Superintendent's Weekly Update
I had the honor of being part of and attending the Durham Rotary Club Senior Awards dinner Tuesday night at the Durham Memorial Hall. This event officially kicked off senior events to finish the 2024-2025 school year.
The Rotary scholarships focus on academic performance and student commitment to community service.
The event saw 10 Durham High seniors take home a $2,000 scholarship each. Claiming scholarships were: Kendal Beynon, Claire Birchard, Seanna Cunningham, Coby Gausemel, Miguel Heras, Kevin Ocana, Parker Thomas, Janelle Thorpe, Ryley Vanella, and Zachariah Zwinger.
This event, even though it was April 29, kicked off a very busy month of May for the school district. Here is a list of upcoming events:
May 5-9 DES Book Fair
May 7 - DES and DIS Open House
May 9 - 46th Grandparents Day at DES!
May 10 - May Day Parade
May 15 - DHS Senior Awards Banquet
May 16 - DIS shadow day at DHS
May 21 - DHS Senior Walk at DES/DIS
May 22 - Band Concert at the Center for the Arts at PV High School (6 pm)
May 28 - DIS Promotion (7 pm)
May 29 - DHS Graduation (7:30 pm)
Updates from Principals
DES (from Samantha Brown)
DES began the countdown to the end of the school year upon our return from spring break. Students began on stage grade level practices this week in preparation for Grandparent's Day next week, and grandparents are in for a real treat. We also began the end of the school year reading assessments in grades K-5, as teachers continue to complete projects for Open House and Grandparent's Day next week. Our 3rd grade classes took a walking field trip today through downtown Durham as part of their Durham Living History unit.
Next week is a very busy week at DES as we have the Scholastic Book Fair; the DUSD Art Show; Open House; DES ASB Pizza Dinner Fundraiser and Kona Ice at Open House; Grandparent's Day; and, the May Day Picnic and Parade, all while we celebrate our teachers and staff during Teacher and Staff Appreciation week.
TIger Spotlight of the Week: JoAnna Richer, Behavior Intervention Paraprofessional
1) What made you decide to work as a Behavior Intervention Specialist?
Becoming Mrs. Jo began studying Behavioral Science/Psychology in college followed by years working in Probation. After the birth of my daughter, I stayed home to raise my daughter and pursue Art. Then a friend, who worked at DES, shared my history with administration at the school. At that time there was a class that was struggling with behaviors and had a high percentage of children with a history of ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences). I worked, part time, with only that class for three months and the focus was the whole class Social and Emotional instruction and 1:1 connection building. It was so successful that efforts were made to continue building a SEL program. What started out very specialized 15 years ago has become a normal practice nationwide. Durham Unified recognized, early on, that the social and emotional needs of our children directly relate to their academic and social success. But the best part!...I get to support the foundations of friendship and curiosity to last a lifetime.
2) What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
If I'm not re-designing, building, or creating some form of art then you probably won't be able to find me...because...I'm probably hiking, fishing, or gold panning off grid.
3) A fun fact about yourself or a unique talent you possess, if any?
Fun fact, by the time I was 14 years old I moved with my family 12 times to different locations all over the world. My upbringing with my family is a Rags- to-Riches tale with parents from exceedingly humble beginnings that worked hard to get educated, disciplined enough to save money, and were brave enough to pursue interests.
4) Favorite book, movie, or music (pick only one to share) and why is it your favorite?
Favorite movie of all time is 300. Although I love the Greeks, Spartans knew how to collaborate. Close second...Speilbergs' The Color Purple...takes me home to Mississippi.
5) Favorite part about working in Durham Elementary School?
Laughing...a lot... with kids, parents, and DES staff!
DIS (From Joanne Parsley
Durham Intermediate finished up their final section of state testing with our 8th graders testing in Science. We appreciate the patience of our students, staff and parents as we are able to have yet another year of state testing under our belts.
It's quiet at DIS, with just a few more weeks of school left. Our students are gearing up for promotion, our honor roll trip and Field Day next Friday.
But this week has been Derby Days with the culmination of students riding their horses (stick of course) around a track at DIS - and wearing their best Derby Hats! (see attached pictures). We will share the results and even more photos next week
DHS (From Marty Wilkes)
Counseling:
This week’s Advisory time was used for grade checks. Each student received a copy of their current grades and teacher’s reviewed strategies for setting goals, making improvements as needed and encouraged students to finish strong these last few weeks as we head into finals.
