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CONRAD BI-WEEKLY MEMO

May 15, 2026

Principal's Message

Conrad Families, Thank you for another wonderful week! Over the past two weeks, our students have successfully completed an important testing window, including both state assessments and College Board exams. We are incredibly grateful for your support in ensuring students arrived prepared, rested, and ready to do their best. We are also celebrating another fantastic Spring season filled with concerts, athletic accomplishments, and student milestones. Our middle school athletic teams had an outstanding Spring season, with our boys’ and girls’ track teams and our softball team all bringing home championship titles. We are incredibly proud of our student-athletes and coaches for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance. This evening, we look forward to celebrating our 8th grade students as they enjoy their formal and final dance- as a middle school student. Next week, we are excited to induct our newest members into the National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), recognizing students who exemplify scholarship, leadership, service, and character. As we enter the final weeks of the school year, there is much to celebrate and look forward to. Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping make Conrad such a special place for our students to learn, grow, and thrive.

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!

  • Fri, May 15, 6:30 - 9:00 pm - Eighth Grade Formal, Conrad Gymnasium
  • Thu, May 21, 7:00 pm - National Honor Society / National Junior Honor Society Induction, Conrad Auditorium
  • May 22, 26, 27, 28 - Senior Finals
  • Mon, May 25 - No School, Memorial Day
  • Thu, May 28, 6:00 - 8:00 pm - Senior Awards Ceremony, Select Students, Conrad Auditorium
  • Tue, June 2, 9:30 - 11:30 am - High School Incentive Day, Select Students, Conrad Track
  • Tue, June 2, 12:00 - 2:00 pm - Middle School Incentive Day, Select Students, Conrad Track
  • Wed, June 3, 8:30 - 10:30 am - High School Awards Ceremony, Select Students, Conrad Auditorium
  • Thu, June 4 - 8th Grade Field Trip to Dorney Park
  • June 4, 5, 8, 9 - High School Final Exams
  • Fri, June 5, 10:30 am - Graduation Rehearsal and Senior Picnic, Conrad Auditorium
  • Sat, June 6, 12:00 pm - Conrad Class of 2026 Graduation, Chase Fieldhouse
  • Mon, June 8, 8:30 am - 8th Grade Move-Up Ceremony, Conrad Auditorium
  • Wed, June 10 - Last Student Day

Upcoming Events / Important Information

DEAR: Drop Everything and Read!

Starting May 18th, Conrad will participate in DEAR: Drop Everything and Read! and read during Advisory on Mondays and Tuesday. Students can download books on Sora, Libby, Project Gutenberg, Open Library, and Epic! See information below to get more details on how to find books.

Middle School Yearbooks

Order your student's middle school yearbook before we sell out! Middle School Yearbooks are $60 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). 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. There are less than 15 middle school copies available for pre-purchase. Yearbooks will be delivered and distributed on June 2.

High School Yearbooks - Nearly SOLD OUT!!

There are only 5 high school yearbooks pre-purchases left for sale! We will sell out!! 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 ($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. Yearbooks will be delivered and distributed on May 28 for seniors and June 2 for 9th-11th Grade. After we sell out, there may be more books available. The publisher may send additional copies, but this is NOT a guarantee, and we do not know how many they will send. The only way to ensure a copy for your student is to snag one of the last pre-purchase orders.

Information for Class of 2026 Families

Senior Spotlight

Transfer Google Drive Files

Senior students: Your Red Clay Google accounts will become deactivated 60 days after your graduation. If you would like to transfer any content from your Google Drive to a personal account, it must be done prior to that window. Please follow the instructions below to back up your files to a personal Google account.

FAFSA Completion Support

Any seniors who have yet to complete FAFSA can use the free one-on-one FAFSA Completion support provided by Stand by Me (in person or via Zoom). It is free with flexible scheduling for families, and they provide Spanish consulatations and help to complete it.

Seniors - Last Day of School - Friday, May 29th

Due to inclement weather closures, the last day of school for seniors has been adjusted. Senior Students will have their last day on Friday, May 29th.

Graduation Rehearsal / Senior Picnic

Graduation rehearsal is mandatory and will be held Friday, June 5 at Conrad, followed by the Senior Picnic. Students will be given their caps and gowns (ordered from Jostens), their ten tickets for graduation attendees, and yearbooks (if ordered).

