About Gunning Bedford
Gunning Bedford Middle School, Colonial School District
801 Cox Neck Road
New Castle, DE 19720
Phone: (302) 832-6280
Fax: (302) 834-6729
Gunning Bedford Middle School’s educational program strongly emphasizes the mastery of academic skills so that students can gather and process information, think critically, solve problems, and express ideas. The relevance of our academic program ensures exposure to the skills and knowledge necessary to meet or exceed the standards as well as to live a rewarding and contributing adult life. Gunning Bedford Middle School is divided by grades into teams. This arrangement reduces a large school into three grades of small teams to guarantee that students remain individuals rather than numbers. Staff Centers led by a building administrator and a guidance counselor handle the supervision, guidance, and discipline of students at each grade level. Sixth grade offices are located in the South Staff Center, seventh grade in the Main Office, and eighth grade in the North Staff Center. Teams of teachers in each grade are responsible for teaching reading, mathematics, language arts, social studies, and science. Exploratory Arts classes such as physical education, visual art, three dimensional art, consumer education, communication arts, band, chorus, music, and computers are taught outside the core academic areas. The Gunning Bedford staff are extremely proud of their students. Our successful students come to school with a positive attitude toward learning and a commitment to hard work and excellence.
Bill Johnston
Principal
Principal William Johnston is entering his 18th year in the Colonial School District. He has been a social studies teacher at William Penn High School and an administrator and principal across all of our secondary schools.This is his 3rd school year as Principal at Gunning Bedford Middle School. Mr. Johnston drew up in New York, and moved to Delaware to attend the University of Delaware for a degree in social studies education. He also obtained his Master’s Degree in School Leadership from the University of Delaware. Mr. Johnston’s family includes his wife, Lauren, and children Nora & Luke. The Johnston’s enjoy cooking at home, hiking, and supporting The Arsenal Football Club.
Megan Nowell
Assistant Principal
Assistant Principal Megan Nowell began her career as an elementary teacher in the Colonial School District more than 20 years ago. She served as a school counselor and student advisor before being promoted to her present position. “I have always believed that my job as an educator is to support not only the academic achievement but also the social and emotional growth of my students,” she says. Nowell earned a Bachelor’s degree from West Chester University and a Master’s from Wilmington University. As she interacts with students she is guided by this quote, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all” -Aristotle. Nowell adds, “Not only am I an educator but also a wife and a mother. My husband, Randy, and I live in Landenberg, PA, and have two children; Jake, and Riley. In the winter you can find us skiing while we spend time in the summer between the beach and Lake Wallenpaupack in the Poconos.”
Dr. Erika Thomas-Brown
Assistant Principal
Assistant Principal Dr. Erika Thomas-Brown has been an accomplished secondary school administrator for more than 5 years. She began her career in education as a teacher, reading interventionist, student advisor, and extended school year coordinator before she was promoted to her present position. “I was motivated to become an educational leader to inspire and motivate students and teachers. I strive to create a positive and productive learning environment where students prosper and teachers feel supported and valued,” she says. Dr.Thomas-Brown has a Bachelor’s degree from Delaware State University and earned a Master’s and Doctorate from Wilmington University. In her professional and personal life, she is guided by a quote from poet/author Maya Angelo that reads, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Dr. Thomas-Bown is a proud Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. member and the National Sorority of Phi Deta Kappa, Inc. She and her husband Jerede have three sons, Kendrick, Jayven, and Tyler.