 5th-grader has been up to by clicking the link below:
6abc.com/entertainment/dont-stop-dreaming-delawares-youngest-journalist-celebrates-10th-birthday/6307454/<nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ft.e2ma.net%2Fclick%2Fm5ka1d%2Fimj9ay%2Fq8xhz4&data=01%7C01%7CGabriel.Phillips%40colonial.k12.de.us%7C0d8a147b5e33461857c508d82453d64e%7C21b…>
[http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20200709/8c/a6/9a/8f/07f9520ded99eb0b898c5341_346x520.jpeg] Community Wellness Series- by Dr. Jon Cooper Several weeks ago, we shared information about the importance of “behavioral activation planning.” This week, we are sharing information about the value of Investing in Social Connectedness. As you go about the next week, we hope that you find the information below helpful.
To ensure public health, it is necessary that we follow guidelines regarding physical distance from others. However, while we follow CDC recommendations on social distancing, we must also prioritize social connection. Social support is critical for getting through difficult experiences and can help instill hope in ourselves and others during times of difficulty.
How can I invest in social connection when I’m not able to be around other people?
• Go outside for a walk or sit on your front steps or apartment balcony, and greet other people you see. Seeing other people will remind you that you are not alone, even as you follow distancing recommendations.
• Write old fashioned letters. Receiving a letter can bring so much joy; if you’re feeling like too much of your day is spent in front of a screen, unplug for a few minutes and write someone a postcard or letter instead.
• Schedule a regular phone call or video chat with friends or family. Use Facebook Messenger, FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, or another free video call service to talk with friends, family members, or even your neighbors. Make this a regular part of your routine! Regular connection can help you and your loved ones maintain hope.
• Use social media wisely. Social media can help us feel connected, but it can also be a source of upsetting news and misleading information. Use social media to build connections with people who help you feel good while limiting time spent scrolling through content that makes you feel excluded, anxious, or excessively upset.
• Try thinking about the global sense of community that can be felt during this time. Everyone around the world is facing the same public health threat, and everyone is getting through it to the best of their ability. You are far from alone.