Update to the Community 12/15/2025

Hello, I’m Jeff Harris, Superintendent of Schools for Del Norte, and this is the update for the week of December 15, 2025.

Dates to Remember
Just a reminder that Winter Break begins next week. This Friday, December 19, is the last day of school before break.. Schools will be closed Monday, December 22, 2025, through Friday, January 2, 2026. Classes will resume as normal on Monday, January 5. Please be aware that the District office will be closed the entire week of December 22.

Winter Performances
If you’re looking for winter performance schedules, schools have them posted, and a few of them are scheduled to take place this week. Please visit your child’s school website for an updated schedule of all their winter performances so you don’t miss out on the holiday celebrations.

2026 No Kid Hungry Summit
I’d like to take a moment to recognize the hard work of our Nutrition Services team. As a result of their dedicated work, Del Norte Unified has been invited to present at the 2026 No Kid Hungry Summer Nutrition Summit in Washington, D.C., on January 12–13—one of only three districts nationwide selected to share its work. The recognition reflects DNUSD’s success in expanding summer meal access across Del Norte, one of California’s most rural counties. The department served more than 63,000 meals last summer at strategically placed sites and with community partnerships. At the Summit, Julie Bjorkstrand, Director of Nutrition Services, will speak on a national panel about serving ultra-rural communities and the strategies that have been effective here in Del Norte.

CSBA Golden Bell Award
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the County Office, I’m proud to announce that the District and County Office of Education also received another recognition. The California School Boards Association recently presented the District and County Office with the first ever Golden Bell Award for our community. The award reflects the broad and growing partnership between the four local tribal governments and education. Through this collaboration, we have been able to better address academic, social-emotional, and physical needs of American Indian students and to develop model practices within our systems. I’d like to thank our Yurok, Tolowa Dee-ni’, Elk Valley Racheria, and Pulikla Tribe of Yurok Indians and District and County Office staff for their shared commitment to our youth.

51st Annual Jaycees Girls Basketball Tournament
This past weekend, Del Norte County hosted the 51st Annual 2025–26 Jaycees Girls Basketball Tournament, welcoming 48 middle school teams across six divisions from California and Southern Oregon for a high-energy weekend of competition. Local gyms were filled with student-athletes, coaches, families, and fans as teams showcased skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship on the court.

The tournament remains a highlight of the middle school basketball season, reflecting the Jaycees’ long-standing commitment to youth athletics and providing young athletes an opportunity to compete, grow, and build lasting memories. That tradition continues on March 6–7, 2026, when Del Norte will host the 2026 Jaycees Boys Basketball Tournament for middle schoolers.

Smith River took home the most coveted trophy of all, earning the tournament’s Sportsmanship and Participation Award, a perpetual honor presented to the team that best exemplifies courtesy, respect, and positive conduct throughout the event. The award recognizes sportsmanship demonstrated by players, coaches, and supporters across the entire tournament, both on and off the court.

Smith River will proudly hold the trophy until next year’s tournament, when it will be returned and exchanged for a permanent keepsake—an acknowledgment of the exceptional character and teamwork they displayed throughout the weekend.

We will post the full results of the tournament later today.

Sports Update
It’s a busy week for Warrior athletics as several teams hit the road for competition. On Tuesday, December 16, Del Norte Basketball travels to Ferndale High School for a full slate of games. Girls’ JV will tip off at 3:00 PM, followed by Boys’ JV at 4:30 PM, Girls’ Varsity at 6:00 PM, and Boys’ Varsity closing the night at 7:30 PM. On Wednesday, December 17, Wrestling will compete in a dual at Arcata High School, with match times to be determined.

Tournament play continues later in the week, beginning Thursday, December 18 through Saturday, December 20, as JV and Varsity Boys’ Basketball compete at the Anderson Tournament. From Friday, December 19–20, Freshman and JV Girls’ Basketball will take part in the Arcata Tournament, while Varsity Boys’ Wrestling heads to the Reno Tournament of Champions. Also that weekend, Girls’ Wrestling and JV Boys’ Wrestling will compete in the Winter Kickoff Tournament in Grants Pass. Good luck and safe travels Warriors!

That’s it for this update. Have a great week, and we’ll see you next Monday.

Thank you!