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4th Grade Students Release Trout into the Carson River
  • CONNECT
  • GES

Students in Ms. Woods’ class at Gardnerville Elementary recently released trout they had raised in their classroom into the Carson River. After caring for the fish for about a month, students had the chance to see their hard work swim away into their natural habitat.

  • CONNECT
  • GES
CVMS PAES Students Bake and Build
  • CVMS
  • PREPARE

Heather Stodieck-Barker’s PAES classes recently completed a hands-on sourdough project led by Sheri Karosich.

  • CVMS
  • PREPARE
Students Learn to Repair Their Own Chromebooks
  • ASPIRE
  • CVMS
  • DHS
  • EMPOWER
  • PWL
  • WHS

Following the Board’s recent approval of $600,000 for new elementary student Chromebooks, the district’s IT department continues to emphasize both device care and hands-on learning.

  • EMPOWER
CVMS Students Turn History Into Headlines
  • CONNECT
  • CVMS

CVMS sixth-graders are bringing Ancient China to life by creating their own newspapers. As part of the project, students explored journalism, storytelling, and layout, then applied those skills to highlight different cities and emperors from Ancient China.

  • CONNECT
  • CVMS
Minden Students Lead Fundraiser for Water Station
  • EMPOWER
  • MES

Minden Elementary recently hosted two fundraisers, a Bake Sale and Movie Night, raising $1,876 toward their goal of approximately $2,000 for a new water bottle refill station.

  • EMPOWER
  • MES
CVMS Girls Volleyball Wins Tah-Neva Title
  • CVMS
  • EMPOWER

CVMS girls volleyball team wrapped up an impressive season, finishing on top as Tah-Neva Champions after a dominant run in the end-of-season tournament. This group of athletes has played together since 6th grade, and that experience showed in every match.

  • CVMS
  • EMPOWER
DHS JROTC Aerial Drone Program Off to Award-Winning Start
  • DHS
  • PREPARE

DHS's JROTC Aerial Drone Program, in partnership with the REC Foundation, kicked off the 2025–2026 season with strong momentum. Although the program only began in December 2025, students are already making their mark in competition.

  • DHS
  • PREPARE
DCSD Spelling Bee
  • CVMS
  • EMPOWER
  • PWL

Congratulations to our DCSD Spelling Bee champions:

• 6th Grade: Lucy Gillen
• 7th Grade: Talia Hastings
• 8th Grade: Lewis Sanders

Watch the Highlight Video

  • CVMS
  • EMPOWER
  • PWL
IMG_6253
  • INSPIRE
  • SES

Scarselli Elementary 5th graders, guided by teachers Keri Bruno and Kristen Bell, recently held their 2nd Annual State Float Parade, bringing their state research projects to life in a colorful schoolwide celebration.

  • INSPIRE
  • SES
teacherleaders

This school year, DCSD’s Teacher Leaders are helping meet each school’s unique needs, supporting instruction in ways that are responsive to individual site goals and aligned to our district instructional framework.

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Community partners like Shoe Tree Brewing help turn generosity into action. Thank you for supporting Douglas County students and families!

  • CONNECT
A Festive Send-Off Before Winter Break at MES
  • MES

In the final hour before winter break, Minden Elementary students and staff gathered for a holiday read-aloud led by Principal Andrew Fromdahl and Assistant Principal Molly Ravenscroft.

  • MES
State Superintendent Dr. Victor Wakefield Visits DHS
  • DHS

As part of his statewide Listening and Bright Spots Tour, Victor Wakefield, Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of Nevada, visited Douglas High School to spend time with students and educators.

  • DHS
Smash Hunger Pickleball Tournament Update!

Thank you to everyone who came out to support our DCSD School Nutrition Program Angel Accounts. With your help, we raised $11,356 to ensure no student goes without a meal!

GWHS Girls Soccer Earns Academic and Athletic Honors
  • WHS

The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) and Ingraham Trophies have announced the Academic Team Champions for Fall 2025, celebrating student-athletes who excel both in the classroom and in competition.

