Good Evening SCS Families. This is Ms. Price with your weekly message for the week of October 18, 2021. 

Report Cards were sent home with students Friday. If you have questions about your child’s grades, please contact the individual teachers. Any other questions can be directed to me or Ms. Fleming. 

Students in grades 6-11 will take school pictures October 22. All students will take a photo for the yearbook. If you would like to purchase a picture package, picture envelopes are in the main office.

Our PTSA is forming a Food Pantry Committee and we are seeking parents who are willing to serve on this committee. If you have a passion about food insecurity, please consider serving. This is a project that we have been working on for several years for our community and we’d like to grow our efforts. First meeting is October 19 at 6:30 p.m. Please email president@thescsptsa.com or visit the SCS PTSA website and use the Contact button. 

We will hold our middle school AIG Parent Night October 26 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Please look for invitations from Ms. Taylor. 

Durham Public Schools, in partnership with MAKO Medical, will begin providing weekly COVID-19 testing at school to help identify possible COVID-19 infections among students even if they’re not showing any symptoms. Research has shown such testing can reduce the spread by 50%, especially in large settings such as schools. 

The testing is a simple swab of the nose and not the test that tickles the brain. This is the same test families can administer from home or at local testing sites. 

This is a voluntary testing process, so a parent or guardian must register their student to participate. The link to register is included in the email version of this message, posted on our website and my blog. A hard copy letter will be sent home with your student when we return from break. All testing information and results will remain confidential. 

I encourage our families to register their students for this free opportunity. Together, we can keep our students safe, in their classrooms, and prevent community spread. 

Register your student today with this link: https://home.color.com/covid/sign-up/start?partner=tf-dur-688-students

NATIONAL SCHOOL BUS SAFETY WEEK

Held during the third full week of October each year, National School Bus Safety Week is an active and evolving public education program and an excellent way for parents, students, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators, and other interested parties – to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety. Designed to promote school bus safety, school districts throughout the country observe School Bus Safety Week.

2021 National School Bus Safety Week: October 18-22, 2021.

School bus transportation plays a critical role in the education of our nation’s students, and is the

direct link between a neighborhood and the classroom. More than 25 million children ride the yellow

bus every school day, and National School Bus Safety Week serves as a reminder for students,

parents, teachers, and the community to keep school bus safety in the forefront. Here are tips to

keep our children safe at the bus stop.

Getting Ready for School

• Have your children put everything they carry in a backpack or school bag so that they won’t drop things along the way.
• Encourage them to wear bright, contrasting colors so they will be more easily seen by drivers.
• Make sure children leave home on time so they can arrive at the bus stop before it is due,ideally at least five minutes early. Running after or in front of a bus is dangerous.

Walking to the Bus Stop

• Walk young children to the bus stop or encourage children to walk in groups. There is safety in numbers; groups are easier for drivers to see.
• Practice good pedestrian behavior: walk on the sidewalk, and if there is no sidewalk stay out of the street. If you must walk in the street, walk single file, face traffic and stay as close to the edge of the road as you can.
• Stop and look left, right and then left again if you must cross the street. Do the same thing at drive -ways and alleys. Exaggerate your head turns and narrate your actions so your child knows you are looking left, right and left.

At the Bus Stop

• Have children wait in a location where the driver can see them while driving down the street.
• Try to avoid waiting in a house or car.
• Do not let children play in the street. Playing with balls or other toys that could roll into the street is also dangerous.

Getting On and Off the Bus

• Warn children that if they drop something getting on and off the bus, they should never pick it up. Instead, they should tell the driver and follow the driver’s instructions.
• Remind children to look to the right before they step off the bus.
•  If you meet your child at the bus stop after school, wait on the side where the child will be dropped off, not across the street. Children can be so excited to see you after school that they dash across the street and forget the safety rules.

Mobile Devices

• Cell phones and other electronic devices are often permitted on the school bus as long as:
• They are in backpacks or other holders, keeping hands free to use handrails while boarding and departing the bus.
• Sound is muted or headphones, earbuds, or similar devices are used.
• Content does not violate the law or school district policy and procedures.
• Use does not create a distraction for the driver

Virtual 2nd Virtual Annual Spanish Spelling Bee (7th year): 

Date:  10/21/2021

Time: 5:30 to 7:00 p.m 

Zoom Link can be found in Canvas Global Announcements.

