MAY 2010

As we enter the final weeks of the 2009-10 school year, attention is focused on end-of-year testing, recognitions of students and staff, and finalizing the budget for next year.  Durham Public Schools is fortunate that Dr. Eric Becoats will take the post of Superintendent starting July 1, and I want to assure Dr. Becoats that he is moving to a community where the parents and citizens care about and support public schools.  Now is the time to recognize the work of our teachers so I encourage you to send an email note of thanks to the teachers who have done so much to inspire learning in your child this year.  I am grateful to each of you for your commitment to our schools and wish for you and your children a safe and happy summer. 

H. Hank Hurd, Interim Superintendent

In This Issue:

• New Superintendent Named
• Send Teachers Appreciation Emails
• Graduation Schedule Announced
• Budget Presented to Board; Public Hearing Set
• Summer Homework Project Issued
• 2011-12 School Calendars Approved
• New Website to Inform Parents about Schools
• Talking with Young People about Sex
• Duke Offers Sports Physicals
• IBM Technology Camp Applications Available

New Superintendent Named

At a special meeting the Board of Education appointed Dr. Eric J. Becoats as the new Superintendent of Durham Public Schools, effective July 1. Dr. Becoats is Chief Administrative Officer and formerly Chief of Staff and Co-Interim Superintendent for Guilford County Schools. Dr. Becoats says he is looking forward to working with teachers, principals, parents and the community in the service of DPS students.

Send Teachers Appreciation Emails

Durham Public Schools is pleased to offer parents (along with students and others) a free and easy way to show teachers how much they are appreciated.  Click on the graphic http://www.dpsnc.net/forms/teacher-appreciation-week-email to fill out a simple form sending an email to a teacher you appreciate.  The email will be sent to the teacher and his/her principal.  Show teachers you care about all the many ways they enrich your child’s life!

Graduation Schedule Announced

Nearly 2,000 seniors will walk across the stage at Cameron Indoor Stadium and at various other sites across Durham starting May 20 when the Early and Middle College High Schools graduate and ending June 10 when the final Durham School of the Arts student walks across the stage.  The complete graduation schedule is online at http://www.dpsnc.net/schools/calendars/student-calendars/2010-graduation-schedule

Budget Presented to Board; Public Hearing Set

After several months of input and discussion, the Superintendent’s budget was presented to the Board of Education for consideration on April 29.  The Board will now hold a public hearing on the budget on Thursday, May 6, at 6:30 pm before approving the budget at a special meeting on Thursday, May 13.  The Superintendent’s budget is online at http://www.dpsnc.net/about-dps/budget

Summer Homework Project Issued

On June 10, school will end for the year but students will have an important summer homework project.  DPS wants students to keep up their skills over the summer by reading books, magazines, newspapers, online information and more.  A great way to ensure that students read over the summer is by participating in the Durham County Library’s summer reading program.  Check it out online at http://www.durhamcountylibrary.org/kids.php   And DPS has a reading Website that has tips, booklists and more.  Look for it on the DPS homepage this summer.

2011-12 School Calendars Approved

Parents who are planning ahead, far ahead, will be interested to know that the Board of Education recently approved the calendars for the 2011-12 school year.  The 2010-11 calendars were approved last year and are online at http://www.dpsnc.net/schools/calendars
The Board recently adjusted these calendars to include more inclement weather days.  For 2011-12, year-round schools will start on July 18 with winter break Dec. 19-Jan. 6 and the last day of school for students on June 8.  For traditional school students for 2011-12, they will start school on Aug. 25, be out for winter break Dec. 21 until Jan. 2, and end the year on June 7.  Just a reminder that the 2010-11 school year starts on July 19 for year-round students and Aug. 25 for traditional school students. 

Turn In Those Textbooks

Replacing missing textbooks is very expensive to the school district.  Parents and students are encouraged to look through closets, under beds and in other places where books are sometimes stashed to turn in all textbooks and library books before school is out. 

New Website to Inform Parents about Schools

There soon will be a new Website for parents and prospective parents to learn about Durham’s public schools.  Strong Durham Schools is a Website devoted to tell parent stories about the positive experiences they have with our schools.  The program is operated by a group of parents and is independent of DPS.  To tell your story about a DPS school, go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Y6WDFNN   Or you can send your story to Strong.Durham.Schools@gmail.com (Please specify how you wish your name to appear on the site) or mail your story to Strong Durham Schools, 2 High Rock Ct., Durham, NC 27713. 

