Hello Parkwood Families,

This is your principal Ms. Fearrington with your weekly message.  I would like to thank all of our wonderful families for coming out and supporting our 2^nd grade Panthers during their musical concert.  It was so great to see all of you and to see our 2^nd graders shine.  A huge thank you to Ms. Guaman for all of the hard work and dedication to creating such a wonderful event.  Here are some reminders and important information, as we head into this week.

Important Dates:

On Monday, May 29^th, all DPS school will be closed in observance of Memorial Day Holiday.  No students will attend school on that day.  The last day of school for all DPS students is Friday, June 9^th.  June 9^th will be an early release day, so dismissal will begin at 12:15pm and all students need to be picked up by 12:45pm.  Please make sure to check with afterschool transportation if your student rides a van or bus to an afterschool program.

Back to School Form:

It is time to update your student’s information and get ready for the 2023-24 school year.  This is a great way to update your contact information, fill out forms, and stay connected with your school.  The directions to fill out the Back to School form are linked here.  Please follow these directions carefully and if you need assistance please reach out to Ms. Joanne Brosh at joanne_brosh@dpsnc.net or Ms. Jacqueline Boone at jacqueline_campbell@dpsnc.net.

EOG Testing:

EOG testing is right around the corner and it is very important that all students in 3^rd, 4^th & 5^th grade are present and prepared to take their test.  If students are not present during their testing day, they may miss other celebratory events that are scheduled.  We are also asking any volunteers to proctor for the EOG’s.  If are interested please makes sure are an approved DPS volunteer or complete the application here to be approved.  Please contact Ms. Kristin Jones at Kristinm_jones@dpsnc.net or Ms. Sabrina Miller at Sabrina_shepherd@dpsnc.net.  The dates and grade levels testing are as follows:

• Wednesday, May 31^st – 3^rd, 4^th & 5^th grade Reading
• Thursday, June 1^st – Make-ups for Reading
• Friday, June 2^nd – 3^rd & 5^th grade Math
• Monday, June 5^th – 4^th grade Math
• Tuesday, June 6^th – 5^th grade Science
• Wednesday, June 7^th – RtA Testing (3^rd grade only)
• June 8^th & 9^th – Make-up days

End of Year Events:

As the year ends, here are a list of important dates that we want all families to be aware of for planning their schedules.  Please refer to the email for a complete list of end of year events.

• Thursday, June 1^st (Revised day due to rain – Kindergarten, 1^st and 2^nd grade Field day (TBD)
• Friday, June 2^nd:
  • Pre-K Promotion Ceremony at 11am in the Gym
  • Pre-K Field Day at 12pm near Pre-K playground
• Monday, June 5^th:
  • Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony at 10am in the Gym
• Tuesday, June 6^th:
  • 4^th Grade Field Trip – (Bowlero Bowling Alley) – during school day
• Wednesday, June 7^th:
  • 5^th grade Promotion Ceremony at 9am in the Gym
• Thursday, June 8^th:
  • 3^rd Grade Field Trip (Museum of Life and Science) – during school day
  • 5^th Grade Field Trip (Bowlero Bowling Alley) – during school day

Field Trip Requirements for 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th graders:

We are nearing the end of the school year and are planning our field trips for 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th graders.  I want to give some information about the requirements for students to be able to attend the field trip.  All students will come home with a field trip form for all parents to complete.  Please return them as soon as possible.  Students who pass the EOG with a 3, 4 or 5 will automatically be able to attend the field trip.  If a student shows substantial growth, they may also attend the field trip.  Growth will be determined by their performance on the EOY benchmark and EOG.  There is a criteria for showing PRIDE and exhibiting great character as we enter the last stretch of the year.  It is important that students continue to follow the PRIDE expectations and meet behavioral expectations to be able to attend.  If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Ms. Fearrington at Kimberly_fearrington@dpsnc.net or Ms. Carswell at Kathleen_carswell@dpsnc.net.

Parent Portal:

On May 5^th, Durham Public Schools will be sending out the Back-to-School form to all parents.  This form will be available in your parent portal.  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 delays 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.

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.

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/ to get additional information about how to join our PTA. 

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