Superintendent's Weekly Update
This week’s board meeting kept the momentum going for campus improvements across the district. The board approved a resolution to support the first $9 million sale from the Measure B board approved by the Durham community in November’s election.
The board further approved Nichols, Melburg & Rossetto, based on recommendations from the district’s Architect Selection Committee, as the architect for the new Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten construction project at Durham Elementary School. The goal of this project is to complete a new six classroom facility for Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten. Stay tuned for more updates as the process continues.
Additionally, the board approved a new Verkada security system to be installed at Durham High School. This will match the new system that was recently installed at Durham Intermediate School.
Summer School
It’s hard to believe, but it is already time to start planning for summer school. The announcement for seeking a summer school principal (lead teacher) should be arriving in staff emails soon.
As a reminder, Durham Unified operates a summer school program for all three schools in the month of June.
More information will be sent soon with the dates and times of the summer school program.
Rigsbee Retirement
Recently, Durham Intermediate Sixth grade teacher Karla Ribsbee informed the district that she will retire at the end of this school year. Karla is the longest tenured teacher in the district as she started working for Durham Unified in 1993!
Congratulations Karla - a well deserved retirement, but you will definitely be missed!
I hope you enjoy a very long and healthy retirement!
Updates from Principals
DES (from Samantha Brown)Four day weeks always seem so busy! 2nd-5th grade students continued their NWEA MAP testing with the goal of wrapping up this week, unless a student has been absent or is new to the school. We held another in-person new student TK and Kindergarten Registration on Tuesday; parents continue to register their students for next year, and we encourage anyone who has yet to register to get registered as soon as possible. On Wednesday afternoon, our School Site Council met and reviewed the DUSD Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). Wednesday evening we held our third D.E.S. Family S.T.E.A.M. Night, along with Music Boosters holding a fundraiser hamburger dinner for our guests.
We held a monthly fire safety drill on Thursday afternoon while our Kindergarten and 2nd and 3rd grades were out at recess; in addition, many students were in the multi-purpose room in Reading Pals. This provided great practice for students and staff to use their radios.
We are looking forward to the 100th day of School on Monday, 1/27/25. Next week our kindergarten and first grade students will have their 100's projects on display in the main hallway. Students should have returned their pledge envelopes to their classroom teachers today, but still have time to turn them in before the 100th day Math-A-Thon on Monday. Staff and students are also being encouraged to decorate a t-shirt with 100 drawings to wear on the 100th day.
Tiger Spotlight of the Week: Dina Buttitta, Kindergarten Teacher
1) Why did you become a teacher? I always loved school, learning new things, and working with kids. I wanted to be able to share that with the students in my classes. I love the excitement and curiosity that all the little ones in my class have everyday.
2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I enjoy reading and spending time with my family.
3) A fun fact about yourself or a unique talent you possess, if any? N/A
4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why is it your favorite? I have so many favorite books; it is hard to choose just one.
5) Favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School? My favorite part of working at Durham Elementary School are the people. We have such a strong sense of community and family here - it was the first thing I noticed when I started working in Durham.
DIS (From Joanne Parsley)
Durham Intermediate enjoyed their extra long weekend and the sun shining is bringing our students out during their breaks to soak it all up.
8th Grade
Science: We are wrapping up our Earth, Moon, and Sun unit and will be blasting off into the rest of the solar system and universe starting next week!
Math: The eighth grade did small group instruction to prepare for their standards.
Social studies: preparing to create their African masks.
Language arts : Students just finished a school-wide argumentative essay. This was for 7th and 8th Graders.
PEG: (Project 8th Grade): The students' interview questions and the individual(s) they are going to interview were turned in this week. They are beginning to work on graphing data and their outlines.
PE: Pickleball action is in full swing! Students are sharpening their skills and competing in team doubles tournaments. Also, with all this nice weather students have been working on adding miles to their run across America. Students in individual classes are working towards running across America as a class, and many find themselves in Utah. As a school, we are currently in the middle of Nebraska!
DIS SPORTS: Boys basketball is buzzing! This week the boys split their games with a loss against Chico Country Day, but a win against Maywood Middle School yesterday. This weekend, we will take on the Chico All-City Tournament. Next week brings two home games and the following week, we host our Annual Rene Brandol Classic from Feb. 6–8. Come cheer on our team and GO PANTHERS!
6th grade is learning about and building volcanoes in science and preparing for the BLASTOFF day on Monday, Feb. 3rd, parents are encouraged to attend.
DHS (From Marty Wilkes)
DHS doing the right thing
Big thanks to Ms. Eaton and the boys for helping out with getting some clean up done downtown. It is always good seeing our boys doing the right thing for good people. (see attached photo)
Forest Ranch Lyons Club hosted their spoken word contest, and Gisella Rocca and Maykala Dovin gave an outstanding performance. The competition was close, and the judges had a tough decision to make. In the end, Gisella Rocca took the win and will be advancing to the next level of competition. Congratulations, Gisella. (See attached photo)
Counseling:
The registration process for the 2025-26 school year has begun. Mrs. Spade has started visiting classes and will continue meeting with students over the next week. If they haven’t already, students will be coming home with their course request form. Please take time to discuss your child’s courses with them. All course requests are due by Friday, January 31st. As part of this process, we will be holding an 8th grade parent night on Thursday, January 30th at 6:00 pm in the Library.
