Superintendent's Weekly Update
We are officially moving into the final stretch of the school year with May 1 coming next Friday!
This can be a very exciting and very stressful time for students, parents and staff. It can often feel like there are events to plan for and attend every day.
It is essential that we give each other grace and assume good intentions as we move through this busy season.
We all look forward to our seniors taking the final walk across the stage as they exit Durham High School into their future! It is also exciting to see the eighth graders walk across the stage and into high school. This year those events will happen with the new upgraded grandstand at the football stadium!
Each week a list of events at each school site will appear in this update - make sure to look at the events at all three schools!
Durham hits Action News twice
Action News Now covered Durham High School’s Every 15 minutes event and the construction at the football stadium. The stories can be found by clicking on the links below:
Letter from Every 15 Minutes Committee Chair
Dear Parents,
Thank you for allowing your students to participate in our Every 15 Minutes event, and for being willing to be part of such a powerful and emotional experience yourselves. Your trust and support made this event possible.
I truly hope this experience was as impactful for you and your students as it was for me. These moments are not easy, but they are meaningful, and they have the potential to leave a lasting impression that encourages thoughtful and safe decision-making.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if you or your student would like to be connected with someone to talk through any emotions or grief that may have surfaced as a result of this event. We want to continue supporting you beyond these two days.
As soon as the cinematic version of the event is uploaded to YouTube, I will share it with you. In the meantime, I’ve included links below to the live event recording, along with two news clips that covered the event, in case you would like to revisit or share them with your students or families.
https://youtu.be/uL-809eL7aw?si=CmFK30D1CYuuKI-r
https://youtu.be/vuQYs3fARZI?si=ONRSU85ttlFTZ_DT
https://youtu.be/dYkkiLagPq4?si=NY4RHnHK5pen4HRx
Thank you again for giving us your time and for being part of something so meaningful. I have heard nothing but incredible feedback about the Durham community, and that is a direct reflection of you and your students.
With gratitude,
Kelli Beynon
Durham High School Every 15 Minutes
Committee Chair
Updates from Principals
DES (from Samantha Brown)
This week at DES was full speed ahead as we celebrated National Volunteer Recognition Week and National Public Schools Week. While our 3rd–5th graders tackled their second week of CAASPP testing, we had a full slate of afternoon and evening events: the PTS met Tuesday at 8:30 AM at Memorial Hall; on Wednesday, we honored our office team for Administrative Professionals Day and held our final School Site Council meeting of the school year. Thursday featured a Technology Committee meeting to continue a discussion about reducing student screen time and creating a list of agreements to propose to staff. Also, Ms. Brunelle’s first grade class had their evening performance of "Nuts! The Musical" on Thursday evening. Today, students and staff were encouraged to participate in our school spirit day, dressing up in camo or nature clothing.
Next week at DES, we are balancing academic rigor with community celebration as we continue CAASPP makeup testing and begin Trimester 3 report card assessments. Our students will also start preparing for Grandparents Day with scheduled practices throughout the week. On Monday, we look forward to making the most of the beautiful weather by hosting our Schoolwide Picnic and the final March Madness Staff Challenges on the big playground, followed by Chess Club in the library afterschool. Tuesday promises to be a high energy day as we celebrate National Superhero Day and National School Bus Driver’s Day, while our PBIS Leadership team meets after school to continue our work on campus culture.
Upcoming Events at DES:
April 2026
April 24: School Spirit Day - Camo/Nature Dress Up Day
April 27: DES CAASPP Testing; Tri-3 Report Card Assessments; Schoolwide Picnic and Staff Challenge (11:30-12:55PM); Grandparent's Day Practices; Chess Club (1:40–2:25 PM, Library).
April 28: National Superhero Day (Dress like a superhero); National School Bus Driver's Day; PBIS Leadership (3:00–3:30 PM, Rm 39).
May 2026
May 1: 3rd Grade Walking Field Trip Around Durham (starts 9:00 AM).
May 3–9: Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week; Scholastic Book Fair.
May 4: Tri-3 Report Card Assessments; Grandparent's Day Practices (PM); Student Council Meeting (Rm 7, 12:15–12:45 PM).
May 5: DUSD Art Show; Staff Meeting (Rm 6, 3:00–4:30 PM).
May 6: School Nurse’s Day; National Interpreter Day; Open House/DUSD Art Show (5:00–7:00 PM).
May 8: Minimum Day (12:20 PM Release); Grandparent’s Day.
May 9: Kindergarten Stick Horses in DES (9:30–10:30 AM); May Day Parade & Picnic (10:00 AM).
May 10: Mother’s Day.
May 11: Tri-3 Report Card Assessment Make-ups; 1:00 PM Fire Drill to Shelter in Place.
May 12: First Grade Classes to Books Farm (8:30-11:00 AM); 5th Grade Band Concert (DHS Gym, 6:00 PM).
May 13: TK ABC Fashion Show (Cafeteria, 9:00–9:30 AM); Durham 4-H in MPR (6:30–8:30 PM).
