Join the Durango School District (DSD) Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Karen Cheser for an evening that celebrates our schools and looks ahead to the future.

The State of the District: A Community Update & Celebration will be held Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Impact Career Innovation Center (2410 Main Ave, on the Durango High School campus). This community event will offer transparency on test scores and district progress, highlight recent student successes, and outline the steps we’re taking to support academic growth and expand opportunities for all learners.

Attendees will hear directly from district leaders and staff about how we’re working to increase proficiency, strengthen programs, and give students more pathways to thrive. After a short presentation, there will be time for Q&A. Families and community members are also invited to explore interactive dashboards and talk with staff one-on-one about the data and our plans.

Spanish interpretation will be available. All are welcome. We look forward to celebrating with you!

On Oct. 16, Miller Middle School 7th graders in Sarah Whitehurst's social studies class raise their hands to share claims, context, and evidence during a structured Socratic seminar focused on restorative versus punitive justice.

On Oct. 16, 7th-grade social studies students at Miller Middle School (MMS) brought history and modern ethics together in a classroom debate on justice, responsibility, and consequences.

Led by Social Studies Teacher Sarah Whitehurst, the lesson challenged students to analyze ancient laws alongside their own school environment. The activity centered around a fundamental question: What is the most effective, appropriate, and fair way to impose consequences?

To keep conversations constructive, students were encouraged to use respectful sentence stems — such as "I see where you're coming from, but I disagree" — building directly on habits they developed in 6th grade. 

"I find it so effective to sit in a circle and talk to other humans," Whitehurst said. "Not only does it help students build on their knowledge by learning from peers, it also helps them understand how to disagree in an agreeable, credible, and respectful way."

School Storytellers: Thank you to MMS Social Studies Teacher Sarah Whitehurst, who shared this story tip.

Busy school mornings and afternoons require extra patience. City of Durango Parking reminds families to keep designated red zones clear, even when stopping briefly or waiting inside a vehicle. These areas help maintain visibility and access for emergency vehicles.

Please use your school’s designated pickup and drop-off areas; follow posted signs and staff directions; and keep crosswalks, driveways, and intersections clear. If parking is limited, allow extra time to find a permitted space.

Thank you for helping keep arrival and dismissal safe for students and families.

At the future site of Three Springs Elementary School, all foundations have been poured, and vertical construction is expected to begin soon.

Progress continues across DSD as road and foundation work advance at Three Springs Elementary School, while participation grows in the district's Staff Housing Program. Funded by the 2024 Investing in Our Schools bond, these milestone projects ensure modern facilities and critical support for DSD educators and students.

Huge news for our local schools: The Durango Education Foundation (DEF) reached its full $45,000 fundraising goal at the 4th Annual Spirits With the Spectres event. Thanks to 125 ticket holders, dedicated volunteers, DEF board members, district staff, and incredible community sponsors, this sell-out event was a roaring success.

Every dollar raised directly benefits DSD students and classrooms — helping the DEF fund initiatives like its $160,000 classroom grants program, $100,000+ in scholarships for graduating seniors, and events that honor our educators such as the annual Staff Appreciation Celebration.

Mark your calendars for next year's Spirits With the Spectres event on October 16, 2027.

Many thanks to volunteer David Porter for photos of the event.

Throughout each school year, DSD employees nominate their colleagues for Bravo Awards, an honor that recognizes faculty and staff who demonstrate Portrait of a Graduate attributes as they go above and beyond for students and the district.

Tom Poole, Physical Education Teacher at Park Elementary School, won this week's Bravo Award for being a Courageous Leader. He is being honored for maintaining a calm demeanor during high-energy PE classes; treating students with dignity and respect; and fostering an environment where students have fun, learn about healthy living, and always know he will support their success.

Congratulations, Mr. Poole!

The DSD Board of Education held a Regular Meeting on Oct. 20. Here's what happened at the meeting: