McCullough Family Update
May 10, 2026
Good Evening Mustang Families,
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the incredible mothers, grandmothers, guardians, and motherly figures in our McCullough community! Today, we celebrate and thank you for the love, encouragement, and support you pour into our students each and every day. Your impact reaches far beyond home and plays an important role in the success of our school community.
As we begin another exciting week at McCullough, we are looking forward to continuing the momentum of learning, engagement, and celebration throughout our building. We also encourage everyone to show their Mustang pride tomorrow for McCullough Monday by wearing your McCullough gear or school colors!
As always, thank you for your continued partnership and support—we look forward to another great week at McCullough!
Week of 5/11 Exploratory Schedule
- Monday, May 11th: A Day
Tuesday, May 12th B Day
Wednesday, May 13th: A Day
Thursday, May 14th: B Day
Friday, May 15th: A Day
School Board Elections
The Colonial School District School Board Elections will take place on Tuesday, May 12th from 7:00 AM–8:00 PM. McCullough Middle School will serve as a polling location for our community. We encourage all eligible voters to participate in this important process and make their voices heard.
Yearbook Update
Pre-sales for the 2025-2026 yearbook have officially closed, and we have 21 additional copies available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested in securing a copy, please submit your cash payment to Ms. Rudolph or Ms. Parker as soon as possible. Once these copies are gone, no additional yearbooks will be available.
DeSSA Testing: Important Dates
Families, our Spring DeSSA state testing continues this week. Students will participate in Social Studies & Science assessments on the following dates:
- May 12, 2026 – DeSSA Social Studies Assessment --ALL Students (8:30–10:15 AM)
- May 14, 2026 – DeSSA Science Assessment-- 8th Grade Only During Science Classes
In preparation for these assessments, students have been conferencing with their Science & Social Studies teachers to review previous scores and set goals for this testing window. Please help your child be prepared by ensuring they arrive to school on time, are well-rested, and ready to give their very best effort. We appreciate your support in helping our students shine!
Mustangs Read Together
Mustangs Read Together continues this week at McCullough! We are excited to see students and staff continuing to engage with The Crossover by Kwame Alexander through meaningful discussions, activities, and shared reading experiences during Advisory. This initiative is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen our school community through literacy, connection, and a love of reading. We encourage families to continue asking students about the book and the conversations taking place throughout the school day!
End of the Year Dances
Our end-of-year celebrations are quickly approaching! Please review the important dates and deadlines below:
- 8th Grade Formal
- Location: Executive Banquet Center
- Date: June 1, 2026
- Payment & Permission Slips due by May 23rd
- 6th & 7th Grade Sneaker Ball
- Location: McCullough Middle School
- Date: May 28, 2026
- Payments & Permission Slips due by May 26th
Please make sure all payments and required forms are submitted by the deadlines to ensure student participation in these exciting celebrations! Please see the flyers and parent letters that were sent home for more specific details. Online payment options are also available.
DIAA Sports Physicals – 2026–2027 School Year
Families of student-athletes, please note that a completed DIAA physical (dated on or after April 1, 2026) is required for participation in any sports or tryouts for the 2026–2027 school year. Registration is now open, and families are encouraged to complete this process early to ensure students are ready for upcoming athletic opportunities. Physicals can be completed through the Nemours School-Based Wellness Center at McCullough. Please see the flyer below for additional details, including how to register.
Reminder – Cellphone and Electronic Device Policy
We will be continuing with hallway sweeps for cellphones and electronic devices. Please remind your students of MCC’s cellphone policy: all phones and accessories should be stored away and not visible throughout the entire school day. Thank you for helping us maintain a focused and distraction-free learning environment.
Infinite Campus
If you are still experiencing issues accessing the Parent Infinite Campus Portal—or if, once logged in, you do not see all of your students—please use the link below to request assistance. Our team will work with you to make sure your account is updated and that you have full access to the information you need.