  • WHS
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  • ASPIRE
  • CVMS
  • DHS
  • INSPIRE
  • PWL

Last month, 35 students from PWLMS, CVMS, DHS, and ASPIRE had the chance to take part in a Work-Based Learning experience at the 8th Annual Construction Career Day in Reno.

  • ASPIRE
  • CVMS
  • DHS
  • INSPIRE
  • PWL
A group of people, likely a news team or television crew, posing together in front of a large screen displaying a scenic mountain landscape.
  • EMPOWER
  • PWL

The PWL News Crew took a field trip to KOLO 8 News, where students got a firsthand look at how a live news broadcast comes together.

  • EMPOWER
  • PWL
InspiringHope (PDF)
  • LEADERSHIP

Dear DCSD Staff & Families,

As summer comes to a close and we prepare for the first day of school, I want to welcome you back. Whether you’re returning or new to the district, we’re thankful to have you with us.

  • LEADERSHIP
newsreleasethumbbat

We want to provide an important update regarding the closure of our District Office.

Since our initial announcement, we’ve learned that the bats inside the District Office building have been identified as Mexican Freetail bats, a protected species.

Young Minds, Big Stories
  • CCMES
  • EMPOWER
  • GES
  • JVES
  • MES
  • PHES
  • SES
  • ZCES

DCSD students participating in the Young Author program are being celebrated for their creativity and storytelling—so much so that the program was recently featured on the front page of The Record-Courier! Read the Article.

  • EMPOWER
PWL Students Witness State Government in Action
  • PWL

On Monday, May 5, 24 National Junior Honor Society students from Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School had the opportunity to visit the 82nd Nevada State Legislature. As part of the trip, students toured the historic building, met with State Senator Robin Titus, and were formally introduced on the Assembly floor by Assemblyman Ken Gray.

  • PWL
DHS Shark Tank Highlights
  • DHS

DHS Shark Tank, organized by business teacher Mr. Trent Tietje, gave students the chance to pitch their original product and business ideas to a panel of local “Sharks.” Watch the Highlight Video.

  • DHS
FFA Grown, Community Supported
  • DHS

Carson Valley FFA has been hard at work — from hosting their annual plant sale at DHS to representing at the last Tuesday Farmers Market in Minden.

  • DHS
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  • JVES
  • PREPARE

On May 30th, Mr. Dave Giorgi’s 2nd grade class at Jacks Valley Elementary planted a pumpkin patch as part of their class service project.

  • JVES
  • PREPARE
DHS Elks Club Students of the Year!
  • DHS
  • EMPOWER

Congratulations to the DHS students recognized as Students of the Year by the Elks Club for their achievements in academics, leadership, and service! 

  • DHS
  • EMPOWER
Gifted and Talented Students Participate in the Math Olympiads
  • CVMS
  • MES
  • PREPARE
  • PWL
  • SES

Gifted and Talented students from across DCSD recently participated in the Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS)—an international competition that challenges students with complex, non-routine math problems designed to build creativity, logic, and perseverance. View the photos on Facebook.

  • CVMS
  • MES
  • PREPARE
  • PWL
  • SES
WHS Graduation 2025
  • EMPOWER
  • WHS

A few favorite moments from Whittell High School’s graduation night—congratulations to the Class of 2025! View on Facebook.

  • EMPOWER
  • WHS
Rotary Club of Minden gives Reading Pillows for Summer
  • CONNECT
  • GES
  • MES

Second graders at Gardnerville Elementary School and Minden Elementary School received special reading pillows a few weeks ago, thanks to a generous partnership between the Rotary Club of Minden, the Carson Valley Quilt Guild, and the Douglas County Public Library. View the photos on Facebook.

  • CONNECT
  • GES
  • MES
Congrats to the Class of 2025!
  • DHS
  • PREPARE

Photographer Ron Harpin captured some great moments from Douglas High School’s graduation. Here are a few highlights—congrats to the Class of 2025! View the photos on Facebook.

