Good Morning,

HB continues to move forward as the premier comprehensive middle school in the state.  Our sixth graders certainly seem to have settled in and are enjoying some of the newfound freedoms that middle school offers. Our seventh graders are a cohesive group who work well together. Our eighth grade students have matured and are beginning to think about life beyond HB as they explore different high school options. Our Activity Block is up and running full steam.  With academic support classes, health and wellness opportunities, and special interest groups, your children are enjoying a wealth of great experiences. Our instructional academic rigor continues to rise while at the same time supporting an inclusive and successful atmosphere. HB’s sports teams continue to dominate in both their performance and their sportsmanship.  I encourage your participation in HB’s PTA, parent/teacher conferences, and field trips.  As always, I am available to talk or meet at your convenience.

Important Dates:

• November 1: School Closed – Inservice Day
• November 4: School Closed – Grading Day
• November 11: School Closed – Veterans Day
• November 13: Picture Retakes
• November 25: Parent Teacher Conferences
• November 26: Parent Teacher Conferences
• November 25 - November 29: No School for Students
• December 2: Return to School
• December 5: HB Choice Open House 6-8 PM

Choice Open House:

Winter – Sports Physicals and Try Out Dates: Winter sports start Tuesday, November 12.  Students must have the following two items completed to stay for the first practice:

1. DIAA Physical: Due to Mrs. Ewing by Friday, November 8 All physicals must be completed by clicking here
2.  After School Form: The completed form needs to be handed in to your coach or moderator on the first tryout date. Forms are located outside the main office or can be printed from the HB Warriors Sports Page  

If you have any questions about the DIAA Physical form, please email nicole.ewing@redclay.k12.de.us

A list will be posted outside the cafeteria daily for those students that are cleared to stay after school and try out.

Counselor Corner – High School Update: High School presentations have been completed with all of the 8th graders.  Differences between high school and middle school, credits, transcripts, career pathways, program options, and school choice were reviewed.  Students were encouraged to take the information home to discuss with their adult(s), and continue their research.  The 8th grade bulletin board has become a calendar to help give students reminders of upcoming open houses, information nights, etc.

Some reminders:
School Choice Opens: November 4, 2024, at 8:00am
School Choice Window Closes: January 8, 2025
School Choice Website: www.SchoolChoiceDE.org

Recommendations: Students should bring their recommendation forms to their selected teachers in a timely manner.  They should include a stamped envelope, addressed to the high school that they are applying to.  Please make sure to check with the individual high school for the exact address and person/department that it should be mailed to.  Teachers will mail the recommendation form directly to the school.  Students were also encouraged to attach a cover letter to help teachers get a bigger picture of the student and their accomplishments/involvement both in and out of school (this is not required, just suggested).

Please feel free to contact 8th Grade School Counselor, Mrs. Hogan at Suzanna.hogan@redclay.k12.de.us with any questions/document requests.

Parent/Teacher Conferences: Monday, November 25, 2024, and Tuesday, November 26, 2024, are Parent/Teacher Conferences.  Conference information will be coming individually from grade levels but, if you are interested in a conference please don’t hesitate to contact your grade level team leader.

Team Leaders:
6th Grade: Mrs. Michelle Talmo
7th Grade:  Mrs. Marissa Hamory and Mrs. Erin Pudlo
8th Grade: Mrs. Kelly Scholl

Dress Code Reminder: Just a reminder as the weather gets colder that all students must be in dress code. Jackets are not permitted in classrooms. Please refer to the dress code policy on our school website if you have any questions.St. Mary’s Sports Information: Sign-ups for St. Mary Assumption basketball are ongoing.  If you are interested, please go to smachurch.com and look under the Youth Education header for more information.  Tryouts will begin on or around November 6th and practices will begin the week of November 13th.  

Twitter: Please follow HB du Pont on Twitter to learn about all the amazing things that occur at HB on a daily basis. https://twitter.com/JayBastianelli

In Closing: 2024–2025 is shaping up to be an excellent year. Families are engaged, teachers are providing great lessons, and students tell me all the time how “cool” HB is - and coming from a middle schooler, it doesn't get any better than that. Thank you for sending us your best each and every day.