Durham Unified School District - Small Schools BIG Education

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. 

Last week, the 8th graders were able to present their 8th grade projects to panels of generous volunteers from our local community. We loved seeing the 8th graders “dressed to impress” for their presentations and the family members who came to support their students. As always, our DIS students impressed us with their passions as they researched a broad range of topics and educated us with this knowledge. Tears were shed, high fives were given, and a collective celebration has settled over the 8th graders as their months of hard work have concluded.

Tiger Spotlight of the Week: Rhiannon Benson, Kindergarten Teacher 1) Why did you become a teacher? I wanted to and still want to have an impact on children being lifelong learners by loving school! I want them to be so excited about coming to school that they forget they are learning! 2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? If I am not at one of my 3 children’s sporting events you could find me hiking, walking my dog, swimming, biking, or hanging with friends. Basically anything outdoors and even better if it is near water! 3) A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any? I played hole set on the Chico State water polo team in college! 4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why is it your favorite? I love all things country! My boys have been raised listening to country music! It feeds my soul! If possible I love to see country concerts live like Megan Moroney and Kenny Chesney last summer! 5) Favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School? I love the connections in Durham. I love the connections I have developed with staff, the families I teach and my kids! It is a family and everyone always supports each other.

SHADY CREEK STUDENTS COMING HOME TODAY, THURSDAY, MARCH 13TH Due to the projected weather forecast of snow in the mountains tonight and tomorrow, the 6th Graders at Shady Creek will be coming home today for transportation safety. The buses are leaving Durham this morning, and students should be back on campus for regular school dismissal at 3:15pm. Students can be picked up by the DIG ​or students can ride their normal busses home.

March’s Student of the Month is Parker Thomas. Parker has a 4.1 GPA and is on Durham’s swim team. Parker will be going to Butte College in the fall. Ms. Thomas would like to major in child development. She is currently taking, Physics, SOU English and math, and AP government. Parker has been attending Durham schools since Kindergarten.

Tiger Spotlight of the Week: Gianna Noonan, Third Grade Teacher 1) Why did you become a teacher? I find so much meaning in helping to educate future generations. Kids have ways of viewing life that are inspiring, passionate, hopeful, and hilarious! 2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I have far too many hobbies for the amount of time there is in a day! I love riding my horses, running, playing guitar, cooking and baking (to offset the running..) and spending time with my wonderful friends and family. 3) A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any? I am very good at doing handstands! 4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why is it your favorite? Very unsurprisingly, I have to admit that I am a "Swifty" through and through! 5) Favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School? The staff at DES is unlike any that I have experienced. They are a supportive, helpful, encouraging and fun crew who I am so grateful to be able to rely on. The feeling of community is prevalent in every aspect of this school, and I am so lucky to be a part of it!

Durham Unified is excited to announce that we will be offering Summer School for students TK-11 this year. Parents, look out for the sign-up links coming your way via email on Monday, March 24th.

Durham High celebrated two top 10 finishers in Giant Slalom (GS), with Marcus Montgomery securing 3rd place in the Men’s Snowboard category and Lily Larrabee finishing 9th in the Women’s Ski division. Durham takes pride in this accomplishment, particularly given the competition from a field of 400 State Championship-qualifying athletes.

Tiger Spotlight of the Week: Holly Rowe, DES and DHS Office Clerk 1) What made you decide to work as a DES and DHS Office Clerk? I attended DUSD school from 1st-12th grade, and now all 3 of my boys are doing the same thing. I enjoy getting to know the staff and kids that my children spend most of the day with! 2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I love to read! I also enjoy movies, fishing, hiking, and all of the activities that my boys participate in. 3) A fun fact about yourself or a unique talent you possess, if any? I have always been able to memorize song lyrics very easily. If it's a song from the 80's or 90's I can probably sing it. 4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why is it your favorite? I love the movie My Fair Lady! Everything from the costumes to the music just makes me happy! 5) Favorite part about working in Durham Elementary School and Durham High School? Truly my favorite part is all of the students. They are sweet, silly and funny everyday!

