Denair High School’s annual freshman orientation meeting will be held Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the DHS band room.
More than just an informational meeting, dinner will be provided for parents and incoming DHS students, and door prizes will be awarded.
“Our freshman orientation not only provides incoming DHS families with a chance to meet our staff and learn about the opportunities available to students, but it’s a great way for those families to connect with one another,” said DHS Principal Breane Aguiar, who pointed out that Spanish translation will be available.
Families of incoming freshman will learn about Career Technical Education pathways, A-G requirements for CSU and UC colleges, dual-language options (AP Spanish Language and AP Spanish Literature), freshman balloting, campus clubs, athletic programs, and more.
“We’re excited to meet our incoming students and families,” Aguiar added. “We have a great evening planned.”
For more information about the event, call 209-632-9911.
Yes, it’s true parents, there’s now another option for your hungry student: Pizza Factory pizza!
Denair Unified School District and Pizza Factory have teamed up to make fresh, handmade pizza available Monday through Friday for Denair High School and Denair Middle School students. Denair Elementary Charter Academy students will be treated to Pizza Factory pies every other Friday.
“The district will be saving money on the overall cost per slice,” said DUSD Food Service Manager Kim Fuentez. “It’s a win-win-win situation: a win for the district; a win for a local business; and a win for our students. And, to me, that’s the most important part: our kids will be getting quality food that they really enjoy.”
Parents will also be glad to know that Pizza Factory will use special ingredients for its DUSD orders to meet school nutritional guidelines, Fuentez added.
Leanna Ortegaray, a special education para-educator at Denair High School, has been nominated by Principal Breanne Aguiar as 2026’s Employee Making a Difference.
“Leanna supports both high school and adult transition students, approaching every day with enthusiasm and genuine care for her students,” said Aguiar. “She demonstrates a deep commitment to their academic, social, and emotional growth. She is highly knowledgeable about instructional strategies that promote independence and real-world readiness.”
Ortegaray’s commitment extends beyond the classroom, however. She often volunteers her time to support extracurricular programs and transition-focused events that prepare students for life after graduation.
At the school’s coffee cart, Cup of Kindness, Ortegaray supports students with moderate to severe disabilities in developing essential life skills through meaningful work-based learning experiences and instruction.
“I am passionate about serving students and supporting my school community,” said the San Jose native, who joined Denair Unified School District in 2019. “I take great pride in being part of a district that truly feels like family.”
Family is important to Ortegaray.
“My late father, Rodrigo Ortegaray, was my best friend and taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and never giving up,” she said. “My mother, Maria Ortegaray, is also my best friend and a constant source of support.
“I am the proud mother of one son, Wilder Diaz, a Denair High School alumnus. I also have a younger sister and 12 nieces and nephews, all of whom I love deeply. Family and love are at the center of everything I do.”
This school year, Ortegaray organized a dinner outing for a group of students before the homecoming dance, ensuring they could enjoy the same experiences as their peers. She also frequently organizes small-group learning sessions and community-based instruction projects that promote student independence and social skills.
“Leanna always considers how students can be included in site, district, and community events, striving for the best for all students,” said Aguiar. “She represents the district’s values of inclusivity, compassion, and dedication. Her work has not only improved the lives of countless students but also strengthened the reputation of Denair Unified as a place where every learner, regardless of age or ability, is supported and valued.”
For Ortegaray, it’s all about being part of the DUSD family.
“We truly care about one another,” said Ortegaray. “I have never worked anywhere else where I feel so supported, appreciated, and valued. I enjoy coming to work every day and am grateful for my students and coworkers.”
Underneath blue skies and brilliant sunshine, the official groundbreaking ceremony for Denair Elementary Charter Academy’s gymnasium renovation project was held Friday at the campus.
Denair Unified School District Board of Trustees members were on hand – along with Superintendent Terry Metzger, Ed.D., Chief Business Official Daisy Swearingen, DECA Principal Crystal Sousa, Food Service Manager Kim Fuentez, and Director of Facilities, Construction, Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation Mark Hodges – for the ceremony. Additionally, seven members of the DECA student council, who displayed their school pride with their purple construction hard hats, took part in the festivities.
“We are so incredibly grateful to the voters of Denair for passing Measure Z,” said Metzger, referring to the $34.3 million school-improvement bond measure approved in November 2024. “And we’re excited to kick off our first project on the DECA campus. It will be beneficial not only for our students and staff, but for the entire community, as well.”
The DECA gymnasium facelift includes the addition of the school’s new kitchen and a new Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system.
In the coming months, other scheduled improvement projects include:
Construction of two new classroom wings
Creation of drop-off/pick-up and bus zones on Madera Avenue
Conversion of the old cafeteria into an administration building and library
Denair Unified School District’s “small buy mighty” Mental Health Team – Lina Maria Mateus, Kara Binkley, Sally Baker, Rosaura Contreras, Brittany Heinsaar, and Perla Bravo – continues to provide students with innovate pathways to behavioral health services, according to a presentation Thursday before the Board of Trustees.
For the fourth consecutive year, DUSD was invited to attend the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) state conference in Sacramento Oct. 16-17, which boasted more than 200 attendees. This year, four of Denair’s 20 attending students gave a presentation on their NAMI club’s mission, successes and challenges. The mental health team’s strategies to overcome those challenges include individual and group sessions, social/emotional check-ins, and conflict mediation.
The team also highlighted district-sponsored projects and activities, explaining how these initiatives have supported both the schools and the overall community by helping to reduce the stigma associated with mental health, while open and positive dialogue.
“At the high school, we’ve had more than 1,300 direct or indirect contacts in relation to mental health services for our students,” said Heinsaar. “Those are huge numbers. This year we’ve had more than 100 students participate in the NAMI club.”
Some of the new initiatives include the DECA Calming Corner, wellness bags, a student rock garden, and “Relax with Lina Maria” sessions for parents.
The team also shared that the DUSD is set to hire and onboard a new elementary school counselor later this month. After receiving more than two dozen applications, eight candidates were interviewed and three of those rose to the top of the list.
The board also heard a presentation on the district’s cell phone policy, which was partially derived by consulting with parents, students, and faculty. The policy is a response to a new law that takes effect July 1, 2026, which mandates that districts across the state must limit or prohibit cell phone use during school hours.
DUSD has opted to limit the use of cell phones during school hours, rather than prohibit.
“We feel the policy presented for the first read is the right way to go,” said Metzger. “Of course, there remains work to be done on the implementation side.”
In other business Thursday, the board unanimously approved the 2025-26 Career Technical Education Incentive Grant, totaling more than $520,000. This grant supports student access to industry-aligned career pathways, instructional materials and equipment, professional development, and program improvements that prepare students for college and career success.
The board also accepted the Agricultural Career Technical Education Incentive Grant, totaling more than $21,000.
Classified Employee of the Month – Nilza Borba
“Nilza is a hardworking, honest and dependable employee,” said Director of Facilities, Construction, Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation Mark Hodges. “As our high school daytime custodian, she’s always ready to help when called upon. I truly appreciate all she does for our high school, our department, and the district.”
Certificated Employee of the Month – Alison Loftin
“Ali consistently goes above and beyond to support all students as they learn to read,” said DECA Principal Crystal Sousa. “She creates a fun and engaging environment where students who are convinced they ‘cannot’ read begin to feel confident in their abilities and are willing to try new strategies to become successful readers.”
