Happy Sunday Dolphins!  This is Kristen Faircloth, proud principal at Durant Road Middle School, with your September 5, 2021 Family Message.  

We hope that you and your family are enjoying some time outside together during Labor Day weekend.  As a friendly reminder, Monday, September 6, 2021 is a holiday.  There is no school for students or staff on Monday.  What a great time to rest, relax, and recharge in order to finish out the first quarter strong.  Our Dolphins continue to do a great job everyday following the guidelines, expectations, and changes taking place.  The DRMS faculty and staff are committed to providing a safe learning environment for every child.

Please take some time to read through the Family Message below.  We will continue to communicate with the most updated health guidelines.  For COVID-19 related questions, please review the WCPSS Covid-19 website for more details. Again, ALL students, staff, and visitors inside of DRMS need to wear a mask at all times. 

Prepared for School:  Thank you to our Dolphins who come to school prepared for learning.  All students should come to school daily with the following:

• Face Covering / Mask
• WCPSS Chromebook
• Agenda
• Water Bottle

Step It Up Fundraiser:  We had a great kick-off to our Step It Up Fundraiser this past week!  Thank you for helping your student use their AWESOMENESS.  Lots of great prizes have been handed out and we are excited to continue the fun this coming week.  Be on the look out for additional emails, social media posts, and updates!

Power School:  Every parent is strongly encouraged to have Power School access.  There are two ways parents can complete the process.  

• Parents may either...
• Fill out the Powerschool Parent Portal Access - Notary form (2 pages) and have it notarized.  Parents can mail the form to Durant Road Middle School, 10401 Durant Road, Raleigh NC 27614.  We cannot accept faxed or emailed copies of this form. Parents must make sure the form is filled out entirely and notarized.  Forms will be processed as quickly as possible.
• Or, parents may fill out the Powerschool Parent Portal Access - PhotoID form (2 pages).  Parents must then scan the completed form and a CLEAR picture of the parent/guardian photo ID and email to kanderson7@wcpss.net.  Forms will be processed as quickly as possible.
• Once you complete the form and return it to DRMS, you will receive an email with directions from our Guidance Technician or Data Manager.  You must then complete the directions that are emailed to you in order to gain access to PowerSchool.

Here is a helpful link on how to access and understand PowerSchool:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1f4bI8j00dwCTGuvgQnxMYzBBztRqJPs39g3wvcWQ_74/edit?usp=sharing

Athletics:  Fall sports try outs were amazing!  We are so proud of every student who showed interest and tried out.  Congratulations to all our athletes who made the teams.  We are looking forward to a fun and exciting season cheering on our Dolphins.  

After School Activity Bus: Due to the bus driver shortage taking place in the county, transportation has suspended the after-school activity bus. Parents, if your child is trying out for a sport, or makes a sport team, you will need to provide transportation home daily until the after-school activity bus is running again. Please make sure you are able to pick your child up in the bus parking lot no later than 5:30 PM each day. We will notify families when this service is provided again for after-school activities. 

School Safety:  COVID-19 safety guidelines are still in place for the 2021-22 school year.  All students and staff will wear a mask that always covers the mouth and nose except when eating and drinking.  Students will be provided opportunities to wash their hands frequently.  Students should stay home if sick and let the school know if they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.  

Immunizations:  NC State Law mandates that all rising 7th graders have their TDAP and Meningococcal vaccines.  Please return immunization records showing TDAP and Meningococcal vaccines as soon as possible.  Immunization records may be emailed to kanderson7@wcpss.net.  

Thank you for supporting DRMS,

Kristen J Faircloth

Principal