Message from the Administrative Team
Greetings Tigers and Tiger Families!
Happy New Year! Hopefully our students and families had a restful winter break. With the new calendar year, it is customary this time of year to make a resolution. A resolution is a firm decision to do or not to do something. What is your resolution? I hope for the year 2024 (as I have since the beginning of the school year) our students are making the resolution to be the best students they can be. Our Tiger Roar program has some great incentives to encourage students to be their best. As you read through this newsletter, you will see we are offering a skating party next month to students who are making good choices.
I invite you, our parents, students, guardians and other community members, to join us on Monday, January 8, 2024 at 6:30 pm for our first Tiger Boosters meeting of this year. Tiger Boosters is an organization of Alexis I. du Pont High School community members (parents, guardians, administrators, teachers, students, and coaches) whose goal is to support students and programs at and for our school. Please join us that evening.
Last, the Red Clay Consolidated School District Choice Program deadline is January 10, 2024 for all potential students interested in attending Alexis I. du Pont High School next school year. We have three new academic programs for next school year: Early College Academy, E-Sports, and Allied Health. Information for the choice program can be found on our website as well as the Red Clay Consolidated School District website. Thanks for taking the time to read this newsletter and see how our students and staff continue to be excellent and engaged every day.
Respectfully,
Martin J. Cresci
Principal of Alexis I. du Pont High School
Staff Spotlight
Joseph Lupo - Science Teacher
Scholar Spotlights
Upcoming Events & Initiatives
On January 19, 2024 our schools will be turning 130 years old! Alexis I. du Pont Middle School is hosting a series of Anniversary Events the week of January 15-19th to commemorate the profound impact that the Alexis I. du Pont Schools have had on the Wilmington Community. To celebrate our school's rich history, AIMS is hosting a fundraiser for our 130th Anniversary to raise funds for our facility improvements and the restoration of unique school features. We are inviting you to join us for this celebration of our history together!
Originally established in 1893 through a donation from the DuPont Company, AIMS was named after Alexis Irenee du Pont, a 19th-century humanitarian. Over the years, it received generous support from the Pierre S. du Pont family, enabling expansions and upgrades during World War I and subsequent decades.
In 1967, the current building became a middle school serving grades 6-8 when Alexis I. du Pont High School was built just down the road. While the school's structure largely remained the same since the 1960s, it has adapted to changing student needs, repurposing spaces for special services and creating a modern school in a historic space.
The anniversary event will take place at the DuPont Country Club's Brantwyn Estate on the evening of January 19, 2024 from 6pm-10pm. We anticipate some VIP guests to be in attendance as well as our other friends from Red Clay schools. The celebration will have "Heavy" Hor D'oeuvres, limited open bar, a live band, dancing and raffle prizes. Admission to the event is $100.00 - a portion is your ticket is a donation to the fundraiser. Tickets are going fast, so don't miss your chance to join the celebration!
Extracurricular Activities
We are proud to share that we have many extracurricular clubs and encourage all students to participate. Below is a list of some of the clubs we offer.
- Black Student Union (BSU)
- Business Professionals of America (BPA)
- Citizen Science Club
- Code Differently
- DECA
- Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA)
- Drama Club
- Drone Soccer
- Educators Rising
- Environmental Action Committee (EAC)
- Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA)
- Latinos Unidos
- Majorette Dance Team
- Math League
- Mock Trial
- Tabletop Gaming Club
- Technology Student Association (TSA) / eSports
Upcoming Meetings
- Baseball Club - meets every Wednesday at 2:25 on the baseball field
Join the Traveling Tigers
Tigers Athletics
Winter Sports Highlights
Winter Sports Coaches
Be sure to check out the Tigers Athletics Instagram account @aidupontathletics for regular updates and highlights.
High School Counselors' Corner
Counselors are determined by the first letter of the student's last name.
Look for a more tech-savvy way to monitor your classes and grades? Check out the two apps pictured below.
College Financial Aid
Funding Your Future: Community Scholarships 101
Stand By Me College Funding Project - available to all Delaware public high schools, this program provides financial aid information, resources, and direct assistance to high school juniors and seniors and their families as they navigate the world of financial aid for college. Families can register for virtual appointments for workshops, such as FAFSA Completion Assistance, Paying for College, Scholarship, and FAFSA Walk-Through workshops. Click HERE to view their presentation for students. Click HERE to visit their website.
Alumni and Tradition
Alexis I. du Pont High School Alumni
Click HERE to register with the Alumni Association.
Resources
Onsite Resources
Our Wellness Center provides many services on AIHS's campus, including sports physicals, health screenings, immunizations, and counseling. Click HERE to register online, or call 302-651-2640 to schedule your appointment. Registration forms are also available in the Main Office.
AIHS Chromebook/ Technology Agreement form
Acuerdo de Tecnología 1:1 del AIHS
Community Resources
Supporting Kidds offers a safe place for grieving children to not feel alone. Services include peer support groups, individualized therapy and family programs. Located in Hockessin, DE. For more information, visit https://supportingkidds.org/
Connective Parenting: Access free lessons and articles to help you create a parent-child relationship that lasts a lifetime. Click HERE for more information.
Free English as a Second Language Classes: James H. Groves Adult High (located inside AIHS) is hosting these free classes. Click HERE to register.
The Latin American Community Center offers a free program and services at their Youth Achievement Center for students ages 12-18 from 5:00-8:00 pm during the week, including sports physicals, WiFi access, dinner, field trips, homework help, and assistance completing college, job, and scholarship applications. Transportation is also available. They offer mentors through a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware and enrichment activities such as filmmaking and other Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) activities, substance abuse prevention programming, art, ice skating, basketball, and community service activities. The LACC also offers a High School Credit Recovery Program in partnership with the Red Clay School District. Students behind on credits can complete coursework online at the LACC. Contact: 302-655-7338 or Andreina Cerrato (ACerrato@thelatincenter.org) for more information.
Get Involved!
Our Tigers Boosters organization supports all students. Use the above link to register your family.
The photos below are from the past 2 weeks.
Follow our social media for the most up to date information and highlights of amazing things happening at Alexis I. du Pont High School!