2025 DPS Family & Community Engagement Summit

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9:45am EDT

Benefits, Barriers, and Opportunities for Walking and Biking

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am EDT

Southern High School

Did you know that physical activity boosts academic performance and mental health? Join the Safe Routes to School team to talk about what DPS and Bike Durham are doing to encourage and teach students and community members safe walking and biking skills. Share your family’s experience, discuss barriers, and learn more about opportunities to start walking and biking groups and get moving!

Speakers

Donna Lopp

Safe Routs to School Educator, Durham Public Schools

Safe Routes to School (SRTS), student engagement, curriculum integration regarding walking and/or rolling to school (via bicycle or wheelchair), public transportation

Jacopo Montobbio

Bike Durham

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

English / Ingles, All Parents / Para todos los padres

9:45am EDT

Family Game Nights Get Lit!

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am EDT

Southern High School

In this engaging, hands-on session, families will learn how to turn a family game night into a fun, literacy-rich experience. Come learn how literacy lives & grows everywhere, including your very own living room!

Speakers

Amy M. Franks

Book Harvest

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

English / Ingles, All Parents / Para todos los padres

9:45am EDT

Nourishing Ourselves and Our Families

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am EDT

Southern High School

Good health can help us do better in school, at work, and in life. In this session, families will learn easy ways to take care of their health, especially when it comes to family meals and snacks. We will demo and taste a quick, healthy dish that could be used for a weeknight meal.

Speakers

Kim Barrier

Durham County Department of Public Health

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

English / Ingles, All Parents / Para todos los padres

9:45am EDT

Preparing your Child for Middle School Success: 5th grade to 6th grade Transition

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am EDT

Southern High School

Is your child about to embark on the exciting journey from 5th to 6th grade? Middle school math introduces new challenges and opportunities for growth, and being prepared can make all the difference! This interactive session is designed to equip families with the tools, strategies, and insights to support their child’s transition to middle school math successfully. (Target Audience: Families of current 5th grade students)

Speakers

Alina Castillo

6-12 Math Specialist, Durham Public Schools

Alina Castillo serves as the 6-12 Math Specialist at Durham Public Schools. In this role, she provides instructional math support to schools and assists math teachers with building capacity in mathematics teaching through Professional Development, Professional Learning Communities... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

English / Ingles, Elementary School Parents / Padres de la escuela primaria

9:45am EDT

Splash into Literacy

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am EDT

Southern High School

In this session, families will dive deep into making literacy fun at home! We will share tips and tricks to keep young students splashing into literacy this summer.

Speakers

Kewanna Riley

Durham Public Schools

Angela Batson

Durham Public Schools

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

English / Ingles, Elementary School Parents / Padres de la escuela primaria

9:45am EDT

Summer Arts Opportunities

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am EDT

Southern High School

In this session, the DPS Arts Department will share summer programming offerings available through the Durham Arts Council, the Scrap Exchange, and the American Dance Festival.

Speakers

Les Turner

Durham Public Schools

Wendy Leigh

Arts Education Assistant Manager, Durham Arts Council

I act as Camp Manager at the Durham Arts Council, overseeing both School Break Camps and Summer Arts Camps for youth and teens.

Annabel Lopez

School Assistant, American Dance Festival

Amanda Miller

Durham Arts Council

Sarah Schmader

Outreach Director, The Scrap Exchange

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

English / Ingles, All Parents / Para todos los padres

9:45am EDT

Transitions: ECE to Kindergarten

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am EDT

Southern High School

The transition from early childhood education (ECE) to kindergarten is a milestone that impacts a child's academic success and social-emotional development. By providing clear information on school choices, enrollment, eligibility requirements, and readiness strategies. This session aims to empower families with knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their child’s education and what will be best for the child and the family.

Speakers

Nikki Best

Durham's Partnership for Children

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

English / Ingles, Pre-K Parents / Padres de Preescolar

9:45am EDT

Cómo apoyar a su estudiante cuando no habla inglés

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am EDT

Southern High School

En esta sesión, las familias aprenderán sobre los conceptos básicos de navegar por el sistema escolar, la comunicación efectiva, las herramientas y recursos disponibles, y las mejores prácticas para apoyar academicamente al estudiante como familia.

