DA Newsroom
FEATURED
![Middle School Musical Theatre Class]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1576602708/durham/qew1npwfpkpbdcdke4z5/Musical-600.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1576602708/durham/qew1npwfpkpbdcdke4z5/Musical-600.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1576602708/durham/qew1npwfpkpbdcdke4z5/Musical-600.jpg","width":600}])
When we were interviewing for our chorus and drama positions at Durham Academy’s Middle School a few years ago [Karen Richardson in 2015 and Ellen Brown in 2016], one of the questions we were each asked was, “How do you feel about putting on a musical?” Both of us loved the idea!
![Dear, Yours Always Winter Dance Concert]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1576775513/durham/jwicw4hxpsrjjjfrbdee/Dear-600.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1576775513/durham/jwicw4hxpsrjjjfrbdee/Dear-600.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1576775513/durham/jwicw4hxpsrjjjfrbdee/Dear-600.jpg","width":600}])
Sweethearts Steed and Mozette Rollins were separated for almost three years and by more than 9,000 miles while he was stationed in New Guinea during World War II. Their letters inspired a collaboration between the English, dance and technical theatre departments to produce the piece.
![Athletic Hall of Fame 2019]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1576168791/durham/w4d98usbkmihdjgqax2r/120619DAHOF_0822.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1576168791/durham/w4d98usbkmihdjgqax2r/120619DAHOF_0822.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1576168791/durham/w4d98usbkmihdjgqax2r/120619DAHOF_0822.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1576168791/durham/w4d98usbkmihdjgqax2r/120619DAHOF_0822.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1576168791/durham/w4d98usbkmihdjgqax2r/120619DAHOF_0822.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1576168791/durham/w4d98usbkmihdjgqax2r/120619DAHOF_0822.jpg","width":2200}])
Six alumni were inducted into Durham Academy’s Athletic Hall of Fame on Dec. 6. This marks the fourth class of inductees for the Athletic Hall of Fame, which was established in 2013 and taps new members every other year.
![K Family Outdoor Commons Ribbon Cutting]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1573163108/durham/etgq9jxtbyqoiwhq2xkq/RibbonCutting.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1573163108/durham/etgq9jxtbyqoiwhq2xkq/RibbonCutting.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1573163108/durham/etgq9jxtbyqoiwhq2xkq/RibbonCutting.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1573163108/durham/etgq9jxtbyqoiwhq2xkq/RibbonCutting.jpg","width":1180}])
The new outdoor commons opened this morning with stepped seating, a brick pavilion, covered performance space, a multipurpose recreational space and a panoramic view of DA’s athletic fields.
MISSION-DRIVEN
![Seesaw App]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1576609989/durham/nyd0bd9jlglwmv0hyf8w/SeesawApp.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1576609989/durham/nyd0bd9jlglwmv0hyf8w/SeesawApp.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1576609989/durham/nyd0bd9jlglwmv0hyf8w/SeesawApp.jpg","width":600}])
The Seesaw digital portfolio platform allows students to document their learning in creative and engaging ways, such as videos, photos, audio recordings and drawings. Work from other apps, including green screen and slide presentation apps, can also be imported into the portfolio.
![Mini Golf Capstone]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1576608853/durham/bas6mwkcejqwjpgjeqn7/MiniGolfCapstone.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1576608853/durham/bas6mwkcejqwjpgjeqn7/MiniGolfCapstone.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1576608853/durham/bas6mwkcejqwjpgjeqn7/MiniGolfCapstone.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1576608853/durham/bas6mwkcejqwjpgjeqn7/MiniGolfCapstone.jpg","width":1200}])
Miniature golf courses are known for their design aesthetics as well as the challenges that lie within those beautiful designs: waterfalls carrying balls off the green and windmills that tease you with the hole just on the other side.
![India Capstone]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1576608445/durham/dlyboroytpnnbkrwgy6r/CapstonesIndia.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1576608445/durham/dlyboroytpnnbkrwgy6r/CapstonesIndia.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1576608445/durham/dlyboroytpnnbkrwgy6r/CapstonesIndia.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1576608445/durham/dlyboroytpnnbkrwgy6r/CapstonesIndia.jpg","width":1200}])
For my capstone, seven of my classmates and I had the chance to travel through North India. Our 21-day trip had three phases: a challenge phase, a project phase and a rest and relaxation phase.
![Cavalier Capstones]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1576602708/durham/vptap7ebxgwwrcfdilaa/CavalierCapstones.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1576602708/durham/vptap7ebxgwwrcfdilaa/CavalierCapstones.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1576602708/durham/vptap7ebxgwwrcfdilaa/CavalierCapstones.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1576602708/durham/vptap7ebxgwwrcfdilaa/CavalierCapstones.jpg","width":1200}])
The Cavalier Capstone program completely transformed my perspective about the power of tradition.
![Life Lessons from the Great Outdoors]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1576607861/durham/nrs0sg0dssrnqqj3ob7g/Capstones-Biking.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1576607861/durham/nrs0sg0dssrnqqj3ob7g/Capstones-Biking.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1576607861/durham/nrs0sg0dssrnqqj3ob7g/Capstones-Biking.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1576607861/durham/nrs0sg0dssrnqqj3ob7g/Capstones-Biking.jpg","width":1200}])
In May, 43 students embarked on a choice of one of four outdoor Cavalier Capstone adventures — backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing or whitewater kayaking.
![bowl]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1576607504/durham/el3b6kzvlkp0uqzsdo1u/Bowl.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1576607504/durham/el3b6kzvlkp0uqzsdo1u/Bowl.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1576607504/durham/el3b6kzvlkp0uqzsdo1u/Bowl.jpg","width":800}])
Moral. Happy. Productive. The Upper School’s Cavalier Capstone program launched last May with happy in mind.
COMMUNICATIONS STAFF
Leslie King
Director of Communications
C: 678-613-6707
P: 919-287-1729
Kathy McPherson
Associate Director of Communications
Preschool/Lower School News
Editor, DA Magazine
919-489-6569 (x6144)
Melody Guyton Butts
Assistant Director of Communications
Middle/Upper School News
Manager, DA Website/Social Media
Manager, News & Notes
919-489-6569 (x6145)
Sarah Tart
Brand and Design Manager
Art Director, DA Magazine
919-489-6569 (x6153)
Jesse Paddock
Videographer
919-489-6569 (x6154)
Tim McKenna
Director of Alumni Engagement
Alumni News
919-489-6569 (x6149)
Durham Academy's Office of Communications is responsible for all DA digital platforms and print publications, including the school's website, social media, photography, videos, e-newsletters, bi-annual magazine, and press releases.
We encourage our accomplished faculty, staff, parents, students, alumni and parents of alumni to notify the Office of Communications about personal or professional news, announcements or achievements. Email us so we can share them!
Nemo: First day of school! First day of school! Wake up, wake up! C’mon, first day of school!
Marlin: I don't wanna go to school. Five more minutes.
Nemo: Not you, dad. Me!
On Aug. 20, a very similar scene will play out in the households of more than 70 kindergartners and their parents.
FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS
Tina Anderson Bessias ’78
Upper School English and Blended Learning Coach
Cavs Go Green During Winter Seminar
Andrea Caruso
Upper School Science
Cavs Go Green During Winter Seminar
Gib Fitzpatrick
Middle School Math
Asking Big Questions to Help Students Find Their Way