  • DHS
  • PREPARE
Green Architecture Builds and Designs Greenhouse at PWL
  • EMPOWER
  • PWL

As part of their Green Architecture class, a group of 7th and 8th grade students at Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School spent the last few months of school designing and constructing a functioning greenhouse that will be ready for use when students return in the fall. View the photos on Facebook.

  • EMPOWER
  • PWL
2025 DHS Seal of Biliteracy Graduates
  • DHS
  • PREPARE

Congratulations to our 2025 DHS Seal of Biliteracy graduates who have demonstrated a high degree of proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening of two or more languages! We are so proud of you! ¡Estamos muy orgullosos de ustedes!

  • DHS
  • PREPARE
News Crews at CCMES, MES & PWL
  • CCMES
  • CONNECT
  • MES
  • PWL

Students from the MES and CCMES News Crew had the chance to step into the world of broadcast journalism during a special news crew field trip to PWL middle school. View the photos on Facebook.

  • CONNECT
  • MES
  • PWL
  • ccmes
Balloon Art
  • CVMS
  • INSPIRE

Andrew Parrish’s art class Carson Valley Middle School—students used balloons and papier-mâché to create layered, textured hot air balloons. View photos on Facebook.

  • CVMS
  • INSPIRE
PWL - SES Handmade Clay Monsters
  • CONNECT
  • PWL
  • SES

Students from Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School made a special delivery to Scarselli Elementary School—handmade clay monsters, each one inspired by the drawings and stories of Mrs. Hinojosa’s 1st grade class. View photos on Facebook.

  • CONNECT
  • PWL
  • SES
LITNIGHT2025
  • CCMES
  • INSPIRE

C.C. Meneley Elementary School set sail on another unforgettable Pirate Literacy Night, an annual tradition that turns reading into a high-seas adventure. View the photos on Facebook.

  • INSPIRE
  • ccmes
ALCIIATHUMB
  • ASPIRE

We’re excited to introduce Alicia Braaksma as the new Principal of ASPIRE Academy High School, Douglas Nevada Online & Jacobsen High School for the 2025–26 school year.

  • ASPIRE
careerfair2025
  • CVMS
  • PREPARE

Carson Valley Middle School hosted its annual Career Fair on May 23, giving students the chance to explore future paths and connect with local professionals. View the photos on Facebook.

  • CVMS
  • PREPARE
Graffiti-ALL
  • CONNECT
  • JVES

Led by Inclusive Education Teacher Brandi Gramolini, third through fifth grade students at Jacks Valley Elementary School participated in an Exploration project called Graffiti for Good: Using Art to Positively Impact Our School Community.

  • CONNECT
  • JVES
drs
  • INSPIRE
  • WHS

Students in Ms. Martin’s middle school drama class created a stop motion animation inspired by a Dr. Seuss book. Using handmade props, colorful materials, and a mini studio built from cardboard, the class brought the story to life in a short film that showcases their creativity and hard work.

  • INSPIRE
  • WHS
Carson Valley FFA Takes Home Awards at Nevada FFA Convention
  • DHS
  • PREPARE

This past week, our incredible Carson Valley FFA students attended the Nevada FFA State Convention, showcasing their dedication, resilience, and passion for agriculture. Their hard work truly paid off, and Miss Rieman could not be prouder!

  • DHS
  • PREPARE
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  • CONNECT
  • MES
  • PWL

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a framework used across DCSD to encourage students to be safe, respectful, and responsible. At both Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School and Minden Elementary School, PBIS has become deeply embedded in school culture—with each school putting its own spin on how they recognize and reward students for positive behavior.

  • CONNECT
  • MES
  • PWL
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  • GES

Cougars logged an amazing 108,561 minutes of reading and raised over $17,800 for their Library and Literacy Programs!

