I hope this message finds you rested, recharged, and ready for the start of a new school year. There’s nothing quite like the energy of August — the promise of fresh starts, meaningful connections, and the shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of our students.

I’m truly excited to welcome both returning staff and those joining us for the first time. To our new team members: we’re thrilled you’re here and look forward to the unique strengths you bring to our school community.

This year marks a season of growth for our district. Construction will begin on two major projects: the new Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten facility at the elementary level and long-anticipated upgrades to the high school football stadium. These improvements represent our investment in both our students’ early beginnings and the spaces where we build school spirit and community pride.

To kick off the year together, I invite all staff to a district-wide breakfast at 8:30 am on Tuesday, August 12 at The Commons at Durham Intermediate School — a time to reconnect, meet new colleagues, and set a positive tone for the months ahead. Our first official day back is Monday, August 11, and I know many of you are already thinking creatively and preparing classrooms, offices, and plans with care.

Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and the heart you bring to our students every day. Let’s make this year one to remember — filled with growth, collaboration, and joyful learning.

Here are some things that have been happening over the summer:

New painting at Durham Elementary

The doors and entrances on the west side of the DES campus received a fresh coat of Durham Blue paint. It is quite an improvement!

Additionally, the entire playground received new painted lines, and the portables near the football field where 5th grade will be held this year to allow for construction at DES, received many new painted playground areas as well.

New scoreboard at DHS Gym

The generosity of the Durham community continues to be a blessing for our school district. In a combined effort of the Durham Sports Boosters, Durham Volunteer Firefighters and the Durham PTS Gala, new scoreboards were installed in the Durham High School gym.

We can’t thank the community enough for everything it does to support our schools and students.

New entry systems on both gyms

In June, the Durham Unified School Board approved a new Verkada secure entry system for both the Durham High School gym and the Durham Intermediate School gym. 

Starting this school year, all access to the gyms before and after school hours will go through the doors with the new secure Verkada Keypads.

Keys will not be issued for the gyms except to PE teachers, Athletic Directors, Maintenance and Operations Employees and Administration.

Updates on construction projects

The District is engaged in the design phase for a new Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten complex at Durham Elementary and is simultaneously in the design phase for a new grandstand, announcers/coaches booth and visiting standards for the Durham High School Football Stadium.

If all goes according to plan, both projects will be in full production during the spring semester this year. 

The football stadium is scheduled to be complete in time for the start of the 2026 high school football season.

The Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten project is set to be completed at least by the middle of the 2026-2027 school yea

New staff

Please make sure to reach out to our new staff members and make them feel welcome and at home on our team.

The new staff members are:

DES - Jessica Dean (TK), Kelly Bischel (Kindergarten), Katy Azevedo (long term sub for Katie Perkins, 3rd grade), Precious Martinez (4th grade), Nicole Luce (long term sub for Diana Corrales, 5th grade), Evelyn Franzella-Chiem (Ed Specialist), Amy Bartley (TK Instructional Para), Stephanie Cressy (TK Instructional Para), Megan Abby (Reading Instructional Para).

DIS - Josh Rowe (Principal), Sabrina Skelly (6th grade), Danielle Schnitzius (English), Ted Staiger (Social Studies), Anyssa Trujillo (Agriculture), Liz Sluiz (BCOE FOCUS class), Anthony Bye-Moran (BCOE DHH Teacher).

DHS - Tristan Stromberg (Social Studies), Brady Deaton (Agriculture), Anyssa Trujillo (Agriculture), Ted Staiger (Social Studies), Liz Anderson (long term sub for Megan Farley, Ed Specialist), Samantha Dodd (BCOE FOCUS Para).

District - Psychology interns Maria De Jesus Partida Pelayo, Susie Lo, Yanet Martinez Vargas and Breanna Valdez.

Updates from Principals

DES (from Samantha Brown)

Welcome Back!

It’s been wonderful to see our campus coming back to life this week! We welcomed our new teachers for district training, and this Monday our certificated staff will return for Amplify Science training and lunch provided by me. On Tuesday, our classified staff will join us to get ready for the big day.

I’m looking forward to seeing all of our staff back together, and especially to welcoming our students on the first day of school, Wednesday, August 13th. The three-minute warning bell rings at 8:12 AM, with classes starting at 8:15 AM. Our 5th grade classes will begin in their new portable classrooms in “Australia” near the DHS Coliseum and track:

• Miss Harvey – Room 2

• Miss Haus – Room 3

• Mrs. Corrales – Room 4

TK & Kindergarten Families:
We’ll host our Meet and Greet on Tuesday, August 12th, from 4:30–5:00 PM in TK/Kindergarten classrooms and on the TK/K/1 playground. Our Food Services Manager, Dayna Gibbs, will be handing out ice cream cups, and I’ll be there to collect signatures on TK Agreements from parents.

On the first day of school, TK and Kindergarten parents are invited to join their child in the classroom and take part in a school scavenger hunt from 8:15–9:00 AM. At 9:00 AM, all new parents are welcome to meet me and our Behavior Intervention Paraprofessional, Jo Richer, in the multipurpose room for coffee, donuts, and a presentation on setting your child up for a successful school career.

