South Durham Year-Round Principals Look Ahead to New Year

Durham Public Schools will kick off the new year-round academic year on July 22 with four more schools than previously offered, due to redistricting in the Growing Together plan.

“Many families love the year-round calendar because it provides more balance for students and families with frequent breaks for students to rest and recharge, expanded learning opportunities for those that need more support or enrichment, and more quality family time throughout the year,” said Dr. Rita Rathbone, magnet specialist for DPS. “Both research and family experience demonstrate potential benefits for student’s academic, emotional, and physical health from the year-round calendar.”

Durham’s public year-round elementary schools include:

• Easley Elementary.
• Eastway Elementary.
• Holt Elementary.
• Hope Valley Elementary.
• Oak Grove Elementary.
• Pearsontown Elementary.
• W.G. Pearson Elementary.

On Tuesday, principals from those schools released welcome messages to incoming students, including three in the South Durham area.

“It is with great excitement that I welcome you to Hope Valley in a special year of great opportunities,” said Jed Miller, principal of Hope Valley Elementary, which is making the switch from traditional to year-round. “You can look forward to thriving in the warm embrace of our amazing teachers. I’ll look forward to you joining me in a remarkable year’s journey filled with growth, discovery, curiosity, and achievement.”

“I’m so excited to kick off a new year with a new year-round calendar,” said Kendall Dorsey, principal of W.G. Pearson Elementary. “We made great strides last year through intentional instructional practices, and there is no limit to what we can do this year!”

“This year, using the 4 Cs, we will be creative in our problem solving, redesign our culture, foster connections with all new staff, scholars, and their families, and collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure the success of all scholars,” said Asia Cunningham, principal of Pearsontown Elementary.

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