WE DID IT! The Moment We Earned is Here!

The clock has officially struck the hour: it is Thanksgiving Break!

To our incredible staff and dedicated parents, please accept this deep breath of relief and sincere gratitude. This is a truly well-earned chance to rest, recharge, and reconnect after months of tireless effort and unwavering commitment.

I sincerely hope that over the next week, you treat yourselves to the rest you have earned. But more importantly, I hope you find the time to slow down and anchor yourself firmly in the present moment.

Life moves at a relentless pace, constantly pushing us toward the "next thing." This week, let us choose to pause, to look around, and to truly savor the company of our friends and family. This cherished time is the real fuel for our spirit.

May we never forget the irreplaceable gift of connection. Let us embrace these fleeting moments of joy and togetherness, cherishing the bonds we have while they are right here beside us.

Have a truly thankful and restorative break!

DHS football chosen as game of the week
The Durham High School football team travels to Winters tonight to battle top seed Winters in the Northern Section Division V playoffs - kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm. This matchup was voted the game of the week on KCRA news. The game will be featured in the broadcast’s weekly highlight session.  KCRA news is a Sacramento station, but you can watch the broadcast if you download the KCRA app on your smartphone.

DHS volleyball garners league awards
The DHS volleyball team enjoyed great success this year by winning the Sacramento Valley League (SVL) and advancing to the second round of the state playoffs. The SVL recognized four players on the team with its end of season awards. Senior Payton Santos was named the most valuable player. Josie Landon (Sophomore), Clare Osbon (senior) and Hayden Poyner (senior) were all named to the all-league team. (See attached pictures)

DES (from Samantha Brown)
This week was highlighted by Trimester 1 Parent-Teacher Conferences and National Substitute Appreciation Week. The 2nd grade classes showcased their talents with the VAPA performance, "Lifecycles the Musical", on Tuesday (Knobbe), Wednesday (Dwyer), and Thursday (Alaways) evenings. Additionally, Chess Club met Monday after school, and the DES PTS held its November meeting Tuesday morning at the Memorial Hall. The week concludes with a regular 2:40 PM release today, Friday, November 21st, and a School Spirit Day where students and staff were encouraged to wear mismatched clothes. Everyone is grateful to have next week off for Thanksgiving break.

Upon returning from the Thanksgiving break, the holiday season will commence. On the first Monday back, Mrs. Knobbe will hold the December ASB Leadership meeting during lunch, and the Chess Club will meet after school in the DES Library. Tuesday, December 2nd is Special Education Day and is also the day of our December monthly staff meeting. Finally, on Wednesday, December 3rd, we will hold our rescheduled November meeting after school in DES Room 4.  

DIS (From Josh Rowe)
Girls Basketball Tournament

Thank you to everyone who came out to support our Lady Panthers last weekend!

• 7th Grade Girls earned 3rd place with a win over our 6th Grade Girls.

• 8th Grade Girls brought home the Championship with a victory over Chico Country Day.
  Great job, Panthers!

Boys Basketball
It’s time to get ready for Boys Basketball tryouts! Tryouts for our 7th and 8th grade teams will be held on December 4th. Please contact Holly in the front office to pick up all required forms. It is essential that students have all forms completed prior to tryouts, including a current sports physical. If you have any questions, please reach out to Holly or our Athletic Director, Mr. Richards.

PEG Parent Meeting
Our 8th Grade PEG Project is almost here!  Mrs. Withrow and Miss Schnitzius (Miss S) will be hosting a PEG Project Parent Meeting on December 3rd at 6:30 PM in the Commons.

Please plan on attending to hear the full scope of what your student will be doing during this project. Se ofrecerá interpretación en español.

Shady Creek Parent Meeting
There will be a Shady Creek Parent Meeting on December 16th at 5:30 PM. If you are a parent or guardian of a 6th grader, it is important to attend to learn more about the exciting experience your student will have at Shady Creek. Se ofrecerá interpretación en español.

Upcoming Dates

• November 24–28: Thanksgiving Break — No School

• December 3: PEG Parent Meeting at 6:30 PM

• December 16: Shady Creek Parent Meeting at 5:30 PM

• December 19: Minimum Day

• December 22 – January 2: Winter Break — No School

DHS (From Marty Wilkes)

Counseling

This week’s To Be Challenge in Advisory was to be Uplifting. Students and staff were encouraged to find at least 3 people to compliment with specificity. What an easy way to show appreciation and lift up those in our lives!

