CSD Staff Update: January 2024

On March 22nd, Colonial will host our very own Professional Learning Conference: WE Connect!!

We are looking for school staff interested in leading a session! Have you learned something at a conference?

• Have you seen tremendous growth?
• Have you discovered a strategy that might help others?
• We know that our staff do amazing things everyday.

If interested, please complete this form by January 26th.

Reach out to Sherrie Clark, Nicole Markey, and/or Jon Cooper with any questions.

We are now working with Al’s sporting goods as our online partner for CSD spirit wear. Please check out https://colonialschooldistrict.itemorder.com/shop/home/ to get your CSD gear today!

• At the December Board meeting, the Colonial School Board approved the Staff and Student Interaction Policy (#320). We will be working to align school and district practices with the policy. Further information will be shared as it becomes available.

Equity Summits are starting in January - this first one will be fantastic!

• Our first Equity Summit - Community, Connection, and Conversation starts January 18th! Details below:

• Date: Thursday, January 18th

• Location: William Penn High School

• Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm

• Presenter: Brittany Powell, children’s author

• Topic: Read & Represent!: The Revolutionary act of positive identity development through children's literature

• We will also have tables set up from various community partners such as the New Castle Library, Nemours Actions Against Racism, and more!

• Light refreshments will be provided

• Link to flier for Jan 18th

• Link to RSVP

Want to dig deeper into your Equity journey? The Equity Practitioner Program (EPP) program might be good for you.

• Link to Spring Semester EPP9 Dates (January - June)

• Link to EPP Flier

• We still have a few spaces left!

Contact Crystal Lancour if you would like to join the Spring EPP9 cohort. (crystal.lancour@colonial.k12.de.us)

Do you know a Colonial staff member who is dedicated, inspiring, and making a difference? The Behavioral Health Professional of the Year Award is given to a school employee whose position is health care practitioner or social or human services provider who offers services for the purpose of improving an individual’s mental health, such as

• School counselors

• School social workers

• Licensed clinical social workers

• School psychologists

• School nurses

If you have questions, please email Cheri Woodall, Supervisor of Heath and Wellness, at cheri.woodall@colonial.k12.de.us

Please submit nominations by Friday, January 19, 2024 at https://www.colonialschooldistrict.org/about-us/behavioral-support-professional-of-the-year/

District leadership continues to be aware of increased reports of COVID-19 cases nationally. As a reminder, staff should continue to follow Colonial’s Health and Safety Protocols (Revised 8.24.23). Additionally, staff should refer to Delaware Department of Education’s Isolation and Exposure Guidance for K – 12 School Settings for guidance on testing positive for or exposure to COVID-19. This document will also guide you on when should return to work following a positive test and what to do following exposure.

Colonial no longer provides letters with “Return to Work” dates. All absences need to follow regular protocols for calling out sick, as the State of Delaware is no longer offering “COVID Days.”

Staff who have any further questions should consult with their primary care provider for specific medical guidance.

Access to Free At-Home COVID Test Kits?

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order an additional 4 free at-⁠home tests beginning November 20. If you did not order tests this fall, you may place two orders for a total of 8 tests.

Your order of COVID tests is completely free – you won’t even pay for shipping.

Go to COVID.gov to order.