The Durham Intermediate Staff worked with DIS students to create a thank you sign to the Durham communion and the Durham Unified Board of Trustees. 

The sign was placed in the boardroom for this week’s board meeting and hung on the new fencing on the Southwest corner of the DIS campus the day after the board meeting. (see attached picture)

Outdoor furniture and fencing for DIS

The board approved the purchase of concrete outdoor tables for DIS at this week’s board meeting. The furniture was ordered today, and it should be here in a couple of months.

The district is also working on fencing for the east side of campus.

Tennis team picks up first win

Durham High School added girls tennis to its athletic team offerings this school year as a fall sport. The team practices and plays its home matches at Paradise High School, as Durham High does not have tennis courts.

This week - the team picked up its first victory! (See attached pictures).

Updates from Principals

DES (from Samantha Brown)

This week teachers and staff enjoyed a Mexican Independence Day taco bar luncheon hosted by our TK-2 Sunshine group. During Monday's Inservice, DES teachers and staff participated in a three hour online teacher professional learning for Amplify DIBELS-8 online. A shout-out to Anne Marie Spafford and Maria Montante for getting Reading Pals up and running for the school year! DES held their first School Site Council meeting on Wednesday and the committee received their annual training. We wrapped up the DES PTS Cookie Dough and Gifts FUNdraiser this week; we are so thankful for all the parent and community support! Today, many of our classes enjoyed watching the DIS Boat Races.

Tiger Spotlight of the Week: Ms. Kelly King, Kindergarten Teacher with Mrs. DuBose:

1. Why did you become a teacher? I love making a difference in our student’s lives. I want them to enjoy and maybe even look forward to coming to school! I want to make  my classroom a safe place that everyone feels comfortable in.

2. What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I enjoy baking, reading, working on Cricut projects, and hanging out with Trevor (my fiancé) and family.

3.  A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any?  I don’t have any fun facts or talents.

4. Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why it is your favorite? I love the 1978 movie Grease. This was my grandmother’s favorite movie and every time I watch it, it makes me think of her. It reminds me of watching it with her.

5. Favorite part, so far, about working at Durham Elementary School? I would have to say that my favorite part of working in Durham so far would be the sense of community.  It feels like one big family here. I love that I know that I will always have support here and that I can always go to my Durham family if I need something. 

DIS (From Joanne Parsley)

We are ramping up for Jog a thon which takes place next Friday.  This year each class has chosen a color and an opponent.  We have lots of challenges between classrooms happening and few shenanigans occurring during prep periods.

Our students and staff came together to create a thank you to our Community and School Board to say a big thank you for our new campus.  All of our students and staff signed the "card" and we had it hanging in the boardroom during Wednesday's Board Meeting.  It's now hanging on the corner of the original building for all to see.

Our week culminated with boat races.  HUGE shoutout to Mr. Richards and all of his hard work on this fun and educational project.  He spent a few lunch hours with the students to make sure they had something to put in the water. Boat races have been happening for many many years and our students continued on with legacy today.  Unfortunately, not many were successful in making it across but all were successful in having a great time.  Many parents and students were also able to come out and watch their students try to make it across the pool.

DHS (From Marty Wilkes)

The first grading period has ended, grades are available on Aeries.  An admissions rep from U.C. Santa Cruz was on campus today and talked about how to write a quality essay for UC applications.  He gave some great tips and he is always pretty entertaining.  The Counseling department took 62 students to Butte College for Transfer day.  Student’s had the opportunity to hear from multiple CSU and UC schools while at Butte.  The Counseling department also has some CTE trips coming up over the next few weeks. 

The AG Department 

Sept. 19: Congratulations to Rauley Hengst (8th grade) for placing first at the North Valley Section Project Competition with his Orchard Production Supervised Agriculture Experience, Ryley Vanella and Camryn Moss for receiving a Sliver Award for their SAE.

Sept. 23: AG Boosters Meeting at 6:30 Vanella Feed Store

Athletics 

Football

The Varsity team earned their third win of the season with a 43-12 win against Oroville.  Perry Phillips was 9-15 for 148 yards and 3 TD.  Perry also made a great play with his feet with a 76 yard run for a TD. The Defense also got on the scoreboard with Jack Stephens got his second pick 6 of the year and his fourth interception of the season.

Volleyball

The varsity volleyball team moved their record to 16-8 on the season but dropped their first two league matches of the season. 

Swimming

The swim team had their third meet on Wednesday at Gridley and things are progressing as expected for the team.  Many of the athletes saw their times improve for the second straight week.

Update from Student Services and Supports (from Marilyn Bertolucci)

The official first day of fall, otherwise known as the autumnal equinox, is this weekend, September 22, 2024 at 5:43 a.m.,  in the Northern Hemisphere. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, it is one of only two days, the other being the vernal equinox, when the sun is directly above the Equator, essentially dividing night and day into equal portions.CalHOPE Schools provides mental health and wellness resources to schools across California at no cost.The website contains resources that focus on creating trusted spaces, building resilience, and recognizing the signs of mental stress and duress in colleagues, students, and family members.

CalHOPE is offering two digital mental health supports for youth, young adults and families. 

Brightlife Kids offers Personalized support for California families. Kids ages 0–12 get free, expert coaching for sleep issues, worry, social skills, and more. Live, 1:1 video sessions, secure chat, on-demand content, and more. No cost. No insurance needed. All right from home.

soluna offers Confidential support for 13- to 25-year-olds in California. No cost. No pressure. Chat 1:1 with a professional coach, use interactive tools to destress, or explore quizzes, videos, forums, and more. This support will also be available online coming in October. 

And finally,  not to leave adults out of the mix I recommend Calm available online and through an app.  Calm is a mental health support designed to manage stress, sleep better, and live a happier, healthier life. Calm’s goal is to help you build life-changing habits to support your mental health. They offer 500+ Sleep Stories®, soundscapes, and guided sleep meditations that can lull you to sleep. If you find yourself spiraling in negative thoughts and need immediate relief, try a  60-second Breathe Bubble that grounds you in the moment and helps your body return to a state of relaxation. Overwhelmed at work and need a breather? Calm offers stress and burnout specialists who can guide you through exercises to help calm your mind. 

Calm does have a subscription fee to access all features.  Thanks to Christy Spade for letting me know that  CTA members have free access!   CTA link Calm  For CSEA members I have contacted CSEA to see if they offer the same perk. 

Have a fantastic first weekend of fall! 

Weekly Update Archive