Durham School briefs

DPS Superintendent Eric J. Becoats met with the media and members of the community to discuss upcoming events in the district.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

The board’s 2013 legislative season is now in session. On this year’s agenda, it plans to restore state funding, support teaching and learning, improve charter school legislation, support teachers, keep schools safe and impact federal issues. Becoats encouraged parents to be involved; call the school board and join the PTA or other civic organizations.

2013-2014 BUDGET UPDATE

A new budget season has begun. An early projection is a $12 million deficit. In March, the BOE plans to engage the community through website and surveys. On April 25, Becoats will present his budget to board members. In May, the BOE will work towards creating the budget by the May 15 deadline.

SCHOOLS TO WATCH

Carrington Middle was re-certified as a “School to Watch.” This initiative, launched by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform, identifies schools across the United States that fosters academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and organizational support and process.

MAGNET/CTE LOTTERY

This is the first year of the online-only application for the Magnet and Career-Technical Education Pathway lottery. To date, 5,473 students have applied. For questions about the lottery, call the Office of Student Assignment at (919) 560-2059. The application is open from Feb. 1 to Feb. 20. Visit http://dpsncapplication.com/site.php to view participating schools and to apply.

MAGIC JOHNSON BRIDGESCAPE ACADEMY

A little magic is happening at the Durham Performance Learning Center; the Magic Johnson Bridgescape Academy, that is. The DPLC is a small non-traditional high school where students learn in a business-like setting. The curriculum is comprised of computer-based learning. Students also utilize project-based learning, service learning, job shadowing, internships, mentoring and dual enrollment with technical and four-year colleges.

The Bridgescape program is modeled to recapture high school dropouts. Offering flexible hours and small class sizes, the first four graduates of the program walked across the stage in January. Seventy will graduate this summer. For more information, visit http://dplc.dpsnc.net or call (919) 560-9190.