May 14: 3rd Grade Durham House Walking Field Trip (8:30–11:30 AM); 2/3 Pen Pal End of Year Celebration (Kona’s Ice, 12:15 PM); 4th Grade to Sacramento (Sutter’s Fort/RR Museum).
May 15:
TK ABC Fashion Show (Cafeteria, 9:00–9:30 AM);2nd Grade Field Trip to Turtle Bay (8:30 AM – 2:00 PM); Popsicles w/ Principal (2:00 PM).May 18: National Speech-Language Pathologist Day; 5th Grade to DIS (AM); 2nd Grade Pool Party (11:20 AM - 1:20 PM).
May 19: 5th Grade to Forebay Aquatic Center (8:30 AM - 2:00 PM); 1st Grade Pool Party (12:00–2:00 PM); Probationary Teachers Meeting (3:00–4:00 PM); PTS at Memorial Hall (8:30 AM).
May 20: DHS Senior Walk (through 10:15 AM); 4th Grade Pool Party (12:00–2:00 PM).
May 21: 5th Grade Pool Party (12:00–2:00 PM); RP/MB End of Year Celebration in MPR (1:00-2:00 PM in MPR); TK to Silver Dollar Fair for Farm Babies Field Trip (8:30–11:00 AM).
May 22: School Spirit Day - Dress Like A Celebrity; TK Courtyard Day (10:00–11:30 AM); 3rd Grade Pool Party (12:00–2:00 PM); Kinder to Silver Dollar Fair for Farm Babies Field Trip (8:30–10:30 AM).
May 25: Memorial Day (No School).
May 26: Minimum Day (12:20 PM Release); End of the Year Awards Assembly (MPR, 9:00 AM); 5th Grade Advancement Practice; DUSD PTS Luncheon (DES Courtyard, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM).
May 27: Minimum Day (12:20 PM Release); 5th Grade Advancement (MPR, 8:30 AM); K Water Day (9:00–11:00 AM); 1st–5th Field Day (9:30-11:30 AM).
May 28: Last Day of School; Minimum Day Release (12:20 PM); End of Trimester 3; Variety Show/Staff Performance in MPR (9:00 AM).
May 29: Teacher Work Day.
June 2026
June 1: First Day of Summer School (8:00 AM)
Tiger Spotlight of the Week: Mrs. Molly Knobbe, Second Grade Teacher
DIS (From Josh Rowe)
Honor Roll Trip 2026
Honor Roll Trip 2026
Earning above a 3.5 GPA is a huge accomplishment, and we are proud to recognize over 140 DIS students who have achieved this honor!
Students were notified with a letter this week If your student earned a 3.5 GPA for the first three quarters, they received a permission slip to attend the Honor Roll Field Trip to the River Cats game on May 19.
Please return permission slips to Holly in the office by May 1.
If you are interested in chaperoning and driving, all required paperwork and fingerprinting must be completed prior to the trip. If this has not been completed, you will not be able to attend as a chaperone. If you have already been fingerprinted this school year, you are all set. If you still need to complete fingerprinting, please contact the district office.
Friday May 8th. The Carnival is Coming to DIS!
While Durham Elementary School (DES) hosts Grandparents Day, DIS will be hosting its own student carnival on campus during the final periods of the day. Please note that this event is not connected to Grandparents Day at DES—it is a separate event designed just for DIS students.
We’re excited to bring this fun experience to our campus, and as we launch it for the first time, we could use some help to make it a success. If you’re interested in supporting the event, please look on the district social media page or in the Parent Square message that was sent out on Wednesday.
If you’re concerned about your student missing out on Field Day or the DIS Olympics—don’t worry! These events rotate each year, ensuring that all students experience the Olympics, Field Day, and the Carnival over a three-year cycle.
We do need some help to make this event a success. Please check your ParentSquare
messages—an update was sent out on Wednesday with important details and ways you can support the carnival.
Thank you for helping us create a fun and memorable experience for our students!
State Testing Continues Next Week
This past week, DIS students worked hard to complete the English Language Arts portion of the CAASPP test. Students who put forth their best effort earned tickets for a raffle drawing for In-N-Out gift cards.
As we continue with state testing this week, we will move into Math. Students who demonstrate strong effort on their Math CAASPP test can once again earn raffle tickets for a chance to win In-N-Out!
Each day during Advisory, three tickets from each grade level are drawn—giving multiple students the chance to enjoy some free In-N-Out for working hard on their state tests!
Keep up the great work, Panthers!
Testing Schedule:
Math: Tuesday, April 28 – Friday, May 1
Science (8th Grade Only): May 5 – May 7
Attendance Matters
It is extremely important that students are at school and on time each day during testing. Testing sessions begin promptly, and being present and ready helps students do their best while avoiding the need for make-up testing.
We appreciate your support in ensuring your child gets a good night’s rest and arrives at school on time each day.
