ABCs – A North Carolina initiative to increase student achievement through measuring a school’s growth by comparing students’ learning from one year to the next.  End-of-grade and end-of-course scores indicate a year’s growth, and individual schools are rated based on the number of students performing at or above grade level in reading, writing and mathematics.

ACT – Also known as the American College Test. The ACT is a national college admission and placement examination sometimes required for college admission. It can be a replacement test for the SAT or a supplement to the SAT.

AIG – Academically and/or Intellectually Gifted Services. Offers more challenging and rigorous academic opportunities for those students identified as eligible.

Academic achievement – The level of actual accomplishment or proficiency one has achieved in an academic area, as opposed to one's potential. For example: a student may have the tested potential to read on a 12th grade level, but may only be reading on a 4th grade level.

Achievement Levels – The four degrees of performance on the state end-of-grade tests.

• Level I – Students performing at this level do not have sufficient mastery of knowledge and skills in this subject to be successful at the next grade.
• Level II – Students performing at this level demonstrate inconsistent mastery of knowledge and skill in this subject area and are minimally prepared to be successful at the next grade level.
• Level III – Students performing at this level consistently demonstrate mastery of grade level subject matter and skills and are well prepared for the next grade level’s work.
• Level IV – Students performing at this level consistently perform in a superior manner clearly beyond that required to be proficient at grade level work.

AP – Advanced Placement. Courses taught in high school that are at college-level difficulty. Students in these courses can earn college credit if they pass the end-of-year AP exam. Through AP Exams, a student has the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation's colleges and universities.

AYP – Adequate Yearly Progress. The accountability system mandated by the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 which requires each state to ensure that all schools and districts make Adequate Yearly Progress toward 100 percent student proficiency by 2013-14.

Character Education – Traits such as citizenship, honesty and respect that are taught through integration into the curriculum.

Charter School – A charter school is a public school that has been created by a group within a community. The notion of a charter school is that the school is exempt from many laws governing public school districts, but they must demonstrate student achievement or the charter won't be renewed at the end of the contractual period. Since charter schools are public schools, the school receives a per-student financial allocation; charter schools cannot charge tuition.

DPS – Durham Public Schools

EOC – End-of-Course tests.  State assessments required for students to take at the end of 10 specific high school courses. 

EOG – End-of-Grade tests. State assessments required for students to take at the end of grades 3-8. 

ESL – English as a Second Language. Offers services to those students whose primary language is one other than English.

ECP – Exceptional Children’s Program.  Provides specifically designed instruction and other services for students who are disabled or have special needs.

GPA – Grade Point Average. The GPA is used to measure a student’s level of overall success on a numerical scale. A 1.0 represents a D average, a 2.0 represents a C average, a 3.0 represents a B average, and a 4.0 or higher represents an A average or is evidence of completion of higher level courses (see AP).

GT – Gifted and Talented. (Not to be confused with AIG.) The gifted and talented magnet school program is founded on the belief that all students possess gifts and talents that need to be identified, nurtured, and rewarded. It is the responsibility of educators and parents to identify these gifts and talents and to provide an educational program that develops them. Because the gifted and talented magnet school addresses the gifts and talents of all children, there are no performance measures, auditions, or tests that need to be passed before a child is accepted into the school.

IEP/IEP Team – Individual Education Plan.  A team of individuals comprising school professionals, the child's parent(s), and any other individual(s) who have specialized knowledge of an exceptional child. The IEP team is responsible for developing the goals and objectives for the child, and writing the program (IEP) that will serve as a "road map" for the student's teachers and related service providers; they are also responsible for reviewing and revising the plan.

IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. PL 101-476 (formerly known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act). IDEA was amended in 1997 as Public Law 105-17 as is usually just referred to as "IDEA" or "IDEA '97." This piece of federal legislation is the heart of entitlements to special education. IDEA also empowers parents as partners in their special needs child's educational planning

K-12 – Kindergarten through Grade Twelve

LD – Learning Disability or Learning Disorder. A disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or using language, spoken or written, which may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations. The term includes, but is not limited to, conditions such as perceptual handicaps, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia.

Magnet Schools – Schools that offer learning environments focused around specific areas, such as technology, science or art. Enrollment is by application based solely on a student's interest in the school's program. Selection is by a computerized lottery process for available slots.

NCLB – No Child Left Behind. President Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act on January 8, 2002. The law focuses on accountability for results. NCLB is based on the belief that high expectations and setting of goals will result in success for all students.

N.C. Standard Course of Study – The curriculum set by the state for grades K-8 and high school courses on which Durham Public Schools curriculum materials are based.

