Attention Parents
Just a reminder that this Friday, April 18, 2023, all three schools will have a minimum day to kick off Spring Break. We wish everyone a fun break and can't wait to see everyone back at school on Monday, April 28.
We are thrilled to introduce our new Intermediate Principal, Josh Rowe!
Hello, my name is Josh Rowe and it is my privilege and honor to be joining the DIS family. I have lived in the North State since moving to come to school at Chico State in 1998. As an undergrad student I was a 4 year letterman on the Chico State Track and Field team where I threw Hammer and Discus. My wife, Courtney, is a Chico native and she has the most difficult job I can think of, she is a homemaker staying home with our children. Together we have three children Lila (12), David (10) and Benjamin (7). Outside of work and family, I love swimming, camping, taking the kids fishing, and humbling myself regularly on the golf course.
My wife, Courtney, is a Chico native and holds what I believe is the most demanding job out there: she’s a full-time homemaker raising our three amazing (and very energetic) kids—Lila (12), David (10), and Benjamin (7). Outside of work and family, I love swimming, taking the kids fishing, and humbling myself regularly on the golf course.
Professionally, I started my career teaching History and English to grades 7–12 at Williams Jr./Sr. High. I spent 10 years in the classroom before moving into administration, where I’ve had the privilege of serving students from transitional kindergarten all the way through high school for the past decade.
As a school leader, I believe in the power of relationships—real, honest, human connections with students, staff, and families. Those relationships are the foundation for success in school and in life.
Returning to Durham feels a bit like coming full circle—I actually began my teaching journey here as a student teacher in 2003 at DHS under Brian Harvey. I’m excited to partner with each of you to provide our students with an exceptional education and an even brighter future.
My door is always open (figuratively and literally), and I can’t wait to meet you, work alongside you, and support you in any way I can. Looking forward to a great year together at DIS!
We are thrilled to introduce our new Intermediate Principal, Josh Rowe!
Hello, my name is Josh Rowe and it is my privilege and honor to be joining the DIS family. I have lived in the North State since moving to come to school at Chico State in 1998. As an undergrad student I was a 4 year letterman on the Chico State Track and Field team where I threw Hammer and Discus. My wife, Courtney, is a Chico native and she has the most difficult job I can think of, she is a homemaker staying home with our children. Together we have three children Lila (12), David (10) and Benjamin (7). Outside of work and family, I love swimming, camping, taking the kids fishing, and humbling myself regularly on the golf course..
My wife, Courtney, is a Chico native and holds what I believe is the most demanding job out there: she’s a full-time homemaker raising our three amazing (and very energetic) kids—Lila (12), David (10), and Benjamin (7). Outside of work and family, I love swimming, taking the kids fishing, and humbling myself regularly on the golf course.
Professionally, I started my career teaching History and English to grades 7–12 at Williams Jr./Sr. High. I spent 10 years in the classroom before moving into administration, where I’ve had the privilege of serving students from transitional kindergarten all the way through high school for the past decade.
As a school leader, I believe in the power of relationships—real, honest, human connections with students, staff, and families. Those relationships are the foundation for success in school and in life.
Returning to Durham feels a bit like coming full circle—I actually began my teaching journey here as a student teacher in 2003 at DHS under Brian Harvey. I’m excited to partner with each of you to provide our students with an exceptional education and an even brighter future.
My door is always open (figuratively and literally), and I can’t wait to meet you, work alongside you, and support you in any way I can. Looking forward to a great year together at DIS!
We have the SWEETEST WAY to support Durham High School PTS!
Just in time for all of the upcoming springtime festivities, you can purchase vouchers for yummy treats from Chico Nothing Bundt Cake.
They can be used any time, don’t expire, and make great gifts!!!
Place your order TODAY! Click the link - https://durhampts.ejoinme.org/cakes
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.
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. Even though these employees received the awards this year, they are symbolic of the efforts our staff makes every day
Math CC 2/3 will be starting a project called bungee barbie, where students gather data with rubber bands to give barbie the most thrilling drop from the top of a bucket lift. Pi Day winners received their Pi. Our 1st place student was able to name 74 digits, 2nd place 73 digits, and our pi picture contest winner is attached. Integrated Math I will be doing a penny lab to learn about exponential decay.
It's that time of year! Get ready to take a swing to support the Durham FFA and the Durham Unified High School Ag program. Your support is how we continue to grow and develop our future ag leaders! Hope to see you on the course on Monday, June 16, at Butte Creek Country Club.
Shady Creek was yet another huge success for our 6th graders. It did look a bit different this year, but it was nothing our students and staff couldn't tackle. Our students had sun, rain, and even snow. The administrators came to the decision that it would be safest for our students and transportation to come home early as snow was predicted and it's difficult for our buses. Our students and staff, being the troopers that they are, were able to pack up all of their items in about 20 minutes, eat lunch, and then board the bus to come back home. Even though their week was cut short, the students had an amazing and educational few days. A big shoutout to our teachers: Mrs. Rigsbee, Mrs. Lincoln, and Ms. Skelly. Our administrator, Mrs Parsley, and our nurses, Carina Ellis and Kristen Walters. We appreciate you all so much.
