CONRAD BI-WEEKLY MEMO February 13, 2026

Principal's Message

Conrad Families,   Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we move through the second semester. Our students are engaged in meaningful learning each day, and your encouragement at home plays a vital role in their success. We are proud of the focus, resilience, and school pride they continue to demonstrate in our classrooms, activities, and athletic programs.   This is a key time of year for students to remain consistent with attendance, stay organized, and keep their academic goals at the forefront. We encourage families to continue checking Schoology and Infinite Campus regularly for updates on grades, assignments, and important school information. Staying connected helps us work together to provide the best possible support for every student.   Over the past few weeks, our building has been filled with positive energy and accomplishments that reflect the strength of the Conrad community. We look forward to the many events, celebrations, and learning experiences still to come, as these moments help strengthen the connection between our school and our families.   Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and for all you do to support your children and our school. Together, we will continue to ensure that every student grows, achieves, and feels a strong sense of belonging at Conrad.

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!

  • Mon, Feb 16 - No School, Presidents' Day
  • Tue, Feb 17 - Wed, Feb 18 - 6th and 8th Grade DeSSA Social Studies Testing, in SS classes
  • Fri, Feb 20 - Dress Down Day, $2 to Smile Train
  • Wed, Mar 4 - Dress Down Day, $2 to Spread the Word
  • Thu, Mar 5, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Welcome to the Pack Night, Accepted incoming 9th Graders
  • Fri, Mar 6, 5:00 pm - CSS Drama presents Just Another High School Play, Conrad Auditorium
  • Sat, Mar 7, 11:00am and 1:30 pm - CSS Drama presents Just Another High School Play, Conrad Auditorium
  • Tue, Mar 10 - SAT and PSAT - 9th - 11th Grade Students
  • Fri, Mar 20 - No School, In-Service Day

Upcoming Events / Important Information

Feedback for the Family Engagement Night this past Thursday

On Thursday, Conrad Schools of Science hosted its first Family Engagement Night in conjunction with Parent-Teacher Conferences. We would appreciate your feedback on this event!

Support the Eighth Grade Field Trip!

The eighth grade class is planning a trip to Hersheypark to celebrate their important milestone of finishing middle school. To offset the costs of the trip, Conrad is hosting a SchoolFundr fundraiser. All proceeds will reduce the cost of the trip for each student. Please consider donating!

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

Order your Cap and Gown!

Make sure to order your cap and gown from Jostens in order to walk at graduation. Packages start at $50, and there are optional extras like keepsake tassels and graduation cards on the website as well.

FAFSA Reminder

If you plan to attend college next year, NOW is the time to complete your 2026-2027 FAFSA! Currently only 41% of the senior class has completed it. Please see the steps below:

  • Start the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Complete the FAFSA between October 1 and March 1 to maximize the financial aid you may receive. Go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Add the schools that you are applying to on your FAFSA. This is a FREE application. You and your parent will each need a Federal Student AID (FSA) identification to get started. You will need information from your parents, including tax returns.
  • Check the FAFSA priority deadlines. Schools have different deadlines. Submit your FAFSA by those dates. Funds are limited and may be awarded on a first-come basis.

Scholarship Information

Senior students should check the Class of 2026 Seniors Schoology regularly for additional local scholarships and opportunities!

Disney Trip

The next payment for the Disney trip is due February 20. Please contact Mr. McFarland for more details.

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.

University of Delaware's Pre-College Summer Program

The University of Delaware is hosting its Pre-College Summer Program for high school students wishing to hain pre-college experience in a dyanmic field. Students will experience week-long immersion programs led by UD faculty and experts. The weeklong programs will be held on the UD main campus in Newark, DE. Sessions include:

  • Forensic Science (June 22-26)
  • Neuroscience (June 22-26)
  • Podcasting (June 22-26)
  • Autonomous Driving Academy (July 6-10)

There will be a virtual information session on March 3 at 7:00pm for more information. Click the link below to RSVP

The Delaware Boys State Program

The American Legion, Department of Delaware will sponsor the Delaware Boys State Program at Goldey-Beacom College (4701 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808). Program Dates: Sunday, June 14, 2026 through Friday, June 19, 2026.  Application deadline: March 31, 2026. Conrad may nominate two representatives. If interested, please contact your school counselor. The eligibility requirements for this program are as follows:

  • A young man who has completed his junior year of high school and is in the upper third of his class
  • Has demonstrated leadership abilities
  • Has a genuine interest in learning about government through practical application
  • Is able to attend the entire session from Sunday to Friday staying on campus at Goldey-Beacom College for the entire program.

