Superintendent's Weekly Update
It is the time of year where we have some well-deserving employees receive awards as evidenced by this week’s Classified and Certificated Employee of the Year events sponsored by the Butte-Glenn County chapter of the Association of California School Administrators (See attached pictures.
Stacy Blake, Dana DelCarlo, Erica Montgomery, Jenna Juanarena, Emily Abshier, Carmina Vital and Ed Hernandez earned the outstanding awards for the extra mile they all go in the name of supporting the students of Durham Unified.
I would like to add, even though these employees received the awards this year, they are symbolic of the efforts our staff makes every day. I wish we could recognize all of our staff members for the herculean efforts that happen every day in the name of helping our students.
Construction Updates
The architect has started working on plans for the new Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten facility at Durham Elementary. A group of staff members will tour a couple of schools with new Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten facilities on Monday.
On Tuesday, Requests for Qualifications are due for companies wishing to be the contractor for the elementary school project.
The topographical study of the football stadium is underway for the planning of a new grandstand.
Staffing updates
The district is engaging in the interview process for all of its open teaching positions. Last week, interviews for agriculture teachers took place. This week, interviews for the open English teacher and Ed Specialist positions took place.
Next week, many candidates will be interviewed for the open multiple subject credential positions at the elementary and intermediate schools.
Updates from Principals
DES (from Samantha Brown)
On Monday, during Early Release Collaboration time, our 3rd-5th grade and Education Specialist teachers met for their annual CAASPP training. On Tuesday, the second grade team met to review curriculum; work on updating our report cards and report card assessments; and to work on curriculum alignment and scheduling for next school year. Our 2025 Employees of the Year, Stacey Blake and Dana DelCarlo were honored at an awards dinner at Sierra Nevada on Wednesday and Thursday evening. Our Technology Committee met on Thursday afternoon to review a staff Technology Survey to be administered and to set goals for moving forward. Today, Morgan Alaways and Molly Knobbe, our co-ASB advisors shifted gears when the BMX Assembly was once again rescheduled due weather, and spread the "Bully Free" message by playing fun games (Minute to Win it style) with teacher volunteers from the audience. Students and staff also participated in a school spirit day by dressing up as their favorite musician or famous band/artist.
Tiger Spotlight of the Week: Yolanda Prentice, Elementary Office Manager/Secretary
1) What made you decide to work as a secretary within DUSD? How many years have you worked in the district? How many of those years have been as the DES Secretary? I started as a Para at DES when my youngest child went into Kindergarten. In 2000 the opportunity for a full time secretary position opened up and I moved over to the high school. I have worked for the district for 28 years and have been at the Elementary school for 7.5 years.
2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? There are too many hobbies for me to list but my top two are my horses and I love to quilt.
3) A fun fact about yourself or a unique talent you possess, if any? My fun fact is that I am the mother of 6 children and have 12 grandchildren, 4 girls and 8 boys.
4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why is it your favorite? My two favorite books are "Where the Crawdads Sing" and "The Great Alone" both books show that people can overcome hardship and rise to meet the challenges that life puts in front of them.
5) Favorite part about working in Durham Elementary School? I love the littles, many of the children are from students that I had at the high school. I am grateful to end my career at DES.
DIS (From Joanne Parsley)
First and Foremost we would like to acknowledge two members of our staff that received awards this week. Erika Montgomery was our outstanding classified employee of the year and Jenna Juanrena was awarded the teacher of the year by her peers. We are so proud of both of you and truly grateful for all of your hard work and dedication that you give to Durham Intermediate School. We appreciate you both.
Seventh grade History students have wrapped up the Asia unit with their Japanese Culture Presentations. We saw demonstrations of karate, origami, and traditional makeup and fashion. We sampled sushi, yaki udon, yakimeshi (fried rice), and lots of mochi and hi-chews! We took a tour of a Japanese motorcycle, and learned about video games, anime and manga, and the Cherry Blossom and Lantern Festivals. Now onto the early American civilizations: the Maya, Aztec, and Inca.
In 7th grade English students have started Unit 6: Guided by a Cause. Students are starting this unit by writing a Collective Argumentative Essay.
