Please join us in congratulating **Laurin Werner**, the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year at Durham Early College of Health Sciences!
In her first year at DECHS, Ms. Werner has already made an extraordinary impact on our school community. Her dedication to inclusive education, student empowerment, and academic excellence has quickly distinguished her as a leader among our faculty. In addition to teaching English, she proudly serves as the advisor of the Freshman Student Council, mentoring our newest students and helping them grow as leaders from day one.
Ms. Werner brings more than a decade of diverse teaching and leadership experience both in the United States and internationally. She most recently taught at Mills Park Middle School, where she was recognized as a standout educator. Her collaborative teaching style included co-teaching with ESL and AIG colleagues, active curriculum planning, and co-advising the Gender and Sexuality Alliance and the school’s literary magazine, Leopard Print. She also served on the Equity and Intervention Teams and earned nominations for Teacher of the Year and the Cary Honor a Teacher award.
Previously, she taught at Brogden Middle School here in Durham Public Schools, where she was selected for the 2022 Teachers Advancing Potential (TAP) cohort, recognizing leadership and innovation in teaching. Internationally, she served as a high school English teacher, founding the AP English program and advising multiple student-led initiatives.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Werner to our community,” said Principal Joshua Brown. “Her broad teaching experience, commitment to equity, and passion for student voice make her a perfect fit for our mission to prepare students for health sciences and beyond.”
Congratulations, Ms. Werner! In just one year, you have already left a lasting mark on DECHS, and we are proud to celebrate you as our Teacher of the Year! 🌟👏 #TeacherOfTheYear #DECHS #ExcellenceInEducation
Join us on March 7, 2026 at Southern School of Energy and Sustainability (800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC) for a full day of ideas, creativity, and community focused on building a more sustainable future.
This isn’t just a summit. It’s a chance to see sustainability in action.
You’ll experience:
• Student projects that bring real-world solutions to life
• Practical tips you can use at home right away
• Community partners sharing the work happening across Durham
• Food trucks, arts and crafts, and fun activities for all ages
• An inside look at sustainability efforts across Durham Public Schools and our local community
🎟 Your FREE ticket includes a $5 food voucher to use at the food trucks during community time.
Bring your family. Invite a friend. Come curious. Leave inspired.
Register now and secure your food voucher:
👉 https://bit.ly/Sustain2026
Marca tu calendario para el DPS Sustainability Summit 2026 🌎
Acompáñanos el 7 de marzo de 2026 en la Southern School of Energy and Sustainability (800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC) para un día lleno de ideas, creatividad y comunidad, enfocado en construir un futuro más sostenible.
Esto no es solo una cumbre. Es una oportunidad para ver la sostenibilidad en acción.
Podrás disfrutar de:
• Proyectos estudiantiles que muestran soluciones reales
• Consejos prácticos que puedes aplicar en tu vida diaria
• Organizaciones comunitarias compartiendo su trabajo en Durham
• Camiones de comida, arte, manualidades y actividades divertidas para todas las edades
• Una mirada interna a los esfuerzos de sostenibilidad en las Escuelas Públicas de Durham y en nuestra comunidad
🎟 Tu entrada es GRATIS e incluye un cupón de $5 para usar en los camiones de comida durante el tiempo comunitario.
Trae a tu familia. Invita a un amigo. Ven con curiosidad. Sal inspirado.
Regístrate ahora y asegura tu cupón de comida:
👉 https://bit.ly/Sustain2026
DECHS will host another Senior Parent Night on February 11th at 6 pm. The event will be held in the cafeteria of the high school building which is located at:
41 Moore Dr
Durham, NC 27703
We hope to see you there!
Durham Early College of Health Sciences (DECHS) was recognized with the Community Impact Award at the 2nd Annual MaryAnn Black Distinguished Health Equity Symposium, held on February 5, 2026, at the Durham Convention Center.
The award honors organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing health equity and building meaningful partnerships within the community. DECHS was selected for its significant and lasting impact on the greater Durham County community, particularly through its focus on preparing students for careers in health sciences while addressing broader community needs.
During the symposium, DECHS Principal Joshua Brown presented to award judges, highlighting the school’s mission, innovative academic model, and community-centered approach. His presentation emphasized how DECHS fosters early exposure to health careers and supports student success while contributing to local efforts to reduce health disparities.
The MaryAnn Black Distinguished Health Equity Symposium honors the legacy of the late MaryAnn Black, former State Representative and Associate Vice President for Community Relations at Duke University Health System. Black was widely known for her visionary leadership, commitment to collaboration, and dedication to building strong, lasting partnerships across sectors. The symposium reflects Duke’s ongoing commitment to working alongside communities to understand and address the root causes of health disparities.
This year’s event took place from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. and featured a keynote address by Mel Mann, a research poster session, and dinner. The gathering brought together community leaders, educators, researchers, and advocates in the spirit of shared learning, partnership, and celebration.
The recognition of DECHS underscores the school’s growing role as a leader in health education and community engagement in Durham County.
Apply today. Link in Bio.
Want to learn more? Attend an Open House on January 14 at 11:30am or 6pm.
Register via the Link in Bio
Applications are now live for the Durham Early College of Health Sciences. Earn college credit, gain real-world experience, and fast-track an in-demand career in health care— while still in high school. Application open January 5-30 to all current DPS 8th graders. Students must have two letters of recommendation to apply.
Apply today. Link in Bio.
https://osp.osmsinc.com/DurhamNC/BVModules/ProductTemplates/Bvc2013/Product.aspx?productid=BG096-70
DECHS Spirit Store📣 DECHS Spirit Store 🩺🐾
Get ready, Mavericks! Our Durham Early College of Health Sciences Spirit Store is opening soon — and it will only be open until 12/23!
🔥 This is your first chance ever to grab official DECHS gear, including customizable items so you can show off your school pride your way.
From hoodies, jackets, tees to accessories, you won’t want to miss out on this limited-time launch of our brand-new DECHS sports gear.
https://stores.inksoft.com/WS130070
Stay tuned for the link and get ready to represent DECHS in style! 💙🤍
#DECHS #SchoolSpirit #EarlyCollegePride #GoMavs
Get ready, Mavericks! Our Durham Early College of Health Sciences Spirit Store is opening soon — and it will only be open for 21 days!
🔥 This is your first chance ever to grab official DECHS gear, including customizable items so you can show off your school pride your way.
From hoodies, jackets, tees to accessories, you won’t want to miss out on this limited-time launch of our brand-new DECHS sports gear.
Stay tuned for the link and get ready to represent DECHS in style! 💙🤍
#DECHS #SchoolSpirit #EarlyCollegePride #GoMavs
🎄 **You’re Invited to DECHS the Halls!** 🎄
Durham Early College of Health Sciences students and families—join us for a warm and festive evening as we celebrate the season together!
📅 **Date:** December 10th
⏰ **Time:** 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 **Location:** Durham Early College of Health Sciences
✨ **Bring an Ornament!**
Students are encouraged to bring an ornament that represents *you*, your culture, or something meaningful to your family. These ornaments will be placed on our DECHS Holiday Tree, showcasing the diversity and spirit of our community.
☕ **Treats & Good Cheer**
Enjoy **hot chocolate, pastries, and cookies** as you mingle, decorate, and help us make the school glow with holiday joy.
Come celebrate, connect, and help us “DECHS the Halls” in the most festive way! We can’t wait to see you there! 🎁❄️
Community and Family Immigration Concerns
Students had the unique opportunity to spend time with esteemed judges and officials, gaining firsthand insight into the justice system:
Judge Mitchell (District Court Judge - Family & Criminal Law)
Judge Rhinehart (Superior Court - Higher Level, Felonies, etc.)
Thank you to the judges for sharing their time and knowledge with the next generation of engaged citizens!
#CivicEngagement #Education #DurhamECHS #CommunityLearning
"Veterans Day Recognition
On behalf of the Durham Early College of Health Sciences administration and staff, we honor and recognize the courageous men and women who have served, are currently serving, or stand ready to serve our country in the United States Armed Forces and Reserves. We express our deepest gratitude for your dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting our nation.
We also extend heartfelt appreciation to the families of our veterans and service members- particularly the parents, guardians, and relatives of our DECHS students. Your support, strength, and resilience make continued service possible, and we honor your sacrifice as well.
Today and every day, we stand in respect and gratitude for all who have answered the call to serve. Your courage protects our freedoms and shapes a better future for us all."
Oct. 19th
