The Cardinal Connection
William F. Cooke, Jr. Elementary School
April 17, 2026
Join Red Clay's Autism Spirit Week
Kid's Heart Challenge
We just kicked off the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge! Get ready to change and save lives! Sign up today and earn your wristband!
Through Finn’s Mission, you’ll learn the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR and how to recognize a stroke. Here are the next steps to take today and be one of the first to complete your mission:
1. Sign Up at http://www2.heart.org/goto/wfcje or use the QR code and download the free “AHA Schools” app.
2. Raise funds to help kids with special hearts and start earning thank-you gifts.
3. Complete Finn’s Mission: Learn Hands-Only CPR, earn your lifesavers cape and be entered to win two Super Bowl tickets!
Now is the time to join our team! We need your help to reach our goal!
Help us celebrate our amazing staff during Staff Appreciation Week in May! Please share a message of gratitude for a teacher or staff member who has positively impacted your child or family. You can remain anonymous if you wish — your message will be shared with them through a certificate of appreciation.
Baskets & Bingo Night
KINDERGARTEN BASKETS
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4BA8A922A0FE3-63483472-kindergarten
FIRST GRADE BASKETS
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4BA8A922A0FE3-63483769-1stgrade
SECOND GRADE BASKETS
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4BA8A922A0FE3-63484589-2ndgrade
THIRD GRADE BASKETS
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4BA8A922A0FE3-63569098-3rdgrade
FOURTH GRADE BASKETS
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4BA8A922A0FE3-63569130-4thgrade
FIFTH GRADE BASKETS
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4BA8A922A0FE3-63569150-5thgrade
NIGHT OF VOLUNTEERS
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4BA8A922A0FE3-63593782-bingo
We are excited to open nominations for Red Clay’s 2026-2027 Educational Support Professional of the Year (ESPOY). We invite staff, students, families, and community members to nominate exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled candidates. Nominees should promote a positive, supportive image of the educational support profession at their work site and in the school/district community.
Please note that one exemplary support professional will be chosen from each category to be honored. These outstanding individuals will then advance as finalists in the selection process for the District Educational Support Professional of the Year, who will represent Red Clay at the state level. The categories for consideration are as follows:
- Transportation Employee of the Year (bus drivers/bus aides)
- Custodial/Maintenance Employee of the Year
- Nutrition Services Employee of the Year
- Paraeducator of the Year
- Secretarial Employee of the Year
- IT Employee of the Year
Eligibility:
- The nominee must have at least three years of experience as an educational support professional. The experience does not have to be in the same district, school, or position.
- The nominee must continue to serve in an educational support professional position for the award year.
Individuals who have previously been named Delaware Educational Support Professional of the Year are not eligible to be nominated again in a future year.
Red Clay’s Education Support Professional of the Year winner will receive a $2,000 personal award. The state program then selects one person each year to serve as Delaware’s Educational Support Professional of the Year. State winners receive an additional $3,000 personal award from DDOE and $5,000 to be used for the educational benefit of their students.
Tell us who your favorite “Educational Support Professional” is by completing the online nomination form.
Nominations are being accepted until April 19, 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact Julie Gonzalez at Julie.gonzalez@redclay.k12.de.us .
Picture Day Orders
Notes from Red Clay Nurses
Yearbook Sale
Do You Have or Know an Incoming Kindergarten Student?
Do You Know A Former Cooke Cardinal That Is Graduating HS This Year?
FAME, Inc: STEM Summer Program: Rising 1st - 5th Graders
Health & Wellness Fair
FFA Event
Red Clay Education Foundation Golf Tournament
Register Now!
This isn’t just another golf event—it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. By participating, you'll enjoy a great day on the course and help support essential programs and unforgettable experiences for Red Clay students and families!
Register Now - https://birdease.com/rcef
Breakfast & Lunch Menu
SAVE THE DATES!
5th Grade Families
Grades 3,4,5: SAVE THE DATES: STATE TESTING
The State of Delaware conducts state testing starting in Grade 3. We are providing the dates so that you can plan ahead to ensure that your child is in school on these dates.
Grade 3:
ELA: 4/27, 4/30
Math: 5/5, 5/7
Grade 4:
Social Studies: 5/11
ELA: 4/27, 4/30
Math: 5/5, 5/7
Grade 5:
Social Studies: 5/11
ELA: 4/27, 4/30
Math: 5/5, 5/7
Science: 5/14
2025-2026 School Year Calendars
Cooke At-a-Glance Calendar
"Did You Know?" Series
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