This is a reminder to all DES parents that tomorrow is Camo Day at DES. Let's show our school spirit. We can't wait to see all the creative outfits.

Durham community! Our Durham Boys Basketball team is gearing up for a home playoff game tonight at 6 PM. Let’s show our support! Tickets are available at the door with a debit or credit card or online at Gofan.com. Go Trojans!

Tiger Spotlight of the Week: Dayna Gibbs, aka "Ms. Dayna," DUSD Food Services Manager 1) What made you decide to work in Food Services? I have worked in food service for all of my adult life. The rewarding experiences came from elderly customers at a diner, until I came to DUSD. After leaving the private sector of food service, I found much appreciation for the love of food and food creation. Although the little people don't tip in money they sure do tip with smiles and love. I appreciate being able to try new food, and creative ways of making it for them. Bringing back nutritious options to our students was very important to me when I was granted this opportunity as a food service manager. In this exciting time in food service going back to scratch, quick scratch and fresh foods, I am proud of being able to provide a non pre packaged meal to our students daily. 2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? If you know me, you know! I volunteer a bit, so my spare time is filled with helping concessions, exchange students (I have 2 this year) or anything else that needs help. I also love to golf a short course. 3) A fun fact about yourself or a unique talent you possess, if any? I LOVE LEGO! 4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why is it your favorite? My favorite book is The Giraffe and a Half. It is close and dear to my heart. I used to read it to my kids every night, and no matter how old they are or got, they would all end up in the room I was reading it in. That's what keeps it special to me. I was honored to be able to read it to Mr. Coffee's class last year on read around day. 5) Favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School? DUH!!! The amazing kids, Staff and Parents!! This exceptional group of people who all come together everyday in some way, to make our end goals about how much we can make it better for our kids, simply leaves me speechless.

Tiger Spotlight of the Week: Mrs. Cassie Halley, TK Teacher 1) Why did you become a teacher? It wasn't until half way through college that I wanted to become a teacher. I started working at an After School Program and realized how working with children brought me joy. There's something empowering about reminding children that they were meant to do great things. Most children have families that believe in them, but there are many who don't. I became a teacher because all children deserve to have someone in their corner. 2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Outside of school you can find me at a dance competition or a baseball field. Watching my own children pursue their passions is one of my favorite activities. Other than dance and baseball, you can find me reading, exercising or traveling :) 3) A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any? A fun fact about me is that I have my motorcycle license. My dad is a big Harley Davidson fan so I got my license when I was in high school and have kept it renewed ever since. 4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why is it your favorite? I have too many favorites! One of my favorite books is "The Secret Garden". I remember falling in love with the idea of a hidden garden, as if life has hidden secrets everywhere for us to discover. Plus the beauty behind friendships and how they can heal you. 5) Favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School? My favorite part about working at Durham is the community! When I say community, I mean EVERYONE; the staff, the students, the families. This is our home away from home, and I am so grateful to be part of such an amazing group of people.

This is a friendly reminder that school will be closed tomorrow and Monday, January 17, 2025. Enjoy the time off!

Durham Intermediate School is kicking off a scholarship donation fundraiser for this year's trip to Shady Creek Outdoor School.

Tiger Spotlight of the Week: Lesleigh Brunelle, First Grade Teacher 1) Why did you become a teacher? Kids are so fun and I enjoy how inquisitive they are. I love being part of helping students learn and grow. 2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Spending time with my family, crafting and taking photos. 3) A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any? I enjoy reading and writing poetry. 4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share), and why is it your favorite? A few of my favorite modern day poets are Beau Taplin and Tyler Knott Gregson. 5) Favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School? I appreciate the inspiring people I work with, the sweet students, and the loving community. My favorite part of working at DES is having the opportunity to teach students, and learning from them along the way.