Volume 4 Issue 3 December 2015
The True Meaning of Family
Durham Nativity School
By: Ruby Thompkins
As we approach the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our families and those we
love are frequently on our minds. One of the things I’ve always loved about
Durham Nativity is the sense of family that exist between the school, the boys
and their families. The school is so small that it provides an atmosphere conducive to everyone getting to know each other, but most of all, supporting
each other.
The small class sizes allows the boys to really get to know their DNS brothers.
They are able to create a sense of brotherhood amongst themselves that is demonstrated through their interactions and apparent care for one another. As the boys
recite the DNS Man Creed each morning, they stand together and lock arms,
symbolizing their commitment to support one another and to “have each other’s
back”, all attributes that you would find in a family.
Feliz Navidad
The small number of teachers and staff produces an environment where there is
bonding, trust and communication. Our staff and teachers have an opportunity to not only really get to know their
colleagues as individuals, but to also get to know their families. They know their coworkers’ birthdays and special
anniversaries, important events/accomplishments in both their lives and that of their children. They consider them
not only as someone they work with, but as a family member whom they are willing to support and offer encouragement.
Not only does DNS provide opportunities for our students and staff to bond as a family, but parents/guardians can
also get to know each other and build a sense of community. Active participation in PEP and other school activities
is a great way for families to share and fellowship with one another so that we continue to develop a sense of love,
respect, trust and tolerance for each other. Like in any family there should be strong communication, a lending
hand of support when one is down, a willingness to collaborate on ideas, and a simple whisper of a prayer for each
other every day.
So as we continue to expand our sense of family at DNS, let’s extend a hand to another student, another teacher or
another parent to get to know them as a family member. Reach out to someone you don’t know and introduce
yourself and offer a hand if needed.
More than anything else, let us remember that building family is an opportunity for us to create a legacy for ourselves and for our boys. We want each of our students, staff members and parents to be able to reflect on the great
family they were a part of when they were at DNS. Let’s develop memorable moments of fun times, great communication and unconditional love and support for each other. Afterall, these are the types of memories that are being
created for our boys every day at DNS and it is what Christmas is all about, caring, giving and loving one another
as Jesus loved us.
2015
A Holiday Gift
If your family and friends need an idea
for a great Christmas gift, suggest to
them to give to Durham Nativity.
It’s tax deductible and our boys benefit!
Safety Tips
Shopping during this time of year can be very unsafe.
Whether you’re shopping at the mall or online, make
sure you take the necessary steps to protect yourself and
your family by taking these precautions:

Shop during the daylight hours when possible. If
you shop at night take a friend or family member
with you.

Stay alert to your surroundings.

Do not carry large amounts of cash.

Put your packages in the trunk and out of plain view
of potential thieves.

Be aware of strangers and anyone trying to talk to
you while shopping.

Don’t leave expensive gift packages outside your
home.

If shopping online, make sure your computer has upto-date security software.

Make sure you trust the vendor before you share
MLK Celebration
DNS and Trinity School are
coming together again this
year to sponsor an MLK celebration. The event will be
held on January 18, 2016
from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at the
Trinity School (Blue Gym).
Over 350 people are expected to be in attendance.
The guest speaker for the event is Dr. Blair Kelley,
Assistant Dean at North Carolina State University and
the author of the article about DNS that was published
in ebony.com in 2014. Dr. Kelley is also the author
of the award winning book, The Right to Ride, published in 2010.
All of our parents and students are expected to participate. See you there!
Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanks to everyone who participated in the Thanksgiving Dinner. It was a great time to come together
as family and share in a scrumptious meal!
Durham Nativity School
Teacher Spotlight
One of the great things about Durham Nativity School is the excellent teachers
we have. They are committed to our students and challenge them to work hard
and to do their best.
This month, we decided to take a look at one of our teachers to learn more
about him and his commitment to education and the success of DNS students.
Our first “Teacher Spotlight” features Mr. Kevin Mahoney, who has been
teaching at DNS for five years.
1. Who/what influenced you to become a teacher?
Definitely, my older brother. He is a teacher in Los Angeles, California, and he always encouraged me to
pursue a career in teaching.
2. Where did you go to college and what was your major?
I went to Metropolitan State University of Denver because of their Aviation and Aerospace program; however,
after studying a semester abroad in Colombia, I changed my major to Spanish. Much later, I received a fellowship to study my Master's Degree in Instruction and Curriculum at St. Mary's University in Minnesota.
3. What are some of your hobbies or things you like to do in your spare time?
I love to watch college football, play and compose music, build things, read, spend quality time with my wife
and friends, boogie board, and travel.
4. How does teaching at DNS differ from other places you’ve taught at?
Two main things. First and foremost, each student's well-being and success is paramount. For teachers, DNS
is great because it gives us a tremendous amount of control over the content and curriculum.
5. What inspires you most about DNS students?
Seeing students do well and move on to take advantage of other educational and life-changing opportunities.
Of course, I'm also inspired when they come back to me as high schoolers and tell me about their study abroad
experiences in Latin America or Spain.
6. What would you want DNS students to remember about you as a teacher?
Hopefully, they'll remember me as someone, who in one form or another, positively contributed to their
education.