DENAIR, Calif. (Oct. 15, 2026) — Denair Unified School District has been awarded a multi-year

“Invention Education (IvE) Pathways” grant that will support teaching elementary, middle, and

high school students the methods inventors use to improve lives.

The grant was awarded by Lemelson-MIT (LMIT) program, part of the Massachusetts Institute

of Technology’s prestigious School of Engineering. While the district was awarded a modest

$35,000 for materials and equipment, the real value of the grant is the professional

development, IvE curriculum, and implementation support provided by LMIT. DUSD will work in

conjunction with California State University, Stanislaus.

LMIT’s experience, case studies, and published research show that this approach helps

students, especially those underrepresented in STEM, build confidence and see themselves as

capable STEM learners and inventors. Student teams in the program’s flagship high school

grants initiative – InvenTeams® – have earned an impressive 24 U.S. patents.

“We want to equip all students to succeed in a global economy, where critical and creative

thinking is a must,” said DUSD Superintendent Terry Metzger, Ed.D. “Through this partnership

our students will experience firsthand the transformative power of invention education. IvE

goes beyond the traditional classroom, giving students a platform not only to develop tangible

solutions to real-world problems but also to build essential skills like critical thinking,

collaboration, and resilience.”

IvE is an approach to teaching in which students work in teams to identify problems that matter

to them and develop prototypes of novel solutions. Students engaged in IvE learn how to apply

knowledge and skills from different disciplines. They develop durable human skills that are

important in work and in life such as teamwork, collaboration and communication. Students

also develop technical skills and confidence in their own abilities. All three types of benefits

prepare students to thrive in today’s rapidly changing world. Denair USD plans to offer IvE in its

before and after school program. Students at all grade levels will also have opportunities to

learn through invention projects and activities teachers incorporate into their classroom

instruction.

The district is partnering with teacher candidates and FabLab staff from CSU Stanislaus to

organically expand interest and enthusiasm for IvE among students, teachers, and staff. Denair

USD is part of a larger northern California regional cohort identified by LMIT after a nationwide

search for a cluster of schools/colleges and districts that recognize the power of IvE and are

committed to building strong pathways to invention. The other two regions selected were

Tennessee and Massachusetts/Connecticut. LMIT offers curriculum resources that schools,

districts, and community colleges can adopt selectively to jump-start their IvE offerings. LMIT

will work with participating sites across Northern California to assist with their design,

implementation, and evaluation of learning experiences that help students apply STEM

knowledge to invent solutions to real-world problems.

The complete list of Northern California schools, districts, and colleges selected as part of

LMIT’s regional focus include:

 California State University, Stanislaus

 Columbia College

 Columbia Union School District

 Denair Unified School District

 Folsom-Cordova Unified School District

 Stockton Unified School District

 Visions in Education University Prep Early College Academy (Gold River)

“This initiative builds on LMIT’s work with educators across the U.S. for nearly 25 years and

related research. We have learned that IvE can benefit all students, especially when students

can experience learning through the invention process across multiple grade levels,” said Dr.

Stephanie Couch, executive director of LMIT. “Our goal is to create opportunities for learning

through IvE during the regular school day, beginning in the early grades and continuing into

adulthood. Learners will gain insights into the opportunities they have to improve the lives of

people they care about through creative and inventive problem solving. They will also gain

confidence in their own abilities, including pursuit of college/career paths in technical

fields/occupations if that is what they choose. Employers benefit from graduates that have the

types of capabilities they need but have trouble finding. Invention education connects students’

knowledge and passions with the technical and durable human skills employers are looking

for.”

ABOUT DENAIR UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT: DUSD serves more than 1,300 students in

California’s San Joaquin Valley, the nation’s mightiest ag production region. And while the

district embraces its ag-based roots, it also looks to empower tomorrow’s leaders through

exemplary instruction and powerful, innovative programs.

ABOUT THE LEMELSON-MIT PROGRAM:  For more than 30 years, LMIT, administered under the

MIT School of Engineering, has been a national leader in efforts to prepare the next generation

of inventors and entrepreneurs. Their work focuses on the expansion of opportunities for all

people to discover their pathway into becoming an inventor and solve crucial problems to help

improve lives. 

Jerome H. Lemelson, one of U.S. history’s most prolific inventors, and his wife Dorothy, founded

the Lemelson-MIT Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1994. It is funded

by The Lemelson Foundation and administered by MIT’s School of Engineering, an institution

with a strong ongoing commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for K-14 STEM

education.   

