Bulldog Bulletin 24

• Vision: Anna P. Mote Elementary will prepare our students to make positive contributions to society by being culturally responsive and civically conscious critical thinkers.

• Mission: To provide a family-oriented school community where all members are committed to the academic, social, and emotional growth for all students.
• School's Core Values:
• Give Respect, Be Responsible, Cooperate with Others, Welcome Diversity, Learn with a Growth Mindset

Monday February 16- Schools/Offices Closed- Presidents Day

Tuesday February 17- C Day

Wednesday February 18- D Day

Thursday February 19- A Day

Friday February 20- B Day, 100th Day of School

Monday February 23- C Day

Tuesday February 24- D Day

Wednesday February 25- A Day, Bulldog Buddies

Thursday February 26- B Day, Storybook Character Day

Friday February 27- C Day

We are excited to announce that our school-wide Mote Reading Olympics has officially begun! Reading Challenge Boards were sent home at the beginning of the week. The boards are attached or linked if you need another copy. Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade has a different board, than the rest of the school. Everyone has the entire month of February to complete challenges and "go for the gold!" A list of prizes and corresponding challenges can be found on the Reading Challenge Board.

Deadline: Please return completed boards to school by Monday, March 2nd. The boards can be turned in early. All participants will be celebrated on our Reading Olympics bulletin board outside the library. Happy reading!

Calling 3rd, 4th and 5th grade girls! Girls on the Run is starting the week of February 23rd. Practices are Mondays and Wednesdays after school until 5:15. Registration is still open, so if you are interested please click on the link below for more information - girls must be registered through the Girls on the Run website to participate in Girls on the Run at Mote:

https://www.pinwheel.us/register/index/spring-reg-2026?sid=93ff22537bd04d89973d6b35eae727dd

Students have embraced teamwork, determination, and school spirit as they “compete” in fun, Winter Olympic challenges. From friendly races to creative events, our young athletes celebrate perseverance, sportsmanship, and the joy of doing their personal best. Students have competed in events like the biathlon, bobsleigh, skeleton, ice hockey, speed skating, ski jumping, skeleton, figure skating and curling. Check out our Facebook page for pictures.

The students had a blast during our second marking period celebration, Dancing in the Dark!

Moving forward, students will need to earn Bulldog Points to purchase a ticket to end of marking period celebrations. Students will not be eligible to attend if they have not purchased a ticket, if they have more than 2 behavior referrals, or if they have been suspended from school or the bus.

Admin will visit lunches at school to talk to the students about these changes. Once we have selected the third marking period celebration, a flier will be sent home.

Please talk to your child about the importance of meeting Mote's Schoolwide Expectations of being Respectful, Responsible, and Cooperative.

We will combine Marking Period 2 and Marking Period 3 Top Dog Awards in April.

This is an opportunity for students and parents to learn more about cooking and nutrition. Please tear off the bottom or use the QR code to let us know that you are interested in attending these classes.

Emergencies. Early Dismissals. Delays. Snow Days.

When the weather turns, seconds matter, and social media is where we post first. Follow Red Clay on social media and be the FIRST to know. Especially during the inclement weather season, our social media channels are updated immediately with the latest information on:

• Important District Announcements
• Delays & Early Dismissals
• Weather-Related Updates
• School Closings

Follow the Red Clay Consolidated School District Social Media Pages:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedClaySchools/

• Click the three dots under the page image

• Select Follow

• Click Invite Friends to spread the word

Instagram: Follow @RedClaySchools

Remember to also follow us on X (Twitter) and Threads @RedClaySchools

Turn on post notifications for our pages so important updates pop up instantly on your phone — no scrolling required.

Follow now. Stay informed. Be the first to know.

To ensure you receive all school closing, delay, and emergency notifications, please take a moment to confirm your contact information is up to date.

Our doors open at 8:50. The Instructional Day begins at 9:05. Students are considered tardy if they arrive after 9:05 and must be accompanied by an adult into the office.

How you can help!