This is an annual contest where students in a school system are in a Spanish 1 class. The teacher can choose the way to select the students and prepare them to participate in the Bee. Through the last five years, we have developed a great collaboration with the Hispanic Heritage Organization/ Mi Libro Hispano and I have added the history and moments of the competition. You can find more details in Spanish at the following interview link: https://milibrohispano.org/spanish-spelling-bee-aprendamos-espanol/

This year, the contest will also offer a live cultural presentation (by Zoom) with music and folkloric dances by professionals Latin representatives. 

The special guests are:

Takiri: a Latin family sharing values and rhythms. Pilar Rocha-Goldberg, director of Takiri Folclor Latino. They dance rhythms from Latin America, especially from Colombia, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru, including Cumbia, Bambuco, Mapalé, Merecumbé, Plena among others.

 Aztecs Dance: Danza Azteca is a living, evolving, cultural tradition using the artistic, spiritual, and traditions of the pre-Colombian Aztecs. It’s an all-compassing way of life and is a form of ancestor worship, and a way of communicating with the future. Other musicians who are part of the community will also perform. 

Want to order a 2021-22 SCS Yearbook? 

Visit https://strawbridge.fotomerchanthv.com/search/YB110739

• $40.00 until January 14, 2022
• $45.00 from January 15, 2022, to April 29, 2022 (FINAL ordering date)
• Want to personalize your yearbook with your name?  Add an additional $10.00 to your order
• View the yearbook flyer for visual steps.

To recognize Bullying Prevention Month, we are asking all of our community to wear orange on Wednesday, October 20 to show support for bullying prevention. Listen for the daily announcements to raise awareness. 

We will have a fun-filled Spirit Week the week of October 25! Check out the SCS website calendar, my blog, the social media sites, and the signs around the school to start planning your outfits! 

Use this link to access the Transportation page, “Here Comes The Bus” Tracking APP. Families can use this app to track their child’s bus. We will also continue to post alerts on Facebook and Twitter when buses leave campus late. 

DPS -Here Comes The Bus Page – https://www.dpsnc.net/page/202

Have a great evening from everyone at SCS where we practice the 4C’s–Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, and Community. 

Daily Announcements 

Truly, each day is a day of celebration…but October is a month full of special days. For instance, we are now celebrating the last days of Hispanic Heritage Month. During the entire month of October we are encouraged to recognize anti-bullying, breast cancer awareness and disability awareness and the people affected by these conditions. Other celebrations included in the month of October include World Teachers’ Day, World Mental Health Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day and World Food Day—just to name a few. Gryphons, take a moment each day to celebrate and to be intentional about what is good in the world about you. 

******************

There will be only one entrée available in the cafeteria for lunch today. 

******************

Grade 6-11 will take school pictures Friday, October 22. All students will have a picture taken for the yearbook. We will send picture order forms home next week. 

******************

If you turned in a Mac to Street, sit tight. The IT personnel is not here yet. You’ll hear when your computer is back. If anyone else has log-in problems, see Ms. Street. 

******************

Middle School Anime Club resumes today at 4:00 p.m. in Coach Gaffney’s room. You must be picked by 5:00 p.m. No exceptions. 

******************

Do you have thoughts about gender, sexuality, relationships, race, stereotypes, or identity? Submit your poetry, art, stories, essays and other creative writings to the SCS GSA’s pride zine (A zine is a self-published magazine). Check the flyers around the school for more information and a link to submit. See a GSA member or Street with questions. Deadline is November 15. 

******************

Hello SCS Family & Friends,

If a SCS family is interested in traveling to Italy with us during Summer 2022, the window to enroll in that trip will close at the end of December 2021. If you have questions regarding the trip being offered at this school, please contact Ms. Sims at Elizabeth_sims@dpsnc.net. There is also a link: www.eftours.com2395056zz

Ms. Sims looks forward to communicating with parents/students about with opportunity. 

