The Panther Pride Newsletter
Hello P.S. duPont Parents and Families,
December is a busy time of year filled with activities, shopping, and special events. With so much going on, it’s easy for everyone, kids included to feel a bit overwhelmed. Children often experience the effects of packed schedules, practices, games, concerts, and holiday commitments just as much as adults do.
This season, I encourage all parents to carve out a little time to pause, relax, and talk with your child. Ask them how they’re feeling and what challenges they might be facing. A simple, caring conversation can go a long way in helping children feel supported and understood during this busy time of the year.
Please note below some update and reminders:
Second Marking Period Interim Grade Reports
To improve access and convenience, the Brandywine School District will now provide all Interim Reports and Report Cards electronically through our new student information system, Infinite Campus. Families can access these reports through the Infinite Campus Parent or Student Portal on a web browser or by using the “Campus Parent” mobile app.
How to Find the Reports (See the attached document):
- Detailed Grades: View current marking period grades under the “Grades” tab.
- Printable Report: A PDF version of the official Interim Report or Report Card can be found under the “Documents” tab.
Second Marking Period Interim Grades will be available on Infinite Campus beginning on December 19, 2025.
Please contact the main office or your child’s Guidance Counselor if you have any questions about accessing Interim Reports via Infinite Campus.
Board of Education Workshop – December 8, 2025
This is an important and time-sensitive communication regarding an upcoming Board of Education Workshop. Attached, you will find a document outlining the concerns BSD has raised regarding the current Redding Consortium redistricting proposal.
On Monday, December 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Elementary School, the Brandywine School District Board of Education will hold a Board Workshop that will include a presentation on school redistricting from the Co-Chairpersons of the Redding Consortium: Senator Elizabeth Lockman and Former Lt. Governor Matt Denn.
Following their presentation, there will be an open question-and-answer session with members of the BSD Board of Education. An opportunity for public comment will follow the discussion. We strongly encourage members of the BSD community to attend in person or join virtually for this critically important session regarding the future of our district.
Meeting details, including the virtual Zoom link can be found online at www.brandywineschools.org/SchoolBoard
A final vote on a governance/redistricting model proposed by the Redding Consortium is scheduled for December 16, 2025.
This Week at a Glance
- Monday, 12/8 – 4 Day (Periods 4-2)
- Tuesday, 12/9 – 3 Day (Periods 3-1)
- Wednesday, 12/10 – 2 Day (Periods 2-7)
- Thursday, 12/11 – 1 Day (Periods 1-6)
- Friday, 12/12 - 7 Day (Periods 7-5)
In Ms. McCaslin’s 6th grade ELA classroom, she recently introduced black lights as a creative way to boost student engagement during text annotation. Her students used neon highlighters to mark characters, settings, and plot details, and under the black lights their annotations literally glowed. This innovative approach immediately transformed the classroom atmosphere—students were energized, focused, and excited to dive deeper into the text.
What made this strategy especially powerful was how it elevated a routine skill into a memorable and immersive learning experience. Students who are sometimes hesitant to annotate were suddenly eager to participate, and many were motivated to continue annotating independently. By turning a foundational literacy skill into something visually dynamic and fun, Ms. McCaslin captured her students’ attention in a meaningful way.
The enthusiasm throughout her classroom was incredible to see. Ms. McCaslin’s ability to blend creativity with academic purpose not only strengthened student engagement but also reinforced a positive learning environment where students feel empowered and excited to learn.
The Scholastic Book Fair is back at P.S.! The book fair will run from Monday, December 8 through Friday, December 12 in our school library. The book fair will also be open during the 7th/8th grade band and orchestra concert on Thursday, December 11.
Teachers at P.S. will be scheduling time for their students to visit the library and browse the selection of books for students to purchase. Students are also welcome to visit the fair on their own! With their teacher’s permission, students can come to the library with a hall pass.
Accepted forms of payment include cash, credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Scholastic eWallet which is a digital payment.
You can find more information about the fair including a preview of the titles, online shopping, and how to set up your eWallet by visiting our book fair’s homepage here.
Shriya Chakkalakal, a 6th grader at P.S. duPont Middle School, has achieved an extraordinary reading milestone. In just nine days, she completed five books, totaling 1,741 pages. This means Shriya averaged an impressive 193 pages per day, demonstrating strong focus, stamina, and a genuine love for reading. Her success highlights the importance of daily reading habits and the remarkable growth students can experience when they push themselves academically.
To celebrate her accomplishment, Shriya received two book tokens for the Book Vending Machine located across from the Library and was recognized during the morning announcements on Tuesday, December 2. Her dedication serves as a great example for her peers, showing that commitment and perseverance can lead to exciting achievements. Congratulations to Shriya for her outstanding efforts and continued passion for reading!
Thank you Texas Roadhouse of Glen Mills!
Texas Roadhouse gave each of our honor roll students a certficate for a free meal at our honor roll assemblies last week. As part of a PTA fundraiser, you can buy a bag of peanuts for $5, and it comes with a free appetizer coupon! Click here to purchase a bag, and pick them up at any of our winter concerts this week or next week!
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.
See the information below for the upcoming Parent Council Meetings via Class Dojo:
- Location: Mount Pleasant Elementary Multipurpose Room
- Time: 5:30–6:30 p.m. Childcare and snacks provided for families
- Dates: 1/26, 3/9, 5/11
- Parent Council Flyer LINK Zoom Meeting ID: 993 5096 2972
- Password: 911784
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!
PS DuPont Middle School’s Title I Program exists to provide supplemental services for low-achieving and Limited English Proficient students until they can meet and exceed the standards set forth by the state. The Title I program aims to improve academic achievement and implement all statutory requirements. The Title I Parent Involvement goal is to plan and conduct programs, activities, and procedures that increase parental involvement with the meaningful consultation of parents. This policy provides opportunities for the full participation of parents and community members to ensure a meaningful partnership. Please see the attached documents below, offered in both English and Spanish to learn about the Brandywine School District's plan to deliver services to our student population at P.S. duPont Middle School.
Emergency Cards
Please fill out and sign your gray emergency card and return it to the nurses. If you need an extra copy you can get one from the main office or nurses office. A new emergency card is required to be on file each school year. You can not receive medication without a current emergency card on file.
DIAA Forms
If you plan to try out for a sport at PS please turn your DIAA form into the nurses office.
A Delaware DIAA form is required to be on file, each school year, before a student attends sports try outs. DIAA forms are available in the main office and nurses office or through the DIAA website:
DIAA Form - Click Here
Any questions please reach out:
Laura.DeMare@bsd.k12.de.us
Lauren.Foraker@bsd.k12.de.us
- December 8 - Book Fair begins!
- December 8 - Lockdown Drill - 2:15 p.m.
- December 11 - 7th/8th Grade Band/Orchestra Concert - 7 p.m.
- December 12 - Last day for the Book Fair!
- December 16 - 7th/8th Grade Choir Concert - 7 p.m.
- December 17 - Steelpan Concert - 7 p.m.
- December 19 - Second Marking Period Interim Reports Available - Infinite Campus