Superintendent's Weekly Update

The start of a new school year is filled with excitement and new possibilities. As we move into September, we're transitioning from that initial energy into a powerful and productive rhythm. This is where the real work—and the real success—begins.

You've all put in the effort to wrap up assessments and lay the groundwork for a year of deep learning. Now, we're ready to dive in and tackle new challenges in the classroom.

But the momentum isn't just in our academics! Our school's spirit is in full swing with a packed schedule of activities. The energy from three straight home football games is contagious, and it's inspiring to see our swim and volleyball teams compete. It is exciting to see the intermediate school’s brand new cross country teams start practicing in preparation to compete as well.

The stretch from now until Thanksgiving can feel long, but it's also a time of incredible growth. By working together—teachers, students, parents, and staff—we can make this a season of shared success. Let's support each other, celebrate our small wins, and stay focused on the incredible things we can accomplish as a team.

New monthly Wellness Newsletter
In the spirit of working together, the district’s health office - Nurse Kristin Walters and Health Aide Carina Ellis - started a new monthly newsletter for the 2025-2026 school year. The newsletter includes wellness and focus of the month, health office updates and upcoming events and initiatives. The September edition of the newsletter is attached to this email. 

District Health and Wellness Committee

The district also has a health and wellness committee dedicated to supporting staff and students in need of additional support. The committee meets once a week and discusses how the committee and district at large can support students and staff. I was able to sit in on the end of the meeting and hear true and honest discussions about how to help which shows the strength of this team for our students and staff.

DUSD

Updates from Principals

This week, students and staff at Durham Elementary wrapped up their baseline assessments and began diving into their curriculum. On Tuesday, we held our September Staff Meeting, where we focused on safety protocols, radio use, curriculum updates, assessments, and interventions. At the same time, five of our K–4 teachers participated in training for the Amplify Math Pilot in Kevin Martin's classroom.

Our Student Council candidates spent the week campaigning and practicing their speeches in preparation for this morning’s election assembly. Yesterday, we hosted Lifetouch Picture Day, and today the DES PTS launched their annual cookie dough and gifts fundraiser.

Looking Ahead to Next Week

  • Monday: Tier 2 Reading Discovery groups will begin with Mrs. Adkins and our Reading Discovery paraprofessionals.

  • Student Council will hold their first meeting of the 2025–2026 school year during lunch.

  • Early Release Collaboration: Teachers will receive training on this year’s Student Based Interventions and data collection processes.

  • Wednesday: TK and kindergarten students will participate in an oral health screening, and kindergarten students will also complete a speech screening.  Additionally, we will host a Bucket Filling Assembly on this day.

Tiger Spotlight of the Week: Kelly Bischel, Kindergarten Teacher (see attached)

DES

DIS (From Josh Rowe)
ASB Speeches & Elections

Our students did an incredible job delivering their campaign speeches last Friday in the DIG. Afterward, students returned to their Advisory classes to cast their votes. Congratulations to all who spoke and to those elected to represent their class—your leadership is appreciated!

PTS Meeting

There will be a PTS meeting on Monday, September 8th, at 12:15 PM in the DIS Conference Room. Come see how you can get involved and help support DIS in making our school an even better place for students.

Jog-A-Thon

Students will be bringing home information about this year’s Jog-A-Thon on Monday, September 8th.

  • Paperwork Due: Friday, September 19th

  • Jog-A-Thon Event: Friday morning, September 26th at DIS

We look forward to this fun, schoolwide event that supports our programs and brings our community together!

Swimming at DIS

Our PE classes wrapped up their pool unit this week! Students learned swimming techniques, water polo, and even experimented with synchronized swimming. Both teachers and students showed creativity and teamwork during their artistic swimming routines. Check out the attached photos of our Panthers in action!

Yearbooks on Sale

Yearbooks are now available for purchase! You can scan the QR code posted around campus or the one included in the weekly Panther Press shared through ParentSquare every Sunday.

Mark Your Calendars – Upcoming Events

  • September 5: Jog-A-Thon Rally

  • September 8: PTS Meeting – 12:15 PM, DIS Conference Room

  • September 15: Minimum Day – 12:10 PM Dismissal

  • September 19: Jog-A-Thon Paperwork Due

  • September 24–26: Minimum Days at DIS

  • September 26: Jog-A-Thon

DIS
DIS
DIS

DHS (From Marty Wilkes)

Student of the Month:

September’s Student of the Month is Bryce Landon.  Bryce has a 4.26 GPA and is the FFA Treasurer. Bryce is on the ski team and pitches on the baseball team.  Bryce will be applying to several colleges this year, including Cal Poly, Colorado State, Oregon State, and Texas A&M.  Bryce will be majoring in AG engineering.  He is currently taking Advanced Ag Mechanics, Physics, SOU English, SOU Government, Calculus, and Butte Spanish 3.  

