Durham Public Schools News Oct. 18-25, 2010

Oct. 18, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Tahira Stalberte, Chief Communications Officer 919-560-9112

Tuesday, Oct. 19

Life Flight lands at Mangum: Mangum Elementary (9008 Quail Roost Road—Bahama, NC) 1- 3 p.m. The Duke University Health System helicopter will land at 1 p.m. for the Life Flight Visit. Students will visit three stations and learn about fire and personal safety. Firefighters will also lead students on a tour of a fire truck.
From Zimbabwe to Cape Town: Durham School of the Arts (401 N. Duke St.) Duke University partnered with DSA to showcase Jonathan Khumbulani Nkala, a playwright who will perform a one-man play about his journey from Cape Town to Zimbabwe. Students will talk to Mr. Nkala about creating plays and theater production. The presentation will be held during the following times: 8:45 – 9:35 a.m., 9:35 – 10:30 a.m., 10:30 – 11:25 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 12:25 p.m.
One-woman docudrama is featured at Durham PTA Council Meeting: Hillside High School, 3727 Fayetteville St.) 6 - 8 p.m. Playwright-activist Brooke Haycock will present a one-woman docudrama called “Catalyst.” The play portrays the power of educators to change students’ lives. In addition, Superintendent Eric Becoats will speak to parents about education reform, parent involvement and plans to improve low-achieving schools.

Saturday, Oct. 23

Volunteer and make a difference! Shepard Middle School (2401 Dakota St.)
All across the country volunteers will be out in their communities for Make a Difference Day. In Durham, community members will volunteer at Shepard Middle School. The DPS project has two areas of focus: literacy and community service.
In addition, the school is undergoing a major renovation project, which includes a media center upgrade. Volunteers are needed to help organize and pack books for the move to the school’s new media center. Community members are also encouraged to drop off new or gently used books for elementary students for the district’s Book Mark Project.
Parents may bring students to participate in a Skype session with Duke University students who are studying abroad. They will have discussions about cultural and educational differences, college and career planning and international education opportunities.
Duke University and North Carolina Central University student athletes will read with elementary students and participate in athletic activities with middle school students.

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