Ignite! Update for Parents and Families

Durham Public Schools will open to traditional and year-round students on August 17, and to specialty high school students on August 7, under Plan C with remote instruction for all DPS students for the first quarter. This means your student will continue to learn and grow through online instruction from their base or magnet school. DPS has been working hard throughout the spring and summer to reshape virtual learning across the district. We will now direct our vision for Ignite! Online Academy and beyond to support online instruction through each of our schools.

Here’s what you should know:

• Our vision and structure for online learning will provide a blueprint for our 53 schools to start this school year. Coursework is being designed for each grade level to ensure a rigorous and quality education from home.

• Ignite! Online Academy is here to stay! Online curriculum will be offered to all DPS families who seek home based learning opportunities beyond Plan C. Should we move to Plan B, your family will have the option to continue online. As soon as more details are available, we will be sure to share them with you.

• Ignite! and our curriculum and instruction team are working closely with DPS teachers to ensure your students’ success. All classrooms will utilize Canvas, a learning management platform, designed to elevate the learning experience and showcase development.

• There will be additional opportunities to learn. Access to advanced courses that may not have been offered at all schools, specifically for middle and high school, will be available to any student.

• You do not need to register for virtual learning at this time. Your student will automatically receive the online curriculum through your base or magnet school for the first 9 weeks of school. Additional information will be provided from your school in the coming weeks.

• Ignite! Virtual Open House scheduled for July 20 has been canceled. We will be offering opportunities to discuss virtual learning soon. Stay tuned!

We look forward to being part of your student’s educational journey this year. Please visit www.dpsnc.net or ignite.dpsnc.net for the latest information regarding the 2020-21 school year. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Matt Hickson, Durham Public Schools Director of Online Learning