Today at Hillside High School, students got a first look at real opportunities in life science careers. The Life Science Career Panel marked the launch of a new partnership between Eli Lilly and Durham County, giving students direct insight into BioWork certifications and the local pathways to earn them.
Thank you to the DPS CTE Department for their steady work and commitment to our students. This partnership opens the door to future careers in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and helps students see what is possible right here in our community. #WeAreDPS #DPSCTE
Thank you to the DPS CTE Department for their steady work and commitment to our students. This partnership opens the door to future careers in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and helps students see what is possible right here in our community. #WeAreDPS #DPSCTE
Did you know that two Jordan High School grads created Stranger Things?
Matt and Ross Duffer grew up in Durham, graduated from Jordan High School, and first discovered their love for storytelling by filming homemade movies around town with a family camcorder. That early spark led them to create Stranger Things, a show that turned into a global phenomenon.
They are award winning creators who have also earned prestigious nominations across the entertainment industry. And even with all their success, they kept Durham close. Fans can spot pieces of their hometown throughout the series.
A few Durham area Easter eggs in Stranger Things:
• The Eno River appears on Will’s hand drawn map.
• Jordan Lake becomes Lake Jordan in Hawkins.
• The forests near Cornwallis Road and Kerley Road echo in the area known as Mirkwood.
• Durham’s Lochn'ora inspires the show’s Loch Nora neighborhood.
• Enzo's Pizza Company inspires Enzo's Italian Restaurant in the show.
• The landmark "Bullocks" is a nod to the real Bullock's Bar-B-Q here in Durham.
From DPS classrooms to worldwide acclaim, the Duffer Brothers carry Bull City creativity wherever they go. Their journey shows what happens when imagination grows in a supportive community.
DPS students dream big. They always have. They always will.
#WeAreDPS #DPSProud #DufferBrothers #StrangerThings #DurhamNC
Did you know that Durham-native Jordan Estella Hankerson—a 2018 graduate of Hillside High School—is a star in TINA – The Tina Turner Musical? She makes her national tour debut in the role of Ikette.
While at Hillside, Jordan studied theatre under the retired director Wendell Tabb and performed in productions such as Madagascar, Bubbling Brown Sugar, High School Musical, and The Wiz. She was also a member of the Sting Dance Ensemble, the Marching Band, and the Chorus.
Her journey—from Hillside stages to starring in a national Broadway tour—demonstrates the power of our district’s arts programs and the impact educators like Mr. Tabb make. Jordan is now giving back to her local community in a meaningful way.
On Saturday, November 15, Jordan will host an arts workshop at Hillside’s theatre from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by a reception from 11:30 a.m. to noon, co-hosted by the Triangle Park (NC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, to honor her outstanding arts achievements.
📣 Let’s celebrate Jordan’s homecoming. Share this post and join us in cheering on her performance at DPAC, and the inspiring workshop she’s leading for our students! 👏 #DPSArts #DPSProud #HillsideHigh #TinaTheMusical #WeAreDPS #DPSDidYouKnow
Meet Joshua Suiter — a 2018 graduate of Hillside High School — now appearing on the hit new series "All's Fair" streaming on Hulu! He plays the role of Elijah Greene, bringing the charm, talent, and grit from his Durham roots to the screen.
What you may not know:
✨ Joshua began acting at the age of 6 in summer camp productions and later earned a BFA in Professional Theatre.
✨ At Hillside, he excelled in the arts, played roles like the Tin Man in The Wiz, and was crowned Mr. Hillside during his senior year.
✨ He says one of his most memorable moments was receiving a star-shaped sticker in 5th grade from a teacher who believed in him — and he kept it on his door all through high school.
We featured his story back in May with a spotlight article on our DPS Notables blog. If you haven't read it yet, check it out under our News Feed at DPSNC.net or on the DPS App.
📺 Head over to Hulu and watch All's Fair — and when you do, remember: a Hillside Hornet is making waves. #DPSNotables #HillsidePride #AllsFair #Hulu #DurhamTalent
What you may not know:
✨ Joshua began acting at the age of 6 in summer camp productions and later earned a BFA in Professional Theatre.
✨ At Hillside, he excelled in the arts, played roles like the Tin Man in The Wiz, and was crowned Mr. Hillside during his senior year.
