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
Hello, Durham community.
We are still seeking a Tennis Coach and a JV Volleyball Coach. If you’re passionate about tennis or volleyball and have a love for coaching or know someone who does, we’d love to hear from you. Help us spread the word and find the perfect coaches to coach our amazing athletes.
Last week, Mrs. McLean took some fantastic pictures of the DES/DIS art at the Fair. Community member Kathy Horn was there helping out and shared that she thought that DES/DIS represented about a quarter of the art entries. Mrs. McLean estimates that she entered around 400 pieces alongside Morgan Alaways' student work. Durham Unified truly had a remarkable presence at the Fair.
Dear Tigers, Panthers, and Trojans families,
Today marks the last day of the 2024/25 school year. What an incredible year it has been, filled with wonderful memories and achievements. We are so proud of our students and the hard work they’ve put in throughout the year.
Mark your calendars. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on August 13.
We wish everyone a fun and exciting break.
Tiger Spotlight of the Week: Maria Montante, Reading Instructional Paraprofessional/Yard Duty and Cafeteria Supervisor/Reading Pals and Math Buddies Coordinator
1) Why did you become an instructional paraprofessional? I was a preschool teacher for 13 years before I decided to be a para at DES. My daughter was in Kindergarten at the time, and I felt like I wasn't able to be involved as much as I should because we were on different schedules. First grade year started for her and our district sent an email with an open para position. I took it as a sign, I applied for the job, and have been here since. This upcoming school year will be my 10th year at Durham Elementary.
2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? You might find me at a few places outside of work. The first place would be at a softball field with my loud cup and cow bells cheering for my daughter Catherine. Another place you can find me is at a live show. I've been to numerous concerts so many I have lost count. The last place you can find me is enjoying time with family and friends.
3) A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any? I was a preemie when I was born. I weighed a pound and a half.
4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why is it your favorite? My favorite book is Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. My English teacher assigned the book my Sophomore year of high school and it just so happened my dad read it during school when he was growing up in Sicily. My favorite part of my day was dinner time when we had time to talk about the book together.
5) Favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School? My favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School are the awesome kids I get to see every day on the playground or at Reading Discovery and the amazing staff we have at our site. I am very lucky to be a part of such a great community.
Good luck to Mrs. Rigsbee and Anne Marie Spafford
Mrs. Rigsbee has been teaching at Durham Intermediate School for over three decades, but only three days remain before she heads into a well-deserved retirement.
We were able to recognize Mrs. Rigsbee for her dedication to Durham students at this week’s board meeting. The next day, Teri DuBose from United States Representative Doug LaMalfa’s office came to Mrs. Rigsbee’s classroom to honor her service to students. (see attached pictures).
Mrs. Rigsbee (and Raider too) will be missed terribly at Durham Intermediate School, but we wish her a very long and happy retirement.
After 24 years at Durham Elementary School, Reading Discovery Paraprofessional Anne Marie Spafford informed us she will also retire at the end of the school year.
A longtime Durham resident, she not only raised her children in this community but has spent decades shaping the lives of countless others through her passion for literacy. Her contributions extend beyond the school day—she has tutored students after school, devoting extra time to ensure every child had the opportunity to become a confident reader.
For the past two years, she has served as our volunteer coordinator for the Reading Pals program, playing a key role in launching and sustaining this impactful initiative. Thanks to her leadership, students have been paired with caring volunteers who support them on their reading journey.
Thank you, and enjoy your retirement.
Hello 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
