Tiger Spotlight of the Week: JoAnna Richer, Behavior Intervention Paraprofessional
1) What made you decide to work as a Behavior Intervention Specialist?
Becoming Mrs. Jo began studying Behavioral Science/Psychology in college, followed by years working in Probation. After the birth of my daughter, I stayed home to raise my daughter and pursue Art. Then a friend, who worked at DES, shared my history with administration at the school. At that time there was a class that was struggling with behaviors and had a high percentage of children with a history of ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences). I worked, part time, with only that class for three months and the focus was the whole class Social and Emotional instruction and 1:1 connection building. It was so successful that efforts were made to continue building a SEL program. What started out very specialized 15 years ago has become a normal practice nationwide. Durham Unified recognized, early on, that the social and emotional needs of our children directly relate to their academic and social success. But the best part!...I get to support the foundations of friendship and curiosity to last a lifetime.
2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
If I'm not re-designing, building, or creating some form of art then you probably won't be able to find me...because...I'm probably hiking, fishing, or gold panning off grid.
3) A fun fact about yourself or a unique talent you possess, if any?
Fun fact, by the time I was 14 years old I moved with my family 12 times to different locations all over the world. My upbringing with my family is a Rags- to-Riches tale with parents from exceedingly humble beginnings that worked hard to get educated, disciplined enough to save money, and were brave enough to pursue interests.
4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why is it your favorite?
Favorite movie of all time is 300. Although I love the Greeks, Spartans knew how to collaborate. Close second...Speilbergs' The Color Purple...takes me home to Mississippi.
5) Favorite part about working in Durham Elementary School?
Laughing...a lot... with kids, parents, and DES staff!
Durham Intermediate School added a BCOE FOCUS special education classroom this school year. Today, the students in this class participated in the Special Olympics event at Harrison Stadium in Oroville. The students wore nice new Durham Intermediate School shirts for the events (A big thank you to Mr. Pena)
Over the weekend, the DHS Jazz band went to a competition in Santa Cruz where they took 1st place in their division and 2nd overall out of 14 schools! Alex Grandstaff won the overall jazz soloist award.
They did an awesome job!
This is an excellent opportunity for children to attend our Durham High Volleyball Team Fundraiser during an awesome week-long volleyball camp from July 14-17, 9 AM to Noon. This is a fantastic opportunity for incoming 2nd - 8th graders to have a great time, learn new skills, and make new friends on the court.
Sign up now, and let's serve up some excitement.
Volleyball Camp Registration:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqlO_JP-l4dtsaDnNYGnPN245-2U9kFQO_4-oAlbrwoGX1Jg/viewform
Exciting News!
We are thrilled to announce that we have successfully installed over 50 Verkada cameras on our campuses.
This upgrade is an essential step towards improving the safety and security of our students and community.
Safety is our top priority, and these advanced security measures will help us protect our students, staff, and visitors, making our community a safer place to learn and grow.
So, when you visit Durham Unified, remember to smile because you’re on camera! 😊
Together, we’re building a safer environment for everyone.
Thank you for your support, Durham Community.
We finally made it to Spring Break! I hope everyone has the opportunity to regroup, visit with loved ones, and have some fun during spring break.
It is kind of crazy that we only have 23 days of school remaining when we return from break. We all have to work hard to make the final sprint as positive and meaningful as possible for all of our students.
As we hit May, we will hit the season of end of year events very quickly. Here are some of the bigger events:
Tiger Spotlight of the Week: Hayley Hughes, 3rd Grade Teacher
1) Why did you become a teacher? I became a teacher because I have always loved working with kids. After being a social worker for many years and a substitute for a few years I realized how watching students learn and grow is such a fantastic experience that I knew I wanted to be a part of on a deeper level!
2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Outside of work I love spending time with my family and friends. I especially love watching my boys play sports and do all the things they love!
3) A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any? I am teaching in the same classroom I was in as a 2nd grader!
4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why is it your favorite? Music is one of my favorite things! I love all types of music!
5) Favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School? There are so many reasons I love working at Durham! Durham is my hometown and where my kids are growing up. Also, I love the staff and families in Durham, it is such a unique and special place!
Attention DES Parents!
Just a reminder that tomorrow is School Spirit Career Day. Students are encouraged to dress up for the job they want to have. We can't wait to see them showcase their dreams. Go Tigers
Attention Parents
Just a reminder that this Friday, April 18, 2023, all three schools will have a minimum day to kick off Spring Break. We wish everyone a fun break and can't wait to see everyone back at school on Monday, April 28.
The high school staff held an underground homecoming this week with dress up days each day of the week. The dress up days included Anything but a cup day, blackout day, Hat Day, Adam Sandler Day and holiday day
We are thrilled to introduce our new Intermediate Principal, Josh Rowe!
Hello, my name is Josh Rowe and it is my privilege and honor to be joining the DIS family. I have lived in the North State since moving to come to school at Chico State in 1998. As an undergrad student I was a 4 year letterman on the Chico State Track and Field team where I threw Hammer and Discus. My wife, Courtney, is a Chico native and she has the most difficult job I can think of, she is a homemaker staying home with our children. Together we have three children Lila (12), David (10) and Benjamin (7). Outside of work and family, I love swimming, camping, taking the kids fishing, and humbling myself regularly on the golf course.
