The State Board of Education and Department of Public Instruction awarded Durham
Public Schools a grant for about $930,000 to provide after-school and intersession support for struggling students at three schools, according to a statement released today.

The four-year 21st Century Community Learning Center grant will provide after-school programming for Eastway Elementary and Githens Middle school students and intersession programs for Chewning Year-Round Middle.  The project will serve more than 200 students in grades 3-8 who have scored below grade level on end-of-grade tests. Activities have been designed to improve achievement, reduce suspensions and improve students' self-esteem, the release said.

"We are so appreciative of this wonderful opportunity for students at three of our schools,"
said Superintendent Carl Harris in the release. "The 21st Century Learning Community grants enable us to provide academic and enrichment assistance to students who need that extra boost to succeed."

Volunteers from the Ivy Community Center will help the school system with the programs.

After a month-long summer break, about 3,400 elementary and middle-schoolers will be heading back to class on Monday, as Durham’s five year-round schools begin the new school year.

Take note that today and tomorrow are the open houses for parents at Easley, Holt and Pearsontown elementaries and Chewning and Rogers-Herr middle schools. (Here's the schedule.)

School supply lists are out, and parents should know that tax-free weekend is scheduled for Aug. 1 through Aug. 3, during which school supplies, and most clothes, electronics and sports equipment are exempt from sales taxes.