Author Archives: DenairPulse Editor

Decision Expected February 17 on DUSD Boundary Proposal

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Submitted by Denair Unified School District

Denair school officials encourage students, staff and community members to unite again to convince county officials to leave boundary lines in place and reject a Turlock housing developer’s attempt change them.

The Stanislaus County Committee on School District Reorganization is expected to announce its decision on Wed., Feb. 17 during a meeting in Denair. The gathering will be held at 6 p.m. at the Coyote Center of the campus of Denair Middle School.

At stake is more than $1 million in onetime development fees, plus hundreds of thousands of dollars per year in state funding based on student attendance.

Last fall, developer Ron Katakis asked that 91 acres at the northwest corner of Tuolumne and Waring roads be moved from the Denair Unified School District into the Turlock Unified School District. The property is about a half-mile from the Denair schools complex on Lester Road, but more than two miles away from the nearest Turlock schools.

The land has always been within the Denair district, but Katakis petitioned the Stanislaus County Office of Education redraw the boundary. He claims homeowners will likely identify with Turlock because the new neighborhood will be within the city limits, which have expanded to the east toward Denair over many decades. For that same reason, boundaries between cities and schools throughout the county and the rest of the state often are very different.

The situation pits Denair Unified, its 1,300 students and $9 million annual budget against Turlock Unified and its 14,000 students and $136 million budget.

“Small schools matter. Rural schools count. This is truly about small schools that make a positive, powerful and long-lasting impact on children,” Denair Superintendent Aaron Rosander told the 10-member committee last fall. Continue reading “Decision Expected February 17 on DUSD Boundary Proposal” »

Denair Sports Boosters Announce Run for the Roses

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Submitted by Denair High School Sports Boosters

The 8th Annual Denair Sports Boosters Dinner/Auction Fundraiser will take place on April, 16 2016 at the Denair Community Center,in Denair California. The event has become a don’t-miss affair, attended by alumni, current and past teachers and administrators, as well as, local community leaders. The proceeds from this event have helped the student athletes of Denair High School in a variety of ways. The school has been able to outfit their athletes with state-of-the-art equipment; pay costs associated with travel; pay officiating expenses as well as make improvements to the physical plant, i.e. field improvements and regular maintenance.

The original event took place in 2009 and has proven to be the premier social event for the community. With the support of a group of dedicated volunteers, we expect this year’s event to better than ever.

The theme for this event, Run for the Roses, is expected to be very exciting. The success of this event would not be possible without the generous support of local businesses and community leaders. There are wonderful Exclusive and General sponsorships opportunities available to showcase your business at the event. If you are interested in sponsoring, donating an auction item or attending the event, please contact us at DenairSportsBoosters@gmail.com

Tickets for the event purchased before March 18th are $50 for individuals or $500 for a table of ten. After March 15th, the price will be $55 for individuals and $550 for a table of ten. For an invitation to the event please email DenairSportsBoosters@gmail.com

Robots Add Fun and Technical Edge to Unique Lesson for DECA Students

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Makenzie Miguel and Audrey Van Rys

Submitted by Denair Unified School District

Kelly Beard’s first-graders learned how to code a computer Tuesday afternoon. So did elementary students from four other grade levels at Denair Elementary Charter Academy. The children loved every minute of it.

The high-tech program involved iPad Mini’s – and small, three-wheeled, one-eyed robots known as “Dash,” which are specifically designed to cater to younger students. The children, working in teams of two, used their iPads to move their robots through five different courses taped on the carpet. The calculations required them to work together to or program their Dash to go forward, turn left or right, and even push small plastic golf balls toward a pretend soccer or basketball goals.

Based on the volume of the squeals and laughter, the hour-long lesson was a huge hit.

“The kids are having so much fun,” said Beard. “This is a great way to introduce them to coding. There are so many jobs out there today in the tech world that require these skills. They need to understand how this works.”

The program was put on by Jose Marquez, the Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) coordinator for the Stanislaus County of Education. Beard attended a training event in November featuring Marquez. The two clicked and she arranged for Tuesday’s visit.

“The goal is to have him come back and rotate all our students through this,” said Beard. There are 10 more first- through fifth-grade classes who didn’t participate this time.

Marquez said he puts on two or three similar demonstrations each week around the county. The lessons vary based on the students’ age. The younger students do “visual” programming on the iPad, while the older children must integrate math and reading skills.

“The idea is to interest them in robotics,” Marquez explained. “We want them to be 21st century literate.”

Sara Michelena Announces Resignation at End of School Year to Focus on Family

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Michelena Family

Submitted by Denair Unified School District

In the end, the choice was sad but not difficult for Sara Michelena. She cares greatly for her staff and students at Denair Elementary Charter Academy. But she loves her husband and two young daughters, and her family needs her most right now.

So Friday, Michelena told her staff that she will resign at the end of the current school year to become a full-time mother to adopted daughters Emily, 3, and Elizabeth, 2. Emily has a mild form of 22q, a genetic condition that predisposes her medical and emotional issues.

“The biggest motivation is my children. They’re getting to be critical ages,” Michelena said. “I have a child with special needs and I want to encourage her development. I’m a former kindergarten teacher and they’re getting to the age I dealt with.”

Michelena has led the elementary campus for two years. Last year, she spent months spearheading the effort to write the charter that blended two independent campuses into DECA.

“The importance of her leadership at our elementary schools can’t be overstated. In fact, her tireless work in writing the charter for DECA made this new school possible,” praised Denair Unified Superintendent Aaron Rosander.

“Sara has been an important part of our district’s growth and success over the past two years, and she leaves us in esteemed standing,” Rosander added. “Sara’s warm personality, smile and work ethic will be missed. Sara loves Denair and I know her personal decision to leave us was not easy. I wish Sara and her family the very best.”

Michelena said she is grateful for Rosander’s understanding and kindness. They broke the news together to the DECA staff.

“Because they know I’m going to be staying home with my kids — and most of them are moms — they’ve been very supportive,” Michelena said. “The parents who do know have been supportive. Children are the priority in any parent’s life.” Continue reading “Sara Michelena Announces Resignation at End of School Year to Focus on Family” »