The Panther Pride Newsletter
Hello Team P.S. duPont,
I hope everyone had a good weekend and was able to spend some time with family and friends.
Please see below for some friendly reminders.
No school for students on Tuesday, November 5, Friday November 8 and Monday, November 11.
First Marking Period Update
The First Marking Period ends on Thursday, November 7. This means that grades moving forward after November 7 will be part of the Second Marking Period. Report cards for the First Marking Period will be distributed on Tuesday, November 19. Please remind your student to stay on track and to continue to stay focused! Please continue to access the home access center (HAC) to view grades, attendance, and other important information.
Fire Drill – November 18
We have our November Fire Drill scheduled for Monday, November 18 at 1:30 p.m.
We want all our parents to know that the safety of our students is a critical aspect of virtually everything we do in school. We are always evaluating our procedures and practices for optimal safety. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Safe School DE
We recognize that students may be at home with limited resources as the holiday season approaches. We want to remind you that the Safe DE application provides essential support and access to helpful community resources, the Crisis Text Line, and a secure way to report concerns to the school.
- Connect to submit an anonymous report or incident at https://appweb.stopitsolutions.com/login and search for the school.
- Access the resources at https://web.helpmeresources.com/ by searching for the school.
This Week at a Glance
- Monday, 11/4 – 7 Day (Periods 7-5)
- Tuesday, 11/5 - Schools and Offices Closed – Election Day
- Wednesday, 11/6 – 6 Day (Periods 6-4)
- Thursday, 11/7 – 5 Day (Periods 5-3) - End of the 1st Marking Period
- Friday, 11/8 - Schools Closed for Students/Offices Open - Professional Responsibilities Day for Teachers
The Lady Panthers volleyball team took home the District Championship Friday afternoon defeating Springer 25-16 and 25-23. This caps an undefeated season for the Lady Panthers. Coach Susan Dickinson, a 6th and 7th grade teacher at P.S. duPont Middle School is extremely proud of her team. They have worked hard all season, persevered, and brought home the hardware! Lady Panthers.... the entire P.S. duPont school community is extremely proud of your accomplishments this season!
State of Delaware mock elections have been taking place in P.S. duPont Middle School Social Studies classes over the past week! Students have been casting their ballots for President, Vice President, Governor, Lt. Governor, Senator, Congressperson and Insurance Commissioner! Pictured is a student from Mrs. Johnson's 6th grade Social Studies class, excited to take part in the election process! Be sure to go out November 5 and cast your vote! Take a moment to speak with your son and/or daughter and explain the importance of taking part in our democratic process.
On Wednesday, October 30th, the P.S. duPont Business Professionals of America chapter along with their advisor, Ms. Corbin attended the Fall Leadership Conference at the University of Delaware. The chapter members were eager to attend this event to begin their journey of networking and leadership for the 2024-25 school year. The conference was a gathering of the Delaware Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) which included Business Professionals of America (BPA), DECA, Educators Rising, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), HOSA, SkillsUSA, and Technology Student Association (TSA). Participants from middle schools in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties engaged in sessions about leadership through service as well as how the four pillars of leadership (trust, compassion, stability, and hope) can be modeled through the roles of a CTSO leader.
Mr. Mixon grew up in Wilmington, Delaware, specifically on 26th Street, where many of his childhood memories were made at P.S. duPont Middle School. Mr. Mixon is excited to work in a school that played a significant role in his development. As the oldest of four brothers and a father to a 9-year-old daughter, his family plays a major role in his life. Before entering education, Mr. Mixon was a c-tech level mechanic for Toyota and Dodge in the automotive industry. He then transitioned to state government and was accepted into the Delaware State Police Academy. Unfortunately, an Achilles injury led to Mr. Mixon's medical discharge from the academy. After recovering, Mr. Mixon was set to join the next class but instead took a position as a Special Education Para in the Brandywine School District. He also became the head basketball coach at P.S. Mr. Mixon chose to pursue a career in education over returning to the police academy because he found great fulfillment in motivating and inspiring students. Mr. Mixon takes pride in coaching and building meaningful relationships with students. Coming to P.S. each day feels like a privilege rather than a job. Mr. Mixon earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Delaware Technical and Community College and plans to enroll at Wilmington University to earn his secondary education degree in Science.
P.S. duPont is fortunate to have amazing, impactful leaders like Mr. Mixon! Mr. Mixon, thank you for all that you do to help our students grow as learners in the Brandywine School District.
On Thursday, November 7, nine of our 8th grade Chorale members will represent P.S. duPont Middle School at the ACDA Festival for Treble Voices. This is an honors choir made up of seventh through twelfth graders across the state. The singers get to work with a guest clinician, the fantastic Dr. Jillian Harrison-Jones. Congratulations to Reagan Barnyak, Macyn Belfon, Haley Grant, Amanda Hook, Jhamelia Lawson, Elysha Martinez, Ai-Lin Nguyen, Lydia Priestly, and Shelby Roberts for being selected to participate!
If you are interested in signing your child up for Odyssey of the Mind, please go to this link to register:
Odyssey of the Mind Sign Up
Remember, the success of this unique program is dependent on families’ participation as volunteers, coaches, and/or judges.
Our school leaders will make every effort to recruit staff members for coaching or assistant coaching positions. BSD ask that coaches meet students on BSD property to work on projects.
Important Dates (additional dates are on the Parent Meeting Notes – 10/15/2024)
- March 8, 2025 - Qualifying tournament
- April 5, 2025 - State Finals
- May 21 to May 24, 2025 - Memorial Day Weekend - World Finals, Michigan
P.S. duPont Middle School Incentive Program
Our first incentive trip is on Wednesday, November 6th! Your child is invited to attend if they met the following criteria AND turned in their permission slip:
- 60% or above in all classes
- 5 or less referrals
- no suspensions
Participating students may take a bus to and from P.S. duPont OR may be dropped off at Christina Skating Rink. The event is for students only and is 6PM-8PM.
IF your child is taking a bus, we will be leaving PROMPTLY at 5:25PM and returning at approximately 8:30PM. All students must be picked up by their parent/guardian - it will be dark upon our return.
DIAA forms - Reminder that a DIAA form is required to be on file, in the nurses office before sports try outs each school year.
Lifesavers Club - Applications are available in the nurse's office for the BSD Lifesaver Club. The after school club is available to 7th and 8th graders and meets after school on Tuesday's from January to May. For additional details reach out to one of the nurses. Applications will be due back to the nurse before December 6.
Medications - Reminder that, district wide, the only medications that students can bring to school are epinephrine and albuterol. All other medications must be brought in by a parent.
Any questions please reach out:
Laura.DeMare@bsd.k12.de.us
Lauren.Foraker@bsd.k12.de.us
