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May 14, 2024


ABC11, Producers of Abbott Elementary Team Up to Treat Teachers

Last Wednesday, ABC11's John Clark, Amber Rupinta, and Anna Rivera made a special visit to Burton Elementary Magnet School! They treated our incredible teachers to lunch and surprised them with special memento lunchboxes from the producers of "Abbott Elementary." Thank you for your appreciation and support! And thank you to all parents and community members who treated our educators during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Northern High School Culinary Team Wins Southeast Regional Jr. Chef Competition

Huge congratulations go out to Northern High's "Flaming Knights" for clinching the championship at the Southeast Regional Jr. Chef competition in Tennessee! Their taquitos with tangy chipotle sauce stole the show, triumphing over teams from seven states. Way to go Brody Terry, Aiden Lankford, Salomon Garcia-Gallardo, and Myles Bates!

Meet the DPS 2023-24Teacher of the Year Finalists

Durham Public Schools recently announced its 2023-24 Teacher of the Year at its annual banquet on May 2. To select the Teacher of the Year, a committee reviews materials from the honorees from all 56 schools, narrowing down the candidates to three finalists, from whom a winner is chosen. Morandi Hurst and Yaritza Prendergast were our esteemed finalists this year. Click the button below to read more about these exceptional educators.

Read More

Hillside Grad Visits Jordan High School to Motivate Students

Hillside High School graduate LaVaedeay "Vad" Lee, former star quarterback, is now an award-winning author, sports chaplain, and motivational speaker. At Hillside, he stood out on the football field as both a player and the team leader playing the quarterback position. He led the Hillside Hornets to a 16-0 record and the 2010 4A State Football Championship and was named the 2010 4A State Football Championship Game Most Valuable Player.

 

After graduating from Hillside in 2011, Lee committed to Georgia Tech University to play football, but later transferred to James Madison University. At James Madison, he was twice named an All-American and was a recipient of the Dudley Award, recognizing the top college football player in the state of Virginia. He is the only player in college football history to rush and pass for over 275 yards in the same game.

 

The record-setting quarterback now travels the country speaking and mentoring athletes with his Purpose Over Position non-profit organization, Vad Speaks LLC, which aims to provide chaplaincy and inspirational messaging and to contribute to brain health studies for athletes. Vad is also an author ("Purpose Over Position" and "That’s My Friend") and an ordained deacon at his church. He has worked with many university athletic programs and professional sports franchises as a Character Coach, providing support and motivation to athletes with difficult experiences both in and out of sports.

Parents Asked to Complete Returning Student Registration

Durham Public Schools is excited to welcome its returning students back for the 2024-25 school year. Families are reminded to update their student’s emergency contact information and register for bus transportation by accessing the secure PowerSchool Parent Portal. 


Parents and guardians can log on to the Portal and click on Back-to-School Update. If you don’t have access to the Parent Portal, please call your school for assistance. 


The deadline to request bus transportation, for those who need it, is:


  • Year-Round Schools - May 24
  • Specialty Schools - June 17
  • Traditional Schools - June 17

 

The Parent Portal Resources tab includes print and video resources for those who need assistance.

Information Now Available for Summer Learning Opportunities

Each year, Durham Public Schools provides opportunities throughout the summer for continued learning and enrichment for students in all grade levels. Please click the button below for a description of each of these programs and information about how to register.

Learn More

Durham Public Schools calendars for the 2024-2025 school year have been updated.

 

June 11, 2025 is now the last day of school for year-round and traditional calendar students. The change was made to allow for planning and professional development for instructional staff at the beginning of the year. Students will still receive the required number of instructional hours for the year.

 

View the updated calendars here. For details regarding the 2024-25 calendar, click here.

Families Asked to Complete Engagement Survey by May 17

The insights and experiences of DPS families are invaluable to us as we continuously strive to enhance engagement opportunities within our schools. We invite our families to share feedback by participating in our district's Family Engagement Survey.


Your participation in this survey will provide us with essential information to better understand the needs and preferences of our diverse community. Whether you have been part of Durham Public Schools for many years or are new to our district, your input is crucial in helping us create an environment where every student can thrive.


Please take a few moments to complete the Family Engagement Survey by clicking on the button below. The survey closes on May 17.


Your responses are completely anonymous, and your feedback will support our planning efforts as we work collaboratively to strengthen family engagement and improve educational outcomes for all students. 


Thank you for your partnership in advancing engagement in Durham Public Schools.

Take the Survey

DPS Game of the Week: Track and Field Championships

Come watch some of the best athletes in Durham Public Schools compete in the Durham Athletic Conference (DAC) Track and Field Championships at N.C. A&T State University in Greensboro on May 17 and 18 at 10 a.m. Come support our student athletes! 


School Spotlight: Merrick-Moore Elementary School

The Governor’s Advisory Council for Hispanic & Latino Affairs’ Education Committee visited DPS on May 9, touring Merrick-Moore Elementary and the Multilingual Resource Center. Council members heard firsthand how Merrick-Moore is substantially increasing academic achievement for Hispanic and Black/African-American students, as well as its outdoor education, dual language instruction program, and models for the delivery of interpretation and translation services. #WeAreDPS

May Observances

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


Asian American and Pacific Islander Month

Mental Health Awareness Month

Jewish American Heritage Month

Speech Language Pathologist Month


May 16: National Bike to School Day


Upcoming Events

May 14

5:30-6 p.m.

Eastway Elementary - Tea with (Pricipal) Teel

New and returning families invited.


May 15

5-6 p.m.

Parkwood Elementary - Popsicles on the Playground

New and returning families invited.


May 16

9-10 a.m.

Hope Valley Elementary - Virtual Meet and Greet with Administrators, Staff, and Teachers

New and returning families invited.


May 16

5-6 p.m.

Bethesda Elementary - Popsicles with the Principals

New and returning families invited.


May 16

5-6 p.m.

Bethesda Elementary - Kindergarten Playdate on the Playground

New and returning families invited.


May 16

5-6 p.m.

Little River Elementary - Kindergarten Welcome


May 16

5-6:30 p.m.

Oak Grove Elementary - Kindergarten Welcome and Assessments


May 16

5:30-7 p.m.

YE Smith Elementary - Parent Academy

New and returning families invited.


May 16

5:30-6:30 p.m.

Hope Valley Elementary - Virtual Meet and Greet with Administrators, Staff, and Teachers

New and returning families invited.


May 16

5:30-6 p.m.

Hillandale Elementary - New Parent Welcome


May 16

5:30-6:30 p.m.

RN Harris Elementary - Ice Cream Social

New and returning families invited.


May 17

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Merrick-Moore Elementary - Family Game Night

New and returning families invited.

To share story tips, event announcements, or feedback about the newsletter, please contact maria_bajgain@dpsnc.net.

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511 Cleveland St., P.O. Box 30002

Durham, NC 27702

(919) 560-2000

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