Coming Up:

• Friday, August 15th: Schoolwide assembly to introduce our staff and review PBIS expectations, plus our School Site Council Kick-Off Assembly for 3rd–5th grade students.

• Thursday, August 21st – Back-to-School Night

  • TK–1st Grade: 5:15–5:45 PM

  • 2nd–5th Grade: 6:00–6:30 PM

Our custodians have done an amazing job making the school look fabulous, and they’re putting on the final touches. It’s going to be a fantastic 2025–2026 school year! I can’t wait to get started!

DIS (From Josh Rowe)

The energy at Durham Intermediate School is electric as we gear up for an exciting new school year! The DIS staff has been hard at work preparing classrooms, planning lessons, and collaborating with the many amazing student teachers joining us this year. The enthusiasm on campus is contagious, and you can truly feel the positive momentum building.

This week, we were thrilled to welcome our new teachers to campus as part of the DUSD orientation. They had the opportunity to learn more about our district, connect with their site teams, and spend valuable time getting their classrooms ready for students. Their dedication and excitement are already making an impact!

As we head into the final stretch of preparations, the anticipation is growing. Everyone at DIS is eager to welcome our students back and see all the incredible things they will accomplish this year. We’re especially looking forward to connecting with families at Back to School Night on Tuesday, August 12th — it will be a great way to kick off the year together!

Upcoming Events at DIS:

• August 12: Back to School Night

• August 13: Welcome Back Assembly & Ice Cream Social

• August 21: Picture Day

• August 22: Back to School Dance

• August 29: ASB Speeches & Elections

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead filled with learning, leadership, and lasting memories!

DHS (From Marty Wilkes)

On Thursday night we had our new student orientation. Our ASB Officers and our FFA officer took our new students around the school.  I think everyone really just showed up for the snow cones. 

The 25/26 school year officially kicks off Wednesday with Senior Sunrise at 5:30 am and breakfast at 6:00am.  The office staff has been busy with schedule adjustments (remember every student can’t have 7th period PE) and for the record, wanting to be in a certain class where your friends are is not a valid reason to change your classes. 

Students will be taking the MAP test over the next two weeks in reading and math.  This test helps with core class and SOU class placement. Please have your students well rested and ready to go.

Booster Block party is tonight at 6:00, which is followed by the BACK to SCHOOL dance from 8:00 pm-10:00 pm.

The AG department has been busy prepping for the Butte County Fair which starts August 18.

Aug. 17 through Aug.19:  Chapter Officer Leadership Conference

Athletics is starting to heat up!  Volleyball will be hosting their first home game on Thursday vs Gridley.

Student Services and Supports (from Marilyn Bertolucci)

The 2025- 2026 school year is finally here and we are excited to welcome everyone back! The Durham Unified School District is a place where everyone belongs. Our sense of community is at the heart of our success.

Parents and Caregivers, to help your student(s) transition smoothly back into the school routine, here are my top 5 suggestions to prepare for a successful start.

Top 5 Actions for a Great Start

1. Re-establish/Establish a Routine: Shift bedtimes and wake-up times to a school schedule. This can help prevent "back-to-school" sleepiness and make those first few mornings much easier for everyone.

2. Explore the Campus: If your student is transitioning to a new school (e.g., from elementary to middle school) or if it's their first year with us, consider visiting the campus to walk around. A quick visit can help them feel more comfortable and confident on the first day. This doesn’t mean touring each class or nook and cranny of the campus. Not able to walk the campus? Cruise through the parking lot in your car, wave at the building as you drive down the road or simply talk about what walking through the campus will be like on the first day.

3. Create a “Launch Pad” or “Parking Lot” for School Items: Designate a specific spot near the door ( or where you leave the house from each day) for backpacks, lunchboxes, and school supplies. Getting this organized now can save valuable time and prevent last-minute rushes each morning.

4. Connect with Your Student: Take some time to talk with your student about their feelings for the new school year. Ask what they are most excited about and if they have any worries. Listening to them is the best way to support their emotional well-being. You don’t have to have all the answers. 

5. Review District Communications: Check  for messages from your school's principal, teacher and the District. These communications will contain crucial details about schedules, school events, and important forms for the new year.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Where can I find the school calendar and student handbook?

  • A: The full district calendar and student handbook can be found on our district website, https://www.durhamunified.org/

  • Durham High School https://dhs.durhamunified.org/

  • Durham Intermediate https://dis.durhamunified.org/o/dis

  • Durham Elementary https://des.durhamunified.org/o/des

• Q: What should I do if I need to update my contact information?

  • A: Please contact the main office of your student's school directly to ensure your contact details are up to date for important communications.

• Q: What if I have a question about my student's attendance?

  • A: If your student will be absent, please notify the school office as soon as possible. Regular attendance is key to academic success. If you have any concerns or need support regarding attendance, please reach out to me.

• Q: Who should I contact for general questions?

  • A: We are happy to help! 

  • Contact your school site's front office.

  • DES (530) 895-4697

  • DIS (530) 895-4690

  • DHS (530) 895-4685

  • Durham District Office (530) 895-4675

• Q: Who should I contact for Student Services questions? 

For please contact Marilyn Bertolucci directly atmbertolucci@durhamunified.orgor (530) 895-4697 ext. 6020

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