Good afternoon. I’m Jeff Harris, Superintendent of Schools for Del Norte, and this is the update for the week of March 2, 2026.

Dates to Remember
As we head into March, a quick reminder that Spring Break is just around the corner. There will be no school from Monday, March 30, through Monday, April 6, because the 6th is a staff development day. Students will return to class on Tuesday, April 7.

Del Norte High Teacher James Gensaw to Receive Statewide Human Rights Award
I’d like to start today by sharing some good news from Del Norte High. James Gensaw, a Del Norte High graduate and teacher, will be honored this month with the American Indian/Alaska Native Human Rights Award from the California Teachers Association. Mr. Gensaw teaches Yurok language and culture at Del Norte High. For nearly two decades, he has helped preserve and revitalize the Yurok language, strengthen cultural understanding, and create a welcoming, supportive environment for all students. His recognition reflects not only his leadership in the classroom but his ongoing commitment to honoring tribal heritage, elevating student voice, and building pride and connection across our school community.

Tiny House Auction
Also at DNHS, I want to invite all of our community to the high school this Saturday, March 7, at 11:00 AM to participate in the “Warrior Made” Tiny Home Auction. Designed and built by our Building & Construction Trades students, this impressive tiny home highlights the hands-on, real-world learning taking place in our Career Technical Education programs. The home will be open for public viewing on Friday from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM and again Saturday from 9:00–10:45 AM before the live auction begins. Proceeds directly support future student-built projects, helping expand career pathways and opportunities for Del Norte students. For auction details and requirements, please visit dnhigh.org/tinyhome.

County Spelling Bee
In other highlights this week, the county-wide Annual Spelling Bee is this Wednesday, March 4, at 6 PM at Crescent Elk, where we’ll celebrate student success and academic achievement. The top speller will be named county champion and move on to compete at the California State Spelling Bee on April 25, 2026, at Great Wolf Lodge in Manteca — bringing together spelling champions from across California. Everyone is invited to attend.

2026 ELOP Spring Break Session
As we look ahead to the end of the month, families looking for enriching opportunities for their children during Spring Break are encouraged to register for our 2026 ELO-P Spring Break Session, which is open to TK–8th grade students enrolled in Del Norte Unified. This free program runs March 30–April 3, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM–5:00 PM at multiple school sites and offers a full day of engaging academic support, STEM and SEL activities, arts and crafts, outdoor learning, and field trips as available. Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are provided each day. The application deadline is March 13, and families can learn more or register at dnusd.org/ELOP. Depending on staffing availability, up to five days of attendance recovery may also be offered if your child has been absent.

Sports Update
Finally, the Del Norte Warriors are back in action this week with a full slate of spring competition at home and on the road. Today, March 2, JV Softball will host Fortuna at Del Norte High School for a doubleheader beginning at 2:00 PM. On Thursday, March 5, JV Baseball will travel to St. Bernard’s for a 4:00 PM matchup. Later in the week, Varsity Baseball will compete in the Pleasant Valley Tournament from Thursday through Saturday, March 5–7.

On Saturday, March 7, Boys’ Tennis will host St. Bernard’s at Del Norte High at 10:00 AM, and Varsity Softball will head to Eureka for a doubleheader starting at 2:00 PM. We also want to congratulate our Boys’ Basketball team on a strong 20–11 season that included a third-place finish in the Big Five Conference, a trip to the Humboldt-Del Norte League Tournament semifinals, and an appearance in the NCS Division 4 quarterfinals. In addition, congratulations to our Wrestlers on an outstanding showing at the North Coast Section Championships, highlighted by Thunder Lewis and Wyatt Lewis capturing individual section titles and the team earning a fifth-place finish overall. We appreciate the continued support of our families and fans as our Warriors represent Del Norte High with pride.

That’s it for this update. We’ll see you next Monday.

Thank you.