Hey Y’all!

It’s week three of students being back in school, and I’ve got some exciting news to share! As many of you know, outside of being part of this wonderful EPiC team, I also serve as a Parent Ambassador for Durham Public Schools (DPS). This past Tuesday, September 9th, Dr. Anthony Lewis, Superintendent of DPS, joined our meeting to share some awesome updates.

Here’s the scoop: DPS Data Dive from the NC Department of Instruction (I suggest giving it a look through). For those of us who love data, this is chef’s kiss88.9% of DPS schools met or exceeded growth, the highest it’s been since 2019 (yep, pre-COVID!).

Some more wins to celebrate:

  • Over half of DPS schools earned A, B, or C grades—the most A schools we’ve had pre-pandemic.

  • Seven schools moved out of low performance.

  • DPS ranks top 10 in North Carolina for growth and #1 among the 12 largest districts.

  • 100% graduation rate at School of Medicine Academy, J.D. Clement Early College High School, and Middle College High School. Keep up the amazing work!

If we keep this momentum, we’re not just meeting goals set by Superintendents Mo Green and Dr. Lewis, we’re on the path to making Durham the premier school district in North Carolina, leading the state to become a national model for education.

Let’s keep encouraging, supporting, and celebrating our students, teachers, staff, and district. Last year was tough, but our students and families made it through—bruised but stronger. So, let’s shake the dirt off our shoulders and keep pushing forward!

Welp that’s all I got for this month.  As always…

Be well. Be Excellent.  Be EPiC.

By Mavreen Nanton Scott