Tiger Happenings

Tiger Families,

Students are off to a strong start this school year! They are establishing positive routines, building good habits, and making the most of each day. Clubs and activities are beginning with great energy and enthusiasm as students explore their interests and connect with peers. Our fall sports teams are also making us proud, with volleyball and soccer starting the season strong and showcasing true Tiger pride. We are winning in the classroom and on the field! It is already shaping up to be an exciting year ahead.

A special thank you to all of our parents who attended our Open House and helped make it a tremendous success. We encourage you to stay connected with us throughout the year by reading our newsletters, attending school events, and maintaining open communication with teachers and administrators.

We also ask all families to please complete their student data cards in Infinite Campus as soon as possible. These forms are required for students to attend field trips, participate in athletics, and take part in other school activities.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to ensure this school year is both memorable and successful for every Tiger.

EARN YOUR STRIPES!

• S – Self-Control

• T – Teamwork

• R – Respect

• I – Integrity

• P – Perseverance

• E – Empathy

• S – Service

Everyday is a great day to be a Tiger!

-Mr. Downes

It is always such an exciting time of the year when school starts back up. Nothing brings us more joy than welcoming students back to their home away from home. As we embark on the 2025-2026 school year, I would like to share some important information that is essential to maintaining our school’s positive environment and culture.

As always, safety and security are our top priorities at A.I. High. When students and staff feel safe, everyone can focus on what matters most – providing your child with the best possible education. Below are the key areas of focus that will ensure everyone has a successful school year:

School Hours: The school day begins at 7:15am and ends at 2:10pm. Students arriving late must check in at the front office to receive a pass. Please ensure your child arrives by 11:00am to be marked present for the day. Students arriving after 11:00am will be marked absent and won’t be allowed into the building.

Leaving Campus: A.I. is a CLOSED campus. Students may not leave during the day without proper documentation from a parent or guardian. Early dismissals will not be granted after 1:50pm – no exceptions. To ensure equity, minimize disruptions, and enhance school safety, external delivery services (such as Uber Eats, Door Dash, and Grub Hub) are not allowed during school hours. This policy helps maintain a focused and fair learning environment for all.

Punctuality: Students must arrive to class on time. With five minutes between periods, there is ample time to get to the next class. Students should not be late.

Door Usage: For safety reasons, students should only use the main office doors during school hours. Keeping all other doors closed and locked is critical for maintaining a secure environment.

Speak Up: We encourage everyone – students and staff alike – to report anything unusual. We believe in the importance of looking out for one another.

Driving: Student parking passes are now available in the main office for $30.

- All student drivers must display a rearview mirror hang tag on their vehicles.

- Parking is limited to the upper lot by the track and tennis courts.

- Any student who parks in the wrong lot or fails to register their vehicle with the school is subject to towing at their own expense. For questions or to purchase a parking tag, please see Ms. Mays.

Dress Code: Students must wear shirts that fully cover the torso, with no visible undergarments.

- Hats, hoods, and ski masks are not allowed for security reasons, except for religious or medical purposes. As cooler weather approaches, we will continue to enforce this expectation.

- Clothing must reflect our school’s positive values, with appropriate messages and images.

Technology: During class time, cell phones should be turned off and put away to maximize learning opportunities.

Our team is committed to supporting every student, every day. We wish all students, staff, and parents a safe and successful 2025-2026 school year. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Admin team.

Are you interested in playing a sport next year?:


• DIAA physical DIAA Physical Form
• • Register on Family ID Family ID Link
If you are playing a sport next year, get your physicals done now.

Click the link below :

Purchase your Homecoming game tickets online. Tickets will not be sold at the gate. This game will sell out. This is our largest event of the year.

For our Home Football Games:

• All tickets are sold online through A.I.'s Hometown Ticketing site

• Ticket sales open on the Monday before the game and close at 3:00pm the day of

• No tickets are sold at the gate

• If a spectator leaves there will be NO RE-ENTRY!!!

