Superintendent's Weekly Update
This is it - the final weekly update of the school year!
I was lucky enough to spend some time this week at the band concert led by Band Director Matt Plummer at the Center for the Arts in Chico.
All of our students were superb in their performances. I thought I was particularly impressed with the high school jazz band, but then the intermediate school band followed with another powerful performance. I should have known all of our bands would put on amazing performances.
This was also a special year for Mr. Plummer as the senior students are completing eight years with Mr. Plummer as their teacher!
There is clearly plenty of musical talent in Durham, and Mr. Plummer and his students continue to make the community proud. (see attached pictures)
Good luck to Mrs. Rigsbee
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.
And another 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.
We wish Anne a long and happy retirement as well.
Durham still at the Silver Dollar Fair
There is no doubt you are aware that the student-raised animals are not appearing during the Silver Dollar Fair this year (the animal event will happen in June). That doesn’t mean Durham Unified students don’t have a presence at the fair.
There are many art entries and welding/ag mechanics entries created by our students at the fair. If you are heading to the fair, make sure and check out the work by our students (see attached photos).
New Faces coming in 2025-2026
One new principal and many new teachers will join the Durham team when we return in August. If you are around in June, you could see many of the new employees.
Josh Rowe takes over as the principal at Durham Intermediate School. He will definitely be around campus in June.
New teachers at DES are Jessica Dean (TK), Kelly King (Kindergarten), Precious Martinez (4th grade). Nicole Luce will join the DES team as a long term substitute for Mrs. Corrales in the fall, and Jona O’Shea will return to teach the new TK class as well.
New teachers at DIS are Sabrina Skelly (6th grade), Danielle Schnitzius (English), Anyssa Trujillo (Ag) and Ted Staiger (Social Studies).
New teachers at DHS are Tristan Stromberg (Social Studies), Brady Deaton (Ag Mechanics/Welding). Trujillo and Staiger will also be new to DHS.
Lets make our new staff feel welcome and supported like we always do!
Updates from Principals
DES (from Samantha Brown)
We have had a fun filled week with end of the year activities at Durham Elementary School. The DHS Seniors walked our halls, the same halls where many of them began their educational career, and gave our younger students something to aspire to. Our first, second and fifth grades had their end of the year pool parties. The second grade classes took an end of the year field trip to Turtle Bay in Redding. Our TK and Kindergarten classes took a field trip to the "Farmer for a Day" field trip at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds today. Yearbooks have arrived and will be distributed to students soon, compliments of our DES ASB and Durham PTS. Today was our last school spirit day of the school year, "Anything But A Backpack" day, and Principal Brown recognized students of the month for April and May with Popsicles with the Principal. We hope everyone has a wonderful and relaxing three-day Memorial Day Weekend!
Next week we have minimum day release and a lot of events planned:
Tuesday, May 27:
End of Year Awards Assembly — 9:00 AM in the DES MPR
5th Grade Advancement Practice immediately following the assembly
DUSD Staff Appreciation Luncheon — 11:00 AM–1:30 PM in the DES Courtyard
Minimum Day Release at 12:20 PM
Wednesday, May 28:
5th Grade Advancement Ceremony — 8:30 AM in the DES MPR (PTS Breakfast Reception to follow) --- Students are to wear Tiger T-Shirts or a royal blue or black t-shirt with black, blue or white shorts or jeans. Seating is limited in the Multi-Purpose Room; siblings and grandparents are welcome.
TK and Kindergarten Water Day — 9:00–11:00 AM on the TK/K/1st Playground
1st–4th Grade Field Day — 9:15–11:15 AM on the 2nd–5th Grade Playground
5th Grade End of the Year Field Trip to Forebay Aquatic Center in Oroville --- 9:30 AM--2:30 PM
Minimum Day Release at 12:20 PM
Thursday, May 29:
Last Day of School!
3rd Trimester Report Cards will be sent home with students
End of Year Variety Show — 9:00 AM in the DES MPR
Staff Performance immediately following on the 2nd–5th Playground
Minimum Day Release at 12:20 PM
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.
DIS (From Joanne Parsley
Teachers are beginning to get their classrooms ready for summer. We have some teachers moving classrooms and one teacher packing up for good: Karla Rigsbee is retiring this year. Karla has been a staple at Durham Intermediate School for 31 years. Karla began teaching in Durham in 1993 and prior to that she was in Biggs for 7 years for a total of 38 years. We want to thank her for being a mentor, a friend, and a guiding light during her time here. Karla’s wisdom and support have helped shape our school culture and foster a nurturing environment for both students and staff. While we will miss her presence, we wish Karla all the best in this new chapter of her next adventure.
Our 8th graders are giddy with excitement for next week: their final week of middle school. They will be having promotion practice both Tuesday and Wednesday with the culmination of all of their hard work on Wednesday at 7pm with Promotion. We are very proud of all our promoters and wish them the very best at Durham High School.
