durham public schools

[SoDu How-To] Part 2: Attendance, Buses, and Emergency Plans Every DPS Family Should Know

The second installment of Southpoint Access’ 2026-27 handbook guide explains when absences count, how documentation works, who can sign out a student, what families should know about buses, and what five emergency commands mean.

Wes Platt

Wes Platt

— 9 min read
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[SoDu How-To] Part 2: Attendance, Buses, and Emergency Plans Every DPS Family Should Know
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Southpoint AccessWes Platt

A school morning can go sideways in five minutes.

A child wakes up sick. The bus doesn’t appear when expected. A family member needs to pick up a student early. A weather alert changes the day’s schedule. A message from school includes the word “Secure,” but doesn’t explain whether students are in danger.

The Durham Public Schools 2026-27 Student/Family Handbook includes rules and procedures for all of those situations.

In this second installment of the Southpoint Access handbook deep dive, we’re looking at attendance, student sign-outs, transfers, school buses, weather announcements, and emergency procedures.

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