Message from Our Superintendent
Greetings DUSD Families, Staff and Community,

I am pleased to announce that as of today, 4,630 ratings have been posted by parents in our first Thoughtexchange conversation that started at the Parent Engagement Summit I hosted on October 3. Even though this is a very strong start, I would like to have 100% participation by our parents, and so I am asking you again to join in this cloud-hosted conversation today to make sure your ideas are collected and validated. For this reason, t he exchange will remain open for all Duarte Unified parents to access until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 19, 2018. This gives parents another week to hop on your cell phones or other device to share your thoughts with me. The exchange is conducted in both English and Spanish, and if you are in need of an internet connection and/or laptop to participate, all of our schools are equipped to help you. Just ask in the school office. Find the links to participate below as well as helpful tips to navigate the Thoughtexchange platform. I hope all of our parents will join the conversation today, and I thank you for your time and participation!

I also encourage our parents and all members of our community to learn about the tremendous opportunities offered by our schools by staying connected with our Principals who conduct ongoing engagement activities that include informal monthly get-togethers as well as regularly scheduled meetings. View dates for these events on our website calendar, on our free DUSD Mobile App , and by following me @SuptAmerson as well as @duarteusd on Twitter , Facebook , Instagram and Youtube . Thank you and have a great week!

Best,
Gordon

Gordon Amerson, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Duarte Unified School District
Thoughtexchange Links & Tips for Parents
The exchange will be open until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 19, 2018
  • It should only take you as little as five to ten minutes to participate.
  • You do not need to sign-in to the Thoughtexchange software or submit your email address to participate. Simply click on the continue button when you reach that screen.
  • It is recommended that you rate a minimum of 30 thoughts, but you are welcome to rate as many or as few thoughts as you would like. Give five stars to thoughts you highly agree with or that resonate with you. One star will indicate the thought is less applicable to you.
  • You can add and rate thoughts at your own pace until the exchange ends. You also can return to share additional thoughts, review your answers and discover the results at any time while the exchange is open.
  • Thoughts shared in Spanish will be Google Translated into English and vice-versa.
If you need technical help, please call Thoughtexchange at 1-800-361-9027 ext. 4 or email communications@duarteusd.org . If you need access to a computer or online device to participate, please call 626-599-5019 or email communications@duarteusd.org .
District Meetings & Events this Week
Great Shake Out
On Thursday, October 18, Duarte Unified will join with California in the Great Shake Out to provide another opportunity for our district and schools to review and practice our earthquake and other emergency response plans and protocols with staff and students. It's an optimal time to discuss safety plans for use at home too.  Learn more about this event here .
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Hero Day at Duarte Preschool
Our preschool students at all three campuses are inviting their Heroes & Male Role Models to join them at school on Friday, October 20. Calling on Dads, grandfathers, uncles, big brothers and the respected men in our little scholars' lives to spend the day learning and laughing together. We look forward to seeing you...capes optional!
Friday Night Lights...Lightening!
Due to the lightening storm that kicked up last Friday, the rest of the Duarte High School Varsity Football Game vs. Gladstone was postponed for safety reasons. The remaining second half will be played on Monday, October 15, at 4:30 p.m. at Falcon Field. DHS is leading 20-8, please come out and help them get that W!
DHS Montview League Volleyball Champions
Our Championship Girls Varsity Volleyball Team, led by Coach Irene Sunabe, has clinched another Montview League Title! They ended the regular season undefeated with a 10-0 record and begin their quest to take the CIF Title too. The first round begins this Thursday, October 18, at Home starting at 6:00 p.m. when DHS will face-off against Mark Keppel. We expect to see all Falcon Fans in the stands to cheer our Champions to victory!
Duarte High School Homecoming Celebration
Flock to Duarte High School stadium on Friday, October 19, for the 2018 Homecoming celebration! Our Falcon Football Team will take on Workman at 7:00 p.m. Alumni are encouraged to return to the place where you got your start to see the traditions that are still in place, and the new additions including 4-Year Early College , Culinary Arts , & City of Hope partnerships . We also invite families, staff and all members of the community to cheer for our student-athletes who are building on the legacy of excellence established at Duarte High School, which will always remain the flagship of our district.
Voter Registration Extravaganza
In order to make your voice heard in the upcoming election on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, be sure you are registered to vote prior to October 22, 2018. In California, if you are 16-years of age or older, with a valid ID, you can even pre-register to vote. On your 18th birthday, your voter registration application will be fully processed and your vote will be counted. If you are not already registered, do so online or at the Voter Registration Extravaganza held at Duarte High School on Saturday, October 20. There will be food, music, fun and all are welcome! Questions, contact Mr. Kenney here .
Get the Facts About CSArts-SGV
2018-19 Preview Days
You’re invited to attend an upcoming Preview Day to learn more about  California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley , the first satellite school of the award-winning Orange County School of the Arts. At Preview Day, students and their families receive an overview of the DUSD/CSArts Joint 7/8 Grade Program and 9-12 high school option. Visit sessions on the 10 arts conservatory programs offered from the Schools of Dance, Fine & Media Arts, Music, and Theatre. There are three dates to choose from: October 20, December 1 and January 19.
DUSD Arts Exhibition is October 25
Parents, family, friends, staff and community members are invited to a free reception and public viewing of student artwork created by DUSD students in Grades PK-12 from all of our schools on Thursday, October 25, at Duarte High School in the Cafeteria from 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. L.A.County Fair submissions will also be displayed. See you there!
Duarte High School Fall Theatre Production
The Duarte High School   T heatre Department,  directed by Mrs. Leslie Bartlett, will be presenting Jim Leonard, Jr.'s play, “And They Dance Real Slow in Jackson."

