The Dolores RE-4A School District opened its doors to students for the 2026-27 school year Monday, with focuses on academic growth, remodeled high school spaces and a nearly-finished high school building.
Superintendent Alesa Reed said staff members and contractor Jaynes spent the summer preparing classrooms and buildings for the return of students. Families and community members toured the newly remodeled high school and new high school building Aug. 6. The remodel and new building were made possible by a BEST grant, and the new high school is expected to be finished and ready for students and teachers the second semester of the school year.
As construction continues, parking will be limited. The district also noted that there is a new bus loop in place for drop-off.
Preschool classes at Teddy Bear Preschool also started Monday.
Dolores Elementary School Principal Amanda Hill introduced this year’s theme, “Great minds … sweet success” in a district newsletter, sharing the school’s focus on academic growth, kindness and social-emotional support through the new reading curriculum, math instruction, increased opportunities for play and more.
“Inspired by the colorful world of Candyland, our theme reminds us that every step of the learning journey is worth celebrating,” Hill said. “Success isn’t about racing to the finish – it’s about showing kindness, working hard, overcoming challenges and growing a little sweeter every day. Together, we’ll make this school year one filled with learning, laughter and lots of sweet successes.”
At Dolores Middle School, only sixth grade students started the school year Monday. Seventh and eighth grade students started on Tuesday. Phone policies were also emphasized. Cellphones are to be turned off and stored in lockers for the entirety of the school day. Each student will receive their own phone locker, but a lock on the locker is optional.
Dolores High School Principal Matt Walker echoed the middle school’s emphasis on device-free school days, noting that cellphones are prohibited all day in the high school, including during lunch. The only exception is students who leave campus during lunch period or attend off-campus classes. Families who need to contact their student can do so by contacting the front office or emailing the student.
Traffic patterns will be similar to last year, with some parking adjustments expected through the fall as construction on the new high school continues. Seniors will have their selected parking spots, and underclassmen will use designated areas for parking.
“Our motto this year, ‘Same beast, new cave,’ acknowledges that while we are moving into a new building, we will continue to hold fast to the community values that have served Dolores School District for nearly a century,” Walker said.
Nutrition Services is accepting free and reduced-price lunch applications, although meals are free under the Healthy Meals for All Program. The district said the forms help secure district funding.
Additional details on schedules, maps and resources for the school year are available at doloresschools.org.
bduran@the-journal.com
