Shortlidge Academy-Home of the Wildcats

Thank you for supporting the students, staff, and families with grace and love. Your dedication and commitment to our scholars is unmatched!! We are Blessed to have you.

Huge Shout Out to Mr. Brown, our 26-27 Teacher of the Year.
Shortlidge is blessed to have you.
Red Clay Schools

All Red Clay schools and programs will resume normal, in-person operations on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

We understand that some families may still be navigating lingering weather-related challenges. Students who arrive late will not be marked tardy, and absences will be excused with a note from a parent or guardian.

We encourage everyone to allow extra time for travel, remain patient, and continue to use caution and prioritize safety as conditions improve.

For the latest travel information and road closures, please refer to the following resource:
https://deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/

Updates will be shared through email, our website, and our official social media channels. Thank you for your continued support.

The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families remain our top priority.

Governor Matthew Meyer has declared a State of Emergency as Delaware prepares for a significant winter storm. The declaration allows for the mobilization of critical statewide resources, including the activation of the Delaware National Guard and the potential for driving restrictions. Forecasts are calling for substantial snowfall, strong winds, and hazardous travel conditions that are expected to continue into Monday.

As a result:
• All Red Clay schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 23, 2026.
• All school-related activities, events, and programs are canceled.

Tomorrow is a traditional snow day (no virtual/asynchronous learning).

We encourage everyone to remain safe, limit travel, and follow guidance from state and local officials as the storm moves through our area.

Please remember:
• Weather-related decisions apply to the specific school day listed.
• Updates will be shared as needed through email, our website, and our official social media channels.

For the latest weather and travel information, please refer to the following resources:
• https://www.weather.gov/phi/
• https://deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/

📚✨ Our students have had a blast this month as parents joined us for lunch-time reading — the joy has been contagious!

Next month, we’re kicking off March Madness: Reading Edition! We’re inviting community leaders and professionals to share a favorite book and inspire our elementary students.

When students see leaders reading, it sends a powerful message. Join us in the fun!

Attention parents and families! Starting Tuesday, anyone picking up a student MUST have their State ID 🪪

The safety of our students is our number one priority. Thank you for your cooperation!

: Gina Shivery saw the impact of pet therapy firsthand when PAWS teams visited with her second grade students at Shortlidge Academy. Gina thought her sweet, golden retriever Remi would be a wonderful PAWS dog, and the two completed training in April of 2024. Gina was excited to begin sharing Remi’s gentle nature with others in the community. Gina & Remi began visiting at Shortlidge, where Remi quickly became a familiar and comforting presence. The pair soon completed PAWS for Reading, adding library visits at Kirkwood & Newark Libraries, where Remi helps create a relaxed and welcoming environment for young readers. Gina & Remi next added visits to ChristianaCare Hospital Newark and still manage to sprinkle in DeStress visits and Community Events to their busy schedule. Wherever they go, Remi’s calm demeanor and loving spirit bring smiles, comfort, and moments of connection. Thank you, Gina & Remi, for your dedication and all the love you share with those you visit!

Schools Are Closed: Our operations teams have been out across the community assessing neighborhood and road conditions. While school grounds and parking lots have been cleared and are ready, many residential streets, sidewalks, and bus stop areas across the district remain unsafe for student travel, especially with continued freezing temperatures.

Because student safety is our top priority, all Red Clay schools will operate on an Asynchronous schedule on Thursday, January 29, and Friday, January 30, 2026.

Asynchronous learning means students will work from home at their own pace, with no live instruction.

Teachers will share learning guidance with students and families. All after-school activities and programs are also canceled on both days.

Offices will remain open; however, staff should consult with their supervisor if local travel conditions remain unsafe.

Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and continued support as we work toward a safe return for all students.

We have been closely monitoring the status of roadways throughout our Red Clay community. While our maintenance and custodial teams have worked diligently to prepare our school buildings, many neighborhood streets across the district remain unsafe for buses and student travel.

Out of an abundance of caution and with student and staff safety as our top priority, all Red Clay schools will be closed on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. This day will serve as a snow day for students. All after-school activities and programs are also canceled for Wednesday.

Please note that weather-related decisions apply only to the current school day. Thank you for your continued cooperation and support.

Due to the storm, we need to make a change to our upcoming schedule.

Monday, January 26: In accordance with the State Offices being closed and the ongoing impacts of the snowstorm, all Red Clay schools and offices will be completely closed tomorrow, Monday, January 26, 2026.

Tuesday, January 27: All students will remain off for a traditional snow day, allowing for our maintenance and custodial teams to address our school facilities. This day will also serve as the Educator In-Service day that was previously scheduled for January 26. Guidance regarding office operations will follow once a final determination is made.

We hope that everyone across our community has been able to navigate the storm safely. Thank you for your flexibility and continued support.