Welcome message from the Principal, Mrs. Brown

Dear DES Families,

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! I am thrilled to continue leading a school with such resilient students, a dedicated staff, and a supportive community. It is truly a privilege to be part of Durham Elementary and to work with our amazing students and families. I am excited to continue our partnership in celebrating and supporting all children, maintaining the excellence and community spirit that makes our school so special.

Building strong relationships with staff, students, and families remains a top priority for me. I am eager to hear your ideas and vision for our school, and to collaborate with you in supporting our Durham Elementary community. I strive to make sure all families feel welcome and connected. Information about joining our fantastic Parent/Teacher/Student (PTS) organization is available in the DES Parent Student Handbook and on the PTS bulletin board in our main hallway. Please take a moment to review the DES Parent Student Handbook and visit our school webpage for more information: https://des.durhamunified.org/.

The Durham Elementary School office will be open beginning on Monday, August 5, from 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. daily. The school office number is (530) 895-4695. Durham Elementary School has opted not to hold Kindergarten Round-Up again this year. TK and Kindergarten teachers will send out welcome letters via email on the 5th of August. Parents of children in grades 1st-5th can find their child’s class assignment on your parent portal on Monday, August 12th after 4:00 P.M, as long as all areas have been updated for the current school year, and those teachers will email welcome letters on Tuesday, August 15th.

Back to School Night: Tuesday, August 13, 2024 (TK-1: 5:00-5:45 P.M., 2-5: 6:00-6:45 P.M.)            

First Day of School:  Wednesday, August 14, 2024 (TK and K ONLY: Parents/Guardians will attend with their child from 8:15-9:00AM on the first day of school, and then proceed to the Multi-Purpose Room to meet with Principal Brown from 9:00-10:00AM.)

School Start Time: 8:15 A.M. for all students

Dismissal: TK: 11:45 A.M. Monday-Friday

K-5th: 1:40 P.M. Monday; 2:40 P.M. Tuesday-Friday; and, 12:20 P.M. Minimum Day                                           

Our drop off and pick up will remain similar to last year: TK and K will be in the front circle; 1st grade in the high school parking lot near the TK/K/1 playground; 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade on Durham-Dayton Highway; and, 5th grade will be in the high school parking lot near the DES garden. Older siblings are asked to walk to the pick-up area of their youngest sibling. Students who attend the After School Program through Durham Park and Recreation District will meet on the TK/K/1 playground. Please feel free to contact me by email at sbrown@durhamunified.org or by calling our school office at (530) 895-4695. I welcome any questions or ideas you would like to share.

I look forward to another terrific year and seeing our Tigers on the first day of school!

With Tiger Pride,

Samantha Brown, Principal