May 2026 Newsletter

• Friday, May 8th - Meadowood Mile
• Monday, May 25th - No School (Memorial Day)

• Thursday, June 4th - MTP Ceremony
• Saturday, June 6th - McKean's Graduation (3 pm)
• Monday, June 8th - 8th Grade Move-Up Ceremony; last day for 8th graders
  
• Tuesday, June 9th - 5th Grade Move-Up Ceremony
• Wednesday, June 10th - Last Day of School for Students
• Tuesday, June 30th - Meadowood Summer Program Begins

Huge shout-out to the Meadowood Staff for going above and beyond to ensure our students were able to participate in Special Olympics Soccer at Lum's Pond (a new location) this year!

So much planning and preparation goes into the two day event from collecting permission slips, contacting physician offices to obtain physical forms, scheduling buses, ordering lunches, transporting equipment, and so much more!

Check-out Meadowood's Facebook Page for pictures of the events!

• Dates: Tuesday, June 30th - Thursday, July 30th

• Monday - Thursday - Summer program will be 4 days/week

• Location: All students will attend at Forest Oak

• Time: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

• No days off for July 4th

Upcoming seniors can access the scheduling site either through the customized link provided or by visiting the Legacy Studios website and searching by school. Both the school customized link and a link to the Legacy Studios website are provided here:

· https://seniors.legacystudios.com/

· https://seniors.legacystudios.com/thomas-mckean-hs.../

For assistance, contact customer care at:

· Call: 716-512-6336

· Email: customercare@legacystudios.com

· Chat: https://seniors.legacystudios.com

• 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!
  

• 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.

• SUNSCREEN: Warmer days are returning! Please consider placing sunscreen on your child prior to coming to school so they are protected when participating in outdoor activities. This is very important for any field trips that will be outside! Please complete the permission form and return to school.




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.

Will your student be participating in Unified football, cheerleading, basketball and/or track next year? If so, you can schedule an appointment at the School Based Health Center/Wellness Center for them to complete their DIAA Sports Physical. Students need to be registered at the School Based Health Center/Wellness Center. Visit their website here for more information.

May brings together several powerful themes—Mental Health Awareness Month, Mobility Awareness Month, and National Physical Fitness & Sports Month—that all center on one shared idea: taking care of our whole selves, or healthy living.

Mental health, mobility, and physical fitness are deeply connected. When we move our bodies, we’re not just building strength—we’re also boosting mood, reducing stress, and supporting overall mental well-being. At the same time, having the ability and confidence to move (mobility) helps ensure that everyone can participate in physical activity in ways that feel safe, inclusive, and empowering.

Together, these observances remind us that:

• Movement supports mental health

• Access and mobility make wellness inclusive

• Physical activity strengthens both body and mind

This May is a great opportunity to encourage healthy habits, promote inclusivity, and remind everyone that wellness looks different for each person—but everyone deserves the chance to feel strong, supported, and well.

"While SEL and mental health are not the same, SEL can promote positive mental health in many ways. By promoting responsive relationships, emotionally safe environments, and skills development, SEL cultivates important “protective factors” to buffer against mental health risks. In this way, SEL is an indispensable part of student mental health and wellness, helping to improve attitudes about self and others while decreasing emotional distress and risky behaviors." - CASEL

Throughout May, students will work on healthy living skills including healthy eating, visiting the doctor, dental hygiene and exercise. Click on the social stories below to review with your student at home. Challenge yourself and your family to #MOVEINMAY! Modify and adapt activities to ability level:

• Strengthen your core and flexibility with stretches and yoga
• Engage your 5 senses in activities to improve sensory processing
• Do arm curls with water bottles to strengthen arm muscles
• Have a catch to improve coordination.

Physical activity can help boost your mood, sharpen your focus, reduce your stress, and improve your sleep improving your overall health both physically and mentally!

What's Your Move?

The Mental Health America's theme for 2026 is "More Good Days, Together" and it encourages us all to reflect on what a “good” day looks like, both for ourselves, and for our communities. Together, we can use that insight to connect people to the right support at the right time, and shape advocacy, education, and community engagement to make more good days possible for all.

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day is Thursday, May 7, 2026, focusing on the importance of mental wellness in a child's development, reducing stigma, and promoting early intervention. The surrounding week, May 3–9, 2026, is recognized as Children’s Mental Health Action Week. This year's theme is "Behind the Screen: Education, Prevention, Connection," focusing on technology's impact on youth mental health.

National Mobility Awareness Month, celebrated annually in May, promotes awareness of mobility solutions that allow people with disabilities to live independently. It highlights the importance of accessible transportation, technology, and community design, aiming to empower individuals and remove physical or societal barriers that limit education, employment, and social interaction.