✨ He says one of his most memorable moments was receiving a star-shaped sticker in 5th grade from a teacher who believed in him — and he kept it on his door all through high school.
We featured his story back in May with a spotlight article on our DPS Notables blog. If you haven't read it yet, check it out under our News Feed at DPSNC.net or on the DPS App.
📺 Head over to Hulu and watch All's Fair — and when you do, remember: a Hillside Hornet is making waves. #DPSNotables #HillsidePride #AllsFair #Hulu #DurhamTalent
Did you see Tye Tribbett last night at the DPAC? 👀 If you did, you witnessed one of Durham's very own shining on that stage — Roné Grant, a proud graduate of Southern School of Energy and Sustainability! 🙌🏾
Roné is currently on the "We Outside" Tour with Tye Tribbett, Kierra Sheard, and special guests Mike Todd and Transformation Worship, but this moment was more than a tour stop — it was a showcase of home-grown talent in front of the people she loves dearly.
Born in Hackensack, New Jersey, Roné moved to Durham in the sixth grade, where her love for music truly blossomed. She has been singing since she could talk, and by high school, she was already performing professionally as part of the girl group TTYL, formed by Coko Clemons of SWV. That experience taught her the ins and outs of studio work, harmonies, and vocal production — skills that have shaped her career ever since. 🎶
Fast forward to today, and Roné's voice has graced some of gospel's biggest moments: she's the soprano voice behind Tye Tribbett's live album "Only On The Road (Live)," featured on Todd Galberth's "Greater," and can be heard leading on WO Worship's 2024 album "Sunday Songs, Vol. 1." She's also an artist in her own right, releasing music that reflects her journey. 🌟
From Southern High to sold-out arenas, from a Durham classroom to the DPAC stage — Roné Grant is proof that preparation, passion, and purpose always find their spotlight. We're proud of you, Roné! ☺️
#DPSDidYOUKnow #WeAreDPS #DPSProud #TyeTribbett #WeOutsideTour
Roné is currently on the "We Outside" Tour with Tye Tribbett, Kierra Sheard, and special guests Mike Todd and Transformation Worship, but this moment was more than a tour stop — it was a showcase of home-grown talent in front of the people she loves dearly.
Born in Hackensack, New Jersey, Roné moved to Durham in the sixth grade, where her love for music truly blossomed. She has been singing since she could talk, and by high school, she was already performing professionally as part of the girl group TTYL, formed by Coko Clemons of SWV. That experience taught her the ins and outs of studio work, harmonies, and vocal production — skills that have shaped her career ever since. 🎶
Fast forward to today, and Roné's voice has graced some of gospel's biggest moments: she's the soprano voice behind Tye Tribbett's live album "Only On The Road (Live)," featured on Todd Galberth's "Greater," and can be heard leading on WO Worship's 2024 album "Sunday Songs, Vol. 1." She's also an artist in her own right, releasing music that reflects her journey. 🌟
From Southern High to sold-out arenas, from a Durham classroom to the DPAC stage — Roné Grant is proof that preparation, passion, and purpose always find their spotlight. We're proud of you, Roné! ☺️
#DPSDidYOUKnow #WeAreDPS #DPSProud #TyeTribbett #WeOutsideTour
Durham Public Schools is proud to celebrate Fayetteville Street Elementary School and the successful Grand Opening of its new Family Resource Center 🎉
On November 20, 2025, the school community came together to open a space that lifts families and strengthens student success. The center now provides food, clothing, and hygiene items to support anyone who needs them 🥫👚🧼
This milestone reflects a shared commitment to caring for the whole child so students can learn, grow, and thrive every day 📚✨
Strong schools build strong communities. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this moment possible for Fayetteville Street Elementary and the families it serves ❤️🏫
On November 20, 2025, the school community came together to open a space that lifts families and strengthens student success. The center now provides food, clothing, and hygiene items to support anyone who needs them 🥫👚🧼
This milestone reflects a shared commitment to caring for the whole child so students can learn, grow, and thrive every day 📚✨
Strong schools build strong communities. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this moment possible for Fayetteville Street Elementary and the families it serves ❤️🏫
Yesterday, we hit a milestone for the new Durham School of the Arts 🎨🏗️. The final beam went up, covered in signatures from our community partners who showed up to celebrate a moment that will live in the bones of the building. A simple beam turned into a time capsule. A small piece of steel carrying big dreams ✨.
