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Durham Public Schools is proud to welcome Dr. Anthony Lewis as our next superintendent, effective Aug. 12.
Click the button below to hear a special welcome message from Dr. Lewis.
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2024-25 Back to School Guide Now Available | We look forward to our students' first day of school as we begin a new school year! Our year-round students will start on Monday, July 22, while students attending a traditional calendar school will start on Monday, Aug. 26. In this guide, you’ll find information and resources to ensure a successful start for your child. | |
All DPS Students to Receive Free Meals Starting in 2024-25 | |
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In March 2024, the Durham Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a plan that will ultimately provide free breakfasts and lunches to all DPS students without requiring any household applications.
The Board approved the district’s moving forward with planning for implementation of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) as soon as the 2024-25 school year. Successful implementation would mean that all students can receive free meals, regardless of their family’s income, where they attend school, or where they live.
The CEP was established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service division. Schools and districts that adopt CEP are reimbursed using a formula based on how many students are eligible for free meals based on their participation in other specific programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Click the button below to learn more.
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Popular Year-Round Schools Program Expands for 2024-25 School Year | |
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Jill Berrong knows a thing or two about how well the Durham Public Schools year-round calendar works for students and families. Her daughter Natalie attended year-round schools all 13 years: Six at Holt Elementary, then seven at The School for Creative Studies.
“We found that we absolutely love it,” said Berrong of the year-round schedule. And she’s not alone. The popularity of the Durham Public Schools year-round calendar has resulted in the district substantially growing the program for the 2024-25 school year.
Next year, four new schools - Eastway, Hope Valley, Oak Grove and W.G. Pearson elementary schools - will offer the year-round calendar to accommodate a growing demand. This move, part of DPS’s Growing Together initiative, will also make year-round options available in each of the school district’s five regions. Holt, Easley and Pearsontown Elementary, along with Rogers-Herr Middle School and The School for Creative Studies, currently operate on year-round calendars. (Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, the School for Creative Studies will transition from serving grades 6-12 to serving grades 6-8 to accommodate hundreds of more students with a comprehensive middle school program.)
Click the button below to learn more.
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Board of Education Welcomes Two New Members | |
Two new members, Wendell Tabb and Joy Harrell-Goff, have joined the DPS Board of Education, starting their four-year terms on July 1. The Board also elected new officers: Millicent Rogers as Chair and Jessica Carda-Auten as Vice-Chair. Congratulations! | |
Applications Open for Durham PreK at Multiple Locations | |
There is still time to apply for Durham Pre-K! If your child turns 4 by Aug 31, you can apply now. Call 1-833-773-5338 or visit durhamprek.org. You'll need your child's birth certificate, proof of residency, income, and immunization records. Give your child a head start on a great education! | |
Applications Now Open for DPS Foundation Innovation Grants | |
Innovation Grants are aimed at increasing equity, accessibility, resources, and opportunities within DPS schools. With a wider scope of support, the impact is limitless.
The WHOLE Schools Fund specifically focuses on mental health. Grant applications should be centered around connection, a sense of belonging, access to trusted peers and adults, and more.
Grants are open only to DPS students, teachers, staff, administrators, and family members for projects that directly center and impact their school or school communities. Grants are available in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $15,000. Application support is available. Click the button below for more information.
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Jordan Teacher Wins Musical Theatre Teacher of the Year Award | |
Congratulations to Olivia Bellido of C.E. Jordan High School for winning the 2024 Stephen Schwartz Musical Theatre Teacher of the Year Award! She'll receive a $5,000 prize from The ASCAP Foundation and EdTA. Learn more about her achievement by clicking the button below. | |
Hillside Teacher Wins Leadership Award from Hayti Heritage Center | |
Congrats to Toya Chinfloo, Hillside High Dance Teacher, for winning the Leadership Award from the Hayti Heritage Center! Her work with the 3rd Annual Summer Arts Intensive reengages the community through youth development in Dance, Theater, Writing, Visual Arts, and Public Speaking. | |
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July 22
First Day of Classes for Year-Round Schools
August 10
10-11 a.m.
Lakewood Elementary - Popsicles on the Playground
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August 15
12-1 p.m.
Southwest Elementary - Popsicles with the Principals
August 8
First Day of Classes for Specialty Schools
August 26
First Day of Classes for Traditional Calendar Schools
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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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