I had the privilege of attending the high school’s Senior Awards Night this past Thursday, May 14, and it was a joy to witness the tangible rewards of our students' hard work. Watching so many of our graduating seniors and scholarship winners be recognized for their dedication was a truly proud moment for our community.

As I watched them, I was reminded that the vast majority of these students have been with us since their early elementary days. For many, they are completing their 13th year in Durham schools. While our parents and high school teachers have the distinct honor of cheering them on at the finish line as they accept their awards and prepare to walk across the graduation stage, this success is truly a shared achievement.

Countless individuals have made a profound impact on the lives of these students throughout their journey. This milestone belongs just as much to the elementary and middle school teachers who built their academic foundation, the counselors who guided them through difficult transitions, and the paraprofessionals who provided essential daily support. It belongs to the bus drivers who safely transported them and the cafeteria staff who nourished them year after year. Every single one of you has played a vital role in educating and raising these young adults.

Events like Awards Night and graduation are so much more than just high school celebrations; they are the culmination of the dedication, patience, and care poured in by every single staff member in our system, working in partnership with our wonderful parents.

Thank you to everyone who has nurtured, challenged, and supported these seniors along the way. Your daily efforts have made this finish line possible.

Butty County Library summer reading program

The Butte County Library’s annual summer reading program begins June 1. This year’s program awards students 100 points per completed book and 100 points for each hour of reading.

Participants who earn 1,000 points will receive a free book.

For information, see the attached handout.

Board meeting May 20

The next meeting of the Durham Unified School District Board of Trustees is scheduled for 6 pm on Wednesday, May 20. 

The full agenda for the meeting can be found here:  https://www.durhamunified.org/article/2903697

DES (from Samantha Brown)
This week at Durham Elementary was packed with field trips, fine arts, and special celebrations. We began Monday, May 11th, with continued report card assessments and a 1 PM safety drill. On Tuesday, our First Grade classes visited Books Farm in the morning, followed by the 5th Grade Band Concert at the DHS Gym at 6 PM. Wednesday featured the cutest TK ABC Fashion Show at 9 AM, with a 4-H meeting in the MPR that evening. Thursday was a major day for travel as 4th Grade traveled to Sacramento, 3rd Grade took their Durham House walking tour, and our 2nd/3rd grade pen pals celebrated the end-of-the-year with Kona’s Ice. We concluded the week on Friday with the 2nd Grade trip to Turtle Bay. It was an exciting week of learning and exploration!  

As we enter our final full week of the school year, Durham Elementary is buzzing with excitement and end-of-year traditions. The week kicks off on Monday, May 18th, as we celebrate National Speech-Language Pathologist Day and transition our 5th graders for their visit to DIS, while 2nd graders enjoy their pool party. Our students will be on the move throughout the week with 5th grade visiting the Forebay Aquatic Center, TK and Kindergarten heading to the Silver Dollar Fair for the Farm Babies field trip, and the inspiring DHS Senior Walk taking place on Wednesday morning. The week concludes with a series of celebrations, including daily grade-level pool parties, the Reading Pals/Math Buddies end-of-year event, a "Dress Like a Celebrity" spirit day, and Popsicles with the Principal on Friday afternoon. Please note that there will be no school on Monday, May 25th, in observance of Memorial Day. 

Upcoming Events at DES:
May 2026

• May 18: National Speech-Language Pathologist Day; 5th Grade to DIS (AM); 2nd Grade Pool Party (11:20 AM - 1:20 PM).

• May 19: 5th Grade to Forebay Aquatic Center (8:30 AM - 2:00 PM); 1st Grade Pool Party (12:00–2:00 PM); Probationary Teachers Meeting (3:00–4:00 PM); PTS at Memorial Hall (8:30 AM).

• May 20:  DHS Senior Walk (through 10:15 AM); 4th Grade Pool Party (12:00–2:00 PM).

• May 21: 5th Grade Pool Party (12:00–2:00 PM); RP/MB End of Year Celebration in MPR (1:00-2:00 PM in MPR); TK to Silver Dollar Fair for Farm Babies Field Trip (8:30–11:00 AM).

• May 22: School Spirit Day - Dress Like A Celebrity; TK Courtyard Day (10:30–11:30 AM); 3rd Grade Pool Party (12:00–2:00 PM); Kinder to Silver Dollar Fair for Farm Babies Field Trip (8:30–10:30 AM);  Popsicles w/ Principal (2:00 PM).

• May 25: Memorial Day (No School).

• May 26: Minimum Day (12:20 PM Release); End of the Year Awards Assembly (MPR, 9:00 AM); 5th Grade Advancement Practice; DUSD PTS Luncheon (DES Courtyard, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM).

• May 27: Minimum Day (12:20 PM Release); 5th Grade Advancement (MPR, 8:30 AM); K Water Day (9:00–11:00 AM); 1st–5th Field Day (9:30-11:30 AM).

• May 28: Last Day of School; Minimum Day Release (12:20 PM); End of Trimester 3; Variety Show/Staff Performance in MPR (9:00 AM).

• May 29: Teacher Work Day.

June 2026

• June 1: First Day of Summer School (8:00 AM)

DIS (From Josh Rowe)
8th Grade Shadow Day at DHS – Monday, May 18 

On Monday, May 18th, our 8th grade students will spend the day at Durham High School participating in “Shadow Day.” This event is designed to help students become familiar with their future school while meeting future classmates, teachers, and staff.