******************

The Annual SCS College Fair will be held TODAY. To participate in the event students MUST have a pass from Ms. Settle. Passes are limited due to COVID restrictions. 

******************

October is Bullying Prevention Month. Here at SCS we want to make sure you understand how to define bullying and some common bullying behaviors. Bullying happens when people use their physical strength, popularity, or embarrassing information to control or harm others. These  behaviors happen more than once and include teasing, name calling, inappropriate comments, threatening to harm, spreading rumors, hitting, taking/breaking someone’s things, or making mean/rude gestures. Please find a trusted adult and report bullying behaviors. 

******************

The North Carolina Forestry Association is hosting its 5^th annual Forest Products Week Essay contest for NC students in 3^rd-12^thgrade. 

Prizes:

• Top essays will be selected from the elementary, middle, and high school categories.
• Students will receive a $200 Visa gift card.
• The sponsoring teacher will also receive $100 Visa gift card for classroom materials and a scholarship to attend the Sustainable Forestry Teachers Experience the next calendar year.

Due Date: 

Essays will be due on the last day of National Forest Products Week (October 22, 2021.) 

Writing Prompts:

Grade Level	Essay Length	Writing Prompt
Elementary (3rd-5th)	350 words or less	Choose one product you use every day that is made from wood.  How does this product help you? Why is it important? How would your life change if you did not have this product?
Middle ( 6th-8th)	400 words or less	Imagine you are a landowner that owns a large forest. Decide if you want to manage your trees for wildlife habitat, recreation, timber production, or a combination of all three. Research management techniques used by professionals to manage forests. Then, write your version of a management plan that summarizes why you are growing trees and how you will use which techniques to grow a healthy productive forest.
High (9th-12th)	500 words or less	Have you considered a green job as a career? Complete the Find your Green Job Youth Personality Quiz (SEE DIRECTIONS FOR A FREE ACESS CODE). Then, research one of the careers that matches your personality.  Summarize the role and include answers to the following questions.What education/experience is needed?What skills are needed?What do you find most interesting about this role?Why is this job important? Why did you choose this job?

Visit our website for more information on the contest, including submission requirements and judging criteria.

******************

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is providing you an opportunity to win up to $10,000. All you need to do is write an essay describing and analyzing an act of political courage by a US elected official who served during or after 1917, the year John F. Kennedy was born. The contest deadline is January 14, 2022. More information can be found on our social media sites. 

 

******************

2022 Graduates, 

Did you miss Jostens and still need to purchase your cap and gown?  Visit https://tinyurl.com/2k373kmy to place your order online.  Jostens has extended the cap and gown special price of $65.00 that includes taxes and shipping until further notice.  You can also customize your order by purchasing invitations, announcements, etc.

******************

Yearbook in the making.  Graduates, do you want a famous quote displayed under your name?  Visit https://tinyurl.com/umk4tzr5. Due by Oct. 22, 2021.

******************

All Juniors and Senior prom tickets are on sale right now for the special rate of $55.  This rate applies to all juniors & guests and senior guests only.  Seniors, please turn in your senior dues to Coach Barnes & Ms. Street.  This deal will end before Thanksgiving break.  

****************** 

Want to order a 2021-22 SCS Yearbook? 

Visit https://strawbridge.fotomerchanthv.com/search/YB110739

• $40.00 until January 14, 2022
• $45.00 from January 15, 2022, to April 29, 2022 (FINAL ordering date)
• Want to personalize your yearbook with your name?  Add an additional $10.00 to your order

View the yearbook flyer for visual steps

****************** 

Students you are reminded to watch your distance from each other in the halls. Use the dots to guide you. Stay on the right side of the hall and keep your volume low because there are other classes in session.

******************

All IT requests and issues should be submitted to the 

DPS IT Support Center  

There are 3 ways for you to contact us for support:

1.Visit https://itsupport.dpsnc.netLinks to an external site.

1. Email ITSupport@dpsnc.net
2. Call 919-560-3837 

 ******************

Masks are to be worn at all times when on campus. They should cover your nose and mouth at all times. If you need a mask break, ask your teacher to go to a mask break area. 