There will be two performance dates and three showtimes:

Friday, November 2, 2018 at 7:00 p..m.
Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now:

Adults: $8
Students: $5

Seats are limited and fill up fast, so be sure to buy your tickets in advance. We look forward to seeing you at the Theatre!
October is National Bullying Prevention Month
The Board of Education of the Duarte Unified School District has joined the nation in declaring October as National Bullying Prevention Month, which is a nationwide campaign founded in 2006 by PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center . The campaign unites communities around the world to educate and raise awareness for bullying prevention. This campaign has grown from an initial week-long event to a worldwide effort with thousands of individuals participating in multiple activities throughout October. We ask all members of our community to join us in this effort by celebrating Unity Day on Wednesday, October 24. We will show our solidarity by wearing orange and stand united together for kindness, acceptance and inclusion. Learn more ways to get involved here.
Breast Cancer Awareness & Prevention Month
National Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention Month is an annual campaign observed in October. This campaign raises awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer and increasing understanding of the disease. The Duarte Unified School District Board of Education passed a resolution at the Regular Meeting held on September 27, 2018, to join the campaign. Our schools will engage in learning activities and community service efforts to promote greater awareness of the need for early detection, appropriate treatment, and the importance of finding a cure. Be on the look out for ways you can help and think pink!
DUSD to Host 6th Annual Band Field Tournament
Congratulations to the  Duarte High School Band & Color Guard who competed in the Warren Field Tournament last week and took 4th Place in the 1A Division! They will be the hosts at our own Field Tournament on November 1, at Falcon Stadium starting at 5:00 p.m. This will be the 6th year DUSD has welcomed the top performing bands from across Southern California to this competition. It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our beautiful venue and see top-notch performances including an exhibition piece by our own DHS Falcon Band & Color Guard who are now directed by Mr. Burke Shouse.
Middle Grades Fall & Winter Sports Update
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Volleyball Ball Sport Isolated Volleying Retro Revival Leather
Congratulations to our Grade 6-8 Fall Sports athletes who represented DUSD in the 210 League for Volleyball and Flag Football on a great finish to your regular season. The Varsity Gilrs Volleyball Team took 6th Place and the JV Flag Football Team came in 5th Place. The JV Girls Volleyball Team earned 2nd Place and will play South Pasadena AWAY in the first round of playoffs on Tuesday, October 16, at 3:30 p.m. The Varsity Flag Football Team came in 4th Place and will play Jefferson AWAY in San Gabriel in the first round of playoffs on Thursday, October 18, at 3:30PM. Good luck to all of the players and coaches!

The Winter Sports Season will kick-off soon! Look for participation information that will be issued this week. We are also still recruiting students to join the Cross Country Team. Contact Middle Grades Athletics Coordinator,  Char Wilson , if you have any questions.
Community Events Hosted at DUSD
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School Flyers Available Via Email
Save Paper & Stay Informed
DUSD uses Peachjar to send home school-approved flyers digitally, saving our schools time and money while eliminating paper waste. This means that now our parents can opt to receive flyers via email.
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Duarte Unified is where academics, art, and community come together to create a one-of-a-kind experience for students and their families. Signature programs and progressive initiatives for students in PK-12th grade can only be found here. Sign up for a tour and learn why students from 86 cities throughout Southern California choose to attend our district. Read about each of our schools here and schedule your visit today!
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DUARTE UNIFIED | 626.599.5000 | communications@duarteusd.org