Return to Headlines

Principal Update 12/15

Good evening  Githens families!  This is Mrs. Cahill with weekly updates.

*We will conclude benchmark testing tomorrow, Monday, Dec. 16th. 

*Friday, Dec. 20th will be an early release day and students will be dismissed at 1:20pm. We will begin Winter Break on Dec. 23rd. Students will return to school on Monday, Jan. 6th, 2025.

*Transportation rotations have been extended until Jan. 17th. Please visit our GMS website for the complete rotational bus service schedule. As a reminder, DPS will excuse tardiness for students on late buses and absences for students who miss school due to canceled bus routes. Due to the extended bus schedule rotations, 8th grade car riders will continue to be dismissed to the bus parking lot for afternoon carpool until further notice. We will reassess the possibility of 8th graders being dismissed to the front of the building once transportation issues are resolved. Again, thank you for your patience and understanding.

*Winter sports continue this week as our Boys and Girls Basketball teams will take on the Eagles of Neal at home, tomorrow Dec. 16th. Our Boys and Girls will also take on the Panthers of Shepard on Thursday, Dec. 19th at Shepard. The first game kicks off at 4:45. A clear bag policy will be enforced, all students must be with an adult to enter, and tickets can be purchased at GoFan.

*Our GMS Band will host their winter concert this Wednesday, December 18th at 6:30pm. The concert will take place at Jordan High School. 

*Our GMS Orchestra winter concert will take place this Thursday, December 19th at 6:30pm. The concert will take place at Githens.

*Parents of 7th graders, Governor Roy Cooper has issued an Executive Order that extends the date for full compliance of immunizations until January 15, 2025. Please visit the immunization link listed in the email version of this message to ensure your scholar’s immunizations are up to date. Any scholars found out of compliance after this date could face suspension.

*If you wish to support the RAIDER Store, please visit our Amazon Wish List that can be found on our website and in the email version of this message

*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.

*As always 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.  Raiders, let’s make it a great week. Because this is my last weekly update for 2024,  I want to wish you a wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year.

IMPORTANT Links:

*Amazon Wish List

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/WNE9IL8LT6F4?ref_=wl_share 

*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.

Elementary Schools

Middle & High Schools

 

 

All DPS elementary school students (PreK-5) will be Technology Day Users for the 2024-2025 school year.

A Technology Day User is defined as a student who has access to a DPS issued device and charger during the school day, in their classroom.  This student will have access to request a DPS issued device and charger from their school’s inventory if there is an academic need – special projects, inclement weather, etc.

 

 

Accidental Damage

Intentional Damage

 

1st Occurrence

DPS IT Repair

 

2nd Occurrence

DPS IT Repair

Discussion with Principal

 

3rd Occurrence

Technology Day User

Discussion with Superintendent

 

 

1st Occurrence

Technology Day User

Discussion with Principal

 

2nd Occurrence

Technology Day User

Discussion with Superintendent

 

Replacement charger cost for all students and staff = $38

*Athletics

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: 

*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