Colonials Do Their Piece to Spread Awareness

By Kimberly Cushwa 

William Penn seniors Gary DiCiasare, Michael Needles, and Alexis Parker decided to run a t-shirt campaign to help inform the students of WPHS of the ever-prevalent affects of autism. This campaign is being run as to fulfill their Senior Legacy Project, a project required by all Penn seniors in order to graduate.

Autism, a mental condition characterized by a difficulty communicating and forming relationships with others, is widely known – but not many understand the deep-set effects it has on those diagnosed with this condition along with their families. Autism is stigmatized as a child’s disease, a relation that may be caused by television advertisements that cover autism awareness. This is a stigma that DiCiasare, Needles, and Parker are trying to disprove

DiCiasare decided upon this topic for his legacy project because he “wanted to help people on the spectrum especially with me living through it since I was two and a half. At two and a half years old I was diagnosed on the spectrum so a great way to for my legacy is to help those like me on the spectrum.” The spectrum which he is referring to is the scale of functionality which doctors use when diagnosing someone with autism.

Needles followed up DiCiasare’s statement by saying that he was motivated because he cared about his friend. “We want to help as many know about this as possible and so instead of doing this alone the three of us decided to do it together.”

Current statistics from the Society for Autism state that every 1 in 45 Americans is diagnosed with some level or form of autism and that none of these cases have been proven to develop from a vaccine given during childhood. Many Neurodiversity advocates speak on the need to not cure autism or change a person with this disorder, but for society to grow and learn how to both accept their differences and the unique intellect that an autistic mind has to offer.

Those students interested in joining this campaign may purchase a tee shirt for only 10 dollars from either one of the three students involved or Mr. Jenkins in room N209 until they are sold out.

Senior Class Committee Elects New Members

By Kimberly Cushwa

On April 7 the class of 2017 came together to elect their Senior Class Committee representatives. The students who were running gathered with their peers in the auditorium that morning to present political speeches on what they wished to do if elected. Once the presentations ended, students were able to cast their ballot on voting machines – a great chance to prepare for this real world experience.

Student officers have numerous responsibilities. Carolyn Smalls, the teacher in charge of the senior class committee, stated, “Elected officers are given a list of their responsibilities before they run for office so they are aware of what their duties are before they run for office.” This is important in not only making students aware of what they are signing up for, but also so those who are elected are unable to slack with the excuse of not knowing the work these positions entail.

Smalls also said, “The overall responsibilities of the officers and Senior Class Committee members are to plan educational and fun activities for the class of 2017.” Activities that have been planned by the current Senior Class Committee include a school wide “Shoes to Share” project which presented all William Penn students with the opportunity to donate shoes to be distributed to those who are in need along with senior only trips to Six Flags, a ski resort, and I-Play America.

Senior CLass committee is not all work, it is also a valuable learning experience. Students who participate in the senior class committee will learn to how work in a group, plan and implement activities, how our democracy works and, most importantly, how to become a well-rounded citizen

The Senior Class Committee of 2017 will include President Rajbir Bal, Vice President Erica Jones, Secretary Veronica Sacco, and Treasurer Alexis Ayala.

 

Introducing William Penn’s New Innovation Center

By KImberly Cushwa

This summer William Penn has the plan of bringing the library into the 21st century. Through many exciting modifications, the modernization of this space will leave it happily deemed as an Innovation Center. As it has been over a decade since the last full remodel, many members of the staff and student body have brought to the district’s attention the need for an overhaul. Funding for this project is currently being secured through private corporations.

Kristen Barnello stated, “Dr. Erskine has decided to approve the decision to remodel the library, but has been seeking input from a variety of people, at WP, the district, and other schools and libraries that have undertaken the transition to a 21st Century library model [to gain ideas on how to best update this space to benefit the students.]”

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The current plans entail many exciting additions, one of which includes a small cafe so students can sit and enjoy a latte as they read a book – others may just grab an espresso shot between classes if they need a little pick me up after a long night of studying. Four soundproof rooms are also in the plans. These rooms will be able to be used by students and staff to record podcasts, webinars, videos, etc. to be used as in class teaching material or for projects.

The biggest change to be implemented is the online course catalog that current social studies teacher, Mr. Kevin Wright, is putting together. This new selection of online classes will allow students who are interested in a topic not taught in a traditional classroom setting to gain original credit to be put toward their transcript for this subject. Others can take advantage of these online classes by adding them to their schedule when they are unable to take a traditional class due to it being filled or only being taught at a time when they have a previously scheduled class.

Wright said, “Many students are excited about the opportunity to access new courses and materials.  Students that are passionate about classes, but that have reached the top levels currently offered can use the new space to pursue independent studies. I sincerely believe that students are excited by the potential of a new challenging and rewarding program.”

Things such as the fiction section of the library will remain the same as students will be able to check out both recent titles and popular classics which spark their interest. The changes on this space are expected to be completed by the spring semester of the 2016-2017 school year.

Colonials Pick Up the Fight On Drugs

By Kimberly Cushwa

Saturday, March 12 the William Penn Colonials joined the war on drugs. This year’s Community Health Fair, led by the William Penn Health Corps, focused on informing WP and the surrounding community on the toxic effects of modern drug culture.

Photo by Kimberly Cushwa Attendees of the Community Health Fair gather in Gym 1 at William Penn to speak with vendors March 12. 

The health fair also welcomed first year Health Corp. leader Ms. Rideout who released that, “The decision to focus on drugs was made by the [Health Corp.] planning committee. Their reasoning was because of an influx in drug usage surrounding the New Castle and Wilmington community.” With Zumba sessions, cooking demos, and over 53 community vendors offering free health screenings and massages, the fair made sure to offer information on general health and well being instead of just drugs.

Jennie McCarthy, a mother of 3 who brought her children to the health fair, said, “My favorite thing today was definitely the Kid’s Corner! It was great seeing my kids being able to interact with their favourite characters as they are much more likely to listen to Winnie the Pooh or Doc McStuffins than me about what is healthy.”

Jackson Bennett also commented on the event stating he enjoyed “the welcoming atmosphere and how nice everyone working this event appeared to be.”

Accepting All Colonials

By Kimberly Cushwa

On March 2, 2016 the William Penn Colonials will be teaming up with Project UNIFY to host a school-wide Day of Respect and Acceptance. This day is being held to promote the acceptance of all students at WPHS no matter how different. Project Unify is a branch off of the Special Olympics, an education and sports based organization dedicated to helping special needs children, teens, and adults be able to have the same experiences as others their age.

Each year this Day of Respect and Acceptance is held to encourage these full functioning students to pledge to accept all for who they are and to “Spread the Word to End the Word,” a national campaign started in 2009 by youth leaders to end the derogatory use of the word retarded. William Penn has been hosting this event here at the school for five years.

This year students who purchased an event shirt from Ms. Buzby will wear it on March 2. In addition, all students are welcome to sign the banners placed outside each of the lunchrooms as a way to pledge their support to this cause.

This event is not just limited to William Penn. Kylie Frazer, the Delaware representative for Project UNIFY, stated, “There are over 115 schools ranging from early childhood centers to universities from across the state participating in the event this year.”

Those students who wish to continue in assisting this spread of acceptance are able to log on to www.sode.org to find volunteer opportunities and more information on Special Olympics Delaware.