PE – Physical Education.

PLCs – Professional Learning Communities.  DPS is now using a national approach to school improvement known as PLCs.  Under this effort, teachers form teams within a school to focus on student learning. 

POP – Power of Parents.  DPS is committed to involving parents in the education of their children. The Board of Education has termed this initiative POP, for “Power of Parents.”  Through this effort, the district sponsors workshops and provides encouragement in other ways to help parents be more involved. 

Promotion Standards – Set of criteria students must meet to proceed to the next grade.  These standards vary according to grade level.

PTA – Parent Teacher Association. The PTA is a voluntary organization bringing together parents and teachers from a particular school, usually for fund-raising, building parental involvement at school, and other activities relating to the welfare of the school. Contact your child’s school to get involved. Schools also may have PTSO groups that are not affiliated with the state and national PTA.

SAT – Standardized Achievement Test . Nearly every college in America accepts the SAT as a part of the admissions process. More than two million students take the SAT every year. Also see: ACT

SBDM – Site-Based Decision Making.  Each school has an SBDM team comprising the school’s principal, teachers, and parents.  This group works together to oversee numerous school issues, including the budget, professional development and the School Improvement Plan.

Students are held accountable for performance through the promotion standards and schools are held accountable by the state’s ABCs of Public Education program.  The ABCs designations for schools are:

• Schools Making Expected Growth/Gain: Show growth/gain that would reasonably be expected over a year’s time, based on previous performance.
• Schools Making High Growth/Gain: Show growth/gain that is 10 percent higher than expected growth standard.
• Schools of Excellence: Have at least 90 percent of students at or above grade level and meet at least expected growth/gain.
• Schools of Distinction: Have 80-89 percent of students at or above grade level and meet at least expected growth/gain.
• Schools of Progress: Have 60-79 percent of students at or above grade level and meet at least expected growth/gain.
• No Recognition: Do not meet expected growth/gain standard, but have at least 60 percent of students at or above grade level.
• Priority Schools: Have 50-59 percent of students at or above grade level, regardless of growth standard OR below 50 percent, but meet growth standard.
• Low Performing: Have less than 50 percent of students performing at or above grade level and do not make expected growth.

ABC results are posted on School Profile pages.

No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

No Child Left Behind is a federal law that has as its goals: closing achievement gaps, holding schools accountable for all students, and having a “Highly Qualified” teacher in every classroom. The law’s impact is slightly different for families depending on your school’s success in meeting NCLB target goals and ABCs growth expectations, your child’s success in meeting goals and expectations, and whether or not your school receives Title I funds.

Both the ABCs and NCLB hold high standards for academic achievement, but they measure progress differently. The ABCs model measures student growth from one year to the next while NCLB compares the scores at the same grade levels within subgroups from one year to the next.

In addition to a different model for measuring student achievement, NCLB contains the following provisions:

• sanctions for schools that do not meet their goals;
• new standards for teachers and instructional paraprofessionals; and,
• requirements to inform parents of both their child’s progress and a school’s performance on academic assessments.

More information regarding No Child Left Behind in North Carolina is available at www.ncpublicschools.org/nclb. School report cards are available from your school or online at www.ncreportcards.org.

When complaints or concerns occur, they should be resolved at the local school or at the lowest possible administrative level through an informal process of cooperative agreement among the affected individuals. However, when the informal process fails to provide resolution, an individual is entitled to file a formal complaint and seek a review of any administrative decisions made by school system staff members. We encourage you to become familiar with the guidelines outlined here and if you have any remaining questions please contact your principal.

How to proceed with the comment process

Durham Public Schools includes a Who to Call list in the Student/Parent Handbook that is distributed at the start of each school year and also on the Web. 

We encourage you to work diligently to solve your issue at the level it occurred, preferably addressing the issue directly with the employee in question. Complaints about the quality of the education program or school facility issues should initially be addressed to the principal or assistant principal at the school. 

Board Policy 2115 states that “Complaints about an employee’s performance should first be referred to the employee, if practicable.  If the employee does not satisfactorily resolve the matter, the complaint then should be referred up the supervisory ladder (principal, Superintendent, Board) until the matter is resolved.” 

What to do if you need assistance

Although the first step in resolving concerns is usually taken at the local school, other offices of the school system are available if you have a general inquiry or need assistance.

General Inquiries

For general inquiries about the school system and its policies and procedures, you may submit a question via the form below or contact the DPS Office of Public Affairs at 919-560-3652. 