  • GES
Warrior Grit on Full Display!
  • WHS

WHS's 7th grade volleyball team finished second overall this season—but came out on top when it counted.

  • WHS
Recognizing Nationally Certified Educators Across DCSD

At DCSD, we are proud to recognize and celebrate the educators and specialists who have earned national certification—an accomplishment that reflects exceptional expertise, dedication to students, and a commitment to professional growth.

Poetry Out Loud Nevada State Finals
  • INSPIRE
  • WHS

Congratulations to Whittell sophomore Alyssa Edie! Alyssa represented Douglas County at the 20th annual Poetry Out Loud Nevada State Finals at UNR, taking the stage alongside students from across the state.

  • INSPIRE
  • WHS
districtspellingbee2025
  • CVMS
  • EMPOWER
  • PWL

Congratulations to Lewis S. (6th grade) and Nathan G. (8th grade) from PWL, and Jack J. (7th grade) from CVMS for winning the 24-25 district spelling bee!

  • CVMS
  • EMPOWER
  • PWL
DramaDHS2025
  • CONNECT
  • DHS

The DHS Drama Department recently attended the Northern Nevada Regional Thespian Festival, and for the second year in a row, they have qualified to bring their One-Act Play to State.

  • CONNECT
  • DHS
DHS Cheer Tryouts

Tryout Dates: April 29 - May 2
Informational Meeting: February 12 in Room A-16

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  • CCMES
  • EMPOWER

Led by Music Teacher Leslie Campbell, all CCMES students participated in winter concerts this month, with 4th and 5th graders shining in these captured moments.

  • EMPOWER
  • ccmes
nevadareadingweek

Join us in celebrating the joy and importance of reading across Nevada! From exciting virtual author events to engaging professional learning opportunities, there's something for everyone!

JVESFashionShow
  • JVES
  • PREPARE

Jacks Valley Elementary's "No-Sew Fashion" exploration class, led by teacher Dayna Haley, is combining creativity, sustainability, and education in the most stylish way. Watch the Video!

  • JVES
  • PREPARE
202412-122ndReadersTheatrePJN_1240
  • PHES
  • PREPARE

Last week, 2nd grade families at Piñon Hills Elementary School enjoyed a memorable Family Night. Students decorated aprons, wore them proudly to serve snacks from the popcorn bar, and ended the evening with an entertaining Readers Theater performance.

  • PHES
  • PREPARE
HappyHolidays-01

Wishing our entire DCSD community a winter break filled with peace, joy, love, and hope! Thank you for an incredible year – we’ll see you in 2025!

LindaGilkerson
  • BOARD

This month’s Board Trustee Spotlight features Linda Gilkerson, Vice President of the Douglas County School District Board of Trustees. With 30 years of dedicated service to our schools and community, Linda reflects on her journey from a PTO volunteer to a Trustee. Read the Spotlight

  • BOARD
BE8A3999_edited
  • EMPOWER
  • ZCES

ZCES Maker Space Transforms Learning with Hands-On Fun
G. Pedro “Cubby” Kinner has been a beloved figure at Zephyr Cove Elementary School for nearly 30 years, starting as a parent volunteer and now evolving into the heart of the school’s Maker Space. Read the Record Courier Article

  • EMPOWER
  • ZCES
Para_Lake_Flyer-01-01

Do you have a passion for helping students? We're urgently seeking para-educators to support our students with special needs at our lake schools!

APPLY HERE

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  • INSPIRE
  • WHS
  • ZCES

Last week, ZCES's 1st graders enjoyed the fruits of their labor by making delicious roasted garlic mashed potatoes with the potatoes and garlic they planted last year as kindergarteners! View the photos on Facebook

  • INSPIRE
  • WHS
  • ZCES
Sub-Bus-Driver_Flyer_2024-01

Looking for a Flexible and Rewarding Job? DCSD needs substitute bus drivers! Make a difference in your community by helping us ensure our students get to and from school safely. APPLY HERE

DCSD_ColorHorzTag Logo
  • BOARD
  • LEADERSHIP

​Dear DCSD Students, Families, and Staff,

My name is Frankie Alvarado, and I am honored to join Douglas County School District as your new Superintendent. As we embark on this new school year, I extend a heartfelt welcome to each member of our school community.

