Good evening Githens families,
I hope you had the best holiday break. Please review this email in its entirety for our weekly updates at Githens.
Calendar
December 9 - PTA Meeting via Zoom
December 10 - Early Release
December 11 - December 15 - Benchmark Testing
December 15 - SIT Meeting
December 22nd - January 2nd - Winter Break
Raider Store
The Githens Raider store is currently stocked. We appreciate all donations as this helps support our mission and vision of students modeling The Raider Way.
Middle of Year Benchmark
We will begin our Middle of the Year benchmark testing from Dec. 11th - Dec. 15th with make-up testing occurring from Dec. 16th - Dec. 19th. If you have any questions regarding testing, please contact your grade level administrator.
Device Updates
Exciting News – New Chromebooks Coming!
We are thrilled to share some exciting news: GMS will be receiving brand-new student Chromebooks, as well as protective cases and charger exchanges! These devices will be exchanged at the end of the first week of December. IT will be coordinating with grade levels days to arrange collection and distribution plans. Please make sure each student brings all the items to school on their day to receive this upgrade. They will only receive an exchange for the items brought in.
Here are a few important details:
Students who already have the newer light grey Chromebooks will receive a protective case instead of a new computer, as those devices are still under warranty.
New Chromebooks and chargers will only be issued if a student turns in their old Chromebook and/or charger.
Every student will receive a case to help keep their device safe.
As we roll out these new devices, we want to emphasize the importance of good Chromebook care habits:
Always carry the Chromebook in a backpack or case when moving between classes.
Avoid eating or drinking near the device.
Close the Chromebook carefully and store it properly when not in use.
No stickers, decorations, or writing on the Chromebook.
Please note: The DPS Chromebook Policy remains in effect. Students are allowed one accident per school year that DPS will repair. If a student has a second accident, they will become a day user and will no longer be permitted to take their device home.
We are excited about this upgrade and appreciate your support in helping students take care of their new technology. Together, we can ensure these devices remain reliable learning tools for all.
Community
As we prepare to return to school after this Thanksgiving/holiday week off, I want to take a moment to reassure you that your child’s safety and well-being are our highest priorities. Our staff follow clear safety procedures for visitors, building access, and emergencies, and we work very hard to make our school a calm, caring, and predictable place for students every day. We know that events in our community and in the news can sometimes create worry or stress for children and families. Please know that at school, your child will find trusted adults, supportive routines, and a focus on learning. If your child is feeling anxious or upset, let us know so that a teacher, counselor, or administrator can check in and provide extra support. I also want to emphasize that we value open communication with you. If you have questions or concerns about safety, or about how your child is doing, please reach out to us by calling the main office or emailing your child’s teacher or counselor. We are here to listen and to partner with you. Finally, while we believe that regular attendance helps students feel connected and supported, we understand there may be times when, because of family circumstances or concerns, you feel it is best for your child to stay home. If that happens, please call the school to let us know the reason for the absence. We will work with you, in line with district guidelines, to determine whether the absence can be excused and to help your child stay on track with their learning.
Transportation (Carpool and Buses)
Carpool: 6th grade car riders are dismissed at 3:20pm followed by 7th grade car riders being dismissed at 3:30pm. 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: 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
Athletics
Our winter sports season officially begins this week. Our Wrestling team will take on the Vikings of Lowes Grove at home on Wednesday, Dec. 3rd. Our Boys and Girls Basketball teams will take on the Rams of Rogers-Herr at Rogers-Herr on Thursday, Dec. 4th.
Please see review the Guidelines for DPS Sporting Events Attendance
1. Clear One Bag Limit: Guests (spectators and students) will be limited to one bag that is clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and less than 12" x 12"x 6” exceptions will be made for medical and baby needs. Guests must adhere to the Department of Athletics' clear bag policy.
2. No Reentry: Spectators that voluntarily leave an athletic contest may not be allowed reentry into that contest.
3. Elementary & Middle School Students: All elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when attending athletic competitions.
Tickets for Sporting Events can be purchased at GoFan. https://gofan.co/app/school/NC13663
If you have any questions regarding athletics, please contact Mrs. Shlisa Stackhouse at shlisa_stackhouse@dpsnc.net or Mr. James Carter at james_carter@dpsnc.net
Community Events:
*GMS Marching Band will participate in the Creedmoor Christmas Parade on Dec 6th and the Durham Christmas Parade on Dec 13th. We will share more information about each parade closer to the event date.
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
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’m so excited to welcome you back tomorrow! See you in the morning.