Superintendent's Weekly Update
In the whirlwind of the typical school day and school year the end goal of why we work so hard to help our students in public schools can be blurred. Events like the Durham High School Senior Awards night this week are a great reminder.
Seniors received local and other scholarships and were recognized for their accomplishments over the past four years at Durham High School. DHS Counselor Christy Spade announced toward the end of the event Durham High seniors earned more than $200,000 in scholarships.
The money for college is amazing, but the true joy of the event is seeing the smiles on the faces of the seniors and their families each time their names are called.
The students, whether they are going to a university, a junior college, a trade school or into the workforce, relish in a job well done after 13 years of school.
These successes belong to the student and their families to be sure, but they also belong to everyone that has helped them along the way. Beginning with their Kindergarten teacher and continuing through every other teacher and school employee that has supported them along the way, everyone should take pride in the accomplishments of the Durham High School students as they complete their final eight days of school in Durham and walk across the graduation stage and into their bright futures.
Exploring next steps for Durham students
Even as we are beaming with pride for our seniors heading to new journeys, we are planning on next steps for our students in Durham as well.
Today, the high school hosted eighth grade students at the high school. The 8th grade students were in the gym for the Associated Student Body officer election speeches, and then shadowed older high school students around the high school for the day.
Meanwhile, at the intermediate school, fifth grade students received the grand tour of the intermediate school campus they will attend next year.
Two open teaching positions filled
The popularity of Durham Elementary School’s Transitional Kindergarten program continues to grow as does the number of families enrolling their students. The growth combined with the new rules stating there must be at least one adult per 10 students in the classroom led the district to make the decision to add a third Transitional Kindergarten class for the 2025-2026 school year. Jona O’Shea will return to teach the TK class after one year of retirement.
Additionally, Durham High School has hired Tristan Stromberg for its open Social Studies position. Tristan comes to Durham with 11 years of teaching experience at Ukiah High School.
Updates from Principals
DES (from Samantha Brown)
This week we continued end of the year assessments. On Monday during Early Release Collaboration, teachers attended a presentation on California Math & You as we explore new math curriculums. Our Pen Pal program and Reading Pals and Math Buddies programs wrapped-up this week with a visit from the Kona Ice truck, which was also available for purchase after school today. Our 3rd and 4th grade classes held their end of the year pool parties. As well, our 4th grade classes had a visit from the Bidwell Mansion docents on Wednesday morning. The 5th grade students spent some of this morning as DIS touring the campus and shadowing the 6th grade students. Third grade classes took a field trip to the Durham Cemetery to wrap up their Durham Living History Unit this morning as well.
Next week at DES, our last full week of the 2025-2026 school year, we will hold our last safety drill of the school year. Our kindergarten classes are going to have a special spirit week as they prepare to be first graders. The DHS Senior Class will walk through our hallways in their caps and gowns on Wednesday morning around 10:15 AM. Our 1st, 2nd, and 5th grade classes will have their end of the year pool parties. The 5th grade band will have their Spring Band Concert at the PVHS Performing Arts Center in Chico on Thursday, May 22nd at 5:00PM
Friday will be our last school spirit day of the school year with "Anything But A Backpack Day." TK and Kindergarten classes will take a field trip to the Silver Dollar Fair for the "Farmer for a Day" field trip, and we will have the last Popsicles with the Principal.
Tiger Spotlight of the Week: Dana DelCarlo, First Grade Teacher
1) Why did you become a teacher? After changing my major 3 times at Chico State, a counselor informed me that I was only 2 classes from having a Liberal Studies Degree. The next thing I knew, I was in the credential program and had discovered my dream job. After 31 years, I still can’t imagine doing anything else.
2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I love fabric, planting in my yard, reading, music, pickleball, paddleboarding, 4 wheeling, and the mountains.
3) A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any? I LOVE the water! Put me on a boat in the middle of a lake any day!
4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why is it your favorite? My favorite movie is Top Gun because “I feel the need for speed!”
5) Favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School? I get to see kids, family and friends every day!
DIS (From Joanne Parsley
Huge shoutout to Mr Plummer and his very talented band students. They attended Music in the Park at Great America. They won 1st place for the A division as well as 1st Place OVERALL for ALL Middle Schools. What an amazing accomplishment and we couldn’t be more proud. Mr. Plummer, thank you for all that you do
We sent 126 Honor Roll students to the RiverCats game on Tuesday to reward them for all of their hard work throughout the year. Our students needed to maintain a 3.5 GPA for the 1st, 2nd & 3rd quarters of the school year. A huge shoutout to all of the students who made the trip and hopefully we will see them next year for the Honor Roll Trip.