This week, 7th Grade science learned all about frogs. A series of reading and hands-on activities led to the dissection of frogs! (see attached pictures)
With the end of the year near, students have enjoyed some non-traditional PE games, kickball, over the line, wiffle ball, and a crowd favorite, Cornhole.
DHS (From Marty Wilkes)
3 more get ups!!!
Things are winding down fast. Finals are starting, books and Chromebooks are being turned in, the seniors have done their walk through and donated a case of Root Beer to the school. I am still not sure what the hula flamingo is all about.
Counseling:
The counseling department is deep into prepping for graduation and scheduling for next school year.
Mandatory Graduation Practice: May 27 & 28 from 1-3
The AG Department:
Ag students are not only busy with preparing for finals but working on having their Animals ready for the non fair livestock show… I’m still not sure what that is all about…
Athletics:
The baseball varsity team (19-8) picked up two playoff wins this last week. The first was a 10-3 win over Paradise, and the second win was a hard fought comeback win over U-Prep. The boys play Winters for the section title Saturday at 1pm at Butte College.
The varsity softball team had an exciting season. They finished their season 19-9-1 overall and won one and lost two in the playoffs in the new double elimination format. This team was 8-17 last season, and only had two seniors on the roster this year. Softball season next season should be really fun to watch.
The golf team competed at The Master’s Championship at Graeagle Meadows on Tuesday. The team came in 4th place with a combined score of 487. Max Pignataro, who shot an 81, qualified for the NorCal Regional Championship next Tuesday at Berkeley Country Club. Coby Gausemel came in with an 85, only 4 strokes away from qualifying for the NorCal Regional Championship. This concludes the season for the golf team.
We had a great season! We won the league, won the section championship and competed at Masters. Great job to the entire team! Coby Gausemel, Ty Webb, Janelle Thorpe, Colson Thurman, Jonas Ilukowicz, Max Pignataro, Braxton Dietz, Josie Landon, Leighton Meyer, Kaeden DePue and Brody Brockman.
Summer break offers a valuable opportunity for rest and relaxation and it can also disrupt structure and routine, which some students and adults rely on for emotional well-being. Here are several ways parents can support their students mental health over the summer:
1. Maintain a Consistent Routine
Keep regular sleep and meal times.
Encourage balanced screen time and outdoor activities.
Create a daily schedule that includes time for fun, learning, and rest.
2. Stay Connected
Help your child stay in touch with friends through playdates, phone calls, or summer camps.
Plan family activities that encourage bonding and conversation.
Watch for signs of isolation or withdrawal.
3. Encourage Physical Activity
Exercise supports emotional regulation and reduces stress.
Plan nature walks, swimming, biking, or free play.
Involve your child in activities they enjoy and feel confident doing.
4. Support Emotional Expression
Check in regularly with open-ended questions like “How are you feeling today?”
Model healthy ways to cope with emotions.
Create a safe space for talking about feelings without judgment.
5. Promote Purposeful Engagement
Enroll in summer enrichment programs or volunteering opportunities.
Encourage hobbies like music, art, reading, or building projects.
Celebrate effort and small achievements to boost confidence.
6. Monitor Screen and Social Media Use
Set clear limits and promote media literacy.
Co-view or co-play digital content when possible to stay informed.
Discuss online safety and emotional effects of social media.
Setting Up Parental Controls on Devices
7. Encourage Independence and Problem-Solving
Allow your child to make age-appropriate decisions.
Practice coping strategies for stress, such as deep breathing or journaling.
Praise problem-solving efforts rather than just outcomes.
8. Seek Professional Support If Needed
Watch for signs of anxiety, depression, or significant mood changes.
Don’t hesitate to contact a pediatrician, school counselor, or therapist.
Normalize mental health care as part of overall well-being.
Here are some resources that can be easily accessed by anyone needing support.
BrightLife Kids Personalized support for California families. Kids ages 0–12 get free, expert coaching for sleep issues, worry, social skills, and more. Live, 1:1 video sessions, secure chat, on-demand content, and more.
Soluna Confidential support for 13- to 25-year-olds in California. No cost. No pressure. Chat 1:1 with a professional coach, use interactive tools to destress, or explore quizzes, videos, forums, and more.
Never a Bother Students can ask for support, ask how to support a friend or an adult can seek help for a child.
CARE Team - The Community, Assessment, Response and Education Team provides support when a young person is suicidal, has attempted suicide or has taken their life by suicide. This is not a crisis line and response time is 24-48 hours.
Teen Line: 1-800-852-8336 (This nonprofit national teen hotline is staffed by trained teen volunteers.)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (Beginning on July 16, 2022, individuals in the U.S. can reach this line by calling, texting or chatting the number 988.)
Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (A national hotline for crisis counseling sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).)
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 or TTY 1-800-487-4889 (Referral and information service in English and Spanish for individuals or families facing mental health issues and/or substance abuse disorders.)