At the November 2024 board meeting, . . . .
• The Board was treated to a performance by Wilbur Elementary 3rd Grade Bucket Drumming
This fall the 2nd and 3rd grade music classes of Mrs. Lewis at Wilbur Elementary have been focusing on steady beat, beginning percussion skills, and early music notation. Each class used bucket drumming to accomplish these goals with a culminating activity of performing “High Hopes” by Panic at the Disco on the bucket drums for their classroom teachers. Mr. Page’s 3rd grade music class has been chosen to perform for the board tonight.
• We invited the board and the community to the William Penn High School Integration A Can Do Company Pop up Shop
Empowering a community of talented individuals with special needs, the WP CanDo company specializes in creating unique, handcrafted items that showcase their creativity and skills. Each craft not only reflects the personal stories of its makers but also supports their growth and independence in a welcoming environment.
• We said Thank You to Our Incredible Volunteers who participated in the 2024 WPHS Homecoming and Fall Festival! 🌟
This year’s 2024 William Penn Homecoming and Fall Festival was an amazing success. We couldn’t have done it without our volunteers who made the day truly special! Your dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm made this Fall Festival truly unforgettable. From set-up to clean-up, you went above and beyond, bringing smiles, energy, and passion that touched everyone involved. A special thank you to Merlyn Burns, Dr. Jennifer Alexander, and Jessica Hitchens for all of their work planning such a fantastic day!
• We recognized Alexandra Sweeney, a Student Teacher at Wilbur Elementary School
On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, Alexandra Sweeney, a University of Delaware senior who started student teaching at Wilbur Elementary School 3 weeks ago overheard a homeless student tell his teacher that he wanted a Ninja costume for today but his mother couldn’t get it. This was at 11 AM. She wanted to help him and other homeless/needy kids at the school so she reached out to her sorority, Sigma Kappa, and the Pan Hellenic Assoc. at UD, along with family and friends across the country. She also created a flyer. Within hours she raised $900 and was able to go to Party City last night to purchase costumes. All of them are now on display in a conference room at the school where teachers are sending needy kids so they can pick out whatever they want. Leftover costumes will be shared with other schools that have homeless students.
This is a great example of how Colonial’s Power of WE mantra is more than just a saying, it is a movement. We are so proud of this aspiring teacher who saw the needs of a student and acted on her own to help. That’s what teachers do!
• We recognized our 2025 Teachers of the Year (TOY), Education Support Professionals of the Year (ESPY), Behavior Support Professional of the Year (BHSPY)
Board President Piecuch read a Proclamation stating that November 12, 2024 will be recognized as 2025 Teachers of the Year, Education Support Professionals of the Year and Behavior Support Professional Day. The proclamation was be signed by each Board Member and a copy will be delivered to each nominee and winner.
Teachers of the Year:
– District and Delaware State Teacher of the Year: Shelby Borst – William Penn High
– Carrie Downie Elem: Kerry Zeager
– Castle Hills Elem: Laura McCarter
– Eisenberg Elem: Maggie McNulty
– New Castle Elem: Katie Barrett
– Pleasantville Elem: Kelsey McGrath
– Southern Elem: Marlowe Woodfin
– Wilbur Elem: Audrey Lao
– Wilmington Manor Elem: Charlene Jackson
– George Read Middle: Natalia Tovar
– Gunning Bedford Middle: Lozetta Hayden
– McCullough Middle: Kristina Hubbard
– William Penn High: Shelby Borst
– Leach School: Brandon Hughes
– Colonial Early Education Program: Jessica Kibblehouse
ESPY of the Year:
– Carrie Downie – Danae Johnson (Para)
– Castle Hills – Jasmira Olivera (Para)
– Colwyck – Erin Kirby (Secretary)
– Eisenberg – Jonathon Rosseel (Para)
– George Read – Khai Buchanan (Para)
– Gunning Bedford – Marissa Jamison (Para)
– Leach – Hazel Stevenson (Para)
– McCullough – Shaina Woo (Inst. Coach)
– New Castle – JaQine Williams (Para)
– Pleasantville – Lucinda Davis-Kettner (Para)
– Southern – Jade Johnson (Para)
– Wilbur – Jerry Megginson (Custodian)
– William Penn –Dena Broadnax (Secretary) / Nicole Gildersleeve (Nutrition)
– Wilmington Manor – Lindsay Klepacki (Para)
– District Office – Gabriel Phillips (Communications)
– Maintenance – Mike Montgomery (Maintenance)
– Nutrition – Kevin Wheeler (Nutrition)
– Technology – Cyrus Sariaslani (Technology)
– Transportation – Lynne Pascale (Transportation)
– Teaching & Learning Center – Kim Mulvena (Inst. Coach)
Behavioral Health Professional of the Year
– Kahlil Fitzpatrick, School Counselor, McCullough School
• We recognized Croda for their donation of rally towels for the homecoming game.
We are beyond grateful for the incredible generosity shown by Croda! Their thoughtful donation of rally towels for the homecoming game was very much appreciated. The crowd was fired up for the homecoming game cheering on the Colonials with towels in hand. This is just one example of the many ways Croda strives makes an impact in Colonial. We thanks them for their continued support. (Add handing out a certificate)
2024-2025 Colonial Equity Series
On November 20, 2024, the Colonial School District will take the work of equity into the community. WE will host the first equity series event of the year at the Route 9 Library. In addition, WE will give back to Colonial Nation by distributing food baskets to identified families. Come join us! WE would love to have you.
• We said Thank You to Our Incredible Vendors at the Fall Festival! 🌟
This year’s 2024 William Penn Homecoming and Fall Festival was an amazing success. We couldn’t have done it without our vendors who made the day truly special! Your dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm made this Fall Festival truly unforgettable. From set-up to clean-up, you went above and beyond, bringing smiles, energy, and passion that touched everyone involved. We are sending each vendor a letter from the District and Board thanking for their support.
– Ale & Yesi’s Dulce Treats
– Back to Basics Learning Dynamics
– Bellamy Nicole Soulfully Intune
– Bits of Goodness
– Castle Nutrition
– Castle Plumbing Services
– Coshaè Crochet
– Created by Tina
– Crowned Scents Candles Co.
– Delaware State University
– Handmade by LeeAnn
– Himalayan Salt of the Earth Cave
– Island Skin
– Ittybittydesigns03
– Kelly Education
– Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization
– New Castle City Police
– Paparazzi
– PLT Collection
– Progressive Perspective Counseling LLC
– Random Tingz LLC
– Retro Crypt – Vintage Modern Clothing Resale
– Sabor De La Isla
– Sacred Fertility Birth and Beyond
– Scentsy (Mindy Marie79)
– Scentsy (Fairy Angel0915)
– Sea Moss Drink Lady
– Sew Lee Stitched
– SewItLoveIt
– Steady Stream of Flavors
– The Center for Child Development
– The Meditation Place / Zen Doggy
– The Summer Learning Collaborative, Inc.
– The Swirling Spoons
– Triple Kei’s Kitchen
– True Reflection
– US Army
– Vibe Allstars
– Wilmington Blue Rocks
– Wilmington Therapeutic Massage
– Wilmington University
– WP Dance Troupe
– YMCA
