Parent EdLink Email Newsletter: February 2010
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.
