After 17 days of school, we have made it to our first extended three-day weekend. I hope everyone finds time for relaxation and enjoyment this weekend.

When we return from Labor Day weekend, we are looking at an 11-week stretch until Thanksgiving Break. We do have one extra three-day weekend in October followed by a midweek day off to celebrate veteran’s day on Nov. 11.

We have officially ended the beginning of the school year and now enter a focused stretch of valuable learning for our students.

Thank you for all of the hard work to get the school year started, and, in advance, for all of the hard work of students and staff as we continue through the school year.

Durham Unified School District will be awarded a Career Technical Education (CTE) facility Modernization grant and is still in the running for a New Construction CTE facilities grant as well.

The district applied for two Career Technical Facilities Program Grants in December of 2025. One was a modernization grant to update the current Ag classroom, floral lab and add an Ag science lab for $1.5 million. The other application was for new construction for a new Ag Mechanics facility complete with welding shop, wood shop, classroom, outdoor work space and an animal barn for $3 million. 

We were informed this week that the $1.5 million modernization project will be funded. These are matching funds, the district will match the $1.5 million to create a $3 million project.

The new construction project scored just four points lower, but that put it at project number 150 on the list or about $11 million away from the available state funding. This doesn’t necessarily preclude it from being funded as we just need about 4 or 5 of the applicants above us to decide to decline the funding. The state has asked the district for clarification on this project, which tells us that the state still considers funding possible.

If the new construction project does not get funding in this round, there is one more round of funding available with applications due Dec. 1. 

The district will be working to improve our application and submit it by Dec. 1. Our grant writer informed me that there appears to be a lot less interest in applying for the next round. He also told me the score we received in this round would have been funded in most previous rounds. He is very optimistic that we will get funding in the next round if it doesn’t happen in the current round.

The Durham Unified School District has two open trustee spots on the Board of Education after no one filed for the Nov. 3, 2026 election. The DUSD board will appoint two members at its Oct. 21 board meeting.

In order to be considered for an open board seat, a Durham resident must complete and submit a candidate application form by 5 pm on Wednesday, Sept. 16. 

To obtain a candidate application form contact Durham Unified Executive Assistant/HR Chloe Bartel at 530-895-4675, ext. 5001 or via email at cbartel@durhamunified.org.

Interested applicants may also schedule a meeting with Durham Unified Superintendent John Bohannon to discuss the duties and responsibilities of Trustees.

DES (from Samantha Brown)
This week at Durham Elementary was marked by focus, celebration, and strong momentum across our campus! Our 2nd–5th grade Tigers wrapped up NWEA MAP testing in Math and Reading, demonstrating fantastic effort and perseverance. On Thursday, our campus was all smiles for Lifetouch Picture Day as students and staff paused to capture memories for the new school year.

We capped off the week on Friday by launching our annual PTS Cookie Dough and Gifts Fundraiser, kicking off an exciting opportunity to support our school community! Furthermore, our Tier 2 Reading Interventions, ELD, and TK math support are officially in full swing, with our team diving into progress monitoring to celebrate every step of student growth.

Upcoming Events at DES: September 7 – September 11, 2026

• Monday, September 7

  • NO SCHOOL — Labor Day Holiday! Enjoy the long weekend with family and friends!

• Tuesday, September 8

  • Tiger Gear Tuesday — Show your Durham Tiger pride and wear your school colors!

• Wednesday, September 9

  • TK & Kindergarten Oral Health Screenings in the DES Health Office (8:30 AM – 12:30 PM)

• Friday, September 11

  • TK Bucketfilling Assembly 8:30-8:50 AM

  • K-2 Bucketfilling Assembly 9:00-9:35 AM

  • 3-5 Bucketfilling Assembly 9:45-10:25 AM

  • Popsicles with the Principal in the DES Courtyard (2:15 PM)

DIS (From Josh Rowe)
ASB Officers
We are excited to announce our ASB officers for the 2026–27 school year! Congratulations to all of the students who participated in the election process and did a great job with their campaigns and speeches.

