I recently attened a session at the Durham Regional Association of REALTORS about Informed Choices for Durham Homebuyers. The DPS School Adminstration came to give REALTORS an update on what is happening in our schools. When I left the session 2 hours later, I felt excited for the students who attend DPS.
We have over 32,000 students, 55 schools(soon 56, Lucas Middle School will open 8/2012) and we have the 8th largest school system in NC. We have calendar magnet, program magnet and Small High School Options. The parents of today's children have many choices to insure their kids needs are met in Durham Public Schools.
19.7% of our students are in AIG (academically & intellectually gifted students) which is about 6,300 students. There are many enrichment opportunities for them. The teachers who work with these students all have an AIG license. These classes are given at Duke & NCCU free of charge for our teachers.
The needs of Exceptional Children are also met in DPS. Dr. Kristen Bell spoke to us about how mainstreaming the children is important but that individual needs are met also thru out the school system.
Our new state of the middle school, Lucas, located on Snow Hill Road will open in August with 6th and 7th graders attending the first year. The 8th graders will join them in 2013, capacity will be 640 students. This school is equipped with cutting edge technology with wired and wireless infrastructure, cable, Brightlink interactive technology in all classrooms and laptops for teachers. It is built on 38 acres adjacent to a new public park from land donated by the Treyburn developers several years ago.
As I left the session, I thought about the great job our school system is doing. They continue to improve and focus on being sure that our students are ready to meet the challenges in today's ever changing world when the graduate from the DPS system.
If you want a voice in what happens, starting March 1st-10th there is a survey online at http://www.dpsnc.net/. They would love to have your input.