Talking with Young People about Sex

Plain Talk is a community-based initiative aimed at helping adults, parents and community leaders develop the skills and tools they need to communicate effectively with young people about reducing adolescent sexual risk-taking.  Funded by a grant through the Department of Health and Human Services, the group offers “Home Health Parties,” two-hour sessions that can be held for parents and community leaders in a volunteer’s home to strategize ways for communicating pregnancy and STD prevention among teens.  The goal is to give parents and other community adults the information and skills they need to communicate effectively with teens about responsible sexual behavior and to improve adolescent access to quality, age-appropriate and readily available reproductive health care. For more information on Plain Talk or to host a Home Health Party contact April McCoy at 919-560-7832 or email at apmccoy@ph.co.durham.nc.us

Duke Offers Sports Physicals

Duke Sports Medicine offers its annual physicals for Durham Public Schools high school student-athletes.  Physicals will be offered on Tuesday, May 25 from 6 to 9 pm at the Duke Sports Medicine Finch-Yeager Building.  Cost is $10, and it is requested that the fee be paid in cash.  Physical form with past medical history must be filled out by parent/guardian or student-athlete will not be seen.  This form is available through your high school Athletic Trainer, or by visiting the DPS Website.  Call 681-1656 for more information.

IBM Technology Camp

IBM is teaming with Durham Public Schools to sponsor two offerings of a two-day technology camp for girls entering the seventh and eighth grades in fall 2010. The camps will be held at the IBM Research Triangle Park facility June 17 – 18, and July 15 – 16. Entirely funded by IBM, the mission of these camps is to introduce girls to the exciting fields of science, math and engineering in a nurturing environment.  If selected, the girls will get to do interesting activities such as designing and building a Web page, coding a program, making lip gloss, touring unique laboratories, and building a robot.  Applications are available at your middle school.  For more info, contact Steven Pearson at pearsons@us.ibm.com.

MARCH 2010

We could not be more excited that spring is (hopefully) right around the corner!  With that in mind, you will be interested in makeup dates for those missed due to inclement weather.

We also have a Technology Showcase coming up that will knock your socks off.  Parents with students making the transition to middle school this fall won’t want to miss a workshop with tips and info to make it easier. And we all want our students to be as healthy as possible, so we are offering a workshop for that, too!

Parents of high school students will want to check out the Governor’s Page program, an excellent opportunity for young people to learn firsthand about how government works.

Here’s to “thawing out” and hoping your spring break is restful and replenishing for you and your family!

H. Hank Hurd, Interim Superintendent

Make-up Dates Set

At its February 25 meeting, the Board of Education determined the dates needed to make up for the additional day of snow that was not covered in the traditional and year-round calendars for this year.  Traditional schools made up school on Feb 19 and have two additional make-up dates:   March 19 and April 1.  Year-Round schools will make up school on March 22 and 23 and June 9.  If DPS misses additional days, the Board determined the make-up days will be the Saturday following the inclement weather day for traditional schools and June 10 for year-round schools. 

Governor’s Page Program

When Governor Bev Perdue visited Durham to help present the NEA Foundation grant, she encouraged high school students in DPS to apply for the Governor’s Page Program.  This program is year-round and runs each week from Monday at 1:00 pm to Friday at 2:00 pm.  The program is open to all high school students between the ages of 15 and 18, who are in good academic standing at their schools.  For more information go online to www.volunteernc.org/code/govpage.htm

Technology Showcase on March 8

Come out to the DPS Technology Showcase to see how teachers and students integrate technology into education. This free event will take place on Monday, March 8, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at the DPS Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road.

Move to Middle School Workshop for Parents on March 11

Making the move from fifth grade to middle school is an important transition.  That is why Durham Public Schools has published a new Middle School Course Guide http://www.dpsnc.net/images/pdf/academics/MidSchGuide_10.11.pdf and is sponsoring a workshop designed to help fifth-grade parents feel more comfortable about this important move.  Plan to attend on Thursday, March 11, from 7:00 until 8:00 pm at the Durham Public Schools Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road.  Sign up online at http://www.dpsnc.net/forms/transition-to-middle-school

Healthy Kids Workshop Scheduled for March 15

Parents, if you are concerned about children’s health, you will want to attend an informative workshop on Monday, March 15, from 6:30 until 8:30 pm.  NC Action for Healthy Kids in partnership with Durham Public Schools is presenting “Parents Take Action for Healthy Schools,” a free skill-building workshop.  The session will be held at the DPS Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road.  A healthy dinner will be served at 6:00.  Registration is required at http://take.actionforhealthykids.org/site/Survey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=1700

