Beginning of School Updates

Important Information for the 2021-2022 Launch of School

"Leadership Lives Here"

Welcome Back!

Southern Elementary Parents,


Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year. It is difficult to put into words, the excitement for this new year and our ability to welcome all students back to the building. Though school is not 100% back to our "pre-Covid" configuration, we are getting closer.


Please know that the Colonial School District is committed to ensuring that your child has a safe and healthy environment in which to learn. As we prepare our school and establish our routines, we consistently follow the guidelines of the Delaware Department of Public Health and the Delaware Department of Education.


To plan for a smooth transition back to the building, please be sure to read through this newsletter completely. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me or any of our administrative staff.


Again, welcome back and this is going to be an AWESOME year.


Jeffory Gibeault, Principal

Masks are required for all students and adults when inside the building.

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Daily Covid-19 Self-Screener

Each morning, all families should review the Covid -19 Self Screener. If you child exhibits any Covid-19 symptoms, they must remain home and parents must contact our School Nurses, Beth Grimm or Rita Ross, at 302-832-6300, to develop a safe return to school plan.


The self screener can be found by clicking here.

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First Days of School for 1st - 5th Graders - 8/30/2021

Kindergarten Staggered Start

Kindergarten students will begin the year on a staggered start. This allows us to better establish school routines with our new Southern Sharks.


8/30 - Students with the last names that begin with A - L only.

8/31 - Students with the last names that begin with A - L only.


9/1 - Students with the last names that begin with M - Z only.

9/2 - Students with the last names that begin with M - Z only.


9/7 - All kindergarten students begin attending together.

School Hours

8:45am - Doors Open


9:00am - Instruction Begins (students arriving after 9:00 are late)


3:30pm - Dismissal Begins

Stay Informed

Stay Informed

Stay Informed
Each Sunday evening, Mr. Gibeault will contact families using our School Messenger program to provide an update for the coming week. This contact will be a phone call and an email.
795 Cox Neck Road, New Castle, DE, USA jeffory.gibeault@colonail.k12.de (302)832-6300 colonialschooldistrict.org/southern/

IMPORTANT: Click Here to Read the Parent and Student Handbook

Car Riders and Daycare

If your child will be a permanent car rider or will ride daycare transportation to and from school, contact Southern Elementary to confirm this ASAP.


Also, please be sure to read the car rider arrival and dismissal procedures in the Parent and Student Handbook.

School Supplies

Colonial School District provides all students with all required learning materials.


However, the following list are items that parents may wish to provide:

  • Pencil case
  • Bookbag
  • Inexpensive headphones or earbuds
  • Pencil sharpener (one that collects the shavings)
  • Extra folders

School Routines and Procedures

Please read the Parent and School Handbook by clicking here. In the handbook, you will find our daily routines and important procedures such as car rider routines for arrival and dismissal, attendance information, and many other important aspects of Southern Elementary.