Good evening Githens families,
I hope you stayed warm over the cold weekend! Please review this email in its entirety for our weekly updates at Githens.
Calendar
December 8 - Progress Reports Available
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
School Closure
Due to expected inclement weather arriving tomorrow morning, Durham Public Schools will be closed for students and staff on Monday, December 8. This will not be a remote learning day for students.
Progress Reports
You will be able to view your scholars current grades and progress reports in Infinite Campus on Monday, Dec. 8th. If you have any questions regarding your scholar’s current grades and progress, please contact that teacher of record.
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 Underway
We have completed our first round of device exchanges. We will continue with this process on Tuesday. 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.
Student Climate Survey
The Student Climate Survey for 7th grade students will be administered between December 15 and January 16.
The survey WILL require parental opt-in prior to participation, which will be conducted on paper this year. Your scholar will be provided with the Opt-In form upon our return to school. Please complete this form if you wish to have your scholar participate. Your scholar can return their form to their homeroom teachers and/or Mr. Goble, 7th grade assistant principal.
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 will continue this week. Our Boys and Girls Basketball teams will take on the Gryphons of Creative Studies at The School of Creative Studies on Thursday, Dec. 11th. Tip-off is at 4:45pm
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:
*Our GMS Marching Band did a phenomenal job in the Creedmoor Christmas Parade this past Saturday. Well done Raiders. They will participate in the Durham Christmas Parade. The parade will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 10 a.m. in Downtown Durham - Main Street
It is a Free Event and is Rain or Shine. Come out and support our Raiders.
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 hope you are staying safe and warm during the inclement weather. I will see you bright and early on Tuesday!