Thank you to everyone who came out to share the moment and add their name to DSA’s future 💛.
Photo credits: Alejandro Marmolejo, Sophomore at Riverside High School, and DPS Pixel and Pen Creative 📸. #WeAreDPS
Thank you to everyone who came out to share the moment and add their name to DSA’s future 💛.
Photo credits: Alejandro Marmolejo, Sophomore at Riverside High School, and DPS Pixel and Pen Creative 📸. #WeAreDPS
Big congrats to Antonio King, Athletic Director at Jordan High School, for being named NC Shape Male Coach of the Year. He will accept the award in Winston Salem on Wednesday, December 3 at the NC Shape state convention.
NC Shape brings together five state associations to give members the support, resources, and programs they need to grow their skills and strengthen the health and well being of North Carolinians.
Proud moment for Jordan High and a well earned honor for Coach King! #WeAreDPS
NC Shape brings together five state associations to give members the support, resources, and programs they need to grow their skills and strengthen the health and well being of North Carolinians.
Proud moment for Jordan High and a well earned honor for Coach King! #WeAreDPS
Dr. Tanya Giovanni, Esq., Deputy Superintendent of Administrative, Legal, and Compliance Services, has been named by The Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) as one of 11 senior-level education administrators to participate in the fourth cohort of the Michael Casserly Urban Executive Leadership Institute for Superintendents. Named after the Council’s longtime former executive director, the program is designed to help current and aspiring superintendents develop the skills they need to successfully lead a large urban school system. Cohort participants will participate in discussions regarding common challenges faced by urban superintendents. They will engage in sessions covering topics such as school board relations, academic performance, media relations, operations, finances, and labor relations. One of the most valuable features of the program is the opportunity for cohort participants to connect with current and former council member superintendents, who will offer advice, guidance, and opportunities for shadowing. The program also focuses on building relationships, allowing cohort members to network with one another and engage in peer-to-peer learning. https://www.cgcs.org/Page/1842
#WeAreDPS #DPSProud
#WeAreDPS #DPSProud
Did you go to Breezy Bowl? 👀
If you did, you saw choreography created by none other than Joshua “Josh” Smith — a proud Southern School of Energy & Sustainability and Durham Public Schools alum! 🎓💃🏽
Josh got his start in Durham, training locally before moving to Atlanta to chase his dream. Today, he’s Chris Brown’s head choreographer and artistic director, creating iconic routines for Breezy’s tours, music videos, and award shows.
He’s also worked with Usher, Ciara, Ne-Yo, Kelly Rowland, BTS, and Pharrell, and even earned a Soul Train Award for Best Dance Performance (“No Guidance”). 🌍🔥
From DPS classrooms to global stages — Josh proves that dreams born in Durham can go anywhere. 💫
#WeAreDPS #DPSProud #BreezyBowl #ChrisBrown #DurhamNC #DurhamMade #SouthernSES #ArtsInEducation
If you did, you saw choreography created by none other than Joshua “Josh” Smith — a proud Southern School of Energy & Sustainability and Durham Public Schools alum! 🎓💃🏽
Josh got his start in Durham, training locally before moving to Atlanta to chase his dream. Today, he’s Chris Brown’s head choreographer and artistic director, creating iconic routines for Breezy’s tours, music videos, and award shows.
He’s also worked with Usher, Ciara, Ne-Yo, Kelly Rowland, BTS, and Pharrell, and even earned a Soul Train Award for Best Dance Performance (“No Guidance”). 🌍🔥
From DPS classrooms to global stages — Josh proves that dreams born in Durham can go anywhere. 💫
#WeAreDPS #DPSProud #BreezyBowl #ChrisBrown #DurhamNC #DurhamMade #SouthernSES #ArtsInEducation
🎭 Stage Center 2025 was a showstopper!
Yesterday, over 400 DPS Theater Arts students spent the day learning from industry professionals and theater educators from high schools and colleges across the region. From acting and directing to design and stagecraft, our students explored every corner of the theater world through hands-on workshops and masterclasses.
