The installation of fencing on the east side of the Durham Intermediate School campus has been ongoing. Please remember that the area, including the parking spots on the south side of the district office near the sixth grade classrooms, is not a dropoff or pick up location for students. It is not a safe place to drop off students in this location. When the fencing installation is complete, this entrance will not be open, and any student dropped off there will not be able to enter campus at this location. Please utilize the planned drop off area between the district office and Durham Intermediate School gym or drop your student off in the front of the school, where the new parking lot faces the high school parking lot. Thank you for helping to keep our students safe.
For those of you heading down to the game on Saturday, here is some more information.
The X on the far left is the Parking garage we are supposed to park in. (There will be a fee) The X on the bottom right on L Street is the player entrance where players and officials will enter. The third X is the entrance for spectators and Parents.
Tiger Spotlight of the Week - Katlin Redding, TK Teacher
1) Why did you become a teacher?
I became a teacher because I believe in the power of making a difference in students' lives. I want every student to feel welcome, heard, and valued, creating a safe environment where they can thrive. My passion lies in inspiring students to fall in love with learning, helping them discover their potential and develop a lifelong curiosity. By fostering a positive and supportive classroom, I hope to make an impact that extends beyond academics, shaping confident and curious individuals for the future.
2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, going camping or just watching a movie on the couch. I’m also passionate about turkey hunting, which allows me to connect with nature and challenge myself. Additionally, I love attending my sons sporting events, and doing crafty things with my sweet daughter.
3) A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any?
A fun fact about me is that I really enjoy the outdoors and I love shooting my bow with my dad and brother on the weekend when I have free time.
4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why is it your favorite?
I love the old school Matilda movie. Growing up it was one of my favorites and when my kids were small they loved it too. So we've watched it many times in my house and it's definitely an all time fav.
5) Favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School?
This question is so easy to answer!! My favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School is the incredible sense of community and support. Being new to Durham this year, I felt so welcomed and included by everyone. The amazing students and families have made my transition smooth and so enjoyable. Every day, I look forward to coming to work and doing what I love most- teaching! The supportive environment here truly makes a difference and inspires me to give my best each day! I'm so beyond lucky to be a part of this wonderful community!
Wishing our amazing ski team the best of luck as they gear up for their first slalom race of the season at Boreal. Good luck, and Go, Trojans!
Mark your calendars! This year, the Boots and Bowties Dinner Fundraiser will be held at the Memorial Hall on February 20th. Tickets are available now by visiting our Eventbrite website. We are asking any parents willing to help with this dinner to please email Ms. Luce. This fundraiser would not be possible without the help and donations from our parents and community members. Thank you in advance for supporting our chapter.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-boots-and-bowties-dinner-fundraiser-tickets-1112054568149
Mark your calendars! This year the Boots and Bowties Dinner Fundraiser will be held at the Memorial Hall on February 20th. Tickets are available now by visiting our Eventbrite website. We are asking any parents willing to help with this dinner to please email Ms. Luce. This fundraiser would not be possible without the help and donations from our parents and community members. Thank you in advance for supporting our chapter!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-boots-and-bowties-dinner-fundraiser-tickets-1112054568149
A few days ago, an incredible community spirit display occurred in downtown Durham. Nine dedicated students performed a "random act of kindness" by tackling the muddy, leaf-filled area in front of Barb's Buy-gones and Needful Things, which had slick and slimy leaves in the street, raising concerns about community safety.
A BIG SHOUTOUT to Rowan Turnquist, Jonathon Gore, Jack Johansson, Jonas Ilukowicz, Bryce Landon, Carter Schmid, Liam Edson, Hank Simmons, and Micah Dawsons for their hard work and commitment to making the Durham Community a better place.
Shane Buzza graduated from Durham High School in 1983 and participated in baseball and cross country. He served as Student Body President in his senior year. He showed a strong interest in math and physics and aimed to attend the Air Force Academy. Shane attended Chico State for a year before receiving nominations to West Point, Annapolis, and the Air Force Academy, ultimately choosing West Point.
Graduating in 1988 with a BS in Mathematics, Shane became a Second Lieutenant in Field Artillery and served in Operation Just Cause in Panama. He transitioned to the Army Reserve in 1991 to pursue physical therapy, earning two Master's degrees from CSU Fresno and a Master of Strategic Studies from the Army War College.
