I hope everyone was able to enjoy the two-week break. While most of us were enjoying the break, plenty of work was happening around campus.

The elementary school and high school both saw new clocks, bells and speakers installed in all spaces. While there were some bumps in getting them aligned, we now have a district-wide system that allows us to have the same time, send messages by both voice and text, and make one announcement district wide in the case of emergencies.

Additionally, the new Verkada camera system was installed at the intermediate school. 

The walkway at the intermediate school also was extended near the new dropoff area to allow for the final sections of fencing to be installed. The new fencing is scheduled to be installed in February.

Measure B Bond funds

The district is moving quickly to access Measure B funds and start new projects to continue the updating of our campus.

The first sale of bonds from Measure B is scheduled to take place this spring.

Additionally, an architect selection committee interviewed architects this week for the Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten project for the elementary school, and will make a recommendation to the board at this month's meeting.

January board meeting

Speaking of this month’s board meeting, it is both in a different week and on a different day than typical.

The meeting will be on Thursday, January 23 in the boardroom.

Updates from Principals

DES (from Samantha Brown) It has been a very busy, but great first week back from winter break! On Monday, during Early Release Collaboration, teachers worked on grade level curriculum mapping. On Tuesday, at the January Staff Meeting, we updated everyone about the ongoing events around the school, discussed Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and the differences between Tier 1 Differentiation and Tier 2 Small Group Intervention. Teachers have focused heavily this first week back on reteaching PBIS classroom and schoolwide routines and expectations. Our first grade classes have been preparing for next week's evening VAPA performances of "Nuts! The Musical." Today ASB held their Math-A-Thon Kick-Off Assembly (see attached photo); DES students will be collecting pledges over the next two weeks in advance of the Math-A-Thon FUNdraiser to be held on the 100th Day of School on Monday, January 27th.

Tiger Spotlight of the Week: Brian Glover, Physical Education Teacher

1) Why did you become a teacher? After a lifetime of loving sports, I wanted a job where I could coach everyday! I’m blessed my “work” is encouraging children to have fun while learning to be a team player and enjoy healthy pursuits… I love seeing parents out and about and hearing that their child loves a particular unit. 

2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I love spending time with my wife and our 3 adult children. Even though they are all grown (In fact I am going to be a grandpa soon!), we still all get together to go camping and fishing as often as possible. Golfing also tops my list!

3) A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any? Meeting Steve Garvey at a Giants game as a child and him being so kind to me and my group of friends actually converted me to being a Dodgers Fan. Not easy in Durham- ask Anne Marie Spafford! 

4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why is it your favorite? The Natural- the best baseball movie ever made! Every baseball fan needs to watch it at least once. 

5) Favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School? The kids, the parents, and our community. I am lucky to have a team of like minded coworkers that want to do right by our students every day. I love when students stop by our house to say hi when I am doing yard work and am glad our house has become a home base on Halloween where I can catch up with former students. Not all towns have friendships like Durham creates, usually starting with our school. 

DIS (From Joanne Parsley)

Happy New Year

Durham Intermediate School is excited to welcome in the New Year. We started right back and our students were excited to see their friends once again. 

8th Grade

Social Science: They have been wrapping up the Constitution unit by taking the famous Constitution Test next week.

Science: We have launched into our Space Unit! Students are diving into the fascinating relationship between the Earth, Moon, and Sun. Our discussions have been lively and full of wonder as we explore the mysteries of space together!

Math: CC3 - introduced to solving systems of equations while discussing the Iditarod snow dog race

Integrated Math I: Finishing a unit on sequences and how they are different from functions

Language Arts: Students are beginning their 8th-grade project (PEG) with assignments having due dates each week. Their first assignment was to meet with their coach and begin working on 50 fast facts. 

8th grade is also finishing up MAP testing, but next week we will be reviewing citations, looking at the credibility of sources and formatting MLA based essays.

7th Grade

Social Science: The students are starting the Africa unit by studying the physical geography of Africa.

Science is beginning our unit on Evolution by learning about Charles Darwin and the discoveries made since he wrote his book.

Math:  CC2  begins a unit on solving for a variable and understanding the properties of equality associated with solving equations.

CC2-3  - working on volumes of cones, pyramids, cylinders, and spheres

Language Arts: Before diving into their next novel, "Refugee,"  the 7th graders are learning the historical context to better understand the events and themes within the story. 

In 7th grade, we're analyzing beginner level rhetorical strategies, logical fallacies within arguments, and how to debate in a text based format. 

PE: Students are starting the crowd favorite: The Pickleball Unit. We are thrilled to have new nets, paddles and balls for our unit that will conclude with a 2-on-2 double elimination tournament! We have had many pickleball enthusiasts bringing in their own paddles for the unit.

6th grade is reading a Book in Common: The Bronze Bow, which is about an ancient Hebrew boy navigating his way through Roman persecution. The focus in history is ancient Hebrews, and in science, students are becoming volcanologists and researching volcanoes and the Ring of Fire.

