August 2, 2015
Dear Families,
Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year at Duval high school. High school is an exceptional time for our developing young people. The learning opportunities are without limit and the extracurricular activities give students everything needed to grow into well-rounded adults. The faculty and staff of DuVal are ready to provide an academically rigorous environment that is positive and focused on high expectations for all. We very much look forward to working with you and your children to support them as they find success.
On Monday, August 24th all freshmen are invited to attend our DuVal transition day. Our newest Tigers will have the building to themselves as they meet their teachers. We think it is a great opportunity for our rising freshmen to familiarize themselves with life at DHS before the upper classmen return. Dr. Catron and the 9th Grade Team have prepared a variety of activities to help ensure that all of our newest students feel comfortable and welcomed at their new school. The county is providing transportation using the regular bus routes. Students will be picked up at their bus stops and activities will begin promptly at 8:30. Uniforms are mandatory for this day.
The first day of school is August 25th. All of our students will be in attendance that day. As with every school day, students are expected to wear their uniform. All students are required to wear their IDs daily. Freshmen will be issued their IDs by Labor Day. Please take a moment to go to our website to review our uniform policy. Our website has information on various aspects of life here at DuVal.The link to purchase county approved uniforms is It is not required that uniforms be purchased through our online store however our prices are very competitive. Some parents have asked for a school supply list. We believe that it is important for our teachers to provide a materials list that is specific to their class so we do not publish a generalized list. Teachers will provide your child with a list the first week of school. The county website is another tremendous source of information as you prepare for this exciting new year. Please follow the link to get information on bus stops, accessing the SchoolMax family portal as well as access to your child’s lunch account. You will also find a county published calendar that lists holidays as well as special events.
The DuVal PTSA has provided our school with tremendous support over the years. We rely on the generosity of our parent partners in a variety of ways. Commissioner Dr. Anu Esuola continues as our PTSA President. Dr. Esuola has some very exciting and ambitious plans for DuVal. To accomplish these goals, Dr. Esuola will need the support of all of our parents. The most effective support you can provide is to join the PTSA. It is my hope that all of you will support our children by joining the PTSA.
Please mark your calendar for our Back-to-School-Night date. The 9th grade BTSN will begin at 6:00pm on Wednesday, September 2nd.I hope to see all of you there.
This school year will be filled with rigorous academic instruction and high levels of student achievement. The DuVal tigers have had great success in a variety of sports. Both Football and Basketball are reigning regional champions. Our AP test scores are rising as is our graduation rate. We offer a wide range of clubs, organizations and activities. DHS is a school on the rise and we are energized to achieve beyond our potential. I look forward to working with all of you as we strive for the success of all of students.
Please contact Dr. Catron or Dr. Johnson at 301-918-8600, if you have any questions regarding our expectations for the freshmen. This is going to be a great year to be a tiger.
Go Tigers!!!!
Mark E. Covington
Principal, DuVal High School