Weekly SPARK: Principal of the Year semi-finalists announced, Lyons Farm teacher wins award, and more

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Oct. 1, 2024

Principal of the Year Semi-Finalists Announced

Congratulations to our five 2024 Principal of the Year semi-finalists!

Terrence Covington, Neal Middle
Kendell Dorsey, W.G. Pearson Elementary
Jennifer Hauser, Easley Elementary
Dr. Theresa McGowan, Lakeview
Anthony White, Brogden Middle

Two finalists will be selected, and the winner will be announced in October.

Jessica On Named NCACTE Student Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Jessica On, a beginning teacher at Lyons Farm Elementary, for winning the 2024 NCACTE Student Teacher of the Year Award! Jessica, a Duke graduate, was honored for her incredible work during her time as a student teacher at EK Powe Elementary, under fifth grade mentor teachers Kaitlynn Hedelund Taylor and Jonathan Norville.

Pearsontown Principal to Present at Milken Conference

On October 12 in Charlotte, Pearsontown Principal and 2024 Milken Educator Asia Cunningham will present “Lead Your Data, Don’t Let it Lead You” at the Milken ENGAGE CAROLINAS conference.

Cunningham focuses on data-driven strategies and a whole-child approach to boost academic achievement. Under her leadership, the school has earned accolades such as National Blue Ribbon School and National PTA School of Excellence. She values family involvement and has initiated programs like "We are Kings and We are Queens" to empower students. A North Carolina Principal Fellow, Cunningham mentors aspiring principals and contributes to district and community educational initiatives.

Her session is designed to engage school leaders and teacher leaders in practices for collecting and analyzing their classroom and school data.

Superintendent Lewis to Host Listening and Learning Series

Mark your calendars and join Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis as he hosts a series of Listening and Learning meetings to hear directly from Durham Public Schools stakeholders about their experiences. All DPS families, students, and staff, as well as Durham community members are invited to attend. Sessions will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. on the following dates:

Oct. 1, Jordan High School, 6806 Garrett Road, Durham
Oct. 8, Minnie Forte-Brown Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road, Durham
Oct. 14, Southern School of Energy and Sustainability, 800 Clayton Road, Durham
Oct. 15, Riverside High School, 3218 Rose of Sharon Road, Durham
Oct. 22, Hillside High School, 3727 Fayetteville Road, Durham
Nov. 12, Northern High School, 4622 N. Roxboro Road, Durham

Interpretation services will be provided. Please visit www.dpsnc.net to register for sessions.

Jordan High Alum Lilyn Hester Leads Google’s Community Impact in Durham and Beyond

Jordan High School alum Lilyn Hester is making a big impact in Durham and beyond as Head of External Affairs at Google. From advocating for tech access to mentoring students, she continues to shape her community. Learn more about her journey and the role DPS played in her success by clicking the button below.

September | Students of the Month

Congratulations to our September Students of the Month Kritza Contreras-Guzman, a student at City of Medicine Academy and Mina Mason, a student at Middle College High School at Durham Technical Community College. #weareDPS

Public Invited to Workshops to Provide Feedback on School Facilities

Durham Public Schools is beginning the development of standards for new school facilities and the modernization of existing ones. We believe that students, parents, families, and educators are experts in knowing what our scholars need to be successful. We invite you to partner with DPS in directly developing solutions you care about that work.

Bridging Learning Conditions to Design is a workshop developed by parents, educators, and community partners to bring all stakeholders into the design process. Participants will be able to explore strategies to provide our scholars with the conditions to thrive academically and socially in new and modernized schools throughout the district. If you are interested in shaping the future of Durham Public Schools, then join us on the day that works best for you.

Oct. 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Northern High School

Oct. 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Eastway Elementary School

Oct. 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Pearsontown Elementary School

Space is limited to 50 participants per session. Click below to sign up and secure your spot.

Local Businesses Encouraged to Attend Acceler8 Career Exploration Day

Durham Public Schools and the DPS Foundation are excited to work in partnership with local employers to host the Acceler8 career exploration day for all eighth-grade DPS students. This annual event gives students the opportunity to explore diverse career paths and engage with industry professionals through hands-on activities and informational sessions. It's a fantastic way for students to gain insights into potential career opportunities and start shaping their future paths.

Acceler8 will take place at the Durham County Memorial Stadium on Oct. 22 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This is a great opportunity for businesses to inspire young minds, impact the community, gain exposure for their companies, and connect with other local businesses and community leaders. Register for the event by clicking on the button below, or become a sponsor by visiting bit.ly/acceler8-dps.

Acceler8 will be a stepping stone to ensure that all students in DPS are Future Ready for any post-secondary opportunity path they choose to take.

Be a Driving Force for Change: Become a Bus Driver for Durham Public Schools

Apply to become a bus driver for Durham Public Schools and help to support students, parents, and educators. With this job, you won't just be driving a bus; you’ll be building community.

Bus drivers with Durham Public Schools start at $18.86 an hour, and they enjoy bi-weekly pay and benefits. Durham Public Schools also has a special partnership with the Department of Motor Vehicles that allows us to provide our drivers training ON SITE. You can earn your CDL much more quickly, so you can get on the road to your new career fast.

In addition, when you drive for Durham Public Schools, you will be learning how to operate the latest electric vehicle technology. Our district will be adding a fleet of 38 electric buses, giving you the chance to grow your skills as a driver and remain competitive in the rapidly changing marketplace.

Apply now to become a bus driver for Durham Public Schools and help drive change in your community!

Apply Now

Family Engagement

Join the DPS Family Academy for upcoming classes and events to become more engaged in your child's learning community to promote their academic success and social-emotional outcomes.

Save the date for a virtual information session on Promoting Literacy at Home: Raising Ready Readers on Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Details will be forthcoming about location and registration.

School Spotlight: Creekside Elementary School

Research shows that physical activity improves concentration, reduces stress, and increases retention, helping students to succeed academically. Kindergarteners at Creekside took a five-minute yoga break before starting math. We love seeing these approaches to whole child education in our schools!

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 Farm to School Month

National Bullying Prevention Month

National School Principals Month

Learning Disabilities Awareness Month

LGBTQ+ History Month

National Book Month

Oct. 2: National Custodial Worker Day

Oct. 4: National Bike and Walk to School Day

Oct. 6: National Coaches Day

Oct. 8-14: Fire Prevention Week

Oct. 9: Indigenous People's Day

Oct. 9-13: National School Lunch Week

Oct. 10: World Mental Health Day

Oct. 16: National Boss' Day

Oct. 16-20: Digital Citizenship Week

Oct. 16-20: National School Bus Safety Week