School Tools
WHICH TEST—ACT OR SAT?
APlus Test Prep & Academic Services presents ACT or SAT? Which Test Is the Better Fit for My Student? on Wednesday, April 3, 6–7pm, at the Durham County Main Library (300 N Roxboro St). During this free session, high school students can figure out which of these tests to take (which can help determine who gets college scholarships and financial-aid opportunities). Click here for more info and to register.
Sign up for Head Start/Pre-K
The Durham Partnership for Children will host an Early Head Start Spring Fling on Saturday, April 6, 10am–2pm, at Solite Park (4704 Fayetteville Rd). Learn about pre-kindergarten for your child, get help filling out your application, and submit your application documents for the 2024–25 school year if you’ve already started the process and got stuck. They’ll also have face painting, bouncy houses, and fun, all-ages activities. Free admission.
EXPLORE THE SCIENCES AT NCCU
North Carolina Central University will host Inspire to Aspire: An NCCU Experience Expo in the Mary Townes Science Building (1900 Concord St) on Saturday, April 13, 11am–3pm. Kids, teens, and their families are invited to this free event where they’ll be able to explore the sciences with fun, hands-on activities.
LEARN ABOUT THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR
Public, private, and homeschool groups are invited to attend 9th annual Civil War School Days on Tuesday, April 16, 10am–3pm, at the Bennett Place State Historic Site (4409 Bennett Memorial Rd) and learn all about Civil War–era military life. Visitors can meet and listen as reenactors talk about the soldiers’ training regimens, the flags of the Civil War, the postal system, the medical system, and much more. Call 919-383-4345 to make your reservation and for more info. The cost is $1 per student; free admission for adults (donations will be graciously accepted).
DPS INSTRUCTOR SHOW AT THE DURHAM ARTS COUNCIL
The second grand opening of the 2024 Durham Public School (DPS) Instructor Show will be held on Friday, April 19, 6–8pm, at the Durham Arts Council (120 Morris St, in the Allerton and Semans galleries). This group exhibit features artwork by teachers in the DPS system. The exhibit will remain on display through Sunday, May 5. DPS instructors will also provide live music for the exhibit openings.
Here are the featured artists:
Jaclyn Bowie, Southern School of Energy and Sustainability
Katelyn Culberson, Central Services - Arts Specialist
José Manuel Cruz, James E Shepard IB Middle School
Alyssa Hinton, IGNITE! Online Academy
Adia Ledbetter, James E Shepard IB Middle School
Aislinn Massia, Northern High School
val h h martinez, Durham School of the Arts
Felicia Maye, Durham School of the Arts
Loretta Morgan, Lakewood Montessori Middle School
Veronica Ochoacastil, Hillside High School
Amber Santibáñez, Durham School of the Arts
Myra Stotesbury, Northern High School
Ann Thaden, CE Jordan High School
Ellen Tumavicus, YE Smith Elementary School
Michael Vasinko, Carrington Middle School
Jack Watson, Durham School of the Arts
Emilie Young, Southwest Elementary School
Free admission; the hours of the Durham Arts Council are Monday–Saturday 9am–9pm and Sundays 1–6pm.
DURHAM TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
People thinking about attending Durham Tech are invited to attend an Open House on Saturday, April 27, 9am–noon; everyone will meet at the Wynn Center (1637 E Lawson St, Building 10). Participate in a 20-minute information session and/or take a tour of the campus. Learn about Durham Tech’s Pathway programs, which offer hands-on learning experiences that, in addition to classes, can lead directly to successful careers. High school students are invited to learn about the Career and College Promise programs, which provides seamless dual enrollment (they’ll be earning college credits and taking high school classes at the same time). That way, they can choose to get a jumpstart on their college careers or enter a program that leads to a certification or diploma program in a particular technical field or career area. Click here for more info and to register.
VILLAGE OF WISDOM
The Village of Wonder has started Dreamship, a black parent fellowship, which has four goals, which are to explore:
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How to rest in Blackness and heal through Black Genius
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How to use creativity and art to protect Black Genius
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How to use research and design to protect Black Genius, and
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How to change the way educators teach and protect Black Genius.
Their approach is to encourage and uplift black students, some of whom might feel that being black is a disadvantage. Parents are invited to click here for more info and to fill out the interest form so they can attend meetings and workshops to help their children.
Feel free to explore the website to learn about additional programs and activities.
DPS FAMILY ACADEMY
Durham Public Schools’ DPS Family Academy will start up again when school starts. Speakers provide helpful information and tips for parents/grands/caregivers of DPS students to help them thrive in the school environment. Follow the DPS Family Academy on Facebook.