DIS Sports: The boys basketball season is officially underway! The team hit the court this past Wednesday against Paradise Charter Middle School, and we are looking forward to an action packed season running through February. The boys are playing in the Willows tournament this weekend. We have home games almost every Wednesday and would love to have you cheer them on! Go Panthers! 

DHS (From Marty Wilkes)

Happy New Year: 95 school days until Graduation!

Student of the Month

January’s Student of the Month is Zach Zwinger. Zach has a 4.13 GPA and is on Durham’s wrestling team. Zach has applied to several colleges this year, including Cal Poly, UCLA, UC Berkeley, North Dakota State and Chico State. Zach would like to major in Biology. He is currently taking Physics, Advanced Biology, SOU English and AP government. Zach has been attending Durham since the 5th grade.

Counseling

Hard to believe we’re already a week into 2nd semester! Counseling is busy planning for spring

semester: schedule changes are happening, registration for 2025-2026 is right around the corner and financial aid is ramping up for seniors.  The Character Strong curriculum will pick back up next week, so we’ll have a new “To Be” challenge for students too. Watch for more information about these activities and more in the coming weeks. We are currently taking sign-ups for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), which will be on Feb 4th, and the SAT, which will be March 26th. Stop by the library or email Mrs. Ladd for more information.

Jan. 2 - The Chico State Scholarship opened (Due Feb 15th)

Jan. 13 - Durham High Shooting Club - Parent Informational Meeting (DHS Library)

Jan. 22 - Cash4College- Butte College Financial Aid reps will be here to help seniors with the

student portion of FAFSA during Economics classes

Jan. 22 - Lyon’s Club of Forest Ranch-Spoken Word Contest- in the Library

Feb. 1 - The Butte College Scholarship opens (Due March 9th)

Feb. 1 - CSEA Scholarship Due

Feb. 4 - ASVAB Test

Feb. 12- Cash4College - Representatives from Chico State Financial Aid Office will be here in the evening to help students and parents with the FAFSA  

Feb. 21 - Butte County Career Technical Education Tour - (Make-up date)

Feb. 26-27 - Girls State Interviews in the library

Other upcoming events:

25-26 Course Registration

Winter SOU Registration (SOU Eng 11, Pre-Calc and Statistics)

The AG Department

Jan. 15 -  January FFA chapter meeting

Jan. 17-18 - MFE/ALA-Sacramento

Jan. 27 -  Ag advisory meeting 5:30

Feb. 1 -  FD and AET team at Arbuckle

Athletics

Basketball season has started league play and both varsity teams are 2-0 in league getting wins over East Nicolaus and Colusa. The girls’ side is currently 10-4. The girls’ team picked up their first win against Colusa in three years on Tuesday. The boys team has moved their record to 10-3 with a tough game tonight versus Las Plumas at the Oroville Tournament with tip-off set for 6:30.

Soccer: Both the girls and boys soccer teams got wins over Paradise.

Wrestling teams keep doing well in their tournaments. Durham will be hosting dual meet against Chico High at the end of the month.

Jan. 21 - Girls Basketball vs Pierce 5:30 and 7:00

Jan. 24 - Girls Basketball vs Willows

Jan. 29 - Boys Basketball vs Colusa

Jan. 29 - Soccer vs Paradise

Feb. 1 - Basketball vs Mt Shasta

Feb. 4 - Soccer vs Paradise

Feb. 4 - Boys Basketball vs Winters

Feb. 8 - Block D Dance 7:00

Feb. 11 - Boys Basketball vs Pierce

Student Services and Supports (from Marilyn Bertolucci)

January is Mental Wellness Month

Happy New Year! As we leap into January, let’s take a moment to focus on something incredibly important: our mental well-being. Mental Wellness Month is a great opportunity to remind ourselves and others of the importance of self-care, support, and connection.

Here are some quick tips to nurture mental wellness:

• Take short breaks throughout the day to recharge.

• Connect with a friend or colleague—it’s amazing what a quick chat can do!

• Set aside time for activities you enjoy, whether it’s reading, crafting, or simply taking a walk.

• Find a purpose - whether it’s in work, service, hobby or family – can help improve your mind-body connection.

• Keep health habits a priority-eat well, see your doctor, get good sleep and try to manage stress

• Don’t hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know needs support—help is always available.

Together, let’s make mental wellness a priority this January. Healthy minds create a thriving school and community!

Give yourself the gift of mental wellness

Don't be afraid to seek mental health care

Mental Health Support Offered by BSSP

Anthem Employee Assistance Program (EAP)- Anthem’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides quick and easy access to work/life support, confidential counseling, and referral services to help you deal with daily work and life challenges. It’s employer-sponsored, so it’s available at no cost to you, your dependents, or household members. The EAP program addresses a variety of issues, including: Resources to support work/life balance Legal concerns, Financial issues, Child and elder care needs, Dealing with critical events and Emotional well-being.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

Here’s to a happy and healthy January!

Weekly Update Archive