For the 108 high school students enrolled in the independent study program at Denair Charter Academy, the unique structure brings with it some unavoidable tradeoffs. The flexibility to create a path toward a diploma by studying at home while holding down a job or attending to family responsibilities is a huge positive. But the lack of social interaction with fellow students that is part of traditional campus life can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation.
At Thursday night’s meeting of the Denair Unified School District, trustees and others in the audience learned how DCA’s staff is creating opportunities for students to come together to have fun, get to know each other better and participate in projects.
One ongoing example involves two of DCA’s clubs – PHAST (Protecting Health and Slamming Tobacco) and Love in Action. PHAST focuses on educating students about the dangers of smoking and tobacco use while promoting good health; Love in Action looks for ways for students to engage in community service projects.
Though both clubs have existed separately for years, this is the first time they’ve joined forces.
“The clubs give students an opportunity to get to know each other, to socialize with peers they may have never met otherwise, to be role models, to develop leadership skills and to be creative,” explained Sally Baker, DCA’s guidance counselor.
Together, the two clubs have seven members who meet weekly. They alternate between PHAST and Love in Action efforts.
“With our smaller student body, it made sense to combine the clubs so we have a greater number of students participating in each club,” Baker said. “It is nice to have two club advisors to work with students on the activities.”
Baker works with the Love in Action Club while paraeducator Amber Carmo advises the PHAST students.
“Sally and Amber play crucial leadership roles,” said DCA Principal Jamie Pecot. “They are actively linking students with service projects and cultivating a positive and inclusive campus environment. Their dedicated work is making a significant impact on the DCA campus, enriching the student experience and promoting a sense of community.”
The club combination has been a good fit for the students. Not only have they met and made new friends, but they also have worked jointly to feed the homeless, pick up cigarette butts and other litter around town, and collect cans and bottles from DCA and take them to the recycling center in Turlock.
One of their fun projects is the Big Buddies/Little Buddies program, where DCA high school students pair up with youngsters next door at Denair Elementary Charter Academy to work on arts and crafts, read together and enjoy other activities.
“It has been the most popular activity,” said Baker, talking about the Big Buddy program.
Five of the seven students who have been active in the clubs attended Thursday night’s meeting. They said they enjoy working together and complimented Baker and Carmo for their support.
“We’ve built good friendships with each other,” said student Margarita Guzman. “Overall, it’s been fun.”
Pecot said she has been inspired by the example set for their peers by the members of the PHAST and Love in Action clubs.
“I am proud to see the independent study students connecting with each other and creating a positive and friendly environment on the DCA campus,” she said.
In other action Thursday, trustees:
- Listened to the annual report from staff and students about the district’s expansive mental health programs, which include ROX (Ruling our eXperiences) and She Became to empower girls; an entire day dedicated to mental health class discussions and fun activities last fall; an active NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Club; and a Parent’s University that includes bilingual groups for fathers as well as couples. Trustee Crystal Sousa complimented the staff involved in all the mental health services, calling their efforts “inspiring.”
- Heard from three principals about grading trends in the district, which is in its third year of implementing fair and accurate grading practices. The percentage of students receiving one or more Fs has fallen at Denair High, Denair Middle School and Denair Charter Academy as compared with the baseline year of 2020-21, which was interrupted by the pandemic. In the fall of 2024, 5% of DHS and DCA students received Fs while just 1% did at DMS.
- Held a public hearing regarding the sunshine contract proposals presented by the district and the Denair Unified Teachers Association. The current collective bargaining agreement expires on June 30, 2025.
- Approved a new classified employee salary schedule that reflects an increase in California’s minimum wage to $16.50 per hour beginning Jan. 1, 2025.
- Welcomed Trustees Andrea Bennett and Jason De Muro to the board. They were elected in November and sworn in in December, but Thursday night was their first regular board meeting.
- OK’d a trip for up to eighth Denair High students and one advisor to the California
Association of Student Leaders conference April 12-14 in Santa Clara. - Extended an agreement with Turlock Little League through Dec. 31, 2025, allowing the league access to district fields to play its games.