Eighth grade History: students have started the Civil War unit by mapping out the pattern of admitting states into the union through 1850, and how that maintained the status quo of keeping the country, and slavery, intact. Now we are exploring the many ways the North and South were different, from their geography and economy, to their transportation and lifestyles.
PE: BCOE has spent three days with all DIS students educating them on the physical cognitive and emotional effects of vaping and cannabis use. Students had the opportunity to touch and feel the difference between a healthy set of lungs and lungs of a 20 year smoker. Pig lungs were used to simulate human lungs. In addition to the classroom lessons, BCOE will be on the DIS campus at lunch on Friday to engage with kids and hand out prizes and gifts to encourage healthy habits to stay away from vaping and tobacco use.
Students have learned strategies on how to say no to smoking and vaping when pressured, what media influences have on them, what companies they think and how to ask for help. We are grateful for the opportunity for our students to be given this information from an outside resource.
Exciting news from 6th grade--First and foremost, the winner of the "Americanism" Elks Lodge Essay Contest was Carmella Rocca! Not only did she win at the local Butte County level, she also won the Northern California region, which included the Bay Area. Finally, she won 3rd place in the state of California!!!!! A wonderful accomplishment for her and we are incredibly proud of this Durham 6th-grade scholar!
The 6th grade kicked off the Calendar Project, a 12-page research project, on a topic of their choice. This is an in-depth study using a variety of sources and will be presented in a speech at the end of the quarter.
Also, wanted to include more photos of Shady Creek (attached)
April student of the month is Madeline Frazier. Madeline has a 4.17 GPA and is one of the few seniors that has an eight period day. She starts her day with zero period Band and ends her day with seventh period Calculus. If you haven’t heard her sing, you’re missing out. She does an amazing National Anthem. Maddie is not only an outstanding student, she is truly one of the kindest young people you will have the opportunity to come across. Ms. Frazier is still considering several Universities at this time.
Softball:
Plays Live Oak tomorrow to close out their week, whom they lost to earlier in the week.
Baseball:
Baseball is 8-3 currently after picking up a 12-6 win vs Live Oak and a 14-1 win vs Hamilton. They close out their week at home today vs Live Oak. Baseball will be hosting a tournament on April 4 and 5.
Track:
Kiera Britten broke the school recorded in the shot put and disc at the last meet. She threw the disc 98 feet 3 inches and threw the shot 33 feet 10 inches.
Ag Department:
Big congratulations to Max Landon for winning the California Specialty Animal Production Proficiency award at the state conference.
Student Services and Supports (from Marilyn Bertolucci)
DUSD is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all students. Bullying is a serious issue, and we want to ensure that everyone feels empowered to seek help if they need it. We encourage you to talk with your students about bullying and remind them that they can always reach out for support, whether in person or through our STOPit app. STOPIt allows students to report incidents confidentially and helps us address any concerns promptly. https://appweb.stopitsolutions.com/login
State Testing is coming soon!
Before the Test
Establish a Consistent Routine – Ensure your student has a regular study schedule and gets adequate rest in the weeks leading up to testing.
Encourage a Positive Mindset – Talk about the test as an opportunity to show what they’ve learned, not something to fear.
Practice Test-Taking Strategies – Teach them techniques like eliminating wrong answers, pacing themselves, and reading questions carefully.
Provide a Quiet Study Environment – A distraction-free space helps with focus and preparation.
Review Content Gradually – Encourage short, consistent study sessions rather than cramming.
The Night Before
Ensure a Good Night’s Sleep – Aim for at least 8–10 hours of sleep.
Prepare in Advance – Lay out clothes, pack supplies (pencils, erasers, calculator if allowed), and plan a stress-free morning.
Encourage Relaxation – Avoid last-minute studying and instead do something calming like reading or listening to music.
The Morning of the Test
Provide a Nutritious Breakfast – Include protein and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
Arrive on Time – Being punctual prevents unnecessary stress.
Give Words of Encouragement – Remind them to do their best, stay calm, and trust their preparation.
After the Test
Celebrate Their Effort – Praise their hard work regardless of the outcome.
Discuss the Experience – Ask how they felt and what they learned.
Encourage Growth Mindset– Reinforce that tests are just one way to measure learning and improvement