Hello Durham Community.
We are thrilled to introduce our new TK teacher, Jessica Dean.
Jessica is from Etna, California, and moved to Butte County to attend Chico State, where she got her bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies. Recently, she finished her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and student taught at DES for two semesters. During her time here, she felt very welcomed by everyone and loved getting to know our students, families, and staff.
Let's show our support and make her feel right at home in Durham. Welcome to the team, Jessica Dean
We are thrilled to introduce our new TK teacher, Jessica Dean.
Jessica is from Etna, California, and moved to Butte County to attend Chico State, where she got her bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies. Recently, she finished her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and student taught at DES for two semesters. During her time here, she felt very welcomed by everyone and loved getting to know our students, families, and staff.
Let's show our support and make her feel right at home in Durham. Welcome to the team, Jessica Dean
Tiger Spotlight of the Week: Marilyn Bertolucci, Director of Student Services and Supports
1) Why did you become a Director of Student Services and Supports, and what do you do in your job? I became the Director of Student Services and Supports because it is important to me to make sure students and staff have the support they need to be successful. In this role, I oversee programs like Special Education Services, 504 Accommodation Plans, support for Homeless and Foster Youth, our Health & Wellness Team, MAA, Medi-Cal Billing, and really—anything else that comes up and needs attention. It’s a busy job, but I enjoy being able to make a difference wherever I can.
2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Outside of work, I’m involved with the Paradise Ridge Elementary PTO and love spending time in my yard—it’s my way to relax and recharge. I also enjoy being with family, friends, and my pets. In my free time, I like messing around with digital photography and using technology to manipulate the photos to create fun art.
3) A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any? My Italian family comes from a small town outside of Lucca, Italy. The town is Capannori and there is a street named Via Bertolucci.
4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why it is your favorite? I love all of Brené Brown’s books because she combines deep research with heartfelt storytelling, making complex ideas about vulnerability, courage, and connection both relatable and empowering. Her work consistently inspires me to grow, lead with authenticity, and embrace the power of being human.
5) Favorite part about working at Durham Unified School District? What I love most about working at DUSD is that it’s small enough to really get to know everyone. Our students aren’t just numbers—they’re seen, heard, and supported as individuals.
1) Why did you become a Director of Student Services and Supports, and what do you do in your job? I became the Director of Student Services and Supports because it is important to me to make sure students and staff have the support they need to be successful. In this role, I oversee programs like Special Education Services, 504 Accommodation Plans, support for Homeless and Foster Youth, our Health & Wellness Team, MAA, Medi-Cal Billing, and really—anything else that comes up and needs attention. It’s a busy job, but I enjoy being able to make a difference wherever I can.
2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Outside of work, I’m involved with the Paradise Ridge Elementary PTO and love spending time in my yard—it’s my way to relax and recharge. I also enjoy being with family, friends, and my pets. In my free time, I like messing around with digital photography and using technology to manipulate the photos to create fun art.
3) A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any? My Italian family comes from a small town outside of Lucca, Italy. The town is Capannori and there is a street named Via Bertolucci.
4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why it is your favorite? I love all of Brené Brown’s books because she combines deep research with heartfelt storytelling, making complex ideas about vulnerability, courage, and connection both relatable and empowering. Her work consistently inspires me to grow, lead with authenticity, and embrace the power of being human.
5) Favorite part about working at Durham Unified School District? What I love most about working at DUSD is that it’s small enough to really get to know everyone. Our students aren’t just numbers—they’re seen, heard, and supported as individuals.
Hello Durham Community.
We are thrilled to introduce our new sixth-grade teacher, Sabrina Skelly!
Sabrina grew up in Redding, CA, and spent some time in southern Oregon, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Education Studies. After graduation, she worked as a substitute teacher in Shasta County before moving to Chico to earn her teaching credential.
Sabrina's journey is special because she student taught in sixth grade here at Durham Intermediate School during her credential program and was also a long-term substitute teacher for 6th grade last school year.
Let's show our support and make her feel right at home in Durham. Welcome to the team, Sabrina Skelly.
