Superintendent's Weekly Update
May has arrived and with it comes a very, very busy final month of the school year in Durham. Next week alone we have the elementary art show, open house at both the elementary and intermediate school, Grandparents Day at the elementary school, a carnival at the intermediate school, the May Day Parade and Picnic and Mother’s Day!
If that isn’t enough, it is also Teacher Appreciation Week. It is crazy that we have 36 weeks of school, and we only dedicate one as Teacher Appreciation Week. We should be showing our appreciation to not only teachers, but everyone that works in schools to support our children every day!
Helps us get better!
We believe that the schools in Durham are a great place for students to attend school everyday. However, we also believe that we should always be striving for improvement.
Next week, staff, parents and students have an opportunity to share their thoughts on how life is for them in Durham Unified to inform district decisions for improvement.
To do this, we need staff and parents to complete the anonymous California Healthy Kids Survey. We also need parents in grades 3-6 to turn in their permission slips to allow their students to complete the survey to allow us to learn about their experience as well.
Parents should receive the link to this anonymous survey via a Parent Square message.
Please support our schools by completing the survey to help us improve!
Construction Updates
The grandstand, bleacher and lunch (shade) structure project at the high school is nearing completion. See at photos.
The Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten and office project is also moving along at the elementary school. The modernization of the old Kindergarten classroom into a new school office has been framed and is taking shape. Today, the cement was poured for the foundation of the permanent modular buildings that will be delivered in June (see attached pictures).
Updates from Principals
DES (from Samantha Brown)
This week at DES, we balanced academic rigor with community celebration as we continued CAASPP makeup testing and began Trimester 3 report card assessments. Our students began preparing for Grandparents Day with scheduled practices throughout the week. On Monday, we took advantage of nice weather and hosted our Schoolwide Picnic and the final March Madness Staff Challenges on the big playground, followed by Chess Club in the library after school. On Tuesday we celebrated National Superhero Day and National School Bus Driver’s Day, while our PBIS Leadership team met after school to continue our work on campus culture.
We have a vibrant week ahead at Durham Elementary filled with celebrations, creativity, and long-standing traditions. We kick off the week of May 3rd by celebrating Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week. We are so grateful for the dedicated professionals who pour their hearts into our students every day! Our Scholastic Book Fair will also be open all week, providing a great opportunity for students to find their next favorite read. Mid-week is packed with highlights, including School Nurse’s Day and National Interpreter Day on Wednesday, May 6th. That evening, we invite all families to join us from 5:00–7:00 PM for pizza dinner in the DES MPR (pre-purchased or available until sold out), the DUSD Art Show (in the DHS Gym), classrooms open from 5:30-6:30 PM, and Kona Ice available for purchase in the DES Bus Circle from 5:15-7:00 PMish. Join us for an evening where you can tour the classrooms and view the incredible masterpieces our students have created. We conclude the week with our cherished community traditions. Friday, May 8th, is a Minimum Day (12:20 PM release) as we host our beloved Grandparent’s Day. The festivities continue Saturday morning, May 9th, with the Kindergarten Stick Horse showcase in the Durham May Day Parade at 10:00 AM, followed by the picnic at the Durham Community Park. It’s going to be a wonderful week of "DES Pride"; we look forward to seeing you there!
Upcoming Events at DES:
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. Hayley Hughes, Third Grade Teacher
DIS (From Josh Rowe)
Open House
Join us for Open House on Wednesday, May 6th from 6:00–7:00 PM at Durham Intermediate School. This is a great opportunity to walk through campus and see the incredible work our students have been doing throughout the year.
We hope you can stop by, connect with teachers, and celebrate all that your student has accomplished. We look forward to seeing you there!
Teacher Appreciation Week
Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week—a time to recognize those who show up each day to support, challenge, and care for our students.
The impact our teachers have reaches far beyond the classroom, and their dedication is felt across our entire school community. I want to personally thank our DIS staff for the time, energy, and heart they bring to their work each day.
If you have a moment this week, consider sending a quick note, email, or word of thanks to a teacher who has made a difference. Those small gestures truly go a long way.
The Carnival is Coming to DIS! – Friday, May 8th
While Durham Elementary School hosts Grandparents Day, DIS will be holding a student carnival on campus during the final periods of the day. This is a DIS-only event and is not connected to Grandparents Day at DES.
We’re excited to bring this new experience to campus and could use some help to make it a success. Please check ParentSquare or the district social media page for ways to support. Thank you to all who have already generously donated to this event, we couldn't do it without you.
Wondering about Field Day or the DIS Olympics?