Speakers

Claudia Acevedo Sanhueza

Communication Specialist

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

Spanish / Espanol, All Families / Para todos los padres

9:45am EDT

Los mejores consejos sobre cómo abogar por su estudiante en la escuela

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am EDT

Southern High School

El Proyecto de Derecho a la Educación de Legal Aid apoya al estudiante a obtener una educación sólida al empoderar al estudiante y a su familia con información sobre sus derechos en la escuela. Acompáñenos en esta sesión para aprender más sobre temas tales como las inscripciónes, la disciplina, la educación especial, la discriminación y los problemas relacionados con la inmigración en la escuela, así como sobre organizaciones increíbles en Durham y en todo el estado con las que puede comunicarse para obtener apoyo con diferentes inquietudes. Compartiremos nuestros mejores consejos sobre cómo colaborar de manera efectiva con la escuela de su hijo y DPS, abogar por su hijo para abordar cualquiera de sus inquietudes y asegurarnos de que su hijo pueda crecer, prosperar y aprender.

Speakers

Crystal Ingram

Legal Aid of NC

Hetali Lodaya

Leagal Aid of NC

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

Spanish / Espanol, All Parents / Para todos los padres

10:45am EDT

Building Futures: Empowering Boys of Color for Post-Secondary Achievement

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am EDT

Southern High School

Speakers

Dewarren Langley

Visionary & Executive Director, Charles Hamilton Houston Foundation, Inc.

DeWarren K. Langley, JD, MPA is an equity-minded community leader, student success coach, career development specialist, policy analyst, and strategy consultant. He is the Visionary & Executive Director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Foundation, Inc., which is a 501(c)(3) academic... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

English / Ingles, All Parents / Para todos los padres

10:45am EDT

EPiC Transitions: Equipping Parents for a Strong Start in Kindergarten

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am EDT

Southern High School

In this session, we aim to educate families on culturally affirming learning environments, literacy development, early signs of academic challenges, and effective advocacy skills to maximize their child’s full potential and supportive transition from Pre-K to Kindergarten.

Speakers

Mavreen Nanton-Scott

EPiC

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

English / Ingles, Elementary School Parents / Padres de la escuela primaria

10:45am EDT

Middle School, Here I Come: 5th to 6th grade transition

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am EDT

Southern High School

This session is created to help both students and families understand and navigate the changes that come with moving from elementary to middle school. We’ll talk about academic expectations, social changes, time management, and ways to build confidence during this important time. Families will learn how to best support their children and discover tips for adjusting to a more independent learning environment. (Target Audience: Families of current 5th grade students)

Speakers

Tomekia Bell

Durham Public Schools

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

English / Ingles, Elementary School Parents / Padres de la escuela primaria

10:45am EDT

Mindful Transformation: Moving from Anxiety to Resilience

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am EDT

Southern High School

Speakers

Aviva Tulasi

Y.O.G.A. for Youth

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

English / Ingles, All Parents / Para todos los padres

10:45am EDT

Navigating High School Lottery Options with Your Future High School Freshman

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am EDT

Southern High School

Do you have a student going to high school soon? Have you and your child had meaningful conversations about their educational and career goals and what high school options will best fit those needs? Come get guidance on talking about, choosing, and navigating your high school options in Durham Public Schools.

Speakers

Dr. Rita Rathbone

Magnet Programs Specialist, DPS

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

English / Ingles, Middle School Parents / Padres de la escuela intermedia

10:45am EDT

Preparing for College: What Students & Parents Need to Know

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am EDT

Southern High School

This session will provide middle and high school students and families valuable insights into what colleges look for in applicants. Topics include course selection, standardized testing, extracurricular involvement, the application process, letters of recommendation, and essays/personal statements.