Shane settled in the Monterey Peninsula, raising two sons and running a small physical therapy business. Following 9/11, he served stateside and in multinational exercises, commanding at various levels before becoming a General Officer in 2016.
Currently, Shane is a Major General and Chief of Staff at the U.S. Army Forces Command. His military training includes numerous advanced courses, and he has received various awards, including the Legion of Merit. He has two adult sons and enjoys multisport racing. He holds a private pilot certificate and has recently taken up skydiving, hoping to serve one final assignment before semi-retirement.
We thank you for your service and for being a shining example of what it means to give back to our nation. We are very proud of you.
January’s Student of the Month is Zach Zwinger. He has a 4.13 GPA and is on Durham’s wrestling team. This year, Zach has applied to several colleges, including Cal Poly, UCLA, UC Berkeley, North Dakota State, and Chico State. He would like to major in Biology. He is currently taking Physics, Advanced Biology, SOU English, and AP Government. Zach has been attending Durham since the 5th grade.
Tiger Spotlight of the Week: Brian Glover, Physical Education Teacher
1) Why did you become a teacher? After a lifetime of loving sports, I wanted a job where I could coach everyday! I’m blessed my “work” is encouraging children to have fun while learning to be a team player and enjoy healthy pursuits… I love seeing parents out and about and hearing that their child loves a particular unit.
2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I love spending time with my wife and our 3 adult children. Even though they are all grown (In fact I am going to be a grandpa soon!), we still all get together to go camping and fishing as often as possible. Golfing also tops my list!
3) A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any? Meeting Steve Garvey at a Giants game as a child and him being so kind to me and my group of friends actually converted me to being a Dodgers Fan. Not easy in Durham- ask Anne Marie Spafford!
4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share), and why is it your favorite?
The Natural- the best baseball movie ever made! Every baseball fan needs to watch it at least once.
5) Favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School? The kids, the parents, and our community. I am lucky to have a team of like minded coworkers that want to do right by our students every day. I love when students stop by our house to say hi when I am doing yard work, and I am glad our house has become a home base on Halloween where I can catch up with former students. Not all towns have friendships like Durham creates, usually starting with our school.
We are hiring an Intermediate School Principal to join our excellent team. If you’re ready to lead, inspire, and shape the future, we want to hear from you.
https://www.edjoin.org/Home/JobPosting/2030671
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT!
Rose Flores is a proud graduate of Durham High School, class of 2016. After high school, Rose pursued her education at Sonoma State, earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing in 2020. Rose then went on to graduate from Sonoma State again in 2022 with a Master’s in Business Administration
With a strong foundation in supply chain logistics and manufacturing, Rose has made an impact as a buyer/planner at Lundberg Family Farms for the past two years.
We are so proud of your accomplishments, Rose. Keep inspiring others.
Join our team! We are hiring a Utility/Bus Driver. Be part of our excellent team and a member of this incredible community.
Both our boys and girls soccer teams are hitting the road today to face off against Maxwell. Good luck to both teams. Go Trojans!
Attention Trojans Fans:
On Saturday January 18th, DHS Varsity Girls and Boys Basketball Teams will be playing at the Golden 1 Center ( Where theSacramento Kings Play) in Sacramento.
Gates Open at 5 PM with the Girls tipping off at 5:30 followed by the Boys at 7 Pm.
Light Concessions will be sold( Water, Soda, Popcorn)
Tickets are $20 a piece.
If interested, please contact Matt Stanley at mstanley@durhamunified.org.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our athletes! Thank you for the Support.
It's an exciting day for basketball! Today, we have games both away and at home against East Nicolaus. Our boys team will be playing at home, with the JV game starting at 5:30 PM. Our girls team will be away, and the JV game also starts at 5:30. Good luck to both teams, and Go Trojans.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT! Mark Davis, who graduated in 2023 and enlisted in the US Air Force. He officially graduated from basic training on March 6th and 7th, 2024.
One of our favorite stories about Mark is how he looked forward to lunchtime each day, eagerly anticipating the sweet surprise of candy from home for dessert. The surprise always brought a smile to his face.
Thank you for your service, Mark. We’re proud of you.
The District Office will be closed tomorrow, December 27, and reopen on December 30. Thank you, and have a great weekend.
Happy Holidays to all.
What a wonderful surprise for the students at Durham Elementary! A visit from Santa and his elf, Mr. and Mrs. Pisenti. It's such a special way to celebrate the holiday season!
