Good afternoon, I’m Jeff Harris, Superintendent for Del Norte Schools, and this is the update for the week of December 16, 2024.

Care Closets

As we approach the coldest and wettest part of the winter season, we want to ensure that every student stays warm and healthy. If your child, or any student you know, is in need of warm winter clothing, please contact their school office, and we'll get them connected with a Care Closet. We urge anyone in need to reach out this week so that we can help provide warm clothing before school closes for Winter Break. 

If you’re not familiar with our care closets, they are resources in all of our schools that help provide students with a variety of necessary items.  Our care closets are replenished through grant-based purchases and through generous donations from our community.  Items in care closets include clothing, coats, shoes, other cold-weather essentials, backpacks, and personal hygiene items. If you are interested in helping by donating new or gently used winter clothing or other items to this vital program, you can drop off donations at the District Office, located at 301 W Washington Blvd, just east of the football field. We will ensure that your contribution reaches a student in need. Your support makes a difference.

Dates to Remember

As I just said, Winter Break is right around the corner! Schools will be closed from next Monday, December 23, 2024, through Friday, January 3, 2025. Classes will resume as normal on Monday, January 6, 2025. 

Winter Performances and Concerts

Before we leave on break, though, this week, our schools will continue to showcase their talent and holiday spirit through various performances. You can join Joe Hamilton Elementary for a holiday concert featuring students from grades 2-5 tonight, Monday, December 16 at 6 PM. Later this week, Mountain Elementary will hold its winter performance for all grades on Thursday, December 19 also at 6 PM. These events are a wonderful way to celebrate the season and our students' creativity.

The Warrior Journal

I’m excited to announce the launch of “The Warrior Journal,” a new segment where you can read stories about our students and get a behind-the-scenes look at Del Norte High, as well as other schools in the district. This new initiative celebrates the creativity and diverse voices within our school community. Del Norte’s legendary John Pritchett, who is also a family engagement liaison at Del Norte High will lead the charge with exciting and informative stories, and in time, we look forward to students and other staff members contributing, as well.  We invite you to take a look at our newest resource by visiting dnusd.org/warriorjournal or the DNUSD.org or DNHIGH.org front page.

Emergency Communications

The health and safety of our students and staff is always a top priority, and severe weather or other emergencies can present many challenges.  In the event of an emergency, timely and accurate communication with families is crucial, so please make sure that your contact information is current in your child's school records to ensure that you receive urgent updates. If you have any changes or additions to your contact information or emergency contacts for your child, please reach out to your child’s school to verify and update your information.

DNHS Sports Update

We have another action-packed week in Warriors sports! Tonight, Monday, December 16, the JV and Varsity Girls’ Basketball teams will be in Hoopa, with JV starting at 5:00 PM and Varsity at 6:30 PM. Tomorrow, Tuesday, December 17, our Boys’ Basketball teams will face Brookings here at Del Norte High. Freshmen play at 4:30 PM, JV at 6:00 PM, and Varsity at 7:30 PM. On Wednesday, the Boys’ Freshman team hits the court again, traveling to Arcata for a 6:00 PM game.

Starting Thursday and continuing through the weekend, our Warriors basketball teams will hit the road for tournaments. The Freshmen Girls will compete in Arcata, JV, and Varsity Girls will head to Central Valley, and JV and Varsity Boys will play in Anderson. Lastly, on Friday and Saturday, our Boys’ and Girls’ Wrestling squads will travel north to Grants Pass for tournament action.

Stay up to date with all Warriors sports schedules at dnusd.org/sports.

Year-End Reflections and Closing Thoughts

As we conclude 2024, and with this being the last update of 2024, I would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable winter break!

That’s it for this week’s update. Stay safe and we’ll see you next year.