Like many of you in the Durham community, I have closely followed the news and social media updates related to the events within Durham Public Schools over the last (almost) two months. The terminology to describe these events is varying based on the news outlet: “pay debacle”, “showdown”, “school pay crisis”, and “salary dispute” are some of the most commonly seen descriptors. However, the community can surely agree that these events have resulted in a major disruption for children, families, and schools, and also brought forth mass advocacy and support for Durham Public School (DPS) employees.
My (former) teacher heart breaks for the school staff experiencing feelings of being undervalued by the district and experiencing concerns about the financial sustainability of the very jobs that allow schools to function.
And…the work has continued. Teachers have continued to plan meaningful instruction and experiences for their students. School staff have continued to provide students with academic, administrative, nutrition, mental health, and transportation support and services. Students celebrated their 100th day of school.
On Saturdays, from December through February, Durham Public Schools staff coordinated support for DPS families of students with English Language Learners. Students participated in activities that supported students’ reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Caregiver sessions were available alongside their students’ sessions. The work culminated in a huge celebration this past Saturday at Southern Durham High School. Book Harvest was invited to be a partner for this event and I was lucky enough to attend to witness the beauty and strong community ties within DPS.
While I do not have a single picture to share with you that documents this event, I will share the snapshots that I was able to preserve in my memory:
Hundreds of students and family members from many different schools all in one school building
Thunderous applause from the auditorium celebrating the hard work and progress of the last few months
An impressive number of school staff wearing t-shirts from their respective schools working on a Saturday to welcome families, serve lunch, and celebrate their students
Children excited to find just the book they were looking for at the Book Harvest table
Parents excited to know that they can find more free books for their children at our Family Space
Other partners (Durham Public Library, El Centro Hispano, Sam’s Club, to name a few) excited to rally around Durham Public Schools students and families
Delicious lunch served to all (tacos and butter chicken on the same plate…what a treat!)
A palpable feeling of community
At the end of the event, feeling full and hopeful, I wondered: Where is the media today?
