Author Archives: DenairPulse Editor

Denair High School’s 2015 Graduation Rate Again Exceeds State and County Averages

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CoyoteGradHat

Submitted by Denair Unified School District

Denair High School continued to perform well above the state and county averages in graduating its students, according to statistics released last month by the California Department of Education.

In 2015, 76 of 81 seniors graduated from Denair High, a rate of 93.8%. That compares to a statewide average of 82.3% and a Stanislaus County graduation rate of 85%.

“Student graduation rates reflect the dedication of our community and schools to the education and success of our students. No child left behind is not a platitude or vacant slogan at Denair schools but, rather, a practice and commitment to our students,” said Aaron Rosander, superintendent of the Denair Unified School District.

Denair has long been one of the high-achieving high schools in the county when measured by graduation rates and student performance. The rate was 93.7% (74 of 79) in 2014, 98.7% (75 of 76) in 2013, 98.8% (84 of 85) in 2012 and 100% (74 of 74) in 2011.

Many of Denair’s graduates attended public and private universities in California, while others have been accepted at prestigious colleges out of state.

College attendance is emphasized and encouraged at all grade levels, there are college application workshops, presentations from schools from the UC and CSU systems, and Denair High School’s counselor works with students and their families on enrollment, grant and scholarship applications.

“Going to college improves students’ job opportunities,” said Cherie Gresham, the counselor and college advisor at Denair High School. Continue reading “Denair High School’s 2015 Graduation Rate Again Exceeds State and County Averages” »

Proposed 2016-17 DUSD Budget Includes Pay Hikes, Investments in Tech and New Programs

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DUSD Recognition

Submitted by Denair Unified School District

Denair Unified School District trustees signaled support Thursday night for a 2016-17 budget that includes small salary increases for all employees and one-time investments in technology and academic programs.

The proposed budget envisions spending $13.5 million in the next school year as compared to about $13.3 million in 2015-16. The difference, explained Chief Business Officer Linda Covello, mostly is due to the 1% pay raises previously approved for all employees plus state-mandated additional contributions to their retirement funds.

There will be two teaching positions added at Denair Elementary Charter Academy to expand the dual-immersion Spanish language program to the first grade.

Extra money received from the state the past few years will be used to buy new 31 new computers for the Denair High School lab as well as innovative Spanish programs for all campuses and a new math curriculum for the elementary campus. Covello said committees composed of staff members are in the process of identifying additional needs across the district. Because the money comes from one-time reimbursements from the state, Covello said it is best invested in equipment, programs or maintenance upgrades that are not ongoing and do not need to be funded each year.

The 2016-17 budget remains lean because the district still projects a slight decline in enrollment. Each student is worth about $8,000 in state funding based on average daily attendance (ADA). In the past five years, ADA has fallen from 1,535 students to 1,275. Continue reading “Proposed 2016-17 DUSD Budget Includes Pay Hikes, Investments in Tech and New Programs” »

Free Summer Feeding Program Features Breakfast and Lunch

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DUSD Lunch program

Submitted by Denair Unified School District

All children 18 and under who live within driving distance of Denair Middle School are invited to participate in a free breakfast and lunch program beginning Monday. Children do not have to attend Denair schools to participate and there is no income or other eligibility restrictions.

The program is a collaboration of the Denair Unified School District and the California Department of Education,using federal grant money.

“Just show up and we’ll feed you a delicious, nutritional meal,” said Billy Reid, Denair’s food services director.

The program will be run from June 6 to July 1 and again from July 11-22. Breakfast – including plenty of locally grown fresh fruit and milk – will be served from 9 to 10 a.m. Lunch – featuring fresh vegetables, more milk and healthy juices, plus favorites such as hamburgers, burritos, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and pizza – will be served from noon to 1 p.m. The menu will change daily.

Reid expects up to 30 youngsters for breakfast and 60 or more for lunch, but said there is room for hundreds more interested children. He emphasized that all children are welcome – a convenience for busy moms and dads who don’t always have time to juggle making breakfast or lunch with their jobs or running kids to other activities

“I’d love to see more participation,” he said. “You know there are people out there who need the help.” Continue reading “Free Summer Feeding Program Features Breakfast and Lunch” »

Free Summer Meals for Kids!

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SummerMealFlyer

Submitted by Denair Unified School District

Denair Unified School District is offering free breakfast and lunch for all children, up to age 18. Both meals are served Monday through Friday, June 6, through July 1, 2016 and July 11, through July 22, 2016. Breakfast is served in the Denair Middle School Coyote Center, 3701 Lester Road, Denair, from 9:00 am to 10:00 AM. Lunch is served in the Coyote Center from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.  For more information call (209) 664-5804 or visit www.culinarycoyote.com.