We are thrilled to introduce our new sixth-grade teacher, Sabrina Skelly!
Sabrina grew up in Redding, CA, and spent some time in southern Oregon, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Education Studies. After graduation, she worked as a substitute teacher in Shasta County before moving to Chico to earn her teaching credential.
Sabrina's journey is special because she student taught in sixth grade here at Durham Intermediate School during her credential program and was also a long-term substitute teacher for 6th grade last school year.
Let's show our support and make her feel right at home in Durham. Welcome to the team, Sabrina Skelly.
Happy 4th of July, Durham Community. ❤️🤍💙
Tiger Spotlight of the Week: Tom Brosnan, DES Daytime Custodian
1) Why did you become a custodian? I started 11 years ago after leaving 10 years in special education. I enjoyed being a part of the school community.
2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I am on the PVHS Sports Boosters board and I enjoy camping. I was also on the Sober Grad committee this year.
3) A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any? I used to be head of concert security for bay area venues. I had to drive Alabama to their hotel in my car after their bus broke down after the concert.
4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why it is your favorite? I love country music.
5) Favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School? My favorite part of working at Durham are the families. Its fun to see people around town outside of school.
1) Why did you become a custodian? I started 11 years ago after leaving 10 years in special education. I enjoyed being a part of the school community.
2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I am on the PVHS Sports Boosters board and I enjoy camping. I was also on the Sober Grad committee this year.
3) A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any? I used to be head of concert security for bay area venues. I had to drive Alabama to their hotel in my car after their bus broke down after the concert.
4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why it is your favorite? I love country music.
5) Favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School? My favorite part of working at Durham are the families. Its fun to see people around town outside of school.
Hello Durham Community.
We are thrilled to introduce our new Special Education Teacher, Evelyn Franzella-Chiem. With 26 years of experience in special education, Evelyn brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our school community.
Let’s show our support and make her feel right at home in Durham. Welcome to the team, Evelyn.
We are thrilled to introduce our new Special Education Teacher, Evelyn Franzella-Chiem. With 26 years of experience in special education, Evelyn brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our school community.
Let’s show our support and make her feel right at home in Durham. Welcome to the team, Evelyn.
Free summer meals.
Tiger Spotlight of the Week - Mrs. Katrina Jessen, TK Paraprofessional with Mrs. Halley/Yard Duty Supervisor
1) Why did you become an instructional paraprofessional? I love working with kids! My two children attend DUSD, I’ve been a Durham community member my whole life and after many years of volunteering and helping out I loved the idea of being part of the team.
2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Definitely spending time with family! I love camping, fishing, and being up in the mountains.
3) A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any? I love doing a good word search puzzle.
4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why it is your favorite? The Goonies is one of my favorite movies. I grew up watching it and it holds a special place in my heart.
5) Favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School? The kids of course! Watching them grow while building relationships with them each year and helping them with what they need is such a fun and rewarding thing to see!
Hello Durham Community.
We’re thrilled to introduce our new high school Ag teacher, Anyssa Trujillo. Ms. Trujillo (Ms. T) has a deep love for agriculture that started in the Salinas Valley through 4-H and FFA. Ms. T brings a wealth of experience to the Durham Unified School District. She earned her Bachelor’s in Agricultural Education with an emphasis in Animal Science from Fresno State and holds a teaching credential from Chico State.
We’re lucky to have her join us, and we look forward to her meeting our students, families, and the entire community.
Let’s show our support and make her feel right at home in Durham. Welcome to the team, Anyssa.
We're thrilled to spotlight our Durham Alumni Valente Cabrera. Valente is a proud graduate of Durham High School's Class of 2023. Valente has recently graduated from the Welding Technology program at Butte College, showcasing incredible dedication and skill throughout his journey.
We are so proud of Valente's hard work and determination. We wish him all the best in all his future endeavors.
Hey Durham Community.
We thought it was only appropriate to introduce our new Social Studies teacher, Ted Staiger, on this beautiful Friday. Mr. Staiger has also been our head football coach since last year, and we couldn't be more excited to have him on board.