National Speech-Language-Hearing Month aims to raise awareness about communication disorders and the role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists in helping individuals with these disorders. The theme for 2025 is "100 Years of Impact: ASHA's Centennial".

SLP Appreciation Day, or National Speech Pathologist Day, is also celebrated each year on May 18th!

Thank you to our amazing SLPs who support our staff and students everyday: Mary Anne Terzaghi, Liz McCormick, Darian Beahan, Keri Luckanavage, Jackie Fulmer, Destiny Galarza, Marissa Giardina, Jamie Neidlein, Marissa Reed, Kelsey Demonte, & Jia Harn Choo

Klinefelter Syndrome (KS or 47,XXY) a common genetic condition where a male is born with an extra X chromosome (47, XXY instead of the typical 46, XY). It is not inherited, but rather a random error during cell division. It commonly leads to lower testosterone, infertility, taller stature, and reduced muscle mass. Although KS/XXY is not rare - affecting roughly 1 in 600 males, it is rarely diagnosed (up to 75% of individuals with KS are never diagnosed). Klinefelter Syndrome Awareness Month and day (May 10th) aim to provide education about the genetic variation, increase early diagnosis, reduce stigma, and provide support for those with an extra X chromosome.

May is designated as Apraxia Awareness Month, with May 14th recognized as Apraxia Awareness Day. Apraxia of speech (AOS) is a neurological motor speech disorder that makes it difficult for the brain to coordinate and plan the precise muscle movements of the lips, tongue, and jaw needed for clear speech. While the brain knows what it wants to say, the signals to the mouth muscles are disrupted. There are two common types of apraxia: Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) (present from birth) or Acquired Apraxia of Speech (occurs at any age due to stroke, brain injury, or tumor). This month highlights the need for early diagnosis, proper speech therapy, and connecting families with available resources.

Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month runs from May 15 to June 15 annually, aiming to educate the public, reduce stigma, and support the over 1.4 million Americans living with Tic Disorders. This period features campaigns like #AuthenticallyMe, Wear Teal Tuesdays, and various fundraising walks to promote understanding of this complex neurological condition.

May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, designated by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) as the peak season for asthma and allergy symptoms. It serves to educate the public, improve care, and highlight that over 25 million Americans live with asthma. The month focuses on advocacy, education, and managing triggers. Asthma and allergies aren’t managed in isolation – they’re shaped by where you live, the air you breathe, and the people around you. Keeping these conditions under control takes more than medication. It takes a community.

Also recognized in May:

• World Asthma Day - May 5th
• Food Allergy Awareness Week - May 10th-16th

For more information and resources on asthma, allergies, and food allergies; visit:

The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is celebrated annually on May 21 highlighting not only the richness of the world's cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.

Thank you, Kathie Mattix, for your leadership and dedication to the Meadowood Program and most especially the students. Your vision and guidance have created a positive and inclusive environment for learning and growth. You make a difference in our students' lives everyday. We are grateful to have you as our Principal!

Friday, May 1st is School Lunch Hero Day! It is a national celebration in honor of the hard-working individuals who prepare healthy meals to our students every single day. Thank you to all the HEROS who take care of our students and their individual needs - our program could not run without you!

Every day, teachers transform ordinary moments into extraordinary discoveries. They turn curiosity into confidence, challenges into triumphs and classrooms into launchpads for dreams. This Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8, 2026, we're celebrating the magic that happens when dedicated educators pour their hearts into helping our children grow.

National Teacher Day is May 5th

National School Nurse Day was established to foster a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting. A very special thank you to Nurse Conrad, Nurse Sauder, Nurse Ewing, Nurse McGrath, Nurse Hoffman, Nurse Buck and Nurse Cunningham for all that you do and to ensure the students and staff are healthy and safe!

School Nurse Day is celebrated on the Wednesday within National Nurses Week. National Nurses Week is May 6-12 each year. This year's theme is "The Power of Nurses" to recognize the invaluable contributions of nurses worldwide and the real-life challenges they face every day.

On Thursday, May 14th, Brenna Bruns and Mackenzie Frail will be going over the edge again as they rappel down the north face of 300 Delaware Avenue - a 17-story building in downtown Wilmington....that's 222 feet! Over the Edge fuels the mission of Special Olympics to provide year-round sports training, competition, leadership opportunities, and health screenings to over 4,000 athletes. Special Olympics athletes show us daily, the courage needed to face extraordinary circumstances on and off the playing field. Click on the links below to support Brenna, Mackenzie and Special Olympics athletes today!

