Hello Parkwood Families,

This is your principal, Ms. Fearrington with your weekly message.  Here are some reminders and important information as we head into the next week:

Teacher Workday and Veteran’s Day Holiday:

This Tuesday, November 8^th is Election Day and a teacher workday for all DPS schools.  In observance of Veterans Day, Friday, November 11^th is a holiday for all DPS schools.  Students will not attend school both days.  Please refer to the district school calendar provided and linked here for important dates.

Report Cards: 

All parents should have received or had access to their student’s report card through parent portal or a physical paper copy by Friday, November 4^th.  If you were not able to access your student’s report card through parent portal, please reach out to Ms. Joanne Brosh, our data manager at joanne_brosh@dpsnc.net and/or Ms. Jacqueline Boone, our school secretary at Jacqueline_campbell@dpsnc.net, to assist with creating or accessing your account.  If you need a paper copy of your student’s report card, please reach out to your child’s teacher.

Election Day:

Election day is fast approaching and it is very important that you make your voice heard.  Please take time out on Tuesday, November 8^th to go an vote and most importantly take your child to the polls with you.  When our youth vote, they hone a key civic skill, and can boost turnout in a local election by engaging and inspiring the adults in their lives to participate as well.  Kids can vote too in Durham’s midterm election by going to one of the Kids Voting sites in Durham Main or North Regional libraries or online at kidsvotingdurham.org/elections on Election Day. 

Parent/Teacher Conferences: 

All of our Parkwood teachers have started meeting with parents for parent/teacher conferences.  These conferences are being held now through November 18^th.  If you have already met with your child’s teacher, that is great and continue to communicate to ensure you know your child’s progress.  If you have not met with your child’s teacher, please reach out to them through email or class dojo to set up a time.  All parents should have a conference with their teacher by November 18^th.

Breakfast & Lunch:  I want to remind all of our parents that this year breakfast remains free at all DPS schools.  However, lunch is no longer free and child nutrition will be sending balances to families this month for the beginning of the year.  Lunch is currently $3.75 daily and if you do not have money on your child’s account, that balance has accumulated.  If you need assistance with lunch this school year, please fill out this link or request a form from the front office.  Ms. Jacqueline Boone, our school secretary, will be happy to assist you.

DPS New Strategic Plan:

As we celebrate the successful conclusion of DPS’s current strategic plan, we are excited to launch a new strategic planning process. Over the next nine months, DPS is partnering with RTI International’s Center for Education Services to facilitate a community driven process for creating a strategic plan that reflects the needs and goals of our students, families, and community.

With that in mind, the strategic planning team is seeking the participation of students, staff, parents/guardians, and other community members in an online questionnaire around what’s next for our schools and district. Please take 3-5 minutes to complete this brief, anonymous questionnaire to provide your insight on the district’s future direction and priorities. 

There are many ways to stay connected to our community.  Please follow Parkwood Elementary on our Facebook page and website.  Please join the Parkwood PTA!  If you have any questions please visit https://www.durhamparkwoodpta.com/ and/or reach out to Hope Alfaro, our PTA president at durhamparkwoodpta@gmail.com.

Please reach out to me if you have any questions or need assistance!  Enjoy the rest of your weekend and as always Parkwood Panthers…Show PRIDE!

Warmly,

Kimberly Fearrington, Principal