Denair Charter Academy will host its annual Family Night on Thursday, Sept. 16 at the outdoor Coyote Plaza.

All parents and family members of DCA’s K-12 students are invited to attend from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., as are any community members interested in learning more about the campus’ many unique programs. Parking is available in the lot near the DCA and district administrative offices, just across the street from Denair Middle School.

DCA features home-schooling support for parents of kindergarten through eighth-graders as well as an independent study option for high school students for whom a traditional schedule doesn’t mesh with their academic needs. Independent study students spend at least one day a week on campus to meet with their instructors and also have access to a full range of online courses.

In addition to having an opportunity to meet with DCA staff on Family Night, there are activities and games planned for students and their families. Tito’s Tacos and Grill will be on hand to provide food and drinks.

“Denair Charter Academy is proud to share the accomplishments of our uniquely talented students and staff,” said first-year DCA Principal Vanessa Hayden. “Our educational plans are as tailored as well-fitted suits to our individual students.  While each suit is different, our students will wear them well throughout their lives. 

“This night also is an opportunity for families to see what options they’d like to add to their learning plans. Pease join us for Family Night to share in the celebration and explore our onsite classes, clubs, home-schooling program, independent studies, credit recovery and virtual instruction options. Everyone is welcome.”

This is one in a series of Q&A’s with teachers new to Denair Unified in 2021-22.

Family: Husband, Craig; daughters, Addison and Emerson

School: Denair Charter Academy

Subject taught: All

Experience and education: New to DCA, but this is my 10th year teaching. Graduated from Hilmar High School, UC Davis and UC Davis School of Education.

What attracted you to Denair? The small-town community. 

What most inspires you about teaching? Making a positive impact. 

What is a challenge you look forward to tackling this year? Learning the DCA way. 

This is one in a series of Q&A’s with teachers new to Denair Unified in 2021-22.

Family: Husband, Nathan; sons, Virgil, 6, and Waylon, 4

School: Denair Charter Academy 

Subject taught: Sixth- and seventh-grade home school 

Experience and education: Fresno Pacific University, worked as a paraprofessional, substitute teacher

What attracted you to Denair? I was looking for a smaller district that focused on teaching students and doesn’t try to fit all students into the typical educational options. 

What most inspires you about teaching? When I see the excitement students show when they understand the concept we are working on. 

What is a challenge you look forward to tackling this year? Helping students socialize.

This is one in a series of Q&A’s with employees new to Denair Unified in 2021-22.

Family: Husband, Ernesto Javier; daughters ages 12 and 19 

Job: Mental health clinician

Experience and education: BA in psychology and a minor in Spanish from UC Merced and a master of social work from CSU Stanislaus. I have 14 years of professional experience providing services to children and their families. 

What attracted you to Denair? The amazing opportunity to offer counseling services in a school setting was always very appealing to me. I enjoy working with school-age children, and I saw in Denair the perfect chance for me to not only work with a small community, but also to support Spanish-speaking families. 

What most inspires you about your job? Making a difference in the lives of children and their families is my biggest motivation. Assisting others with their challenges and seeing how they can improve the quality of their lives is very gratifying to me. 

A small roster, smoke in the air and the lingering uncertainty of COVID. None of that is anything new for Denair football Coach Anthony Armas, who faces many of the same challenges this fall he’s successfully dealt with in the past.

• Twenty varsity players? What Denair lacks in numbers it makes up for in grit and determination. In the last two full seasons played in the fall (2018 and 2019), the Coyotes won two Southern League crowns, a state title and lost in the Sac-Joaquin Section championship game.

• Smoky conditions caused by California wildfires? Armas has become a pro at checking an app on his phone that shows him air quality before practice. If the air is unhealthy, he’ll adjust.

• Pandemic impacts? Though Denair struggled to a 1-4 record last spring when COVID concerns delayed the season, Armas and his players recognize and accept the precautions that must be taken to avoid the virus. No one complains and no one takes unnecessary risks.

The season begins Friday night at home against Vacaville Christian. Kickoff is 7:15 p.m. at Jack Lytton Stadium.