Parent EdLink Email Newsletter: May 2009

May 2009

We are wrapping up a very successful school year and making plans for the last school year of this decade, if you can believe it!  My hope is that the students and families of Durham Public Schools have a safe and happy summer, and remember – READ as much as you can over the summer, and try to fit in other kinds of fun, too!

Carl Harris, Superintendent

In this newsletter:

• “Thank a Teacher” during Teacher Appreciation Week
• READ This Summer
• Transition to Middle School events
• Summer Math and Science workshops
• Holton Career Center
• Graduation
• Emergency Preparedness
• Spring Art Show at Northgate

Thank a Teacher!

What better way to let teachers know how much you appreciate them than by simply telling them? Durham Public Schools will provide a quick and easy way to do just that. Teacher Appreciation Week is May 3-9, and during that week and the preceding week (starting April 27), parents and community supporters will have the opportunity to send an email to the special teacher or teachers they wish to thank for the hard work and dedication they put into the classroom. Simply visit the DPS Website at www.dpsnc.net  beginning April 27, click on the "Teachers Are the Heart of Our Success" logo, and follow the directions.  Within seconds, you will have had the opportunity to make a teacher's day!

Teachers truly are the heart of the success of Durham Public Schools. 

READ This Summer

Durham Public Schools is collaborating with the Durham County Public Library to encourage students to read this summer.  DPS is setting up a special Website with resources for parents, and elementary students will receive a summer reading brochure with space for them to keep a reading log and with information for parents.  Expect to see READ posters popping up around our schools as well.  Local leaders and celebrities are appearing on posters to encourage students to read.  As they do each summer, the Durham County Library is hosting many activities to encourage students to read.  The kickoff for the summer reading program at the Library is June 20 from 10 am until 2 pm at the Main Library.  The DPS READ Website will be online by May 8 at www.dpsnc.net/READ

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LEVEL

Power Up Your Parenting!  Transition to Middle School

Choice of Two Evenings!
Thursday, May 7 OR Thursday, May 14
Durham Public Schools Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road, Durham

6:45 pm (Registration), Program is from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm

Learn more about:

• Schedules and other logistics
• Behavior changes
• How DPS eases the transition into middle school

Come get information and network with parents! Attend an information session with DPS middle school counselors!  Refreshments, child care and Spanish interpreters available. A limited number of DATA Bus passes are available by calling 560-2082.  To Register:  Sign up online at www.dpsnc.net (look for the POP Powering Up Parents logo) or by calling the DPS Office of Public Affairs at 560-2082 or email Theresa.McGowan@dpsnc.net

MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL
HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL

Shodor Offers Summer Workshops

Middle and high school students who are interested in math, science and computers may be interested in the sessions offered by Shodor this summer.  Workshops are half or full day in such topics as graphics and visualization, Web design skills, programming concepts, engineers in training, forensics and math exploration.  To register and for more information, visit http://www.shodor.org/calendar

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 2009-10 school year, will give students a chance to complete a full high school degree at their base high school, as well as obtain certification or course work in career related fields at Holton. 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. 

Graduation Schedule

Tassels start turning for a couple of our small high schools in May, while our traditional high schools and more small high schools will graduate in June.  For traditional schools, check our Website in late May for parking and other logistical information at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Below is the 2009 graduation schedule:

Friday, May 22nd

• 4:00 pm - Early College High School, 3727 Fayetteville Street at Hillside High School
• 6:00 pm - Middle College High School, 401 N. Duke Street at Durham School of the Arts

Friday, June 5th

• 8:15 am - Lakeview School, 3507 Dearborn Drive
• 11:00 am - Performance Learning Center, Hill House, 900 S. Duke Street

Wednesday, June 10th, Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke University        

• 8:00 am - Southern High School and City of Medicine Academy 
• Noon  - Riverside High School
• 4:00 pm - Jordan High School 

Thursday, June 11th, Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke University

• 8:00 am - Hillside High School
• Noon  - Northern High School
• 4:00 pm - Durham School of the Arts

Emergency Preparedness for Parents and Guardians

Emergency preparedness plans work best as a community effort when we work alongside public safety officials to prevent, stay informed, and be ready to respond to emergencies.  Our first priority is keeping students safe.  In most cases, the safest place for children during an emergency is their school.

What can parents/guardians do to help?

• Keep your child’s emergency contact information updated and current.
• Advise your child to remain calm during an emergency and to listen to adults in charge before taking any action on their own.
• Keep DPS emergency contact and procedures information with you at work and at home.
• Follow your school’s sign-in/sign-out procedures when visiting.
• Review family safety procedures with your children so they feel prepared in any emergency situation.

What can parents/guardians expect from my child’s school?

• An immediate and dangerous threat to the school will result in a “Lockdown.” No one is allowed to enter/leave until released by law enforcement officials or an announcement from school personnel. (e.g., Intruder. Weapon.)
• A dangerous threat near the school will result in “Shelter-in-Place.” Windows and doors are secured. Heating, air and ventilation systems are shut down. (e.g., Tornado.)
• Evacuation to a safe location when it is unsafe to remain inside.  Students and staff will return after inspection and clearance by law enforcement, the fire department, or emergency management. (e.g., Fire. Bomb Threat.)
• DPS will inform parents and guardians when your child’s school is unsafe and students have been transported by bus to an alternate location.  Listen for these locations via Connect-ED, TV, Internet and radio announcements. Proper identification will be required at that location for students to be released to you.

In the event of an emergency please remain calm and monitor public notices.  Do not go immediately to your school.  Go to your school’s designated area if advised.  Cooperate with school and law enforcement officials.

Following these instructions will help to maintain a safe environment for our students.

Durham Public Schools Spring Art Show at Northgate Mall

Come see some of the great things that are happening in the art classes throughout Durham Public Schools in one convenient location - Northgate Mall.  The middle and high schools will have panels of artwork at Northgate Mall on display from April 28-May 11.  The elementary schools will showcase their students’ artwork from May 13-May 27.  Thank you to Northgate Mall for hosting the art exhibit which will be on ‘The Plaza’ side, near Entrance 2 by Chick-fil-A and Entrance 3 behind the Phoenix 10 Theatres.