A huge thank-you to everyone who helped make this inspiring day possible — the future of theater is shining bright at DPS! 🌟
#StageCenter2025 #DPSArts #WeAreDPS
Yesterday, over 400 DPS Theater Arts students spent the day learning from industry professionals and theater educators from high schools and colleges across the region. From acting and directing to design and stagecraft, our students explored every corner of the theater world through hands-on workshops and masterclasses.
A huge thank-you to everyone who helped make this inspiring day possible — the future of theater is shining bright at DPS! 🌟
#StageCenter2025 #DPSArts #WeAreDPS
🚶♀️🚲 Half of all DPS elementary schools will celebrate Walk & Roll to School Day this October!
The official nationwide date is October 8, but schools across Durham will be hosting events throughout the month. From walking groups at parks and churches to rolling onto campus together, these events are all about:
✅ Building community
✅ Encouraging healthy, active travel
✅ Inspiring lasting change in our city
Is your school joining in? 🎒👟
👉 Check with your PTA, school leadership team, or visit the DPS Safe Routes to School page for details: https://www.dpsnc.net/o/dps/page/safe-routes-to-schools-program
Durham Public Schools is proud to partner with Bike Durham to make these events possible.
#WalkAndRoll #DurhamPublicSchools #SafeRoutesToSchool
The official nationwide date is October 8, but schools across Durham will be hosting events throughout the month. From walking groups at parks and churches to rolling onto campus together, these events are all about:
✅ Building community
✅ Encouraging healthy, active travel
✅ Inspiring lasting change in our city
Is your school joining in? 🎒👟
👉 Check with your PTA, school leadership team, or visit the DPS Safe Routes to School page for details: https://www.dpsnc.net/o/dps/page/safe-routes-to-schools-program
Durham Public Schools is proud to partner with Bike Durham to make these events possible.
#WalkAndRoll #DurhamPublicSchools #SafeRoutesToSchool
🎉👏 Congratulations to our Durham Public Schools Principal of the Year semifinalists!
These outstanding leaders inspire excellence every day in their schools and communities:
Dr. Vanessa Alford – C.C. Spaulding Elementary
Dr. Renita GriffinJordan – City of Medicine Academy
Dr. Tawauna Stewart – Rogers-Herr Middle School
Dr. Kristin Tate – Oak Grove Elementary
Nick Rotosky – Southwest Elementary
Susan Taylor – C.E. Jordan High School
Their dedication, vision, and commitment to students set the standard for educational leadership across DPS. 💛💙
Let’s celebrate and cheer them on as they move forward in the selection process! #WeAreDPS
These outstanding leaders inspire excellence every day in their schools and communities:
Dr. Vanessa Alford – C.C. Spaulding Elementary
Dr. Renita GriffinJordan – City of Medicine Academy
Dr. Tawauna Stewart – Rogers-Herr Middle School
Dr. Kristin Tate – Oak Grove Elementary
Nick Rotosky – Southwest Elementary
Susan Taylor – C.E. Jordan High School
Their dedication, vision, and commitment to students set the standard for educational leadership across DPS. 💛💙
Let’s celebrate and cheer them on as they move forward in the selection process! #WeAreDPS
Riverside High School's Bryan Christopher, English/journalism teacher and adviser of The Pirate’s Hook student newspaper, and Shirley Kelly, English/yearbook teacher and adviser of The Helm Yearbook, have been named Vice President for Broadcast/Podcast and Northeast & Southeast Piedmont Representative, respectively, on the 2025-2026
North Carolina Scholastic Media Association Board of Directors.
NCSMA is a statewide organization that promotes excellence in scholastic journalism and encourages respect for freedom of the press. Congratulations Mrs. Kelly and Mr. Christopher! #WeAreDPS
North Carolina Scholastic Media Association Board of Directors.
NCSMA is a statewide organization that promotes excellence in scholastic journalism and encourages respect for freedom of the press. Congratulations Mrs. Kelly and Mr. Christopher! #WeAreDPS
🚍💛 Our amazing DPS bus drivers and safety assistants rolled into the new year with their annual kickoff meeting! They’re geared up, energized, and ready to make sure every student starts and ends their school day safely. Thank you for leading the way and setting the tone for a great year ahead! #WeAreDPS
📣 Durham Public Schools Board of Education wants to hear from YOU! 🗣️
The Board invites our community to share feedback on district policies. Your voice helps ensure our policies reflect the values and needs of our students, families, staff, and community.