Free Tax Help Available

The VITA site at the DPS Staff Development Center is open for free tax preparation services from now until April 15. If your family earned less than $49,000 this year, take advantage of the FREE tax preparation services at a VITA site in the community. IRS-certified volunteers will prepare your tax return for free, e-file for you and you can receive your refund within 10 days. The VITA site at the DPS Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road, is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am until 8:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. Make an appointment to get your taxes prepared for FREE (for people who earned less than $49,000) by calling 667-1000 or going online to https://www.securedata-trans10.com/ap/communityreinvestmentassociationofnc/index.php?page=10/

February 2010

Reading and learning about the many ways our students, staff and parents have stepped up to help the people of Haiti is inspiring www.dpsnc.net/haiti  We are very proud of the compassion demonstrated by students at every level.  It is one of the reasons I was proud to step in to complete the school year as the Interim Superintendent.  Even though I expect my tenure in this role to be fairly brief, I have worked in concert with superintendents for 34 years.  I have negotiated many a school budget, enjoyed numerous graduation speeches and experienced the power of education in a community that cares about students as much as happens in Durham.  It is my honor to work with the principals and other administrators, teachers, support staff and others to continue this school year on the positive path started by Superintendent Carl Harris and the wonderfully committed members of the Board of Education.  Thank you for helping to make this a great school year.

H. Hank Hurd, Interim Superintendent

In this newsletter:

“An Evening of Entertainment” DPSSF Fundraiser

Looking for a fun way to support Durham Public Schools? The Durham Public Schools Scholarship Foundation and Durham Public Schools would like to invite you to the 2010 annual “An Evening of Entertainment” at the new Durham Performing Arts Center on February 20 at 7pm. Hundreds of talented students from schools across the DPS district will be featured in “An Evening of Entertainment,” a fundraiser for the DPS Scholarship Foundation.  Duke Energy is the major sponsor for the event. Ticket prices are $25, $15 and $10 and are available online at www.DPACnc.com  Also, you can call 919-680-2787 or visit the on-site box office at the Durham Performing Arts Center.

Duke Offers Free Opportunities for DPS Students

Duke University students and faculty are offering two free opportunities for DPS students in February.  High school students are invited to attend enrichment classes taught by Duke students on Saturday, Feb. 20, at Duke’s West Campus.  The courses are billed as “out of the box and out of this world” and include jazz improve, how to do math proofs and more.  Go online to http://dukesplash.learningu.org/ to find out more and to register.  Also at Duke, Females Excelling More in Math, Engineering, and Science (FEMMES) will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 8:45 until 4:15 pm.  It is designed for girls in 4th through 6th grades.  This is a great opportunity for girls to interact with Duke students and professors and learn more about the fields of math, engineering and science.  It is free; however, students must pre-register and must attend the entire day.  For more information, check the FEMMES Website at http://www.duke.edu/web/FEMMES/

Technology Showcase Coming Up

Come out to the DPS Technology Showcase to see how teachers and students integrate technology into education. Attendees will see displays as well as demonstrations of technology, from blogs to podcasting to whiteboards to SmartPhones.  Students and teachers will have their technology projects on review.  This free event will take place on Monday, March 8, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at the DPS Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road.

SAT Prep Classes Taking Place

Most colleges and universities consider an applicant’s SAT score as a big part of their overall qualifications. That’s why Durham Public Schools provides SAT Prep classes throughout the year to help students be more prepared. There are six, two-hour classes per session.  Certified high school teachers lead these classes using materials provided by the College Board. Sessions are available in March and April. Cost is $90 but scholarships are available. Call 560-3816 to register and visit www.collegboard.com for practice tests.

Move to Middle School Workshop Planned

Making the move from fifth grade to middle school is an important transition.  That is why Durham Public Schools is sponsoring a workshop designed to help fifth-grade parents feel more comfortable about this important move.  If you have questions about what this transition will be like for your child, plan to attend on Thursday, March 11, from 7:00 until 8:00 pm at the Durham Public Schools Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road.  A panel of middle school experts will be on hand to help you understand more about the middle school years.  Sign up online at www.dpsnc.net (click on the Making the Move to Middle Schools link in mid-February).

Healthy Kids Workshop Scheduled

Parents, if you are concerned about children’s health, you will want to attend an informative workshop on Monday, March 15, from 6:30 until 8:30 pm.  NC Action for Healthy Kids in partnership with Durham Public Schools is presenting “Parents Take Action for Healthy Schools,” a free skill-building workshop.  The session will be held at the DPS Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road.  A healthy dinner will be served at 6:00.  Please plan ahead for childcare as it will not be provided.  Spanish interpreters will be available.  Registration is required.  Look for the link on the DPS Website in mid-February. 