The Lemelson-MIT Program (LMIT), one of the entities consulted by the partners during this

program design process, LMIT has a proven track record of supporting educators and teams of

young people across the U.S. in developing technical and human skills through the project-

based learning approach known as “invention education” (IvE). IvE blends STEM instruction

with hands-on skills common in career technical education (CTE) programs in ways that

educators, learners, and employers value. To date, 23 teams of high school students with whom

LMIT has worked have earned patents for their invention prototypes.

Denair High handily defeated Le Grand 49-28 in a Southern League contest last Friday night,
setting up a clash that against Mariposa that will likely decide the conference title.
Both teams enter the showdown with matching 5-1 overall records, and 3-0 in SL action.
The aptly named Connor Hart – he was the heart of the Denair attack – turned in a solid two-
way performance as the Coyotes dominated the Bulldogs.
The senior running back carried the ball 17 times for 147 yards (8.7 per attempt) and two
scores, while delivering four solo tackles, nine assisted tackles, a sack, and an interception that
he returned for a touchdown late in the first half.
Junior John Wilmoth was even more effective out of the backfield, totaling 146 yards and one
TD on eight totes (18.3 per carry). Defensively, Wilmoth had five solo tackles and one assist.
Senior Noah Chavez had 77 yards and score on eight attempts (9.6), with three solo tackles and
four assists on defense.
Senior quarterback Derek Potter connected on three of his four pass attempts for 98 yards and
two scores – both to Harlan Brown, who had two receptions for 93 yards.
Additional defensive standouts were junior Ulices Flores (two sacks) and sophomore Nolan
Peardon (three solo tackles, two assists, a sack, and a fumble recovery).
“The key for us Friday was executing,” said head coach Anthony Armas. “We didn't execute as
well as we would have liked the previous week against Gustine. We knew we needed to come
out against Le Grand and do what we do – play fast, play physical, and execute.”

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The loss for Le Grand (3-3) was its first in conference play, leaving Denair and Mariposa atop
the conference standings.
The teams have played two common opponents: league foe Gustine and Amador (Sutter
Creek). Denair slipped past the Gustine 23-16, while Mariposa blasted the Reds 50-6. Both
teams lost close contests to Amador, with Denair falling 28-20 at Jack Lytton Stadium and the
Grizzlies losing 29-28 on the road.
According to the MaxPreps ratings system, Mariposa is No. 413 in California while Denair is
463rd. The Coyotes’ five victories have come against opponents with an average MaxPreps
rating of just over 800, while Mariposa’s victories have come against teams with an average just
below 900.
“Our players are looking forward to the game with Mariposa,” said Armas. “We had two really
tough, exciting games with them last year. Both teams seem to bring out the best in each
other.”
Denair fell to Mariposa 24-23 in overtime during their 2025 regular-season matchup but came
back to avenge that loss with a 33-28 victory over the Grizzlies in the first round of the Sac-
Joaquin Section Division 7 playoffs.
“Mariposa is always a very physical team and they're well coached,” added Armas. “They're
pretty darn good at every aspect of the game, so it's hard to say one thing about Mariposa
concerns us. I think our biggest concern every week is always us – making sure we're prepared,
try to be as healthy as possible, and execute as best we can. Everything else usually takes care
of itself.”

Denair Elementary Charter Academy officially opened its new kitchen and multipurpose room
at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday before the monthly Denair Unified School District Board
of Trustees meeting.
“We are absolutely thrilled to gather here for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony,”
Superintendent Terry Metzger, Ed.D., told a crowd of about 50 students, community members,
and local dignitaries who braved near-100-degree heat to attend. “This beautiful space was
created from the old gym and includes an amazing kitchen and staff break room where the old
locker rooms used to be.”
Metzger also pointed out that the new glass “storefront” lobby creates a functional new
entrance to the space, which also boasts a refinished gym – still featuring the original 70-year-
old floor – and classrooms.
“This building creates great spaces for our students, staff, and the community,” Metzger added.
In addition to Metzger, board President Billy Myers, Food Services Manager Kim Fuentez, Chief
Business Official Daisy Swearingen, and DECA Principal Crystal Sousa, Ed.D., and student council
representative Juan Carlos Rivas all delivered remarks before the official cutting of the purple
ribbon.
Evyn Galvan, the district director for Assemblymember Juan Alanis (R-Modesto), delivered a
certificate of recognition. And Noah Jamison, senior project engineer with Valley Construction
Services, Inc., the management firm for the project, also attended.
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“This is an investment in the future of the school and will be beneficial for all,” said Jamison.
“Seeing all these smiling faces is so rewarding. It’s what makes me get up in the morning and
keep doing what I’m doing.”
After Sousa and Rivas snipped the ribbon, the public was invited inside for a tour and treated to
cookies and lemonade.
Later, during the board meeting, the trustees were presented with a bevy of updates, including
the results of the fall 2025 iReady test results – now called Inform.
Fifty-one percent of DECA students were reading at, above, or one grade below their current
grade level. Of DECA’s Dual Language Immersion students, 62 percent read at, above, or one
grade below their grade level. Math results showed that 54 percent of DECA students tested at,
above, or one grade below.
Inform results showed that 44 percent of Denair Middle School students were at, above, or one
grade below for reading, while 50 percent achieved those levels for math.
Forty percent of Denair Charter Academy students were at, above, or one grade below for
reading, while 24 percent reached those levels in math.
And, at Denair High School, the results were 24 percent for reading and 35 percent for math.
Because the tests were conducted in the fall, when students were coming out of their previous
grade, the “one grade below” distinction is effectively on par with their just-completed grade
level.
Another bit of bright news for the board came from Fuentez, who reported that 75 percent of
DUSD students participate in the district’s lunch program. That’s nearly 18 percent better than
the state average, almost 10 percent higher than local large school districts, and 6 percent
higher than local small districts.
“This milestone is directly driven by our revised site menus featuring locally sourced produce
and our district-wide commitment to scratch and quick-scratch cooking,” said Fuentez. “All that
to say, when we serve real, fresh food, our students show up.”
Finally, congratulations to Keioni Ayala and Mason Kulwitzky, and Sophia Virgen and Troy
Williams for being named varsity and junior varsity homecoming queens and kings,
respectively.

