DUSD Celebrates Retirees

Becky Julien receives certificate from Superintendent Rosander

Becky Julien receives certificate from Superintendent Rosander

Two teachers who dedicated 35 years to educating children and a former high school principal were honored for their retirements recently by the Denair Unified School District board of trustees.

Becky Julien started working in the district in 1979. She spent her entire career at the elementary level teaching second, fourth and fifth grades. She also served as the Pathways teacher and coordinator as part of the Denair Academic Avenues program. In her career, she was recognized with the prestigious School Bell Award and as one of the Rotary Club’s Outstanding Teachers.

“She is always positive and super creative,” said Carol Hammond, who taught with Julien and later became the principal of the elementary campuses. “Her motto is, ‘Enjoy life.’ ”

Hammond credited Julien with helping to shape the D2A curriculum and Pathways program, especially in fine arts and music, and for organizing the Friday assemblies. She also leveraged her love of gardening into formation of a Green Team for elementary students.

“She is known for teaching the whole child,” praised Hammond. “She is always learning, always inspirational.”

Christopher Hawkins also began his DUSD career in 1979. He led classes at the third, fifth and sixth grades, the Community Day School and has taught independent study students the past several years as part of Denair Charter Academy. Continue reading “DUSD Celebrates Retirees” »

DUSD Graduation Ceremony Information

CoyoteGradHatGraduation season is upon us! Below is a comprehensive listing of all Denair Unified School District graduation ceremonies. None of the events require tickets for entry.

The Denair Charter Academy 8th Grade promotion ceremony will take place on Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at 6:00 pm, in the Denair Middle School Coyote Center. Doors open at 5:30 pm.

Denair Charter Academy will be will be presenting the Class of 2014 on Wednesday, May 28, 2014, at 7:30 pm, at Jack Lytton Stadium. Gates open at 7:00 pm.

The Denair Middle School 8th Grade graduation will take place on Thursday, May 29, 2014, at 7:00 pm, at Jack Lytton Stadium. Gates open at 6:00 pm.

Denair High School will be presenting the Class of 2014 on Friday, May 30, 2014, at 7:30 pm, at Jack Lytton Stadium. Gates open at 6:00 pm.

 

 

Top DUSD Students Reflect on Quality of Education

Salutatorian, Madison Taylor and valedictorian, Trey Howze

Salutatorian, Madison Taylor and valedictorian, Trey Howze

The Denair High School Class of 2014 will be honored May 30 at a graduation celebration. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. at Jack Lytton Stadium. Gates open at 6 p.m. Tickets are not required.

Trey Howze will be the valedictorian and Madison Taylor the salutatorian. Trey (4.22) had the highest grade-point average among the 79 graduating seniors and Madison (4.15) had the second-highest.  Trey and Madison recently took time to answer 10 questions about their high school experiences.

Question: What are the key things other students should know about your academic success and how you achieved it?

Trey: The key that students should know about achieving academic success is hard work.  It doesn’t matter if you’re the smartest person, but if you’re lazy you will have problems.  I was able to achieve success because I put the time in to study and work.

Madison: Determination and setting goals is part of what got me so far in academics. I got into a habit of getting home and doing my work right away. It got easier over time. Never be afraid to ask questions because that is part of learning. Failure is also part of learning. Nobody is perfect and failing allows people to realize what they did wrong how to fix it.

Q: How much time outside of class did you spend studying or doing homework?

Madison: In general, I most take about an hour to two hours a day studying and doing homework. As long as I keep up with my work and don’t put it off, it doesn’t take very long.

Trey: I spent an average of about two hours doing homework each night after practice.  The key to spending time is not procrastinating each night but to get portions done so that there is still time to relax and hang out with friends. Continue reading “Top DUSD Students Reflect on Quality of Education” »

May Vendors in the Park

May 2014 Vendors in the ParkThe next Denair Vendors in the Park is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, 2014, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Join them for a great community Arts & Crafts Festival, in Sterling Ranch Park, the corner of Salluce Drive and McCauly Drive.

Vendor Information

Cost: $24 and a small fun raffle donation of $5 value (discount if prepaid at least two weeks prior to event date) All independent consultants, such as Mary K., Scentsy, etc., that sign up to hold a spot must prepay in that time, or spots will be released at the two week mark due to the fact that they only allow one representative per specific company.  All arts and crafters may either take advantage of the discount to prepay or pay the day of the event.

Space: You will have a space that is as big as your pop up, up to 12’x12′. Some spots are deep and you may utilize this extra room. If you would like a double space, please make arrangements with Mel DeSouza prior to set up so that she can accommodate this request, for an additional fee.

All vendors and crafters must sign a Vendor Contract and a Hold Harmless Agreement from Stanislaus County. They will be available at the event to print, as well as the Denair Vendors in the Park page in the notes section, for you to send in with your payment.

Set up will begin at 8:00 am and the show begins at 10:00 am. Tear down will be after 3pm. You may stay later if you wish, but please make arrangements if you will need to leave early as you will be assigned an outter spot so as to not disturb the show or neighboring vendors.  Non profit, Community Service, or Animal Adoption, Rescue or Awareness booths are still free! Spread the word!