From the Superintendent’s Office

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Happy New Year!!! As we begin the 2018-2019 school year, it is a perfect time to reflect on a few of the accomplishments of the school year that just ended. We are excited to share updates on our existing programs and initiatives that will continue to strengthen “Colonial Nation.” In this edition, we will continue to tell our story; one that highlights great news about our staff as well as proudly acknowledge recognitions of the many outstanding things happening throughout our district. Most importantly, we will continue to focus our efforts on providing all of our students with access to cutting-edge programming, as well as the opportunity to experience a well-rounded education. 

We are committed to providing all students with access to their basic needs as well as provide them with rigorous and relevant learning experiences. Additionally, we are committed to keeping up with current and future trends in education, researching the ever-changing 21st century educational and employment demands, and developing meaningful business and community partnerships that enhance the educational experience and connect our students to the school and community. For example, this past school year, the George Read Middle School culinary arts team catered thirty-two events. They also teamed with the William Penn High School culinary program to provide scrumptious desserts for several events catered by their program. These opportunities provide our students the ability to directly apply the knowledge learned in class to real world events spawning the entrepreneurial spirit in both programs.

Additionally, the Colonial School District continues to be a leader throughout the state and nation in nutrition services. This past spring our Nutrition Services Supervisor, Paula Angelucci was recognized in Washington, D. C. by the School Nutrition Foundation as one of five national school nutrition heroes. Additionally, it is through her stewardship that our district, for the first time, is able to provide every student with a free breakfast and lunch. This program is paid for through the use of federal dollars based upon the number of meals served annually. Our district has also been recognized throughout the state as a leader in the summer feeding program. The summer feeding program helps support our families’ meal needs by providing meals within our community during the summer months to help close any food insecurities within the community. These programs, along with the produce grown by our Penn Farm students, provide our community with food all year long as well as provide our students an opportunity to learn about the power and importance of healthy eating and the benefits of good nutrition.   

Lastly, did you know that William Penn Construction makes guitars? Construction teacher Mac Emerson and his construction program can now produce made-to-order guitars. A prototype guitar is on display at the Colonial School District Offices. For a nominal fee, the students can design the buyer a unique guitar that sounds better than one purchased at your local music store. Besides guitars, our high school construction program manufactures sheds, furniture and more. Why purchase from chain stores when you can buy direct from William Penn Construction and support our students and their program? 

These programs are just a small example of the great things happening in Colonial. The 2018-2019 school year will continue to offer new and exciting opportunities for our students and families. As we begin this new year, our biggest initiative will focus on enhancing school safety and security. Recognizing the need for increased attention to school security, Colonial has hired five new armed constables to provide an additional layer of security for our secondary schools. Constables are retired law enforcement officials that are employed by the district and legally have many of the same rights as police officers. They will assist building administrators and School Resource Officers (SRO’s) by building positive relationships with students and staff, determining safety protocol and conducting safety drills, monitoring school buildings and grounds, and serving as first responders in emergency situations. Currently, our constables are located in all of our secondary schools with additional coverage to assigned elementary schools.

Additionally, we are using one-time state security dollars, recently passed in the governor’s budget, to purchase cameras for schools as well as communication devices throughout the district. We have already upgraded the cameras at William Penn. Soon, we will begin to redeploy the former Penn cameras as well as purchase new cameras for each school within the district. We are working with our lead constable and a security firm to develop a plan for camera placement and distribution for each school.

The safety and security of our students and staff is our number one priority. We are continuously looking for ways to improve school safety within our schools. As a reminder, school secretaries should ask all adults picking up children for identification. Additionally, other protocol used to limit access into our schools may be employed throughout the district. Please know that these protocols are for your safety and for the safety of our students and staff. We can never take the safety of our schools and community for granted. But, all that we do cannot take the place of vigilance as a community. We ask parents to please monitor your child’s social media accounts and activities, as well as talk to them about the importance of saying something if they notice anything unusual or out of the ordinary. Together, we can continue to make our schools a great place for learning and fun.

Gunning Bedford Black Student Union

WE Celebrate Black History In Colonial Students at Gunning Bedford made Black History when they established the first middle school Black Student Union (BSU) in the Colonial School District. Arricka Burruss, a 7th-grade teacher, is the BSU’s student advisor. She and...

No School for Students 2/16 & 2/19

Reminder!
• No School for students on 2/16/24 due to staff professional development
• Schools and offices are closed on 2/19/24 due to the Presidents Day Holiday!