No worries—these events rotate each year, ensuring all students experience each one over time.
Thank you for helping us create a fun and memorable day for our students!
CJSF Fundraiser at the Carnival
Get ready, Panthers… things are about to get udderly hilarious.
Several brave DIS staff members have volunteered to kiss a farm animal—but only one will earn the honor! The staff member whose bucket collects the most donations will be the one to pucker up at the Carnival.
Buckets available: May 4–May 6
Students “vote” with their donations
Winner revealed (and kissing commences!) on May 8
All proceeds support CJSF—so every dollar helps a great cause and brings us closer to a memorable moment.
Let the friendly competition begin!
State Testing Continues (8th Grade Only)
This past week, students worked hard to complete the Math portion of the CAASPP. Students showing strong effort earned raffle tickets for In-N-Out gift cards—great work!
Next up:
Science Testing (8th Grade Only): May 5–May 7
Students can continue earning raffle entries for demonstrating effort and focus. Each day, winners are drawn during Advisory.
Keep it up, Panthers!
Summer School
Invitation letters for Summer School were mailed home last week to select families. This program is a great opportunity for students to strengthen skills and build confidence before the next school year.
If your student received an invitation, please be sure to register using the provided link.
If you have questions, please contact Morgan Alayways at DIS.
Important Dates
May 5–7: 8th Grade Science Testing
May 6: Open House (6:00–7:00 PM)
May 8: Carnival Day & Minimum Day
May 15: CJSF Dance
May 18: 8th Grade / 5th Grade Shadow Day
May 19: Honor Roll Field Trip
May 27: 8th Grade Promotion
May 28: Last Day of School / Sun Splash / Pool Party
DHS (From Marty Wilkes)
18 Days until graduation!
In Advisory this week students wrapped up the last Character Strong lesson of the year, while seniors met to prepare for the Decision Day Rally. The last To Be Challenge for the year is to be Grateful. Students were encouraged to reflect on something they have appreciated about this school year and then share it with someone. Next week will be our campus wide Chalk Day!
Today is a big day for seniors - May 1st is National College Decision Day. Mrs. Ladd went above and beyond with our first ever Decision Day Rally today to celebrate all our seniors and their next steps. Underclassmen got to watch seniors strut their stuff based on their plans next year…college, workforce or military…and the seniors had some fun competing against one another in games that resembled the field of study or work they plan to enter next year. There was a picture booth, games, music and even video clips of the seniors who had to miss due to the band trip to Disneyland. Parents were invited to join the fun as well to celebrate and send off their seniors. Thanks to the generosity of our parents, seniors were fed lunch too. What a fun way to celebrate our seniors and send them off in style. Thank you Mrs. Ladd for all the work you put in to make this incredibly fun and inclusive event happen!
Athletics:
Baseball: The boys have won seven straight games, are 22-1 overall and are 8-0 in league with four games to play. They host Pierce today at 4:00. Next week will be a big week setting the playoff stage with three games. Tuesday the boys travel to East Nicolaus; then they host Winters on Thursday and East Nicolaus on Friday.
Softball: The ladies had won six straight before dropping a tough game to Lassen on Thursday 2-0. The girls team is now 12-7 overall and 5-2 in the Sacramento Valley league. The Girls host Pierce today and have four games next week. Monday at Willows, Tuesday at East Nicolaus, Thursday at home against Winters, and Friday they close out their league season vs East Nicolaus.
AG:
Congratulations to Ashley Spence, Camryn Moss and Payton McCain for earning their FFA State Degree. Awards Banquet will be May 13 in the gym,
-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:
May 1 - Decision Day
May 11 - AP Calculus Test
May 14 - Senior Awards
May 17 - Baccalaureate
May 18 - Senior Picnic
May 20 - Senior Walk
May 28 - Graduation
Student Services and Supports (from Marilyn Bertolucci)
This campaign highlights the importance of connection and meeting people where they are, acknowledging that a "good day" is unique to each individual. The reality is that we don't have to navigate mental well-being in isolation. Even brief moments of connection, both in-person and virtual, can alleviate stress and anxiety, reminding us that our feelings are shared.
Let’s commit to supporting one another and protecting our mental health throughout May and beyond. We are #BetterTogetherCA.
Below you will find free resources for support. More to come next week!
Click or call (888) 275-5357 to get started.
WeAll yours (all freeSoluna: A free wellbeing app is available for teens and young adults. We're here to help you handle challenges.
Positive Parenting, Thriving Kids Video Series This new series, funded by the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), is now available. It is designed to equip parents and caregivers with the necessary support to navigate modern parenting challenges.