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.          

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              

Back to School Night: Thursday, August 22, 2024 (TK-1: 5:15-5:45 P.M., 2-5: 6:00-6:30 P.M.)                               

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

Durham Elementary School is dedicated to empowering every student to thrive by fostering a culture built on our core values of responsibility, perseverance, collaboration, integrity, and kindness.

We are committed to:

• Holding students accountable for their actions,

• Equipping them with the resilience to persevere through challenges,

• Teaching the importance of respectful collaboration,

• Instilling a foundation of honesty and ethical behavior, and

• Cultivating empathy and compassion for others.

We strive for excellence in academics, providing rigorous and engaging learning experiences that challenge and inspire our students. Through a comprehensive curriculum, innovative teaching methods, and a focus on continuous improvement, we aim to nurture intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.

Through these principles, we aim to develop well-rounded individuals who are prepared to positively contribute to their communities. Our mission is to create a supportive learning environment where each student is valued, inspired, and encouraged to reach their fullest potential.

At Durham Elementary School, our vision is to empower every student to thrive by embodying five core values: responsibility, perseverance, collaboration, integrity, and kindness.

We teach our students how to:

• Be accountable for their actions

• Persevere through challenges

• Work together respectfully

• Act with honesty and ethics

• Show empathy and compassion to others

In addition to these values, we strive for excellence in academics, providing a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum that challenges and inspires our students. Through innovative teaching methods and a focus on continuous improvement, we aim to nurture intellectual curiosity and a passion for learning.

By instilling these values and fostering academic excellence, we aim to cultivate well-rounded individuals who are not only prepared to contribute positively but also excel academically, making a significant impact in their communities.

Together, we nurture a supportive learning environment where every student feels valued and inspired to reach their fullest potential.

Durham Elementary School is a vibrant educational community located in the heart of Durham, California. Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Butte County, Durham is a small town just a few miles south of Chico. The school is committed to fostering academic excellence and personal growth for its approximately 500 students. With a focus on building strong relationships, enhancing literacy, and providing targeted interventions in reading and math, Durham Elementary is dedicated to creating a nurturing and effective learning environment. The school mascot is the Tigers, and they proudly promote positive behavior through their PBIS program.

Durham Elementary School has 26 fully credentialed teachers.  This year we are offering two half-day morning Transitional Kindergarten classes, with extended day care offered through the Durham Park and Recreation District. Grades K-3 are part of the class size reduction program, meaning the average class size in grades TK-3 is 20 students or fewer per teacher. Grades 4-5 average 30 students or less per classroom.  Durham Elementary School meets the required number of instructional minutes per year for each grade.  Student demographic breakdown includes 72% white, 4% two or more races, 21% Hispanic, <1% Black, 1% American Indian and <1% Asian.  Durham Elementary is dedicated to fostering high academic achievement for all students while instilling the values of responsible citizenship and respect for others in a safe, enriched environment. All students receive grade level standards-based instruction in math, English language arts, science, and social studies, as well as art, music, performing arts and P.E. It is our desire to prepare our students with the foundational skills that will enable them to be lifelong learners who attain success in whatever career they choose. At Durham Elementary, accountability is a shared responsibility among parents, educators, and the students themselves.