Speakers

Rhonda McRae

A2Z College Planning

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

English / Ingles, Middle & High School Parents / Padres de la escuela intermedia e secundaria

10:45am EDT

Splash into Literacy

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am EDT

Southern High School

In this session, families will dive deep into making literacy fun at home! We will share tips and tricks to keep young students splashing into literacy this summer.

Speakers

Kewanna Riley

Durham Public Schools

Angela Batson

Durham Public Schools

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

English / Ingles, Elementary School Parents / Padres de la escuela primaria

10:45am EDT

Stress Free Resilient Families

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am EDT

Southern High School

This session is designed to equip students, families, and school staff with the knowledge and tools to understand and combat the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Through interactive activities, engaging discussions, and practical strategies, families will learn how to foster resilience and create supportive environments that promote well-being and academic success.

Speakers

Dr. Wanda Boone

CEO, Together for Resilient Youth (TRY)

Dr. Wanda Boone is the Executive Director and Founder of Together for Resilient Youth (TRY). TRY 501C3 non-profit was founded in 2003 to prevent substance abuse among youth by addressing community risk factors. Wanda sees her work as an effort to combat a series of cultural shifts... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

English / Ingles, All Parents / Para todos los padres

10:45am EDT

Estrés & ansiedad 101

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am EDT

Southern High School

Descubra cómo el estrés y la ansiedad se manifiestan en el cuerpo y aprenda estrategias prácticas para controlarlos y lograr una vida más saludable y equilibrada. A través de interesantes discusiones, actividades de atención plena y puntos de vista de expertos, esta sesión equipa a las familias con herramientas para reconocer, mitigar y navegar el estrés de manera efectiva.

Speakers

Melissa Perez

Assistant Principal Intern, Durham Public Schools

I am an educator of 22 years. I spent 11 years teaching Spanish, French and Portuguese over grades K-12 and 2 NC school districts. For 10 years I was the World Languages & DL/I Specialist for Durham Public Schools. Additionally, I serve as the EL Family Engagement Specialist... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

Spanish / Espanol, All Parents / Para todos los padres

11:45am EDT

Benefits, Barriers, and Opportunities for Walking and Biking

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT

Southern High School

Did you know that physical activity boosts academic performance and mental health? Join the Safe Routes to School team to talk about what DPS and Bike Durham are doing to encourage and teach students and community members safe walking and biking skills. Share your family’s experience, discuss barriers, and learn more about opportunities to start walking and biking groups and get moving!

Speakers

Donna Lopp

Safe Routs to School Educator, Durham Public Schools

Safe Routes to School (SRTS), student engagement, curriculum integration regarding walking and/or rolling to school (via bicycle or wheelchair), public transportation

Jacopo Montobbio

Bike Durham

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

English / Ingles, All Parents / Para todos los padres

11:45am EDT

Catch My Breath: The Dangers of Vaping and E-Cigarette Use

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT

Southern High School

This session aims to educate students, families, and educators about the serious risks associated with vaping and the use of e-cigarettes. During this session, we will cover the harmful effects of nicotine, the risks to brain development, and the potential long-term health consequences. Participants will learn about the addictive nature of e-cigarettes, common misconceptions, and how to make informed decisions to protect their health. The session will also provide strategies for resisting peer pressure and seeking support for those struggling with addiction.

Speakers

Tomekia Bell

Durham Public Schools

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

English / Ingles, All Parents / Para todos los padres

11:45am EDT

High School, Here I Come: the 8th to 9th grade transition

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT

Southern High School

In this session, participants will leave with a timeline and toolkit of resources for supporting students and families through their transition to high school. We will focus on three main areas - middle school: before the transition, spring/summer: during the transition, and high school: after the transition.

Speakers

Korinna Edwards

Student U

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

English / Ingles, Middle & High School Parents / Padres de la escuela intermedia e secundaria

11:45am EDT

Holistic Stress Management for Parents: Cultivating Calm in Uncertain Times

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT

Southern High School

In today’s fast-paced and uncertain world, stress and anxiety can feel overwhelming, especially for parents navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. This session explores holistic practices such as yoga, meditation, breathwork, and mindfulness to help parents cultivate inner peace, resilience, and balance in their daily lives.

