Will my child have the option to remain virtual for the 2021-22 school year? 

Durham Public Schools will operate under Plan A during the 2021-22 school year. The decision to allow minimal physical distancing reflects the lower risks associated with COVID-19 for our students, research that shows lower risk for COVID-19 transmission in K-12 schools, and increased rates of vaccination among staff and students aged 12 and up. It also supports working families and provides more children with the opportunity to access other critical services provided in schools including meals, regular physical activity, and social interaction.

Is a Plan B or C learning option still available?

Plan B and Plan C are not available options for the 2021-22 school year. Families seeking remote instruction applied for Ignite! Online Academy for the school year.

What should our family do if we don’t have a computer or internet access?

Durham Public Schools will provide each enrolled K-12 student with a Chromebook and, if needed, a WiFi hotspot to access the Internet. Distribution times and dates will be determined by your child’s school and will be shared with you prior to the start of school. If you choose to use a device currently in your home, you are welcome to do so.

How will I manage my student’s progress?

All classrooms will utilize Canvas, a learning management platform, designed to elevate the learning experience and showcase development. We will also utilize PowerSchool, an online platform that consolidates your student’s grades, schedules, and more. Click here to learn more about the PowerSchool Parent Portal. You can easily access our Canvas student and parent portal at canvas.dpsnc.net and view instructional videos here.

Does my student age 12 and older need to get a COVID-19 vaccine before returning to school?

At this time, there is no requirement for students to receive a COVID-19 vaccine for school entrance. However, we encourage parents to talk with their primary care provider about vaccinating their children. To find a free vaccine clinic for students aged 12 and older, visit the Durham County Department of Public Health’s website.

What physical distancing will be in place?

There is no required minimum physical distancing under Plan A, or full-time in-person instruction. We will continue to focus on minimizing contact through cloth face coverings, and keeping hands washed and surfaces clean.

Are face coverings/masks be required for students and staff when we return to school?

At this time, Durham Public Schools will continue to require masks for all students and staff except during mask breaks where social distancing of six feet is available.. We know that wearing a cloth face covering is one of the best tools we have for reducing the spread of COVID-19.

What are the requirements for school sports?

We will follow the recommendations outlined in the NCDHHS Interim Guidance for Administrators and Participants of Youth, College, and Amateur Sports Programs, available here: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/media/582/open

Will students be screened before entering school?

No, daily symptom screenings are no longer recommended for all schools by the Centers for Disease Control. However, parents and caregivers are encouraged to monitor children for symptoms, and students who are sick should not attend school in-person. All Durham Public Schools staff will continue to answer daily screening questions.

Where can I find all COVID-19 public health guidance documents for Durham Public Schools?

We follow the guidelines developed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Click here for the most up-to-date guidance for North Carolina Schools: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/guidance#schools

Where can I find the NC Department of Public Instruction’s operational guidance for public schools?

NCDPI has provided guidance for public schools across the state to consider as they open for in-person instruction, as well as considerations for remote learning. Read more by clicking this link: https://www.dpi.nc.gov/news/covid-19-response-resources/lighting-our-way-forward