Greetings, Viking Family,
We are excited about the first day of school, Monday, August 25, 2025! We’re thrilled to welcome back our returning students and families, and we extend a warm Lowe’s Grove welcome to the newest members of the Viking family.
This school year promises to be phenomenal as we focus on student engagement and learning. We believe that a strong partnership between school and home is essential to each child's success, and we’re committed to working alongside you to make this year unforgettable.
Here are a few important reminders for the first day of school:
NC Cell Phone Law.
A new North Carolina law (House Bill 959) prohibits students from using, displaying, or having a cell phone turned on during instructional time. Please talk with your child about the importance of following this law and keeping phones put away during class. We will also review expectations and consequences with students during Viking Chats next week. Students will be able to keep possessions in their lockers once assigned within the next few weeks.
Thank you for helping us maintain a focused, distraction-free learning environment.
Morning Arrival and Carpool.
• Students may enter the building starting at 8:05 AM.
• Please do not line up for drop-off before 7:45 AM to allow staff to park safely.
• Do not drop off students before 8:05 AM—supervision is not available.
• Carpool and bus riders will pick up breakfast in the Cafeteria, then report to their Core 1 classroom.
• All students should be on campus by 8:15 AM (no later than 8:20AM).
• Car riders must be dropped off at the front of the building. Parents/guardians will not be permitted to walk students inside.
For safety, do not drop off or pick up students in the church parking lot or let students out on the street. Use the designated carpool lane only. Staff will be stationed in the carpool lane, lobby, and hallways to support students as they arrive.
Other Reminders.
• Outside food deliveries are not allowed.
• School temperatures may vary—please have your child wear layers or bring a jacket daily.
Chromebook Distribution and DPS Annual Technology Fee.
Chromebooks will be distributed within the first 2–3 weeks of school. Until then, students will use devices during the school day. Durham Public Schools (DPS) requires a $30 annual Technology Fee for grades 6–12 to support device maintenance and digital learning tools. Please access our school or the DPS website for more information.
• Pay now at: http://bit.ly/4m4jtgS
• Click here for more information https://www.dpsnc.net/page/technology-fee
Back-to-School Essentials.
Your 2025-2026 Back-to-School Essentials are just a click away. Visit the DPS website for vital updates on:
-Transportation
-Our new student information system – Infinite Campus
-The new communication platform- Rooms
-Details on the DPS technology fee and student device agreement
-And much more!
Effective Communication.
We value strong communication with families. If you have a concern or question, please contact your child’s teacher first--they are the best resource for classroom-related matters. If additional support is needed, reach out to your child’s grade-level administrator:
6th Grade Admin Support: Terence Hamer terence_hamer@dpsnc.net
7th Grade Admin Support: Jessica Faison-Johnson jessica_faison-johns@dpsnc.net
8th Grade Admin Support: Christopher Howell christopher_howell@dpsnc.net
Problem solving early and often are among our top priorities. If you need help navigating this process, please do not hesitate to contact the main office at any time by dialing 919-560-3946.
Afternoon Carpool Safety Procedures.
• Carpool may take longer the first few weeks—thank you for your patience! Here’s how you can help:
• -Do not arrive before 3:00 PM. The line will begin forming at 3:20 PM.
• -Stay in your vehicle—do not walk up to the building. Students will be released at 3:20pm.
• -Inform anyone else picking up your child (e.g., a relative) of these procedures.
• -Be calm, kind, and patient. We work diligently to ensure students locate the vehicles swiftly.
If you choose not to use the bus service for any reason, patience is key for carpool success.
All Fall Sports Tryouts.
• Volleyball, Boys Soccer, Cross Country, Cheerleading & Football will take place August 25 - August 27th from 3:30- 5:30 PM.
• Students must have a current physical on file & Dragonfly Account with the respective sport.
• If you have questions, please contact Athletic Director - Coach Isaiah Jones (isaiah_jones@dpsnc.net).
Parents, please feel free to contact our school anytime-- (919) 560-3946. Together, we will ensure Lowe’s Grove is an extraordinary place to learn, work and grow! We look forward to seeing all of our students tomorrow morning at 8:05 AM.
Your Partner in Education,
Dr. Judd