PURPOSE: To raise funds for essential school needs, including additional supplies and materials (like copy paper!), technology safeguards, special projects, safety enhancements, staff celebrations, and the predictably unexpected expenses of running a large Durham elementary school. This is one of the schools ONLY big fundraiser for the year. Families that sell 5 books gets one for FREE!

Fundraiser Ends Friday, October 11

...if we meet our Goal of selling 750 total books, Ms. Sudderth, our new Spanish Teacher will dye her hair...ALL of the colors of the Rainbow!

• Kinder & First Grade Student Performances & Arts Showcase: Dec 17 (Time: TBA)
• Second & Third Grade Student Performances & Arts Showcase: Dec 18 (Time: TBA)
• Fourth & Fifth Grade Student Performances & Arts Showcase: Dec 19 (Time: TBA)

*As our student enrollment continues to grow, safety remains our top priority. Due to the constraints of our school's parking facilities and limited space, hosting large events has presented significant safety challenges during our first 2 years. To ensure the safety and well-being of all families, we have made the decision to extend this event over three days. This adjustment is solely a safety measure, allowing us to better manage attendance and create a safer environment for everyone.

We have moved our Picture Day from 10/3 to Friday, October 18th. Updated picture packets will be shared soon.

ISLA Los Sábados is a weekly educational heritage language immersion program for children ages 3 to 17 that aims to close the opportunity gap and open doors for Hispanic/Latino youth, their families and community.

Requirements:

• One parent must be from a Spanish-speaking country.
• Students must have a basic understanding of the Spanish language.
• Preference will be given to low-income families.

Interested Families should contact Cindy Salazar: Cindy@laislaschool.org or (919) 358-4128

We continue to encourage families to bring in pre-packaged snacks for their child's class. Please note that any snack that is NOT pre-packaged will not be shared. While we do not celebrate birthdays during the school day, acknowledging students during snack time in a simple, meaningful way can ensure everyone feels included. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation with this expectation.

75.35% of Registered NC Voters Casted a Ballot in the 2020 General Election: Fact Check

I simply want to acknowledge that teachers here work BEYOND the “40 Hour” work week spending time after 2:45PM daily, in the evenings, and on weekends. I respectfully ask that we continue to show as much LOVE as we can during this school year. Please & Thank you.

Ms. Pope's email address is: shekera_pope@dpsnc.net. Please begin sending all inquires from new student registration, records, immunizations, and other requests to Ms. Pope.

Ms. Pope has served as an Instructional Assistant for the past 2 years here at Lyons Farm. She has also served in this role at Creekside Elementary School for the large majority of her teaching career. We are Over The Moon to have her start in her new role effective Monday, August 19.

*I want to encourage patience as Ms. Pope transitions into her new role*

• Enrollment application
• Birth certificate
• Immunizations
• Health form
• Proof of residency
• Parent/Legal Guardian ID

All documentation can be submitted with the application (upload options available in application), via email or in person.

Please contact Shekera "Asia" Pope with questions: shekera_pope@dpsnc.net

Visit: Visit: https://www.dpsnc.net/enrollment to start the process

Exciting News! BackPack Buddies at Lyons Farm Elementary We are thrilled to continue our BackPack Buddies Program, designed to support our students who may be facing food insecurity. This program ensures that children have access to nourishing, nonperishable foods over the weekend. Each week, qualifying students will discreetly receive a food bag, placed in their backpacks right from the classroom, so they can head home ready for the weekend.

If you or a family you know could benefit from this wonderful resource, don’t hesitate to reach out to the school social worker. Together, we can help make weekends just as full as the school week!

At Lyons Farm Elementary School, we believe that starting good habits early sets the foundation for lifelong success. September is School Attendance Awareness Month, and it’s a great reminder that being in school every day helps students learn, grow, and build friendships. Even missing just a couple of days a month can add up, making it harder for students to keep up with important lessons.

Parents and caregivers, your role is vital! By making sure your child comes to school on time, you’re helping them stay on track for success. If your family faces any challenges that affect attendance, reach out to the school. Our social worker is Natalie Gidney-Cole —she wants to support your student’s success!

Together, let’s make sure every student starts strong by showing up, learning, and having fun each day!

At Lyons Farm Elementary, we are committed to ensuring that all students have access to education, regardless of their housing situation. The McKinney-Vento Act provides support for students who are experiencing homelessness or living in temporary housing, including shelters, motels, or staying with family or friends due to economic hardship.

Under McKinney-Vento, students are entitled to immediate enrollment, free school meals, transportation to and from school, and access to other services to help them succeed. If your family is in need of assistance or if you know of a family in need of assistance, please contact the school social worker, Natalie Gidney-Cole, MSW, LCSW at (919) 560- and/or the Durham Public Schools school’s McKinney-Vento office’s Deja Flythe, MSW, at (919) 560-2000 extension 85310 or Ebony Ross, MSW, at 21927. We are here to ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive.

Signs of housing insecurity:

· Frequent absences or tardiness

· Unexplained changes in behavior

· Lack of proper clothing or hygiene

· Inconsistent or incomplete homework assignments

· Frequent moving

· Overcrowding in living spaces

Recognizing these signs allows schools to connect families to resources like the McKinney-Vento Act, ensuring students continue to receive support.

Natalie

Natalie Gidney-Cole, MSW, LCSW, BCD

Social Worker for Lyons Farm Elementary School

You can download this application from the Google Play and Apple Store. Teachers will share more information about accessing their class during the first couple weeks of school.

You DO NOT need to download the application to receive messages from the teacher or school. Messages will come in an SMS (Short Message Service) Text automatically--and to every family that has a phone registered or updated in PowerSchools. The application tends to work better for pictures and other application features.

IMPORTANT: This application is designed for informal Parent/Teacher communication. Please email or call your child's teacher to communicate formal requests.

Email: james_hopkins@dpsnc.net
Website: https://www.dpsnc.net/lyons-farm-elementary
Location: 906 Scott King Road, Durham, NC, USA
Phone: 919-560-9449
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/396577048993289/?ref=share
Twitter: @principaljhop