Free Tax Help Available

The VITA site at the DPS Staff Development Center is open for free tax preparation services from now until April 15.   If your family earned less than $49,000 this year, take advantage of the FREE tax preparation services at a VITA site in the community.  IRS-certified volunteers will prepare your tax return for free, e-file for you and you can receive your refund within 10 days. The VITA site at the DPS Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road, is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am until 8:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. Make an appointment to get your taxes prepared for FREE (for people who earned less than $49,000) by calling 667-1000 or going online to  https://www.securedata-trans10.com/ap/communityreinvestmentassociationofnc/index.php?page=10/ 

Free H1N1 Vaccination Clinics DAILY

Just a reminder that free H1N1 vaccine clinics are being held at the Durham County Health Department, 414 East Main Street from 9 am until 5 pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday and from 9 am until 6 pm Tuesday and Thursday.  Call 560-7882.  There is plenty of free parking. 

December 2009

As I prepare to leave Durham Public Schools for the U.S. Department of Education, I want each and every parent to know just how much I have valued and gained from my time as your Superintendent.  It has been a privilege to stand beside you at arts, athletic and academic events, to shake the hands of your children who have excelled, to assist in ensuring that the district was doing everything we could to provide all 33,000 students with an education that prepares them for greatness. 

In my view as an educator of more than 30 years, DPS is headed in the right direction in terms of improving the lower-performing schools, in challenging the higher-performing students and in engaging this entire community with its public schools.  I have every confidence that the next Superintendent will build on the strengths of this district, will discover new and better ways of improving academic performance and will develop the same respect that I have for a community that cares so much about its future.  Durham will always be a special place to me.  Thank you for the many ways you have supported me in this important work. 

Carl Harris, Superintendent

In this newsletter:

• Reception to Honor Superintendent Carl Harris
• Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support: Thursday, Dec. 10
• Showcase of Schools Ends Dec. 15; Complete Online Applications Starting January 4
• Kindergarten Welcome Sessions Start Jan. 12
• Free Tax Service Available
• Secondary Grading Practices to be Discussed Around Kitchen Table

Reception to Honor Superintendent Carl Harris

Parents and other community members are invited to a reception honoring Superintendent Carl Harris on Wednesday, December 9, from 3:30 until 5:30 pm at the DPS Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road.  Dr. Harris recently accepted a position as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Education for Policy and Strategic Initiatives with the U.S. Department of Education.  Those who attend the reception are encouraged to bring their favorite children’s book for the DPS BookMark project.  The books will be given to DPS students in honor of Dr. Harris.  To RSVP for the reception, go online to http://www.dpsnc.net/forms/superintendent-carl-e.-harris-floating-reception

Showcase Open House and Choice Application Process

Parents are reminded that there are still open houses planned in a number of schools before the Showcase of Schools period ends December 15.  The Showcases kicked off on Nov. 14-15 when DPS held the annual Elementary Magnet and Middle/High School Fairs.  Following this opportunity to visit schools, parents can then apply for slots for their children in DPS magnet, year-round and small high schools.  The applications will be online at the DPS Website on Monday, January 4.  The applications can be submitted online during the month of January—until the end of the business day on January 29.  Look for this information on the DPS homepage at www.dpsnc.net

Purchase Tickets Today to 2010 Evening of Entertainment

It is a night of entertainment by talented DPS choral students that you will not want to miss.  Buy your tickets soon for the 2010 Evening of Entertainment and help support students in Durham!  This year the event will be on Saturday, February 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the Durham Performing Arts Center.  Duke Energy is a key sponsor for this event.  Proceeds benefit the Durham Public Schools Scholarship Foundation.  Tickets will be available for parents of participating students starting Dec. 12 and to the general public on Dec. 19.  Ticket prices are $25, $15 and $10 and are available online at www.DPACnc.com  Also, you can call 919.680.2787 or visit the onsite box office. 

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support

If you are a grandparent who is raising or helping to raise your grandchildren, please try to attend the monthly sessions that are held by Durham County Cooperative Extension at the DPS Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road.  The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support and Education Group will meet the second Thursday of the month on December 10.  All meetings will be held from 6 until 7:30 pm at the DPS Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road. Refreshments will be provided.  To attend, call Peggy Kernodle, 560-0523 or email pkernodle@co.durham.nc.us.