Speakers

Natalia Adamah

we are

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

English / Ingles, High School Parents / Padres de la escuela secundaria

11:45am EDT

Invisible Sentence: Supporting Children of Incarcerated and Returning Parents

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT

Southern High School

21,000. Come learn more about the significance of this number. In this session, we will share what the program has learned about children of incarcerated and returning parents and work to create a community where they are acknowledged, supported, and encouraged to share their stories. Our Children's Place is a statewide program committed to the children of incarcerated and returning parents.

Speakers

Melissa Radcliff

Program Director, Our Children's Place of Coastal Horizons

Melissa Radcliff has been with Our Children’s Place of Coastal Horizons based in Wilmington, NC since February 2007. Our Children’s Place is a statewide education and advocacy program focused on community support for children of incarcerated and returning parents. Prior to that... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

English / Ingles, All Parents / Para todos los padres

11:45am EDT

Literacy for All

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT

Southern High School

Join this session to explore print and digital literacy resources available for all Durham Public Schools students and families. Bring your child's DPS device and log in information to access and explore all that is available to grow our readers!

Speakers

Heidi Perez

Literacy Specialist, Durham Public Schools

Heidi Perez, Literacy Integration Specialist for Durham Public Schools, has served students and teachers as a public educator, advocate, instructional coach and leader for over 29 years. Heidi's passion centers on literacy learning because literacy is the key to agency and active... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

English / Ingles, All Parents / Para todos los padres

11:45am EDT

Top Tips on Advocating for Your Student at School

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT

Southern High School

Legal Aid's Right to Education Project supports students in getting a strong education by powering students and families with information about their rights at school. Join us for this session to learn more about topics like enrollment, discipline, special education, discrimination, and immigration-related issues at school, as well as awesome organizations in Durham and across the state you can contact for support with different concerns. We'll share our top tips on how to effectively collaborate with your child's school and DPS, advocate for your child to address any of your concerns, and make sure your child is able to grow, thrive, and learn!

Speakers

Crystal Ingram

Legal Aid of NC

Hetali Lodaya

Leagal Aid of NC

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

English / Ingles, All Parents / Para todos los padres

11:45am EDT

Your Child, Your Choice: Parents' Right to Know!

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT

Southern High School

As a parent of a student who attends a Title I school, you have the right to know! The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) Parents' Right-To-Know policy provides parents with information about their child's education. In this session, Title I families will learn how to ASK and RECEIVE timely, specific information regarding teacher qualifications, student assessments, and your child's academic progress.

Speakers

Janneke Pulliam

Title I Coordinator

As a 29-year veteran educator of Durham Public Schools, I have been blessed with many opportunities. What a wonderful feeling it is to be able to make a difference in the lives of others! Be the change to wish to see in this world. :-) *Elementary teacher (K-5), District Reading First... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

English / Ingles, Elementary & Middle School Parents / Padres de la escuela primaria e intermedia

11:45am EDT

Navegando las conversaciones difíciles con su estudiante

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT

Southern High School

Aprenda modelos, herramientas y técnicas prácticas para abordar temas delicados con confianza, claridad y compasión. Esta sesión equipará a las familias con estrategias para fomentar la comunicación abierta, manejar las emociones y crear un espacio de apoyo para un diálogo significativo con sus hijos.

Speakers

Melissa Perez

Assistant Principal Intern, Durham Public Schools

I am an educator of 22 years. I spent 11 years teaching Spanish, French and Portuguese over grades K-12 and 2 NC school districts. For 10 years I was the World Languages & DL/I Specialist for Durham Public Schools. Additionally, I serve as the EL Family Engagement Specialist... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT
Southern High School 800 Clayton Rd, Durham, NC 27703, USA

Spanish / Espanol, Elementary & Middle School Parents / Padres de la escuela primaria e intermedia