Let's all wish Ted a great first year at Durham! Remember, it's only 70 days until our first football game.
Good luck, Coach. Go Trojans!
Tiger Spotlight of the Week - Ms. Michele Mokres, Reading Discovery Instructional Paraprofessional/Yard Duty Supervisor
1) Why did you become an instructional paraprofessional? I became an instructional paraprofessional because I love working kids and shaping children into being amazing young adults. I thoroughly enjoy seeing these kids exceed their goals.
2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? My hobbies and interests outside of work are family, hunting, fishing and just being in the outdoors. I spend every second I can at my cabin.
3) A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any? A fun fact about me is that I am fun!
4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why it is your favorite? I love Oldies and country music, I don't really have a favorite as long as it's old school.
5) Favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School? My favorite part about working at Durham elementary school is first of all the children are amazing, and I consider the staff to be my extended family. I don't know what I would do with my teaching colleagues, every one of you have been such a great supportive team.
Hey Durham Community,
Let's give a big, warm welcome to our new 4th grade teacher, Precious Martinez. We're thrilled to have her on our DES team, especially because she's a proud Durham graduate who truly embodies our school spirit. Precious participated in track and cheer and was an excellent soccer player during her time at DHS. It's wonderful to have her back on campus, and we look forward to seeing her inspire the next generation of learners.
Welcome home, Precious
Dear Durham Community,
We are excited for the 25/26 football season this fall. Our players have been working incredibly hard during their summer workouts, and it's fantastic to see their dedication and commitment.
We can't wait to cheer them on. Here's the schedule for the upcoming season. Go Trojans
Durham Community
Let’s give a warm welcome to our new High School Social Studies Teacher, Tristan Stromberg! We’re excited to have him on board, and we look forward to seeing how he inspires our students. Just like Mr. Stromberg, we’re all looking forward to Friday nights under the lights!
Let’s show our support and make him feel right at home in Durham. Welcome to the team, Tristan.
Our 25/26 Volleyball schedule is officially out, and we can’t wait to see our amazing team on the court. Best of luck and tons of fun during their summer practices. I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t want to be anywhere else this summer than in the gym with temperatures over 100 degrees! 😂
Go Trojans!
Tiger Spotlight of the Week: Mrs. Bailey Martin, Kindergarten Paraprofessional/Yard Duty Supervisor
1) Why did you become an instructional paraprofessional? Before becoming an instructional para, I worked in childcare for 17 years, I knew once my daughter started kindergarten, I wanted to be fully involved in my daughter's education and schooling. Which included getting a job at her school. I have always had a passion for teaching and watching children grow, and when the position became available I knew immediately that I had to apply, I was so over the moon that I got the job, so I can continue my passion, while being on the same schedule as my daughter.
2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? When I’m not working and doing mom life, I enjoy baking sourdough bread and all things farm life.
3) A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any? I used to be a part of a 4-wheel drive club( NorCal Crawlers) and I'm a huge baseball and football fan.
4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why it is your favorite? I am a country girl to the core.
5) Favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School? I absolutely love being able to watch the kids grow and learn everyday. My amazing co-workers make it so enjoyable to come to work everyday. The small town community is absolutely incredible; I feel so incredibly blessed to be a part of it.
Dear Durham Community
Let's give a warm welcome to our new DES Teacher, Kelly Bischel. Let’s all give her a warm and friendly welcome as she joins our fantastic DES team. We're so excited to have her with us, and I know she’ll feel right at home in our wonderful community. Let’s make sure to show her all the love and support that Durham is known for.
Welcome aboard, Kelly
Remember Durham Families,
All students interested in participating in sports at DHS and DIS during the 2025-2026 school year must have a Physical Completed before participation. We are asking for a $10 donation to help offset any costs that may occur.
Please make sure to complete the following CIF Pre-participation Physical Evaluation (PPE) forms and bring them with you on June 3rd.
https://dhs.durhamunified.org/o/dhs/documents/athletics/athletics-forms/required/284494
The code that was listed in the program at graduation was incorrect
This QR code will take you to the gallery for the 2025 DHS Graduation photos done by Avalon Studios
