Winter is coming, and with it comes snow, ice and wind. The Cairo-Durham Central School District would like to remind students, staff and families about how the District will handle weather-related closures and delays in the 2026-27 school year.
Please read the full notice containing detailed winter weather information here: https://www.cairodurham.org/article/3250306
Tuesday, November 10: Early dismissal for students. Conferences will take place from 1:30-4:00pm.
Wednesday, November 11: No school for students in observance of Veterans Day.
Thursday, November 12: Early dismissal for students. Conferences will take place from 1:30-4:00pm, with additional evening conferences from 5:00-7:00pm.
We look forward to connecting with our families!
Best,
Monet Halliday
Principal
Cairo-Durham Elementary School
The November issue of Mustang Monthly is live! Read about CDES student council, take a look back at Future Fest, learn about how the new CDHS girls flag football team started, see planned auditorium renovations, read about progress with Cairo-Durham's portrait of a graduate, and more.
Link: https://www.cairodurham.org/page/mustang-monthly-november
Next week, November 2–6, we will be celebrating Fall Spirit Week! Let’s show our school spirit and have some fun throughout the week. Here is the lineup:
Monday: Wear your favorite sports outfit or team colors!
Tuesday: No School for Students
Wednesday: Wear your favorite pajamas and slippers!
Thursday: Twin with a friend or staff member at CDE!
Friday: Wear blue and white or your favorite Mustang gear!
I’ve also attached the flyer for your convenience. I’m looking forward to a fun week filled with school spirit!
Best,
Monet Halliday
I wanted to make you aware that Cairo-Durham Elementary School will be conducting one fire drill this upcoming week as part of our ongoing safety procedures. These drills are an important opportunity for our students and staff to practice our emergency procedures and ensure everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency. We will work to make the drills as calm and routine as possible for our students.
As always, thank you for your continued support as we work to keep our school community safe!
Sincerely,
Monet Halliday
CDES Principal
This upcoming week, we will be conducting one lockdown drill and one fire drill as part of our ongoing efforts to keep everyone safe at school. These drills are in place to review expectations with students and to help them feel prepared and comfortable. As always, thank you for your support!
Best,
Monet Halliday
Principal
Cairo-Durham Elementary School
Tomorrow's Girls Varsity Tennis sectionals at Schenectady Park have been rescheduled to Monday, 10/19, at 9:00 AM.
Reminder: National Honor Society is hosting their first service event of the school year this Saturday, October 17 from 9 AM to 2 PM. Join us for Trunks & Treasures: Community Sale Day at Cairo-Durham Elementary School!
Interested in participating? Fill out the google form linked here.
We wanted to let you know that Route 20 will be running a bit late today due to unforeseen circumstances.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding. Thank you for your flexibility!
Best,
Monet Halliday
Picture Make-Up Day is Tuesday, October 20!
Picture Make-Up Day is primarily for students who were absent on our original Picture Day. If your student was photographed on our first Picture Day and you would prefer a retake, please complete the permission form below so your student may be photographed again.
Permission slip: https://aptg.co/9KR1rP
The new photographs will replace the original ones in your child’s online gallery. Students who are having their picture taken for the first time this year will receive their access code from the photographer.
If your child is having their picture retaken, you will use the same access code given on picture day. (If you misplaced your access code, please go to www.ismilestudios.com and click the link at the top of the website to have it sent to you.) If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the MS/HS main office.
I wanted to make you aware that Cairo-Durham Elementary School will be conducting a fire drill this upcoming week as part of our ongoing safety procedures. These drills are an important opportunity for our students and staff to practice our emergency procedures and ensure everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency. We continue to work to make these drills as calm and routine as possible for our students.
Thank you for your continued support as we work to keep our school community safe!
Sincerely,
Monet Halliday
CDES Principal
National Honor Society is hosting their first service event of the school year! Join us Saturday, October 17 from 9 AM to 2 PM for Trunks & Treasures: Community Sale Day at Cairo-Durham Elementary School.
Interested in participating? Fill out the google form linked here.
CDES Basketball Club - Registration Update
Thank you to everyone who signed up for the new CDES Basketball Club! We received a great deal of interest in the program and are excited to get started.
Registration is now closed. Families may still submit their child's information to be added to the waitlist.
If you would like your child added to the waitlist, please contact asambuco@cairodurham.org.
Affordable Broadband Act: Low-Cost Home Internet
New York State’s Affordable Broadband Act (ABA), enacted in 2025, requires internet service providers with at least 20,000 customers to offer reduced-cost broadband plans to eligible low-income households. Qualifying households may be able to access high-speed home internet for as little as $20 per month, including taxes and equipment fees. Available providers, plans, and speeds vary by location. Mobile and dial-up internet services are not included.
Affordable Broadband Act Q&A
Who may qualify? Households may qualify if they participate in programs such as:
SNAP
Medicaid
HEAP utility affordability benefits
Certain senior or disability rent increase exemptions in NYC and some municipalities in Nassau and Westchester counties
Households that do not participate in these programs may still qualify based on household income.
How can I apply or find out if I qualify? Call 211 to speak with a trained specialist who can help you:
Understand your available broadband options
Determine what documentation you may need
Navigate the enrollment process with your internet provider
When is help available? 211 is available 24/7 across New York State. ABA Navigators are also available by appointment to provide additional assistance.
Where can I learn more? Call 211, scan the QR code on the attached 211 NY Affordable Broadband Act flyer, or visit the New York State 211 website.
We’re hosting a “Meet, Greet, and Eat” in the cafeteria, giving families an opportunity to casually meet teachers, chat about what’s happening at Cairo-Durham, and enjoy pizza and refreshments together.
Middle School Teachers: 5–6 p.m.
High School Teachers: 6–7 p.m.
Individual parent-teacher conferences are available by appointment from 1–4 p.m. or during the hour opposite the Meet, Greet, and Eat.
We wanted to let you know that we had an unexpected fire drill at school today. We are happy to report that all students and staff are safe.
Our local fire department responded immediately and assessed the building, confirming that everything was okay. We are so proud of how calmly and responsibly our staff responded. They worked together to ensure that students were safe and supported throughout the process.
Thank you for your partnership and support as we work together to keep our school community safe.
Thank you,
Elementary School Administration