Good evening Githens.  This is Mrs. Cahill with important information for the week. 

 

First, the State of North Carolina has released Academic Data and Growth for the 2023-2024 school year. I am thrilled to announce that Githens ranked in the top 20% of the state for academic growth with a growth index of 8.04%. Githens is also ranked in the top 100 schools for growth in the state at #58. Way to go Raiders!

We ask that all scholars and families pay close attention and adhere to the following guidelines:

• Scholars must be on time daily. 

• Scholars are required to bring laptops and chargers everyday and must ensure their laptop is fully charged every morning before entering the building.

• Cell phone use is not allowed at any time during the school day for any reason and scholars will need to power off their cell phones and place them in their book bags prior to entering the building.  Scholars are not permitted to use cell phones on the bus.

• Scholars who carpool in the afternoon need to be picked up no later than 3:45.  The school day ends at 3:20.

 

On Tuesday, September 24, Githens will host a Title One/Curriculum/Student Led Conference night.  Parents of scholars identified as AIG are asked to come to the media center that afternoon at 5:00 to sign DEPs.  Student-led conferences will take place from 5:30 to 6:30.  Please mark your calendars. The flyer for this event can be found on our website.

 

Lastly, For our students' safety, we wanted to make you aware that Githens Middle School is currently under a fire watch until repairs are completed on the fire alarm system. A fire watch is being conducted to ensure the safety of students and staff while the building is occupied. Fire Watch personnel are trained to alert building staff and call 911 in the event of an emergency. The safety of all DPS students is always a top priority and we will continue to take the necessary steps as directed by the Durham County Fire Marshal.

 

That’s all for now!  

 

IMPORTANT Links:

 

*DPS School Safety, Security, and Emergency Information Guide for Parents/Families:

DPS School Safety, Security, and Emergency Information for Parents and Families and DPS School Safety, Security, and Emergency Information for Parents and Families (SPANISH VERSION).

 

*Transportation:

GMS Transportation Support

 

*Technology:

One-to-One Student Device Handbook (English/Spanish)

Parent/Student Technology Agreement (English/Spanish)

New DPS Technology Policy: Students who did not return a device and charger at the end of the 2023-2024 school year, should not be issued duplicate assets. All students are expected to care and use district devices according to our Technology Responsible Use (4312/3225/7320) policy.  

The chart below details the governance all DPS schools are expected to follow for the 2024-2025 school year. If a replacement charger is needed, a request should be submitted to https://itsupport.dpsnc.net/support/catalog/items/87. Once payment is received, the replacement charger will be provided to the requesting student.

 

 

*Athletics: 

Fall sports officially begin next week and the following is the Raiders sports schedule:

 

Monday, September 16: Boys Soccer and Volleyball versus Brogden at Githens

Wednesday, September 18: Football versus Lowe’s Grove at Githens

Thursday, September 19: Boys Soccer, Volleyball and Cross Country versus Lakewood at Githens

 

Game time is 4:45.

 

Tickets can be purchased using the GoFan link listed below. For further information regarding athletics or specific teams, please email either Ms. Stackhouse, Athletic Director, or the coaches.

Main Website = https://www.dpsathletics.com/githens

Tickets can be purchased at GoFan: https://gofan.co/app/school/NC13663

 

*Student Handbooks and Policies: 

• Student Family Handbook (English/Spanish)

• Dress Code: Durham Public Schools Dress Code Policy

• Immunization Requirements

• Cell Phone Policy/English/Spanish

• School Dance Policy/English/Spanish

*Instructional Information:

• PowerSchool Parent Portal: PowerSchool Parent Portal is the official source of student grade information and a convenient way for you to update your most current contact information.  DPS has created step by step instructions, as well as video instructions, on how to access the PowerSchool Parent Portal.  Use the link above to navigate the setup process.

• Canvas LMS/Parent Canvas Observer Access: Parents are highly encouraged to sign up to be an observer in Canvas.  Teachers will post homework assignments for scholars in Canvas and will be responsible for keeping these pages updated.

• Discovery: Every scholar at GMS is scheduled to take an intervention class from 9:22 to 10:12.  Click the link to access a description of the learning scholars will engage in.

• Githens Middle School 2024 - 2025 Supply List Below

  • 6^th Grade Supply List: /(Spanish): 

  • 7^th Grade Supply List:/(Spanish): 

  • 8^th Grade Supply List: /(Spanish): 

  • Electives Supply List: /(Spanish):