Congratulations to our Durham Public Schools Principal of the Year finalists!!

Dr. Renita GriffinJordan – City of Medicine Academy

Dr. Vanessa Alford – C.C. Spaulding Elementary

These incredible leaders represent the very best of DPS – championing students, supporting educators, and building stronger school communities every day.

Join us in celebrating their achievements as they move forward in the Principal of the Year selection process! Look for the announcement of the winner on our social media later this month!

October is also National Principals Month. Principals are the heart of our schools – leading with vision, compassion, and an endless commitment to students and staff. They balance a thousand roles yet still find ways to make every student feel seen.

Take a moment to celebrate the principals who’ve made a difference in your life or your community. Show your appreciation this month!

October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month.

Bullying leaves lasting scars – on confidence, safety, and mental health. But together, we can break the cycle.

Speak up when you see it.

Support those who are targeted.

Choose kindness every time.

Every action matters. Every voice counts.

Let’s build communities where respect is louder than hate.

Half of all DPS elementary schools will celebrate Walk and Roll to School Day this October!

The official nationwide date is Oct. 8, but schools across Durham will be hosting events throughout the month. From walking groups at parks and churches to rolling onto campus together, these events are all about:

• Building community

• Encouraging healthy, active travel

• Inspiring lasting change in our city

Is your school joining in?

Check with your PTA, school leadership team, or visit the DPS Safe Routes to School page for details.

Durham Public Schools is proud to partner with Bike Durham to make these events possible.

Parents, please join us on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 12 p.m. or 6 p.m. for a step-by-step walkthrough of setting up your Rooms account, the new two-way communications tool for Durham Public Schools.

In these webinars, you’ll learn how to:

1. Sign up for an account

2. Set their language preference

3. Manage notifications

4. Explore key features

5. Get their questions answered

 Here are the sign on links:

1. Oct. 23 at 12 p.m. 👉 https://dpsnc.zoom.us/j/96622632047

2. Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. 👉 https://dpsnc.zoom.us/j/95617968544

 Spanish interpretation will be provided.

You may also find additional resources at https://support.edurooms.com (English) or https://support.edurooms.com/kb/es/ (Spanish).

Our schools thrive when community members give their time and talents to support students and staff. Volunteering is a meaningful way to connect with schools, make a difference in students’ lives, and strengthen the bond between our schools and community.

How to Get Started

To become a volunteer, simply complete the district’s volunteer application and background check process. Start by submitting your application here. Please note that:

• Each volunteer is required to complete a new volunteer application at the beginning of each school year (starting July 1).

• Your application is not considered complete until all activities on your dashboard have been completed. Incomplete applications cannot be processed.

• For returning volunteers, you must create a new account with a new username.

An approval or denial notice will be sent via email upon completion of a comprehensive background check and application review. Criminal background checks will be run every school year for all volunteers.

The turnaround time is usually 7-14 business days, though it may be higher during high volume peaks.

Ways to Volunteer

There are many ways that you can volunteer at our schools. You do not need to be a parent in the district, nor do you need to have a student at the school in order to volunteer. We welcome volunteers from throughout our community. However, volunteers are encouraged to reach out to school principals to learn about their needs and to coordinate support.

Some ways you may want to volunteer can include:

• In the classroom: Assist teachers with reading groups, tutoring, or hands-on projects.

• At events: Support school celebrations, performances, or family engagement nights.

• With extracurriculars: Coach or mentor students in athletics, arts, or clubs.

• District-wide support: Join committees, help with district events, or lend professional expertise. Contact individual departments to determine needs or offer your support.

• Behind the scenes: Provide clerical assistance, help in the media center, or support special projects.

• With building and grounds maintenance: Provide your skill to refresh a school's landscaping, build a set piece for the theatre, or help with an innovative solution for another building need.

If a school doesn't have a program that you are interested in helping lead, suggest it or volunteer your time to get it started. If a volunteer opportunity isn't advertised but you have an idea in mind for how you can help at a school or in the district, contact the appropriate school or department leader and suggest it. Every volunteer — whether once a week or once a year — helps us create welcoming, supportive, and inspiring schools for all students.

Calling All Young Artists!

The North Carolina Farm to School Calendar Contest is here!

Students in grades K–5 are invited to showcase their creativity by designing artwork that celebrates North Carolina agriculture—from fruits and vegetables to seafood, livestock, forestry, and more.

Thirteen winners will have their artwork featured in the 2026–27 NC Farm to School Calendar and will each receive a $50 gift card! Teachers of winning artists will also receive a $50 gift card.

Deadline to enter: Dec. 12

Artwork size: 11x8.5 or 9x12 inches (landscape only)

View past winners and get full contest details here: https://www.ncfarmtoschool.com/.../nc-farm-to-school-art.../

Let’s celebrate the rich diversity of North Carolina agriculture through the eyes of our students!

Join us to watch the DSA Bulldogs take on the Eno River Academy Bobcats in a game of varsity volleyball on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 6 p.m. at Durham School of the Arts, 400 N. Duke St. Enjoy a fun night with the family while supporting our local high school athletes!

Please keep in mind game-time regulations that are in place to ensure the safety of all participants

1. Clear One Bag Limit: Guests must adhere to the Department of Athletics' clear bag policy. Guests (including all spectators and students) will be limited to one bag that is clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and less than 12" x 12" x 6" — exceptions will be made for medical and baby needs.

2. No Reentry: Spectators that voluntarily leave an athletic contest will not be allowed reentry into that contest.

3. Elementary and Middle School Students: All elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when attending athletic competitions.

Please help us protect our community and our athletes so that our competitions remain safe and fun events for everyone!

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