Good evening Githens families,
Please review this email in its entirety for our weekly updates at Githens.
Calendar
April 27th - SIT Meeting
April 29th - Early Release Day
Benchmark Testing
Benchmark Testing continues this week on Monday and Tuesday. Students will operate on an alternate schedule for testing. Please ensure that your scholar has their DPS issued device for testing. Please also ensure that it is charged and that they have their issued charger with them. Scholars not having their device significantly impacts the testing process. Thank you for your support in this matter!
PTA Updates
PTA officers will be voted on at the next PTA meeting. We are seeking the following officers: PTA President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The next PTA meeting will be May 12th.
Saturday Academy
Thank you to all students who came out to Saturday Academy yesterday. Saturday Academy will continue this week. It 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.
Odyssey of The Minds
The Githens Odyssey of the Mind team placed first in the region and first in the state! We are excited that they will be representing our community at World Finals in Iowa May 27-30! Please consider donating to support their registration and travel costs for this exciting opportunity: https://tinyurl.com/GithensOM2026.
Wheels Fundraiser
Join the Githens community for a fun night of roller skating on May 8 from 6:00-8:30pm at Wheels Durham! This event supports the Githens Odyssey of the Mind team as they represent our community at World Finals in Iowa. Admission is $15 (includes skate rental). Be sure to tell them you’re there with Githens so a portion of the proceeds benefits the OM team. Come skate, have fun, and help send our team to Worlds!
Permission to Retest for EOGs
We have an exciting opportunity for our students this year. Beginning with the 2025–26 school year, students who did not score proficient on their End-of-year state test may take part in a second test administration. This retest gives students another chance to show what they know and demonstrate their growth! For students to participate in the retest, we need permission from a parent or legal guardian. You can opt in for your student by visiting the link HERE and on our school’s website, or by signing and returning the letter sent home with your child by May 22nd. If you need a paper copy, please email your scholar’s grade level administrator to request one.
Thank you for supporting your student’s success!
Band Booster Meeting
There will be a Band Booster Meeting held via Zoom on April 28 at 6:30 PM using this zoom link: https://dpsnc.zoom.us/j/96662069910?pwd=WaBizKYfGoxQAMY4Qy2EyyuZ5kjdlK.1
This meeting is an opportunity for parents and guardians to learn more about how they can support our band program and get involved in upcoming events and initiatives. Please let me know if you need any additional information. Thank you for your continued support of our band program.
Student Expectations
Parents, as we continue into 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
This week in Spring Sports: Track and Field will compete at Home on Wednesday, April 22nd. Our Girl’s Soccer, Baseball, and Softball teams will take on the Rams of Rogers-Herr at Rogers-Herr on Thursday April 23rd.
Just as an FYI, The baseball and softball championship games will be held on Tuesday, May 5 at 4:00 PM at the Butner Athletic Park in Butner, North Carolina. We wanted to be sure to inform parents early so that you can make proper arrangements if you plan on attending.
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
*Congratulations to our Raiders who performed at the All County Orchestra Concert on Friday. We are proud of you Raiders!
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 - Currently on leave until May 18th. Please contact Mr. Carter or Mrs. Cahill if you have any questions or concerns. Anticipate delays in the response of your emails/calls.
For 8th grade inquires - Mrs. Major - Currently on leave until May 18th. Please contact Mr. Carter or Mrs. Cahill if you have any questions or concerns. Anticipate delays in the resonse of your emails/calls.