Dear Colonial Nation Families and Staff:
Last week Governor Carney modified the State of Emergency to include eliminating social distancing and mask wearing in instances where fully vaccinated people are gathered. For clarity, The Colonial School District wants everyone to know the following:
- The modifications DO NOT apply to schools. Wearing face masks unless eating or drinking is still required, and current social distancing practices on buses and in schools will remain in place; 6 feet in classrooms until the end of this school year.
- While the modifications allow students to not wear masks outdoors if social distancing is practiced, Students and staff must continue to wear their face covering inside the building, except when alone in their office or eating or drinking. If social distancing is not able to be followed outdoors, students and staff must continue to wear their mask. In Colonial, student desks will continue to be spaced at 6 feet through the remainder of the current school year. As a district, we will review this policy for summer and beyond.
William Penn Sports:
- We thank everyone for following the guidelines and policies throughout this year of the pandemic. After Governor’s Carney new mandate, we anticipate different protocols for athletics next year. This summer’s and next year’s regulations will be communicated as soon as DIAA votes on them.
Commencement:
- We are pleased to announce that an in-person graduation ceremony will take place at the University of Delaware stadium in Newark on June 4th at 4:30PM with gates opening at 3:30 PM. Due to size of the Class of 2021, restrictions at the venue, and out of an abundance of safety precautions, social distancing will be practiced and graduates may only invite two (2) guests who must sit together. The ceremony will be livestreamed for all to see. Any person over the age of two must have a ticket to enter the stadium. Masks must be worn at all times and all guests must fill out a health screener prior to entering the stadium. Detailed information about graduation exercises will be shared directly from William Penn High School.
As the State of Delaware and Colonial Nation take steps towards normalcy, we realize the restrictions above may still bring hardship and inconvenience to our students and staff. Please know that our decisions are made with the best interests of all in mind during this unprecedented time. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation and look forward to continued progress towards a more “normal” next school year.