Greetings, Viking Family.
In preparation for 6th grade orientation tomorrow morning, Open House tomorrow afternoon, and to ensure a smooth opening of school, I want to share a few reminders:
August 21st Open House and 6th Grade Student Orientation
We
hope that all rising 6th Graders can join tomorrow morning for the Summer Bridge Session from 9AM-11AM. This is a great opportunity for students to learn about Lowe's Grove Middle School and 6th grade routines. Please register in advance using the link available
on our website: https://tinyurl.com/LGMSBridge25
6th
Grade Open House
will take place tomorrow, Aug. 21st, from 2:00-4:00pm, This float in/float out session is for students & families who are not able to participate in the morning orientation.
7th
& 8th Grade Open House
will take place tomorrow, Aug. 21st, from 4:00-6:00pm (float-in/float-out session).
Families will meet teachers and staff and receive transportation information. Also, a representative from the Durham Public Schools' IT Department will be available to answer any questions about technology and fees. We hope you can join us on Thursday, August 21st for Open House.
NC Cell Phone Law
North Carolina has passed a new law restricting student cell phone use in public schools during instructional time. Specifically, House Bill 959 prohibits students from using, displaying, or having a cell phone (and other smart devices) turned on while class is in session.
We kindly ask all parents and guardians to have a conversation with their child about the importance of following this law and keeping cell phones put away during class.
We will review the new law and discuss expectations and potential consequences with students during their Viking Chat sessions during the 1st week of school. Thank you for your support as we work together to create a focused and distraction-free learning environment.
DPS Annual Technology Fee
This school year, DPS has established a technology fee to help maintain, repair, and replace student devices, as well as support the digital resources that enhance teaching and learning. This fee ensures that students have access to reliable technology for instruction, assessments, and collaboration both in and out of the classroom. The Technology Fee for students in grades 6-12 is $30. This fee is due at the start of the school year and can be paid online or through your child’s school. Families experiencing financial hardship may qualify for a waiver or reduction. Please see our school or the district website for more information.
Grades 6–12: $30
Pay now at: http://bit.ly/4m4jtgS
Click here for more information: https://www.dpsnc.net/page/technology-fee
Protecting Our Schools Parent Notification
I want to share additional details about the Protecting Our Students Act message you received from our central office last Friday. August 15. As part of the requirement for implementation, middle and high school students will view the Protecting Our Students Act video(s) in all DPS middle and high schools Wednesday, August 27, Thursday, August 28 and/or Friday, August 29.
Parents/guardians may choose to opt their students out no later than Monday, August 25th by calling their school or schools. Opted out students will be provided with an alternate location and activity during the viewing.
If you would like your child to view the video, no further action is needed. However, if you notice that your child has been impacted in any way by the content, please do not hesitate to contact the school. We have counselors available on campus to support any student who may need additional assistance as a result of the topics discussed.
If you have questions or need additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the main office at 919-560-3946.
Your Partner in Education,
Dr. Judd
