Good evening Githens families,
Please review this email in its entirety for our weekly updates at Githens.
Calendar
Mar. 16th - No School Due to Potential Inclement Weather/No remote learning
Mar. 20th - Last Day for Make-Up Work
Mar. 26th - Multicultural Night 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Mar. 27th - End of Quarter
Mar. 30th - Apr. 6th - Spring Break (Return to School on Apr. 7th)
School Closure
Tomorrow, Monday March 16th, School will be closed to students due to the forecast of severe weather, including strong winds, heavy thunderstorms, and the possibility of tornadoes. There will be no Remote Learning for students. All after school events are cancelled.
PTA Updates
2025–26 Yearbooks!
The PTA wants to ensure we capture as many memories as possible from this year and include them in the yearbook. So each day this week we'll highlight a category where we could use your photo submissions. To upload your photos, just click this link! And don't forget to purchase a yearbook for your 6th or 7th grader here for $25! Deadline to order and submit photos is March 20th.
PURCHASE INFO: The PTA is excited to provide all 8th graders FREE yearbooks this year! 6th and 7th graders can purchase yearbooks at $25 each using this [link]. DEADLINE to order yearbooks and submit photos is MARCH 20.
Saturday Academy
Saturday Academy is available for Githens Middle School students who did not score a 3, 4, or 5 on the 2025–2026 Middle of Year (MOY) Assessment (Math 6, 7, and 8). This program is designed to strengthen essential math skills and prepare students for end-of-year success. In addition, families are invited to participate in brief parent sessions each Saturday from April 11-May 16th to learn about the math concepts being taught, ask questions, and receive resources to support learning at home. We look forward to partnering with you to support your child’s academic growth and confidence in mathematics.
Multicultural Night
Githens will host its annual Multicultural Night on Thursday, March 26th from 5:30pm - 7:30pm. Please come out and join us as we celebrate the different cultures that make up our Githens Community. Can’t wait to see you there!
Githens Book Fair
Our School Book Fair will be held from Monday, April 13 thru Thursday, April 16. The Book Fair committee is seeking volunteers to support with the week. Below are two links: the volunteer sign-up and our school fair website where parents can set up e-wallets for their students and shop online.
Volunteer Sign Up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C49AEA62CAAF85-62713338-scholastic
Githens Book Fair Website:
https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/sherwoodgithensmiddleschool1
Immunizations Update (All Students)
As news is shared regarding measles outbreaks throughout North Carolina and the country, please know that there is no confirmed case in Durham Public Schools, and that we are continuously working with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Durham County Department of Public Health to remain proactive.
If we do not have a record of your student’s measles vaccination or documented exemption, please submit it to the school as soon as possible. If your child has not received the measles vaccination, please contact your health provider as soon as possible. The Durham County Department of Public Health can also provide vaccinations. They may be reached at (919) 560-7645. Should you have any questions about this respiratory virus, please consult your physician or the district’s Lead Nurse Regina Blackmon at regina_blackmon@dpsnc.net.
Raider Store
The Githens Raider store is in need of donations. Please visit our Amazon Wishlist to donate today. We appreciate all of your support!
Student Expectations
Parents, as we approach the spring season, we ask for your continued support in helping us maintain a safe and orderly learning environment. This time of year, we traditionally see an increase in student behavior incidents. We will continue to remind students of our school expectations and hold them accountable for their actions. We kindly ask that you help reinforce these expectations at home as well. Your partnership is essential in ensuring a positive and productive end to the school year. Thank you for your support.
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
All after-school programs, athletics, clubs, and district events scheduled for Monday are canceled. Thursday, March 19, our Baseball, Girls Soccer, and Softball will take on the Cougars of Carrington at Carrington.
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
BOOSTER CLUB: The Githens Athletics Booster Club supports all Raiders student-athletes by raising money to provide needed equipment for over 17 Githens Middle School sports teams. We also celebrate our athletes through sports awards and celebrations after each sports season. This year membership is FREE! If you haven’t already, submit this form to join today: https://forms.gle/qT9f7rbaJ7bwKRXV9
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
*None at this time
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