Kindergarten Welcome Sessions Scheduled

Parents whose children will start kindergarten in 2010-11 are invited to attend one of the Kindergarten Welcome Sessions that will be held on January 12 and 19 and March 9.  Sessions are from 6:30 until 8:00 pm at the DPS Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road.  Child care will be provided.  Hear from DPS kindergarten teachers what your child needs to know to be ready to enter school, learn about kindergarten registration and magnet applications, discover the highly-rated before and after school care programs, and get all your questions answered about DPS kindergarten.  Call Kate MacDonell at 560-9403 or email her at kate.macdonell@dpsnc.net   More kindergarten info is online at www.dpsnc.net/kindergarten

Tax Service and Credits Available to Parents

Durham Public Schools is pleased to again host a community tax preparation site (called VITA) at the DPS Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road.  Free help is available at the site from IRS-certified volunteers.  To make an appointment at the DPS Staff Development Center location, call 919-667-1000 or go to www.cra-nc.org and click on the appointment link.  Parents are urged to sign up for the Earned Income Tax Credit for which they may be eligible.  We urge families to use this service and get the credits you deserve.

Kitchen Table Planned to Discuss Secondary Grading Practices

Members of the DPS High School Reform group have been discussing secondary grading practices and what changes need to be made. Now there is a chance for you to weigh in.  Possible changes to Secondary Grading Practices will be discussed at the Kitchen Table Conversation to be held on Thursday, Jan. 14, at Rogers-Herr Middle School from 7:00 until 8:45 pm.  Trained facilitators will be on hand to guide the discussion.  To register go online after December 15 at www.dpsnc.net or email Carrie.johnson2@dpsnc.net 

November 2009

As you may have heard, I have accepted a position as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Education for Policy and Strategic Initiatives with the U.S. Department of Education.  I am leaving Durham around the end of this calendar year with mixed emotions, but there is one thing of which I am sure – I have never worked with a group of parents who are more passionate about their children’s education.  I thank you for the opportunity to have served our students and families and I celebrate what we have been able to accomplish together.

I also have been fortunate to be able to spend a great deal of time out in our schools just about every day so I see the great work of our teachers and the interesting experiences of our students. Coming up this month and next, you can witness the same thing.  Plan to join us at the Elementary Magnet Fair on Saturday, November 14, and the next day, Sunday, November 15, for the Middle and High School Fair.  At these two events, you can meet and talk with students, staff and administrators from many of our schools to learn more about what makes each of them unique.  Once your interest is piqued, you can then take part in Showcase of Schools open houses that are scheduled in all of our schools between November 15 and December 15. Come See for Yourself the many unique features of our schools.  Learn more at the new Choice Schools Website at www.dpsnc.net/choice

While you are on the DPS Website, be sure to check for regular updates to the H1N1 site.  We are working closely with the Durham County Health Department to provide up-to-date information for parents about H1N1 and seasonal flu. 

Here’s hoping you have a happy and healthy November! 

Carl Harris, Superintendent

In this newsletter:

• Middle School Career Expo: Thursday, Nov. 5
• Elementary Magnet Fair: Saturday, Nov. 14
• Middle and High School Fair: Sunday, Nov. 15
• Holton Sign-Up Under Way
• Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support: Thursday, Nov. 12
• Donors Choose Offers Way to Help Teachers

Middle School Career Expo Coming Up November 5

Where can DPS middle school students and their parents learn more about careers and get free pizza and prizes?  It’s all at the Career Expo on Thursday, November 5, from 5 to 7:30 pm at Northgate Mall. More than 200 career professionals will be on hand.  Plus, there will be free pizza, door prizes ($100 each for two students and a $50 gas card for two parents/guardians), a career scavenger hunt, an attendance contest between middle schools, and FREE parking. This career exploration event is hosted by Durham Public Schools-Career and Technical Education, Futures for Kids and the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact your middle school’s Career Development Counselor or Kathy Hoffmeier, Vice President of Workforce Development, Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, 682-2133 x228.  

Elementary Magnet Fair is Saturday, November 14

Parents who are interested in magnet and year-round elementary schools will want to come to Hillside High School on Saturday morning, November 14, for the Elementary Magnet Fair.  At the Fair, to be held from 9 am to noon, parents can talk with staff, parents and students from the elementary magnet and year-round schools. 

Magnet and year-round applications for the 2010-11 school year will be online on Monday, January 4, 2010.  Application deadline is Friday, January 29, 2010.  Look for more information at www.dpsnc.net/choice and on DPS Channel 4.

Middle and High School Fair is Sunday, November 15

At the Middle and High School Fair, parents will have the opportunity to visit displays of all DPS middle and high schools, including middle and high school magnets and middle school year-round schools.  This event will be held at Hillside, 3727 Fayetteville Street, on Sunday, November 15, from 1 until 4 pm.  All the traditional middle and high schools will be there, along with the small high schools.

