Hello Parkwood Families,

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and was able to spend some time enjoying family time.  Here are some reminders and important information as we head into this week.

Important Dates:

All DPS traditional schools will have an early release day on Wednesday, May 3rd.  Students will dismiss at 12:15pm and all students need to be picked up by 12:45pm.  Please refer to the district school calendar provided and linked here for important dates.

Last Title 1 Event:  Developing Future-Ready Scholars

Please mark your calendars and save the date for our last Title 1 Event.  It will be hosted at Parkwood on Thursday, April 27^th from 5:00pm to 7:30pm.  We will have presentations for parents, outdoor activities, food trucks, music, games and prizes.  The flyer and agenda will be attached to the email to families.  We hope you will be able to join us for a wonderful evening of fun and food!

During our event we will have a place for all of the clothing items, lunch boxes and water bottles, that have made their way to our lost and found.  We will give the location of those items when you arrive.  Please make sure to take a look and retrieve any items that belong to your child.  We will give any remaining items to the Durham Rescue or Good Will after the event.

Strawbridge Cap & Gown and Classroom Group Pictures:

On Thursday, April 27^th, Strawbridge will be at Parkwood to take Cap and Gown and Classroom Group Pictures.  Kindergarten and 5^th Grade students will take Cap and Gown pictures and classroom group pictures.  All other grade levels will just take the classroom group pictures.  If you are interested in purchasing a classroom group picture, please reach out to your child’s teacher so they can keep a running record of the orders.  Flyers for Cap and Gown pictures will go out this week to Kindergarten and 5^th grade families.  If you have additional questions please reach out to your child’s teacher or Ms. Jacqueline Boone, our school secretary.

Parent Portal:

As we move towards the end of the school year, please make sure you have a created a parent portal account or have access to your account.  Important information will be obtained over the summer for transportation and without an account, there may be delay in bus transportation for your child.  If you need to create an account or need access to your account, please reach out to Ms. Brosh, our data manager at joanne_brosh@dpsnc.net or Ms. Jacqueline Boone, our school secretary at jacqueline_campbell@dpsnc.net.

Kindergarten Registration:

Kindergarten Registration is underway and please make sure to register your child as soon as possible.  If you need additional information about Kindergarten registration, please click on the link provided here.  If you need assistance registering your child for Kindergarten, please out to Ms. Joanne Brosh, our data manager at joanne_brosh@dpsnc.net or Ms. Jacqueline Boone, our school secretary at jacqueline_campbell@dpsnc.net.

Cellphones, Electronics and Toys:

I would like to remind all student and parents that our cellphone/electronic policy strictly prohibits phones being on and out during the school day.  Students may place their phones in their book bag to ensure the items remain safe and secure.  Any type of electronics, toys or tablets are not to be brought to school at any time.  Please make sure to check your child’s backpack before and after school to ensure they are not bringing any items that are not allowed on school property.  If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out to Ms. Fearrington and/or Ms. Carswell.

Updated Elementary Visitation Guidelines:

We have updated our protocols for elementary school visitation during instructional hours.  The Parkwood Visitation Plan is linked here for you to read.  It is important to note that we have added additional information to the section regarding instructional time.  It is not recommended that parents volunteer in their student’s classroom during instructional time.  I would also like to add that it is very important that you enter and leave the school through the front lobby.  It is very important that due to the nature of our open campus, that it remains secure at all times.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher, Ms. Fearrington or Ms. Carswell. 

Attendance and Tardies:

I want to remind all parents that all students are to arrive by 7:45am when the instructional bell rings.  If your student arrives after that time, you will need to come into the front office to sign your student in.  You will no longer be able to drop your student at the front without coming into the school building to sign in.  We have encountered a significant number of students that are tardy and we thank you in advance for your support with this new process moving forward.

COVID Protocols and Information:

If your child has a fever and is showing signs or symptoms that are COVID-19/Flu related it is important to keep your child at home to ensure they receive rest and are symptom free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school.  If your child has symptoms, please get your child tested to ensure they are not positive for COVID-19 or the flu.  You will need to provide proof of a positive COVID-19 test by taking a picture or providing the doctor’s note to your child’s teacher.  If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s teacher.

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