Submit a Question form - Click Here

Please use the following links to reference policies from the school board:

• 2115 – Public Complaints and Concerns
• 5125 – Sexual Harassment
• 3015 – Selection and Reconsideration of Instructional Materials

Also see:

Privacy Act & Non-discrimination Statements

Contacting the Board of Education 

If you have information to bring to the attention of the Board of Education, please email Board members directly or email the Board Liaison Cathy Bisplinghoff at cathy.bisplinghoff@dpsnc.net

Nondiscrimination Policies

In compliance with federal law, including the provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, Durham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs, activities and hiring.
Inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies should be addressed to:  Larry McDonald, Executive Director of Athletics, Health and PE, 511 Cleveland St, Durham, NC  27702. Phone 919-560-3742 or fax 919-560-2369.

Section 504 Inquiries

For inquiries regarding Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) contact: Diane Kelly at Hillandale Elementary School, 560-3924 or via email diane.kelly@dpsnc.net

2011 Hamlin Road
Durham, NC 27704
Phone: (919) 560-2216
Fax: (919) 560-9119

Construction & Capital Planning Menu

• Bond Referenda

Projects for Construction and Capital Planning

Durham’s population is growing at a steady pace, with Durham Public Schools population increasing by about 1.5 to 2 percent annually. To meet the challenges of keeping up with growth and maintaining current facilities, DPS relies on public funding for renovations, upgrades and expansions.

See our Construction Website

Planning

• Long-Range Facilities Plan
• Draft 10 Year Facilities Needs Assessment

Contacts

Tim Carr
Program Director

Dave Burnett
Sr. Project Manager

John Dobbs
Project Manager

Mark Roe
Sr. Project Manager

Mark Vick
Space Planner 

Leisa Wilson
Project Manager

Donna Wilmoth
Administrative Assistant

Durham Public Schools works closely with emergency management, law enforcement, public health, and other safety officials at the local, county, state, and federal levels to develop and strengthen school plans for handling emergencies.  Each school has an Emergency Preparedness Plan which includes guidelines on how to respond to severe weather, fire, chemical, and terrorist attacks during school and business hours.  Although all school plans have similar guidelines, recommendations, and standards, each school implements a response plan that reflects the needs of their individual school community.  All schools have emergency and crisis response teams that are an integral part of the school’s emergency management plan.

Emergency Messages

• Web site at www.dpsnc.net
• Parent Hotline 919-560-9129
• DPS Cable Channel 4
• Local radio and television station broadcasts
• Durham Public Schools ConnectEd Notification System
• Weather/Closing Alert Email Sign-up 

Parents Can Help

• Keep emergency contact information updated using the Student Data Sheet at your child’s school. This information includes your home and emergency phone numbers, home address, special medical needs, and emergency pick-up information.
• Encourage your child to follow directions given by school personnel.
• Stay calm. Our first priority is keeping students safe.
• Talk to your child about emergencies. The following Web sites are good parent resources:
  • National Association of School Psychologists 
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency-FEMA for Kids
• Contact your child’s school or the Risk Management Services Office, 560-3829, for additional information.

Enrollment Step 1: Determine the Student's Eligibility

• Students who are under suspension or expulsion from a private or public school and students who have already graduated from high school are not eligible.
• If you are not the student's parent, you must present a copy of the appropriate court order to establish that you are the legal guardian/custodian.

Enrollment Step 2: Determine School

Registration takes place at your child’s school. Please bring the following items to your child’s school when you register.  To determine your child’s school please visit our Student Assignment Maps.

1. Proof of residence (can be any of the following):
   • Lease Agreement
   • Mortgage Statement or Deed
   • Durham County Property Tax Statement (home or vehicle)
   • Guardianship Documents (if necessary)
   • If residence is not in your name, you will need: A notarized statement from a Durham County resident stating that you live in their home along with their proof of residence in Durham County.
2.  “Affidavit of Parent or Legal Guardian” - if transferring into Durham Public Schools from a public or private school. This document covers suspension or expulsion from a previous school and/or any felony conviction.
3. Records Release - Upon registration at the school, parents/guardians will be asked to sign a release form so that we can send for the student’s records which should include a birth certificate, immunization records, a social security number, academic records, testing information, exceptional children’s records (if applicable) among other items.
4. Copy of the student’s most recent report card and the previous year’s achievement test results are helpful in scheduling the student but are not required.

Can my Pre-K student use the school bus?

Yes, they can. But they will need to use a special bus seat that you must install every time they get on the bus. DPS will provide a seat, but every morning parents must get on the bus to secure the seat. To receive a seat parents must take a training course on securing the seat. The classes take place during the summer.  Please contact Transportation for more information.

