Superintendent's Weekly Update
The Durham Unified School District (DUSD) continues to have a strong, collaborative relationship with the Durham Recreation and Park District (DRPD).
Here are just a couple of examples:
DUSD utilized the DRPD pool for PE classes and for the high school swim team.
DRPD and DUSD work together to ensure that elementary students have an affordable after school program.
A couple of years ago the two entities worked together to create a “Swim Ready” program. DUSD staff recognized that we regularly had a small number of students entering sixth grade at Durham Intermediate School that had not learned how to swim. Not only was this not a safe situation for these students, but it also created a lack of connection for them when they could not join their classmates in the pool in the swim unit that traditionally starts the year for intermediate school PE classes.
As part of the district’s summer school program, a four-week “swim ready” program was created in partnership with DRPD and its certified lifeguards. This summer, 12 DUSD students took part in the program with 11 passing the final test which included: 1. Swim test, shallow, and deep 2. Sit and jump and swim with the instructor 3. Float on their backs for 10 seconds. 4. Sit and jump from the deck and pick up rings from 6 1/2 feet. 5. Swim 25 yards. One student passed every part of the test except swimming for 25 yards.
This program helps these students feel more connected in swim units at the pool and could very well be a lifesaver for them.
As part of DUSD supporting the DRPD after school program, the two entities also worked to upgrade the basketball court in the Brinson Center this summer. The gym floor was transformed from a standard cement floor to a true basketball court (see attached picture).
For a number of years now, DRPD has been operating the 6th grade basketball teams to support DIS students. This year, DRPD will be adding soccer teams for DIS students as well.
This collaborative relationship is just one example of our community working together to do everything possible to support our youth.
Our children shine best when we all work together as a team to support them.
Updates from Principals
DES (from Samantha Brown)
It has been a wonderful first full week of school!
On Monday, during Early Release Collaboration, DES teachers were introduced to our new Aeries standards-based report card and gradebook. More in-depth training will be provided during our September 15th Professional Learning Day. Additionally, Kevin Martin provided training for our first grade teaching team and other new teachers on NWEA MAP testing.
On Tuesday morning, the DES PTS held their first meeting of the school year at the Durham Memorial Hall. It was great to see both familiar faces and new ones interested in getting involved! We are looking forward to an amazing year ahead.
On Thursday evening, we hosted our Back-to-School Night, which was very well attended. Thank you to all the parents who took time to attend their child’s teacher presentation and learn more about how their class will operate this school year.
Coming up next week:
Monday (8/25): Early Release at 1:40 PM; teachers will participate in annual medication training.
Tuesday (8/26) & Wednesday (8/27): Minimum Day Release at 12:20 PM for Parent-Teacher Interviews (DES only).
Thursday (8/28): First fire drill evacuation; Student Council nomination forms due by 3 PM; first District English Language Advisory Committee (DELAC) meeting at 6:00 PM in the DES Multi-Purpose Room.
Friday (8/29): Our first school spirit day—students and staff are encouraged to wear tie-dye!
Lastly, our DES Tiger Spotlight this year will feature our teachers and staff in “When I Was a Kid…” First up is 5th grade teacher, Katie Harvey, who also celebrated her birthday yesterday!
DIS (From Josh Rowe)
We’ve officially wrapped up our first full week of school, and what an amazing start it’s been! Our students and staff are settling in, and the energy on campus is contagious.
Picture Day
Yesterday, our students and staff showed up looking sharp and ready to shine for Picture Day! We can’t wait to see those smiles in the yearbook. Yearbooks are now for sale, be sure to read the Panther Press when it comes on on Sunday, you can scan the QR Code and order ours now before the price goes up.
Cross Country is Coming to DIS!
We are thrilled to announce that Cross Country is now a sport at DIS!
Student Info Meeting: August 22 at lunch in the DIG
Sign-Ups: August 26 at lunch in the DIG
Parent Meeting: August 28, 6:00–6:30 PM in the Commons
The Cross Country season will run September 3 – October 23. This is a great opportunity for students to stay active, challenge themselves, and represent DIS!
Back to School Dance
Our first dance of the year is almost here!
Friday, August 22, from 5:30–7:30 PM is the Back to School Disco Dance, hosted by PTS. Students are excited to dress in their disco best and get ready to dance the night away!
ASB Speeches & Elections
Next Friday, our campus will be buzzing with school spirit as students deliver their ASB campaign speeches in front of their peers. We’re eager to see campaign posters go up next week and to hear our student leaders share their vision for DIS. Elections will be held on August 29.
Mark Your Calendars – Upcoming Events
August 22: Back to School Dance
August 29: ASB Speeches & Elections
September 5: Jog-A-Thon Rally
September 19: Jog-A-Thon Paperwork Due
We’re off to an incredible start this year, and the weeks ahead are filled with opportunities for our students to learn, lead, and celebrate together. Let’s keep the momentum going—it’s a great time to be at DIS!
DHS (From Marty Wilkes)
The first full week is in the books. Things seem to be going well. Students are adjusting to cell phone policy and not going to their car 6 times a day. Make sure you check your students' Aeries accounts. I have noticed some missing assignments already. We have had a few kids already out with a bug, so make sure your students are checking their google classroom to keep up on their school work if they miss school.
Volleyball went 3-1 at their home tournament on Saturday. On Tuesday the girls went to Williams and earned a win in three sets. Thursday our volleyball team went to Las Plumas and earned another win in three sets. Our Girls have moved their season record to 5-2 and will be hosting Maxwell on Wednesday and Trinity on Thursday. Senior Payton Santos has been playing well.
The tennis team earned their first win of the season with a 8-1 win over Oroville on a hot Thursday afternoon. Senior Gracie Donahoo, Durham's No. 1 seed, led the way.
If you made it to Orland last Friday you got a sneak peak of our football team. The Boys will travel to Redding Christian next Friday (Aug. 29). JV will kick off at 5:30 and varsity follows at 7:30.
FFA
Butte County Fair was this week and Durham had 10 students showing livestock. Karla Rangel was the FFA champion rabbit showman and is showing in the small animal round robin today. Camryn Moss placed 2nd in her market class with a pig that they bred and owned. Ellie Tiffany won Reserve Champion FFA market steer. All students will be selling their animals on Saturday.
Aug. 25 - Ag Booster Library 6:30
Aug. 26 - FFA Chapter Meeting 6:30
Aug. 27 - Volleyball home vs Maxwell 6:00
Aug. 28 - Tennis at Orland 3:30
Aug. 28 - Volleyball home vs Trinity 5:00
Aug. 29 - Football at Redding Christian 5:30/7:30
Sept. 2 - Back to School Night 6:00-7:30
Sept. 8 - Senior Parent Night 6:00
Student Services and Supports (from Marilyn Bertolucci)
It’s important to prioritize mental health and well-being, and we want to ensure you have access to helpful resources. Two excellent support services available are Soluna and BrightLife Kids, both offering guidance and resources for children and families navigating challenging times. Both Soluna and BrightLife are able to offer support in English and Spanish as well as other languages.
For immediate crisis support, please call/text/chat 988, a confidential and free 24/7 helpline available to anyone in need. This support can be used by caregivers as well as anyone who is supporting a person in crisis. This is a support for any type of social emotional crisis.
We appreciate your partnership in supporting our students. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance.
-Marilyn mbertolucci@durhamunified.org and 530-895-4697 ext. 6020
Soluna - Soluna is a free, confidential app that offers mental health support to California residents ages 13–25. It's available on iOS and Android.
BrightLife Kids- 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.