MARCH 14, 2025

Spring Break is next week – Monday, March 17, through Friday, March 21. All schools will be closed. Regular class schedules will resume on Monday, March 24.

We’re thrilled to announce that after Spring Break, families of secondary students will have access to Abre – a powerful tool designed to bring all your student’s important school information together in one place. From grades and assignments to key updates, Abre makes it easier than ever to stay connected and engaged in your student’s education.

We believe that strong partnerships between schools and families lead to student success, and Abre is here to support that connection. Keep an eye out for a letter from your principal after Spring Break with details on how to get started.

We can’t wait for you to experience Abre and all the ways it will enhance communication and transparency. Stay tuned!

Due to the growing measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico and the high rate of tourism to our area, the Durango School District (DSD) Health Services Department is working to prepare and educate our students, families, and staff about measles and what to expect if there is a confirmed case in our schools.

Why is this important?
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can lead to serious complications. The virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for hours, and those who are unvaccinated have a high risk of infection.

What happens if there’s a case in school?
By law, students and staff who cannot prove they have received two doses of the measles vaccine – including those with exemptions – will be required to stay home from school for at least 21 days, even if they are not sick. In the event a student has to stay home, the teacher and school leaders will work with the family to provide continued learning.

Know the symptoms:

The best protection: The MMR vaccine is highly effective. Two doses provide 97% protection. Vaccinations are available at doctors' offices, pharmacies, and public health clinics.

For additional details, read the letter from Health Services by clicking the button below.

Finding a life pathway may require a trial by fire – literally. Tom Joyner, a welding teacher at Durango High School (DHS), gives students a spark. Three DHS students shared their passion for welding during this week's Board of Education Work Session, which was held March 11 at Animas Valley Elementary School.

The program currently has 105 students. Thanks to Joyner's effort in earning a Certified Welding Instructor license, students can earn welding certificates while they are still in high school. "Students can walk out the classroom door and into industry," said Joyner.

The students talked about building rails at Chapman Hill and placing fifth in a national Steel Days competition in Wyoming. "I was never really sure what I wanted to do in my life, but I found it in Welding 1," said one student. "This summer, I have a job lined up, and I'm really excited. This is what I want to do."

K-12 students in Durango School District are invited to dream big and create a project highlighting a design, product, or concept focused on innovation and the future to present at A Vision for the Future STEM Exhibition next month. The event will be held on Saturday, April 5, from 5-7 p.m. at the Impact Career Innovation Center (Durango High School, 2390 Main Ave.).

The Durango School District Board of Education held a Work Session on Tuesday, March 11. A recap is available for review.

The Durango School District Board of Education will meet for a Regular Session on Tuesday, March 25, at 5:30 p.m. at the Impact Career Innovation Center (Durango High School, 2390 Main Ave.). The public is welcome. Public comment will be taken. This meeting will be livestreamed and recorded on the district's Facebook page beginning at 5:30 p.m. at this link: https://www.facebook.com/Durango9R

This section contains reminders of upcoming dates that have already been featured in Community Update, but are still relevant. Click on the link, where applicable, to learn more about each event.