

Register Now: https://bit.ly/DPS_SOTD

We are excited to share some wonderful news with our Durham Early College of Health Sciences community! Thanks to the hard work of our students, families, teachers, and staff, DECHS met its academic growth goal and has been recognized as a “B” School for the 2025–2026 school year by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
This is an accomplishment that we are proud to celebrate together!
During the 2025–2026 school year, our DECHS community achieved some incredible results:
🎓 DECHS was one of only three high schools in Durham Public Schools to achieve a 100% cohort graduation rate.
📈 NC Math 3 proficiency increased from 85.3% to 100%.
💙 Short-term suspensions decreased, while our use of restorative practices increased.
🏫 Overall student attendance was 95.2%, one of the highest attendance rates in Durham Public Schools.
📚 Most importantly, DECHS met its academic growth goal.
These numbers are more than statistics. They represent our students. They represent the hard work, perseverance, growth, and determination of the young people who come to DECHS every day ready to learn and prepare for their futures.
Understanding Our Recognition
Some people may look at the results and simply say, DECHS went from an A school to a B school. While that is technically true, there is much more to the story.
The way North Carolina measures school performance has changed significantly for DECHS. Under the previous Middle College model (grade 11-12), the school was evaluated using measures such as NC Math 3, ACT, ACT WorkKeys, Math Course Rigor, and Cohort Graduation Rate. As a growing early college now (9-12), DECHS is now evaluated using a broader collection of measures, including NC Math 1, English II, Biology, and English Learner Progress, along with the previously mentioned indicators.
That means our students are now being evaluated across a broader range of academic areas. And even with these changes, DECHS met academic growth. That is something our entire community should celebrate!
At DECHS, we believe every student can learn, grow, and achieve. We also believe that every student deserves the support and opportunities necessary to reach their goals.
⭐ We Are Proud of Our Mavericks!
Today, we encourage our students and families to pause and celebrate this accomplishment.
Celebrate our growth.
Celebrate our 100% cohort graduation rate.
Celebrate 100% NC Math 3 proficiency.
Celebrate our 95.2% attendance rate.
Celebrate the growth of our students.
Celebrate the dedication of our teachers and staff.
And most importantly, celebrate what we are building together at Durham Early College of Health Sciences.
Thank you to our students for your hard work, to our families for your partnership, and to our teachers and staff for your unwavering commitment to our Mavericks. We have much to be proud of—and even more to look forward to!
With appreciation and Maverick pride,

Last Friday, our DECHS students literally put their hands on DECHS! 🎨💙
Students used washable paint to leave their handprints on a collaborative mural that will be proudly displayed inside our school throughout the year. Each handprint represents a student’s unique contribution to our school community—and together, they remind us that every hand, every voice, and every student matters.
This year, we are truly putting “All Hands on DECHS” into action! 🖐🏽✨
#AllHandsOnDECHS #DECHS #Mavericks #SchoolSpirit #OurMural #TogetherWeAreDECHS










and enhance the educational experience. Students are expected to use these devices responsibly and in alignment with the
DPS Technology and Responsible Use Policy


This week, we proudly celebrate the incredible educators who make a lasting impact on our students every single day!
👏 Shoutout to:
Ms. Enayet
Ms. Habte
Ms. McMullen
Ms. Tugman
Mr. Virgil
Ms. Werner
Ms. Williams
Your dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence does not go unnoticed. You all inspire, uplift, and empower the next generation of healthcare leaders right here in Durham. 💙
Thank you for going above and beyond for our students and school community. We appreciate you today and every day!
#TeacherAppreciationWeek #DECHS #DurhamEducators #ThankATeacher #BuildingBrighterFutures

Join us for an exciting and informative evening at our DECHS Financial Outlook Workshop!
📅 Date: May 12
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Durham Early College of Health Sciences
We are proud to welcome Dr. Chelita Love from Duke Health Talent Development as our guest speaker! She will share valuable insights on:
💼 Career pathways connected to DECHS
💰 Salary expectations
📈 Financial and professional growth opportunities
This workshop is designed to help families better understand the long-term value of the DECHS experience and the opportunities available to our students.
👉 Be sure to RSVP using the link shared with you! https://forms.gle/iy9SH1oxjzXyexiw5
We look forward to seeing all of our current and incoming DECHS families there!
#DECHS #FutureReady #HealthSciences #FamilyEngagement

What an incredible evening celebrating the future of healthcare leaders! On Monday, April 20, 2026, Durham Early College of Health Sciences proudly welcomed our newest class of scholars during our annual Signing Day at the Trent Semans Great Hall at Duke University.
From inspiring remarks by district and community leaders to powerful moments as each student crossed the stage to officially sign their acceptance, the night was filled with pride, excitement, and possibility.
We are grateful for the continued partnership and support from Duke Health, Durham Tech, and Durham Public Schools, helping make this opportunity possible for our students.
To our incoming students: your journey starts now. We are excited to watch you grow, lead, and make an impact in the world of health sciences. 💙
#DECHS #SigningDay2026 #FutureHealthcareLeaders #DurhamPublicSchools #DukeHealth #DurhamTech




Tickets are on sale until May 1st ($60)
Pay here: https://osp.osmsinc.com/p/BG096-75
Prom Guest Application Due Monday, April 27th by 4 PM

🩸 Make a Difference. Save a Life. 🩸
The National Honor Society of Durham Early College of Health Sciences invites you to be a hero in our community! ❤️
📅 Date: April 1st
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Durham Early College of Health Sciences
Join us for our Red Cross Blood Drive and help provide life-saving support to those in need. Every donation counts and could save up to three lives!
💪 Whether you're a first-time donor or a regular, your contribution matters. Bring a friend, spread the word, and be part of something bigger. The minimum age to donate is 16, although 16 and 17 year olds will need to bring a signed parental consent form to their donation appointment.
📝 Sign up today at redcrossblood.org using the code DURHAMEC in the Zip/Sponsor Code box. Help us reach our goal!

The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Northern High School, located at 4622 N. Roxboro Road in Durham. Candidates are encouraged to register in advance at bit.ly/DPSJobFair2026 and must complete the registration form by March 6, 2026.
As with previous DPS job fairs, the March event is expected to draw a wide range of applicants interested in teaching, student support, operations, and other essential roles. Past fairs have provided on-site interviews, one-on-one conversations with hiring teams, and information about licensure, benefits, and professional development opportunities within the district.
Durham Public Schools defines itself as a catalyst for preparing students to succeed in a global economy, with a strong dedication to partnership, innovation, and equity. District leaders say attracting talented, committed staff is critical to fulfilling DPS’s promise of providing an excellent school for every student.
The DPS Job Fair is open to both experienced professionals and those new to education who are interested in supporting the success of Durham’s students. Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes and be equipped to discuss their strengths and credentials.
For more information or to register, visit bit.ly/DPSJobFair2026.

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
