SmoothStart Checklist
Register Now
Don’t wait until the first day of school!
- High School Registration – High school students who are new to DPS and/or who have not registered for classes must contact guidance counselors at your school before school starts to register and receive a course schedule. Counselors will be available at high schools on selected days in August to help students register before classes begin on August 25. Call the school guidance office to schedule an appointment.
- Middle School Registration – Middle school students who are new to DPS and have not registered for classes should contact your middle school to register for classes before the first day of school.
- Elementary School Registration – School offices are generally open during the summer Monday through Thursday from 8 am until 4 pm so that new students and others may register at elementary schools before school starts.
- Before & After School Care - Contact DPS Community Education, 560-3816, to learn more about before and after-school care for elementary and middle school students. Applications are on the Web at afterschool.dpsnc.net. Year-round elementary students must be registered by Friday, July 9 to guarantee child care on the first day. Students in traditional schools need to be registered by August 13.
- Bus Stop - Bus information will be available at open houses, or on the DPS Website at www.dpsnc.net/BusStop. If your child will attend a new school, need bus transportation for the first time, or need any changes in transportation arrangements, please contact the school your child will attend.
- Forms - Forms for athletic physicals, free and reduced-price meals, Internet use and others should be completed as soon as possible. Forms are available at the schools and on the Web. Parents are urged to watch their mail for 2010-11 Free and Reduced Family Application for meal benefits from the school, complete it, mail it or bring the application to the Child Nutrition Services, 808 Bacon Street, Durham 27703, before school starts.
- Emergency Contact Information - Call your school to update phone numbers and addresses for your child’s emergency contacts.
Key Points for Parents
- Student Code of Conduct - Review the DPS Policy 4301, Code of Student Conduct, so students know what behavior is expected of them at school. Be sure to read Rule 11, Student Dress Code, before buying new clothing for school.
- Open House/Orientation – Parents and students are encouraged to check the Open House schedule that is available on the DPS website and on DPS Cable Ch. 4 and attend these events together.
- Safety - Review rules for your child regarding walking, bicycling, driving or riding the bus to school.
- Weather/Closing Alert - Sign up for email notification so DPS can alert you to early closings and other special notices.
- Medication - If your child takes medication, please contact the school to work out details.
- Extracurricular Activity - Encourage your child to get involved in at least one extracurricular activity.
Off to a SmoothStart
- School Supplies – School supply lists are available on the DPS Website. NC Sales Tax Free school supply weekend is August 6-8.
- Routine - A week to 10 days before school starts, establish a bedtime routine with your child so he/she eases into getting up earlier.
- Homework - Set up a special place for homework in your home that is quiet and away from the TV and other distractions.
- Parent Involvement - Get involved in the PTA
and/or site-based decision making team and attend
all meetings and events. Consider volunteering at your child’s school this year.
