Back to School Hub - 2024/25

five students walking to school

Our 2024/25 Back to School page collects all the essential information that families need to navigate the new school year. You’ll find details on enrollment, school start dates, supply lists, transportation options, and more.

Academic Calendar

Durango School District 2024/25 Academic Calendar contains important information about the school year: Fall, Winter, and Spring breaks, teacher professional development dates, holidays, conference days, and more.
 

First & last day of school

  • The first day of school for the 2024-25 school year is Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024.
  • The last day of school is scheduled for Friday, May 23, 2025. (This date may be adjusted based on potential Snow Day make-up days.)

School breaks

  • Fall Break: Oct. 4-7, 2024
  • Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 25-29, 2024
  • Winter Break: Dec. 23, 2024-Jan. 3, 2025
  • Spring Break: Mar. 17-21, 2025

Graduation ceremonies

  • Big Picture High School Graduation: May 22, 2025
  • Durango High School Graduation: May 23, 2025
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School Websites

Each school has a website with information specific to that school.
 
 

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Registration

person typing on laptop

All students, new and returning, need to be registered for school before the start of the school year. Please visit our registration pages to learn more.
 
Please chose the one of following buttons to register your student for school in the Durango School District:

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Immunizations

kid getting vaccine
 
Every child attending a Durango School District school or child care facility must have a complete immunization record or exemption submitted to their school, or the child will be unable to attend school until they are compliant with this state law. If you plan to have a Certificate of non-medical exemption for your child, please note that the date of the exemption must be on or after July 1, 2024 for the 2024/25 school year.
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Fall Check-ins

 
parent takes child's photo on first day of school
 
  • Animas Valley Elementary - Meet Your Teacher,  Aug. 19, 8:00 9:00 a.m.
  • Florida Mesa Elementary - beginning July 25, daily from 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (closed morning of Aug. 6, and all day Aug. 14)
  • Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary - Aug. 9, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
  • Needham Elementary  Aug. 19, 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
  • Park Elementary - Aug. 7, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
  • Riverview Elementary -  Aug. 19,  9:00-10:30 a.m.
  • Sunnyside Elementary - Aug. 9, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
 
  • Escalante Middle School - Aug. 15, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
  • Miller Middle School - Check-in events will be at the Impact Career Innovation Center on the Durango High School (DHS) campus.

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  • Aug. 16 - Angel Day! - At the Impact Career Innovation Center at DHS. Schedules will be available.

    • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. – 6th-Grade Orientation

    • 12:30-1:30 p.m.  – 7th-Grade Meet & Greet

    • 2 - 3 p.m. –  8th-Grade Meet & Greet

 
  • Big Picture High School - Aug. 19, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
 
  • Durango High School
    • Aug. 8, All Grades check-in, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    • Aug. 16, Demon Day Freshman Orientation, 8:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. Please plan to attend full day. Lunch provided.
    • Aug. 16, Late Registration for all students.

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Supply lists

 
school supplies
 
Getting the right school supplies for your elementary or middle school student is essential to set them up for success in the new school year. Elementary and middle schools have Supply Lists posted on their websites, under Family Resources. Click your school below to see the supply list.
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Optional Chromebook Insurance Policy for 6th-12th grade students

person repairing laptop

It is Durango School District’s 9-R’s intent to distribute new devices every year to incoming sixth and ninth grade students. Upon distribution of the new device, the student may submit a new non-refundable insurance deposit to cover the new device. This insurance policy is available to 6th – 12th grade students.

 

 

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Transportation

school bus parked at school
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Students who need school bus service must register with our Transportation Department.

Positive Behavior Interventions & Support On The School Bus

 
The Durango School, District is initiating a new program for school bus riders. Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) are designed to create a positive climate, teach positive behavior, prevent problem behavior, and keep everyone safe on the bus. Please review this with your student(s) to set the expectations for a successful school year.
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After-School Programs

Durango School District, in partnership with Boys and Girls Club of La Plata County, offer after-school programs through The Club@ Durango Schools. Registration for the 2024-25 school year begins August 8.

The Club@ will offer after-school programs at Animas Valley, Florida Mesa, Needham, Park, and Riverview Elementary Schools this year. 

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Food Service

lunch tray being handed to student

All Breakfasts and Lunches are free for the 2024-25 school year. Although all students will receive meals for free this school year, it’s still important for households to provide income information when requested. Gathering this information allows Durango School District to receive state and federal funding we qualify for. These funds go directly to schools to help cover the cost of meals and support after-school activities and other nutritional programs for students. Plus, qualifying households may be eligible to receive Summer EBT benefits, receive discounted school fees, class materials, bus passes, utilities support and more.

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Stay Connected

 
person using laptop
 
The Communications team shares information with many different people: staff, students, families, community members, and media. 
 

During emergencies and Snow Day alerts, Communications shares information through the district's phone, text, and email mass-notification system. If you are not receiving messages, or wish to update your contact information, please follow these steps:

  • To receive phone calls: Call (855) 502-7867 from the phone line you wish to receive calls and follow the prompts.
  • To receive text messages: Text START to "60680" from the phone you wish to receive texts.
  • Note that if you opt out by typing "STOP" to any emergency message from the district, you will no longer receive any messages. 
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Fall Sports

girls soccer game
 

The deadline to register for fall sports is Aug. 2, 2024. Online registration is required to participate in all Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) sanctioned sports and activities at Durango High School (DHS): Football, Volleyball, Softball, XC, Boys Soccer, Boys Golf, Boys Tennis, or Dance/Cheer.

In order to tryout or practice the following items must be completed:
• Complete the online registration form.
• A current physical with an authorized physician’s signature. (Physicals are valid for one full year from the signed date.)