Thursday was National Signing Day and Mrs. Ladd helped DHS celebrate in style with a variety of Decision Day activities. Seniors showed off their next steps by wearing shirts and gear that represent their postsecondary plans - college, career or military. Each senior was encouraged to add a personalized hot air balloon to our Decision Day board outside the cafeteria, highlighting where they’re headed next. Some of them got really creative with this - stop by and check them out if you happen to be on campus. We capped off the celebration with music and ice cream during lunch. Finalizing plans for life after high school is a major milestone, and our seniors deserve to be celebrated! It was also a great opportunity for underclassmen to start dreaming big about their own futures. See attached pictures.
Approximately 30 seniors will be taking the AP US Government exam next Tuesday afternoon. This is a lengthy, challenging test and we wish them luck!
Reminder: Seniors have been asked to notify Mrs. Ladd by no later than May 9th if they have received any institutional or community scholarships we are unaware of so they can be recognized at Senior Awards Night.
May 15 Senior awards 6 pm
May 16 Senior Picnic
May 29 Graduation 7:30 Sharp!
Band:
Over the weekend, the DHS Jazz band went to a competition in Santa Cruz where they took 1st place in their division and 2nd overall out of 14 schools! Alex Grandstaff won the overall jazz soloist award. They did an awesome job! (see attached picture of the band members on the beach).
Jazz band members in the competition were: Addison Bartley, Evelyn Boese-Homan, Bayly Carstensen, Micah Dawson, Katherine Frazier, Alexander Grandstaff, Mayce Keller, Catherine Montante, Jacquelynn Plummer, Cayden Swain, Logan Sweeney, Eliza Walters, Braxton Weber, Tucker Willows.
The AG Department:
May 2 - Cal Poly Field Day
May 5 - Officer Meeting
May 7 - Officer Interviews
|May 9 - Mother Day Pick up
May 10 - May Day Activities
May 13 - Ag Advisory
May 14 - FFA Banquet 6:00
Athletics:
Varsity Baseball heads into their last week with a 15-7 record and is 7-2 in the SVL.
May 2 - at Pierce
May 6 - vs East Nicolaus
May 9 - at East Nicolaus
Not to be outdone, the softball team is currently 14-5-1 and 6-2 in the SVL. Coach Martin has a great group of young players on his team.
May 2 - at Pierce
May 5 - at Wheatland
May 6 - vs East Nicolaus
May 8 - vs Hamilton
May 9 - at East Nicolaus
May 12 - at Winters
The golf team had a great week. They started the week at Arbuckle CC. As a team they came in 1st place, beating the 2nd place team by 30 strokes.
On Tuesday, they were at River Oaks and had a record day. Max Pignataro had the low round of the day with a 1 over 72, followed by Coby Gausemel with a 77. With a team total of 408 they clinched 1st place in SVL league play, securing their spot in playoffs.
Next Match: May 7th at Butte Creek Country Club
Section Playoffs: May 13th at Riverview Country Club.
Student Services and Supports (from Marilyn Bertolucci)
We are excited to announce that the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) will be offered in our district from May 5th to May 9, 2025. This important survey provides valuable insights that help us create a safer, more supportive, and more engaging learning environment for all students.
What is the California Healthy Kids Survey?
The CHKS is a confidential, anonymous survey sponsored by the California Department of Education. It gathers important data from students, staff, and parents about
School safety and connectedness
Academic engagement and supports
Mental and emotional well-being
Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use
School climate
Student supports and services
Why is CHKS Important?
Your participation helps DUSD:
Identify areas of strength and areas for growth across our schools.
Support student well-being through targeted programs and interventions.
Inform decisions around school safety, social-emotional learning, and engagement.
Meet state requirements for school climate reporting and funding.
Who Takes the Survey?
Students grades 3-5, 6-8, & 9-12.
Parents and guardians of current students
School staff
Participation is voluntary, but the more responses we receive, the better we can serve our school community.
What does the survey ask?
Click on the links below to see copies of the survey.
Paper copies are available for review at the DUSD District Office.
How Can I Help?
Parents: Encourage your child to participate and complete the survey honestly.
Parents/Guardians of students grades 3-6th, watch for permission slips coming home this week, 4/28/25.
Parents/Guardians of students grades 7-12th who wish to opt their student out of participating in this survey please
English click here
Spanish click here
Students: Your voice matters! This is your chance to help improve your school experience.
Staff: Please support the survey process and take time to complete your version of the survey when it becomes available.
The data from the CHKS will ensure that your voice is heard! Together, we can make DUSD an even better place to learn and grow.