Parent EdLink Email Newsletter: March 2009

March 2009

Spring Break is just a few weeks away, but before spring fever takes full hold, we have a lot of information to share with you!

This issue is devoted almost entirely to ways for you to become more involved as a supportive parent and services that we provide.  Please take a moment to check out the announcement of a new Career Center that might be just the ticket for your child!

Thank you for supporting your child and for your interest in DPS. Here’s to a happy and productive spring!

Carl Harris, Superintendent

In this newsletter:

• Two Sessions for Grandparents Scheduled for March
• Reminder: Tax Service Opens for Families:  call 919-667-1000 to make an appointment for free tax help
• Technology Showcase Set for March 19

Elementary School Level

• Elementary Parent Academy Coming Up March 12 and 16
• Kindergarten Welcome Session Planned for March 24

Middle School Level 

•     Middle School: Transition to Ninth Grade Planned for March 24

High School Level

• Holton Career Center Gears Up for August Opening
• Saturday Learning Center Offers Math Help

Two Sessions for Grandparents Coming Up in March

Grandparents who are raising or helping to raise their grandchildren are encouraged to attend two sessions designed just for them in March.  Learning more about the resources of the NC Extension Agency is the topic for one session and the other will focus on Understanding Development Stages.  Please call Theresa McGowan, parent involvement coordinator at 560-2082 to attend.  Child care and a light dinner will be provided.

Sessions will be held as follows:

• Thursday, March 5, NC Extension Agency Presents Resources, 6:00-7:30 pm, DPS Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road.
• Thursday, March 19, Understanding the Development Stages of Your Grandchild, 6:00-7:30 pm, DPS Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road.

Reminder: Tax Service and Credits Available to Parents

Just a reminder that if you have not had your taxes done, Durham Public Schools is pleased to announce a new service that is convenient for families.  Free help from IRS-certified volunteers is available a community tax preparation sites, VITA sites, including a new site this year at the DPS Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road.  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.  If you or your family earned less than $41,646 in 2008, then you may qualify for both the federal and new North Carolina Earned Income Tax Credit when you file your tax return.  The credits could mean close to $5,000 in savings.  We urge families to use this new service and get the credits you deserve.

 Technology Showcase Coming Up March 19

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.  Also, teachers will be on hand to describe how technology is being used at each grade level, from K-12.  This free event will take place on Thursday, March 19, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the DPS Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road.

ELEMENTARY LEVEL

Elementary Parent Academy Coming Up March 12 and 16

Power up your parenting with the Elementary Parent Academy!  With two evenings to choose from – and free food and childcare – we hope you can work this helpful event into your schedule.  This installment’s topics are Classroom Success, Character Education, Positive Behavior, Volunteering, Academically Gifted Services and Exceptional Children’s Services.  You will hear from knowledgeable speakers and be able to participate in Q&A sessions.  We guarantee that you will leave the evening more informed!  The event will take place on two nights – March 12 at Oak Grove Elementary School, 3810 Wake Forest Road, and March 16 at E.K. Powe Elementary School, 913 9th Street.  Both nights follow the same program, dinner at 6 pm, program at 6:40 pm.  Please choose the one that best fits your schedule.  It is free and includes a pizza and salad dinner as well as childcare. Registration is required, so go online  or call the DPS Office of Public Affairs at 560-3652.

Kindergarten Welcome Session Planned for March 24

Durham Public Schools will offer a Kindergarten Welcome Session on Tuesday, March 24, from 6:00-7:30 pm at the DPS Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road. Come hear about registration, a typical Kindergarten Day, Choice Options, and have your questions answered by a panel of expert Kindergarten teachers. Childcare will be provided for children age 3-12. If you are interested in attending, please contact Kate MacDonell at 560-9403 with any questions and to reserve your seat!

MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL

Transition to High School Event Planned

If your child is transitioning to ninth grade next year, you probably have many questions about high school.  That is why DPS is hosting a Middle School: Transition to Ninth Grade session.  In this session, parents will learn more about curriculum, registration, orientation, testing and high school exit standards/graduation requirements.  DPS officials will be on hand to help smooth the way for this important transition.  The session will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 6:00-8:30 pm, Rogers-Herr Middle School.

HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL

Holton Career Center Gears Up for August Opening

High school students are encouraged to check into the New Holton Career and Resource Center.  Holton, opening for the 2009-2010 school year, will give 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 will 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.

Saturday Learning Center Offers Math Help

There is a new, free way for students to get help with Algebra I and II and Geometry skills.  Durham Public Schools is opening a Saturday Learning Center through May. All Durham Public Schools students who are enrolled in Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II can attend the sessions.  Classes will be held from 8:30 until 11:30 am at the DPS Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road. Sessions will be focused on particular review topics each week.  For a list of the topics by date, check the Saturday Learning Center link on the Parents’ page of the DPS Website at www.dpsnc.net
Classes will be held on the following dates:
March 7, 14, 21; April 4, 25; May 2, 9, 16