Save the Date: GRADUATION

The Conrad Schools of Science Class of 2026 Graduation will be celebrated on Saturday, June 6, 2026 att 12:00PM at the Chase Fieldhouse (401 Garasches Ln Wilmington,DE 19801). Each senior student will be given ten (10) total tickets for family and friends to attend the ceremony. The 2026 Graduate does not need a ticket. More details to come at the mandatory Graduation Rehearsal and Senior Picnic on Friday, June 5, where senior students will pick up ordered caps and gowns and ordered yearbooks and celebrate four years of success!

Scholarship Information

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

Conrad Academics Opportunities

HydroGenZ Summer Research Program

The HydroGenZ Summer Research Program is a competitive, hands-on 2-week experience for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in STEM, clean energy, engineering, and research. Students will work in a university research environment and gain exposure to electrochemical engineering, hydrogen technologies, and experimental laboratory techniques. Program highlights include:

  • Learning electrochemistry fundamentals
  • Building an electrolyzer cell
  • Running experiments and analyzing data
  • Designing and presenting research projects
  • Gaining exposure to college-level STEM research

No prior lab experience is required. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and space is limited

Young Financial Leaders

Free Tutoring Program

WHACC sponsors free tutoring, homework help, arts and crafts, and recreational activities and more until June 13th. For ages 5-17.

STEM Achievers Program at Lincoln University

SMArtSummer presents Summer Camp Opportunities

SMArtSummer presents summer camp opportunities housed at the Conrad Schools of Science and the Cab Calloway School of the Arts. Click the link below for details about Mr. Trent and Mrs. Fontinha's camp opportunities

Volunteering for SMArt Summer

Consider volunteering with SMArt Summer, which will be housed at Conrad! Volunteer Roles May Include:

  • Assisting teachers with daily camp activities
  • Supporting younger students in hands-on learning projects
  • Helping with organization, setup, and transitions
  • Serving as positive role models and leaders

All volunteer hours will be documented and can be applied toward school or organizational service requirements. We encourage students who are enthusiastic, responsible, and eager to make a difference to apply. This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of a vibrant learning community while making a lasting impact. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to nan@cabsummer.org

Conrad Connections

Conrad Connections

Middle School students tackle testing

May brings testing season for all grades, but the middle school students in particular have been great students through a rigorous testing schedule. Between Smarter Balance testing in Math and ELA for all middle grades and DeSSA Science and Social Studies tests, our middle schoolers have risen to the challenge and brought their best forward, and we are so proud of them! To decompress after testing, several teachers had fun activities for our students. Ms. Rees's students enjoyed a team building activity after Smarter Balance testing was over. Mr. Bolinski's students enjoyed the sunshine and warm weather outside. Mrs. Oleksy's students completed math and geometry related challenges. Mrs. McCurdy's students shared their favorite children's stories.

Breathe Month Walkathon

On Tuesday, May 5th, the Biomed Pathway, Conrad’s T&F Team and HOSA hosted the second annual Breathe Month Walkathon. This event was a great opportunity to celebrate the spirit of Breathe Month, which is to encourage people to complete an athletic event throughout the month of May in honor of people living with cystic fibrosis. Students walked, ran, collected lap beads, learned CF facts, and played games. Donations to Breathe Month directly support the cystic fibrosis community, helping to fund critical resources, advocacy, and research. The Boomer Esiason Foundation works tirelessly to improve the lives of those with CF. Conrad Alum Mallory Holloway was a part of the Conrad XC and T&F programs from grades 6-12 and currently attends Marist University, where she continues to compete on the XC and T&F teams. In 2006 Mallory was diagnosed with CF, a genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system, causing the body to produce abnormally thick and sticky mucus. During her first season at Marist, Mallory became a BEF Athlete (https://www.esiason.org/bef-athletes/) and she shares her journey as a D1 athlete living with CF on IG (@movinformallory). 

Mrs. Allen receives the Shining Light Award from DFSME

Mrs. Renee Allen was recognized on Tuesday, May 11 by the Delaware Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education as the Shining Light Award winner for May 2026! The Shining Light Award recognizes outstanding STEM educators in Delaware who kindle the spark of learning in students and serve as a model among peers. JB Hersch, former Conrad parent and member of the DFSME, presented Mrs. Allen with the award in her PT1 course. Students gave speeches about Mrs. Allen to honor her and were given DFSME flashlights to shine on our "Shining Light"

Students receive the Multiliteracy Certification

Eight students received their certificate for multiliteracy on Wednesday, May 13 during the School Board meeting. This award recognizes and honors high school students who have attained a high level of proficiency in one or more languages in addition to English. Congratualtions to Anggiel Gonzalez (12), Yasmin Ramirez-Sandoval (12), Andrea Santos-Mendez (12), Simona Sargent-Santiago (12), Keilye Escobar Garduno (12), Matthew Orea-Cipres (11), Daisy Cruz-Malbaes (11), and Yahirilys Sosa Marcano (11)!

