Family: Dad, Jose Perez; mom, Raquel Franco; brother, Jose Victoriano Perez.

School: Denair Middle School

Subject taught: Mild/moderate special education and sixth-grade math intervention 

Experience and education: I hold a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with a concentration in exceptional youth from Stanislaus State. Currently, I am enrolled in the mild/moderate special education program.

What attracted you to Denair? During my year of experience as a substitute teacher across the Central Valley, I had the opportunity to serve as a long-term substitute at Denair Middle School for four months. In that time, I discovered a strong and nurturing community. The supportive staff and administration made me feel right at home.

What most inspires you about teaching? My greatest inspiration in teaching comes from the ability to make a positive impact on my student’s lives and education. I am eager to collaborate with students and their families to help them thrive.

What is a challenge you look forward to tackling this year? I am excited about the opportunity to learn more about the IEP and testing processes.

What is your favorite teaching tool or activity?  I enjoy integrating technology into the classroom and helping students establish personal connections to the curriculum, which enhances their understanding and retention of knowledge.

What do you want your students to remember? I want my students to remember that they matter and are cared for. In my classroom, they will always find a safe and supportive environment.

How can parents support what you do? Parents can support my efforts by maintaining open communication and reaching out with any questions or concerns. It’s important to remember that we are a team, dedicated to helping your child succeed.

What would surprise people about your job? Many may be surprised to learn that working in special education is both incredibly rewarding and highly intricate, requiring significant time and effort.

What do you do for fun? In my free time, I love going on long walks and trying new foods!

Anthony Armas has had a love affair with Disneyland most of his life, which is why before every football season (except for the COVID-influenced years of 2020, 2021 and 2022) he has arranged for his Denair High players and coaches to visit the theme park together.

This year, 23 of Armas’ 27 players accompanied him to Disneyland in mid-July. They spent parts of two days traveling and two full days in the park.

“Football is a tough sport,” he explained. “It’s just a team-bonding experience and a chance to get out and have some fun. The kids enjoy it.”

Unfortunately, the magical memories generated from the self-proclaimed “Happiest Place on Earth” haven’t translated to success on the football field recently.

Since winning the state Division VII championship in 2019, the Denair program has fallen on hard times. In the past four seasons, the Coyotes are a combined 6-26. Denair didn’t lack talent; it lacked bodies. The past two years, Armas started with fewer than 20 players and watched as injuries inevitably thinned his roster even more. It wasn’t unusual for Denair to have more assistant coaches than reserve players on the sidelines in many games.

But this season – which kicks off Saturday night at Big Valley Christian in Modesto — is starting out differently. The Coyotes have 27 players – enough so the team can actually practice 11-on-11 for the first time in many years. There is actual depth, meaning Armas can rest players during games.

“It’s nice to have a first string and second string,” he said. “It means we can rotate guys. We’re finally getting through that COVID stuff. It really nuked our numbers.”

Still, the Coyotes will be young. There are 10 seniors, 15 juniors and two sophomores on the team.

One of those sophomores is quarterback Derek Potter, a left-hander “with a strong arm and good touch,” according to Armas. “He’s the kind of kid you like to coach.”

Potter will be joined in the backfield in Denair’s run-heavy Wing-T offense by backs Jesse Ruelas (a senior) and juniors Degan Butler and Alex Vargas. Opening holes for that group and protecting Potter will be senior right guard Even Coronel, right tackle Eduardo Zacharias and tight end Ernesto Silva, a junior who played last year as a sophomore.

Armas said the offense “didn’t miss any assignments” at last week’s four-way scrimmage with Riverbank, Franklin, Stone Ridge Christian in Riverbank, but he was most excited about his young defense.

“I thought we did well,” he said. “I’ll always say we need to get better, but our defensive line looked really good and our defense didn’t give up a score the entire night.”

Armas said the Coyotes’ defensive leaders include linemen Brody McFarland (a junior), Jose Mora (a sophomore) and Coronel as well as junior middle linebacker Degan Butler and junior safety Sebastian Esquivel.

