2025-2026: October 31st Update

The October Hall Games continued with students earning points for their team by participating in hall events, completing housekeeping, and by having a top-notch room inspection. While the winner will be revealed at the next update, I did want to share all of the amazing pumpkins the teams decorated for The Great Pumpkin Poll-Off. This was my favorite mission and I think the students who helped with their teams pumpkins had a great time as well. The competition was tight at the top with 231 votes casts amongs students, faculty/staff, and families. 

• Progress Reports:

“Don’t forget that the second set of progress reports for your students will be released on November 7th. To view your student’s progress report you will need to log into blackbaud and select the “progress” tab. Then click where it says “report cards” to open all the progress reports for this year. Select either “Semester 1 - Durham” or “Semester 1 - Durham (no comments),” depending on whether you want to view grades and teacher feedback, or just grades.

If you have concerns about your student’s performance, please let me know. I always meet with students who have multiple Cs or a D to help develop a plan for improvement, but will be happy to meet with anyone if there are concerns. It is also important that your student reach out to their individual teachers, guidance counselor, and the Center for Advising and Academic Success for advice on how to improve. This is also a good time for students to evaluate whether they should be attending tutorials more often.”

• Latin America Fest: Vuelo Quebrado

“Something beautiful is in the air… Latin America Fest is taking flight on November 15th from 7:00 - 8:30pm in the ETC Auditorium. Spread your wings and immerse yourself in the beauty of Latin American culture through dance, spoken word, musical performances, and more! Grab your binoculars, cameras, and favorite flower to experience a night of color, rhythm, and celebration because this is one migration you won’t want to miss!

All are welcome to attend the event, but due to limited seating, audience members must RSVP HERE to reserve their seat. Please be prepared to show your email confirmation at the door.”

• SAB Winter Semi-Formal:

“Semi-Formal, NCSSM’s annual winter dance, is Saturday, December 6th from 8:30 – 10:55 PM in the PEC Gymnasium. All students are invited to enjoy the evening with friends and hallmates! There will be festive decorations, music, snacks, and dancing!

Students planning to attend are encouraged to bring semi-formal dress clothes back to campus after the break. Appropriate attire includes a dressy skirt, shirt and tie (jacket optional), dress pants, a dress, and dress shoes.

In keeping with tradition, several opportunities will be available for parents and families to be involved with Semi again this year. More information about how to provide support will be shared in the coming weeks.”

• Residence Halls Closing & Opening:

“Just a quick reminder that there are several extended breaks scheduled over the next couple of months. In each instance, halls will close at 5pm on the closure date and reopen at noon on the opening date:

• Closed Friday, November 21st - Sunday, November 30th

• Closed Friday, December 12th - Tuesday, January 6th

For the Thanksgiving and Winter breaks we ask that students unplug all items in the room. This includes fridges and fish tanks. Students should defrost their fridges completely and clean out excess water before they leave for the break. They should also make sure that they take any houseplants or fish home.

CCs will confirm that all students have submitted an Orah pass at their weekly hall meeting. On this pass, students should indicate where they are going for the break, who they are traveling with, and how they are getting to their location.”