Counseling was busy this week working with seniors on their college applications. Reminder that UC and many CSU applications are due December 1st, the first day we return from break. Students are encouraged to submit their applications early as college websites tend to be overloaded and bogged down on those final days. Technical support is available through the university systems if students need help during break. 

Last Friday, we took 8 students to the Northwest Lineman College to tour the campus and learn about their program. See attached picture.

This week a representative from Universal Technical Institute (UTI) visited with seniors in English. She presented on the different programs UTI offers and discussed the need for more people to enter trade industries across the country.

Also, Mr. Wilkes and Ms. Spade were fortunate to join the Advanced Biology class on their field trip to Llano Seco this week. Students observed ducks, geese and other waterfowl in their natural environment, while collecting data for a class project. It was cold, but a great experience! See attached pictures.

Athletics:
Football:
Football earned a little revenge Friday night taking down Colusa 18-0 in the first round of the playoffs.  The defense played well and had their first shutout of the season.  Kolton Beynon had a good game, breaking off a long run for a TD in the second quarter making the score 12-0.  Ely Martinez played well on both sides of the ball, making several key tackles and having several big runs for first downs.  Hank Simmons had a timely sack in the 4th quarter dashing any hopes of Colusa making a comeback.  The Boys travel to Winters tonight, kickoff is at 7:00.

Upcoming Games

Basketball
Nov. 24 Girls at Chico High
Dec. 2 - Boys and Girls vs Quincy 3:00, 4:30, 6:00 7:30

FFA:
This week we had 100 students attend our Friendsgiving FFA meeting!

Pre ordered Thanksgiving floral arrangements are ready for pick up anytime today from 2:30 pm -4:30 pm

Upcoming Events:
Dec. 2 - Marysville Fab Contest
Dec. 3 - Fair exhibitor contracts due 
Dec. 5 - Gridley Welding Contest
Dec. 10 - December FFA Meeting

Student Services and Supports (from Marilyn Bertolucci)

Salvation Army Thanksgiving

The Salvation Army of Chico is ringing in the holiday with a free traditional Thanksgiving meal from noon to 3 p.m. on Nov. 26 at 567 E. 16th Street. At 1 p.m. entertainment will be provided with a special musical presentation. No pre-registration is required and all are welcome.

Chico Rescue Mission: Hosting an "Orphan Thanksgiving" on November 28, 2024 from 2 to 6 p.m. at 2612 Esplanade.

OROVILLE
Community Thanksgiving meal
Servpro Team Landers is hosting a free community Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 22 at 521 Cal Oak Road. The hot meal includes turkey, ham and all the traditional side dishes. There will also be a limited number of meal prep kits available to take home and cook.

Annual Thanksgiving dinner
From 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 25, Grace Point Church of Oroville is hosting its’ annual free community Thanksgiving dinner. This free event includes a traditional dinner with dessert and the opportunity to socialize and give thanks with other community members.

PARADISE
Pie making, Thanksgiving dinner
Join other Ridge citizens at the First Christian Church community pie-making event from 2 to 6 p.m. Nov. 20. Event participants will have the opportunity to make two pies — one for the church’s annual Thanksgiving community dinner and one to take home. All ingredients and supplies will be provided. To RSVP and for information call 530-877-9923 or email paradisefirstchristian12@gmail.com

The church’s annual free traditional holiday meal with all the fixings and the pies will be served  at 1 p.m. Nov. 24. Guests are invited to enjoy their meal with others in the church’s dining hall or grab a meal to go. Both the pie-making event and dinner will be held at the church at, 5738 Pentz Road.

MAGALIA
36th annual Thanksgiving dinner
The Magalia Community Church is opening its doors to one and all for a free Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 22 at 13000 Skyway. The 36th annual dinner will feature turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, apple and pumpkin pie and drinks.

*If there are leftovers, the church will be packaging up free Thanksgiving meals to go that will be available starting at 3:30 p.m.

Below you will find a list of resources to support those in need. These are also places that you are able to donate to if you have enough to share. 
National Food Pantry Finder: https://foodfinder.us/

211 Butte County (All BC Social Services, including Help During Gov Shutdown tab):

Community Action Agency North State Food Bank: North State Food Bank – Community Action Agency of Butte County, Inc.

CHC Food Assistance (Northstate food pantries listed by county): Local Food Resources

530 Food Rescue (Distributes to organizations): Receive Food - 530 Food Rescue Coalition

Hope Center (Oroville & Paradise): The Oroville Hope Center

South Chico Community Assistance Center: South Chico Community Assistance Center

NVCF Food for All (Saturdays 1 PM Trinity Methodist, Chico): Chico Food For All

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