Sign Up for New Classes Offered at Holton Career and Resource Center

There are great new courses coming to Holton Career & Resource Center in January and sign-up for these classes is under way in high schools.  Courses include:
--Scientific Visualization: Further your computer skills and prepare for design jobs in medical imaging, gaming and other industries. In “Sci Viz” students will create 2-D and 3-D images and models and delve into animation.  --Cisco Networking: Start preparing for Cisco Networking Certification by taking hands-on courses.  Learn how to assemble a computer system, install operating systems, gain networking skills and more.  --Landscape Construction and Turf Grass Management: Prepare to learn technical skills needed to work in landscape design and contracting, horticulture, gardening and environmental landscaping. Students will work toward certification. 

Sign up for Holton classes through your high school guidance counselor.  Students take classes at their base high schools in the morning and Holton career classes from mid-day until late afternoon.  Visit the Holton display at the DPS Middle and High School Fair on Sunday, November 15, from 1 until 4 pm at Hillside High School or schedule a private consultation about Holton by contacting Principal Gloria Woods-Weeks at 560-2219. Holton is online at www.HoltonCareer.dpsnc.net.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support

If you are a grandparent who is raising or helping to raise your grandchildren, please try to attend the monthly sessions that are held by Durham County Cooperative Extension at the DPS Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road.  The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support and Education Group will meet the second Thursday of the month through December.  Those dates are November 12 and December 11.  All meetings will be held from 6 until 7:30 pm at the DPS Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road. Refreshments will be provided.  To attend, call Peggy Kernodle, 560-0523 or email pkernodle@co.durham.nc.us.

Donors Choose Offers Easy Way to Support Teachers

Are you looking for a way to improve your child’s classroom? Donors Choose, an online charity where community members can donate to classrooms, could be the solution for you. The charity allows teachers to request funding and materials, and donors can search through different projects to support.  To donate, simply visit the Donors Choose Website. From there you can use the search engine to type in North Carolina and further define it by searching for Durham. You will be able to view all projects and read information from teachers to find projects from DPS teachers. To find out more information or to start donating, please visit DonorsChoose.org.

October 2009

When the temperature begins to turn cool and the leaves begin to change color, where do our thoughts turn?  To next year, of course!  Now is the time to begin looking at options for the school or schools your children will attend, and if he or she is in middle school it’s not too early to start thinking about career choices.

We have several events coming up to help you make these important decisions.  We also have a new middle school coming online.  Please take a moment to read about these and more, and enjoy the Fall!

Carl Harris, Superintendent

In this newsletter:

• Elementary Magnet Fair
• Middle and High School Fair
• Montessori Middle for Sixth-Graders in 2010
• Cisco Networking Academy at Holton Career and Resource Center
• Career Expo Coming Soon
• Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support
• Nominate for Staff Appreciation Awards
• Shodor Workshops Offered

Elementary Magnet Fair

We are shaking things up this year in order to offer parents a broader perspective on the offerings we have for the 2010-11 school year.  This year DPS will have two “fairs” – one for elementary magnet and year-round schools, and the other for all middle and high schools including magnet and year-round programs.  These will occur on the weekend of November 14-15 at Hillside High School, 3727 Fayetteville St.

At the Elementary Magnet Fair at Hillside on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 9 am to noon, parents can learn about elementary magnet schools and year-round schools.  Please note that this is only elementary magnet schools and year-round schools.

Magnet and year-round applications for the 2010-11 school year will be online on Monday, January 4, 2010.  Application deadline is Friday, January 29, 2010.  More info is online at www.dpsnc.net

Look for more information that will be posted on our Website and on DPS Channel 4 in mid-October.

Middle and High School Fair

At the Middle and High School Fair, parents will have the opportunity to visit displays of all DPS middle and high schools, including middle and high school magnets and middle school year-round schools.  This event will be held at Hillside on Sunday, November 15, from 1 until 4 pm.  All the traditional middle and high schools will be there, along with the small high schools.

Magnet and year-round applications for the 2010-11 school year will be online on Monday, January 4, 2010.  Application deadline is Friday, January 29, 2010.  More info is online at www.dpsnc.net

Look for more information that will be posted on our Website and on DPS Channel 4 in mid-October.

Cisco Networking Academy at Holton Career and Resource Center

The New Holton Career and Resource Center is offering Cisco Networking Academy classes starting in January 2010.  Students who gain hands-on experience through Networking Academy courses can earn Cisco career certifications and help fill an estimated eight million networking jobs around the world.  Call Holton Principal Gloria Woods-Weeks to learn how to register for the classes at 560-2219.

