The Panther Pride Newsletter
Hello Team P.S. duPont,
It’s hard to believe we are already in our fourth week of school and that the fall season is right around the corner. I hope everyone had an amazing weekend and was able to spend time with family and friends.
Please note a couple of reminders and upcoming school activities:
Student Arrival
Our school doors open at 7:55 am for students. Breakfast is served in the cafeteria from 7:55 am until 8:05 am. All students should be in their 1st class of the day no later than 8:10 am. Students who arrive after 8:05 a.m. must first report to the main office to sign in as late. They will then be admitted to class with a pass.
The front-of-building drop-off in the “horseshoe” will be reserved for car riders who will not eat breakfast in the cafeteria. Walkers who will not eat breakfast in the cafeteria will also enter through the front entrance adjacent to the “horseshoe.” Car riders who want to eat breakfast will be dropped off at the rear of the building in the drop-off zone. Designated staff will admit students 5 minutes early for car riders who want breakfast.
PTA Meeting – September 17
PS duPont's first PTA meeting is scheduled for September 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the school Library.
Open House – September 24
A friendly reminder that our Open House Program is scheduled for Thursday, September 24, at 6:00 p.m. The purpose of our open house program is to give families an opportunity to meet teachers and receive course expectations and class guidelines (More details to follow).
This Week at a Glance
- Monday, September 14 – 6 Day (Periods 6-4)
- Tuesday, September 15 – Schools Closed – State Election - Teacher Professional Development Day
- Wednesday, September 16 – 5 Day (Periods 5-3)
- Thursday, September 17 – 4 Day (Periods 4-2)
- Friday, September 18 – 3 Day (Periods 3-1)
Seventh grade ELA teachers Mrs. Cairo and Mrs. McDuffie are working to inspire a love of literature through their creative ELA Café experience.
As part of the activity, students participated in a book tasting, where they had the opportunity to preview a variety of genres, authors, and book features. Much like sampling different foods at a café, students explored several types of books to discover which genres and topics interested them most.
The activity encouraged students to step outside of their usual reading choices, explore something new, and begin identifying the types of books they genuinely enjoy. Experiences like the ELA Café help build student choice, engagement, and excitement around reading while continuing to strengthen a culture of literacy at P.S. duPont Middle School.
P.S. duPont’s business classes are looking to partner with local businesses during Marking Periods 2 and 4. Our students will have the opportunity to create a marketing campaign, including promotional merchandise, designed to support businesses in our community.
Using the **4 P’s of Marketing—Product, Price, Place, and Promotion—**students can help promote a new event, support a product launch, or simply help get the word out about your business.
This is a great opportunity to support student learning while also gaining fresh ideas and creative marketing support for your business.
For more information or to explore a potential partnership, please contact Mr. Easterday, the P.S. duPont Business Teacher @ Nathan.Easterday@bsd.k12.de.us
Tryouts for Boys Soccer, Girls Volleyball, and Girls Field Hockey will take place immediately after school until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, September 14, and Wednesday, September 16.
Important: All DIAA forms must be submitted to the school nurse before students are permitted to participate in tryouts.
Please visit the P.S. duPont Sports Page for complete sports schedules. Be sure to check the site regularly, as schedules are subject to change.
GoGuardian Parent is a companion app designed to help parents and guardians stay informed about their child's online activity on school-issued devices. It provides insights into the websites their child visits, the apps they use, and the amount of time spent online during school hours. The app also allows parents to schedule internet access and block specific websites on managed devices outside of school hours, promoting healthy digital habits and responsible technology use. With GoGuardian Parent, families can work alongside schools to ensure a safe and focused online learning environment for students. See that attachment listed below to install the APP onto your phone, iPad, or laptop.
Looking for a fun way to show your pride? Our P.S. duPont Spirit Wear is the perfect way to celebrate being part of the Tiger family. From comfortable tees to cozy hoodies, you’ll find something that’s both stylish and school-ready. Show your school spirit by purchasing some cool P.S. duPont Spirit Wear!!! Don’t miss your chance to gear up and represent our school with pride all year long!
Follow these links to purchase items!
Welcome to a new school year! We are excited to see our students and are always here to support their health and safety at school.
Here are a few important reminders:
Sports Physicals (DIAA forms): Students must have a completed DIAA form on file with the nurse each school year before participating in sports tryouts. Paper copies are available in the nurse’s office, or you can download the 2026–2027 DIAA form here.
Emergency Cards: If you have not returned your student’s emergency card, please send it in as soon as possible. Students cannot receive medication from the nurse without an emergency card on file.
Medications: The only medications students may carry with them are prescribed epinephrine and albuterol. If your student needs either medication, please contact us. All other medications must be brought to school by an adult in the original container.
We are always here to support your student. Please reach out with any questions, concerns, or needs. We look forward to a healthy and happy school year!
Laura DeMare MSN, MBA, RN, NCSN
Lauren Foraker, MSN, MBA, RN, NCSN
PS duPont Middle School Nurses
Nurse Phone: (302) 762-7147
Fax: (302) 762-7196
Any questions please reach out:
Laura.DeMare@bsd.k12.de.us
Lauren.Foraker@bsd.k12.de.us
- Tuesday, September 15 - No School - Professional Development Day for Teachers
- Wednesday, September 17 - PTA Meeting - 6:30 p.m.
- Monday, September 21 - No School - Yom Kippur
- Thursday, September 24 - Open House - 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.