Bulldog Bulletin 21

• Vision: Anna P. Mote Elementary will prepare our students to make positive contributions to society by being culturally responsive and civically conscious critical thinkers.

• Mission: To provide a family-oriented school community where all members are committed to the academic, social, and emotional growth for all students.
• School's Core Values:
• Give Respect, Be Responsible, Cooperate with Others, Welcome Diversity, Learn with a Growth Mindset

Monday January 26- Professional Learning Day- No School for Students

Tuesday January 27- B Day, Cycle Review All Grades

Wednesday January 28- C Day, Reading Buddies

Thursday January 29- D Day

Friday January 30- A Day, Top Dog Awards

Monday February 2- B Day

Tuesday February 3- C Day, PTA 6pm

Wednesday February 4- D Day

Thursday February 5- A Day

Friday February 6- B Day

NOTE: As a reminder, all schools will be closed on Monday, January 26, for Teacher In-Service Day. We are closely monitoring the weather and will keep staff and families informed if any updates are needed.

Emergencies. Early Dismissals. Delays. Snow Days.

When the weather turns, seconds matter, and social media is where we post first. Follow Red Clay on social media and be the FIRST to know. Especially during the inclement weather season, our social media channels are updated immediately with the latest information on:

• Important District Announcements
• Delays & Early Dismissals
• Weather-Related Updates
• School Closings

Follow the Red Clay Consolidated School District Social Media Pages:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedClaySchools/

• Click the three dots under the page image

• Select Follow

• Click Invite Friends to spread the word

Instagram: Follow @RedClaySchools

Remember to also follow us on X (Twitter) and Threads @RedClaySchools

Turn on post notifications for our pages so important updates pop up instantly on your phone — no scrolling required.

Follow now. Stay informed. Be the first to know.

To ensure you receive all school closing, delay, and emergency notifications, please take a moment to confirm your contact information is up to date.

Parent conferences will be held the evening of Feb. 12 and during the day on February 13. Parents are encouraged to request a conference if they have concerns about their child's progress and/or if they were unable to meet with the teacher during fall conferences.

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.

Nomination Form Link

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.

This is an opportunity for students and parents to learn more about cooking and nutrition. Please tear off the bottom or use the QR code to let us know that you are interested in attending these classes.

It's that time of year!

We are seeking nominations for the 2026/27 Red Clay Teacher of the Year. Being selected as a Teacher of the Year is one of the highest honors the district bestows on Red Clay teachers.

Nominations close on February 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Red Clay Consolidated School District Teacher of the Year Nomination Form

Our School Store fundraiser is returning to Mote. See video below for information.

Video

The PTA will be selling candy grams in honor of friendship day! Flyers were sent home. Teachers have extra forms if you need more.

Each candygram will be $1 and delivered to students on February 13th. Money and forms are due by January 28th. You are also welcome to send them to staff members

Our next PTA meeting is February 3rd. We would love your support in coming to the meeting to put all of the candy grams together!

Our doors open at 8:50. The Instructional Day begins at 9:05. Students are considered tardy if they arrive after 9:05 and must be accompanied by an adult into the office.

How you can help!

• Please use our car line in the front of the school. Parking and walking into the school hinders our car line. We are asking parents not to park and walk in unless they need to visit the office.
• No cars are permitted to enter the drive off Duncan Road during arrival. No students are to be dropped off in the bus lot. This is a huge safety concern.
• Students should be in their classrooms, ready to learn at 9:05. Please do what you can to make sure your child is not late to school. Even a few minutes can throw off routines for your child and the entire class. If you are having trouble getting to school on time, please reach out. Our staff can help discuss your situation with you.

Thank you!

All students are expected to participate in outdoor recess. The exception would be a student who has a Dr’s note indicating that, because of a medical condition, the student should not participate in outdoor recess. The note must specify at what temperature the student should remain indoors.

Administrative Memorandum 8001.4

(Playground Safety)

In cold weather, children should be encouraged to dress in layers. They should wear a warm coat, hat, and gloves to go outside. There are times when, because of the temperature, it is unsafe to be outside for any length of time, especially if not dressed appropriately. If the outdoor temperature is 20 degrees or less, or feels like 20 degrees or less because of the wind chill factor, recess must be held indoors.

The school district makes decisions about school closures, early dismissals, and late arrivals due to weather. The school district contacts the schools and the families to make sure everyone is aware of the inclement weather plan. Please make sure the school/district has your correct information on file so you receive the messages and calls. It is also shared on the Red Clay Social Media pages.

Please make sure to have a plan for inclement weather and that your child knows what the plan is. Most students go home the same way as normal dismissals. The Y does not have after care if the district closes school. Please plan accordingly.

As a Title I school, there are resources and documents for your awareness about Federal Programs. They are attached here and can be found on our Title I link on Mote's website.

https://mote.redclayschools.com/about-us/title-i

Our morning car line begins at 8:50. We are able to get all cars through the car line in 10 minutes or less. There are many parents who are parking and walking their child up to the crosswalk. Having to stop the cars to let parents and students cross is hindering the flow of our car line. It is safest for all students, parents, and staff if all families remain in their cars and go through the car line. Please consider how you can support the flow of car line and the safety of our community. Thank you in advance!

You may use this new form to record your child's absence from school. By completing the form each time your child is absent, you do not need to send a note to the school.

Absence Excuse Note

We would love to have you volunteer at school, on a field trip, or for special events. In order to volunteer, you need to complete the volunteer packet. Here is a link to the packet.

Arrival

Our doors open for students at 8:50. Students may not be dropped off prior to 8:50am. Car riders shall use our car line in the front of the school and enter the front door. The line may look long, but it is a quick and safe process for our students. Parking and walking your child to the front door hinders our car line from running smoothly.

Walkers enter the door closest to Duncan Road. The drive to the parking lot from Duncan Road is closed to cars at 8:45 every morning. If you are driving your child to school, please use the entrance from Kirkwood Highway.

Dismissal

We do not dismiss students early after 3:15. We do not make dismissal changes after 3:15. Our dismissal process begins at 3:50 pm. If your child is a car rider, please make sure you have a car number and use our car line. It is much safer than parents parking and walking with their child through our parking lot.

Thank you for helping to keep our kids safe!

Safety remains our top priority. Our staff is ready to meet the needs of all of our students, academically, socially, and emotionally.

• All exterior doors remain closed and locked at all times.
• All classroom doors are locked, although may be propped while the students and staff are in the classrooms.
• All non employees must access the building through the front office only where they are screened prior to entry. All adults must have id to sign out a child.
• We have a counselor, Mrs. Nye, a full time psychologist, Mr. Kupelian, a part time psychologist, Dr. Teaford, and a part time psychologist intern, Ms. Vanderloo.

If you have any questions about safety and security, please email lauren.young@redclay.k12.de.us.

Email: lauren.young@redclay.k12.de.us
Website: https://mote.redclayschools.com/
Location: 2110 Edwards Avenue, Wilmington, DE, USA
Phone: 302-992-5565
Facebook: facebook.com/MoteBulldogs
Twitter: @MoteBulldogs