Montessori Middle for Sixth-Graders in 2010

The first Montessori middle school in Durham Public Schools – and only the second public Montessori middle school program in the state – will open to sixth-graders in fall 2010.  Watts Montessori Elementary School will house sixth-graders in the Montessori program for the 2010-11 school year.  The new Montessori middle school that eventually will serve grades 6 through 8 will open at its newly renovated location in the Lakewood YMCA on Chapel Hill Road the following year.

Application deadline for this program, as with all magnet programs, is January 29, 2010.  For more information contact Chris Bennett at 560-2597.

Career Expo coming soon

Where can DPS middle school students and their parents learn more about careers and get free pizza and prizes?  It’s all at the Career Expo on Thursday, November 5, from 5 to 7:30 pm at Northgate Mall.

More than 200 career professionals will be on hand.  Plus, there will be free pizza, door prizes ($100 each for two students and a $50 gas card for two parents/guardians), a career scavenger hunt, an attendance contest between middle schools, and FREE parking.
This career exploration event is hosted by Durham Public Schools Career and Technical Education, Futures for Kids and the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, contact your middle school’s Career Development Counselor or Kathy Hoffmeier, Vice President of Workforce Development, Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, 682-2133 x228  

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support

DPS believes in the Power of Parents – and Grandparents!  That is why we are partnering with the Durham County Cooperative Extension to offer support for grandparents who are raising or helping to raise their grandchildren.

The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support and Education Group will meet the second Thursday of the month through December.  Those dates are October 8, November 12 and December 11. 

All meetings will be held from 6 until 7:30 pm at the DPS Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road. Refreshments will be provided.  To attend, call Peggy Kernodle, 560-0523 or email pkernodle@co.durham.nc.us.

Nominate Staff for Appreciation Awards

October 27 is the deadline for nominating staff members for the DPS Staff Appreciation Awards.  Five staff members—two at the elementary level, one in middle schools, one in high schools and one Central Services representative—will be surprised by a visit from the Superintendent with the awards.  The nomination link is on the DPS Staff homepage, and it just takes a couple of minutes to complete…so please take the time to nominate someone special! 

Another way of recognizing those who go out of their way to provide excellent customer service is to submit an All-Star Service comment about a co-worker.  Look for the All-Star Service logo on the DPS Website. Clicking on that graphic takes you to a page where you can complete a simple form to recognize someone who provides excellent customer service.  All who receive positive comment cards receive a certificate from Superintendent Harris and are invited to a recognition breakfast. 

Shodor Workshops for Math, Technology Skills

Shodor is offering workshops to increase math and computer skills for middle and high school students this fall.  They are:

• The 21st Century Workforce Skills Apprenticeship Program is available to all interested 9th- through 12th-grade students.  Meets the first three Saturdays October through April; and,
• SUCCEED – Saturday Explorations at Shodor and North Carolina Central University, for 6th- through 8th-graders. Meets on Saturdays from Oct. 10 through Nov. 14 and Feb. 20 through March 27. Workshop titles include Defining 21st Century Workforce Skills, System Modeling, Agent Modeling, System Administration, Web Design, and Database Design.

Further information on these workshops is available at http://www.shodor.org/calandar.

August 2009

August 25 was a great day for Durham Public Schools as we welcomed students back for traditional school.  Year-rounds kicked off the 2009-10 school year when they started in mid-July.  I know you have heard about the difficulties caused by the budget situation but we are committed to each and every child having the best year yet.  We know that in times of challenge, we each have to do more and so we will in this situation.  Thank you for being supportive and involved parents. 

Carl Harris, Superintendent

In this newsletter:

• Graduation Project Postponed Indefinitely
• Kitchen Table Conversation Planned for September 15
• H1N1 Updates at www.dpsnc.net/H1N1
• Holton Career Center Opens
• Three for Me Volunteer Effort
• Fox 50 Family Fest Scheduled for October 3
• College Fair Coming Up October 4
• Military Recruiter Opt-Out Form

Graduation Project Requirement Postponed Indefinitely

The North Carolina State Legislature has voted to end the North Carolina Graduation Project as a requirement for graduation.  The state will begin a study of the project, and no graduating senior will be required to complete such a project until at least 2015, if then.  This means that Durham Public Schools also will not require students to complete the project until further direction from the state.  It is up to individual high schools as to how to recognize that work which already has been completed toward the former requirement.

