CONRAD BI-WEEKLY MEMO January 30, 2026

Principal's Message

Dear Conrad Families and School Community-   I hope this message finds you well and staying warm, safe, and dry during this winter weather. As we wrap up this period, I also want to acknowledge that we have officially concluded the second marking period, an important milestone in our academic year.   I want to take a moment to thank our entire school community for how thoughtfully and smoothly we were able to pivot over the past few days. Your flexibility, patience, and partnership truly make a difference, and I am especially grateful for the many supportive emails and messages I received—they meant more than you know.   Here are a few important updates as we look ahead: As of today, the plan is for school to resume in person on Monday at our regular start time. We kindly ask that families and staff allow for a bit of extra time when arriving, as winter conditions are still impacting our campus. While our custodial team has done a wonderful job clearing walkways and preparing the building, there are snow retention areas in both the front and back parking lots that may affect traffic flow and parking.   Thank you, as always, for your continued grace, cooperation, and commitment to our school community. We look forward to welcoming everyone back into the building and beginning the next marking period together.   Stay warm and enjoy the remainder of your weekend—we’ll see you Monday!

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.

Master Calendar

Save the Date!

• Sat, Jan 31, 2:00 pm - SL24 Basketball Classic, Chase Fieldhouse, $10 tickets
• Mon, Feb 2 - NAEP Testing, select 8th grade classes
• Fri, Feb 6, 6:30 - 8:30 pm - Middle School Winter Dance, Conrad Gym
• Thu, Feb 12, 2:45 - 6:00 pm - Parent-Teacher Conferences, Library and Cafeteria
• Thu, Feb 12, 5:30 - 7:30 pm - Academic Achievement Night
• Fri, Feb 13, 7:30 - 11:00 am - Parent-Teacher Conferences, by appointment
• Fri, Feb 13 - No School, Parent-Teacher Conferences
• 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

Upcoming Events / Important Information

Nominate an Inspiring Educator for Red Clay Teacher of the Year!

Is there a teacher in Red Clay who has made a lasting impact on your life or the lives of students? Now is the time to recognize their incredible dedication and passion! Nominate your favorite educator for the 2026-2027 Red Clay Teacher of the Year award and help celebrate the extraordinary difference they are making in our schools. We invite students, parents, staff, and community members to nominate one or more of our exceptional, dynamic teachers who inspire and motivate every day. Let’s show them the appreciation they deserve! See the nomination form and the Eligibility Criteria for more information. Nominations close on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

Nominate a Behavioral Health Professional of The Year

Nominations Are Now Open for Behavioral Health Professional of The Year!! Do you know a Behavioral Health Professional in your school who is dedicated, motivating, and truly making a difference? If so, please take the time to recommend this person by completing the Nomination Form by Friday, February 13, 2026 (by 11:59 pm). School staff, families, students, and community members are encouraged to participate. Behavioral Health Professionals include school counselors, school social workers, licensed clinical social workers, licensed clinical mental health professionals, board-certified behavior analysts, school psychologists, and school nurses. Please note, per DOE guidelines, only Red Clay direct hires can be considered.

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.

Senior Recognition Ads in the Yearbook

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

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

State Scholarship Applications now OPEN!

 Delaware students can now apply for state scholarships to help pay for college. The state offers merit scholarships for high school seniors and additional awards based on financial need or college major. Deadlines:

• Merit Scholarships - Friday, February 27
• Need-Based and Major-Specific Awards - Friday, May 15

EMPOWER Scholarship Program

EMPOWER Scholarship Program is sponsored by Fulton Bank. This scholarship specifically supports the diverse communities we serve and aligns with our organizational purpose to Change Lives for the Better by providing tuition assistance to those in need looking to continue their collegiate education and gain employment experience at Fulton Bank. All components must be submitted online by March 27, 2026

Delta Kappa Gamma Educator Sorority Scholarship

Female high school seniors intrested in pursuing a degree in Education: Consider applying for the $1,000 scholarship from the Delta Kappa Gamma Educator Sorority.  Applications are due April 30, 2026.

Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives presents scholarships

The Virginia, Maryland and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives offers scholarships starting at $1,500 to high school students entering college or trade schools in 2026!    Eligible students live at locations that receive electric service from an electric cooperative in Virginia, Maryland, or Delaware.      The applications are open now and close on March 20.  Winners will be chosen and notified in April.

Disney Trip

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Follow the social media accounts below for Conrad Academic information!