Kitchen Table
SoDu Morning Brief: Durham's Top Principal, Best Grocery Prices, and Today's Events
From honoring a beloved Durham principal to uncovering the cheapest place to buy groceries in SoDu, today’s newsletter is packed with local impact.
durham public schools
C.C. Spaulding’s Dr. Vanessa Alford Named 2025–26 Durham Public Schools Principal of the Year
The veteran educator’s open-door approach and data-informed coaching are raising outcomes and pride across the school community.
Locally Aware
SoDu Morning Brief: AI Threats, School Spirit, and Durham Community Action
From OpenAI’s new Sora app raising safety concerns for parents to Hope Valley Elementary’s coat drive, a Harper’s Home fundraiser, and the latest crime trends - here’s what neighbors need to know in South Durham.
durham public schools
SoDu Tech Watch: Why South Durham Parents Should Pay Attention to OpenAI’s Sora
A parent-first guide to Sora, the AI video app blurring truth and fiction - and what South Durham families and DPS can do about deepfakes and hoaxes.
Obituaries
SoDu Morning Brief: Weather, Halloween Activity Ideas, Durham Obituaries
Get your South Durham lowdown: today’s weather, free SoDu Compass Family Resource Guide, DPS school lunch, Durham jobs, trick-or-treating alternatives, and local obituaries - powered by Southpoint Access.
durham public schools
Durham Public Schools Promotes Bullying Prevention Month with Student-Led Activities
Durham Public Schools is recognizing National Bullying Prevention Month with student-led activities focused on inclusion, upstander education, and safe schools. Events continue throughout October.
durham public schools
Durham Public Schools Cafeteria Menu: Oct. 13–17, 2025
Students across Durham Public Schools - from Parkwood to Jordan — can look forward to another week of hot, balanced, and free meals. From nachos and pasta to classic pizza Fridays, here’s what’s on the breakfast and lunch menus this week.
Viewpoints and Voices
SoDu Morning Brief: Biogen Invests in Durham Tech, DPS Expands Mental Health Support, and Early Voting Starts Soon
Biogen’s $250,000 donation will help launch a new life sciences training hub at Durham Tech. Durham Public Schools is expanding student mental health services across the district. And with early voting just days away, we’ve got everything you need to cast your ballot in the 2025 municipal election.
durham public schools
Durham Public Schools Expands Student Mental Health Services Through Partnership with Alliance Health and Durham County
The school-based initiative will connect DPS students to behavioral health care, crisis support, and developmental services - regardless of insurance status.
Obituaries
SoDu Morning Brief: Weather, APS Pet of the Week, Durham Obituaries, DPS Updates
Get your South Durham lowdown: today’s weather, free SoDu Compass Family Resource Guide, DPS school lunch, Durham jobs, APS Pet of the Week, and local obituaries - powered by Southpoint Access.
durham public schools
SoDu We Watch Local Government: Durham Public Schools Board of Education - Sept. 24, 2025
Big-ticket items include staff pay survey, $1.26M Chromebook buy, Alston Ave. site proposals, and major policy overhaul amid ongoing budget delays.
durham public schools
DPS Emphasizes Protections for Immigrant Students and Families
In addition to outlining legal protections, the district is launching a new outreach effort to connect directly with immigrant families.