Good evening Githens families,
We had an amazing first week of school! Scholars have truly set the bar for the year and I am looking forward to it only getting better. Please review this email in its entirety for our weekly update at Githens.
Calendar
There is no school for scholars, tomorrow, Monday Sept. 1st in observance of the Labor Day Holiday.
Transportation (Carpool and Buses)
Carpool: Parents who use carpool, we kindly ask that you do not park in the staff parking lot during morning drop-off. Doing so limits available parking for our staff and creates unnecessary traffic in that area. Thank you for helping us keep drop-off safe and efficient for everyone.
As a reminder, afternoon dismissal for carpool scholars is staggered in order to reduce the amount of traffic on Old Chapel Hill Road and to keep the safety of our scholars a priority.
6th grade students will be dismissed at approximately 3:20pm to the front of the building
7th grade students will be dismissed at approximately 3:30pm to the front of the building
8th grade students will be dismissed at approximately 3:40pm to the bus parking lot located off Southwest Durham Road
No students will be dismissed between 3:00pm - 3:20pm and ALL carpool scholars must be picked up no later than 4:15pm daily.
Buses: I want to take a moment to provide clarification about our afternoon bus transportation. Approximately five of our buses run what are referred to as double loads. This means the driver makes an initial trip with one group of scholars, then returns shortly after to pick up a second group of students and complete the route. From time to time, there may also be unanticipated delays, as we operate on a tiered system and share buses with both elementary and high schools. To help you stay informed, we encourage you to use the Edulog app to track your scholar’s bus and receive real-time updates about delays or changes. Transportation information and guidelines can be found HERE. If you have any questions regarding buses, please contact Mr. Carter, james_carter@dpsnc.net. Thank you for your patience and support as we work to ensure safe and efficient transportation for all students
Technology Updates
Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, Durham Public Schools will implement an Annual 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 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.
💻 Grades K–5: $15 | Grades 6–12: $30
🔗 Pay now at: http://bit.ly/4m4jtgS
Athletics
Football Parents:
We will hold our Football parent meeting on Tuesday, 9/2/25 at 4:45 pm in the Media Center to review the 2025/2026 handbook, team expectations, and protocols for the season. This meeting will cover key information and give you a chance to ask questions. Looking forward to seeing you there.
Boys Soccer, Cross Country, Volleyball, Girls Tennis, and Cheerleading Parents:
We will hold our Boys Soccer, Cross Country, Volleyball, Girls Tennis, and Cheerleading parents meeting on Thursday, 9/4/25 at 4:45 pm in the Media Center to review the 2025/2026 handbook, team expectations, and protocols for the season. This meeting will cover key information and give you a chance to ask questions. Looking forward to seeing you there. If you have any questions, contact Mr. Carter, james_carter@dpsnc.net or Mr. Goble, gregory_goble@dpsnc.net.
Infinite Campus & Rooms Information
Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, Durham Public Schools is transitioning to a new student information system, NCSIS powered by Infinite Campus . This system will replace PowerSchool as your one-stop-shop for grades, attendance, and other important school information. Watch this video to preview the new system. You can stay connected via the Campus Parent app, which can be downloaded through the links below or by visiting the App Store or Google Play on your smartphone.
Download from the Google Play Store
This year, Durham Public Schools will launch a districtwide two-way messaging tool that will make communicating with families easier and more efficient. The new tool, called Rooms, is part of the same platform that runs the district website and app, which will integrate and streamline the process for teachers and district leaders to communicate with families. From now on, communication from our schools will all exist in one place: The DPS district app. Parents and guardians can also receive messages from their teachers via text and email or can check notifications via a web browser.
Download from the Google Play Store
DPS 5K
You’re invited to join us for the Bright Futures 5K and 1-Mile Run/Walk on Sunday, October 12 at 8:00 a.m. at the Miracle League of the Triangle’s Durham field. This is a fun, block-party-style event supporting our Southwest region schools, with part of your registration going back to the school you choose. From August 18 through September 7, you can get 50% off your registration by using code DPS50 at checkout.
Register today and show your school spirit! You can find the link on the Durham Public Schools website or in your school’s newsletter. This is a rain-or-shine event with no make-up date, so register early and join the fun! Register Here!
Our goal at Githens is to keep a strong connection between home and school. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.
For 6th grade inquires - Mr. Carter
For 7th grade inquires - Mr. Goble
For 8th grade inquires - Mrs. Major
Raiders, I will see you bright and early on Tuesday! Have a great evening!