An innovative mathematics curriculum – Amplify Desmos – will be implemented at Denair Unified School District next school year if approved by the Board of Trustees at next month’s meeting.

On Thursday, the board heard a presentation from Mrs. Jaime Pecot, who was assisted by review-team members Mrs. Stephanie De Muro, Ms. Emma Mendes, and Mr. Brendan Contreras.  

Instead of simply requiring students to work out math problems with a pencil and paper, Amplify Desmos’ digital curriculum promotes reasoning and discussion, allowing teachers to operate interactive classrooms.

“In English, you can read about a time in history, but in math it just seems to be ‘focus, memorize, do,’” said Pecot, principal of Denair Charter Academy. “And we don’t want that. We don’t want students to say, ‘Why are we learning this?’ This is about redesigning math and offering quality instruction. It’s not ‘Here’s the formula; memorize it and move on.’”

Since September 2024, DUSD math teachers have worked with the Stanislaus County Office of Education to review the new state math framework and align the district’s vision of student engagement and conceptual learning with an established math curriculum. Throughout this process, DUSD teachers have worked to ensure coherence and continuity of instruction across all grade levels. The district hopes to adopt the Amplify Desmos curriculum districtwide beginning in the 2026-27 school year. 

“This is not something we took lightly,” De Muro told the board. “This program checked all the boxes.”

There will now be a two-week public preview and comment period. The final recommendation will come back to the board for action at the May 14 meeting.

Summer is just around the corner – The end of the 2025-26 school year is only five weeks away, and DUSD is already making plans. Superintendent Terry Metzger, Ed.D.., delivered a presentation detailing summer-break programs, which include:

• Extended Learning Opportunities Program for students in grades K-8
• Credit Recovery for students in grades 9-12
• Extended School Year for qualifying Special Education students in grades K-12
• Professional development opportunities for teachers and staff

DCA charter renewal – The board voted unanimously to support the renewal petition for Denair Charter Academy – a five-year term that will run from July 1 through June 30, 2031. The public hearing was required by the Education Code as part of the renewal process so the board could consider the level of support by teachers, other employees, and parents. 

DUSD Facilities Master Plan – Caldwell Flores Winter, Inc. presented a summary of the district’s updated Facilities Master Plan, which outlines the district’s long-term facility needs, priorities, and planning framework to support current and future students. The board will vote on the plan next month, which will guide future decisions related to facilities improvements, maintenance, and development districtwide. The plan is required to access state facility funding. Overall, approximately $46 million is projected to be available over a 10-year period in three phases. Upgrades include a new kitchen, gym modernization, and new play structures at Denair Elementary Charter Academy, upgrades to classrooms at Denair Middle School, roof repairs, new classrooms, and completion of security fencing at Denair High School, and completion of technology infrastructure districtwide. Denair Charter Academy improvements will better secure its campus.

Classified Employee of the Month – Kathy Wade, DMS principal’s secretary:

Ms. Wade was unable to attend the meeting and will be honored at May’s board meeting.

Certificated Employee of the Month – Mrs. Brandi Baker, DUSD special ed inclusion specialist: “Mrs. Baker exemplifies Denair Unified School District’s mission by empowering both students and staff through her unwavering commitment to inclusive practices, exemplary instruction, and innovative problem-solving,” said Ms. Nicole Hake, who nominated Baker for the honor. “She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that all students, especially those with diverse learning needs, have access to meaningful, high-quality educational opportunities.”

Upcoming events

• Denair High School Club Rush will be held Friday, April 24, following fourth period (11:42 a.m.) in the DHS quad.

• Denair FFA will hold a flag football game and an ice cream social on Friday, April 24, at 6:30 p.m. at Jack Lytton Stadium.

• The annual Powder Puff football game will be held Monday, April 27, at Lytton Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.

• The plant sale will be held Saturday, May 2, from 8 a.m. to noon at the DHS greenhouse.

• Districtwide open house will be held Wednesday, May 6, at 5 p.m. at Denair Charter Academy, Denair Elementary Charter Academy, and Denair Middle School.

•  The Awards and Scholarship Night will be held Thursday, May 7, at 6:30 p.m. in the DHS gymnasium.

• The Week of the Teacher will be celebrated May 4-8

• The Week of the Classified School Employee will be celebrated May 18-22