Superintendent's Weekly Update
We have officially made it to a well deserved two-week break. I hope each of you has the opportunity over the break to spend time with friends and family, and takes some time to get energized for the second half of the school year.
I know I often find time to catch up on a little movie watching during the break. At the county SELPA meeting this week, SELPA Director Aaron Benton shared a trailer of a movie titled “Out of My Mind.” This movie is about a main character with cerebral palsy, nonverbal, with a communication system. If the trailer is any indication the movie will be inspirational with laughter and tears mixed in. The movie can be seen now on Disney+.
Here is a link to the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvVxyoQQzFs
District Office during break
With both the Christmas and New Year’s Holidays falling in the middle of the week, it makes for a unique schedule for the district office over break. Add in some final steps in the remodal of the district office, and there may be some unknowns with the schedule.
As of today, the plan is for the district office to be open Monday, Thursday and Friday of the first week of break.
The second week of break will see some floor work in the middle of the district office. However, the office should be open on Monday, Dec. 30. On Tuesday, Jan. 2 there will be floor work taking place - the office may still be open but it will be more difficult to access. Please plan on not coming to the district office on January 2. The office should be back open on Friday, January 3.
Thank you for your understanding and enjoy the break!
Work crews on campus over break
Work crews will be working on several projects on campus during break. Work will continue on some final items at Durham Intermediate school, including lighting projects and. camera installation.
If materials arrive on time, crews will also be installing clocks and speakers at the elementary school and high school.
The kitchen hoods will also be inspected and serviced at both the elementary school and high school.
Updates from Principals
DES (from Samantha Brown) It is one the most wonderful, and yet one of the craziest weeks of the school year from TK and Kindergarten classes hunting for the gingerbread man to students shopping at the DES Christmas Boutique to 5th grade graham cracker houses, visits from Santa and his elf (Mr. and Mrs. Pisenti), and TK singing performances. There was lots of help this week from buddy classes as older students helped their younger buddy classes shop at the Christmas Boutique, wrap gifts, and complete seasonal projects.
As we head into winter break, I want to express my gratitude for the hard work and dedication of our staff, students, and families. This break is a well-earned opportunity to relax, recharge, and enjoy time with loved ones. I wish everyone a joyful holiday season and look forward to welcoming our Tigers back on Monday, January 6th, refreshed and ready for a fantastic new year!.
DIS (From Joanne Parsley)
Well, we did it: We made it—that is the feeling all around DIS, from staff to students to parents.
This week we had small group learning environments for our 8th-grade students with an F in any class or multiple classes. Huge shout out to Jenna Juanrena for tackling this and being with the students. We were also able to have Chad Abshier help with our math students. Tuesday through Thursday we went from 27 students to 5 on Thursday. We believe the small group environment was highly effective for those students which will be reflected positively in the Q2 grades.
Our ASB sold candy grams all week while also promoting our daily dress up days for spirit week culminating in all the students' favorite pajama day.
CJSF entertained our students with their version of Reindeer games. They had games throughout the day plus many more during their student run rally for our day end. It was the perfect ending to our week and the first half of our year.
The Intermediate School would like to wish all of our families and Durham Unified Staff the happiest of holiday seasons.
DHS (From Marty Wilkes)
Happy Christmas: We made it through finals and we official have 100 days left of school.
The AG Department:
Dec. 20 Christmas Floral Pick Up
Athletics
All four basketball teams earned the “W” Tuesday night vs Oroville. All four of our teams also picked up wins Thursday night at their respective tournaments. The Varsity Girls (7-3) earned a win against Las Plumas High School by the score of 50 to 35. The Varsity Boys (6-2) got the “W” over Trinity High School.
The wrestling Team had a dual meet at Las Plumas on Wednesday. The Varsity boys’ team was 11-3 for the meet. Seniors Edgar Flores, Haden Solinger, Richie Halvorson, Junior Carter Schmid and sophomore Landon Salindong looked outstanding on the boys’ side. On the girls’ side the sophomores looked really good with Trinity Kolu, Lilah Cardoza, and Camryn Moss all recording pins.
Dec. 19-21 - Boys Basketball at Anderson Tournament
Dec. 19-21 - Girls Basketball at Orland Tournament
Jan. 3 - Boys Basketball home vs East Nicolaus, Girls
Basketball at East Nicolaus
Jan. 7 - Girls Basketball home vs Colusa, Boys Basketball at Colusa
Jan. 6 - Boys and Girls Soccer at Maxwell
Jan. 9 - Boys and Girls Soccer vs Enterprise
Student Services and Supports (from Marilyn Bertolucci)
Holiday Activities In Butte County
Chico Ice Rink Located in Downtown Chico, we offer skating for all ages, skate rentals, and a cozy atmosphere to enjoy the season.
Lights of Hope Lights of Hope is a free, family-friendly holiday event hosted by The Father’s House Church, designed to bring the community together in the spirit of the season.
Celebration Market 20+ Local Vendors: Discover unique, one-of-a-kind gifts made by talented artisans from Butte County. Perfect for those last-minute holiday needs!
Holidays got you or your family stressed? Check this out!
Students ages 0-12 and their families Brightlife Kids is personalized support, providing expert coaching for sleep issues, worry, social skills, and more.
Students ages 13-25 Soluna is space to destress, bounce back, and reset. Completely free and confidential for California teens and young adults. Always.
988 Lifeline offers support for life’s challenges. Find support here for mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug concerns or if you or a loved one just needs someone to talk to. Caring counselors are there 24/7. YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Anthem's Employee Assistance Programs. EAP offers confidential resources when you or a family member need help and support. EAP representatives are available 24/7 and each member is able to access six 1-hour confidential counseling sessions per incident, per person, per year with licensed professionals at no cost. Supports are offered in-person or in virtual sessions via Live Health Online.
I hope you find time to relax, recharge, and enjoy moments of joy and connection with your loved ones. You have earned this break, and I wish you all the warmth and happiness that the holidays can bring. -Marilyn