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AIM Higher Weekly

August 14, 2026

AIM Higher Weekly  August 14, 2026
AIM HigherWeekly August 14, 2026
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Principal's Message

Dear AIMS Families;

We are entering Week 8 of the first marking period, and this week brings opportunities to celebrate our students while keeping our focus on a strong finish. Please take a few minutes with your child to review their grades in Infinite Campus, discuss any missing assignments, and identify where they may need additional support. If you have questions about your child’s progress, please reach out to their teachers so we can work together on next steps.


This week, we have our first Tier 1 trip to Thrillz for students who have met our Tier 1 behavior expectations. We are excited to recognize students whose daily choices contribute to a positive school environment. Please continue talking with your child about what it means to demonstrate our AIMS values in classrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, and throughout the school day.


This Thursday evening, we will celebrate our AVID students at AVID Contract Signing Night. This event recognizes the commitment students and families are making to academic growth, organization, and preparation for future opportunities. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with our AVID families!


As we move further into the school year, consistent attendance and arriving on time remain essential. Each day gives students opportunities to learn, ask questions, receive feedback, and build connections. When your child needs to be absent, please help them connect with their teachers about missed learning and assignments.


Thank you for celebrating your child’s successes and helping them take the next step when something is challenging. Whether that means completing an assignment, asking for help, or making a positive choice, those daily actions help our students AIM Higher.



Warmly,
Cristina Kalesse
Principal, Alexis I. duPont Middle School



Follow Us: Facebook and Instagram @aimstigerpride

This Week's Schedule This Week's Schedule

Monday: F- Day (2, 4, 1, 3, 7)

Tuesday : A-Day (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

Wednesday: B-Day (2, 3, 4, 1, 5)

Thursday : C -Day (3 ,4 , 1, 2, 6)

Friday : D-Day (4, 1, 2, 3, 6)

the AIMS Team the AIMS Team

Meet Nurse Cole!

Nurse Katy Cole helps keep our AIMS students healthy, safe, and ready to learn! As our school nurse, she supports students who become ill or injured during the school day, administers prescribed medications, and works with families and staff to support students’ health needs. She also helps coordinate care for students with ongoing medical conditions.



Families can partner with Nurse Cole by keeping health information and emergency contacts current and communicating any changes in their child’s medical needs. We are grateful for the care and compassion she brings to our AIMS community!

School Leadership

Mrs. Cristina Kalesse — Principal
Ms. Michelle Burrows — Assistant Principal (6th Grade)
Mr. George Hantzopoulos — Assistant Principal (7th Grade)
Mr. Earl Moffett — Student Advisor (8th Grade)

Student & Family Support

Ms. Natalie Hamilton — Counselor (Last Names A-L)

Mrs. Melissa Lepkowski — Counselor (Last Names M-Z)
Dr. Deborah Wiley — Special Education Coordinator
Ms. Katy Cole — School Nurse

Mr. Rahel Torres- Athletic Director

Main Office

Mrs. Williams — Senior Secretary
Mrs. Luna — Attendance Secretary

Upcoming Events for October Upcoming Events for October

Tuesday 10/13/2026: Red Clay Day

Tuesday 10/20/2026: District Choice Information Night

Thursday 10/22/2026: AVID Contact Signing Night

Friday 10/23/2026: Tier 1 Thrillz Field Trip (Trip is Full)

Thursday 10/29/2026: Attendance Glow Up After School Event

Friday 10/30/2026: Costume and Candy School Event.

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Glow Party Flyer.pdf
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Athletics This Week Athletics This Week

Monday 10/19/2026: Soccer vs. HB duPont Middle @ AIMS 3:45

Tuesday 10/20/2026:

  • Soccer v. Academia Charter School @ AIMS 3:30
  • Volleyball v. Stanton @AIMS 3:30

Wedneday 10/21/2026:

  • Red Clay Middle School Cross Country Championships 3:30 @ Banning Park
  • Soccer v. Conrad School @ AIMS 3:45
  • Volleyball v. Conrad @ AIMS 3:30

AIMS Athletic Fundraiser!

Our fall fundraiser is officially LIVE and ready to make waves! This is our community’s moment to shine, and we’re excited to see the impact we can make together.


🚨 Still need to join or add contacts?

No worries! Open the app, finish setting up your account, and add your contacts. Your messages will go out automatically once you’re ready.


📲 Share your fundraiser by text today!

We encourage each family to text their fundraising link to at least 10 supporters to get the ball rolling. Early momentum can make a big difference!


👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Help spread the word!

Please share your fundraising link on social media and encourage family and friends to participate. Every share and donation helps!



Thank you for your support and for helping make our fall fundraiser a success!

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AI-duPont-Middle-School-Fall-Athletics (1).pdf
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(Spanish) (1).pdf
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AIMS WInter Sports

1. Boys' Basketball

2. Girls' Basketball

3. Coed Wrestling

4. Winter Cheerleading

Winter Sports tryouts begin Monday, November 9, 2026, at 3:30 P.M.


Before a student may participate in any tryout or practice, all assigned Rank One requirements must be completed and approved. The DIAA medical clearance must be signed by a healthcare provider on or after April 1, 2026. The physical examination must have been completed within the 12 months before the provider’s signature. And complete AIMS Sports Sign-ups https://forms.gle/A15kcWzGG2B5m4bWA


WINTER SPORTS CLEARANCE TIMELINE -

Students who want to try out or begin practicing on Monday, November 9, 2026, should submit all Rank One requirements by Friday, November 6, 2026.

All requirements must be approved before a student may remain after school for athletics (try out and/or practice).

Requirements submitted after November 6 will still be accepted and reviewed.

A student approved after November 6 may be considered for a team only if tryouts are still in progress and that team’s roster has not been finalized.


Once a team’s roster is finalized, a late-approved student cannot be added to that team. Completing the requirements does not guarantee a tryout, selection, or placement on a team.

Choice Information Night Choice Information Night

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Red Clay Events Red Clay Events

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2026 College Fair Flyers ENG & SPN.pdf
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School Choice Flyers Eng&Spn.pdf
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Cristina Kalesse
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