Educators put their hearts and souls into helping students day after day, year after year, often for decades. While we occasionally receive heartfelt gratitude from a student or a parent, we mostly don't know the true impact we have on every child who walks through our doors. In fact, often the loudest voices we hear are those of dissatisfaction.

I was reminded of this painful reality this past weekend when I learned that Paula McMichael had passed away. For those who don't know, Mrs. McMichael taught at Durham Elementary School from 1956 to 1996—that's four decades dedicated to our children!

My family experienced her classroom across generations. In her very first year, my mom and her twin sister were in her 6th grade class. Many years later, in the 1980–1981 school year, Mrs. McMichael was my 5th grade teacher.

I only truly learned the depth of this connection years later when Mrs. McMichael happened to move across the street from my mother. They became close friends, and I was able to reconnect with the same wonderful and kind soul who had helped shape my childhood.

When my aunt told me of her passing this weekend, she also started sharing the flood of public sentiment appearing on social media. While I avoid social platforms, the messages being shared are a profound comfort.

• "Oh my heart is broken. We had so many good times and she was such a lady. She helped so many kids at school... It was such a blessing.”

• “Paula McMichael made such a wonderful blessing in so many people’s lives... Durham was so fortunate to be blessed by her.”

• “Mrs. Mac was my favorite teacher!”

• “Mrs. Mac!! The heavens got a great one. I have some of the best memories of her. She was by far my favorite teacher.”

Social media can certainly be a mixed bag, but it is a beautiful way to share special memories of special people. These shared memories are a gift to her family.

Let the outpouring for Mrs. McMichael be a reminder: We must share kind thoughts like these today. Don't wait. Tell the teachers, the mentors, the friends, the family members—anyone who positively impacts your life—that you see them and appreciate them. Provide that positive feedback while they are still here to receive it.

DHS’s Storey in the news again

In September, it was reported in the Superintendent’s update that DHS Junior Jason Storey was on Action News Now for being selected to represent Northern California in Philadelphia as a flag bear in the Homecoming 250th Anniversary Parade.

Storey appears in the news again this month, this time in the November issue of Upgraded Living magazine - https://issuu.com/upgradedliving/docs/november_2025

Make sure to read the article as Storey was recently named Region 12-8 Cadet of the Year with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Golden Bear Division.

DES (from Samantha Brown)
We have had a busy start to November! Last Sunday, our DELAC community celebrated with a Día de Los Muertos potluck. The Día de Los Muertos Museum in DES Room 39 was open for visits by appointment throughout the week. Tier 2 reading intervention groups resumed this week  Academically, the First Trimester officially concluded Wednesday, November 5th. We held our November Staff Meeting on Tuesday, continuing discussions about changes in PBIS implementation, changes to the 2023 Math Frameworks, and reviewing changes or growth in DIBELS and NWEA MAP data from the beginning of the school year to the end of the first trimester. Finally, Mrs. Masuda's and Miss Martinez's 4th grade classes took field trips to the Butte Creek Ecological Preserve today, Friday, November 7th; Mr. Martin's class unfortunately had to reschedule until the spring. 

While teachers and classified staff are enjoying a four-day weekend, teachers will be having teacher professional learning on Monday, finalizing first trimester report cards in the new Aeries system, meeting to review and discuss student data, and TK teachers will work with a BCOE UPK Specialist on toileting and trauma informed practices, while K-5 teachers will attend a strengthen training for Amplify Science to enhance their practice. Everyone will enjoy a day off from school on Tuesday to honor our veterans. Wednesday through Friday will be business as usual. Thursday, November 13th is World Kindness Day and our 3rd grade classes will be attending Kid's Day at the CSU, Chico University Farm for a fun day of learning at agricultural education stations. Friday afternoon students nominated by their teacher will have popsicles with Principal Brown

DIS (From Josh Rowe)
Girls Basketball
Our Lady Panthers played with determination against Bidwell Jr. High this week, coming up just short. Next week, the team will travel to Palermo on Wednesday before we host our Panther Invitational from Thursday through Saturday. We hope to see our community come out and cheer on our athletes!

The Manor Project
The annual Manor Project, a collaborative effort between our History and English Departments, is now complete. Over the past several weeks, students in Mr. Ramsden’s and Ms. Schnitzius’s classes explored medieval history as they prepared for the Medieval Feast held on November 6. This engaging cross-curricular experience allowed students to bring history and literature to life in creative and meaningful ways. Great work to all involved!

Pumpkin Drop Field Trip
Our 8th grade students visited Chico State on Halloween to learn about physics through the campus’s annual Pumpkin Drop event. Students observed demonstrations led by members of the Chico State Student Physics Society, participated in campus tours, and gained valuable insight into college life and opportunities offered at Chico State.

Upcoming 4-Day Weekend

A reminder that Monday, November 10 is a non-student day. Teachers will be on campus for professional development. There will be no school on Tuesday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day.