• Please use our car line in the front of the school. Parking and walking into the school hinders our car line. We are asking parents not to park and walk in unless they need to visit the office.
• No cars are permitted to enter the drive off Duncan Road during arrival. No students are to be dropped off in the bus lot. This is a huge safety concern.
• Students should be in their classrooms, ready to learn at 9:05. Please do what you can to make sure your child is not late to school. Even a few minutes can throw off routines for your child and the entire class. If you are having trouble getting to school on time, please reach out. Our staff can help discuss your situation with you.

Thank you!

All students are expected to participate in outdoor recess. The exception would be a student who has a Dr’s note indicating that, because of a medical condition, the student should not participate in outdoor recess. The note must specify at what temperature the student should remain indoors.

Administrative Memorandum 8001.4

(Playground Safety)

In cold weather, children should be encouraged to dress in layers. They should wear a warm coat, hat, and gloves to go outside. There are times when, because of the temperature, it is unsafe to be outside for any length of time, especially if not dressed appropriately. If the outdoor temperature is 20 degrees or less, or feels like 20 degrees or less because of the wind chill factor, recess must be held indoors.

The school district makes decisions about school closures, early dismissals, and late arrivals due to weather. The school district contacts the schools and the families to make sure everyone is aware of the inclement weather plan. Please make sure the school/district has your correct information on file so you receive the messages and calls. It is also shared on the Red Clay Social Media pages.

Please make sure to have a plan for inclement weather and that your child knows what the plan is. Most students go home the same way as normal dismissals. The Y does not have after care if the district closes school. Please plan accordingly.

As a Title I school, there are resources and documents for your awareness about Federal Programs. They are attached here and can be found on our Title I link on Mote's website.

https://mote.redclayschools.com/about-us/title-i

Our morning car line begins at 8:50. We are able to get all cars through the car line in 10 minutes or less. There are many parents who are parking and walking their child up to the crosswalk. Having to stop the cars to let parents and students cross is hindering the flow of our car line. It is safest for all students, parents, and staff if all families remain in their cars and go through the car line. Please consider how you can support the flow of car line and the safety of our community. Thank you in advance!

You may use this new form to record your child's absence from school. By completing the form each time your child is absent, you do not need to send a note to the school.

Absence Excuse Note

We would love to have you volunteer at school, on a field trip, or for special events. In order to volunteer, you need to complete the volunteer packet. Here is a link to the packet.

Arrival

Our doors open for students at 8:50. Students may not be dropped off prior to 8:50am. Car riders shall use our car line in the front of the school and enter the front door. The line may look long, but it is a quick and safe process for our students. Parking and walking your child to the front door hinders our car line from running smoothly.

Walkers enter the door closest to Duncan Road. The drive to the parking lot from Duncan Road is closed to cars at 8:45 every morning. If you are driving your child to school, please use the entrance from Kirkwood Highway.

Dismissal

We do not dismiss students early after 3:15. We do not make dismissal changes after 3:15. Our dismissal process begins at 3:50 pm. If your child is a car rider, please make sure you have a car number and use our car line. It is much safer than parents parking and walking with their child through our parking lot.

Thank you for helping to keep our kids safe!

Safety remains our top priority. Our staff is ready to meet the needs of all of our students, academically, socially, and emotionally.

• All exterior doors remain closed and locked at all times.
• All classroom doors are locked, although may be propped while the students and staff are in the classrooms.
• All non employees must access the building through the front office only where they are screened prior to entry. All adults must have id to sign out a child.
• We have a counselor, Mrs. Nye, a full time psychologist, Mr. Kupelian, a part time psychologist, Dr. Teaford, and a part time psychologist intern, Ms. Vanderloo.

If you have any questions about safety and security, please email lauren.young@redclay.k12.de.us.

Email: lauren.young@redclay.k12.de.us
Website: https://mote.redclayschools.com/
Location: 2110 Edwards Avenue, Wilmington, DE, USA
Phone: 302-992-5565
Facebook: facebook.com/MoteBulldogs
Twitter: @MoteBulldogs