Last week, the 8th graders were able to present their 8th grade projects to panels of generous volunteers from our local community. We loved seeing the 8th graders “dressed to impress” for their presentations and the family members who came to support their students. As always, our DIS students impressed us with their passions as they researched a broad range of topics and educated us with this knowledge. Tears were shed, high fives were given, and a collective celebration has settled over the 8th graders as their months of hard work have concluded.
SHADY CREEK STUDENTS COMING HOME TODAY, THURSDAY, MARCH 13TH
Due to the projected weather forecast of snow in the mountains tonight and tomorrow, the 6th Graders at Shady Creek will be coming home today for transportation safety. The buses are leaving Durham this morning, and students should be back on campus for regular school dismissal at 3:15pm. Students can be picked up by the DIG or students can ride their normal busses home.
Durham Unified is excited to announce that we will be offering Summer School for students TK-11 this year.
Parents, look out for the sign-up links coming your way via email on Monday, March 24th.
This is a friendly reminder that school will be closed tomorrow and Monday, January 17, 2025. Enjoy the time off!
Durham Intermediate School is kicking off a scholarship donation fundraiser for this year's trip to Shady Creek Outdoor School.
Today at DIS, DHS counselor Christy Spade visited 8th grade classes to review course request forms for next year's classes. The students gained important insights into what to expect in high school, explored the course catalog, and learned about various opportunities and activities available to them. The session was informative, and students asked many questions.
Kira Montgomery was the DHS class of 2022 salutatorian, and she attended Durham schools from kindergarten through graduation. She currently attends the University of California, Irvine as a double major in Dance Performance and Education Sciences. She grew up in the competitive dance scene and has trained in various styles including hip hop, tap, jazz, contemporary, ballet, and modern. Kira has trained with prominent industry choreographers such as Chloe and Maud Arnold, Kent Boyd, Brooke Lipton, Kevin Maher, Ryan Lohoff, and more. She currently tours the US with Hollywood Vibe Dance Convention as a choreographer's assistant and event coordinator and is a member of UCI's Kaba Modern Hip Hop Crew. Within the past few years, she has grown her passion for choreographing and creating pieces for studio showcases, UCI's Barebones Dance Theater, and Kaba Modern. She is looking forward to finishing her degrees to begin industry and professional work in LA and surrounding areas.
Kira, we are so proud of you and love seeing you pursue your dream! Keep inspiring others to go after their dreams, too. Your passion and determination are truly motivating
The installation of fencing on the east side of the Durham Intermediate School campus has been ongoing. Please remember that the area, including the parking spots on the south side of the district office near the sixth grade classrooms, is not a dropoff or pick up location for students. It is not a safe place to drop off students in this location. When the fencing installation is complete, this entrance will not be open, and any student dropped off there will not be able to enter campus at this location. Please utilize the planned drop off area between the district office and Durham Intermediate School gym or drop your student off in the front of the school, where the new parking lot faces the high school parking lot. Thank you for helping to keep our students safe.
Mark your calendars! This year, the Boots and Bowties Dinner Fundraiser will be held at the Memorial Hall on February 20th. Tickets are available now by visiting our Eventbrite website. We are asking any parents willing to help with this dinner to please email Ms. Luce. This fundraiser would not be possible without the help and donations from our parents and community members. Thank you in advance for supporting our chapter.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-boots-and-bowties-dinner-fundraiser-tickets-1112054568149
Mark your calendars! This year the Boots and Bowties Dinner Fundraiser will be held at the Memorial Hall on February 20th. Tickets are available now by visiting our Eventbrite website. We are asking any parents willing to help with this dinner to please email Ms. Luce. This fundraiser would not be possible without the help and donations from our parents and community members. Thank you in advance for supporting our chapter!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-boots-and-bowties-dinner-fundraiser-tickets-1112054568149
Shane Buzza graduated from Durham High School in 1983 and participated in baseball and cross country. He served as Student Body President in his senior year. He showed a strong interest in math and physics and aimed to attend the Air Force Academy. Shane attended Chico State for a year before receiving nominations to West Point, Annapolis, and the Air Force Academy, ultimately choosing West Point.
Graduating in 1988 with a BS in Mathematics, Shane became a Second Lieutenant in Field Artillery and served in Operation Just Cause in Panama. He transitioned to the Army Reserve in 1991 to pursue physical therapy, earning two Master's degrees from CSU Fresno and a Master of Strategic Studies from the Army War College.
Shane settled in the Monterey Peninsula, raising two sons and running a small physical therapy business. Following 9/11, he served stateside and in multinational exercises, commanding at various levels before becoming a General Officer in 2016.
Currently, Shane is a Major General and Chief of Staff at the U.S. Army Forces Command. His military training includes numerous advanced courses, and he has received various awards, including the Legion of Merit. He has two adult sons and enjoys multisport racing. He holds a private pilot certificate and has recently taken up skydiving, hoping to serve one final assignment before semi-retirement.
We thank you for your service and for being a shining example of what it means to give back to our nation. We are very proud of you.
We are hiring an Intermediate School Principal to join our excellent team. If you’re ready to lead, inspire, and shape the future, we want to hear from you.
https://www.edjoin.org/Home/JobPosting/2030671