Counseling:

Turns out we actually have a few more weeks before we jump into our Character Strong curriculum in Advisory. Next week, we will be hosting Club Day. This is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the various clubs available at DHS. Each group will have a table on display to showcase who they are and share meeting details. Encourage your student to join a new club this year! 

We are excited to have 26 students signed up for the SAT this fall, which will be held on Wednesday, October 22nd. Also 44 students signed up to take the PSAT on Thursday October 23rd.  An email detailing the total cost for these exams has been sent to registered students and their families. Please check your inbox for this information. Payment is due by Wednesday, September 24th.

Today was the last day to sign up to take the ASVAB test on September 24th.  We also had quite a few students sign up to attend our field trip to visit Butte College’s Medical Health Fields. The tour will be on September 30th.  

This past Wednesday we had a representative from Chico State come to the school and give our Seniors a presentation about Admissions, College Life, and the CSU System.

Senior Parent Night (Seniors & their parents) - Sept. 15th
SAT - October 22nd (Today was the last day to sign up)
PSAT - Date TBD (Today was the last day to sign up)
Cash4College Workshop: Financial Aid Assistance for Seniors & their parents - October 22nd 

Athletics:

Volleyball is hitting the road this week and  playing some much larger schools.  On Thursday they went up to Redding and played Shasta High School and took down the Wolves 25-19, 25-23, 25-23.  The win over the D2 school moved the team’s record to 8-2.  Saturday morning the girls will be playing Marysville at 9:00  in the Sutter Tournament. 

The tennis team played PV’s and Chico’s  JV teams this week and now have a 2-2 recorded

Swimming hosted the BVL open meet this week and the girls and boys team both finished first.

Football got off to a rocky start last week on the road and they are looking to get things right tonight when they host Trinity.  JV kick-off at 5:30 varsity at 7:30.  FFA will be selling Tri Tip sandwiches so bring your appetite.  For those of you that are new to Durham make sure you have a big bottle of  Bug Repellent.  

FFA:

Big thanks to Mr. Deaton for helping with the fund raiser for sports boosters.  Mr. Deaton and a few of the students helped make the parking signs (see attached picture).

Sept. 5 - Football vs Trinity 5:30 and 7:30
Sept. 9 -  Volleyball vs Winters
Sept. 12 -  JV Football vs JV Los Molinos  5:30 @ Home 
Sept. 12- Varsity Football vs Oroville 7:30 @ Home 


Student Services and Supports (from Marilyn Bertolucci)

National Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a dedicated time to focus on suicide prevention and the importance of mental health. We encourage every member of our school community—parents and staff—to be part of this vital conversation. By learning the warning signs and knowing where to find help, you can be a lifeline for a young person who may be struggling.

Understanding Suicide Prevention

Warning Signs in Young People: It can be difficult to tell if a child or student is thinking about suicide, but some signs may include:

  • Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves

  • Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun

  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

  • Talking about being a burden to others

  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

  • Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly

  • Sleeping too little or too much

  • Withdrawing or isolating themselves

  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

  • Extreme mood swings

If you notice these signs, be the one to start the conversation. Asking a person directly about their well-being in a caring way can provide relief and may save a life.

The Power of Connection: NAMI.org emphasizes that connection can save lives. By simply asking a person or student how they are really doing and being ready to listen without judgment, you can make a significant difference. You do not have to face this alone.

Immediate Help and Resources

The most important step is reaching out. Help is always available.

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: The 988 Lifeline is a free, confidential, and 24/7 service for anyone in distress. You can connect with a trained crisis counselor for support for suicidal thoughts, mental health issues, substance use, or any kind of emotional distress.

    • Call or Text: 988

    • Chat: 988lifeline.org/chat

    • For Adults: The 988 Lifeline is also a critical resource for parents and staff who are concerned about a young person and need guidance on how to help.

Butte County Local Resources

For more information, visit buttecounty.net/youth.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact Marilyn Bertolucci atmbertolucci@durhamunified.org