Parker Reinolds was elected ASB President, Michael Crete ASB Vice President, Lucia Alvarado ASB Secretary, and Owen Burwell ASB Treasurer.

Our new officers held their first general meeting this week and jumped right into their new roles by helping plan our Jog-A-Thon Rally. We are looking forward to seeing their leadership throughout the school year!

PE Swim Unit
Our PE classes wrapped up their swim unit this week with synchronized swimming routines! This fun culminating activity gave students the opportunity to showcase the swimming skills they developed throughout the unit while also building teamwork, communication, and creativity. It was a great way to celebrate their hard work and finish the swim unit!

Jog-A-Thon Rally
It is that time of year again! Today, we are kicking off our annual Jog-A-Thon fundraiser with a rally to get students excited for the big event on Friday, September 25.

The Jog-A-Thon is DIS's biggest fundraiser of the year, and the funds raised directly support opportunities and experiences for our students. Jog-A-Thon funds help cover or offset the cost of Shady Creek Outdoor School, Red Ribbon Week, the Honor Roll Trip, the 8th Grade Trip, Promotion gowns and other Promotion-related expenses, as well as additional student activities, celebrations, and experiences throughout the year.

We greatly appreciate the support of our DIS families and community. Every donation helps us provide experiences and opportunities for our students that would not otherwise be possible.

Back to School Dance
Our annual Back to School Dance is tonight, September 4, at Durham Memorial Hall from 5:30-7:00! The dance is sponsored by PTS, and admission is $10. Students must have a signed permission slip to enter.

We are looking forward to a fun evening and a great way for our students to celebrate the start of another school year!

Picture Day Is Coming
Picture Day is right around the corner! DIS Picture Day is Wednesday, September 16.

Picture packets were sent home with students this week. If your student did not bring one home, additional packets are available in the DIS front office.

Gala Parent Sign-Ups
The Durham Gala is Saturday, October 24, at Durham Memorial Hall! This annual event raises funds for all three Durham school campuses and provides principals with the opportunity to purchase items and make improvements that are not covered through regular school funding.

DIS has directly benefited from the generosity of the Gala and our Durham community. Last year, Gala funds helped pay for the new mural on the DIG, which has been a wonderful addition to our campus. Gala funds have also supported projects throughout the district, including scoreboards, gym equipment, technology upgrades, and more.

As we prepare for this year's Gala, we would greatly appreciate the help of our DIS families. One of our biggest needs is for parents to help organize and put together grade-level baskets for the silent auction. These baskets are an important part of the Gala, and we would love to have DIS well represented.

There are many ways to support the Gala. Whether you attend, donate an auction item, help create a grade-level basket, become a sponsor, join the Gala Committee, or volunteer to work the event, every contribution makes a difference.

The Gala is truly a community effort, and the money raised comes right back to supporting our students and schools. Thank you to our DIS families and the Durham community for continuing to support opportunities for our students that would not otherwise be possible. Be sure to scan the QR code for additional information and opportunities to get involved.

Labor Day — No School Monday
A reminder that Monday, September 7, is Labor Day and there will be no school. We hope all of our DIS families enjoy the three-day weekend!

Upcoming Events
September 4 — Jog-A-Thon Rally
September 4 — Back to School Dance
September 7 — Labor Day — No School
September 14 — Minimum Day
September 16 — Picture Day
September 18 — Cardboard Boat Races
September 25 — Jog-A-Thon
September 25 — Minimum Day

DHS (From Marty Wilkes)
September’s Student of the Month is Emma Waggoner.  Emma has a 4.3 GPA. Emma is on the Volleyball and Wrestling teams where she won the Master Championship. She also played right field on our section title winning softball team.  Emma will be applying to several colleges this year, including New York University, Tampa University, University of Oregon, and UC San Diego.  Ms. Waggoner will be majoring in Journalism.  She is currently taking Advanced Ag Floral, Physics, Southern Oregon University (SOU) English, SOU Government, Calculus, and Stats. 

