August 2009 DirectLink

AUGUST 2009

Budget Update

The state Legislature has approved the 2009-10 budget and the Governor has signed it, so we can move forward with plans for having the best school year possible.  Read more . . .

From the Superintendent

Welcome to a brand-new school year, one that is unlike any we have seen before. As we are faced with budget challenges, we are nonetheless excited about the privilege we have to continue to deliver the best possible quality of instruction to our students.   Read more . . .

Efforts Under Way to Keep Computer System Safe

DPS IT Department had a busy summer instituting new policies, practices and safeguards to attempt to keep the computer system safe from attacks like the one that caused a crisis at the end of 2008-09.  Read more . . .

Lowe’s Grove Teacher Wins National Honor

Jamila Bowser started her summer break by winning a big prize.  Bowser won out over teachers from Florida, Illinois and Tennessee to be named the national 2009 SECME Teacher of the Year.  Read more . . . .

Two-Thirds of Schools Reach High or Expected Growth

Four schools earned School of Distinction recognition for the 2008-09 school year under the ABCs.  School of Distinction is the second highest rating a school can earn under the ABCs.  Read more . . .

H1N1 Expected to be Hot Topic in Schools

Teachers and other staff members are going to be on the alert this fall for H1N1.  Referred to as “swine flu” at its start, there already have been local instances where schools and camps have closed due to the large number of affected students and staff.  Read more . . .

Free Document Shred Day

Durham Public Schools staff members and parents likely have many important documents and papers they no longer need and that they would like to dispose of safely.  They can on Sat., Sept. 19. Read more . . .

DPS Selects New Cafeteria Benefits Provider

Those old enough might remember a car named Mark III.  These days, if you hear the term, you should recognize that it is the new benefits company selected to provide DPS cafeteria benefits plan.  Read more . . .

New for 2009-10!

It’s going to be quite a full and exciting school year.  Take a look at some of the new things coming our way, plus some great news that happened over the summer!  Read more . . .

DPS & DAE to Host Kitchen Table Conversation

The Durham Association of Educators and DPS are seeking input from stakeholders for the development of a proposal to the National Educators Association Foundation.  If funded, the grant would implement strategies for closing achievement gaps among African-American males and their peers.  Read more . . .