Superintendent's Weekly Update
There are so many things that make Durham a great place for students to attend school. We were reminded of two of those this week - the veteran teaching staff that keep supporting students even after retirement, and the amazing generosity of our community.
This was exemplified at Durham Intermediate School when recently retired 6th grade teacher Karla Rigsbee made a return to campus to support our students. See the intermediate report below for more information.
The generosity of the community is shining through the many fundraisers that different groups on campus are already running, which included cookie dough sales at both the elementary school and from the high school cheerleaders.
The intermediate school has also started its annual Jog-a-Thon fundraiser.
New PE lockers at DIS
For years, the boys locker room has not had enough lockers for all of the intermediate school students.
Thanks to the persistence of our intermediate school PE teachers and the work of our maintenance staff, the district was able to obtain and install additional lockers for the boys locker room. There are now enough lockers for all students.
See attached photos of the new lockers.
Updates from Principals
This week, we began our Tier 2 reading interventions in 1st-5th grade with Mrs. Adkins and our four fabulous reading paraprofessionals. Mrs. Knobbe held the first Student Council meeting of the school year during lunch with our newly elected officers and classroom representatives. During our Early Release Collaboration time, teachers met for a presentation on this year's Student Based Intervention Team (SBIT) process. On Friday, our TK, K-2, and 3-5 grade groups attended a Bucket Filling Assembly.
Looking Ahead to Next Week
Monday, 9/15: Minimum Day Release at 12:20 PM for K-5th grade students. TK students will get out their regularly scheduled dismissal time of 11:45 AM. Teachers will have Teacher Professional Learning in the afternoon to learn how to use our new Aeries Report Cards and Gradebook. DIS will release students at 12:10 PM, so the buses will pick-up early bus riders at DIS and then pick-up DES early bus riders at the elementary school. Please DO NOT PARK in the DES Bus Lane on Monday, September 15th. If your student is waiting for their DHS siblings, they will wait with Ms. Michele Mokres in the DES Courtyard until it is time to walk them over to DIS to catch the late bus with their DHS siblings who will be dismissed at 12:50 PM.
PTS Meeting at Durham Memorial Hall at 6:00PM on Tuesday, September 16th.
PTS Cookie Dough and Gifts FUNdraiser runs through Thursday, September 18th. Please make sure to have your student turn in their order forms and money to their classroom teacher on or before Friday, September 19th at 8:30 AM.
Popsicles with the Principal for September will be held on Friday, September 19th at 2:00 PM for students who were selected by their teachers as being an exemplary role model for our PBIS character trait of being respectful.
Tiger Spotlight of the Week: Kevin Martin, Fourth Grade Teacher
DIS (From Josh Rowe)
Jog-A-Thon
Jog-A-Thon paperwork is out! We’re so excited for this annual fundraiser happening on September 26th. Students are encouraged to gather pledges and help make this year’s event our best one yet—every pledge brings us closer to our goal!
If parents or local businesses would like to donate, you can view our list of small prizes, or contact the front office if you are able to contribute toward our large prize.
Welcome Back, Mrs. Rigsby!
We were thrilled to have Mrs. Rigsby back on campus this week! She taught our 6th grade students about Cave Art in the Commons. Students created incredible artwork and had a great time learning. Thank you for sharing your expertise and love for teaching, Mrs. Rigsby!
Panther Basketball Tryouts
Get ready—basketball season is just around the corner!
6th Grade Girls: DRPD is getting ready for 6th grade girls basketball tryouts. They will be held in the beginning of October. This program is not run through DIS and there will be a $30 fee, and an invoice will be sent once the team is made.
The season will run from mid-October through early December. Games will be on Mondays and Wednesdays with at least one weekend tournament. Practice times are determined by the coach. Games will be held in Durham and Chico. No physical is required. More information, along with a waiver form will be sent out soon from DRPD
Paperwork must be completed and turned in before tryouts begin.
7th & 8th Grade Girls Basketball Tryouts
When: Week of September 29, 2025 (exact dates & times will be shared via email and posted on the school website)
Where: Durham Intermediate Gym (D.I.G.)
Cross Country
Our Panther Cross Country team has been training hard! Their first race of the season will be next Thursday at Wildwood Park. Come out and cheer them on as they compete against other middle schools in our area. Go Panthers!
Mark Your Calendars – Upcoming Events
September 15: Minimum Day – 12:10 PM Dismissal
September 19: Jog-A-Thon Paperwork Due
September 24–26: Minimum Days at DIS
September 26: Jog-A-Thon
DHS (From Marty Wilkes)
Counseling:
The counseling department had a conference on UC admissions this week. Seniors need to start thinking about their college applications. Application deadlines will be here before you know it.
Senior Parent Night (Seniors & their parents) - Sept 15th
SAT - October 22nd (Today was the last day to sign up)
PSAT - Date TBD (Today was the last day to sign up)
Cash4College Workshop: Financial Aid Assistance for Seniors & their parents - October 22nd
Athletics:
Volleyball took second in the Sutter Volleyball Tournament over the weekend- the girls finished 5-1 for the weekend. SVL play started this week with the Girls taking down Winters and Paradise in straight sets. The girls are now 2-0 in the SVL and 15-3 overall. Competition will start to ramp up next week as the team starts to get into the heart of the league play.
The tennis team split their week, they lost to Colusa and beat Willows. The win against Willows is their second league win in program history,
Football found some comfort in playing at home and put down the Wolves of Trinity 42-6. Kolton Beynon took his first snaps at QB for the Trojans with Kayden Parsons season ending due to a broken thumb. Kolton used his legs on several long runs on the night.
FFA:
Next week Liam Edson, Jonathon Gore, Rauley Hengst and Kate Vanella will be competing in the North Valley Section Project Competition. They have worked extremely hard on their SAE projects and have the opportunity to showcase them at this competition. Wish them luck!
FFA Meeting 9/24
GLC (freshman conference) Registration is open
Sept. 12 - JV Football vs JV Los Molinos 5:30 @ Home
Sept. 12 - Varsity Football vs Oroville 7:30 @ Home
Sept. 16 - Volleyball vs Pierce
Sept. 17 - Volleyball at Biggs
Sept. 18 - Volleyball at Willows
Sept. 19 - Football vs Biggs
Student Services and Supports (from Marilyn Bertolucci)
Here are 5 steps you can take to #BeThe1To help someone who is having thoughts of suicide:
Want to know more:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
If you are an employee of DUSD and participate in the Butte Schools Self Funded Programs Insurance you are able to see mental wellness support for you or your family members. As part of the Employee Assistance Program you are eligible for six free sessions per year of counseling along with other wellness services.
BSSP For Members Page
BSSP Employee Assistance Program
BSSP Mental Wellness Supports Video
Don’t hesitate to ask for help, use the resources around you, and never give up hope. You are not alone.
Have questions or need assistance? Contact Marilyn Bertolucci at mbertolucci@durhamunified.org