As we observe Veterans Day, we extend our sincere gratitude to the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces. Your courage, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting our freedoms inspire us. Thank you for your service and for the example you set for our students and community.

Upcoming Dates

• November 10 – Non-Student Day (No School for Students)

• November 11 – Veterans Day (No School)

• November 13–15 – Panther Basketball Tournament

• November 24–28 – Thanksgiving Break (No School)
  

DHS (From Marty Wilkes)

November’s Student of the Month is Joshua Harding.  Josh has a 4.22 GPA and plays on the football team, basketball team, and runs on the track team.  Mr. Harding will be applying to several colleges this year, including Cal Poly, Chico State, Notre Dame and Colorado State. Josh would like to major in Civil Engineering.  He is currently taking Calculus, Butte Spanish 3, SOU English and Government, Advanced Bio, Graph Design and Strength and Conditioning.   

Counseling:
In Advisory, students enjoyed a fun fall activity creating leaves with uplifting messages for their classmates. The leaves are displayed throughout the Library and are a colorful reminder of all our students’ positive attributes.

This week the counseling department has been calling in seniors individually to touch base about their future plans.  We want to make sure they are on the right track and see if they need any help.  Many seniors still need to do the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

Additionally, many college application deadlines are rapidly approaching. If seniors need help finalizing their apps, they should see Ms. Spade or Mrs. Ladd soon…with all the upcoming holidays, there are very few school days left to help.

Athletics:
Volleyball: 
The volleyball team hit the  30-win mark and advanced to the finals by beating Hamilton on Tuesday night. The girls played well as a team. We took a bus of 30 kids to root our girls to victory.  I am hoping for more of the same Saturday.  

Football: 
Football is waiting for the playoff brackets to come out this weekend.

Nov. 8 - Volleyball Championship Game vs East Nic at Foothill High School (Palo Cedro) 5 pm

FFA:
Up and coming in the Ag Department:
Nov. 10 Ag Boosters golf tournament! 

Student Services and Supports (from Marilyn Bertolucci)

This week is the National School Psychology Week (NSPW), we are celebrating the crucial work of our school psychologists and interns in helping students, staff, and families thrive. The theme, "Finding Your Path," highlights their specialized role in guiding all members of our community toward their goals and success. We asked our School Psychologist, Carmina Vital, and our four Chico State Interns—Breanna Valdez, Yanet Martinez, Susie Lo, and Maria de Jesus Partida—what the National School Psychology Week theme, "Finding Your Path," means to them and how it guides their daily practice.

Carmina Vital:  To me, the theme 'Finding Your Path' is a powerful metaphor for the core mission of school psychology: empowering students, families, and staff to find their journey toward success. Ultimately, 'Finding Your Path' is my professional compass. It guides my commitment to a practice that is diagnostic, developmental, and collaborative. My role is to be an equity-focused navigator, working with students, families, and staff to help students have the resources, skills, and beliefs necessary to not just reach a destination, but to thrive on their own unique route to success.

Yanet Martinez: In my daily practice, the theme "Finding my Path" guides how I show up with empathy, humility, and a caring mindset. As I meet and connect with this community, I remind myself to be a collaborator and advocate, ensuring that I have the tools to support students. Growing up in a Hispanic household, I learned that success is not an individual pursuit but a collective journey guided by family, community, and perseverance. That same belief shapes how I approach my role in schools today. Ultimately, “Finding my Path” reminds me that I am still on a journey of learning, growing, and becoming a psychologist who helps others do the same

Breanna Valdez: Finding your path means exploring what brings people joy and incorporating that into their daily lives and practices. I think everyone should always be curious and ask questions because that's how we connect with others and find those paths that lead us to success. It can be easy to get lost in finding the "right" path versus putting energy into discovering a path that brings us the most fulfillment and fills our cup up! I do my best to stand from a place of discovery and exploration because there is always something new to learn about ourselves, the people in our lives, and beyond. 

Susie Lo: This year’s theme reminds me that everyone has a unique journey toward growth and success. To me, it represents the idea that our paths may look different, but with the right support, each person can find the direction that fits them best. In my daily practice, this means meeting students where they are and working collaboratively with families and staff to remove barriers to learning and well-being. It’s important to foster supportive environments where students, staff, and families feel empowered and capable as they navigate their own journeys.

Maria de Jesus Partida: “Finding your path” means knowing my ultimate destination, but the true value lies in the purposeful journey of growth and discovery. As a school psychologist, this translates to a firm commitment to inclusive support, ensuring no student is left behind. My role centers on collaborating with all stakeholders to provide the strategies and resources students need to achieve their goals. 

Please take a moment this week to thank our dedicated school psychologist and interns for the crucial work they do to support every student's journey. Have a great weekend!

Weekly Update Archive