Durham Elementary School

Tiger Spotlight of the Week - Katlin Redding, TK Teacher 1) Why did you become a teacher? I became a teacher because I believe in the power of making a difference in students' lives. I want every student to feel welcome, heard, and valued, creating a safe environment where they can thrive. My passion lies in inspiring students to fall in love with learning, helping them discover their potential and develop a lifelong curiosity. By fostering a positive and supportive classroom, I hope to make an impact that extends beyond academics, shaping confident and curious individuals for the future. 2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, going camping or just watching a movie on the couch. I’m also passionate about turkey hunting, which allows me to connect with nature and challenge myself. Additionally, I love attending my sons sporting events, and doing crafty things with my sweet daughter. 3) A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any? A fun fact about me is that I really enjoy the outdoors and I love shooting my bow with my dad and brother on the weekend when I have free time. 4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why is it your favorite? I love the old school Matilda movie. Growing up it was one of my favorites and when my kids were small they loved it too. So we've watched it many times in my house and it's definitely an all time fav. 5) Favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School? This question is so easy to answer!! My favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School is the incredible sense of community and support. Being new to Durham this year, I felt so welcomed and included by everyone. The amazing students and families have made my transition smooth and so enjoyable. Every day, I look forward to coming to work and doing what I love most- teaching! The supportive environment here truly makes a difference and inspires me to give my best each day! I'm so beyond lucky to be a part of this wonderful community!

5 days ago, Durham Unified School District

Shane Buzza graduated from Durham High School in 1983 and participated in baseball and cross country. He served as Student Body President in his senior year. He showed a strong interest in math and physics and aimed to attend the Air Force Academy. Shane attended Chico State for a year before receiving nominations to West Point, Annapolis, and the Air Force Academy, ultimately choosing West Point. Graduating in 1988 with a BS in Mathematics, Shane became a Second Lieutenant in Field Artillery and served in Operation Just Cause in Panama. He transitioned to the Army Reserve in 1991 to pursue physical therapy, earning two Master's degrees from CSU Fresno and a Master of Strategic Studies from the Army War College. Shane settled in the Monterey Peninsula, raising two sons and running a small physical therapy business. Following 9/11, he served stateside and in multinational exercises, commanding at various levels before becoming a General Officer in 2016. Currently, Shane is a Major General and Chief of Staff at the U.S. Army Forces Command. His military training includes numerous advanced courses, and he has received various awards, including the Legion of Merit. He has two adult sons and enjoys multisport racing. He holds a private pilot certificate and has recently taken up skydiving, hoping to serve one final assignment before semi-retirement. We thank you for your service and for being a shining example of what it means to give back to our nation. We are very proud of you.

7 days ago, Durham Unified School District

Tiger Spotlight of the Week: Brian Glover, Physical Education Teacher 1) Why did you become a teacher? After a lifetime of loving sports, I wanted a job where I could coach everyday! I’m blessed my “work” is encouraging children to have fun while learning to be a team player and enjoy healthy pursuits… I love seeing parents out and about and hearing that their child loves a particular unit. 2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I love spending time with my wife and our 3 adult children. Even though they are all grown (In fact I am going to be a grandpa soon!), we still all get together to go camping and fishing as often as possible. Golfing also tops my list! 3) A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any? Meeting Steve Garvey at a Giants game as a child and him being so kind to me and my group of friends actually converted me to being a Dodgers Fan. Not easy in Durham- ask Anne Marie Spafford! 4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share), and why is it your favorite? The Natural- the best baseball movie ever made! Every baseball fan needs to watch it at least once. 5) Favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School? The kids, the parents, and our community. I am lucky to have a team of like minded coworkers that want to do right by our students every day. I love when students stop by our house to say hi when I am doing yard work, and I am glad our house has become a home base on Halloween where I can catch up with former students. Not all towns have friendships like Durham creates, usually starting with our school.

12 days ago, Durham Unified School District

We are hiring an Intermediate School Principal to join our excellent team. If you’re ready to lead, inspire, and shape the future, we want to hear from you. https://www.edjoin.org/Home/JobPosting/2030671

13 days ago, Durham Unified School District

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT! Rose Flores is a proud graduate of Durham High School, class of 2016. After high school, Rose pursued her education at Sonoma State, earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing in 2020. Rose then went on to graduate from Sonoma State again in 2022 with a Master’s in Business Administration With a strong foundation in supply chain logistics and manufacturing, Rose has made an impact as a buyer/planner at Lundberg Family Farms for the past two years. We are so proud of your accomplishments, Rose. Keep inspiring others.

14 days ago, Durham Unified School District

Join our team! We are hiring a Utility/Bus Driver. Be part of our excellent team and a member of this incredible community.

15 days ago, Durham Unified School District

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT! Mark Davis, who graduated in 2023 and enlisted in the US Air Force. He officially graduated from basic training on March 6th and 7th, 2024. One of our favorite stories about Mark is how he looked forward to lunchtime each day, eagerly anticipating the sweet surprise of candy from home for dessert. The surprise always brought a smile to his face. Thank you for your service, Mark. We’re proud of you.

20 days ago, Durham Unified School District

The District Office will be closed tomorrow, December 27, and reopen on December 30. Thank you, and have a great weekend.

27 days ago, Durham Unified School District

Tiger Spotlight of the Week: Stacey Blake, Librarian 1) Why did you become a teacher? It's been a long and crazy journey to get to this position at DES, but being the school librarian is where I fit best. Reading to students and interacting with them daily truly fills my bucket. The joy and excitement they bring to each reading session is incredibly fulfilling. It's rewarding to see their curiosity spark and to be part of their learning journey. I truly love my job. 2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Outside of DES, I enjoy reading, spending time with my family and friends, playing games, and taking weekend trips with my wonderful husband of 33 years. These moments of relaxation and connection are incredibly important to me, and I cherish the time I get to spend with loved ones, creating lasting memories. Whether it's exploring new places or simply enjoying a game night, these experiences bring joy and balance to my life. 3) A fun fact about yourself or unique talent you possess, if any? My children share a birthday. My son, Nicholas, was born on June 14, 1994, and my daughter, Madeleine, was born on June 14, 1996. It's always a special day for our family, celebrating both of them together! 4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share), and why is it your favorite? I've watched many movies that I've loved, but my favorites will always be Disney movies. Many Thanksgivings have been spent watching a Disney movie with my whole family, laughing and crying together. These movies hold a special place in my heart, as they've created lasting memories and brought my family closer through shared moments of joy and emotion. 5) Favorite part about working at Durham Elementary School? Over the last 16 years, I've seen many changes in the Durham district. I've gained new friends, met many people, and watched students grow into wonderful human beings. The one thing that has remained constant, however, is the sense of community. The staff and students truly become a family here. It's a great place to live and work, and I'm grateful for the connections and experiences I've had along the way.