Monthly Archives: November 2015

Tragedy Strikes Twice Among Denair Staff

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Mark Selee

Submitted by Denair Unified School District

Students and employees of the Denair Unified School District are mourning the sudden losses of two popular educators in the past month.

Over the weekend, fourth-grade teacher Mark Selee died of an apparent heart attack while traveling away from his home. On November 1, para-educator Elizabeth De La Rosa succumbed to injuries suffered when she was hit by a pickup in Turlock while walking in late October.

Their deaths, coming so close together, have been a tragic and emotional blow for their colleagues as well as their students.

“To lose two in such a short time is heartbreaking,” said Michelle Bush, the district’s director of student support services.

Selee, 44, had worked on the elementary campus since 2002. He was in his second year as a fourth-grade instructor and previously had taught physical education. He also oversaw the student safety patrol in front of the Denair Elementary Charter Academy campus each day.

“He was one of the friendliest people I’ve ever met,” said DECA Principal, Sara Michelena. “He was absolutely kind to everyone. He was the one who always took troubled students under his wing and worked with them, without judgment.

“I had numerous requests to put kids in his class. Parents just loved him. First and foremost, he just loved his kids. He always wanted to make sure their needs were met. He challenged students and still made kids feel accepted.”

Michelena said Selee had “an amazing work ethic.” It was easy to tell where he was, she added, because his “distinctive” laugh often could be heard all across the campus. “He always found something to be happy about. He was like everyone’s brother.”

Michelena spent Monday calling the families of all of Selee’s current students. And though the DECA teachers are off this week, she invited everyone to a meeting Tuesday afternoon to talk and plan for next week. She said grief counselors will be on hand for students and staff, and roaming substitute teachers will be available for teachers who need a break during the day. Continue reading “Tragedy Strikes Twice Among Denair Staff” »

Denair Cheerleaders Perform at Sacramento Kings Game

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Denair cheerleaders 1

Submitted by Denair Unified School District

Twenty members of the Denair High School cheerleading team performed at halftime of the Sacramento Kings game on Sunday at Sleep Train Arena in front of more than 17,000 people.

The squad has known for about a month of the opportunity, which was arranged by coach Robyn Hilton.

The Coyotes cheerleaders were given a minute-long routine and the accompanying music about two weeks ago so they could begin to practice, said assistant coach Hannah Yanez. The Kings asked them to arrive Sunday by 9 a.m. so they could rehearse the steps.

The team joined five or six other high school cheerleading squads and dance groups for the routine at halftime, which wasn’t until about 7 p.m.

“They really enjoyed it and had a good time,” Yanez said. “It’s exciting for them to perform in such a big arena and with other groups.”

It was the second time in two years that Denair’s cheerleaders have appeared at a professional sporting event. Last fall, they performed in Oakland at a Raiders game.

Denair Tornado Damage Photo Gallery

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The National Weather Service has categorized Sunday afternoon’s tornado as an EF-1 storm, with winds from 86 to 110 miles per hour.  Twenty one structures were damaged, fences knocked over and many trees were uprooted or damaged. No serious injuries were reported. The tornado followed Zeering Road, moving east across Santa Fe Avenue. A photo gallery of the damage is provided below.

Tornado Touches Down in Denair

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Tumbled tables Denair Middle School

Submitted by Denair Unified School District

A tornado touched down in Denair on Sunday, November 15, 2015, about 2:00 pm, damaging some buildings and cutting power to the town. No injuries have been reported.  Electrical power was restored sometime after 4:00 pm, and emergency services are controlling traffic through affected areas.

Aaron Rosander, Superintendent of Denair Unified School District, reported that all DUSD schools will be open Monday morning, ready to receive students, as usual. Minor damage was reported to some outdoor furniture at Denair Middle School.

Carolyn Brown Retires from DUSD Board After 28 Years of Service

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Carolyn Brown

Submitted by Denair Unified School District

There isn’t much that Carolyn Brown hasn’t experienced in 28 years on the Denair Unified School District school board.

Academic achievement, the passage of two bonds to build beautiful new facilities and the restoration of community pride. Controversies over the American flag, near bankruptcy and two attempts to redraw the district’s boundaries. Six superintendents, two interim superintendents and at least 22 other board members.

Through it all, the one constant has been Brown, who began her tenure on Denair board as the mother of two elementary-age daughters in 1987 and leaves as the grandmother of five. Thursday night was her final meeting after deciding not to seek an eighth four-year term.

Her colleagues presented her with a clock, marveled at her institutional memory and praised her as a calming voice of reason even during the most turbulent times.

“It’s your caring, first of all,” said Superintendent Aaron Rosander, addressing Brown. “You truly care. You’re poised, even under intense conditions. You are a very sensible person and weigh things out. I really admire that. … Thanks for putting an indelible mark on many, many kids through the years.”

Trustee Robert Hodges – who is 29 years old – joked that Brown, 69, has served nearly as long as he’s been alive. He also appreciated her quiet wisdom.

“It’s been great for me, as the youngest board member, to always have a shoulder to lean on. ‘How does this work? What happened in the past?’” said Hodges. “I can’t count how many times she’s tried to tell me something and I didn’t agree. Two days later, I’d have to text her and say, ‘You were right.’ ” Continue reading “Carolyn Brown Retires from DUSD Board After 28 Years of Service” »