Principal's Page

Welcome to Alexis I. du Pont Middle School!

Cristina Kalesse graduated from the University of Delaware in 2003 with a degree in History Education. She began her teaching career in Brooklyn, New York, at Intermediate School 318, where she taught United States History and gifted World History. In 2006, Mrs. Kalesse returned to Delaware, joining the Alexis I. duPont High School community.

Over her 23-year career in education, Mrs. Kalesse has taught United States History, Military History, Dual-Enrollment World History, Civics, and Economics, and has mentored numerous student teachers. She has served in a variety of leadership roles at both the school and district levels, including Social Studies Department Chair, member of the Harvard Data Wise Leadership Team, adjunct instructor for Alexis I. duPont High School’s Early College Academy, and District Co-Chair of the Social Studies Curriculum Council. In 2018, she transitioned into school administration as an Assistant Principal at Alexis I. duPont High School. In the summer of 2022, Mrs. Kalesse joined Alexis I. duPont Middle School as an Assistant Principal. She was appointed Principal in November 2023, where she continues to lead with a focus on instructional excellence, student achievement, and community engagement.

Mrs. Kalesse has received multiple awards and recognitions throughout her career, including the 2010 Delaware Council for the Social Studies Outstanding Contributions in Social Studies Education Award and Red Clay Social Studies Teacher of the Year; presenter at the 2015 National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Conference on the C3 Literacy Collaborative; the 2016 Middle States Council for the Social Studies Cohen-Jordan Award for High Standards in Social Studies Education; and the 2017 Alexis I. duPont High School Teacher of the Year, District Finalist.

She earned her Master of Education in School Leadership from Wilmington University in 2013 and transitioned into school administration in 2018. Mrs. Kalesse continues to serve as an adjunct instructor at Wilmington University, teaching World History, American History, and Global Civilizations.

Beyond her work in education, Mrs. Kalesse is an active fundraiser for the American Lung Association. She hosts an annual memorial golf tournament in honor of her late husband and has raised over $125,000 for the organization. In 2021, she was recognized as the American Lung Association’s Top Individual Fundraiser in the nation.