******************

Spirit Week – October 25-29

Monday: College/Jersey/Sports Day—What college or sport do you want to represent?

Tuesday: Twin Day—Find someone to dress like!

Wednesday: Dress to Impress Day—Business Casual Attire 

Thursday: Tacky Day—Show off your best wacky tacky spirit!

Friday: Costume Day—You decide on your costume but remember no props and you must still wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth (for COVID-19 protection) and wear no full face mask. 

Truly, each day is a day of celebration…but October is a month full of special days. For instance, we are now celebrating the last days of Hispanic Heritage Month. During the entire month of October we are encouraged to recognize anti-bullying, breast cancer awareness and disability awareness and the people affected by these conditions. Other celebrations included in the month of October include World Teachers’ Day, World Mental Health Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day and World Food Day—just to name a few. Gryphons, take a moment each day to celebrate and to be intentional about what is good in the world about you. 

******************

There will be only one entrée available in the cafeteria today and tomorrow. 

******************

The Annual SCS College Fair will be held on October 14. All high school students are invited to attend. We will have 13 colleges and universities participating as well as recruiters from the Army and Marines and staff from Game Plan College through the Emily K Center. To participate in the event you MUST have a pass from Ms. Settle. Passes are limited due to COVID restrictions. 

******************

October is Bullying Prevention Month. Here at SCS we want to make sure you understand how to define bullying and some common bullying behaviors. Bullying happens when people use their physical strength, popularity, or embarrassing information to control or harm others. These  behaviors happen more than once and include teasing, name calling, inappropriate comments, threatening to harm, spreading rumors, hitting, taking/breaking someone’s things, or making mean/rude gestures. Please find a trusted adult and report bullying behaviors. 

******************

The North Carolina Forestry Association is hosting its 5^th annual Forest Products Week Essay contest for NC students in 3^rd-12^thgrade. 

Prizes:

• Top essays will be selected from the elementary, middle, and high school categories.
• Students will receive a $200 Visa gift card.
• The sponsoring teacher will also receive $100 Visa gift card for classroom materials and a scholarship to attend the Sustainable Forestry Teachers Experience the next calendar year.

Due Date: 

Essays will be due on the last day of National Forest Products Week (October 22, 2021.) 

Writing Prompts:

Grade Level	Essay Length	Writing Prompt
Elementary (3rd-5th)	350 words or less	Choose one product you use every day that is made from wood.  How does this product help you? Why is it important? How would your life change if you did not have this product?
Middle ( 6th-8th)	400 words or less	Imagine you are a landowner that owns a large forest. Decide if you want to manage your trees for wildlife habitat, recreation, timber production, or a combination of all three. Research management techniques used by professionals to manage forests. Then, write your version of a management plan that summarizes why you are growing trees and how you will use which techniques to grow a healthy productive forest.
High (9th-12th)	500 words or less	Have you considered a green job as a career? Complete the Find your Green Job Youth Personality Quiz (SEE DIRECTIONS FOR A FREE ACESS CODE). Then, research one of the careers that matches your personality.  Summarize the role and include answers to the following questions.What education/experience is needed?What skills are needed?What do you find most interesting about this role?Why is this job important? Why did you choose this job?

Visit our website for more information on the contest, including submission requirements and judging criteria.

******************

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is providing you an opportunity to win up to $10,000. All you need to do is write an essay describing and analyzing an act of political courage by a US elected official who served during or after 1917, the year John F. Kennedy was born. The contest deadline is January 14, 2022. More information can be found on our social media sites. 

 

******************

2022 Graduates, 

Did you miss Jostens and still need to purchase your cap and gown?  Visit https://tinyurl.com/2k373kmy to place your order online.  Jostens has extended the cap and gown special price of $65.00 that includes taxes and shipping until further notice.  You can also customize your order by purchasing invitations, announcements, etc.

******************

Yearbook in the making.  Graduates, do you want a famous quote displayed under your name?  Visit https://tinyurl.com/umk4tzr5. Due by Oct. 22, 2021.