 Are there any helpful tips you can give me about riding the bus?

• Find out what time the bus is expected at the stop in the morning.
• Make sure your child is at the stop 15 minutes early
• If the bus is late, wait at least 15 minutes after expected time.
• Each child should carry emergency contact information at all times.
• If your child is late and you need to know where the bus is call 560-BUSS

How much does lunch cost?

What is free and reduced lunch and how do I qualify?

Some families qualify to pay less than full price for a lunch, or qualify for free lunch. Reduced cost meals are 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch. To be a part of this program you must fill out an application. The Free/Reduced lunch application is available in the Office of Child Nutrition, Bacon Street. Children may be eligible for free or reduced meal benefits if: The family qualifies under Federal Guidelines  OR They live in a household receiving Food Stamps or Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) Fill out only ONE application per household (unless completing a separate application for a foster child). Multiple applications completed for the same household may cause a delay in the process of determining eligibility. You must reapply every year. If you are denied free/reduced lunch and have an increase in household or a decrease in income you may reapply at any time throughout the year.

What constitutes an excused versus unexcused absence?

There are two types of absences: Excused and Unexcused. An absence is unexcused unless the student's parent/guardian provides written documentation of the reason for the absence. Written excuse must be turned in within three school days of the student's return to school.

Excused absences:

• A. Illness or injury. When the absence results from illness or injury which prevents the student from being physically able to attend school.
• B. Quarantine. When isolation of the student is ordered by the local health officer or by the State Board of Health.
• C. Death in the immediate family. When the absence results from the death of a member of the immediate family of the student. The immediate family of a student includes, but is not necessarily limited to, grandparents, parents and siblings.
• D. Medical or dental appointments. When the absence results from a medical or dental appointment of a student. A written excuse should be presented with a doctor's signature or stamp.
• E. Court or administrative proceedings. When the student is a party to or is under subpoena as a witness in the proceedings of a court or administrative tribunal.
• F. Religious observances. When the student or the student's parent/guardian or custodian adheres to a religion whose tenets require, or suggest the observance of a religious event. The parent/guardian or custodian must seek prior approval of the principal for such absences [and the approval should be granted unless the religious observance or the cumulative effect of religious observances is of such duration as to interfere with the education of the student].
• G. Educational opportunity. When the student obtains the principal's prior approval of a valid education opportunity, such as travel.

What is my role as a parent of a child in Durham Public Schools?

Parents are encouraged to:

• Visit your child’s school to meet the teachers
• Talk with your child’s teacher(s) on a regular basis
• Read to your child and encourage your child to read to you
• Make sure your child attends school each and every day and is on time
• Join the Parent/Teacher Association, contact your school for more information

What happens if it snows or there is inclement weather? How will I know if the schools are closed?

During times of extreme weather, schools will sometimes close for the safety of staff and students. Watch DPS Cable Ch. 4 or major television stations or listen to local radio stations to learn about any school closings or delays. Parents also are encouraged to sign up for the Emergency Weather email alert.

An accident under this coverage is defined as an unexpected, sudden, and definable event, which is the direct cause of a bodily injury, independent of any illness, prior injury, or congenital predisposition. Payments for those medical/ dental expenses incurred from an accident would be covered only in excess of any other plans.The coverage would be for those medical/dental expenses incurred within 52 weeks from the date of the original accident.Treatment must begin within 60 days from the date of the accident by a legally licensed medical or dental practitioner.

This supplemental coverage is designed to pick up eligible balances left by any family or employer group insurance or plan and, if no other coverage or plan is available, to pay the medical/dental expenses incurred to the limits stated in the policy. Student Accident Claim Forms are available at each school and require completion by the student’s school and the parent or guardian. Once the claim form is completed, the parent or guardian is responsible for filing the accident claim with the insurance carrier. Further information related to a voluntary student dental insurance plan administered by Delta Dental of North Carolina is available at your child’s school.

• Elementary Schools
• Middle Schools
• High Schools
• Breakfast Menu (All Schools)

Meal Prices 2011-12

Pay for your child's meals online

Streamline DPS

DPS Child Nutrition Services is now using the Federal Automated Recovery Systems (FARS) to protect against non-sufficient fund checks.  This system allows for the electronic recovery of non-sufficient fund checks.

Durham Public Schools has made numerous changes to encourage better nutritional habits by students.

• Eat Smart: DPS Nutritional Standards and Offerings
• Free and Reduced Lunch applications are now available online, from Child Nutrition Services or your schools.

Nutrition Information from Durham County Health Department

• Fruits and Veggies:  More Matters

• 2011-12 Parent Handbook