Hello DSA Families,

The production of the 2025-2026 DSA Yearbook is in full swing, and we want to offer a few reminders about ordering opportunities and deadlines. 

Yearbooks are on sale for $60 and families will be able to order until April 15th.

Senior families, if you are still interested in ordering a Senior Ad, you've got until March 27th order your ad.. Attached to the email accompanying this message are the links you'll need to place your orders. For questions, please reach out to Alphonso_Donaldson@dpsnc.net

The yearbook will be out in May. We are so excited to share it with you!

Yearbook Pre-Order Link

Senior Ad Flyer

Senior Ad Ordering Link

Girls Talk Math is a two-week, free summer camp designed to highlight and uplift students from marginalized groups in mathematics, while welcoming all students who are interested. This camp is for students who enjoy learning and exploring, they do not need to be “the best” at math to apply, just have a willingness to learn, ask questions, and engage.

Camp Details:
• Dates: July 13–24
• Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Before & after care: Available
• Cost: Free
• Who can apply: All are welcome

Students will engage in hands-on activities, learn from mentors, and build confidence in math while connecting with peers who share similar interests.

Applications must be submitted by March 20 for full consideration.

Apply here: https://forms.gle/h1hk46LMSi4gZhdW8
Learn more: https://girlstalkmath.web.unc.edu/

Graduation Speeches: Any senior eligible for participation in DSA’s 2026 graduation ceremony may audition to give one of the “DSA Voices” graduation speeches. This will be the process used to determine graduation speeches, so if you are interested in speaking at graduation, make sure to precisely follow this process and adhere to deadlines.

To apply and audition: 

Write an original speech that reflects upon graduating from DSA. All speeches must have a positive message, be inclusive of the class of 2026, and be under 4 minutes (approx. 500 words). If you need assistance, just ask a senior English teacher.

Submit the speech in the “DSA Voices graduation speech” assignment in the “Class of 2026” Canvas page by Saturday, April 11, 2026 @ 11:59. No late submissions will be accepted and the assignment will close, so be sure to submit early. Use the template we provided in the assignment and be sure to include all of the required information. Don't forget to click submit.

Auditions will take place during third period the week of April 13.

We will email students by Tuesday, April 14th with your audition date/time. Make sure to check your email!

Students will deliver the speech they submitted in front of the graduation committee during the scheduled audition time. Note: auditions may be recorded.  Students do not need to memorize the speech but should practice and be comfortable reading it, as they will be assessed on both content and delivery. 

 A committee consisting of DSA faculty, staff, and administration will select speeches based on the following: 

*Content of speech: positive message, inclusive of class of 2026, tone, originality, time limit- under 4 minutes 

Delivery of speech: volume, pace, and cadence and clarity of reading

School citizenship: student’s positive involvement in and contribution to the school community

PROM TICKETS ARE ON SALE!!
Get excited, prom season is officially here, and it’s time to get your ticket for the day! Ticket Prices are

March 1st – April 3rd: $75

April 4th – May 9th: $95

Grab yours early and save some money! 

Prom Committee members will be in the cafeteria every Tuesday and Thursday during A and B lunch selling tickets until the last week of Prom. Get your ticket before prices go up.
Song recommendation Google Forms will be available in junior and senior English classes and the junior and senior class canvas pages as well as the prom committee Instagram. If you’re a junior or senior, make sure you fill it out and drop your best song picks! Let’s build a playlist that feels like us.

Hello,

This is Mica Lloyd from Note in the Pocket Durham. I am reaching out today to share a volunteer opportunity we have available to students, our Teen Board. 

Teen Board is a program where local high school students from the Triangle volunteer their time to support Note in the Pocket’s mission. Our Teen Board leaders complete a variety of projects to gain hands-on leadership development experience. Mentors will provide them with insight into the functions and demands of running a nonprofit organization, help them to develop and hone their leadership skills, and provide guidance and support in their efforts to implement projects that will improve the lives of children throughout our community. Teen Board is an excellent place for students to learn the functions and demands of non profit organizations, hone their leadership skills, and develop community awareness. 

Teen Board members are expected to attend meetings on the third Sunday of each month (September - May), volunteer 10 hours at Note between June and August, and host a summer clothing drive. In addition members will be expected to complete 6 volunteer hours in the fall and 6 in the spring, and will be able to volunteer and participate during on and off site fundraising projects leading up to our Socks and Undie 5k Rundie.

The application window will be March 2nd - April 3rd. Below I have a flyer attached that can be sent to students and parents which contains a QR for Teen Board applications . If you have any further questions please contact Kristina Isaac (kristina@noteinthepocket.org), or Mica Lloyd (mica@noteinthepocket.org). 

Catalyst Conference is a social justice organization within UNC’s Campus Y. Our mission is to provide high school students across North Carolina with the opportunity to immerse themselves on UNC’s campus, where they learn about current social justice topics with a cohort of other enthusiastic, dedicated leaders. Participants will engage in meaningful discussions, build lasting personal relationships, and cross boundaries of race, ethnicity, religion, and gender. The conference fosters dialogue about relevant issues and equips students with practical strategies to address these challenges within their communities.

We would love for students at Durham School of the Arts to be part of this transformative experience! Here is the application link for students who are passionate about social justice, eager to improve their advocacy skills, or interested in connecting with peers who share their values.