Weekly SPARK: School lunch menus feature fresh and local ingredients, SPARK Stories reveal portraits of DPS, and more

Sept. 12, 2024

New School Lunch Menus Feature Fresh, Local Ingredients

Durham Public Schools is proud to continue offering high-quality nutrition to all scholars. In addition to offering free lunch and breakfast for every scholar this school year, School Nutrition Services has also started offering new menus that feature fresh and local ingredients. In addition, high-school students are able to enjoy a "Build Your Own" line that rotates with offerings like burrito bowls, nachos, and Asian grain bowls. The menus are on a six-week rotation, and current offerings can be found on the School Nutrition Services website.

Free lunch services save families an average of $1,200 per year (for two children). Families and organizations who are interested in supporting this Good Food work can contact Dr. Linden Thayer at linden_thayer@dpsnc.net.

Get more nutrition updates by following DPS Good Food on Instagram or by joining the "Let's Talk School Food" virtual meeting on the first Wednesday of the month at _____.

SPARK Stories Share Portraits of the People Behind DPS

Durham Public Schools is excited to introduce SPARK Stories: Portraits of the people behind DPS, a new feature that celebrates the diverse voices and stories within the DPS community, including staff, educators, administrators, and parents. Every other Tuesday, we will share a new member of the community on our Facebook and Instagram. Through their stories, we will shine a spotlight on the individuals who come together within our community to make DPS a vibrant and dynamic place to learn and grow, sharing their unique experiences, achievements, and perspectives. SPARK Stories aims to foster a deeper connection among our community members by sharing stories that can inspire and unite us, one face at a time.

DPS Encourages Teachers, Parents to Explore Outdoor Learning Opportunities

Durham Public School will celebrate "Take a Child Outside Week" Sept. 23-27 and is encouraging teachers and parents to help their scholars explore outdoor learning opportunities. Teachers are being asked to sign a pledge to commit to taking their students outside at least once during that week. This outdoor time would be for instructional or social-emotional learning and would be in addition to recess. Parents are also encouraged to plan outdoor family activities during that week, such as taking a hike, exploring local waterways, enjoying bird watching, and more.

This will be the third year that DPS celebrates "Take a Child Outside Week," and the district is hoping to increase participation. Take a Child Outside Week is a national effort with the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. You can learn more at https://takeachildoutside.org.

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

Deadline for DPS Foundation Innovation Grants is September 15

The deadline is fast approaching for grant funding from the DPS Foundation. 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.

The deadline to apply is Sept. 15. 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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Family Engagement

The DPS Family Academy is excited to begin a new school year and nurture connections between families and educators. Family Academy was created to help families experience the excitement of learning in Durham Public Schools. We believe that students achieve success when we all work together to ignite the limitless potential of our students. This year, we have added several new classes to our catalog. Click here to view our current signature and community partner offerings.

Save the date for these for these events:

Join Family Academy and Durham Council of PTAs for the Back-to-School Kickoff Event on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Minnie-Forte Brown Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Road. Click here to register .

Grab your lunch and join us for our first virtual Lunch and Learn Series on Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 12-1 p.m. During this session, participants will learn the importance of attending school and receive tips for getting students to school on time. Click here to register .

DPS Game of the Week: Riverside vs. South Granville

Come watch the Riverside Pirates take on the South Granville Vikings in a varsity football game on Friday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m. at Riverside High School, 3218 Rose of Sharon Road. Support our local teams and enjoy a great night out with the family!

School Spotlight: Easley Elementary

Easley Elementary recently welcomed some special grandfriends for breakfast and shopping at the school book fair. Students had the chance to pick out some new book favorites after sharing muffins, donuts, and other breakfast goodies with grandparents and other grandfriends. What better way to get ready for the upcoming year-round intersession than to pick out a great book to fall in love with over the break!