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Oct. 10, 2023

Dear parents, students, teachers, staff, and community partners,


Welcome to The Weekly Spark, the official newsletter of Durham Public Schools. Each week, this newsletter will share insightful articles about developments within the DPS community, important announcements, student spotlights, and updates on the various events and activities taking place across our district. This newsletter marks an exciting step forward in our ongoing efforts to strengthen our communications, foster collaboration, and celebrate the achievements of our incredible school community.


Our schools are more than just educational institutions; they are vibrant hubs of learning, creativity, and personal growth. Through this newsletter, we aim to bring you closer to the heart of our educational journey, showcasing the remarkable talents of our students, the dedication of our teachers, and the unwavering support of our parents and community members.


Community involvement is invaluable to our schools, and your partnership is essential in shaping the future of our district. I am confident this newsletter will serve as a bridge between our schools and your homes, fostering a stronger sense of unity and shared purpose.


Warm regards,

Dr. Pascal Mubenga, Superintendent

Every Student Group's Test Scores Increased in DPS


Durham Public Schools saw gains in every sub-group of students tested, and in almost every tested subject. Of 51 participating schools, 45 – or 88.2 percent – met or exceeded their growth goals during school year 2022-23.


Learn More

New Site Launched for Elementary Student Assignment Plan

New school boundaries for Durham elementary schools will take effect in the 2024-25 school year, and it brings home the power of possibilities for our students and families.


What you need to know:

  • Nothing changes now. The plan begins in July 2024 for elementary students.
  • Every elementary school will provide integrated STEM, enhanced arts, and global language learning for students.
  • Families have greater access to year-round, International Baccalaureate, Dual Language Immersion, and Montessori.
  • The plan ensures access to schools that are equitable, close to home, and supported by more efficient school bus routes. 

 

Click the button below to explore the new microsite devoted to this plan, learn about updated school boundaries, and more.

Learn More

DPS Introduces New Strategic Plan for Growth


This plan provides a roadmap for the next five years, outlining key priorities and ambitious goals that will guide our decision-making and resource mobilization to address the shifting needs of our students and community. It reaffirms our commitment to equity and access, embraces innovation and creativity as drivers of excellence, and draws on the assets of our city, county, and state.

 

As we embark on the next step in Durham Public Schools’ evolution, we invite all members of our community to join us in working towards this vision.

Learn More

DPS Notable: Ava the S.T.E.M. Princess


Spring Valley Elementary School fifth-grade phenom Ava N. Simmons (aka Ava The S.T.E.M. Princess®) and her sister Chynah Jeter of Durham now have science kits at Marbles PlayStore in downtown Raleigh. Their products, called the Team Genius Squad educational S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Toy Line include S.T.E.M. Experiment Coloring Books, S.T.E.M. DIY Slime, and S.T.E.M. Experiment Kits that make electricity from alternative sources such as food, wind, and the sun. Ava and her sister – Team Genius Squad – will conduct in-store launches at additional major retailers over the next 12 months. 

Read More

Students of the Month | September 2023

Congratulations to our September 2023 #WeAreDPS Students of the Month, Meeki'eel Archie, a senior at Durham School of Technology, and Joyce Matondo, a senior from City of Medicine Academy.


MeeKi’eel Archie has learned how to separate work and play, forging a path that has strengthened his confidence and placed him on an upward trajectory. Click here to learn more about MeeKi'eel.


Love and effort. Those are the two characteristics that City of Medicine Senior Joyce Matondo attributes to her mother, her greatest influencer. Click here to learn more about Joyce.

Employee Spotlight

Congratulations to our outstanding educators and staff who were recognized at the Sept. 28 Board of Education meeting:


Teacher of the Month   

Benjamin Gaspar, Merrick-Moore Elementary School 


Employee of the Month   

Gloria Howard, Maintenance Services 


Spark Pin Recognition   

Martha Hernandez Aparicio, Office of Assessments,

Research and Accountability


Notable Achievements

Laura Parrott, Director of Advanced Academics, was appointed to the

N.C. Governor’s School Board of Governors.    


Dr. Julie Pack, Senior Executive Director for Career and Technical Education, was named President of the N.C. Association of Career and Technical Education. 

DPS Game of the Week: DSA vs. Carrboro High School


Head to the Durham School of the Arts, 400 N. Duke St., on Oct. 11 to watch the Bulldogs take on Carrboro High School. The Junior Varsity game will be at 4:30 p.m., and the Varsity game will be at 6:15 p.m.

October Observances

Durham Public Schools celebrates the diversity of our community and is proud to recognize the following observances in the month of October:


National School Principals Month

Hispanic Heritage Month (thorugh Oct. 15)

National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month

Learning Disabilities Awareness Month

LGBTQ+ History Month

National Book Month


Oct. 6: National Coaches Day

Oct. 8-14: Fire Prevention Week

Oct. 9: Indigenous Peoples' Day

Oct. 9-13: National School Lunch Week

Oct. 10: World Mental Health Day

Oct. 16: National Boss's Day

Oct. 16-20: Digital Citizenship Week

Oct. 16-20: National School Bus Safety Week


Durham Public Schools is excited to announce our new mobile app designed specifically to keep families better informed and connected to what's going on in our schools.


The app features:

  • The latest district and school news
  • Push notifications about breaking news, closures, weather, events, and more
  • Easy access to lunch menus and calendars
  • School and staff directory
  • Parent log-in to access grades, fees, and bus information


The app is FREE and available for download today!


Learn How to Customize Your Feeds

Download Your School's Calendar

Enjoy the convenience of having your school's calendar in the palm of your hand. Reference important dates any time.

Download Now

Upcoming Events

Oct. 12

5:30-8:30 p.m.

Board of Education Work Session

511 Cleveland St.


Oct. 14

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Hub Farm Family Fall Festival

117 Milton Road


Oct. 17

6-7:30 p.m.

DPS Board of Education LGBTQIA+ Task Force Meeting

511 Cleveland St.

Oct. 24

8 a.m.-2 p.m.

ACCELER8 - Eighth Grade Career Exploration Day

Durham County Memorial Stadium

750 Stadium Drive


Oct. 26

6:30-9:30 p.m.

DPS Board of Education Meeting

511 Cleveland St.


To share story tips, event announcements, or feedback about the newsletter, please contact the Office of Public Affairs.

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511 Cleveland St., P.O. Box 30002

Durham, NC 27702

(919) 560-2000

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