For more information please visit: http://www.legion.org/boysnation

STEM Education Event for Middle School Girls

“Engineering Your Tomorrow”  EYT is an annual STEM for females event sponsored by Million Women Mentors, along with several local STEM businesses.  Red Clay has sponsored this event for several years, as it has been hosting it at Conrad the last weekend in February.  The event is only for middle school girls.  This year EYT will be from 9:30a - 3:30p on Saturday, Feb 28th at Conrad Schools of Science.  There will be separate activities for both students and parents.  More information can be found in the flyer linked above or in the registration link below. 

2026 Delaware Goes to College Academy Virtual Bootcamp

The Delaware Goes to College Academy is a joint initiative between TeenSHARP and the Delaware Department of Education. It offers workshops to help you understand the college admissions landscape and to help you become the best scholar you can be! Students enrolled in the Delaware Goes to College Academy find themselves graduating high school and attending the college that best fits them, with special attention given to minimizing student debt. This program is designed for current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors (high school graduation years of 2029, 2028, 2027). Deadline to register is March 16th.

The District Court's High School Fellowship Program

Looking to gain first-hand experience working in a court system and a better understanding of the legal system as a whole? The District Court's High School Fellowship Program is a multi-week summer program. High school students selected to participate will work in chambers with Judges of the District Court or with other federal employees who work with the court. Selected students are paid a monetary stipend.  Interested rising Junior and Senior students (current sophomores and juniors) must submit an application along with their transcript and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor. Please see your school counselor or Mrs. Albera in the school counseling office for an application. Finalists will interview for the position. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY APRIL 1, 2026.

Conrad Connections

Conrad Connections

Chemical Reactions in 7th Grade Science

During their Chemistry Unit, 7th grade students in Mr. Teague's science class conducted an experiment with four different types of bath bombs, making observations and collecting evidence to determine what ingredients are required for a chemical reaction to take place.

Middle School Students surpass iReady goals

Our middle school students took their winter iReady testing in January. Of those students, 323 students across the three grades made significant improvements on their fall scores. These students met either their typical growth or stretch growth goal for the year in Reading, Math or both. Students were given certificates to celebrate their individual achievements. We can't wait to see what they do in the spring.

Egg "Babies" for Developmental Psychology

Students in AP Psychology "adopted" baby eggs to care for during the Developmental Psychology unit.  For one week, they are taking care of the needs of their "babies".  Students must have a daily log of activities, take photos of their babies engaging in the activities, and answer common scenarios parents may find themselves in. Students learn more about parenting styles, developmental stages, and conflict resolution.

MS Dance

The Class of 2028 hosted a Glow Dance for the middle school students on Feb 6. They had the best time!

Pathway Highlight: Biomedical Science

Biomed 1: Principles of Biomedical Science

Students in Ms. Tran's Biomed 1 course are investigating the cause of a nosocomial outbreak in a hospital that has affected 11 patients who have similar symptoms despite coming into the hospital for various reasons. Students performed an isolation streak on the patient's bacteria flora and used bacteria colony morphology to identify the specific species in each patient before they Gram stain the bacteria samples next week!

Biomed 2: Human Body Systems

Students in Ms. Wood's Biomed 2 course are learning about muscle contraction and types of joints and tendons in the knee. Students performed and captured data on the patellar reflex (also known as knee-jerk reflex) using Vernier software and compare reflex versus reaction times.

Students in Ms. Wood's Biomed 2 course are also simultaneously running experiments on Caenorhabditis elegans, a microscopic worm used as a model organism, mirroring experiences they would have in college lab courses. Students are creating copper mazes and exposing the worms to neurotransmitters like serotonin, nicotine, and caffeine to see how it affects their performance going through the mazes.

Biomed 3: Medical Interventions

Students in Ms. Wood's Biomed 3 course are in the middle of their genetic counseling unit and performed a gel electrophoresis using fluorescent SYBR and MiniOne equipment to identify carriers of sickle cell anemia, a genetic recessive disease. Students will go on to counsel their fictitious patients on the likelihood that these genetic diseases would be passed down.

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.

Class of 2029 Fundraisers

The Class of 2029 is selling T-shirts until Feb 27. Please purchase using the link below. The Freshman Class is also hosting a Valentine's Day Bake Sale on Feb 18 and Feb 19. Please click the link below to donate items for the sale.

Game Night sponsored by Blue-Gold Club and HOSA

Mark your calendar - The Blue-Gold Club and HOSA Game Night fundraiser is set for Friday, February 27th, at Minquas Fire Hall in Newport from 5:30-9pm. Come out for a night of fun, fast-paced games with friends! There will also be basket raffles and a 50/50 drawing. Would you like to promote your business with a donation for our raffle? Contact Renee Allen at angel.allen@redclay.k12.de.us for information. Food is available for purchase (cash preferred). Get your tickets in advance from our online store or pay at the door (tap to pay accepted).