******************

All Juniors and Senior prom tickets are on sale right now for the special rate of $55.  This rate applies to all juniors & guests and senior guests only.  Seniors, please turn in your senior dues to Coach Barnes & Ms. Street.  This deal will end before Thanksgiving break.  

****************** 

Want to order a 2021-22 SCS Yearbook? 

Visit https://strawbridge.fotomerchanthv.com/search/YB110739

• $40.00 until January 14, 2022
• $45.00 from January 15, 2022, to April 29, 2022 (FINAL ordering date)
• Want to personalize your yearbook with your name?  Add an additional $10.00 to your order

View the yearbook flyer for visual steps

****************** 

Students you are reminded to watch your distance from each other in the halls. Use the dots to guide you. Stay on the right side of the hall and keep your volume low because there are other classes in session.

******************

All IT requests and issues should be submitted to the 

DPS IT Support Center  

There are 3 ways for you to contact us for support:

1.Visit https://itsupport.dpsnc.netLinks to an external site.

1. Email ITSupport@dpsnc.net
2. Call 919-560-3837 

 ******************

Masks are to be worn at all times when on campus. They should cover your nose and mouth at all times. If you need a mask break, ask your teacher to go to a mask break area. 

******************

Spirit Week – October 25-29

Monday: College/Jersey/Sports Day—What college or sport do you want to represent?

Tuesday: Twin Day—Find someone to dress like!

Wednesday: Dress to Impress Day—Business Casual Attire 

Thursday: Tacky Day—Show off your best wacky tacky spirit!

Friday: Costume Day—You decide on your costume but remember no props and you must still wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth (for COVID-19 protection) and wear no full face mask. 

Good Evening SCS Families. This is Ms. Price with your weekly message for the week of October 11, 2021. 

Our PTSA is forming a Food Pantry Committee and we are seeking parents who are willing to serve on this committee. If you have a passion about food insecurity, please consider serving. This is a project that we have been working on for several years for our community and we’d like to grow our efforts. First meeting is October 19 at 6:30 p.m. Please email president@thescsptsa.com or visit the SCS PTSA website and use the Contact button. 

Calling all middle school parents!!! We are in search of a middle school parent to serve as the representative for the School Improvement Team. Meetings are monthly. If you would like more information or would like to volunteer, please contact Ms. Barnes. 

Durham Public Schools, in partnership with MAKO Medical, will begin providing weekly COVID-19 testing at school to help identify possible COVID-19 infections among students even if they’re not showing any symptoms. Research has shown such testing can reduce the spread by 50%, especially in large settings such as schools. 

The testing is a simple swab of the nose and not the test that tickles the brain. This is the same test families can administer from home or at local testing sites. 

This is a voluntary testing process, so a parent or guardian must register their student to participate. The link to register is included in the email version of this message, posted on our website and my blog. A hard copy letter will be sent home with your student when we return from break. All testing information and results will remain confidential. 

I encourage our families to register their students for this free opportunity. Together, we can keep our students safe, in their classrooms, and prevent community spread. 

Register your student today with this link: https://home.color.com/covid/sign-up/start?partner=tf-dur-688-students

When we return to school, we will begin eating outside as circumstances allow. We are currently waiting for furniture to arrive. 

If you would like your child to eat outside using a mat or blanket, please plan to send this to school. We also have developed a plan to ensure that when students are inside, they are 6 feet apart from each other during lunches. Please continue to talk with your children about the importance of social distancing and appropriate mask wearing at all times. Notify the main office or me directly if your child tests positive so that we can take the appropriate next steps to ensure the safety of our community. 

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. However, it was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. In 1988,  it was enacted into law on August 17.

In addition to several in-school activities for students throughout the month, SCS will hold two virtual events to invite you to participate as part of our community. Look for the Zoom links in the Canvas Global Announcements and in the email version of this message. 

Virtual 2nd Virtual Annual Spanish Spelling Bee (7th year): 

Date:  10/21/2021

Time: 5:30 to 7:00 p.m 

This is an annual contest where students in a school system are in a Spanish 1 class. The teacher can choose the way to select the students and prepare them to participate in the Bee. Through the last five years, we have developed a great collaboration with the Hispanic Heritage Organization/ Mi Libro Hispano and I have added the history and moments of the competition. You can find more details in Spanish at the following interview link: https://milibrohispano.org/spanish-spelling-bee-aprendamos-espanol/

This year, the contest will also offer a live cultural presentation (by Zoom) with music and folkloric dances by professionals Latin representatives. 