My wife, Courtney, is a Chico native and holds what I believe is the most demanding job out there: she’s a full-time homemaker raising our three amazing (and very energetic) kids—Lila (12), David (10), and Benjamin (7). Outside of work and family, I love swimming, taking the kids fishing, and humbling myself regularly on the golf course.
Professionally, I started my career teaching History and English to grades 7–12 at Williams Jr./Sr. High. I spent 10 years in the classroom before moving into administration, where I’ve had the privilege of serving students from transitional kindergarten all the way through high school for the past decade.
As a school leader, I believe in the power of relationships—real, honest, human connections with students, staff, and families. Those relationships are the foundation for success in school and in life.
Returning to Durham feels a bit like coming full circle—I actually began my teaching journey here as a student teacher in 2003 at DHS under Brian Harvey. I’m excited to partner with each of you to provide our students with an exceptional education and an even brighter future.
My door is always open (figuratively and literally), and I can’t wait to meet you, work alongside you, and support you in any way I can. Looking forward to a great year together at DIS!
April’s DHS Student of the Month is Cayden Swain. Cayden has a 4.07 GPA and was on Durham’s swim team. Cayden will be going to Butte College in the fall. Mr. Swain would like to major in music. He is currently taking Advanced Biology, SOU English, Economics, and all the music classes you can take. Cayden has been attending Durham schools since Kindergarten.
We have the SWEETEST WAY to support Durham High School PTS!
Just in time for all of the upcoming springtime festivities, you can purchase vouchers for yummy treats from Chico Nothing Bundt Cake.
They can be used any time, don’t expire, and make great gifts!!!
Place your order TODAY! Click the link - https://durhampts.ejoinme.org/cakes
Tiger Spotlight of the Week: Molly Knobbe, 2nd Grade Teacher
1) Why did you become a teacher? I became a teacher because of all the amazing teachers I had growing up. I loved school as a child. My teachers made me feel safe, valued and heard. I aspire to create that same environment for my students.
2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I have a lot of hobbies, my main focus outside of work is coaching high school golf. I played golf in HS and college and it brings me so much joy to help my team gain skills and achieve their goals within the sport.
3) A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any? I’ve lived in Norway.
4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why is it your favorite? My favorite movie is My Fair Lady. It’s a classic.
5) Favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School? I love working at DES because of my amazing colleagues. It is also an added bonus that I get to see my wonderful nephews more often!
Happy Paraprofessional Day to all the amazing Paraprofessionals at DES. Mrs. Brown and the entire Durham Elementary staff want to express their heartfelt thanks to our incredible Paras. Your hard work, dedication, and support make DES an extraordinary school. Your efforts truly do not go unnoticed. We appreciate all that you do!
It is the time of year where we have some well-deserving employees receive awards as evidenced by this week’s Classified and Certificated Employee of the Year events sponsored by the Butte-Glenn County chapter of the Association of California School Administrators.
Stacy Blake, Dana DelCarlo, Erica Montgomery, Jenna Juanarena, Emily Abshier, Carmina Vital, and Ed Hernandez earned the outstanding awards for the extra mile they all go in the name of supporting the students of Durham Unified. Even though these employees received the awards this year, they are symbolic of the efforts our staff makes every day
1) Why did you become a teacher?
I became a teacher because I personally did not enjoy school, and always felt like an oddball. I wanted to make a change within my own classroom so that all students felt welcome, and that they all had the ability to learn no matter what stood in their way.
2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I love to relax and hang out with my husband and our cats! I also enjoy playing video games, listening to audio books, and going for long walks in Target!
3) A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any?
I taught myself in 6th grade how to modify video games on the computer by changing the core codes!
4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why it is your favorite?
I love any book by Colleen Hoover, her books are full of drama and suspense.
5) Favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School?
My favorite part of working at DES is the school community and staff, especially my team! We truly feel like a family!
It's that time of year! Get ready to take a swing to support the Durham FFA and the Durham Unified High School Ag program. Your support is how we continue to grow and develop our future ag leaders! Hope to see you on the course on Monday, June 16, at Butte Creek Country Club.
Math CC 2/3 will be starting a project called bungee barbie, where students gather data with rubber bands to give barbie the most thrilling drop from the top of a bucket lift. Pi Day winners received their Pi. Our 1st place student was able to name 74 digits, 2nd place 73 digits, and our pi picture contest winner is attached. Integrated Math I will be doing a penny lab to learn about exponential decay.
Shady Creek was yet another huge success for our 6th graders. It did look a bit different this year, but it was nothing our students and staff couldn't tackle. Our students had sun, rain, and even snow. The administrators came to the decision that it would be safest for our students and transportation to come home early as snow was predicted and it's difficult for our buses. Our students and staff, being the troopers that they are, were able to pack up all of their items in about 20 minutes, eat lunch, and then board the bus to come back home. Even though their week was cut short, the students had an amazing and educational few days. A big shoutout to our teachers: Mrs. Rigsbee, Mrs. Lincoln, and Ms. Skelly. Our administrator, Mrs Parsley, and our nurses, Carina Ellis and Kristen Walters. We appreciate you all so much.
