Colonial School District - New Castle, De

The spotlight was on Colonial at the 24th Annual Policy & Practice Institute in Dover, presented by the University of Delaware, the Delaware Department of Education, and the Delaware Association of School Administrators.

Please join us in congratulating our outstanding honorees:
⭐ Sherri Clark, Director of Curriculum, Assessment & Instruction, was named the 2026 Outstanding Administrator of the Year by the Delaware Association of Curriculum and Instruction Supervisors.

⭐ Amanda Nask, Supervisor of Nutrition Services, was named the 2026 Outstanding Administrator of the Year by the Delaware Child Nutrition Services Supervisors Association.

⭐ Emily Falcon, Colonial's Chief Financial Officer, was recognized for her outstanding leadership as the outgoing President of the Delaware Association for School Administrators.

These recognitions reflect the exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment our team brings to students, staff, and families every day. Congratulations, Sherri, Amanda, and Emily! Thank you for making the Power of WE shine across Delaware. 👏❤️🖤

🍎☀️ FREE Summer Meals for Kids & Teens! ☀️🍎

School may be out, but nutritious meals are still on the menu!

Through the USDA Summer Food Service Program, all children and teens 18 years old and younger can enjoy free healthy meals at locations throughout the Colonial community.

✅ Open to all children 18 and younger
✅ No enrollment required
✅ No cost to families

Meals are available at multiple locations across the district, helping ensure every child has access to the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive all summer long.

For locations, meal times, updates, or weather-related cancellations, call 302-323-2743 or visit colonialschooldistrict.org.

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🏗️ Exciting progress continues at the future John G. Leach School! ❤️🖤

Despite a particularly rainy month, construction crews have reached some major milestones as work moves forward on Colonial's newest school facility.

✅ The building pad is now complete and foundation-ready, marking a significant step toward vertical construction.

✅ The first building materials have arrived on site, including stormwater management structures that will support the school's underground utility systems.

✅ Regular contractor progress meetings are now underway to keep the project moving efficiently throughout construction.

Behind the scenes, teams are also using advanced 3D modeling technology to coordinate every aspect of the building's design—from structural components to plumbing, electrical systems, and more—helping identify and resolve potential issues before construction begins.

We can't wait to watch this exciting project continue to take shape in the months ahead!

🎶 Congratulations to Mrs. DiEmidio! 🎶

We are proud to celebrate Mrs. DiEmidio on being named the recipient of the Delaware Music Educators Association's Outstanding Administrator Award!

This prestigious honor recognizes her unwavering support of music education and her commitment to providing students with opportunities to learn, grow, and shine through the arts. Nominated by Colonial music educators Crissy Lewis, Leslie Bailey, and Robert Miller, Mrs. DiEmidio was recognized for the positive impact she has made on students, staff, and the entire school community.

Thank you, Mrs. DiEmidio, for championing the arts and helping our music programs thrive. Your leadership continues to make a difference in the lives of our students every day.

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Thank you, Mr. Laws.

After 20 years of dedicated service on the Colonial Board of Education, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Ted Laws as he retires from the Board.

As a Colonial parent whose children attended and graduated from our schools, Ted brought a unique perspective to every discussion and decision. He understood firsthand the impact our schools have on students and families, and he consistently approached his role with one guiding principle: doing what was best for students across the entire district.

Throughout his two decades of service, Ted's leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and unwavering commitment to public education helped shape the future of Colonial. Whether facing challenges or celebrating successes, he always kept students at the center of every conversation.

Thank you, Ted, for your dedication, your service, and your steadfast belief in the Power of WE. Congratulations on your retirement, and thank you for 20 years of outstanding service to Colonial. ❤️🖤

Please join us in welcoming Estrella Morales Conejo as the newest Student Representative to the Colonial Board of Education! 🎉

As a student board member, Estrella will bring an important student voice to board discussions and decisions, helping ensure that the perspectives of Colonial students are heard and represented.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to outgoing Student Board Member Mia Castaneda-Ocampo for her outstanding service and leadership. Mia has been a dedicated advocate for students throughout her time on the board, and we are grateful for the insight, commitment, and passion she brought to the role.

As Mia graduates and begins her next chapter at the University of Delaware, we wish her nothing but success. Thank you for your service, Mia, and welcome to the board, Estrella!

👏 Celebrating Excellence Across Colonial! 👏

At last night's Board of Education meeting, we proudly recognized students and staff whose hard work, leadership, and commitment continue to make us proud.

💰 **Delaware Personal Finance Challenge**
Congratulations to William Penn High School students Hassatou Balde, Pedro Morales, Allison Ortiz-Ocampo, and Luke Stambaugh for representing Colonial at the Delaware Personal Finance Challenge and showcasing outstanding financial literacy skills.

🇺🇸 **Delaware 250 Mock 2nd Continental Congress**
Students from William Penn, George Read, Gunning Bedford, and McCullough Middle Schools participated in this unique statewide civics experience, engaging in debates inspired by the historic Second Continental Congress.

📚 **4th Dimension Equity Practitioner Program**
We also honored Colonial educators who completed the six-month Equity Practitioner Program, deepening their leadership and commitment to creating inclusive learning environments for all students.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding students and staff members for representing the Power of WE! ❤️🖤

Congratulations to Shayne Cassidy, Systems Administrator, on being named the 2027 Colonial Technology Department Educational Support Professional of the Year! 🎉

Behind every successful school day is a strong technology team, and Shayne plays a vital role in keeping Colonial connected, supported, and running smoothly. From solving complex technical challenges to ensuring staff and students have the tools they need to succeed, Shayne's dedication, expertise, and commitment make a difference across the district every day.

Thank you, Shayne, for all you do to support the Power of WE. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition! ❤️🖤

🎉 Congratulations, Nancy Frailey, on Your Retirement! 🎉

After 16 years of dedicated service to Colonial School District, we are proud to celebrate Nancy Frailey as she begins an exciting new chapter in retirement.

For more than a decade and a half, Nancy has made a difference in the lives of students, families, and colleagues through her commitment, compassion, and unwavering dedication to education. As a valued member of the Southern Elementary community, her positive impact can be seen in the countless relationships she has built and the many lives she has touched along the way.

As she closes this chapter, we thank Nancy for her years of service to Southern Elementary and Colonial School District and for the many contributions she has made to our school community. While she will certainly be missed, we are excited for all the opportunities, adventures, and well-deserved relaxation that retirement will bring.

Please join us in congratulating Nancy Frailey on an outstanding 16-year career and wishing her happiness and success in the years ahead! ❤️🖤