May 2019
Keeping up with Colonial – May 2019
In this edition with Keeping up with Colonial: WP’s Senior Send-off & an Active Shooter Training at Wilbur.
Colonial is an Award Winner!
Colonial’s Penn Farm took home an award at the annual Governor’s Agriculture & Urban Conservation ceremony. Farm Manager Toby Hagerott, Nutrition Supervisor Paula Angelucci, & Wlliam Penn Principal, Dr. Brian Erskine accepted the award.
Calendar Winners
Alexis Fisher & Samuel Obilie-Mante from Southern, along with Analia Lemus & Jocelyn Segura Garcia from Wilbur were among the students honored by energy provider PSEG for creating artwork that will be featured in PSEG’s upcoming Nuclear Emergency Plan Information calendar for Delaware & New Jersey.
Wallin’s Success Stories
Graduates returned to Wallin to give advice to students about the importance of turning their lives around. The first Wallin Alumni Day included college students, entrepreneurs, and more. Everyone on the panel encouraged students to prepare for their futures dealing positively with life’s challenges, thanking teachers and staff for their support.
Making a Great Impression
Members of the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce were blown away after Colonial hosted a breakfast at Gunning Bedford for the organization. Superintendents from other school districts also enjoyed a meal prepared by George Read Culinary Arts students, & a pop-up musical performance by the Gunning Bedford students.
Thanks for a Job Well Done!
Retirees from this school year gathered for a celebration. Director of Operations, Karen Gilbert, had the longest run with 42 years of service..Wow!
Busy Times at Eisenberg
Students painted rocks to look like colorful fish and then placed them in a symbolic river made of cement around the flagpole The project was inspired by a book the students read called “Only One You.” Every student also received three free books for the third time this school year thanks to a program called “My Very Own Library,” sponsored by the United Way of Delaware (middle row). That’s not all, students planted 11 trees around the school thanks to a donation from the Delaware Forest Service and teacher Ms. Gatts who connected with a friend to make it all happen.
US Senator at Eisenberg
US Senator Tom Carper toured the Wellness Center at Eisenberg to see the state’s only Wellness Center in an elementary school. Carper called Colonial’s center a “model for the nation.”
Disney Day at Wilmington Manor
Who doesn’t love Disney? Teachers & students at Wilmington Manor sure do, so many came dressed for the occasion on Spirit Day.
George Read’s Real Super Heroes
Check out how Nutrition Service workers came dressed for Super Hero Day…they know they save the day with their delicious meals!
Operation Hair Care
The first year of Operation Hair Care ended with lots of smiles. Thanks to a partnership with Paul Mitchell – the School Delaware, cosmetology students rendered free salon services to designated elementary students. While the little ones got the glam treatment from Paul Mitchell’s students, William Penn & Wallin students got hands-on instruction and advice about the hair care industry.
Wilbur Takes the Lead!
Students at Wilbur filled the boxes above with $5,846.35, making Wilbur the school that raised the most money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in the entire state of Delaware so far! 11 Colonial schools started the fundraiser after the daughter of Castle Hills music teacher, Fred Higgins, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. 3-year-old Emily Higgins is now taking chemotherapy and has been named Delaware’s Leukemia & Lymphoma Girl of the Year. Collectively, Colonial schools raised $13,359.69.
Wilbur Wildcats Do it Again!
Students at Wilbur collected 1,562 personal hygiene items for donation to the Northern Star Children’s Foundation. The foundation helps needy children and their families.
Surprise!
Superintendent Dr. Dusty Blakey surprised Rebecca Vitelli as she is Colonial’s District Teacher of the Year. Vitelli is a preschool special education teacher for Colonial’s Early Education program. She and other district Teachers of the Year will be honored next fall by the Department of Education where one teacher will be named Delaware’s Teacher of the Year. Good luck, Rebecca!
Teacher Appreciation Week
During Teacher Appreciation Week educators throughout the district were all given a truckload of well-deserved daily treats like cupcakes, candy, and donuts, but at George Read an actual food truck pulled up to the school! The staff enjoyed lunch on the house for all they do for their students.
Hitting the Right Note at the Capitol
William Penn’s Select Ensemble, under the direction of music teacher Karla Bell, performed at Legislative Hall. The group was invited by Senator David McBride (left), and was warmly greeted by all, including Senator Nicole Poore (right). The ensemble received a standing ovation and one senator from outside of the district praised Colonial for its groundbreaking work.
Dancing Their Way to the Top!
The William Penn Dance Troupe was crowned the 2019 Scholastic A Dance Champions at the TIA Atlantic Coast Championships! Kudos to the dancers, and coaches Ms. Helen Anderson & Ms. Shana Bacon.
A Champ on the Greens!
William Penn’s Christina Carroll won the Blue Hen Conference Golf tournament. She shot a 75 at the Newark Country Club!
Published Authors at Castle Hills
Students wrote and published hardback books with covers made from heavy duty boxes. The books, draped around the school, were read by fellow students who wrote reviews.
Leach’s Class of 2019!
Congrats to Anav Epelbaum, Michael Hart, Christine Payne, & William Ruggiero III.