Monthly Archives: January 2016

Sara Michelena Announces Resignation at End of School Year to Focus on Family

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Michelena Family

Submitted by Denair Unified School District

In the end, the choice was sad but not difficult for Sara Michelena. She cares greatly for her staff and students at Denair Elementary Charter Academy. But she loves her husband and two young daughters, and her family needs her most right now.

So Friday, Michelena told her staff that she will resign at the end of the current school year to become a full-time mother to adopted daughters Emily, 3, and Elizabeth, 2. Emily has a mild form of 22q, a genetic condition that predisposes her medical and emotional issues.

“The biggest motivation is my children. They’re getting to be critical ages,” Michelena said. “I have a child with special needs and I want to encourage her development. I’m a former kindergarten teacher and they’re getting to the age I dealt with.”

Michelena has led the elementary campus for two years. Last year, she spent months spearheading the effort to write the charter that blended two independent campuses into DECA.

“The importance of her leadership at our elementary schools can’t be overstated. In fact, her tireless work in writing the charter for DECA made this new school possible,” praised Denair Unified Superintendent Aaron Rosander.

“Sara has been an important part of our district’s growth and success over the past two years, and she leaves us in esteemed standing,” Rosander added. “Sara’s warm personality, smile and work ethic will be missed. Sara loves Denair and I know her personal decision to leave us was not easy. I wish Sara and her family the very best.”

Michelena said she is grateful for Rosander’s understanding and kindness. They broke the news together to the DECA staff.

“Because they know I’m going to be staying home with my kids — and most of them are moms — they’ve been very supportive,” Michelena said. “The parents who do know have been supportive. Children are the priority in any parent’s life.” Continue reading “Sara Michelena Announces Resignation at End of School Year to Focus on Family” »

A Class Act! 10 Questions for Patricia Guillen

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Patricia Guillen

Submitted by Denair Unified School District

Name: Patricia Guillen

Family: Husband, Guillermo; daughters, Alexis and Marissa

School: Denair Middle School

Subject taught: 6th Grade

Experience and education: 12 years teaching experience. BA from California State University, Stanislaus

Why most inspires you about teaching? Student success is my greatest inspiration. Those “aha” moments from students and the pride and confidence that comes with that learning are what keeps me in this profession.

What are your biggest challenges as a teacher? My biggest challenge is having the sufficient time to collaborate with all teachers at my campus, not just my grade level.

What is your favorite teaching tool or activity? Student group discussions are my favorite activity. Listening to their discourse as they engage in designing a plan to solve a problem. Great learning happens when students are exploring new ideas among themselves.

How has Common Core affected your classroom strategy? Common Core has allowed increased opportunities for student creativity and self-discovery. For example, students utilize a variety of strategies or visuals to demonstrate their learning and mastery of a math concept.

What do you want your students to remember? I would like for my students to remember our class motto: “We can only get better!” Regardless of where life may take them, they should always strive to improve. Challenges are not a barrier, but a learning opportunity.

How can parents support what you do? Parents can support their children by having them read at home on a daily basis and provide them a place to do their homework. This will help reinforce their learning at school. Continue reading “A Class Act! 10 Questions for Patricia Guillen” »

Olivas to Coordinate English Language Learning; Perez Takes Over Spanish DMS and DHS

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Maria Olivas

Submitted by Denair Unified School District

Learning a second language is hard. It also can be an important asset for students as they make their way through high school to college and beyond. And whether that second language is Spanish or English, the Denair Unified School District believes a mid-year adjustment will benefit all its students.

When classes resumed Jan. 4, longtime Spanish teacher Maria Olivas took on a newly created role as coordinator of English language development services. She will work with students at all grade levels for whom English is a second language while still teaching two periods at the high school.

Moving to the high school and middle school campuses is Jasmin Perez, who spent the first semester working with younger students across the street at Denair Elementary Charter Academy.

Olivas has worked in the district since 2004. Perez came to Denair this school year after previously teaching at Kimball High in Tracy and in Turlock.

“Maria began the bilingual literacy seal program here at Denair High School for Spanish-speaking students,” said Principal Alecia Myers. “We look forward to her continued service as the EL coordinator to expand that program to all bilingual students from the variety of languages spoken by our DUSD students.”

The literacy seal program is run through the Stanislaus County Office of Education. Students must pass a rigorous series of written and oral tests to prove they have mastered a second language. In return, they are awarded a special seal on their high school diplomas. Continue reading “Olivas to Coordinate English Language Learning; Perez Takes Over Spanish DMS and DHS” »

DUSD Trustees OK Elementary Math Curriculum, Incentives for Teachers, Shorter Thanksgiving Break

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Submitted by Denair Unified School District

The Denair Unified School board approved a new math curriculum for elementary students, offered an early notification incentive to teachers and discussed the potential impact of a new state law affecting concealed weapons brought on campus at a busy meeting Thursday night.

Trustees also shortened the Thanksgiving holiday break, meaning staff and students will be in class for two days next November rather than having the entire week off.

The new curriculum at Denair Elementary Charter Academy already is being implemented for about 500 kindergarten through fifth-grade students, said Principal Sara Michelena. Called My Math, it was the clear choice of her staff and recommended by the math consultant at the Stanislaus County Office of Education. It includes an online component in addition to other classroom materials. “We look forward to seeing where this goes,” she said.

The early notification program is aimed at teachers who may be considering retirement or leaving the district to take a job elsewhere. It offers a tiered financial payment structure for teachers who alert the district in writing of their plans by the end of February: $3,000 before Jan. 29; $2,000 by Feb. 12; and $1,000 by Feb. 26. A similar program was put in place last year, said Chief Business Officer Linda Covello.

“The whole point is to start the hiring process earlier,” she said, adding that the county hosts jobs fairs in March and April. “We need to know what positions are going to be open so we can recruit.”

The discussion about concealed weapons brought on campus or within 1,000 feet of a school site concerned Senate Bill 707, which was passed by the California Legislature last year and signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown in October. Continue reading “DUSD Trustees OK Elementary Math Curriculum, Incentives for Teachers, Shorter Thanksgiving Break” »