CONRAD BI-WEEKLY MEMO December 5, 2025

Principal's Message

Conrad Families -

As we step into December, we officially usher in the winter and holiday season—a time filled with excitement, celebration, and connection. We are looking forward to all that this season brings, including new athletic competitions, choral and band concerts, and, of course, our school play in the early part of the new year. There will be many opportunities for you and your family to get involved or stay connected with our school community.   We also have several fundraising events happening throughout the season that offer wonderful chances to connect with me and our staff. We hope you’ll consider joining us and being part of the joyful spirit that makes Conrad such a special place.   Wishing you a warm and festive start to the month!

Mission - Conrad Schools of Science… teaching life science and life lessons in a kind and inclusive environment, inspiring students and improving the world.

Vision - Conrad Schools of Science will empower students to achieve their goals and impact the community.

Calendar

Master Calendar

Save the Date!

  • Sat, Dec 6, 4:00pm - 6:00pm - Kendra Scott Give Back Event, Christiana Mall
  • Tue, Dec 9, 6:30 pm - Football Boosters Meeting, Library
  • Wed, Dec 10, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Guest Bartending Event, BBC Tavern and Grill
  • Fri, Dec 12 - Dress Down Day, $2 for Wounded Warriors
  • Mon, Dec 15, 6:00 pm - Glee Club and Choir Concert, Auditorium
  • Tue, Dec 16, 6:00 pm - MS / HS Band Concert, Auditorium
  • Wed, Dec 17 - 8th Grade Field Trip, UD Basketball Education Day
  • Thu, Dec 18, 6:30 pm - Athletic Boosters Meeting, Library
  • Fri, Dec 19 - Dress Down Day,  $2 for NMDP
  • Sat, Dec 20 - Sun, Jan 4 - Winter Break, Schools Closed

Upcoming Events / Important Information

Kendra Scott Shopping Event

Shop at Kendra Scott online using the code below or stop by on December 6 from 4:00-6:00 pm to enjoy some light refreshments to donate 20% of your purchase cost to Conrad Schools of Science!

Online code: GIVEBACK-KPXPASS

Conrad Schools of Science - Guest Bartending Event

Conrad Schools of Science is hosting its first Guest Bartending Event! We invite you to join us and our guest bartenders for an evening of drinks, fun, and friendly rivalry in supporting Conrad Schools of Science at BBC Tavern and Grill on December 10, 2025 from 6:00-9:00pm. Meet our Guest Bartenders! Link below to donate leading up to the event!

School Portraits - Legacy Studios

Photo packages can be purchased directly from Legacy Studios in the link below (code 4673). If you are having difficulty locating your student's proofs or with your order, please email jennifer.tran@redclay.k12.de.us with your student's name(s) and grade(s) for assistance.

Yearbooks - Offer

Order your student's middle school or high school yearbook at the lowest price of the year! Middle School Yearbooks are $60 online and High School Yearbooks are $100 online, but can be purchased at a $10 discount if cash or check payment is sent to Ms. Tran in room 207 ($50 for middle school and $90 for high school). Please send exact cash amounts or check payable to Conrad Schools of Science. Email jennifer.tran@redclay.k12.de.us with any questions or concerns

Information for Class of 2026 Families

Senior Spotlight

FAFSA Completion Workshops

Stand By Me will be partnering with your school counselors to host FAFSA Completion Workshops! Spanish language interpreters will be available for families who need language assistance. If you have not yet completed your FAFSA by December and would like support with the process, please sign up by completing the forms in the links below. Remember, the 2026/2027 FAFSA is open, but if you prefer to wait, these sessions are a great opportunity to ask questions or complete the process.

  • 📅 December 16, 2025 — 5:30–7:00 p.m. LIBRARY 📍
  • 📅 January 15, 2026 — 5:30–7:00 p.m. in TBD 📍

Scholarship Information

College Visits

Please review the list of college visiting Conrad in the link below. To sign up for the College Visit, click on the name of the college in the document. You must sign up at least one day prior to the scheduled visit. All college visits will occur during Advisory (10:15-10:45 am) in the Library unless otherwise noted.

Disney Trip

The next payment for the Disney trip is due December 12. Please contact Mr. McFarland for more details.

Senior Portraits

Legacy Studios is our photography vendor for Senior Portraits. They are hosting a senior studio session at the Hilton Wilmington / Christiana in Newark, DE on December 6 and December 18. Students must sign up for a free Bronze session for inclusion in the yearbook, or you can choose to pay a sitting fee to take more poses or outfits.

Senior Recognition Ads in the Yearbook

Senior families, show your student how proud you are with a Senior Recognition Ad in the Yearbook!

Conrad Academics Opportunities

The Red Wolves After School Academic Support Program

The Red Wolves After School Academic Support Program is designed to provide opportunities for students in need of academic support, while fostering positive social interactions among students within their school and learning community.

