April Newsletter 2026
Principal Message
Dear Miller Families,
As spring blooms, I am thrilled to celebrate the growth and transitions happening within our school community.
Celebrating Student Success
Our new tardy system is showing incredible results! We are proud to share that 266 students had no unexcused tardies recently—with 222 of those maintaining perfect attendance. While first period remains our highest tardy rate, we are encouraged by these trends. This system is about ensuring every student is present and ready for the brilliance they bring to our classrooms.
Community & Growth
- Resource Fair (April 1, 4–7 PM): Join us for a free event to learn about summer activities. You can apply for summer camp scholarships with Team UP La Plata and enjoy food, games, and prizes!
- Strategic Plan: The district has launched the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan: "From Great to World-Class." This roadmap focuses on empowering students, career-connected learning, and building a strong organizational foundation.
- Garden Cleanup: Help us refresh our outdoor learning space on April 4th.
- The Durango Education Foundation invites you to nominate exceptional Durango School District employees for recognition at the annual DEF Employee Appreciation Celebration. Use this form to nominate employees!
Looking Ahead
- Welcoming Our "Cherubs": This week, we welcome our incoming 6th graders! We’ve asked our staff and students to show "warmth and excellence" with a friendly wave as these future Miller family members tour our campus to ease their transition jitters.
- CMAS Testing: Our testing window runs April 6–24.
- Yearbooks: Now on sale! Please check your email for ordering information.
As we move toward the end of the year, thank you for your continued partnership. By focusing on fixing systems rather than kids, we ensure every student has the environment they need to thrive!
Warmly,
Vernadette Norman
Proud Principal, Miller Middle School
Reminders:
- Please review the Student/Caregiver Handbook
- Students must only cross Junction St at the crosswalk.
- Student IDs are required to enter the building. If they don’t have their physical ID, they can use their digital ID in Minga or Infinite Campus. Report lost IDs to the front office. There is a fee for a replacement.
- Phones must be off and put away during the school day.
- When attending after-school events, please do not park in bike lanes or fire lanes. The lower and upper parking lots may be used for parking.
- Food and Drinks are allowed in the pod areas only
- Items in our Lost & Found are donated before each break, be sure to check it before it’s gone!
- Order yearbooks! $30 in April, $40 in May. Use this link for ordering or pay cash/check (made out to Miller Middle School)
Important Dates:
- 4/6 - 4/24 CMAS Testing
- We will start testing at 8:05 every morning and end roughly about 10:00; this includes breaks (recess). Please arrive on time! Note that testing from April 7 – 17 involves all grades, while testing from April 21 – 23 is for 8th grade only.
- 4/29 PTO Welcome Night
- Snacks & Drinks provided
- 5/21 8th Grade Celebration - details will be provided later