The special guests are:

Takiri: a Latin family sharing values and rhythms. Pilar Rocha-Goldberg, director of Takiri Folclor Latino. They dance rhythms from Latin America, especially from Colombia, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru, including Cumbia, Bambuco, Mapalé, Merecumbé, Plena among others.

 Aztecs Dance: Danza Azteca is a living, evolving, cultural tradition using the artistic, spiritual, and traditions of the pre-Colombian Aztecs. It’s an all-compassing way of life and is a form of ancestor worship, and a way of communicating with the future. Other musicians who are part of the community will also perform. 

Virtual Zumba

October 12, 7:00 — 8:00 p.m. 

Want to order a 2021-22 SCS Yearbook? 

Visit https://strawbridge.fotomerchanthv.com/search/YB110739

• $40.00 until January 14, 2022
• $45.00 from January 15, 2022, to April 29, 2022 (FINAL ordering date)
• Want to personalize your yearbook with your name?  Add an additional $10.00 to your order
• View the yearbook flyer for visual steps.

This month is Disability Awareness Month, Blindness Awareness Month and Bullying Prevention Month. Teachers have been provided resources to share with students for Disability Awareness Month. For Bullying Prevention Month, students will complete an activity during lunch on October 18 and we are asking all of our community to wear orange on Wednesday, October 20 to show support for bullying prevention. Listen for the daily announcements to raise awareness. 

CACRAO (College Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers)  will host a virtual college fair on October 11th & 12th.  This is an amazing opportunity to explore the abundance of post-secondary opportunities available to you.  The link for registration is on Mrs. Settle’s website.

The annual SCS college fair will be held on Thursday 10/14.  All high school students are invited to attend.  We will have 13 colleges and universities participating as well as recruiters from the Army and Marines and staff from The Emily K Center’s Game Plan: College program.  You must get a pass from Mrs. Settle and passes are limited to adhere to COVID safety protocols.  

Use this link to access the Transportation page, “Here Comes The Bus” Tracking APP. Families can use this app to track their child’s bus. We will also continue to post alerts on Facebook and Twitter when buses leave campus late. 

DPS -Here Comes The Bus Page – https://www.dpsnc.net/page/202

Have a great evening from everyone at SCS where we practice the 4C’s–Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, and Community. 

Weekly Message–October 4-8, 2021

Good Evening SCS Families. This is Ms. Price with your weekly message for the week of October 04, 2021. 

I hope everyone is having a safe and productive intersession break! As we begin our final week of break, I wanted to share some important information with you. 

Durham Public Schools, in partnership with MAKO Medical, will begin providing weekly COVID-19 testing at school to help identify possible COVID-19 infections among students even if they’re not showing any symptoms. Research has shown such testing can reduce the spread by 50%, especially in large settings such as schools. 

The testing is a simple swab of the nose and not the test that tickles the brain. This is the same test families can administer from home or at local testing sites. 

This is a voluntary testing process, so a parent or guardian must register their student to participate. The link to register is included in the email version of this message, posted on our website and my blog. A hard copy letter will be sent home with your student when we return from break. All testing information and results will remain confidential. 

I encourage our families to register their students for this free opportunity. Together, we can keep our students safe, in their classrooms, and prevent community spread. 

Register your student today with this link: https://home.color.com/covid/sign-up/start?partner=tf-dur-688-students

When we return to school, we will begin eating outside as circumstances allow. We are currently waiting for furniture to arrive. If you would like your child to eat outside using a mat or blanket, please plan to send this to school. We also have developed a plan to ensure that when students are inside, they are 6 feet apart from each other during lunches. Please continue to talk with your children about the importance of social distancing and appropriate mask wearing at all times. Notify the main office or me directly if your child tests positive so that we can take the appropriate next steps to ensure the safety of our community. 

Have a great evening from everyone at SCS where we practice the 4C’s–Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, and Community.