Game Night Raffle Basket Donations

Please consider donating items towards raffle baskets for Blue Gold and HOSA's Game Night. The list of basket themes below. If you would like to donate an item for a basket, please sign up but also comment with exactly what you are donating, that way we don't end up with duplicate items. There is also a signup section for random donations, for empty baskets, and for if you want to make your own basket to donate! Thank you for all your help in making Game Night a success!

Join Youth in Government!

Spring Break 2027: Spain

Be part of the Wolfpack as we head to Spain for an unforgettable Spring Break adventure! From historic streets to unforgettable views, this is one trip you won’t want to miss. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Open to all Conrad students (grades 6–12) and their families 👉 Middle school travelers are asked to join us with an adult chaperone 👴 Grandparents wants to take you somewhere special? Spain sounds like a great idea. 😌 Family wants a stress-free, perfectly planned trip? We’ve got you covered—just come along for the ride. ⚠️ Space is limited, so don’t wait! 📍Vamos, Wolfpack!

CSS Drama presents Just Another High School Play

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

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.

Conrad MS Girls Basketball win the District Championships

The Conrad MS Girls Basketball team, led by Mr. Bolinski and Mrs. Lucas, won the District Championships by defeating AI duPont Middle School 25-20. Congratulations, girls!

National Girls and Women in Sports Day

February 4 was National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Strong. Confident. Unstoppable. We are so fortunate to have the best athletes representing Conrad.

Conrad MS Wrestling Highlights

Conrad had 11 Top 3 Finalists during the Red Clay Conference Middle School Wrestling Championship! Congrats to everyone who competed!

HS Women's Soccer Interest Meeting

There will be a HS Womens Soccer Interest Meeting on Thursday, Feb 19 during Advisory in Room 314. See Mr. Farside with any questions.

8th Annual Conrad Quarter Auction

Join us in an evening of fun for the whole family with tons of great prizes! Proceeds benefit the Conrad Baseball Team.

  • When: Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 6:00 pm - 10: 00 pm
  • Where: Chambers Memorial (Mill Creek) Fire Hall - 3900 Kirkwood Hwy Wilmington, DE 19808
  • How: Reserve your spot by contacting any baseball player or returning the form below to the school
  • Cost: $10 per paddle or $200 for a table of 10 (2 paddles each); Upgraded all-in paddles also available

Conrad Redwolves Football to host Annual Pancake Breakfast

ALL YOU CAN EAT  We’re back with our annual pancake breakfast fundraiser for Conrad Football Boosters! Saturday March 7th from 8:00-10:00am at the Applebees on Kirkwood Hwy. $14 per person; tickets can be purchase via Venmo @conradfootballassociation. Contact Coach Walters with any questions. See you there and come hungry! 

Conrad Sports Boosters hosts Trivia Night

Conrad Wins!

  • Varsity Boys Wrestling defeated Christiana HS 52-30 on Feb 2
  • Varsity Boys Wrestling defeated Dickinson 48-30 on Feb 2
  • MS Girls BB defeated HB duPont MS 28-25 on Feb 2
  • Varsity Boys Wrestling defeated Caravel 40-39 on Feb 4
  • MS Boys BB defeated AIMS 57-54 on Feb 4
  • MS Girls BB defeated AIMS 25-20 on Feb 5
  • JV Boys BB defeated Middletown HS 44-41 on Feb 9
  • Boys Swimming defeated Archmere 87-62 on Feb 9
  • Varsity Boys Wrestling defeated Archmere 62-10 on Feb 9
  • Varsity Boys BB defeated Salesianum School 64-61 on Feb 13

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

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.

Spring Sports Physicals Available at the Wellness Center!

Spring Sports are just around the corner! All athletes need a DIAA sports physical dated after 4/1/25 to try out. The Conrad Wellness Center offers sports physicals all year. Students can stop by to pick up necessary paperwork and schedule their physical (302) 992-5532.

Conrad Parent Groups

Meetings

  • The next PTO meeting is on Thursday, February 12 at 7:00 pm in the Library
  • The next Athletic Boosters meeting is on Thursday, February 19 at 6:30 pm in the Library
Community

Rita's is Hiring!

Job Opportunity! Rita's locations in Hockessin and on Concord Pike are currently looking to hire at both locations for the 2026 season. They will be opening mid-late February. To apply, click on the link then hit the JOIN THE TEAM tab, which will you directly to the application needed to apply.

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, February 23, 2026

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 nespix - "Red white pink heart background, love valentine day" • LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - "Diploma with beautiful bow, graduation cap with red tassel on top of books on table on white background" • 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." • Viacheslav Yakobchuk - "African American undergoing medical examination at clinic" • 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."