Tiger Happenings

Tiger Families,

We are excited for our upcoming Spirit Week!

This special week is a celebration of the history, traditions, and pride that make Alexis I. du Pont High School such an incredible community. From class competitions and the pep rally to the big game and homecoming dance, Spirit Week is our time to come together, celebrate our shared traditions, and show our true Tiger Pride!

As we approach the ninth week of school, we are officially halfway through the first semester. Our students are deeply engaged in meaningful, challenging learning experiences every day, and our partnership with families is key to maintaining that success. Please take some time to talk with your student about how they are taking advantage of the supports available here at A.I. High.

This past week we kicked off our Launch Your Future Week at A.I! This was an important time for our seniors to take key steps toward their postsecondary goals. We want all seniors to participate as much as possible—whether it’s completing applications, finalizing essays, or exploring college, trade, or military options. Counselors and staff will be available throughout the week to provide support and answer questions. This really was a great opportunity for our seniors who participated in this launch!

Details about Parent-Teacher Conferences in November will be in our next edition of the Tiger Happenings. Please register early to secure times that best fit your schedule.

As always, please reach out if there is anything we can do to support you, your student, or your family.

EARN YOUR STRIPES!

• S – Self-Control

• T – Teamwork

• R – Respect

• I – Integrity

• P – Perseverance

• E – Empathy

• S – Service

Everyday is a great day to be a Tiger!

-Mr. Downes

It is always such an exciting time of the year when school starts back up. Nothing brings us more joy than welcoming students back to their home away from home. As we embark on the 2025-2026 school year, I would like to share some important information that is essential to maintaining our school’s positive environment and culture.

As always, safety and security are our top priorities at A.I. High. When students and staff feel safe, everyone can focus on what matters most – providing your child with the best possible education. Below are the key areas of focus that will ensure everyone has a successful school year:

School Hours: The school day begins at 7:15am and ends at 2:10pm. Students arriving late must check in at the front office to receive a pass. Please ensure your child arrives by 11:00am to be marked present for the day. Students arriving after 11:00am will be marked absent and won’t be allowed into the building.

Leaving Campus: A.I. is a CLOSED campus. Students may not leave during the day without proper documentation from a parent or guardian. Early dismissals will not be granted after 1:50pm – no exceptions. To ensure equity, minimize disruptions, and enhance school safety, external delivery services (such as Uber Eats, Door Dash, and Grub Hub) are not allowed during school hours. This policy helps maintain a focused and fair learning environment for all.

Punctuality: Students must arrive to class on time. With five minutes between periods, there is ample time to get to the next class. Students should not be late.

Door Usage: For safety reasons, students should only use the main office doors during school hours. Keeping all other doors closed and locked is critical for maintaining a secure environment.

Speak Up: We encourage everyone – students and staff alike – to report anything unusual. We believe in the importance of looking out for one another.

Driving: Student parking passes are now available in the main office for $30.

- All student drivers must display a rearview mirror hang tag on their vehicles.

- Parking is limited to the upper lot by the track and tennis courts.

- Any student who parks in the wrong lot or fails to register their vehicle with the school is subject to towing at their own expense. For questions or to purchase a parking tag, please see Ms. Mays.

Dress Code: Students must wear shirts that fully cover the torso, with no visible undergarments.

- Hats, hoods, and ski masks are not allowed for security reasons, except for religious or medical purposes. As cooler weather approaches, we will continue to enforce this expectation.

- Clothing must reflect our school’s positive values, with appropriate messages and images.

Technology: During class time, cell phones should be turned off and put away to maximize learning opportunities.

Our team is committed to supporting every student, every day. We wish all students, staff, and parents a safe and successful 2025-2026 school year. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Admin team.

These staff members and students have earned their stripes for the month of October. Congratulations!!

Are you interested in playing a sport next year?:


• DIAA physical DIAA Physical Form
• • Register on Family ID Family ID Link
If you are playing a sport next year, get your physicals done now.

Click the link below :

Purchase your Homecoming game tickets online. Tickets will not be sold at the gate. This game will sell out. This is not only our Homecoming but it is Senior Night as well. This is our largest event of the year.

For our Home Football Games:

• All tickets are sold online through A.I.'s Hometown Ticketing site

• Ticket sales open on the Monday before the game and close at 3:00pm the day of

• No tickets are sold at the gate

• If a spectator leaves there will be NO RE-ENTRY!!!

• https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/redclay/entity/schools/24

It is time for homecoming here at AIHS. We will start the week with Spirit Week Oct. 21st-24th. Homecoming Game Oct. 24th at 6:00pm & Homecoming Dance Oct. 25th at 7:00pm-10:00pm. Guest forms are available in guidance and in the main office.

Class Advisor: Ms. Pollard

We are in search of parents or family members that would be interested in volunteering to help with our class of 2026 activities throughout the year.

We are planning to do a bon fire on October 30th 6:00-8:00pm. Looking for donations and parent helpers. Attached is donation link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A49ADA62DA5FB6-58804470-class

Class of 2026, it's time to pay your senior dues. Dues are $50. Cash please or you can send in a check made payable to Alexis I. DuPont High School. Make sure to put senior dues in the memo section and your child's name. Paying your dues will ensure you are able to attend all senior class events. Dues are to be paid by October 17th.

It's time to set up your Senior photos.

Seniors, have you scheduled your senior pictures?? All pictures must be taken before December.

Afterschool clubs will begin the week of September 15th! This year, students can choose from exciting options including:

• Latinos Unidos
• BSU Club
• Esports Club
• Latin Dance Club - New this year

Students can sign up by scanning the QR codes posted around the building. Don’t miss out on a chance to get involved, meet new friends, and get involved in our programs!

Anyone interested in joining the Latin Dance Team see Ms. Hernandez in room 239.

📣 Join Our PTO!
We are looking for parents who may be interested in joining the Alexis I. du Pont High School PTO. If you would like to get involved and support our Tiger community, please scan the QR code for more information.

Mr. Thompson! His stunning bird portraits were recently featured in the Red Clay Art Teacher Exhibition, and as you can see from the attached photo, his work is absolutely remarkable.

Each piece captures such fine detail, texture, and life—it's a true reflection of the creativity and passion he brings to our students every day. We're so fortunate to have such an exceptional artist and educator on our team.

Please join me in congratulating Mr. Thompson on this well-deserved recognition!

• Oct. 17th- Class of 2026 Class dues due
• Oct. 20th- No School/Teacher In-service
• Oct. 22nd- College and Career Fair @AIHS 5pm-7pm
• Oct. 24th- Homecoming Game vs. Brandywine @6:00pm
• Oct. 25th- Homecoming Dance 7:00pm-10:00pm Tickets $20
• Oct. 30th-Senior Bon Fire 6:00pm-8:00pm
• Oct. 31st- No School/Teacher In-Service

Tyler Downes

302-651-2626

email: tylert.downes@redclay.k12.de.us

Shavonne Carter

Assistant Principal

302-651-2626

email: shavonne.carter@redclay.k12.de.us

Steven Morris

Assistant Principal

302-651-2626

email: steven.morris@redclay.k12.de.us