Students will attend a shortened version of the high school schedule throughout the day, allowing them to meet teachers and visit classrooms. The day will also include an assembly, ASB elections, lunch activities, and a closing activity for all students.

High school begins at 8:05 AM, so students should report to the Durham High Gym by 8:05 AM on May 18th.

Students may still be dropped off at Durham Intermediate School, but please allow enough time for them to walk to the DHS Gym and remind them that this is where they need to report.

Class visits will conclude at 1:30 PM. From 1:30–2:05 PM, students will enjoy ice cream and receive their 8th grade t-shirts in front of the DHS Gym. Students may be picked up during or after that time. Bus riders will ride the high school bus home.

Please note that cell phones are not allowed in high school classrooms and must be turned in to each teacher at the beginning of every period. Please discuss this expectation with your student, and you may want to encourage them to leave their phone at home for the day.

**School for 8th Graders on May 18, 2026 will end at 2:05 PM at the Durham High Gym**

Honor Roll Trip

Our Honor Roll Trip is this coming Tuesday! We will be departing at 8:00 AM, so it is important that students and parent drivers arrive no later than 7:45 AM. Parent drivers should park and prepare for students in the back parking lot near the DIG.

If your normal morning drop-off area is behind the DIG, please be aware that this  area will be very crowded on Tuesday morning. We encourage families to use the front drop-off area near the DIS Office if possible.

CJSF Officers

Congratulations to our CJSF Officers for the 2026–2027 school year!

• Secretary: Carmella Rocca

• Treasurer: Wynne Ward

• Vice President: Penny Miller

• President: Hayden Meyer

Library Books

If your student has any library books checked out, please have them returned to Mrs. Montgomery as soon as possible. All library books are due no later than May 22nd.

Hacky Sack

The activity that became popular in the 1980s and resurfaced again in the 1990s has made another comeback on campus. We love seeing students engaged in positive activities during breaks; however, hacky sacks must be used appropriately. If they are used inappropriately or become disruptive, they will be confiscated.

Important Dates

• May 15: CJSF Dance TONIGHT!

• May 18: 8th Grade / 5th Grade Shadow Day

• May 19: Honor Roll Field Trip

• May 27: 8th Grade Promotion

• May 28: Last Day of School / Sun Splash / Pool Party

DHS (From Marty Wilkes)
8 Days until graduation!

In Advisory, Monday’s Chalk Day was full of creativity, music and fun! Students spent their time building connections, creating inspiring chalk art around campus and enjoying time together. Bonus highlight: the growing students’ obsession with hacky sack added to the fun. See attached pictures of this great event.

Last night we celebrated the class of 2026 with our Senior Awards Night. A huge congratulations to our seniors who earned $522,000 over the next 4 years to cover their postsecondary plans! And a BIG thank you to our community for their generosity in awarding over $113,000 of those scholarships here locally – what an incredible investment in our students. We are so grateful for all the community support. Also, a huge shout out to Mrs. Ladd for organizing the evening. It’s a major undertaking and she pulled it off flawlessly! We capped the evening off with the Class of ‘26 Senior video. Thank you to Amy and Gabriel Dawson for the extensive amount of time and energy they put into creating the video. It’s always so fun to see pictures of all those cute little faces over the years.

Next week we will be hosting our incoming freshmen for 8th Grade Shadow Day. All students, including our 8th graders, will start the day on Monday in the DHS gym at 8:00. We’re looking forward to a fun day showing off all DHS has to offer while our seniors are off celebrating the end of the year on their Senior Trip to Sunsplash. 

Athletics:
Baseball: The boys are 26-1 overall and finished 12-0 in the SVL. The boys earned the No. 1 seed in the Division 4 Northern Section playoffs. They host Pierce today at 4 pm in the first round.  

Softball: The ladies are 16-9 and finished 8-4 in the SVL.  The Girls are the No. 2 seed in the Division 4 super regional playoffs.  They will play home Tuesday at 4pm.

AG:

-Mr. Deaton: Sheep, Goats, and Steers
-Mrs. Kann: 1/2 of the Pigs and Turkeys
-Ms. Trujillo: 1/2 of the Pigs and Rabbits

Upcoming Events:
May 17 - Baccalaureate
May 18 -  Senior Picnic
May 18 -  8th Grade Shadow Day
May 20 - Senior Walk
May 28 -  Graduation: 8:00 pm

Student Services and Supports (from Marilyn Bertolucci)
May Is Mental Health Awareness Month                                                                                                                                                          Mental health touches every member of our community. By sharing personal journeys and unique perspectives, we can play a vital role in dismantling stigma, fostering empathy, and offering a path toward hope and recovery for those around you.

Silence only allows stigma to persist, but healing thrives when we come together. This Mental Health Awareness Month, lend your voice to the cause by telling your story. Your courage could be the very thing that helps someone else understand they are not alone in their struggle. Click the graphic to submit your written story or video! 

was established to provide support, education, empathy and advocacy for those living with mental illness and their families. Mental illness is a serious medical issue that impacts 1 in 4 families. 

Call  Text  Chat   988 
The 988 California Consortium is a network of organizations and agencies dedicated to managing the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline across California. This national hotline, created by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, offers essential support for individuals in emotional distress or crisis. By coordinating resources and services, the Consortium ensures that help is available when it's needed most. 

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency call 911.

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