Our 8th grade students, who will soon be freshman, spent the day at Durham High School shadowing a high school student. There was an assembly first thing to hear from students running for ASB office, elections, a BBQ and they received their first memento from High School: A freshman class t-shirt courtesy of Durham High SChool ASB.
Incoming 5th graders had the opportunity to come tour Durham intermediate School with tours led by 7th grade student council and a few others.
Students enjoyed nutrition break with their future classmates as well as a class picture in front of the new Commons.
DHS (From Marty Wilkes)
8 more get ups!!!
It has been a busy week at Durham. We had our FFA banquet on Wednesday, our senior awards on Thursday and 8th grade Shadow Day and Senior Picnic on Friday. I will be sleeping in tomorrow…
Counseling:
Last night we celebrated the class of 2025 with our Senior Awards Night. A huge congratulations to our seniors who earned over $215,000 in scholarships! And a big thank you to our community for their generosity in awarding many of these scholarships. Also, a huge shout out to Mrs. Ladd for organizing the evening. It’s a major undertaking and she pulled it off flawlessly! It may have been a little long, but that’s because we have such amazing kids who earned so many accolades. We capped the evening off with the Class of ‘25 Senior video ~ so fun to see pictures of all those cute little faces over the years.
Today DHS hosted our incoming freshmen with 8th Grade Shadow Day. We started the day with a fantastic performance by DHS band members Jaydee McLean (bass) and Jack Rappa (vocals), along with Jacquelynn Plummer (piano), Mr. Plummer (drums) and Mrs. Rappa (vocals). After that, students heard ASB and Class Office speeches, had a chance to vote and then met their shadows. Students went to classes and got a feel for a typical day in high school. Lunch was full of fun and activities. Major props to District Kitchen Manager Dayna Gibbs and her team for putting on an outstanding BBQ for lunch. We appreciate your hard work! Students also participated in a game of Bingo, learning about the school and our staff members throughout their time on campus. The day ended with cool treats, music and new Durham swag for the incoming freshmen. What a great way to end the week! Much thanks to Mr. Halsey who organized this great opportunity for our students. We’re looking forward to welcoming our 8th graders back to campus in the Fall.
While Shadow Day was happening, seniors were enjoying their Senior Picnic at the Durham Community Park, where they had tons of food, multiple inflatables and other fun activities to celebrate and enjoy their last few days together.
Upcoming events:
Senior Walk-thru: May 21st ~ Bring caps and gowns to school!
Mandatory Graduation Practice: May 27 & 28 from 1-3
The AG Department:
Congratulations to 2025-26 OFFICER TEAM
President Jack Johansson , Vice President Ashley Spence, Secretary Daisy Knowles, Treasurer Bryce Landon, Reporter Liam Edson, Sentinel John Gore, Historian Josie Landon, Parliamentarian James Osbon.
Athletics:
The varsity baseball team finished the regular season with a 17-8 record and finished second in the Sacramento Valley League (SVL) with a 9-3 record and will play Paradise today in Durham in the first round of the play-offs at 4:00.
The varsity softball team finished the regular season with an 18-7-1 record and finished third in the SVL with an 8-4 record. They play at U-Prep on Tuesday at 4:00 in the semifinals.
The golf team won their second straight section title. Max Pignataro and Coby Gausemel led the way by shooting a 73 and a 78. The team travels to Gray Eagle Monday to play in the Masters Championship.
Looking for summer activities for your student(s).....
Durham Recreation and Park District
Chico Area Recreation & Park District
Paradise Recreation and Park District
Feather River Recreation and Park District (Oroville)
CSU Chico Summer Reading Program
As summer approaches, it’s a great time to help your child relax, recharge, and care for their mental well-being. Encouraging routines, staying connected with friends and family, and making time for fun and rest can all support a healthy mindset.
If you notice your child struggling emotionally, check out BrightLife Kids, Soluna or if they are experiencing a crisis call/text 988. Check this out!
Students ages 0-12 and their families Brightlife Kids is personalized support, providing expert coaching for sleep issues, worry, social skills, and more.
Students ages 13-25 Soluna is space to destress, bounce back, and reset. Completely free and confidential for California teens and young adults. Always.
988 Lifeline offers support for life’s challenges. Find support here for mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug concerns or if you or a loved one just needs someone to talk to. Caring counselors are there 24/7. YOU ARE NOT ALONE
For DUSD Employees with BSSP check this out…..
Anthem's Employee Assistance Programs. EAP offers confidential resources when you or a family member need help and support. EAP representatives are available 24/7 and each member is able to access six 1-hour confidential counseling sessions per incident, per person, per year with licensed professionals at no cost. Supports are offered in-person or in virtual sessions via Live Health Online.