Recently the 9-R community has been discussing the enforcement of the existing district policy, JLIF, or Service Animals in Schools. This policy has been in the district since 2015, and speaks to both the use of service and therapy animals in the classroom. This long-standing policy excludes animals as pets in the classroom, but our district has agreed to allow animals in the classroom as appropriate for aligned standards or curriculum delivery. While this has been an established policy, it has not been consistently enforced in the past at all schools.
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In honor of School Board Appreciation month, we want to take a moment to thank our volunteers on the school board for their tireless efforts to support education and youth in our community!
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We want to follow up on yesterday’s accident involving our bus. We appreciate the support of paramedics in assessing our students and thankful that no physical injuries were experienced by students on the bus.
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The digital age and the addition of so many social media channels has created a significant challenge in effectively communicating with our stakeholders.
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Dear 9-R Families,

Here at Durango School District 9-R, student and staff safety is our priority. School safety means a lot of things, but the most important result is that we prevent school violence and that students feel safe and secure when learning at school. In the wake of the recent school violence that took place in Aztec, NM, we wanted to take a moment to remind families about our school safety measures and invite you to be a part of our safe school’s mission.
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As we come into the holiday season, it is important to reflect on all that we as a community have to be thankful. I’ve never lived in a place that has so much to offer its citizens, as well as one that possesses such a warm and welcoming feel as Durango and the surrounding area. During this time of the year, we often find ourselves in a festive mood, excited about the opportunities we have to enjoy family and friends. Many will be able to take time off from work and enjoy some rest and relaxation. What we often forget are the challenges many of our families face, not only during the holiday time, but throughout the year.
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Over the last couple of months, I’ve addressed the issue of communication and our need to discuss issues that can help improve our schools and the experience for our children. Another critical skill or trait I’d like to address is one that seems to be on the decline in our society, that of perseverance.
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Dear Families,
You student’s new school ID was recently issued for the 2017-18 school year. Student IDs serve a multitude of purposes within the district, including bus access and school library use. Student IDs issued this year are valid through the entire school year, as well as through the beginning of the 2018/19 school year until new photos and IDs are issued.
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Dear Parents,

I want to alert you to a challenge we are facing in Durango. Currently, we have numerous positions open for Kids’ Camp, our after-school childcare program in Durango, and have been unable to secure applicants to fill these roles. The same challenge is being experienced by other providers in the area. Although we have attended a number of job fairs and continue to seek interested students who are at our local colleges in an effort to fully staff our program, the crisis continues.
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Another school year is upon us, and families are preparing to send their children back to school. Our traditional public schools, our charter schools, and our private schools are excited to see our children back in classrooms next week. While our teachers, support staff, and administrators are ready, I hope parents recognize the important role they play in the educational process.
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