• https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/redclay/entity/schools/24

It is time for homecoming here at AIHS. We will start the week with Spirit Week Oct. 21st-24th. Homecoming Game Oct. 24th at 6:00pm & Homecoming Dance Oct. 25th at 7:00pm-10:00pm. Guest forms are available in guidance and in the main office.

On Thursday, October 9, AI DuPont High School will be administering the PSAT/NMSQT during the school day to any interested Juniors (this test is specifically available for students in grade 11)

This test is not only great practice for the SAT, but it also opens the door to potential scholarships and other academic opportunities through the National Merit Scholarship Program.

If your student would like to participate, please have them complete the form linked below using their Red Clay email address by Wednesday, September 10.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeF0B3tWzz5f5C_am3cYaoXT9izJIgYMDqpiRQF9WK2W8fnAw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=100760133362417349299

Class Advisor: Ms. Pollard

We are in search of parents or family members that would be interested in volunteering to help with our class of 2026 activities throughout the year.

We are planning to do a bon fire in October 30th 6:00-8:00pm. Looking for donations and parent helpers. Attached is donation link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A49ADA62DA5FB6-58804470-class

Class of 2026, it's time to pay your senior dues. Dues are $50. Paying your dues will ensure you are able to attend all senior class events. Dues are to be paid by October 17th.

It's time to set up your Senior photos.

The ASVAB provides valuable insights into your strengths and weaknesses across various skill areas • The ASVAB allows you to explore potential career paths • Your ASVAB scores determine which military occupational specialties (MOS) you qualify for • The ASVAB provides access to a database of current job trends, training programs, and salary information related to your test results • The ASVAB can boost your confidence in career decision making

Thank you everyone who has completed the student medical updates in Infinite Campus. This replaced the paper Student Data Cards. Every FRIDAY the district will send out activation links to those families who have not created an Infinite Campus account. This link will EXPIRE IN 5 DAYS. Families can click on that link to activate the steps to set up their account. Once they activate an account they will no longer get those emails every Friday to activate an account! Thank you in advance to responding to the link!

Remember the school nurse does posture (grade9) vision & hearing (grade 10) and will try to screen all students for blood pressure measurement. These screenings are meant to promote health and help students do well in class.

Below is the instructions on how to complete your emergency card.

Afterschool clubs will begin the week of September 15th! This year, students can choose from exciting options including:

• Latinos Unidos
• BSU Club
• Esports Club
• Latin Dance Club - New this year

Students can sign up by scanning the QR codes posted around the building. Don’t miss out on a chance to get involved, meet new friends, and get involved in our programs!

Anyone interested in joining the Latin Dance Team see Ms. Hernandez in room 239.

📣 Join Our PTO!
We are looking for parents who may be interested in joining the Alexis I. du Pont High School PTO. If you would like to get involved and support our Tiger community, please scan the QR code for more information.

Make sure to order your photos. Even if you are not purchasing picture, make sure your student is in attendance. This is how they will receive a school id and have a picture in the yearbook.

• Oct. 9th- Underclassmen Picture Day
• Oct. 10th- No School/Teacher In-Service
• Oct. 17th- Class of 2026 Class dues due
• Oct. 20th- No School/Teacher In-service
• Oct. 22nd- College and Career Fair @AIHS 5pm-7pm
• Oct. 24th- Homecoming Game vs. Brandywine @6:00pm
• Oct. 25th- Homecoming Dance 7:00pm-10:00pm Tickets $20
• Oct. 31st- No School/Teacher In-Service

Tyler Downes

302-651-2626

email: tylert.downes@redclay.k12.de.us

Shavonne Carter

Assistant Principal

302-651-2626

email: shavonne.carter@redclay.k12.de.us

Steven Morris

Assistant Principal

302-651-2626

email: steven.morris@redclay.k12.de.us