January 2026 Newsletter

• December 22nd - January 2nd - No School (Winter Break)
  
• Monday, January 5th - Students return to school
  
• Monday, January 19th - No School (Martin Luther King Kr. Day)
• Friday, January 23rd - End of 2nd MP
• Monday, January 26th - No School (Teacher Inservice)

As we transition back from winter break we will be reviewing our school expectations and our RC Cash reinforcement system. Students will participate in refresher activities throughout the month. Below you will find each school sites behavior expectations. Feel free to review these at home with your student.

Students will also be completing refresher activities about how emotions feel, how to identify others emotions, how certain scenarios make us feel, and how to categorize emotions with our Zones of Regulation. We will be focusing on strategies to use when we are feeling dysregulated and making a toolbox of these strategies. Below is information about the Zones of Regulation and how to create a zones check-in at home.

We encourage families to utilize the language we are using at school to discuss emotions and feelings.

Information about how to purchase Spread the Word t-shirts will be coming home with your student. Shirts are $8.00 and are for the first week of March when we celebrate Spread the Word-Inclusion Day.

Red Clay Consolidated School District is taking an important step forward in reimagining secondary education to better prepare our students for college, careers, and future success.

We invite you to visit our new, dedicated web section to learn more about the district’s plan to transform Thomas McKean High School into the Thomas McKean Innovation Campus, beginning in August 2027. This Innovation Campus will expand student access to Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathways, industry-recognized credentials, early college credit opportunities, and hands-on innovation experiences.

The website provides in-depth information about:

• The vision and purpose of the Innovation Campus
• Academic and career pathways
• Timeline and planning process
• Frequently asked questions
• How this model supports students and families

🔗 Visit the Innovation Campus web page:

We encourage you to explore the information and learn more about how Red Clay is designing future-focused opportunities for our students. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Thursday, Jan. 29, 7:00 - 8:15PM

January’s Empowered Connections is designed for co-parents and fathers of children on the autism spectrum. Together we will share experiences, explore challenges, and celebrate the unique strengths of parenting our diverse and unique children. Whether you’re navigating co-parenting from the same household or across two homes, this conversation offers guidance, encouragement, and practical tools. Fathers, mothers, and all co-parents are welcome.

Register here.

Saturday, January 31 @ 10:00 AM

Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

If one day of freezing isn’t enough, we’ve got you covered! Join us for the Run to the Plunge 5K and make it a full weekend of fun supporting Special Olympics Delaware. Run Saturday, plunge Sunday—because why not make your winter story even more incredible? Register now or learn more: https://ow.ly/4Ixc50XrJLn

Get ready to take the plunge for a purpose! The Lewes Polar Bear Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Delaware returns on Sunday, February 1st at 1 PM, with a full weekend of festivities leading up to the big splash.

Whether you're plunging into the icy Atlantic or cheering from the shore, this iconic event brings together thousands in support of inclusion and opportunity for athletes with intellectual disabilities. From family-friendly activities to community celebrations, it’s a weekend you won’t want to miss.

🔗 Learn More & Register

Apply here

Summer Scholarships:

The Margaret M. Ernst Campership Fund

The Mia Shorteno Fraser Scholarship Fund

• Remember to check if your student has an extra pair of clothes (including underwear & socks) in school in case of accidents or spills. Make sure they are updated for the seasons!

• Dress for the weather! Be sure your student has a jacket, hat, and gloves as there are colder days coming! If you do not have these items, please reach out to your nurse for help.

• If your student requires use of glasses or a hearing aid, please send these to school every day! Vision and hearing are important for your child to be successful in school.

• Keeping hydrated is important! Please send in a labeled water bottle with your student.

  
  

PLEASE BE MINDFUL! IF YOUR STUDENT IS SICK, PLEASE KEEP THEM HOME!

DISTRICT POLICY STATES:

• A student must be fever free (without medication) for 24 hours before returning to school.

• If a student is out for vomiting or diarrhea, they must be symptom free for 24 hours before returning to school.

As part of Delaware State Regulations, vision and hearing screening is done for students in kindergarten, grades 2, 4, 7, 9 or 10 with screenings taking place by January 15th. For students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), it is also done every 3 years when a student is due for eligibility. Postural screening is done yearly from 5th grade through 9th grade. Screenings typically start at the end of September or into October. If you have any concerns with screenings, please contact your school nurse.