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
🌟Stars Spotted at the Lemur Center! 🌟
Meet Madisyn Burrus from Jordan High School and Benjamin Wike from Durham School of the Arts — two of our incredible students in the DPS Rising Stars Program, a paid summer internship for rising juniors and seniors.
This summer, Madisyn and Benjamin brought their curiosity and dedication to the Duke Lemur Center, assisting with educational tours and getting hands-on experience in wildlife research and nonprofit operations. 🐒🔬
The Rising Stars Program gives students real-world work experience, training, and a stipend — setting them up for success beyond the classroom.
👏 Help us celebrate Madisyn, Benjamin, and all our Rising Stars who are making the most of their summer by learning, earning, and making an impact!
#WeAreDPS #DPSProud #DPSRisingStars
Meet Madisyn Burrus from Jordan High School and Benjamin Wike from Durham School of the Arts — two of our incredible students in the DPS Rising Stars Program, a paid summer internship for rising juniors and seniors.
This summer, Madisyn and Benjamin brought their curiosity and dedication to the Duke Lemur Center, assisting with educational tours and getting hands-on experience in wildlife research and nonprofit operations. 🐒🔬
The Rising Stars Program gives students real-world work experience, training, and a stipend — setting them up for success beyond the classroom.
👏 Help us celebrate Madisyn, Benjamin, and all our Rising Stars who are making the most of their summer by learning, earning, and making an impact!
#WeAreDPS #DPSProud #DPSRisingStars
School Social Worker Kafi Hill has completed the portfolio process to become a National Certified School Social Worker (NCSSW), an advanced certification that demonstrates mastery of competencies of the National School Social Work Practice Model! As an NCSSW, Hill exemplifies leadership, commitment, and competent practice in the field of School Social Work. Thank you for going above and beyond the call of duty Ms. Hill. Your commitment to our students is greatly appreciated! #WeAreDPS #DPSProud
⚽ Did you know that two Durham Public Schools alumni are currently playing professional soccer? 💥🔥
Say hello to the Pinto siblings, repping Charles E. Jordan High School on the national stage:
BRIANNA PINTO
🎓 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
💪 Midfielder for the North Carolina Courage (NWSL)
MALIK PINTO
🎓 Princeton University
⚡ Midfielder for Colorado Rapids 2 (MLS Next Pro)
(also made appearances with FC Cincinnati in MLS)
The Pinto family is soccer royalty in Durham—and these two are still rising. 🏆
👀 Who’s the next DPS athlete to take the pro stage?
#DPSDidYouKnow #DurhamProud #PintoPower #WeAreDPS
Say hello to the Pinto siblings, repping Charles E. Jordan High School on the national stage:
BRIANNA PINTO
🎓 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
💪 Midfielder for the North Carolina Courage (NWSL)
MALIK PINTO
🎓 Princeton University
⚡ Midfielder for Colorado Rapids 2 (MLS Next Pro)
(also made appearances with FC Cincinnati in MLS)
The Pinto family is soccer royalty in Durham—and these two are still rising. 🏆
👀 Who’s the next DPS athlete to take the pro stage?
#DPSDidYouKnow #DurhamProud #PintoPower #WeAreDPS
🏈 Did you know that two Durham Public Schools alumni are currently active players on NFL rosters? 👀🔥
Meet your hometown heroes:
JAYLEN WRIGHT
🏫 Southern School of Energy & Sustainability
🎓 University of Tennessee
🐬 Running Back for the Miami Dolphins
JORDON RILEY
🏫 Riverside High School
🎓 Oregon (via UNC & Nebraska)
🗽 Defensive Lineman for the New York Giants
With NFL summer camps kicking off, don’t be surprised if these DPS grads start making waves this season. 👏
👀 You might even want to sneak them onto your fantasy team… just sayin’. 😉
#DPSDidYouKnow #NFL #DurhamProud #WeAreDPS
☀️🌍 Solar Festival Shined Bright! 🌟🚌 #ICYMI
What an incredible day at the Solar Festival hosted by the N.C. Climate Justice Collective at Lyons Farm Elementary on July 12! Families came out to explore the power of solar energy — and the magic of learning — through hands-on activities, educational booths, and interactive performances. 🔆Highlights included the solar car races, solar oven bake off, and more. Huge thanks to our partners at the N.C. Climate Justice Collective and all the DPS staff who made the day such a bright success!
