It’s a bit crazy to think that there are just 23 days of school remaining! The high school will send the latest group of graduates into the world in just over a month on May 30!

Graduation is just one event in a very busy month of activities as the school year draws to a close. I have attached a list of events for all three sites compiled by our principals.

DIS Construction Update (From UBC)

Site:

We believe the site has aired out enough to begin to perform flatwork subgrade compaction. The testing lab is scheduled to come out today to verify moisture content and compaction values.  After Passing Subgrade Compaction Tests, base rock will begin to be installed and compacted. We are also preparing for the summer work by stubbing up the data line and water line point of connections close to the basketball courts. This week we worked on finishing sleeves under concrete, stubbing data lines, rain water leaders for downspouts, sewer, and water tie in points to their final connection points close to the modulars so that the utility tie in phase will be quick once the modulars are set in place. We typically do this after subgrade has been completed, but due to site moisture issues stemming from the weather, we reversed the order to continue production. 

Irrigation Lines and Controller:

Upon further investigation, we noticed one of the lawn main irrigation lines leaking. We exposed the line and discovered the existing coupler was rusted out and sprung a pinhole leak. Bob McGuffin with Durham Unified is addressing the existing irrigation line issue with assistance from UBC. We will also relocate the irrigation controller once the Support Building has been installed to its final location in the utility closet as confirmed by Durham Unified. We will remain vigilant and assist the District on maintaining the field.

We are expecting some weather later tonight and will continuously monitor the site condition

Updates from Principals

DES (from Samantha Brown)

The weeks are flying by, and the end of the school year is fastly approaching! Amidst staff evaluations, our 3rd-5th grade teachers continue working towards completion of CAASPP testing, and classes are gearing up for Grandparent's Day performances. Everyone is looking forward to the PBIS Reward Assembly tomorrow, as Ms. Jo prepares for another Pie in the Face Challenge and other staff challenges to entertain the students.

This week we have three DES staff members in the Tiger Spotlight of the Week.

We start with DES Behavior Intervention Paraprofessional, Joanna "Jo" Richer. Mrs. Jo is a complete SUPER STAR on our staff and does a fantastic job working with all of our students and staff and helping with all their behavioral needs, from the classroom to the cafeteria and playground! She is an amazing person and role model! We love her “outside the box” thinking. She is the glue to our PBIS program, Healthy Play, and Mind-Up social-emotional learning curriculum. She is involved in all aspects of making our school a better place for students to grow, learn and be successful! We really appreciate her and the pawsitive impact that she has on Durham Elementary School, and we are so thankful to have her on the staff again! 

Next up is second grade teacher Molly Knobbe. Molly is new to our district this year, but comes with years of experience. She is also a SUPER STAR when it comes to working with our second grade students, and collaborating with staff. She has also assisted in coaching soccer and golf at Durham High School this year, and participated on the Durham Elementary School Site Council. She has a strong, but quiet presence amongst our staff. She has a great smile and brings fresh, new ideas and perspectives to our staff. She has been a welcome addition to the DES staff and Durham community, and we really appreciate her and the pawsitive impact that she has on Durham Elementary School!

Last, but not least, we have third grade teacher Hayley Hughes. This is also Hayley's first year in the district as well, and she teaches with the experience of a veteran teacher. She is also a SUPER STAR when working with our third grade students and collaborating with her third grade team and staff. We appreciate her communication with PTS as our site PTS representative this school year. Mrs. Hughes has built excellent rapport with her students and their families, as well as staff. Her students love coming to school because they genuinely know their teacher cares about them, and she makes learning fun. Mrs. Hughes has also brought fresh, new ideas and perspectives to our school and staff, as a parent and a teacher. She too has been a welcome addition to the DES staff, and we really appreciate her and the pawsitive impact that she has at Durham Elementary School!

DIS (From Lora Fox)

Our Honor Roll students and chaperones had a wonderful time at the Rivercats Baseball game in Sacramento on Tuesday. The students got to walk on the field, meet some players, get autographs, hear how important academics are, and enjoy a game. The field trip was one of the best! (see gallery below)

Eighth Graders are getting ready to create their Monument Projects. The projects will be displayed at Open House. Ms. Harry's ELA Class has created "Blackout Poetry". (in gallery below)

Seventh Graders are creating Renaissance Trading Cards, learning about the digestive system, and writing argumentative essays.

Sixth Grade will be leaving for Shady Creek Environmental Camp on Monday. They are so excited!

DIS Open House is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8th from 6:00-7:00 pm. All classes are getting ready for the DIS Olympics. Opening Ceremonies will be held Friday, May 10th and closing ceremonies will be Friday, May 17th. 

DHS (From Marty Wilkes)

Prom is this Saturday!

Seniors are scrambling around trying to finish their scholarship applications, you would think we

were sending them to the dentist or something (No offense Dr. Stephens). 8th graders will be on

campus on May 17 for Shadow Day, which is the same day as the senior picnic. Incoming

freshmen will get to visit the high school classrooms and go through a day with a high school

student that has been assigned to them.

Softball

Picked up two wins this week including a walk-off win after being down 10-8 in the

bottom of the 7th.

Baseball

Varsity Baseball is 17-6 overall and is 9-2 in league. They also picked up two wins this week.

The JV team keeps playing well this season running their record to 16-2-1 overall and 7-0 in

League.

Golf

They have kept their league win streak alive with low scores being posted by Junior Coby

Gausemel and Freshman Max Pignataro

Ag Department

Ms. Luce and a team of students attended field day at Fresno State on the 20th and are headed to the Regional Meeting on the 27th in San Luis Obispo. The Ag department has also been busy with their plant sale.

Update from Student Services and Supports (from Marilyn Bertolucci)

Understanding Dyslexia

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we have an opportunity to break the stigma around mental health in our campus by talking openly, compassionately, and kindly to each other. No one should ever struggle alone.

School staff are the backbone of student well-being, but remember that you also can’t pour from an empty cup.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, NAMI joins the mental health community to reaffirm our commitment to building our understanding of mental illness, increasing access to treatment and ensuring those who are struggling know they are not alone.

If you or someone you know wants to be connected to a mental health care provider, contact Care Solace, a complimentary and confidential mental health care coordination service provided by Durham Unified School District:

Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365.

Visit www.caresolace.com/durham and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help, use the resources around you, and never give up hope.

Mental Health Awareness Month

Weekly Update Archive