Kitchen Table Conversation Coming Up September 15

African-American males have been identified as the group most in need of support to improve academic success.  The Durham Association of Educators (DAE) and Durham Public Schools are developing a proposal for a national grant to improve academic success for African-American males in selected schools.  Input is needed into the proposal.  Parents, students, teachers and community members are invited to discuss this important topic at a Kitchen Table Conversation that DPS and the DAE are co-hosting on Tuesday, September 15. 

The Kitchen Table Conversation will be held at W.G. Pearson Magnet Elementary School, 3501 Fayetteville Street, on Tuesday, September 15 from 7 until 8:45 pm. Facilitators will be on hand to help with the discussion.  Participants are asked to RSVP online or to Carrie Johnson, DPS Public Affairs Office, at 560-3652 or email carrie.johnson2@dpsnc.net

Schools and Health Department Preparing for H1N1

As school starts, so does the likelihood of the H1N1 flu spreading.  And, since the flu is known for affecting children more so than adults, DPS is working with the Durham County Health Department to prepare. These two groups need help from parents and students to help prevent the spread of flu.  Here’s what you can do: 

• Wash your hands thoroughly, several times a day.
• Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose with your bare hands.
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• If you feel sick, stay home. If your child is sick with 100  F fever combined with cough and/or sore throat, do not send him or her to school. Keep your child out of school for 24 hours after the fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
• If you are contacted by the school nurse and/or school staff that your child has these flu-like symptoms at school, please plan to pick up your child promptly to help prevent exposure to others in the school setting.
• If you or your child has a persistent fever and chronic medical conditions, you are advised to contact your health provider immediately.

Updates will be posted to the H1N1 section of the DPS Website at www.dpsnc.net/h1n1

Holton Career Center Now Open

High school students are encouraged to check out the New Holton Career and Resource Center.  Holton gives students a chance to complete a full high school degree at their base high school, as well as get certification or course work in career-related fields. This is an exciting opportunity for students to get ahead of the crowd while still in high school.  Program offerings include landscape construction, visualization and modeling, barbering, computer engineering, entrepreneurship – and much more.  Check out the Website at www.holtoncareer.dpsnc.net for more information on Holton and the great opportunities available here. You can find registration forms for Holton with your school’s guidance counselor. 

PTA Urges Three Hours of Volunteer Time

The DPS Council of PTAs is urging all parents to volunteer at least three hours this school year as a part of the National PTA Three for Me effort.  At the Council’s annual Leadership Workshop held on August 22, PTA Council President Trilby McClammy announced that every parent is asked to volunteer a minimum of three hours this school year to help the students and staff.  Superintendent Carl Harris also addressed the PTA presidents, treasurers and other officers in attendance and he too expressed his support for the Three for Me volunteer push.  Schools can register with the National PTA to participate in Three for Me to take advantage of forms and ideas that are available.  The PTA Three for Me Website is at http://www.three4me.com/index.htm

Look for DPS at Fox 50 Family Fest!

Durham Public Schools is participating in the first Fox 50 Family Fest on Saturday, October 3 from 12 noon until 5 pm.  The American Tobacco Campus in downtown Durham is the location for this fun-filled event.  There will be interactive activities focusing on family health and safety, nutrition, education, community awareness and family fun.  Live stage music and entertainment, food vendors, inflatable attractions, face painting, balloon art and more will be available at this free event.  Diamond View Park on the American Tobacco Campus, home to the Durham Bulls baseball team and adjacent to the Durham Performing Arts Center is the site for this event.  Various DPS staff members will be on hand at the DPS tent. 

College Fair Coming Up October 4

Save gas and time!  Parents and students who are interested in learning more about colleges and universities are encouraged to attend the annual Durham College Fair on Sunday, October 4, from 1:00 until 4:00 pm at Northgate Mall.  Learn about two- and four-year college programs, financial assistance and other information that you need to plan for college.  The College Fair is sponsored by the Carolinas Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers and hosted by North Carolina Central University.  For a complete list of colleges and universities that are expected to attend, go to www.dpsnc.net.

Military Recruiter Opt-Out: Form Must be Completed Yearly

One of the provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind law is that it requires that names, addresses and telephone listings of secondary school students must be released to military recruiters when they request this information.  Parents or guardians may opt out of this request by signing a form and returning it to your school office.  Note that this must be done each year.  If you do not want your child’s directory information released to military recruiters, the form is online at http://www.dpsnc.net/about-dps/forms/student-information-request-forms/military-recruiter-opt-out-form.  Parents should complete the form and turn it in at the school office.