Category Archives: News

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” »

A Class Act! 10 Questions for Patricia Guillen

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Patricia Guillen

Submitted by Denair Unified School District

Name: Patricia Guillen

Family: Husband, Guillermo; daughters, Alexis and Marissa

School: Denair Middle School

Subject taught: 6th Grade

Experience and education: 12 years teaching experience. BA from California State University, Stanislaus

Why most inspires you about teaching? Student success is my greatest inspiration. Those “aha” moments from students and the pride and confidence that comes with that learning are what keeps me in this profession.

What are your biggest challenges as a teacher? My biggest challenge is having the sufficient time to collaborate with all teachers at my campus, not just my grade level.

What is your favorite teaching tool or activity? Student group discussions are my favorite activity. Listening to their discourse as they engage in designing a plan to solve a problem. Great learning happens when students are exploring new ideas among themselves.

How has Common Core affected your classroom strategy? Common Core has allowed increased opportunities for student creativity and self-discovery. For example, students utilize a variety of strategies or visuals to demonstrate their learning and mastery of a math concept.

What do you want your students to remember? I would like for my students to remember our class motto: “We can only get better!” Regardless of where life may take them, they should always strive to improve. Challenges are not a barrier, but a learning opportunity.

How can parents support what you do? Parents can support their children by having them read at home on a daily basis and provide them a place to do their homework. This will help reinforce their learning at school. Continue reading “A Class Act! 10 Questions for Patricia Guillen” »

Olivas to Coordinate English Language Learning; Perez Takes Over Spanish DMS and DHS

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Maria Olivas

Submitted by Denair Unified School District

Learning a second language is hard. It also can be an important asset for students as they make their way through high school to college and beyond. And whether that second language is Spanish or English, the Denair Unified School District believes a mid-year adjustment will benefit all its students.

When classes resumed Jan. 4, longtime Spanish teacher Maria Olivas took on a newly created role as coordinator of English language development services. She will work with students at all grade levels for whom English is a second language while still teaching two periods at the high school.

Moving to the high school and middle school campuses is Jasmin Perez, who spent the first semester working with younger students across the street at Denair Elementary Charter Academy.

Olivas has worked in the district since 2004. Perez came to Denair this school year after previously teaching at Kimball High in Tracy and in Turlock.

“Maria began the bilingual literacy seal program here at Denair High School for Spanish-speaking students,” said Principal Alecia Myers. “We look forward to her continued service as the EL coordinator to expand that program to all bilingual students from the variety of languages spoken by our DUSD students.”

The literacy seal program is run through the Stanislaus County Office of Education. Students must pass a rigorous series of written and oral tests to prove they have mastered a second language. In return, they are awarded a special seal on their high school diplomas. Continue reading “Olivas to Coordinate English Language Learning; Perez Takes Over Spanish DMS and DHS” »