This week, we had an informational meeting with the students that met the requirements for Girls State. If they are interested in applying, they must submit their resume to Mrs. Spade or Mrs. Ladd by Tuesday, January 28th.
Butte College was here in Economics classes to help the seniors fill out their FAFSA applications.
All seniors should be working on making an academic resume to prepare for scholarship season. The earlier this is done the easier it will be when scholarship due dates start closing. The season is upon us. Also, please remind your student to check the Advisory Google classroom regularly. We have been posting opportunities as they come in.
Next week, students who meet the GPA requirement for Boys State will have a meeting to learn about the program and receive an application if they wish to apply.
Jan. 27 - Boys State Information Meeting (during 4th period)
Jan. 28 - Resumes for Girls State Due
Jan. 30 -8th grade parent night
Feb. 1 - Butte College Scholarship Opens
Feb. 3 - Butte College Fire and Law Enforcement Academy Tour
Feb. 4 - ASVAB Test
Feb. 26-27 - Girls State Interviews in the library
The AG Department:
Last weekend, FFA took 11 students (sophomores and juniors) to Sacramento for the Made for Excellence and Advanced Leadership Academy, at which they participated in various workshops relating to FFA and Agriculture Education as a whole. A great time was had by all! On Wednesday, January 15, we took three 8th graders to their first FFA Creed Recitation Contest. They are eager for the next competition! We are working hard on getting CA FFA State Degrees for students who applied, they are due next week! This is the highest degree that can be won at the state level in FFA. Floral subscriptions are still for sale - contact Ms. Luce to buy yours.
Jan. 27 - Ag advisory meeting 5:30
Feb. 1 - Field Day- AET team at Arbuckle
Athletics:
Girls basketball moved their record to 13-5 overall and 4-1 in the SVL. They picked up a non-league win over Hamilton and league wins over Pierce and Paradise.
Boys Basketball moved to 15-4 overall and 5-0 in the SVL. The boys defeated Paradise, Hamilton and Pierce.
The Ski and Snowboard team had 8 top 10 finishes last week at Boreal. Marcus Montgomery took first in Snowboarding, and Lily Larrabee took first in Skiing. Ryley Vanella took placed 3rd and Ty Webb placed 5th in Ski, and Rowan Turnquist placed 4th in Snowboarding.
The wrestling team is preparing for their dual meet with Chico next week. As league and section meets draw closer.
Jan. 24 - Girls Basketball vs Willows
Jan. 29 - Boys Basketball vs Colusa
Jan. 29 - Soccer vs Paradise
Feb. 1 - Basketball vs Mt Shasta Saturday JV girls tip off at 11:00 am
Feb. 4 - Soccer vs Paradise
Feb. 4 - Boys Basketball vs Winters
Feb. 8 - Block D Dance 7:00
Feb. 11 - Boys Basketball vs Pierce
Student Services and Supports (from Marilyn Bertolucci)
Student Use of Vapes, E-Cigarettes, and Nicotine Pouches
There is an increasing prevalence of vapes, e-cigarettes, and nicotine pouches among our students. In 2024, e-cigarettes were the most commonly used tobacco product among middle and high school students in the United States:61
1.63 million (5.9%) students currently used e-cigarettes. This includes:
410,000 (3.5%) middle school students.
1.21 million (7.8%) high school students
These products are marketed in ways that appeal to youth, often featuring fruity flavors and discreet designs that make them easy to conceal. Despite their seemingly harmless appearance, they pose serious health risks, including addiction and damage to developing brains.
Recognizing the Signs
Here are some ways to determine if your student might be using these products:
Physical Symptoms: Increased coughing, shortness of breath, or unusual thirst.
Behavioral Changes: Irritability, restlessness, or secretive behavior.
Possessions: Unusual devices resembling USB drives, sweet-smelling odors, or empty pods and pouches.
Talking to Your Student
Initiating an open and nonjudgmental conversation can make a significant impact.
Be Curious, Not Confrontational: Start by asking what they know about vapes or nicotine products.
Share the Facts: Explain how these products can harm their health, focusing on how addiction and other risks can affect their daily lives.
Offer Support: Let them know you’re there to help without judgment.
Cessation Resources in Butte County
If your student is already using nicotine products, resources are available to support cessation:
Butte County Public Health – Tobacco Cessation Programs
Phone: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
Online: California Smokers’ Helpline offers free counseling, tools, and resources tailored to youth.
Youth-Specific Support:
My Life, My Quit: A free and confidential service for teens (text or call 855-891-9989 or visit mylifemyquit.com).
Truth Initiative’s “This is Quitting”: Text “DITCHVAPE” to 88709 for support tailored to teens.
School Resources: Contact your student’s school counselor or administrator for additional support and referrals.
For DHS and DIS students click here
For DES contact Marilyn Bertolucci at mbertolucci@durhamunified.org
We encourage you to stay informed, engaged, and proactive in addressing this critical issue. Together, we can create a healthier future for our students.
Thank you for your partnership in supporting the well-being of our youth.
Other Resources for supporting students:
Parent Guidance offers free confidential services in the areas of parent coaching, on-demand courses and “Ask A Therapist” .