These assessments are valuable tools that help us understand your child’s progress and growth. Practice tests are available at: www.caaspp.org
Summer School
Last week, official invitation letters for our Summer School Program were mailed home to select families. We wanted to reach out and remind you that this is a wonderful opportunity for students to strengthen their academic foundations and build confidence before moving into the next grade level.
At Durham Unified, we deeply value your student’s education. We know that providing this extra "boost" over the summer will be incredibly beneficial, giving them the tools they need to hit the ground running in the fall.
Registration Information:
If your student received an invitation, please use the link below to secure their spot:
We truly believe this extra time with our educators will make a world of difference for your student. If you have any questions about the program, please don't hesitate to reach out to Morgan Alayways at DIS malaways@durhamunified.org
Important Dates
April 28 – May 1: Math CAASPP Testing
May 5 – May 7: 8th Grade Science Testing
May 6: Open House (6:00–7:00 PM)
May 8: Carnival Day & Minimum Day
May 15: CJSF Sponsored Dance
May 18: 8th Grade & 5th Grade Shadow Day
May 19: Honor Roll Field Trip
May 27: 8th Grade Promotion
May 28: Sun Splash / Pool Party / Last Day of School
DHS (From Marty Wilkes)
Durham High School hosted the Every15 Minutes event on Wednesday and Thursday. Parents, staff, students and community members put in a lot of time to make this event possible for our Students. If you are interested in more information please google Durham High School Every 15 Minutes, several news outlets carried stories. (see attached pictures)
Athletics:
Baseball: The boys are the first team in the northern section to get to 20 wins on the season. The boys are now 20-1 overall and 6-0 in the SVL. Their game that was scheduled for Tuesday was rained out and they travel to Winters today.
Softball: The ladies have won four straight and moved their record to 10-6 and 3-2 in the SVL.
AG:
Hosted their April Chapter meeting on Thursday and the students heard speeches and voted for the candidates for next year's officer team. Results will be announced at the end of year banquet on May 13. Three students will also be receiving their state degree on Monday the 27.
-Mr. Deaton: Sheep, Goats, and Steers
-Mrs. Kann: 1/2 of the Pigs and Turkeys
-Ms. Trujillo: 1/2 of the Pigs and Rabbits
Upcoming Events:
April 25 - Prom
May 1 - Decision Day
May 11 - AP Calculus Test
May 14 - Senior Awards
May 17 - Baccalaureate
May 18 - Senior Picnic
May 18 - 8th Grade Shadow Day
May 20 - Senior Walk
May 28 - Graduation
Student Services and Supports (from Marilyn Bertolucci)
Parents, Guardians, Students and Staff Your Voice Matters: California Health Kids Survey (CHKS) 2026. Your Voice, Our Plan.
What does it actually feel like to be part of our district right now? To answer that, we go straight to the source.
California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS)
Between May 4 and May 8, 2026, DUSD students in grades 3 through 12 will participate in the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS). This is an anonymous, confidential survey that allows our students to share their experiences regarding school safety, mental health, and learning environments.
Parents, a survey link will be shared with you via Parent Square.
Teachers, a survey link will be shared with you by your site administrator.
What is the CHKS?
The CHKS is a comprehensive assessment that helps us understand the "climate" of our schools. It asks students about:
School Connectedness: Do they feel they belong? Do they have a caring adult on campus?
Safety: Insights into bullying, harassment, and campus security.
Physical & Mental Health: Questions regarding exercise, emotional well-being, and (for older students) health-risk behaviors.
How does it work?
The survey is administered online during the school day. It is 100% anonymous; no names or IDs are attached to the data. We are looking for trends, not individual identities.
The Consent Process
Because we are surveying students from elementary through high school, the consent process varies by grade level:
Grades 3–6 (Active Consent): A paper permission slip will be sent home with your student. Please sign and return this form to your student’s classroom teacher no later than April 30, 2026. Without a signed form, your student will not participate.
Grades 7–12 (Passive Consent): If you do not want your student to participate, please notify the school office in writing or complete a google form by April 30, 2026. A separate form for each student will need to be completed. Otherwise, they will be included in the survey.
7th -12 Grade Opt Out Form 25/26
Formulario de exclusión (7.º a 12.º grado) 25/26
What do you do with the data?
We don't collect this information just to file it away. We use these insights to:
Secure Funding: Data helps us prove the need for grants that fund school counselors and other student supports.
Improve Programs: If students report feeling unsafe in specific areas or times of day, we adjust our supervision and safety protocols.
Local Control (LCAP): This feedback directly informs our District’s yearly goals and budget.
I want to review the survey before deciding if my student will participate. How can I do that?
We believe in transparency. If you would like to review the survey questions before they are administered, physical copies of the survey modules for all grade levels are available for your review at the District Office starting 4/22/2026 .
Thank you
Thank you for your partnership in helping us make Durham Unified School District a place where everyone feels safe, heard, and supported.
Questions or concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me.
-Marilyn Bertolucci, Director Student Services and Supports