The Coyotes’ schedule features four non-league games – this week at Big Valley, then home against Summerville on Aug. 30, at Bret Harte the following week and home against Pajaro Valley of Watsonville on Sept. 13. 

The revamped Southern League opens play on Sept. 20 with Denair on the road against the newest SL member – Stone Ridge Christian of Merced.

The Knights join SL holdovers Gustine, Mariposa, Waterford, Delhi and Le Grand on Denair’s schedule. Gone this year to the Trans-Valley League are Orestimba and Ripon Christian.

“Orestimba and RC were too big; they outgrew us,” said Armas. “As far as the rest of us, I really think everyone has a chance. It’s kind of even across the board. … We’re excited about the season.”

Family: Parents, Monica Ahlbrandt and George Walls; brother, Curtis Walls 

School: Denair Middle School

Subject taught: Seventh- and eighth-grade English

Experience and education: Modesto Junior College and CSU Stanislaus. I worked as a teacher’s assistant at Hickman School, I did my student teaching at Waterford Junior High School and I was a substitute teacher with the Stanislaus County Office of Education.  

What attracted you to Denair? I have always liked Denair as a community. I am local to the valley and had to play Denair in sports throughout my childhood. I always thought the people were kind, the facilities were well-kept and the environment was positive. As a substitute teacher, I had the opportunity to substitute in Denair. The students were very polite and the staff were very friendly. 

What most inspires you about teaching? I enjoy getting to see the students finally understanding a concept with which they were struggling. Seeing the students be proud of overcoming a challenge inspires me to continue this work. 

What is a challenge you look forward to tackling this year? I am looking forward to trying to inspire the joy of reading and writing into students who may not be interested in the subject.

What is your favorite teaching tool or activity? I love having discussions about a text by breaking down the author’s reasons for including various details. Having the students engage in a conversation about the text allows me to hear their point of view and ensure that they are thinking critically. 

What do you want your students to remember? Do not be afraid to voice your opinion. Everyone has a perspective worth exploring. 

How can parents support what you do? Check Google Classroom for updates. Ask your child what they think about what they are reading in class. 

What would surprise people about your job? We are always trying to learn the best way to teach others. We never stop trying to improve our practice. 

What do you do for fun? I enjoy going to concerts. I love to go to the beach whenever possible. However, most of my time is spent watching movies and TV shows that went off the air 10 years ago.

Family: Husband, Brad; daughter Paige; son Damon; and three beautiful grandchildren; Ava, Adleigh, and Jaxxton

School: Denair High School

Subject taught: EMT 1, digital photography and CCAP

Experience and education: I’ve been an employee of DUSD for 23 years, including 18 years at DHS as campus Supervisor. I went to Turlock High School. I have my AA in criminal justice from Modesto Junior College, a BA in criminal justice with a concentration in juvenile justice from California State University Stanislaus, and I am currently a student at Teachers College of San Joaquin.

What attracted you to Denair? My kids started school at Denair Elementary 23 years ago and after volunteering in various positions, I was offered a permanent position. The leadership, family atmosphere and home-like feeling has kept me coming back year after year. I couldn’t see myself anywhere else.

What most inspires you about teaching? What has always inspired me about working with kids and will

continue in my role as a teacher, is making kids feel welcome, feel special and seeing success in those

who felt lost.

What is a challenge you look forward to tackling this year? As a new teacher, I am expecting challenges

but with the help of my amazing administration and teachers, I plan to tackle any challenge that comes

my way.

What is your favorite teaching tool or activity? Activities that consist of working together as a team with other students.

What do you want your students to remember? High school is a very short time in your life, enjoy it! Try new things, get involved, ask for help and do your best!

How can parents support what you do? Parents can support me and your child by checking in with your kids’ education daily. Ask questions, get involved and always feel free to reach out with questions.

What would surprise people about your job? The most challenging students just want to be loved. Teachers who care, don’t give up.

What do you do for fun? For fun I love going to San Francisco Giants baseball games with my family, camping, shopping and playing with my grandchildren.