Brianna's Bulletin: August News

Summer is coming to a close as the buzz of back-to-school fills the air for our DPS traditional year schools. As a former educator and a current mom of a DPS student, this time of year always brings a mix of reverence, joy, and reflection. Just the other day, I saw a former student posting about their wedding, and my social media feed has been filled with back-to-school photos of smiling students and proud families. These reminders of growth and new beginnings inspire me, even as they bring back memories of my own classroom experiences. They also reinforce why the work of the DPS Foundation matters so deeply—because every child deserves the chance to reach their own milestones.

As we step into this season, I feel both hope and concern. At the DPS Foundation, we are accepting applications for our Innovation and WHOLE Schools grants, supporting solutions from those closest to the work. We’re also building coalitions to reduce barriers to college through our FAFSA navigation and scholarship programs, while continuing to uplift families and teachers through our Family Engagement and Crayons2Calculators programs. Yet I know our DPS community is also facing the reality of federal funding cuts, on top of a lack of state budget, and the uncertainty of legislative decisions that impact our classrooms every day.

This balancing act—holding both wonder and worry—is something I carry as a mom and as the leader of this organization. What gives me strength is the promise I see in our community’s support. Over the summer, we asked a key group of individuals to recommit to our public schools by helping us respond to financial strain and prepare for the school year. Many answered the call, and together we raised more than $268,000 in just a few weeks. This milestone reflects both the work of the past seven years and a real response to the powerful question I raised in my June column and will continue to ask: “And how are the children?”

This year, our team and I will continue to show up for our schools and our Durham community. I hope you will join us and find your place in the ecosystem supporting our public school community.