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.

Blue Gold: Can-Do Playground at Alapocas Run State Park

Blue-Gold All Star Football Game

Blue-Gold will have its All*Star Football Game on June 18th. See the link below for more information and tickets.

Spring Break 2027: Spain

🌍✈️ Spring Break 2027: Spain Awaits!  Ready to trade your ordinary spring break for something unforgettable?  Join the Conrad travel experience as we head to Madrid & Barcelona, two of the most vibrant, culture-packed cities in the world! ✨ Imagine this:

  • Walking through royal palaces and historic plazas in Madrid
  • Exploring the colorful streets and stunning architecture of Barcelona
  • Tasting authentic Spanish food (churros, paella, tapas 😍)
  • Experiencing a new culture with your friends
  • Making memories that go WAY beyond the classroom

This trip is open to ALL Conrad students (grades 6–12) ... families are welcome too! 🌟 💰 Early enrollment pricing is available 📅 Spring Break 2027 🎒 Spots are limited. Don’t miss out! 👉 Interested? Talk to Mr. McFarland or check the sign-up link to learn more!

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!

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 Wins!

  • MS Baseball defeated Skyline 25-3 on May 4
  • MS Boys Volleyball defeated Skyline 2-0 on May 4
  • MS Softball defeated Caravel 11-0 on May 5
  • Varsity Boys Volleyball defeated AIHS 3-0 on May 5
  • JV Boys Volleyball defeated AIHS 2-0 on May 5
  • Varsity Softball defeated Charter School of Wilmington 10-0 on May 5
  • Varsity Baseball defeated Charter School of Wilmington 14-4 on May 5
  • Varsity Boys Volleyball defeated St. Mark's 3-2 on May 7
  • JV Boys Volleyball defeated St. Mark's 2-1 on May 7
  • Boys LAX defeated Hodgson 9-8 on May 7
  • Girls LAX defeated Hodgson 11-6 on May 7
  • Varsity Baseball defeated Tower Hill 7-5 on May 7
  • Varsity Softball defeated Concord HS 11-7 on May 8
  • Boys LAX defeated Concord HS 7-5 on May 8
  • MS Track and Field won the Red Clay Championship on May 9
  • MS Boys LAX defeated Newark Charter Junior HS 5-4 on May 11
  • Varisty Softball defeated St Georges Tech 15-5 on May 12
  • MS Baseball defeated Skyline MS 5-4 on May 12
  • MS Softball defeated HB duPont 12-0 on May 15 to win the Red Clay Championship!
  • Spring Track Highlights Below!!

Middle School Softball and Baseball make the Red Clay Championships!

Congratulations to the middle school softball and baseball teams for making the Red Clay Championships! They faced their opponents at Goldey Beacom and the Hockessin Field on May 14 and May 15! Conrad Middle School Softball won the Red Clay District championship yesterday defeating HB DuPont by a score of 12-0.  Maria Burrows threw a 1 hit shutout striking out 13 batters along with going 3 for 4 with a triple to put Conrad on the board early. The bats were on fire as Brielle Crowe and Melody Hoffer each went 3 for 4. Anne Jasinski, Lexi Davis, Dusty Settelen and Devon Edwards- Kelch also went 2 for 4. Stellar defensive plays were made by Juliette Mertz , Kaelyn McNesby and Devon Edwards- Kelch which helped keep HB’s offense from scoring any runs.   Congrats to Coach McGuinnes, Coach Smith and the entire squad!!

Middle School Spring Track Highlights

The Red Clay Middle School Track and Field Championships were Saturday, May 9.  Both the Girls AND Boys teams placed first overall and took home the trophies!  Top girl performers were Linda Lopez Avila first place in the shotput, Madison Bembry-Johnson 2nd in the 400m, Krissy Pardasie 3rd in the 400m and 3rd in the long jump, Camille Ramos 2nd in the mile, Sophia Olin 3rd in the mile and 800m, and 2nd in the 4 by 200 team with Kenzie Spence, Madison Bembry, Krissy Pardasie, and Bailey Tinnin.  Joyleen Feliciano Ramirez placed 2nd in the long Jump. Extra shoutout goes to the 4 by 400 team of Kenzie Spence, Camille Ramos, Madison Bembry Johnson, and Krissy Pardasie for placing first AND setting a 2026 Delaware State best time! Linda Lopez Avila also set a State best in the shotput! Top boy performers were Joel Tapia Ramirez First in the shotput with a new school record, Elias Swinton first in the 200 and second in the 100, Trey Nuneville third in the 100 and 200, Arquis Bell 3rd in the 400, John Glennon first in the mile and 3rd in the 800m. Extra shoutout goes to the 4 by 200 and 4 by 400 teams Trey Nuneville, Elias Swinton, Brandon Cintora-Vazquez, and Arquis Bell for placing first AND setting 2026 Delaware State best times!

