An Up-Close and Personal Look at Durham Public Schools

Above, are two proud 2009 winter Durham Public School graduates.

My husband and I have always been advocates of public education and our college-aged son is a product of the Durham Public Schools. He will be graduating this spring with a 3.9 grade-point average from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He scored very high on his Graduate Record Examinations and is in the process now of applying at ivy-league schools across the country for entrance into their graduate and doctorate-level programs.


I mention all of this not to brag about our high-achieving, academically-gifted son, but to assure newcomers of the excellent quality of education that students can receive in the Durham Public School system. He attended Easley Elementary (a year-round school); and Carrington Middle and Riverside High (both traditional) schools.


Although it is shocking that the Durham Public School System has two of the worst high schools in the state (Southern and Hillside), the district ranks among the highest in per-pupil spending. In contrast, Durham's high-ranking high schools are Durham School for the Arts and Jordan; with Riverside and Northern not too far behind in ranking.


According to an editorial that ran in today’s Durham Herald-Sun newspaper, “DPS gets money from federal, state and local taxes. With a cumulative $9,335.09 spent per pupil in 2007-2008 (the most recent data available), DPS ranks 25th in the state for what it shells out per child. (We rank sixth for local dollars poured into our schools — $3,077.23 per pupil in 2007-2008, according to the Department of Public Instruction.)” The editorial pointed out that a huge chunk of this money was being poured into both Southern and Hillside to help boost them “out of the basement.”


When we first moved to North Carolina, we were thankful for an excellent resource through the NC Department of Education that annually ranks all the public schools in the state based on teacher quality, school safety, school technology class size and attendance. It’s an excellent tool that I like to share with all of my buyers with school-aged children: http://www.ncreportcards.org/src/

It's a Great Day for Olderhouse Holiday Activities

With a hint of snow in the forecast, it's a great day for Olderhouse holiday activities, including Christmas at historic Stagville; followed by a visit to my Open House at 4811 Kendridge Dr. in North Durham.


Starting at 10 a.m. this morning, both Stagville’s 1787 Bennehan plantation house and the 1850s Holman slave quarters will be decorated for Christmas. Costumed historic interpreters will demonstrate how life during the holidays was for those living in the “Big House” and for the enslaved families in the other quarters. There will be fiber spinning, silversmithing, quiltmaking and blacksmithing. Plus, there will be horse-drawn wagon rides around the 71-acre site. Visiting children may play historic games and makes crafts from yesteryear on site. Fresh apple cider will be pressed for holiday refreshment. And vendors will be selling their wares in a country-fair holiday atmosphere. There will be soy candles, gourd art, quilled pictures, woven goods, terra-cotta wares and stained glass. Geneaologists and family historians will be there to chat with you, as well. Although the event is being advertised as “free,” suggested donations are $2 per individual or $5 per family, which goes to support the Historic Family Foundation. The plantation is located at 5828 Old Oxford Hwy. in Durham. www.historicstagvillefoundation.org


Of course while you are out, make sure to come by and visit my Open House at 4811 Kendridge Drive. I’ll be there today from 2-4 p.m. It’s located in the Easley Elementary school district within walking distance of the Eno River. You’ll love our quiet Heritage Heights neighborhood because that’s where I live! Check out my blog entry on this updated $123,900 one-level by clicking the link below:


http://ncolderhouse.blogspot.com/2009/11/open-house-tomorrow-at-my-neighbors.html


Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

Open House Tomorrow at my Neighbor's Updated Ranch

This updated ranch is located in my North Durham neighborhood, so I know it's a great place to live! We moved to our house just around the corner back in 1998 because the Heritage Heights/Huntington neighborhood is in the Easley Elementary school district, backs up to the Eno River State Park, and we really liked how most of the homes have half-acre lots. Plus, we loved the location! It is just a 10-minute commute to Duke and downtown Durham.


Since moving here, I have been fortunate to have listed and sold many of my neighbors homes. And now, my friends at 4811 Kendridge Drive have listed their 1971 one-level home and priced it to sell at $123,900. So please join me for our Open House and come see all the amazing updates they have done to this house.


You will love how they have opened up the walls between the kitchen, living room and dining room to let in lots of light; and added beautiful architectural arches for dramatic effect. The kitchen has newer appliances and there is a new sink with an updated faucet. The hall bath has new ceramic tile flooring, a ceramic-tile bathtub surround, custom lighting and solid-cherry cabinets. 


There are three bedrooms, two baths and approximately 1,300 square feet of space. The nearly one half-acre lot has lots of landscaping, including a three-level water garden with koi ponds and fountains. The backyard is fully fenced and has a large Amish barn and a screened greenhouse with an irrigation system. There is an attached carport with an adjoining storage room. 


I hope you will be able to join us for our Open House. But if you would prefer a private showing, feel free to give me a call at (919) 423-3463 or email me at ljanes@markthomasrealty.com


To see more photos of this great house, go to:


http://www.postlets.com/repb/2808017