DHSA/DIMER Pathway to Physician Event

Delaware Health Sciences Alliance and the Delaware Institute for Medical Education and Research are hosting virtual informational sessions for students in Delaware who may be considering medical school. During these events, students will have the opportunity to engage with some of Delaware’s top medical professionals, including practicing physicians, college counselors, and medical directors. They will gain valuable insights from the experiences of others in the field and learn tips essential for their own success. See flyer for more details

HOBY Youth Leadership Seminar

This year's HOBY Youth Leadership Seminar will be held at the University of Delaware from Friday, June 12th to Sunday, June 14th. HOBY is a great fit for students who:

• are passionate about their communities. • have leadership potential. • understand and relate to the experiences of others. • are curious and eager to learn. • are interested in service. • are adaptable and self-reflective. • like to collaborate and work with others. • demonstrate good character. • have a strong sense of integrity. • are excited to connect with peers across the state

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity or applying to participate, please email Dr. Pal before Thanksgiving break: Nathan.Palkovitz@redclay.k12.de.us

Council on International Educational Exchange

Spend 3 to 8 weeks in France, Spain, Italy, Japan, Costa Rica, and more!

The Council on International Educational Exchange is a 75 year old non-profit organization offering programs in nine world languages and secondary education subject areas. All programs are educationally aligned, build college and career readiness, and develop multicultural competency skills. CIEE program participants show strong outcomes on 4-week Language and Culture programs including earning the Global Seal of Biliteracy and 4 college credits through Tulane University and have ACTFL alignment.

This year's scholarship application deadline is extended till February 26th. Most of the funding (up to 90%) goes towards language and culture programs aiming to support WL learners, bilingualism, and global development in US high schools. CIEE had 15 participants to date in the entire state of Delaware and scholarship funding totaled to only $28,000.00. Students apply for programs directly with CIEE. It is not a group travel or faculty involvement model.

Conrad Connections

Conrad Connections

Senior Pathway Students host Eighth Graders in In-House Field Trip

Senior students in Conrad's six high school career pathways showcased their pathway to current eighth grade students in our building. Students got to draw blood from an arm, get transferred into a hospital bed, see the inner workings of code, try their hand at CPR on a human and dog model, and see how nicotine affects microscopic pond creatures.

Neuron Modeling in Anatomy

Students in Ms. Wood's 8th Grade Anatomy modeled neurons using different craft supplies

Flame Lab in Chemistry

Students in Ms. Nowak's Chemistry class put different elements into bunsen burner flame to see how it affects flame color

Clubs and Activities

Clubs and Activities Resource

Below is a Google Resource breaking down the Clubs and Activities offered here at Conrad for both Middle and High School Students. This document is a great resource to use to get your student involved.

Save the Date: CSS Drama presents Just Another High School Play

Saturday, March 7 - 11:00am and 1:30pm

Spring Break 2026 Dominican Republic

Get to know the Dominican Republic, a playground of tropical ecosystems and rich cultural history. More than beautiful beaches, learn the rich history of the second largest island in the Carribean Sea. Nature blends into metropolitan life as you admire beautifully restored monasteries, learn about the country’s reforestation efforts. Experience the Colonial District, the Pomier Caves, and the Dominican Republic's cultural center

Email Ms. Perez (martha.perez@redclay.k12.de.us) or Mr. McFarland (brian.mcfarland@redclay.k12.de.us) with any questions.

Deadline to sign up is December 12th.

Blue Gold and HOSA Merchandise

Looking for some Conrad HOSA or Blue Gold merch? Check out the link below to our online store! Everything is "print on demand" so you can order any time and there's no long waiting period!

FFA and the Animal Science Program's Pet Clinic

Conrad’s Pet Clinic is booking up fast! Get your spot for vaccines, nail trimmings, anal gland expression and ear/eye cleanings! We see all types of animals!

National Technical Honor Society

Conrad is starting a National Technical Honor Society chapter this spring! NTHS is an honor society celebrating the achievements of our students in their career pathways. Please see the informational flier below for more information and email angel.allen@redclay.k12.de.us to be added to the Schoology group.

Sports

Sports

Conrad Athletics Website

Stay on top of Schedule Updates for all of our Sport Programs and changes due to weather. Please check the website for updates on weather instead of calling the main office. We also encourage you to use the apps of communication for your respective team as coaches will often communicate updates through those services.