  • BOARD
  • LEADERSHIP
ducklings
  • CVMS

This past spring, Carson Valley Middle School had an unexpected and delightful guest—a charming Swedish Blue Duck named Miss Quackerton! She decided to nest right outside the office with fourteen eggs.

  • CVMS
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  • PREPARE
  • WHS

Congratulations to all the GWHS graduates—see you at the graduation ceremony tonight at 6pm!

  • PREPARE
  • WHS
Honoring Our Retirees

The Douglas County School District is proud to recognize the dedicated employees who are retiring at the end of this school year.

IMG_9964_Edited
  • EMPOWER
  • WHS
  • ZCES

This fall, ZCES Kinders embarked on a kale adventure! They planted kale in grow domes and conducted a classroom experiment with old and new seeds, where the new seeds thrived!

  • EMPOWER
  • WHS
  • ZCES
COOKBOOK_THUMBNAIL
  • CONNECT
  • EMPOWER
  • MES

Join Minden Elementary's 3rd graders as they unveil their latest creation: "Healthy Snacks for Kids to Make" — a cookbook designed by kids, for kids! View the Video

  • EMPOWER
  • MES
Garden to Table: WHS and ZCES Students' Mushroom Cooking Class
  • CONNECT
  • PREPARE
  • WHS
  • ZCES

Culinary arts teacher Katie Martin from Whittell High School and third-grade teacher Hannah Marks from Zephyr Cove Elementary School guided their students through a cooking class where third graders used mushrooms they grew from kits to prepare stuffed button mushrooms. #DCSDisEPIC

  • CONNECT
  • PREPARE
  • WHS
  • ZCES
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  • CONNECT
  • DHS
  • PREPARE

Last Wednesday, DHS Culinary Arts Room 106 was transformed into a culinary battleground as the Argentina Team (Liam M, Brinley G, Ethan M, Brent F.) introduced their Chimichurri Grill, setting the bar high for the start of the "Best DHS Restaurant 2024" competition.

  • CONNECT
  • DHS
  • PREPARE
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  • CCMES

All smiles at the annual C.C. Meneley Elementary School Friendship dinner! And Monty's friend, the Easter Bunny, hopped in for a surprise appearance!

  • ccmes
App_Homepage_1

Exciting News for Our DCSD Community! View the app launch details.

We're excited to unveil our NEW DCSD App — your one-stop shop for everything DCSD. Designed to keep you connected and informed, this app is an essential tool for our school community.

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  • CONNECT
  • MES
  • PREPARE

On February 29th, Minden Elementary School was abuzz with excitement and innovation as their students showcased their math-focused Project-Based Learning experiences at the MES Family Math Showcase.

  • CONNECT
  • MES
  • PREPARE
Brochure_Mockup
  • DHS
  • WHS

Dive into the diverse range of CTE classes offered at DHS through our new brochures.

  • DHS
  • WHS
Podcast_Logo_w_DCSD_logo

New Exciting Episode! We Can Do EPIC Things Podcast

27. The One With Catlin Tucker!!!

MarchMadness
  • PWL

The Douglas County Backpack Buddies Program is dedicated to providing weekend food to families in need.

  • PWL
BE8A7009_edited
  • GES

Gardnerville Elementary School 4th and 5th graders from the Student Ambassador Leadership Team (SALT), led by the EL Teacher, Michelle Baugh, organized a school-wide door decorating competition.

  • GES
image_67211009
  • DHS

Congratulations to our DHS Agriculture students (FFA) who recently competed in Fallon at the Churchill County 4-H Horse Judging and Livestock Judging on Feb. 9-10th.