Infinite Campus Support Link (click here)
Let's have an amazing week as a school community, and remember MUSTANGS RUN TOGETHER!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Hyacinth Lewis, Principal
Message from Willam Penn Cross Country Team
Upcoming Events
- 5/11/2026: Baseball & Softball Away Games vs George Read @ 3:30pm
5/12/2026 - DeSSA Social Studies State Test
5/13/2026 - Baseball & Softball Away Games vs. GB @ 3:30pm
5/13/2026 - Track Meet vs. George Read & Gunning Bedford at William Penn @ 3:30pm
5/21/2026 - Spring Band & Chorus Concert @ 6:30pm
5/25/2026 - Schools & Offices Closed (Memorial Day)
5/26/2026 - McCullough’s Got Goals Parent Meeting @ 5:00pm
5/28/2026 - 7th Grade Awards Ceremony @ 11:00am
5/28/2026 - Sneaker Ball Dance @ 6:00pm
5/29/2026 - 6th Grade Awards Ceremony @ 9:45am
McCullough Wellness Center
Reminder: Enroll in the Wellness Center Today!
We encourage all families to consider enrolling their child in our school-based Wellness Center! This is a valuable free resource that offers medical and mental health services right here at school—making it easier to support your child’s well-being without missing work or school.
Important Notes:
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Enrollment in the Wellness Center does not replace your primary care provider—it’s an added support.
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Services are available during the school day, and free of charge to enrolled students.
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Once enrolled, you can schedule appointments by phone and choose whether to:
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Attend in person
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Join via phone or video
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Allow your student to attend independently
How to Enroll:
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Option 1: Complete the electronic enrollment packet using the link below
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Option 2: Pick up a paper copy in the main office. Paper packets should be returned to the main office once completed.
McCullough Athletics
McCullough offers DIAA sports teams during the fall, winter, and spring seasons. Please visit our athletics website (click link) to learn more about the sports that we offer.
Sports Requirements & Physicals
Student athletes must maintain passing grades in all 4 year long classes (ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies).
2025-2026 DIAA Sports Physical Form (use this form if you are taking your child to their doctor for the physical.
After School Sports & Activities Reminders
After-school Activities are from 3:00pm-4:30pm
In order to participate in afterschool activities, a signed permission slip must be turned into the advisor/coach.
After-school Transportation
Car Rider
Walker
Bus (Only if you a current bus rider)
After School Bus List (click link)
The after-school bus stop is a designated location in the neighborhood
Standing Reminders
Administrator, Counselor & Secretary Contacts
We are here to support you and your student throughout the school year. Below are the names and contact emails for our grade-level administrators and counselors. If you ever have questions or concerns, these staff members are your go-to resources.
Principal: Hyacinth Lewis
Main Office Phone: 302-429-4000
Secretaries: Ms. Moore , Ms. Burg, & Ms. Churchill
6th Grade Admin: Aaron Lamb 6th Grade Counselor: Brittany Toler-McNeill
7th Grade Admin: Nicole Sumner 7th Grade Counselor: Tonya Bailey-Smiley
8th Grade Admin: John Sopkanich 8th Grade Counselor: Kahlil Fitzpatrick
Student Arrival Reminders
As a reminder, our doors open at 7:55 AM for students, advisory meetings in homeroom will begin at 8:15am and students are considered late if they arrive after 8:20am. All walkers and car riders will enter the building through the front door and buses will drop off and pick up in the rear of the building. In order to ensure that we have safe arrival and dismissal we are asking that parents dropping off students be sure to...
- Pull up in single line along the curb
- Pull you car up as far as you can
- Be sure that your student is ready to promptly exit your vehicle in order to keep the line moving (arrival only)
Infinite Campus Parent Accounts
This school year, Infinite Campus will replace Home Access Center (HAC). This user-friendly platform makes it easier than ever to stay connected to your child’s education—anytime, anywhere.
With Infinite Campus, families can:
View class schedules
Monitor attendance
Access transportation details
For grades 6–12: see grades, assignments, and report cards—all in one place
Infinite Campus is available on both desktop and mobile devices. Step-by-step login instructions and family guides will be shared to help ensure a smooth transition. As soon as you receive the electronic notification to set up your Infinite Campus Parent Account, please log in and:
Check your contact information and update if needed.
Add emergency contacts.
McCullough Middle School
Website: https://www.colonialschooldistrict.org/mccullough/
Location: 20 Chase Avenue, New Castle, DE, USA
Phone: 3024294000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McculloughCSD