Get Ready for the School Year

With two schools worth of students starting at the Durango High School campus, a staggered start and new drop-off and pick-up locations have been adopted to alleviate congestion. The Durango Education Foundation will once again host the back to school resource fair this month to connect families and students with local resources and school supplies. San Juan Mountain Association is offering an afterschool program focused on outdoor learning and exploration, and the Durango Derby is introducing a new race for its second year. You're watching the Local News Roundup, brought to you by San Juan Regional Medical Center and M&R Plumbing. I'm Sadie Smith. To alleviate traffic congestion at Durango High School during pick-up and drop-off times, Durango School District 9-R has released a plan with a staggered start for Miller Middle School students and Durango High School students. Additionally, the locations for drop-off and pick-up will differ. DHS families will use the parent drop off loop, and Miller Families will use the bus lanes at specific times. Bus lanes will be closed to all vehicles, 7:45 to 8:05 AM Monday through Friday. On early release Mondays, the lanes will be closed from 2:45 to 3:05 PM, and from 3:30 to 4:05 PM Tuesdays through Thursdays. Detailed information about the Miller Middle School's transition, Project Angel Flight, and the pick-up and drop-off schedule can be found on the district's website. The Durango Education Foundation is hosting the Back to School Resource Fair on Tuesday, August 27th at the La Plata County Fairgrounds and Event Center. The fair, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, will have free food, school supplies, giveaways, and games. The event also hosts over 75 local resource providers for a central location for families and students to connect with to start the school year off right. If your organization would like to reserve a table, fill out the form online. Looking for afterschool programs? Registration is open for the San Juan Mountain Association Afterschool Program, San Juan Science Ramblers. The program is open to students in grades first through six and features outdoor adventures with education specialists. There are three fall sessions in September, October, and November. The first two sessions are $100, the last is $75. The sessions will meet weekly at Park Elementary School on Thursdays. Drop off between 3:00 and 3:30 PM, and pick up at 5:45 PM. Each session will have a theme focused on outdoor exploration and learning. Space is limited, and there is some financial assistance available. Durango Derby has announced it will be offering a cash purse of $10,000 to the winners for the pro men's and women's solo categories. Podium finishers and other solo categories will receive prize packages from local sponsors. And new this year, The Derby has added the "Downcountry Dominator" challenge. The race consists of four mixed downhill segments, offering riders a chance to test their downhill skills against other riders. Registration is still open for all categories and will remain so until the race starts on Labor Day Weekend. 10% of all proceeds from the event will go to support Durango Trails, Durango Devo, FLC Cycling, and Silver Stallion. Want to be a part of the fun but don't fancy riding? The Derby is still looking for volunteers. Sign up for a slot online. Learn more about these and other stories online at durangolocal.news. Thank you for watching this edition of the Local News Roundup. I'm Sadie Smith.