  • DHS
Presidents_Day_2024-03

Please note that the District Office will be closed from February 19th to 20th, 2024, in observance of the holiday.

JVES_Rotary_Thumb
  • CCMES
  • DHS
  • JVES
  • PWL

The Minden Rotary Club has awarded grants to five Douglas County School District staff members: Angela Goff of PWL, Alicia Hill of CCMES, Pam Gilmartin of JVES, and Ethan Petite and Kelly Yost of DHS.

  • DHS
  • JVES
  • PWL
  • ccmes
CCMES Art Show: A Fusion of Creativity and STEM!
  • CCMES

The recent art show at CCMES Elementary School was a wonderful showcase of young talent, blending art with science. The event featured an array of student artworks, including ceramic pieces by 2nd, 4th, and 5th graders.

First page of the PDF file: YvonneWagstaff_News_Release

The Douglas County School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Yvonne Wagstaff as the newest member of its Board of Trustees.

  • BOARD
MES's First Graders Raise $1,425.75
  • MES

First-grade students at Minden Elementary School, guided by teachers Madison Hukkanen and Stacia Almeida, recently organized a fundraiser for Renown Children's Hospital.

  • MES
Spreading Holiday Cheer at GES!

GES's talented 5th graders visited the Douglas County Senior Center, filling the air with joyous carols and genuine smiles.

  • GES
CeramicBonds

Ms. Meyer's ceramic 8th graders from PWL collaborated with Ms. McCue's Kindergarteners from CCMES to create stunning ceramic artworks.

WATCH THE VIDEO

  • PWL
  • ccmes
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  • CONNECT

We wanted to share the success of our recent DHS CTE Open House, where 8th graders explored DHS's CTE programs, including Automotive Technology, Welding-Metalworking, Agriculture, Military Science-JROTC, Culinary Arts, Engineering Design, Computer Science, and Digital Game Development.

  • CONNECT
DHS Interact Club - Good News!
  • DHS

On October 21, 2023 the Douglas High School’s Interact Club participated in a volunteer tree planting project to help restore Turtle Rock Park following the Tamarack Fire. Students were taught about reforestation by certified arborists and planted over 45 trees!

  • DHS
GWHS Silver AP Award

Congratulations to George Whittell High School which was named to the 2023 AP School Honor Roll! The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP program are delivering results and broadening access for students.

No_School_thumbnail_social

No school today due to Parent-Teacher Conferences and Professional Development day.

CCMES_Walk-a-thon
  • CCMES

Check out the awesome moments captured during our CCMES elementary school walk-a-thon in these pictures!

  • ccmes
WHS Golf
  • WHS

Congratulations, Olive Hamner Jillson, on your impressive performance at the 2023 NIAA Girls Golf Regionals and best of luck at the NIAA 2A state's next week!

  • ATHLETICS
  • WHS
DHS_Students_of_the_month

The Tahoe/Douglas Elks Lodge and DHS Admin came together to honor and award the Student of the Month title to eight exceptional students at DHS.

  • DHS
ASPIRE college and career fair
  • ASPIRE

Last week Aspire Academy High School had the privilege of hosting a College and Career Fair organized by Alicia Main, Executive Director at the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce.

  • ASPIRE
CareSolace

When you or your child needs help, it’s hard to know where to turn. In an effort to ease the burden of finding the mental health and substance use services you need, we’ve partnered with Care Solace, your central hub of care.

CTE_Sep_23

DHS's Computer Science and Digital Game Development Programs have been granted a CTE Competitive Grant, leading to significant upgrades.

Shannon_Harris

The PAC Program (Partners Across Our Community) recently recognized Shannon Harris, Director of the Carson Valley Swim Center, with a well-deserved plaque.

  • pac
CVMS_Summer_School_Photo_23

DCSD's Summer School Program for grades 7-12 has come to an end, and what a successful journey it has been!

summer_break_flyer_website_summer

Happy summer break and congratulations on reaching the last day of school!