The first day of school – with all its accompanying excitement and nervous energy – went off without a hitch Wednesday for more than 1,300 students in the Denair Unified School District. Each of the four campuses planned fun welcome back activities that led to plenty of smiles, laughter and – especially in the case of parents dropping off kindergartners – even a few happy tears.

“There was an overall positive vibe amongst students and staff,” said Denair High Principal Breanne Aguiar.

“It was a fantastic first day,” added Denair Middle School Principal Gabriela Sarmiento.

No doubt, that upbeat feeling will continue as everyone settles into a new routine in what the district’s top official expects to be a consequential year. In meetings with staff, school trustees and community members, Superintendent Terry Metzger has focused on the ways the district plans to “provide an excellent education for all students.”

Among Metzger’s priorities for the 2024-25 school year:

• Addressing the chronic struggles of English learners across all grade levels
• Boosting math literacy among all students
• Maintaining mental health support systems for students as well as staff
• Continuing to reduce barriers to students’ academic success while increasing their sense of belonging 

English learners represent about 22% of Denair’s enrollment. Metzger said test results show the need to provide additional support for those students. To address the issue, class schedules this year have been adjusted to allow for specific Designated English Language Development time at the elementary level as well as grades 6-12. The district’s Expanded Learning Opportunity Programs (ELOP) also will focus on English learners for the next few years, just like it did during the summer session that just ended.

Math also will be emphasized in ELOP activities. Denair students – like most across the state – continue to struggle to meet math standards. Being literate in math includes critical thinking and logic, as well as arithmetic skills. Metzger said the district also is partnering with the Stanislaus County Office of Education to provide intensive professional development in math for teachers at all level.

In Denair and many other districts, mental health has been a priority since the pandemic revealed worrisome issues for students and staff. Social emotional learning (SEL) and its impact on classroom performance continues to be an area of emphasis. Denair has a team of seven mental health professionals who oversee outreach to all who need it. Metzger said the district’s menu of mental health supports include an active NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) Club at Denair High, two SEL elementary programs and popular ROX (Rocking Our eXperiences) programs aimed at empowering girls at multiple campuses.

Reducing barriers and increasing a sense of belonging has been a theme championed the past few years by board members, administrators and staff members at every level. Efforts aimed at inclusion are seen in various initiatives across all campuses, Metzger said, as well as in the public reports from principals, district leaders and others that trustees hear at their monthly meetings.

“Trustees listen carefully to students, staff and parents and use that information when it comes time to make decisions,” Metzger said. 

At their monthly board meeting Thursday night, trustees:

• Accepted two large grants from the state – one worth $382,320 to improve heating and air conditioning systems on all four campuses and the other for $124,272 to address plumbing needs. Work is ongoing.
• Heard a report from high school ag teacher Roger Christianson about the county fair. He was joined by more than a dozen FFA members. The fair will be remembered for two things, Christianson said: the heat (“It was between 108 and 114 degrees every day”) and the success of Denair’s students, led by freshman Makenzie Miguel (two first-place market sheep, plus the Reserve Grand Champion Breeding Ram) and Jaydah Rodriguez (eight firsts, one second and one third in horticulture).
• Accepted a Teacher Residency Implementation and Expansion Grant worth $320,000. The money will allow the district to add three “residents.” Teachers College of San Joaquin (TCSJ) will provide aspiring teachers with both university coursework and on-the-job training by assigning them to a mentor teacher in Denair for a full school year.
• Approved an application from the high school for an Agricultural Incentive Grant of about $24,000. The money would be to create and develop programs that motivate students to accept challenges, take pride in their achievements and work to their highest potential. Students will learn about colleges and careers through real-life experiences.