Counseling:
This week in Advisory students enjoyed Club Day. This amazing event, spearheaded by Sra. Arendt, showcased all the clubs DHS has to offer. Kids had a chance to ask questions, find out when meetings happen and gather information about ways to get involved on campus. All students who participated and turned in their Club Day Card were entered into a drawing for a Dutch Bros gift card. Emily Mendoza was our winner. What a fun event! See attached pictures.

Mrs. Ladd has been busy scheduling lots of opportunities for our students. Here is a list of upcoming events and activities to be aware of:

9/15 - Chico State Tour
9/18 - Chico State College of Business Tour
9/22 - ASVAB
9/22 - Seniors & Parents Information Night
9/24 - Chico State College of Natural Sciences Tour
9/30 - UC Santa Cruz Presentation on the PIQs @ 11:55 (Parents are welcome to attend)
10/1 - Butte College Transfer Day (All Seniors will attend)
10/1 - UC and CSU Applications Open
10/2 - UC Santa Barbara Presentation @ 10:00 (Parents are welcome to attend)

Fall is always a busy time of year, but if we can be of assistance to you or your student, please let us know.

Athletics:
Volleyball has run their record to 12-2 going into league play that starts next week.  The football team has a 1-1 record with a bye this week.  

Volleyball: 
Sept. 8:   Home vs Winters
Sept. 10:  at Paradise
Sept. 15:  Home vs Pierce
Sept. 17:  Home vs Willows

Football:
Sept. 11:  at Oroville
Sept. 18:  at Biggs

AG:
Durham FFA had a successful week at the Butte County Fair, with students competing in poultry, swine, goats, sheep, steers, heifers, and rabbits.

Student Exhibitors:
• Poultry: Meaka Ketcham, Julie Felix, Michael Moss and Karla Rangel
• Swine: Emma and Brayden Waggoner
• Goats: Kate Vanella
• Sheep & Rabbits: Lolo Gore
• Steers & Heifers: Ellie Tiffany and Gage Horn

Overall Grand Champion Market Steer: Ellie Tiffany
FFA Champion Poultry Showman: Karla Rangel
FFA Champion Goat Showman: Kate Vanella
FFA Reserve Champion Poultry Meat Pen: Julie Felix
FFA Reserve Champion Rabbit Pen: Lolo Gore
FFA Reserve Champion Steer Showman: Ellie Tiffany
FFA Reserve Champion Market Goat: Kate Vanella

We are incredibly proud of our students for their hard work and dedication and for representing Durham FFA and Durham High School so well!

Durham FFA Floral Program is selling their Annual Floral Subscription please contact Mrs. Kann with any questions! 

Student Services and Supports (from Marilyn Bertolucci)
First established in 2008, National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month takes place every September to support those impacted by suicide, increase public awareness, and connect people experiencing suicidal thoughts with care and support services. CDC data reveals that suicide claims more than 41,000 lives in the United States annually, leaving loved ones to deal with profound loss. It ranks as the 10th primary cause of death overall for American adults and the 2nd for individuals aged 10 to 24, with rates continuing to rise.

Cultivating Connection Nationwide: Strengthen Suicide Prevention Together

• The people in our lives can be a lifeline. Strong relationships and trusted connections help protect people when life gets hard.

• Suicide prevention starts long before a crisis. Open conversations, shared resources, and visible awareness make a real difference.

• Knowing the warning signs of suicide, in adults and in children and teens, means being able to recognize when someone needs support and connect them to help sooner.

• Communities that talk openly about mental health and suicide help reduce the stigma that keeps people from asking for help.

• Prevention is everyone’s responsibility, not just one organization’s. Families, schools, workplaces, faith communities, health systems, and individuals all have a role to play.

• Small acts of connection, such as a check-in, a shared resource, a moment of genuine attention, are how communities take care of each other.

Suicide Prevention Resource Center    988 Lifeline

Reading Universe Check out the Video Library!

Maxim 1. Language development, beginning with speaking and listening skills, is the foundation for learning to read.

Weekly Update Archive