We’re reflecting on the past three weeks of Durham FEAST--how much support has been put in place, and how much there is still to do. So many people in Durham have been involved in this effort. Thanks to all of our work, we have been able to care for our students. Here's what happens on a weekly basis thanks to all of you:
Our work to support students during COVID-19 is far from over. Thank you for continued support and attention.
We will keep you posted!
Read MoreA partnership between Durham Public Schools, Durham County Government, the Durham Public Schools Foundation and local nonprofits and restaurants organized as “Durham FEAST,” will launch a new meal support program for children and families starting on Thursday, April 16, 2020. Families coming to school sites across Durham County will receive three days of free breakfasts and lunches prepared by Durham restaurants, while adults will receive shelf-stable food supplies and produce.
Read MoreThe Durham Public Schools Foundation (DPS Foundation) is announcing an initiative to deliver prepared meals, produce, canned goods, books, and other supplies to 1,500 DPS families on a weekly basis for at least the next two months. This effort is made possible by support from Biogen Foundation, Pacific Western Bank, MC Taylor and Hiss Golden Messenger, Merge Records, Mayor Steve Schewel and his wife Lao Rubert, and 1,085 community members who have made donations over the past two weeks.
Read MoreA week and a half ago DPS announced that schools would be closing. Since that moment, our community has come together in an incredible demonstration of support and caring for each other. Since we emailed about urgently needed funds for students impacted by school closures, 841 people have given $112,412! We are amazed by this outpouring of care for and from our community. There are two priorities for these funds.
Read MoreDear friends and neighbors,
I’m writing in a time of change and uncertainty to update you, affirm our commitment to Durham students, and invite you to provide direct support to DPS students and families impacted by COVID-19 school closures.
As we all make difficult decisions to press pause on events and shift our work and family schedules in order to slow the spread of COVID-19, we also know there is new and urgent work to be done in supporting our students during school closures.
Now as much as ever DPS Foundation is committed to streamlining and increasing charitable giving and distributing resources to the students and families who need it most. That’s why we are playing a coordinating role in raising funds from the community to directly support these students. We are in close communication with Superintendent Dr. Mubenga, his team, and our partners that provide direct support to students.
Read MoreWe are proud to announce launch of the DPSF Teacher Leadership Academy, developed specifically for Durham Public School classroom teachers.
The inaugural cohort of twenty teachers will meet one school day per month beginning September, 2019 and ending May, 2020. Our goal is to strengthen the role of the teacher and empower teachers to become decision-makers and change agents beyond their classroom walls.
Read MoreDPSF is sponsoring rising 8th grade and high school DPS students to attend a two-day racial equity training for Durham youth on July 30-31st. Students who participate in the racial equity training will also be invited to apply for DPSF’s Youth Advisory Council.
Read MoreDurham-based musician Hiss Golden Messenger has added $1 to each ticket of his new tour to go directly to the Durham Public Schools Foundation!
Read MoreThe DPS Foundation is excited to announce that Capitol Broadcasting, CT Wilson Construction and Rho Inc. are making multi-year funding commitments that will go toward innovative and equitable strategies across Durham Public Schools.
Read MoreThe DPS Foundation has a new home at Provident 1898! We’re so proud to be doing this work for community-led transformation of our public schools in this space that holds such an important place in Durham’s history and making this the city we love today.
Read MoreAs a senior and the president of GSA, Batten-Hicks applied for a grant from the recently launched Durham Public Schools Foundation. She received $500 from the Foundation to carry out a mural project at Hillside High that will depict the life and successes of activist Pauli Murray, a 1926 Hillside alumna.
Read MoreJust 5 months after launching the DPS Foundation is thrilled to announce our first round of grants of over $55,000 to fund 19 innovative projects led by our students, educators and parents!
Read MoreShared prosperity in Durham requires each of us to commit to our public schools now
Editorial by Magan Gonzales-Smith featured in EdNC
Recommitting to public education at the state level is essential. But this commitment must start at home — right here in Durham. When we come together, our community has the power to shape the vision for the public schools our students deserve, support our district in implementing that vision, and provide local investment that will make transformative change possible.
Read MoreAfter an extensive search and hiring process, DPSF is pleased to announce it has hired Magan Gonzales-Smith to be the organization’s Executive Director. Magan's passion for public schools and commitment to education justice is shaped by being the daughter of a first-generation college student and her decade of work with several urban school districts.
“I’m honored to serve the students, educators and families who make up Durham Public Schools in this role. My years working in Durham schools has shown me that we have brilliant students and dedicated educators and I know that when we build community support and investment in them Durham can fulfill the promise of public education for every student.”
Read MoreThe Durham Public Schools Foundation announced the kickoff of its Executive Director search campaign by posting the job description and a request for applications. Please see Job Description and share with any interested parties. APPLICATION WINDOW CLOSED 11/6/2018
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