Let’s keep the energy going as we get ready for the new school year. ☀️📚
#WeAreDPS #SolarFestival #CommunityStrong
What an incredible day at the Solar Festival hosted by the N.C. Climate Justice Collective at Lyons Farm Elementary on July 12! Families came out to explore the power of solar energy — and the magic of learning — through hands-on activities, educational booths, and interactive performances. 🔆Highlights included the solar car races, solar oven bake off, and more. Huge thanks to our partners at the N.C. Climate Justice Collective and all the DPS staff who made the day such a bright success!
Let’s keep the energy going as we get ready for the new school year. ☀️📚
#WeAreDPS #SolarFestival #CommunityStrong
Laura Parrott, Director of Advanced Academics for DPS, recently presented at the global AP Advanced Placement/AP Annual Conference in Boston, where she led a session entitled, Targeting the AP Success Trajectory: How Intentional AP Teacher Development Changed Student Learning, based on the work done to increase participation and performance in AP courses. She also served as one of three panelists on the College Board’s BigFuture Session on leveraging BigFuture tools. Congratulations and thank you for your excellent representation Ms. Parrott!
🎒 Fill That Bus! Fuel the Year – Starts Today! 🚍
Durham, let’s kick off the school year right! The annual “Fill That Bus! Fuel the Year” school supply drive begins today, running through August 8. Our good friends at the DPS Foundation will be leading the effort in restocking the shelves at Crayons2Calculators so every DPS teacher has the tools needed—completely free—for student success 📝📚
What’s happening:
Community-wide efforts to gather essential supplies—pencils, notebooks, art tools, rulers, folders, tissue, and more.
Drop-off bins are set up around the city (libraries, churches, businesses) and at Crayons2Calculators warehouse, 808 Bacon St., open Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11 am–3 pm.
Prefer to support digitally? Financial donations help purchase high-need items efficiently.
Why it matters:
Last year, Crayons2Calculators distributed over $129,000 in supplies, supporting 96% of DPS teachers at 59 schools—and many teachers still spend hundreds out-of-pocket.
👉 How YOU can help:
Donate supplies: drop off at Crayons2Calculators or community bins.
Give online: support via financial contributions.
Share & volunteer: host your own drive or help pack supplies.
Let’s come together and ensure no teacher—or student—goes without this school year. 🔗 Visit www.fillthebus.org for more details and a full list of needed items.
#FillThatBus #DPSStrong #FuelTheYear #Crayons2Calculators
Scholar. Athlete. Falcon. 🦅📚
Jordan High’s own Noah Clark is officially committed to play football at the University of South Carolina! 🏈
📈 4⭐ Recruit
🏅 #8 in NC | #21 defensive lineman | #126 in the nation (Class of 2026, 247Sports Rankings)
📊 75 tackles | 18.5 tackles for a loss | 4 sacks
⚡ Team captain | All-State First Team
🎥 Signing streamed LIVE via @on3recruits (https://www.youtube.com/live/rEVhLGhACDg)
Noah’s drive, dominance, and discipline built his legacy at Jordan. Now he’s taking that fire to the SEC. 🔥
Proud of you, Noah. The best is just getting started. #WeAreDPS #DPSProud
Jordan High’s own Noah Clark is officially committed to play football at the University of South Carolina! 🏈
📈 4⭐ Recruit
🏅 #8 in NC | #21 defensive lineman | #126 in the nation (Class of 2026, 247Sports Rankings)
📊 75 tackles | 18.5 tackles for a loss | 4 sacks
⚡ Team captain | All-State First Team
🎥 Signing streamed LIVE via @on3recruits (https://www.youtube.com/live/rEVhLGhACDg)
Noah’s drive, dominance, and discipline built his legacy at Jordan. Now he’s taking that fire to the SEC. 🔥
Proud of you, Noah. The best is just getting started. #WeAreDPS #DPSProud
🚀 Big Congratulations to Rustina Sharpe! 🌟
We're thrilled to celebrate Rustina Sharpe, STEM Teacher and Science Specialist at Eno Valley Elementary, for being selected as one of just 15 educators statewide to join Crew 5 of the North Carolina Space Education Ambassadors (NCSEA) program! 👩🏾🏫🌌
Through this prestigious program, Ms. Sharpe will connect classrooms and communities with NASA resources and hands-on space science learning. Her leadership will help inspire the next generation of scientists, explorers, and innovators—right here in Durham Public Schools! 🌍✨
Learn more about the NCSEA program and Crew 5 here:
🔗 ncspacegrant.ncsu.edu
#DPSProud #STEMeducation #NASAinClassrooms #WeAreDPS