Submit your feedback online now through August 31 → https://www.dpsnc.net/o/dps/page/board-policy-suggestions-form
The Board invites our community to share feedback on district policies. Your voice helps ensure our policies reflect the values and needs of our students, families, staff, and community.
Submit your feedback online now through August 31 → https://www.dpsnc.net/o/dps/page/board-policy-suggestions-form
👏 Shoutout to Ebony Ross! 👏
Our DPS McKinney-Vento Liaison was nominated by her peers and honored at the national Homelessness Services Provider Appreciation Day Luncheon for her incredible work to end homelessness in Durham.
Beyond her role with DPS, Ebony chairs the Durham Homeless Services Advisory Committee and serves on the leadership team of the North Carolina Homeless Education Program — all while advocating tirelessly for our home-insecure neighbors.
💛 Thank you, Ebony, for your compassionate, results-driven leadership! #DPSProud #WeAreDPS
Our DPS McKinney-Vento Liaison was nominated by her peers and honored at the national Homelessness Services Provider Appreciation Day Luncheon for her incredible work to end homelessness in Durham.
Beyond her role with DPS, Ebony chairs the Durham Homeless Services Advisory Committee and serves on the leadership team of the North Carolina Homeless Education Program — all while advocating tirelessly for our home-insecure neighbors.
💛 Thank you, Ebony, for your compassionate, results-driven leadership! #DPSProud #WeAreDPS
🌟 Our DPS Montessori educators leveled up this summer! 🌟
At this year’s Summer SPLASH, teachers, assistants, and leaders from across Durham Public Schools deepened their expertise in Montessori education. From aligning Montessori with the Science of Reading, to outdoor learning at the Hub Farm, to culturally responsive classrooms and adolescent routines—our teams trained hard to be even stronger for our students this fall. 💪🍎
Thank you to every educator who showed up ready to grow. The commitment to student-centered, equity-driven Montessori education is real—and it starts here. #WeAreDPS #DPSProud #DPSMontessori
At this year’s Summer SPLASH, teachers, assistants, and leaders from across Durham Public Schools deepened their expertise in Montessori education. From aligning Montessori with the Science of Reading, to outdoor learning at the Hub Farm, to culturally responsive classrooms and adolescent routines—our teams trained hard to be even stronger for our students this fall. 💪🍎
Thank you to every educator who showed up ready to grow. The commitment to student-centered, equity-driven Montessori education is real—and it starts here. #WeAreDPS #DPSProud #DPSMontessori
Heidi Perez, DPS Secondary Literacy Integration Specialist, has been named 2025-2026 President of the North Carolina Reading Association. Perez, a 30-year educator, has been with DPS since 2009.
"Serving as president of the North Carolina Reading Association is both an honor and a responsibility that deeply connects to my life’s work as an educator in Durham Public Schools. Literacy is the foundation for every child’s right to self-determination, and this role allows me to advocate for equitable access to high-quality reading instruction for all students across our state. My work with NCRA amplifies the voices of teachers, students, and families while championing the joy and power of reading—a mission that aligns perfectly with my commitment to Durham’s children and community," said Perez.
"Serving as president of the North Carolina Reading Association is both an honor and a responsibility that deeply connects to my life’s work as an educator in Durham Public Schools. Literacy is the foundation for every child’s right to self-determination, and this role allows me to advocate for equitable access to high-quality reading instruction for all students across our state. My work with NCRA amplifies the voices of teachers, students, and families while championing the joy and power of reading—a mission that aligns perfectly with my commitment to Durham’s children and community," said Perez.
🚀 Our DPS IT Interns had an incredible day at Lenovo’s Executive Briefing! From exploring cutting-edge tech to hands-on repair sessions, our students connected with industry leaders and got a front-row seat to real-world innovation.
👏 Big thanks to @Lenovo for inspiring the next generation of tech professionals! #DPSInterns #FutureInTech #WeAreDPS
👏 Big thanks to @Lenovo for inspiring the next generation of tech professionals! #DPSInterns #FutureInTech #WeAreDPS