High School Spring Track Highlights

In their final meet before the state championship, the Conrad T&F teams had a strong showing against the best runners in New Castle County. With competition on Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon, we entered athletes in nearly every running event and had a diverse showing in the field events as well. The boys scored a program high 7 points, for a 20th place finish, with the girls close behind scoring 4 points for a 21st place finish.    SCORING ATHLETES -  Ke'niya Robison, 5th place - 100mH Matt Davis-Spencer, 6th place - 100m Clinton Cauley, 6th place - high jump (tied his school record performance) Boys 4X200m relay (L Smit, M Ramirez, Clinton Cauley, M Davis-Spencer), 8th place (SCHOOL RECORD)   OTHER NOTABLE PERFORMANCES School Records: Boys 4X1 - Smit, Cauley, Walker, Davis-Spencer (45.32) Girls 4X1 - Robinson, C Johnson, Wimes, Che (51.73) Boys 4X2 - Smit, Ramirez, Cauley, Davis-Spencer (1:31.54) Boys 1600 - Skyler Evans (4:31.56) Boys HJ - Cauley (tied 5-10)   Individual Minimum State Qualifiers (from throughout the season): Aiden Callahan, 110mH, 300mH Clinton Cauley, high jump Matt Davis-Spencer, 100m, 200m Skyer Evans, 1600m, 3200m Ryder Gray, 800m James Nesmith, 400m, long jump Marcel Ramirez, 100m, 200m, 400m Jake Shelton, 300mH Lucca Smith, 100m, 200m Dashawn Walker, triple jump, 300mH   Shalom-Princess Che, 100m, 200m Ira Gokarn, 1600m, 3200m Ciana Johnson, 100mH, 300mH Sydney O'Connor, 300mH Ke'niya Robinson, 100mH, 300mH Scarlett Russell, 800m, 1600m, 3200m Donna Wimes, 100m   Accepted athletes and relays will compete next weekend at Dover HS in the DIAA Division 2 State Championship meet. 

On May 15 & 16, the best T&F athletes in the state will compete in the state championship meet at Dover High School.   Conrad will be well-represented, with the following individual athletes competing:

  • Shalom-Princess Che (senior) – 100m, 200m
  • Ke’niya Robinson (sophomore) – 100mH, 300mH
  • Sydney O’Connor (senior) – 300mH
  • Scarlett Russell (junior) – 800m, 1600m, 3200m
  • Matthew Davis-Spencer (sophomore) – 100m, 200m
  • Lucca Smit (junior) – 100m, 200m
  • Skyler Evans (junior) – 1600m, 3200m
  • Clinton Cauley (senior) – high jump

  All the individual athletes are a part of our relay pool, which also includes:

  • Ciana Johnson (4X1, 4X2, 4X4), Donna Wimes (4X1, 4X2), Skye Johnson (4X1, 4X2), Carlise Harry (4X1, 4X2, 4X4), Keira Kelly (4X2, 4X4, 4X8), Alexis Haase (4X4, 4X8), Ira Gokarn (4X4, 4X8)
  • Dashawn Walker (4X1, 4X2, 4X4), Marcel Ramirez (4X1, 4X2, 4X4), TJ Clark (4X1, 4X2, 4X4), James Nesmith (4X2, 4X4), Ryder Gray (4X2, 4X4, 4X8), Aiden Callahan (4X4), Tyler Gizzi (4X8), Alex Ortega (4X8), Liam Harrington (4X8), Jake Shelton (4X8)

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.

Wellness Center Summer Hours

Conrad Parent Groups

Meetings have wrapped up for all Parent / Family groups for the year. Thank you for all of your support throughout this school year!

Community

Delaware State Parks - Job Openings

2026 RCEF Golf Tournament

Conrad Alumni

The next Conrad Alumni Meeting will be Monday, June 15, 2026 at 5:45PM in the Conrad Library

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 dragonstock - "Textbooks on school desk with blackboard" • Sergio Delle Vedove - "The phrase last day" • methaphum - "Group of Graduates during commencement.,Concept education congratulation in University Degree.,Graduation Ceremony" • 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."