"Don't limit your challenges, challenge your limits" - Jerry Dunn

Registration for for summer sports (bowling, cycling, golf) starts May 1st.

👉 Register here

Join Autism Delaware for a private picnic at the 2026 Day at the Blue Rocks!

Picnic: 12:30 PM • 3rd Base Picnic Deck

Game: 1:05 PM

Tickets: $18 (includes game ticket + picnic buffet) — buy ahead of event day

Tickets here -> https://onecau.se/_hhks31

Join Dr. Abigail Strang, Dr. Heather C. Nardone, and Dr. Taylor MacLean from Nemours Children’s Health for an informative webinar on Monday, May 4 at 7:00 PM about healthy sleep, sleep issues, and sleep treatments for individuals with Down syndrome. The webinar will discuss:

• Sleep apnea in individuals with Down syndrome
• A range of treatment options for sleep apnea, including hypoglossal nerve stimulation as well as other possible surgical procedures
• The importance of healthy sleep
• Recommendations about sleep studies—when they are needed and how to prepare

Open to all—please RSVP at the link below! Once you submit the form, a Zoom link will be sent to you.

https://secure.lglforms.com/form.../s/VQZWq1cvmN7Xe2cmwg99Fw

On May 6th, from 4:15 to 5:00 PM, join Jeremy Hayer and the Youth Engagement Team for a presentation on Mental Health Awareness Month. This presentation will provide an overview of why mental health is important and how it affects our thoughts, feelings, and daily lives. It will also explore common challenges such as stress, anxiety, and depression in a clear and respectful way.

Link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../the-span-youth-chat-for...…

We’re partnering with Kerri Stitsworth and Heidi Edgar from Ivy Rehab for Kids for an engaging webinar all about children’s therapy—why it’s important, the different types available, supports outside of school and early intervention, ways families can bring therapy techniques into daily routines, and so much more. These professionals bring deep insight into therapy services and how families can access resources that fit their child’s needs.

Join us on Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00 PM on Zoom to hear from Kerri and Heidi. Don’t forget to bring all your questions! Please RSVP for this free webinar here : https://secure.lglforms.com/.../s/voeaQGIkqVBFGur8PNvk2g...

Join Autism Delaware on Monday, May 18th for a FREE event to celebrate and meet with the emergency responders of New Castle County Delaware, in partnership with Hero Help and Christiana Care.

Here you can visit the numerous police teams that serve the community and learn more about what they do. There will be patrol vehicles, the Crisis Negotiation Team, Motors/ MPU -horses, K9 units, Command Post in attendance as well a visit from the fire department.

For any questions about this event, please contact Development Manager Kris Grant at Kris.Grant@autismdelaware.org Tickets can be secured here

Save the date for Thursday, June 18, 2026. For more information and purchase tickets, click here

You’ve heard about the big changes coming to Red Clay, and now we’re making it easier than ever to stay updated. Introducing “Did You Know?”, our new bi-weekly series delivering bite-sized facts about the Thomas McKean Innovation Campus and the programmatic shifts at our middle and high schools.

The Red Clay School Board voted in favor of the Resolution to Postpone Implementation of the Reimagining Seconday Innovation Campus during the April 15th Board Meeting. The Resolution can be found in the April 15th Agenda in Board Docs.

Ready for a "stay-cation" that everyone can enjoy? Delaware State Parks offers great accessibility features — from wheelchair-accessible cabins and miles of paved trails to beach mats and all-terrain track chairs that help people explore nature with confidence. Check out what’s available for your next outdoor adventure! https://www.destateparks.com/accessibility/

Special Olympics Delaware Summer Camp are officially open for both campers and counselors! Don’t wait—spots fill up fast!

👉 Camper Application: Apply Here

👉 Counselor Application: Apply Here

Big dreams start here at Camp Fairlee! Learn more about this exciting adventure and sign up your loved ones today! Click here for more information. Scholarships are also available.

Information about Respite Weekends

Days of Summer Camp is a fun day camp experience for children with Down syndrome ages 3-13 and their siblings ages 3-10. Young adults ages 15-25 are encouraged to serve as Counselors and will receive 40 hours of documented community service for their time. Applications are due by June 1, 2026. Apply here.

iCan Shine is a nonprofit organization that provides quality recreational programs for individuals with disabilities.

iCan Swim Camp - July 20-24, 2026. Click here for more information; scholarships are available.

Summer Camp is held each summer for children with special needs and their siblings. (9) 1-week sessions offered throughout the summer. Students must be age 5+ and in school to participate. Field Trips are included. Click here for more information.