8th Grade March Newsletter

8th Grade Families,

In this update, you'll find information about our 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony and summer freshman opportunities.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Mrs. Corey

Acting Principal

katherine.corey@colonial.k12.de.us

Mr. Krajewski

8th Grade Administrator

patrick.krajewski@colonial.k12.de.us

Mrs. Pine

8th Grade Counselor

shaheda.pine@colonial.k12.de.us

5/21: All Formal Early Dismissal Notes Due

5/21: 8th Grade Trip to Washington, DC

5/28: 8th Grade Formal

Our 8th grade moving up ceremony will be held on June 3, 2026. This ceremony recognizes the monumental transition from middle to high school in addition to awarding student excellence in academics and more.

• There will be two different ceremonies. Please check the schedule/groups below for your student's time. Students will attend with their homeroom teacher. However, ALL immersion students will attend the 8:45am ceremony.
• Students need to be at school on time for their scheduled ceremony. We will not be able to hold the ceremony for students who are late.
• Parking: Families should park in the bus court and in the main parking lot to the left as you enter the school. Please do not arrive more than 15 minutes before your student’s ceremony as we will have arrival buses or the previous ceremony exiting. Parents should enter the building through the auditorium doors, NOT the main entrance. We will have signs and staff outside to guide parents.

WELCOME TO THE WOLFPACK! - WILLIAM PENN HS XC

Summer Program:

• Group runs on Tuesday evenings and Friday mornings:
• Tuesdays: Howard Laws Race Series at Bellevue State Park 5:30pm starts June 2nd, races are every other Tuesday. Cost: $5 a race (there is a fee to enter the park). Non-Howard Laws weeks we will meet at Battery Park in New Castle at 5:45pm.
• Friday: Meet at Battery Park in New Castle at 8am.
• Training programs:
• Contact Coach Capone for a summer running plan based on your goals, even if you are just starting out as a runner; there’s a plan for you.
• Coach Capone’s email: andrew.capone@colonial.K12.de.us
• Pre-Season:
• Start Date: TBA
• All athletes need a DIAA Physical on file with the Athletic Director. Forms and Physicals can be done at the WP Wellness Center.
• Interest form: https://bit.ly/WPHSXCForm

Gunning Bedford continues to be a cell phone use free school. Cell phones are to be away in a pocket, backpack, locker or their assigned Yondr pouch at all times. This includes all classes, the hallway, gym, and the cafeteria. In addition, students are not to wear or use headphones outside of classrooms.

Students not adhering to this expectation are subject to items being confiscated, and repeat issues will result in a need for parent pick up.

Thank you for your support and reinforcement of this expectation at home!