Purchase Winter Sports Portraits from Legacy Studios

View and order Winter Sports Photos from Legacy Studios! Click the link below and use the password: 467326

Boys and Girls Basketball Games

Ticketing

  • Tickets are sold exclusively through Conrad’s Hometown Ticketing website
  • Ticket sales will open for each week every Sunday night at 11:59 PM
  • Ticket sales CLOSE at 3:30 PM the day of the game
  • No entry after the start of the 3rd quarter
  • No reentry after exiting the building

Other Conduct/Protocols

  • No hats, hoods, or facial coverings
  • The use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco products, or vaping is strictly prohibited
  • Please support your teams in a positive and sportsmanlike manner
  • Entry to our games is through the Gym Entrance which can be found in the rear of the building, using the entrance off of Boxwood Road

Track and Field Gear Store

The Track and Field Gear Store has been extended! Grab some Conrad gear and support the track and field teams. There are some great last minute holiday gifts for your favorite Redwolf!

Swimming and Diving Gear Store

The Swimming and Diving Team has created an additional team store through Mellow Ink. The store will run through December 12

Contacts and Social Media

If you have any questions, please contact Matt Brainard (Athletic Director) at matthew.brainard@redclay.k12.de.us or Rebecca Alexander (Assistant Athletic Director) at rebecca.alexander@redclay.k12.de.us.

Follow Conrad Athletics on the IG, Twitter, and Facebook! By following these accounts, you will see updated DIAA info, sport announcements, and student athlete features/celebrations! You do not want to miss out! Follow Conrad Athletics today!

School-Based Health Center

The School-Based Health Center is staffed by a Family Nurse Practitioner with prescriptive authority, a Registered Dietician, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, & Community Health Worker

Services include sports, school, and camp physicals, diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury, vaccines and PPDs, reproductive health (with parental consent), individual, family, and group counseling, depression, anxiety, and stress management, substance abuse assessment and referrals, crisis and suicide intervention, nutrition and weight management, sports nutrition and meal planning, assistance with health insurance, food insecurity, finding medical/ dental/ specialty care

There are NEVER copays or out of pocket fees. The SBHC does not take the place of you doctor. If your student has a Sports Physical with the Wellness Center, they can still see their doctor for their annual exam, because it will not be billed to insurance. All children enrolled at the school may use the SBHC regardless of income or health care coverage.

Conrad Parent Groups

Help Us Spoil Our Staff with a Grinch-Themed Dessert Bar! 🎄💚

Hi Conrad families, We’re putting together a Grinch-themed Staff Dessert Bar on Tuesday, December 17th, and we’d love your help to make it extra sweet for our amazing teachers and staff! We’re asking families to sign up to donate a dessert—homemade or store-bought—so we can fill the staff lounge with treats for them to enjoy throughout the day. Think cookies, cupcakes, brownies, candy, or anything Grinchy and festive! 👉 Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DA8AE2CA2F9C43-60968823-staff A few details:

  • Drop-off date: Tuesday, December 17th
  • Drop-off time: 10 am-10:30 am
  • Drop-off location: Main office 

Thank you in advance for helping us show our staff how much they are appreciated. Your support truly makes a difference! Warmly, Tiffany Browne President/ Conrad PTO

Meetings

  • The next Football Boosters meeting is on December 9 at 6:30 pm in the Library
  • The next Athletic Boosters meeting is on January 15 at 6:30 pm in the Library
Community

DHSA/DIMER Pathway to Physician Event

Delaware Health Sciences Alliance and the Delaware Institute for Medical Education and Research are hosting virtual informational sessions for students in Delaware who may be considering medical school. During these events, students will have the opportunity to engage with some of Delaware’s top medical professionals, including practicing physicians, college counselors, and medical directors. They will gain valuable insights from the experiences of others in the field and learn tips essential for their own success. See flyer for more details

Conrad Alumni

The next Conrad Alumni Meeting will be Monday, January 26, 2025

Calling all Conrad Schools of Science Alumni!

Are you a proud Conrad Schools of Science alumnus currently in college or the workforce? We want YOU to inspire the next generation! Join us for a special event to share your journey after Conrad and showcase where life has taken you.

  • Date: Wednesday, December 17
  • Time: 9:30AM-12:45PM
  • Location: Conrad Schools of Science

If you're interested, please contact Dr. Barbara Prillaman by December 9 at barbara.prillaman@redclay.k12.de.us to secure your spot.

For alumni information, contact Patti Caudell Reinbold (class of 1969) at kerrpatti@aol.com or 302-981-7077 or visit: Facebook Website

Conrad Social Media

Conrad Social Media

Follow the social media accounts below for Conrad Academic information!

Credits:

Created with images by MarekPhotoDesign.com - "Hello December word abstrtact in wood type" • nateejindakum - "Silhouette action sport outdoors of diversity of kids having fun playing soccer football for exercise in community rural area under the twilight sunset sky." • Africa Studio - "Business people hands, top view. Teamwork concept." • Looker_Studio - "Social media and digital online concept, woman using smart phone on sofa at home. The concept of living on vacation and playing social media."