Monthly Archives: March 2015

A Class Act! 10 Questions for Valorie Periera

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Valorie Pereira

Submitted by Denair Unified School District

Name: Valorie Periera

Family:  Daughter, Angela; son, Cole; mom, Helen; sister Sandi

School: Denair Middle School

Subject taught:  Currently, physical education (I also am the athletic director). I also have taught math, English, science and health science.

Experience and education:  Modesto Junior College, San Jose State University (bachelor’s degree), CSU Stanislaus (teaching credential), San Diego International University (master’s degree). Following college, I had a few long-term teaching assignments. I have coached swimming, gymnastics, volleyball, basketball, softball and track. I began teaching at Denair in 1978.

What most inspires you about teaching? I enjoy the individual relationships I have with each unique student.  Physical education provides an opportunity for each student to develop and perform at his/her own individual level.  Students develop at different rates and when students realize what their body can accomplish through movement and exercise – that is the reward!

What are your biggest challenges as a teacher?  I would say my biggest challenge is for students to understand that exercise and movement should be a daily part of life and to understand that what they feed their body affects them in so many ways.  Also, as educators we have to deal with the impact the media plays in our students’ lives. I’m not saying it is all negative, but it can have a direct effect on the decisions they make.

What is your favorite teaching tool or activity? Using music in all activities; music is such a motivator.  I emphasize individual activities – it’s OK to be competitive at times, but movement, exercise and activities do not always have to be competitive.

How has Common Core affected your classroom strategy? Common Core has opened conversations between students having to explain to each other basic concepts of fitness. Continue reading “A Class Act! 10 Questions for Valorie Periera” »

D2A Blue Dogs Displayed at Local Veterinary Office

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D2A Coyote Cub

Submitted by Denair Academic Avenues

Second graders at Denair Academic Avenues learned about the artist George Rodrigue and his famous Blue Dog works. Their teacher, Nancy Tanner, guided them in drawing their own Blue Dog outline, which was then followed by their own creative colors and designs. The resulting oil pastel drawings were an explosion of whimsical color and pattern!

Dr. Rob Santos, D.V.M. at Monte Vista Small Animal Veterinary Hospital was gracious enough to hang the “guest artists'” work in his lobby, surrounding his own original painting by Rodrigue. Stop by and see “Blue Dog’s Friends” at MVSAH. You won’t be disappointed!

March Vendors in the Park

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March 2015 Denair Vendors in The Park

Submitted by Denair Vendors in the Park

The next Denair Vendors in the Park is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, 2015, 10:30 am to 2:00 pm. Join them for a great community Arts & Crafts Festival.

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!

A Class Act! 10 Questions for Coree Fitzgerald

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Coree Fitzgerald

Submitted by Denair Unified School District

Name: Coree Fitzgerald                                   

School: Denair Academic Avenues

Subject taught: Kindergarten

Experience and education: I have taught at Denair schools for 11 years. I grew up in Denair and attended schools here from kindergarten through 12th grade. I went to Westmont College in Santa Barbara and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. I earned my teaching credential through California State University, Stanislaus, and went on to complete my master’s in education there as well.

Why most inspires you about teaching? I love that as a kindergarten teacher I get to be the students’ first experience with education in the school setting. I love to see when my students are excited about what they are learning and eager to keep trying when things seem difficult. My main inspiration is that the kids will have a love of learning and the confidence they will need during their next years in school.

What are your biggest challenges as a teacher? My biggest challenges as a teacher are to bring a group of students who are often on vastly diverse paths and reach them all, taking into account that there are 20-30 individuals in a class each year and tailoring our program and curriculum to meet all of their needs.

What is your favorite teaching tool or activity? I enjoy using technology in the classroom to show students a different way to see things other than just through stories or speaking with them. In some ways we can bring in real-life experiences for those students that are not familiar with a topic. Continue reading “A Class Act! 10 Questions for Coree Fitzgerald” »

Denair Education Foundation March eCycle Event

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Denair Education Foundation Logo

Submitted by Denair Education Foundation

Denair Education Foundation will be holding an eCycle event at Denair High School on Saturday, March 28, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Gather those old TV’s, CPUs, monitors, laptops, printers, cell phones, scanners, and copiers. Donating them is free and helps raise funds for activities and equipment for the students of Denair Schools.

Last year, students enjoyed a Diego Rivera art exhibit, attended a play at CSUS, enlarged the selection of books at the elementary school library, and applied for scholarships (John Robbins Memorial and Modesto Junior College).

Denair Education Foundation was established in 2005 to “enrich and improve the quality of the educational environment for the students of the Denair Unified School District.”  The list is long of funded opportunities for the students.  They are made possible through donations and our main e-cycle fundraiser.  Thanks to all who have donated!  You are helping Denair’s students and the environment! Continue reading “Denair Education Foundation March eCycle Event” »