September 1, 2021
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:
We have learned that individuals at the following Colonial Schools are positive for COVID-19:
- One Individual at Eisenberg Elementary Schools
- Two Individuals at Gunning Bedford Middle School
- One Individual at McCullough Middle School
- Three Individuals at William Penn High School.
These individuals will not return to school until the isolation period has passed. School teams are in the process of contact tracing and notifying anyone who has been in close contact with the individuals. Identified close contacts may be required to complete a quarantine before returning to school. Individual decisions on quarantining are made in consultation with the affected individual and DPH epidemiologists.
Please visit https://coronavirus.delaware.gov to learn more about DPH protocols around positive COVID-19 cases in schools.
We always encourage you to monitor your child for any symptoms of COVID-19. If a student or staff member is sick with any of the following symptoms, they must stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, shaking with chills, loss of smell or taste, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, or headache or congestion or runny nose without a known cause such as allergies. Our school nurses are available to support your family by reviewing symptoms to watch for, answering questions you may have, assisting with follow-up communication, and providing further information on available testing sites. COVID-19 testing is free and available in our local community.
DPH encourages all Delawareans – whether you are experiencing symptoms or not – to consider getting a free COVID-19 test. That will help our state more accurately track the spread of the disease and keep our communities healthy. Visit https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing/ for the latest updates on COVID-19 in Delaware and information on free COVID-19 testing in Delaware.
DPH also encourages eligible Delawareans to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine. For more information about the COVID-19 Vaccine and locations nearest you, please visit https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/vaccine/.
Colonial School District continues to adhere to strict health and safety protocols. This is our best defense against COVID-19 and its spread. District custodial staff are informed of the positive cases as appropriate and are following prescribed protocols for cleaning in accordance with the most up-to-date health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and DPH.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your building administrative team. Sincerely,
The Colonial School District shall not discriminate in its employment practices or its educational programs and activities of students on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, domicile, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.
Jon Cooper, EdD
District COVID-19 Coordinator