It wasn’t pretty, but Denair High’s varsity football team found a way to win its homecoming
game Friday night, downing Gustine 23-16 in a tougher-than-expected contest.
“It was a tough victory,” said Coyotes head coach Anthony Armas. “Gustine came out running
an offense they had not run all year. They also ran down the clock on every possession. It really
limited the number of offensive plays we had.”
Despite carrying the ball only nine times, junior running back John Wilmoth totaled 105 yards
and one touchdown, while senior Connor Hart had 37 yards and two TDs on 14 attempts.
Senior receiver Harlan Brown caught one pass for 42 yards. He also converted on two of three
extra-point attempts in addition to booting a 21-yard field goal.
Denair never trailed in the game but could never shake the stubborn Reds.
After a scoreless first stanza, Hart scored the first of his two TDs in the second quarter to make
it 7-0. Brown’s FG extended the lead to 10-0 in the third quarter, but Gustine got back into the
game with a touchdown and two-point conversion to make it 10-8. Hart’s second TD widened
the lead to 17-8, but another TD and two-pointer by the Reds made it 17-16. Wilmoth’s 28-yard
TD scamper produced the final margin.
“Gustine was really aggressive,” said Armas. “It was an ugly win, but a win nonetheless, and
definitely something we’ll use as a teaching tool for our players.”
The Coyotes are now 4-1 for the season and 2-0 in the Southern League, while Gustine drops to
0-5. Denair will travel Friday to take on Le Grand (3-2, 2-0), a 55-34 winner over Waterford last
week.

The early days of October will be humming with activity for Denair Unified School District.
On Friday, Oct. 2, Denair High’s varsity football team will play host to Gustine in its annual
homecoming game at Jack W. Lytton Stadium. The Coyotes are 3-1 and coming off a key 28-14
victory over Stone Ridge Christian in the Southern League opener. Gustine (0-4) fell 50-6 in its
conference opener last week in Mariposa.
“Homecoming is always a special time around campus and in the community,” said DHS
Principal Breanne Aguiar. “And with the early success of our football team, there’s a real buzz
surrounding Friday night’s lineup.”
A homecoming rally will be held in the DHS gymnasium on Friday at 11:15 a.m.., followed by
the traditional homecoming parade through town at 12:15 p.m. The football game is slated to
kick off at 7:15.
Next week, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at Denair Elementary Charter Academy on
Thursday, Oct. 8, from 5 to 6 p.m., to commemorate the opening of the multipurpose
gymnasium.
The event is open to the public and lemonade and cookies will be served.
“We can’t wait to show off this space,” said DUSD Superintendent Terry Metzger, Ed.D. “Many
community members attended school here in Denair. I think they will be surprised to see how
we turned the old boys’ and girls’ locker rooms into a beautiful new kitchen. The original gym
floor has been refinished and looks amazing!”
On Saturday, Oct. 10, the 10 th annual Denair FFA Truck and Tractor Pull will be held at Lytton
Stadium.

Sanctioned by the Valley Tractor Pullers Association, registration and scales will be held from 11
a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (scales close at 2), and the pulling starts at 4 p.m.
There will be paid purses for the Country Mod and 8,000-pound Limited Pro Stock divisions.
So, whether you’re hooking to the sled or coming out to watch, get ready for an afternoon of
horsepower, dirt, and pulling.