Good Evening Panther Families, we hope everyone has enjoyed the weekend & is excited for another great week at Gunning Bedford filled with Panther PRIDE!
Upcoming Events:
-Our Open House is on Thursday 9/18 in the evening from 6:00-7:30PM. Families will be able to meet their students’ teacher, walk their schedule and explore the building. We hope to see you there!
-No School on Friday 9/19 for Staff Professional Development.
-Family connections meetings: Family Connections is our family & staff collaboration team. The group collaborates on fundraisers & events at Gunning Bedford. All are welcome! Our first meeting will be on Thursday September 25th, 5:30PM-6:30PM in the Library.
District Calendar: District calendar for 2025-2026 linked here:
New Updates:
Panther Sports: Tryouts for soccer & field hockey have concluded and our teams are set for the new season! Practices will continue everyday after school except on Mondays. There will be after school buses to take you home at 4:45PM as long as you are not a choice student. Choice students must get picked up by someone at 4:45PM. Any questions, please email our Athletic Director, Mr. Brelick. michael.brelick@colonial.k12.de.us. In the coming week, there will be a wrestling interest meeting with Coach Arent, interested students, please listen for the date on the morning announcements this week.
After School Activities Pick-Up Details: As we move into our fall season of after school sports and activities, we want to clarify procedures for parents who pick up their students from after school activities. Student safety is our biggest concern. Please do not park in the first 5 bus slots or along the sidewalk outside of the auditorium. Both areas are noted in the map below by a blue ‘X.’ This ensures that our students can safely cross the bus court to get on their assigned buses.
Update from 6th Grade Staff: Families of 6th graders, please view the weekly update from the 6th grade teachers here: 2025-2026 Weekly Parent Communication for 6th Grade
Rolling Updates:
Infinite Campus: Infinite Campus Parent Portal is a secure online platform that gives families easy access to important student information — all in one place. Parents and guardians can view grades, attendance, report cards, class schedules, transportation details, and more, anytime and anywhere. Learn more at https://sites.google.com/colonial.k12.de.us/techcsd/infinite-campus-parent? Infinite Campus Support: Need help setting up your Infinite Campus Parent Access? Fill out the form below and someone from the Colonial School District will be in touch with you ASAP.
Transportation Support: Need help with bus / transportation for your student for the 2025 school year? Click here to fill out the form and the Transportation Department will get back to you asap.
Health Office Information: Our school nurse is Mrs. Taylor & her email is: olivia.taylor@colonial.k12.de.us Please coordinate any medication drop-offs with Nurse Taylor, do not send students to school with their own medication, it must be brought to school by a parent/guardian. Please review Health Office welcome letter here:
Car Rider Drop-off and Pickup Details: If your student is being driven to school, please review the images linked before on where drop-off and pick-up is located. am and pm. AM is in the front of the building, PM is on the side of the building. Staff will be present to support in building the routine with students and families. Please be patient with students, staff and our fellow families as we learn together. Our doors open at 7:55AM each day. Please be mindful of dropping off students before then as staff are not outside. In the afternoon, car rider dismissal begins at 2:37PM on the side of the building. Families will pull into the parking lot on the side of the building and form a line that goes up and around the lot. Please follow the directions of staff supporting the dismissal to ensure a safe dismissal for all.
Early Dismissal Procedure: As increased security measures we must check the ID of the persons picking up before releasing the child. Please ensure early dismissals are completed prior to 2:00 PM. Thank you for your understanding and your partnership in keeping our students safe.
(https://education.delaware.gov/diaa/health_and_safety/medical_forms/).
Breakfast & Lunch for students: All students at Gunning Bedford get free breakfast & lunch each day. Students can pack their breakfast or lunch as well. Students are not able to have any outside delivery food for lunch time; For example no Door-Dash or UberEats delivery. The lunch times for students is:
| 11:05-11:35 | 8 lunch |
| 11:47-12:17 | 6 lunch |
| 12:27-12:57 | 7 lunch |
Cell Phone Expectations: GB 2025 Cellphone Use Expectations As we prepare for a successful new school year, we want to communicate an important aspect of our school environment that we believe significantly benefits your child’s learning and well-being: our continued commitment to a cell phone use free learning environment. Students are permitted to bring cell phones to school. However, they are not permitted to use them or have them out during the school day, from arrival to dismissal. This includes classrooms, hallways and the cafeteria. We understand that in today’s digital world, this policy may require an adjustment for some, but we firmly believe it fosters a more focused, engaging, and enriching educational experience for all students. Moreover, our expectation is that students are not to use cell phones while at school. Additionally, the wearing of headphones/earbuds that are not in use in classrooms for learning is to not occur while at school.
Math Club: IXL Math is a great way to sharpen your math skills through engaging, interactive lessons that help you improve at your own pace. By joining the IXL Math Club, you’ll not only boost your math abilities but also have the chance to participate in fun field trips and earn GB Bucks, which can be redeemed for rewards. Participation takes place in-person on Thursdays after school, with afterschool buses available, or virtually for added flexibility. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn, have fun, and earn prizes—join the IXL Math Club today! For more information and/or to sign up, please take a look at the linked flier here for more information: IXL Club Flier 25-26 SY.pdf. Please contact Crystal.braxton@colonial.k12.de.us or Lozetta.hayden@colonial.k12.de.us for more information.
Panther PRIDE Definition: Our school motto is, “You Can’t Hide that Panther PRIDE”. When we say PRIDE, we mean more than just being proud of being a student at Gunning Bedford. We want to highlight our values of Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, & Excellence.
*Perseverance – Try, Try, Try…Never Give Up.
*Respect – Be kind to others and self in everything you say, do, and think.
*Integrity – Do the right thing even when no one else is watching..
*Discipline – Think it through before I do. I am in control of myself and my behavior.
*Excellence – Do your best!
Grade level Administrators & Counselors: The names and contact emails for our grade administrators and school counselors are listed below. They are your go-to contacts for supporting your student.
Administration School Counselors
| 6th Grade AP: Mrs. Molitor | 6th Grade: Ms. Sheppard |
| 7th Grade Administrator: Ms. Ward | 7th Grade: Mr. Arent |
| 8th Grade AP: Mrs. Nowell | 8th Grade: Ms. Pine |
| ILC Administrator: Mrs. Eger | |
| Principal: Mr. Johnston |
Community Updates:
YMCA After School Program: 2025-2026 GB cohort 7 WOW YMCA flyer.pdf Please see the linked flyer for more details. The program runs September 16th to December 18th at the Bear-Glasgow YMCA. Mentoring Program: Please see details here: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority 2025-2026 Mentoring
Updates from the Colonial School District:
Are you interested in becoming a Paraprofessional? Delaware Tech has the training you need to start your career in K-12 Education! What you need to know:Paraprofessionals are essential members of the K-12 classroom, supporting teachers and providing individualized attention to students, including those with special needs or learning challenges. This training will equip you with the skills to thrive in this meaningful role. Delaware Tech – Wilmington Campus, with funding support from the Department of Labor, will be offering the Paraprofessional training program at no cost to eligible participants in September 2025. Course: Paraprofessional Certification Dates: September 2025 – March 2026 Times: To Be Determined Format: In-Person, Wilmington Campus. Space is limited to only 10 students. Interested? Click the link to join our interest list: https://forms.gle/5HFXpZL7via3Knoe8
Have a great rest of the day and remember, you can’t hide that Panther Pride!
Sincerely,
Bill Johnston
Principal
Gunning Bedford Middle School